Who will be the next VP?

Does anyone else think it is strange that Obama and McCain have not picked VP candidates yet? It is almost August and we will decide on a VP in a little over 3 months. I would like to know who is going to be on Obama's ticket. I get that Hillary's probably not going to be on it, but we have no idea about the person who will be the President if something happens. I think most people have decided already who they will vote for, but still it seems irresponsible.

In other news, please keep the people of TN in prayer who experience violence in their church and community this Sunday. I am amazed at how often this seems to happen today. There are also kids in MA who are not going to be able to go to college this year on loans due to banks not making loans after the catastrophe of the prime rate mortgages. I can't imagine getting to your first day and find out that you are needing $10,000. There is much to pray for in this world, especially for these future presidents and the people they choose to have around them. I hope Obama makes a good decision about his running mate. It is time for "good" change, not just change.

There is still one woman on the short list of candidates Kathleen of Kansas. Does anyone know about her? Maybe people in Germany or Israel know?

Running...

Yes, Mrs. FL and I are still running. We are trying to up our routine to 2x a day of one run and then something else(biking, aerobics, etc). We have begun reading running magazines and getting into the whole culture of the sport. Who knew that an industry could be created around people running in their own neighborhoods? Hey, if Starbucks can put two shops in the same strip mall anything is possible to market.

As I read more and more it is clear that running is a mindset. I grew up running everyday in high school. I played sports and had practice daily. It was a task in my schedule. I don't have that mindset anymore. It is hard to get out there everyday, so the suggestion that I read was look at running as a reward. Okay, you might think that is crazy as you think about running in 90 degree heat outside. I agree. However, I have learned that the running is not really the reward. It's how I feel after I run. As I get more and more healthy, I feel better. The better I eat, the better I run. It is not about feeling good about running, it is about feeling good all the time. The reward is getting myself into a routine to keep myself healthy for the long run. I have got to work on getting myself out on the road today and when I am 75.

I am trying to look at running as a gift that I want and lose the idea that ice cream is a treat that I deserve. It is tough to break old habits, especially when I think there is a built in GPS in all the women in my family for ice cream shops. One thing I have learned though is things take time and this is just not about accomplishing it now, I gotta do it everyday.

So if you time to say a little prayer each morning for us as we try and get up early and hit the pavement, we'd appreciate it. Thanks.

what a great house!

Walking into the house it was like walking into a new house. It was really nice to get a fresh perspective on our fabulous house. We have been working hard to make the house our own and it was great to see how beautiful our "new" house looks. For those wanting pictures, we are working on getting our camera fixed. We have to send it back for repairs, so I am finally to the point of just buying a disposable one for now. It is really nice to own a house I must say. As much as it can be anxiety ridden, it feels great to know that you have a place that is yours.

I do miss the ready excuse though of making it "margarita time" whenever on the island, but I am not worried. I will find a way to live the island life here in this land locked town we call Atlanta. Thank goodness for more vacation. Oh and spending time at the spa. On our last day we got manicures and pedicures. I love having pink toenails =)

Routine

I love being at the beach because I don't have a routine. There is no getting up at 7:30 or 8 to go to work, to come home and work on the house, to eat dinner, to watch Ugly Betty and then go to sleep. I get to decide moment to moment what I want to do...it is strange. I am almost over this though and it has only been a few days. We go back to life in atl soon and I think tomorrow is a transitional day. We have a full day of living the privledged life - a tee time at 7:30, spa at 3 and an evening out with a special dinner. I thought at the beginning of the week that creating a routine on the island would be annoying. I am not sure though. If I had resources to live like that I don't know if it would be so bad.

Vacation has been great. Just to relax and really let go. It is a dance. Having a routine and plans, then letting it all go.

So now I am beginning to think how can Mrs. FL and I live like this when we are 50-60? How can we take our children on vacation? It seems to be the life question of your 30's - what do I need to now for later. What kind of job do I need? How much money to do I need to make? what about kids?

Okay...killing the vacation buzz. We watched The Weatherman (the movie) last night and it was a major downer. Need to go watch Wall*e or something tonight. love that cute little robot. Oh and want to watch Mama Mia.

Speaking of weathermen - little known island fact - Willard Scott lives on Captiva Island.

Too bad it will all be underwater

I love the ocean. I love the breeze. I love the smell. I love the way the world slows down. I am shopping today for a hat that I can wear, that's basically my to do list. Ahhhh vacation. It is a lovely thing. We are at a great beach house in Florida and in a 30-50 years it will probably be under water. Too bad, but maybe I will actually be able to get to the ocean quicker or see it from my house in Atlanta. One upside to global warming...

Time to get back to doing nothing.