LifePundit

Fun Thing #2: Friends, Food and New Stirrups

The weeks go by so quickly that it's hard to work in a fun thing! But this week I have squeaked by with lots of last-minute fun, starting last night, with dinner out, then breakfast out this morning, then lunch out with friends. There's nothing better! (Do I know how to milk a birthday or what? Paul's traveling but returning late tonight, so I'll prolong the celebration and chocolate until Mother's Day.)

And to my credit, only one of the three friends knew it was my b'day. That made it fun for me because they could enjoy themselves without the panic of realizing they didn't have a card, etc. I am all about celebrating my b'day, but people go to too much trouble. I just want to see them! (And the cards that arrived in the mail were a complete delight! Thank you!)

My indulgence, other than finding excuses to eat out with friends, was the purchase of some geriatric stirrups. I had a Jones fracture in one foot a few years ago and the only time it bothers me is when riding horses. I think that's the spot where all my weight meets the stirrup. So I got a pair of hinged stirrups designed to redistribute the shock. I just used them but didn't ride long enough to tell. Wonder if they'll hold up as well as the stirrups they replaced, which I've had since 1968 and which remain in perfect condition? I doubt it. The old ones had no moving parts. To read about other people and the changes they're making in this eight-week challenge (which it appears to me they started a few weeks before I did, and although the emphasis is on changing from the inside, they seem to be working out and eating less), go here.

Fun Thing #1: Trip to Lake Lure

This week's fun thing in the Eight-Week Challenge was kind of a cheater. Dear friends invited us to their home in the N.C. mountains on Lake Lure. Here's a photo (click to enlarge.) Their house is on a point connected to the cove where the water scenes in "Dirty Dancing" were filmed. Tour boats come by all the time and point out the spot. We wave from the boat house and I feel like a celebrity.

For the first time, I figured out how to use my camera's macro setting, so here's the obligatory flower close-up. Even though it was too cold for adults, Lily went tubing behind our friends' boat (the air was in the low 60s; the water was cold). She was bright red when she got out of the water. When she was younger, it would have made her blue.

There's nothing better than good friends, a beautiful setting and lots of chocolate. And really, really talking to a friend about absolutely everything. Heaven. We came home rested and renewed.

Eight-Week Challenge: Chasing After Fun

Like many moms and other too-responsible people, I've forgotten how to have fun. So I've accepted the Sisters of a Different Order's Eight-Week Challenge. Here's my challenge: I'm in a rut and have forgotten all about myself, except when I want a brownie. So, for the next eight weeks, I'm going to Do Something Fun. One fun thing a week. Beyond the ordinary fun-ness of dinner with friends, daily home fun and nursing home fun. Beyond the laughter from unexpected places.

I'm going to make myself get out of my orbit once a week. I can't even think of eight things to do. Paul suggested bowling, which I hate and so does he. That's why he says it's so much fun. I always knew he was weird but I have agreed to go bowling with him. Will keep you updated on how many foot fungi I get. I really don't even think I can count bowling, though.

Here's my list of eight fun things so far:

1. Go to the Excavating Egypt exhibit.
2. Get a massage.
3. See an out-of-town friend, either by going there or having her visit here.
4. Think of five more fun things.

I have to do one a week. Why not join the challenge, whether or not you have a blog? (To join the challenge or read more people's plans, click on the photo.)

What are good things to get you out of your orbit? Small -- or large -- things that feed your soul? (As you can see, I need some suggestions.)