O is for Old Bike.

My “old bike” was only two years old. But I traded in for an upgrade this week. This should help me perform better in triathlons. The bike I got is purple, which I am not crazy about (at least it’s not pink!) but the deal I got was pretty good. So while I already miss my old bike, I hope I will come to like the new one as much.

N is for New Beginning.

It is good to get a second chance at things. But sometimes there is apprehension when doing so. My son had a “new beginning” of sorts today. I am hopeful and prayful that all goes well for him. And that his new beginning is a positive start to an even longer term change.

M is for Menstrual Cup.

I had heard of these before, but had never dared to use one. In wondering what to use during a triathlon when that time of month coincides, I came across information about using these eco-friendly products. The idea of it is likely foreign to many U.S. women these days. However, menstrual cups have actually been around since the 1930s. Today’s cups are made from medical grade silicone. Though they take a little getting used to, there are some real benefits to using this product.

Of course there is the eco-friendly factor. Also the ability to leave the cup in place for up to 12 hours makes it much more convenient to use when active in events such as triathlons or marathons. The comfort level is higher than when using other more conventional products. Using this type of hygiene product will also save money over the months.

If you have ever wondered about using a menstrual cup, check out the information online. They are available through order on the internet as well as some local vendors. Be sure and check out the informative and helpful instructions, including video instructions, on how to properly use the cups.

M is for My Race.

I had to remember this when I felt like wanting to run or ride at someone else’s pace. For example, when a 53 year old lady came up to chat with me for just a second, before she passed me on the run! It is important to go at my own pace and finish the race instead of trying to push to hard to keep up with someone else and paying for it later! I just race like I train and remember that this is My Race!

O is for Open Opinion.

I like to express mine. I let my kids express theirs for the most part. Though it can drive me insane. Actually I do believe it’s healthy and can be a good course of action when the opinion is expressed in a calm, respectful and honest way. Even though I don’t always like what I’m hearing, I still believe in expressing an open opinion.

N is for New School.

Though my daughter is still homeschooled, she has technically started a new school this year. She has joined an virtual school online. It is different than anything we’ve done before. Most of her day is spent in front of the computer. She has lessons including text, video, power points and class chats. All her courses are outlined and scheduled for her. She has a daily calendar which tells her what to do. The new school has some things for us to get used to, but so far so good.

M is for Mishandled.

Which is how I feel about the president’s speech to students. It’s not that I did not want my kids to hear it. It’s just that the whole thing was mishandled. It was done in such a bad way, and caused many people to become upset. I don’t feel like anyone has the right to “feed” something to my kids without my consent, including the local schools or the president of the nation. The schools have to have prior consent before showing any other media presentation, and I feel like they should have followed their own rules in this situation as well. I think Daniel Huberty does a good job in his letter to Secretary Duncan explaining how this situation was completely mishandled.

O is for Open Mind.

Which is what folks will need when attending my husband’s youth retreat this weekend. This is nearly the highlight of the year for our youth group. It is a very focused and intense camp weekend. The lessons are meaty and sometimes take some reflection before all is understood. I hope everyone who attends this weekend will do so with an open mind ready to learn.

N is for Never Easy.

It seems as if life is never easy. Just about the time things seem to be coasting just a little, something seems to side swipe you. As a parent, this seems to be readily apparent. As I have been noticing this school year, though, things are really never easy for today’s teens either. I have been in shock over many of the things my son has to face at his high school every day. And these are the good, middle class suburban kids! Life today (was it ever?) is never easy.

M is for Mad Money.

I love my online account. It is like my little mad money stash. I can buy anything online and not really miss the money since it is out of my online account. I keep it filled with money from blogging ads that I do. I like this. It has helped me pay for a number of items. I have bought school books, birthday presents, and stuff for myself. I love having my own little mad money to pay for these little extras!