My little guy is attending day camp this week at a local YMCA. He is having an absolute blast. The camp counselors are so sweet, fun and patient. My goodness are they patient. They keep the children busy all day long with a new activity nearly every 30 minutes including swimming, arts and crafts, gymnastics, dancing, games and more. Carlos is absolutely wiped out by the time I pick him up at 3.

Everyone keeps asking me what I’m doing with my new found “freedom.” I’ve been plenty busy for sure. On Monday I ran 6 miles before running a bunch of mundane errands and picking up the house. On Tuesday I ran 8 miles, did more errands and then I went to the mall. I got my eyebrows waxed, bought some new eyeshadow at Bare Escentuals, and even treated myself to a few new things from Loft. Yesterday I received an email from Loft announcing a one day sale on scoop neck tees, 2 for $15. I couldn’t pass it up. I also picked up two pairs of crop pants. They are OK, better than jeans for this warm weather we’ve been having.

I hate pants! There I said it. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to walk around naked from the waist down. I have always had a problem finding pants that fit properly and flatter my figure. They don’t exactly make pants for woman with pear shapes. Yup that’s right I’m all hips and butt! Try getting skinny jeans on my lower half…ain’t gonna happen. I have no sense of fashion. I just try to keep it simple and neutral colors. I used to beg friends and family to nominate me for the TLC show “What Not to Wear.”

Enough of that. I had to have a filling removed and replaced this morning. I specifically made the appointment for today since I knew that Carlos would be at camp and I wouldn’t need a sitter. My dentist is great. I was in and out in 23 minutes. Now I am relaxing on the sofa, alone, just me. I don’t think I’ve sat here since I was pregnant…just joking. Sort of.

Sure it’s been nice to have some time to get things done around the house and errands I’ve been neglecting. Everyone needs a little “me” time once in a while. This opportunity is wonderful for him to spend pure, quality playing time with old friends and new ones too. I miss the little guy though. Soon enough he will be in school full time for the next 13 years if you count kindergarten. This camp is only for one week in June and one week in August. We’ve got lots of local activities planned in between. It is shaping up to be a fun summer.

In my last post I talked about feeling a sense of freedom when I put away my scale and how I was recently reintroduced to the scale. I am working on my weight loss goals again. I still don’t have a clear cut plan, just trying to use the “tools” that have helped me to lose in the past and making small changes. I have decided to weigh in every two weeks for now so that I can gauge my success. I refuse to allow it to become a daily habit or a burden to my goals.

Fourth of July weekend is upon us. You know what that means – picnics, barbecues, fireworks, swimming and desserts! I’m currently on the hunt for a healthy, tasty Independence Day inspired dessert because we also celebrate my aunt’s birthday on that day.

Here are some fun facts about the Fourth of July:

• Massachusetts was the first state to declare the Fourth of July an official state holiday (Yeah Mass!)
• The vote for actual independence took place on July 2, 1776 but it was on July 4 that Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence
• Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, ironically the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Many moons ago before I became a nurse I graduated from college the first time with a degree in History. I have always loved learning about early American History. I often wonder what our Founding Fathers would think if they saw what this country has become today. I won’t wax political very often, if at all here on the blog, but I think we can all admit that this country has been at war for a long time. Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 20, 2003. It is all too frequent that I hear of local men and women who have lost their lives serving this country in the Middle East. I fear for the family members of friends who are currently serving in the military and are stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. I pray for them to remain healthy and return safely. My sincerest thanks to the American troops everywhere.

Fly Freedom