Well xanga wanted me to post, or they were pulling my account...

I really shouldn't be maintaining something needing to be as timely as a weblog. 

I've discovered the 'kegals' I was doing are also known by a more familiar name ~  "crunchless abs".  I guess I had invented my own version.   They work really well.

I went to my first pta meeting last night.  The 20 parents attending our local school pta were almost completely  parents who live out of 'cluster'.   Which means they drive (out of cluster = no bus).   I went concerned with safe walking routes.  I had contacted the city, and was told safe walking routes within 3 miles of the school were governed by the district board, and concerns were brought to the board by the safe walking zone committee at each school.   The members of the pta had never heard of that committee.  Hmm.    

I am following up, and hope to figure out a 'plan' to get across two busy streets more safely ~ at least by the time A is in 5th grade ; )  

Ideally, I would like to link our neighborhood with the green trails currently being promoted across the city.   I bought a chariot cougar 2 several weeks ago, and I've decided when A & W have outgrown it, I could use it as a rickshaw.   I went into this dreamy zone where I imagined running all my errands with human power. 

I love the cougar 2.  It has shocks, and also can be transformed into a bike trailer.  It also fits through standard doorways, which allows me to run my errands pretty seamlessly.  It is also aluminum framed, and very lightweight with shock absorbers on each side wheel to distribute the weight differential between A & W.   I LOVE this stroller/bike trailer.    

It is the first time in a while where I can walk/exercise and take my kids with me pretty effortlessly (well as effortless as possible).  

It also packs down small, fits in the trunk, and I can't wait to take it to some trail heads.   There is a six mile level trail along the Hoh which I would love to visit, and if anyone wants to try a local and fairly level trail (I'm just discovering my abs and general fitness again after a long hiatus....).   While summer may be here soon, I did an hour and a half in the pouring rain the other day.  Because the cougar is also a bike trailer, the kids are kept pretty dry, and I know how to dress for exercising in the rain. 

I gave away my last single jog stroller with a 'free' sign over the weekend, returned another stroller (aluminum and smooth riding like the chariot) to a friend several weeks ago, and am now down to 3 strollers:  one single, one double, and the Chariot.   I need stroller hooks (aka bike hooks) in the garage.  Once mounted and hung, my husband is much less likely to be frustrated : )

gratitude was mentioned yesterday, in the form of a Hawaiian symbol, traced in the air and meditated upon to remind one of blessings. . .   I think this was the gist ; )

sparked my mind, and as I graze idly on the thought this morning I've come up with phones.   As in Phonemes.  The smallest units of sound in a language.  The Hindus have

 Mantras

At the top of the list of sacred sounds that can be vocalized, are the Seed mantras, a series of ancient primordial sounds that helped evolve the sacred language of the eastern Vedic texts. [. . .]. And each of the five main Seed mantras stimulate a unique response:

OM is the most widely recognized  [. . .].  It is essentially a personal affirmation a positive declaration that energizes whatever we sing before or after it. OM is very expansive and propels our Intentions upward into the Infinite.
SHRIM (pronounced Shreem) is a mantra of love, devotion and beauty. SHRIM connects us more fully with our hearts, and strengthens our faith and resolve in manifesting our Intentions including health and prosperity.
HRIM (pronounced Hreem) is the mantra of the casual body and strengthens our connection to our Souls. HRIM helps us focus our Attention onto our innate creative powers, rather than powerful illusions that try to dominate our minds.
KRIM (promounced Kreem) represents energy and transformation, and helps us awaken and purify our bodies. KRIM offers a special power relative to the lower chakras that can both stimulate and transform.
HUM (pronounced Hoom) is the mantra that fuels the inner fire of awareness. HUM is very effective in releasing negativities, and replaces all draining energies with the rejuvenating forces of passion and vitality.

Huuuuummmmmm     Huuuummmmmmmmm     Wow.  I'd never chanted that one before.  I like it. 

Also thinking of Blake's Chimney Sweepers, small little children, A.'s age, chanting "weep, weep", unable to say the 's', and as I heard it in my mind I also just smiled and thought of my guinea pig.   It's a merry go round in here today. 

Wonderful day yesterday.   Today.  Would like to walk with A. I am loving our weather.  So fun to write.  Now must move and catch up with the day.

Unconditionally love my perfect mirror.   A child is an amazing experience.  Pure love of someone who reflects perfectly ~ what I love, what triggers me, what exasperates me, what hurts, embarasses, and unlike with most in life, I still remain perfectly, unconditionally in love.  

Yesterday was the day of 'deep thoughts'.   A hard day, and thankful to gain insight and perspective.