Gearing up...

I have been getting up at 5:30 a.m. each morning and hitting the exercise bike and have been watching my diet for the past two weeks. So far, I have dropped 3.5 pounds - YEAH!!! And, I'm feeling so much better, more energized, and stronger emotionally too.
Tim and I finally plopped down the money to order the P90X exercise DVDs. He has been talking about this for 2+ years. The DVDs should arrive today - and I'm scared silly. I know the workouts will be really hard and will involve all kinds of exercise. I know it will be great in the end - but I'm nervous about how my brain will handle the beginning stages when I am physically unable to do some of the exercises.
On a terrific note, I found an ad where a church was looking for a drummer and they pay the musicians. Tim talked to them last night - it's for a Methodist church that we have actually visited before. How weird is that???? Tim is going to go to rehearsal next Thursday. Really strange. I hope that God continues to bless Tim through his musical abilities.
Tim has been much happier since he has been writing his music and playing the drums again.

OMG... I am "normal"

The past few months have been a time of self-discovery for me. I am truly starting to finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I am grasping an understanding of myself - who I am... what I want out of life... and why I tend to do the things I do...
Yesterday I stumbled upon a personality test. I have taken similar tests before and the results never really seemed to nail a description of me. Well, this one did... it says that I am a "melancholy personality" and below are the highlights from the description...

Personality Strengths of the Melancholy
Deep and thoughtful
Analytical
Serious and purposeful
Talented and creative
Sensitive to others
Self-sacrificing
Conscientious
As a parent, sets high standards and wants everything done right.
As a homemaker, keeps everything in order. (OK, I don't do this very well, but I sure WANT things this way.)
As an employee, schedule oriented and hard working.A list maker and keeper.

Personality Weaknesses of the Meloncholy
Easily offended
Can get too caught up in details
Doesn't do well with change
Struggles with insecurity
Tends towards depression
Of all the personality types, the Melancholy probably struggles the most with a low self image because they have set such high standards for themselves and others.
Words count with a Melancholy. Every word that comes their way will be replayed in their mind and analyzed for meaning. Their feelings are easily hurt. If you are in a bad mood, take care that you do not drip your negativity on them, they will take it personal and be wondering all day what they did wrong.
A Melancholy can become easily isolated. It's a good thing to keep in touch and give them a lot of positive feedback and personal affirmation.
Melancholy's think all the time. When they get quiet, watch out... Don't be afraid to ask them if everything is alright. Depending on where they are on the road to spiritual maturity, they may not tell you what is really wrong, but be persistent. If you get the feeling that they have been offended by something that you said, just say so. "Did I hurt you when I said..."
Phlegmatic and Sanguine people do not usually have too many problems getting along with the Melancholy. They are merciful and sensitive to others, making great confidants and counselors.

This absolutely blew me away. It made me feel like I am "normal" -- it helped me understand that my attitudes, talents and behaviors do fit together and make sense. This personality test also described the type of man a melancholy woman fits best with... and it perfectly described my husband... that really grabbed my attention too.

I am so thankful that I am finally gaining more self-confidence and self-understanding.

Can I do it???

I am challenging myself to get my materials to a couple book agents this week. I have nearly finished getting the text of the book done - I still have to compose the letter and other materials. I am really striving hard to get this accomplished -- enough of sitting on my keister -- enough of worrying about "rejection".

I have begun getting up early and exercising again. That has helped me a lot. Plus, the kids and I are wrapping up school -- we'll probably do some math and reading throughout the summer - but we will be much less intense about it.

We had a great visit with my mom and are looking forward to the arrival of Tim's mom in about 9 days.