Feeling a Little Sorry for Myself!

Well, it seems that everyone else is getting to go on these cool adventures and I am stuck here at home. Daniel is in the Yucatan jumping off of cliffs into the water, seeing all the Mayan ruins, and working on an eco-tourism project for three weeks. My mom just returned from New York City. Now, my dad and brother are in Minnesota and South Dakota on a fun father/son fishing trip.

I whined to my mom last night over the phone, but got absolutely no sympathy from her. Her response. . . "Well, now you know what it feels like! Usually it is the other way around." That's right mom, and that's the way I like it!!!! I tried explaining it to my friend, Kim, who I carpool with to and from work. She threatened to slap me. Isn't there anyone who feels sorry for me?

On a more positive note, I had the best conversation with my niece last night over the phone. She is staying at mom and dad's with one of her brothers. Jaylee is turning 10 this year, which is hard to believe. She is really fun to converse with, although I am having a hard time with her growing up. Wish I could just push the pause button on her growing.

I also talked to her little brother, Wes (4) on the phone last night. I asked him why he wasn't in bed and he informed me that he stays up until midnight every night and midnight is when you turn into a pumpkin. I'm pretty sure he's right. I haven't seen too many midnights in my lifetime. We Floyds are not latenight people. We tend to be early risers, and lifeless by about 8:30 pm.

I have a feeling I won't be earning much sympathy, so I'll keep it short and go cry myself to sleep. Maybe I'll even eat worms!!!!!

In Your Own Backyard

I have really been trying to keep busy since school let out. I am helping out with summer school at Parkway in the mornings. The afternoons are significantly less busy. I have been getting really stir crazy.

I decided to volunteer some at Lubbock Lake Landmark, which is an archaeological site that dates back thousands of years ago. It used to be a lake, which I know what you're thinking, "A lake? In Lubbock?". Now they have trails out there and have lots of activities that the public can participate in. I try to sign up for all the teacher in-service classes they provide because they are stellar.

I first got acquainted with the Landmark during a class I took when I was finishing up my master's degree. Funny how it took me 5+ years to discover such an intriguing place that is right here.

Lisa and I went out there this past weekend for National Trails Day. We went on a wildflower guided walk. It was so much fun! There were two older gentlemen who were leading our group. Eventually everyone else ended up leaving, and Lisa and I were the only ones left. Because of all the rain we had, the wildflowers were aplenty! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and have the chigger bites to prove it!

So, I guess my challenge is this; find that gem of a place that is right in your backyard and soak it all up! It is amazing what you'll learn.

By the way, I didn't have my camera, but Lisa did. I have a feeling she'll post them on her blog, www.lisa-theworldinsidemyhead.blogspot.com