Randomness:

My thighs hurt like crazy today. That mofo Cameron really worked the legs last night, and I got so I literally could not stand. I sat on a chair for a good deal of the practice because when I got up, my legs would buckle. I knew I should have gone with the non-sparrers.

They're re-releasing My So-Called Life on DVD. I bet those suckers who bought the original version on eBay for $200 are really kicking themselves now.

I've fallen prey to product placement. Bob on The Biggest Loser was touting Quaker Oatmeal Weight Control, which has the higher-protien, lower carbs thing I've been trying to go for with breakfast. I like it. Thanks, Bob!

I started feeling migraine with three minutes left in regulation Saturday. I thought I could make it until the end of the game, then we went into double overtime. I couldn't cheer because it hurt too much, but I guess football is more important, because I stayed. I missed tailgating afterwards, but watching the win was worth it.

All the stuff I've been reading about the whole Randy Couture-leaving-the-UFC situation is making me think Randy Couture needs to suck it up and accept his money.

My doctor's appointment went well, for now. I rather liked this new doctor, at least with her, I felt like I was being listened to, and she asked me good questions. Although, with having a new doctor, you have to go through all that extra paperwork - I was still filling out family history when they called me into the exam room.

Basically, they're going to run some blood tests to rule out thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances. If it's neither of those two, she's going to try me on some migraine medications. Wouldn't it suck to have exercise as a migraine trigger?

Our first TKD class of 4-year-olds has dwindled significantly. Partly, I think, due to to my yelling at a couple kids a few weeks ago. I was admonished by a parent for yelling: "They're four years old. Give them a break." I'm sorry, but part of Tae Kwon Do is discipline. I'd already told them several times not to touch the hanging bag, and maybe my tone was harsher than necessary, but sometimes you have to raise your voice to get their attention. If you don't think they're ready for the discipline required for a martial art, wait until they're older to enroll them. I really wish the Nest would use some discretion when enrolling kids in classes; four-year-olds are probably ready for tumbling, but not our classes. I think they just see dollar signs and sign up anyone and everyone who wants to join, regardless of maturity.

Anyway, the kids that are left are still a little young, but for the most part manageable. Like all kids, they have shorter attention spans and jitters and sometimes just cannot sit still. It takes a little while, but by this time in the semester we've pretty much figured out when they just need to move and can let it slide versus when they're just goofing off and need to start paying attention. Last night, it was one of those times when one child in particular was goofing off, jumping around and trying to take off, and Chelsea barked, "I called you to attention! Stop flapping!" I'm still giggling. "Stop flapping!"

I'm back at Tae Kwon Do after a lengthy time away with all manner of colds. I have to test for my first degree black belt in December (you're only allowed to be a recommended black belt for a year), and I'm running out of time. I'm still pretty shaky on my form, I haven't decided on my one-step sparring, and I can't remember the last time I threw a flying side kick, let alone trying to break a board with one.

And working out is becoming more and more difficult. I can't push myself, and if I do, I pay for it with headaches and puking. It's becoming enough of a hassle that I finally broke down and made an appointment with a doctor. I'll go in next Friday. I don't know whether to hope that there's something wrong with me so they can treat it, or if it's just something I'm going to have to live with.

If I used titles, the title of this one would be "Motorcycle Mama". I am now the proud owner of a real motorcycle jacket, one that won't flap in the wind, will keep me warm, and is oh, so stylish. And it smells fabulously like dead cow. For only $90!

It's Cletus' first picture! Approximately 3.27 cm long and a mover, according to Emily.

I'm so very, very tired of being sick. I've spent the last two days knocked-out flat, and I couldn't stand another hour in bed if you paid me. I am feeling much better today, and hopefully that's the end of it. I've been sick more days the past month than I have in the last three years. Blech. I'd even started taking some leftover muscle relaxers from back when they were trying to diagnose my kidney stones, just so I would stop coughing long enough to get some sleep.

What a weekend to be sick, too. We're having 80 degree days (in October!), and I'm missing out on some fine motorcycle-riding weather. I've at least had the energy today to get my laundry done and hung outside. I have a feeling I'm not going to get that painting done outside that I wanted to do before the cold weather starts in. Plus, I got my invitation to Ravelry, and have not had the energy to start playing with that, either.

The new emergency system the University put into place as a result of the Virigina Tech shootings was used for the first time (to my knowledge) the other day during severe thunderstorms. Instead of sirens, we now hear a disembodied voice, which is a little creepy. I was in Cedar Rapids for most of the storm, but shortly after I got home I heard a voice from the heavens saying, "The severe thunderstorm warning has been canceled." Thanks for the weather update, "God".

All right. Here we are. I'm doing my first roll-call in conjunction with the delurking program with the awesome name. If you read, even only once in a while, leave me a comment, please. It can be a joke, a story, a favorite quote, an interesting fact, or something about yourself. Entertain me!

This also means you, Dad!

Leave it to a child to make everything better, at least for a little while. It's been a rough few days. We had to end the internship of our deaconess because of an ethics violation, and it's just been bad all around. Some information was shared that shouldn't have been, and it caused the students to have to choose "sides" when there wasn't any sides to choose from. It's been difficult for them to comprehend the seriousness and the consequences of that trust violation. There've been meetings upon meetings, and I don't think I have any more tears to shed. It breaks my heart that so many people are hurting, that a ministry I care about is damaged, and that we are losing a terrific person because of an unintentional mistake.

This last meeting tonight, with the congregation, was easier. One, I stayed dry-eyed, and two, the permanent congregation are all professionals and understand that certain lines can't be crossed. The students, as much as I dislike playing the experience card, don't have the maturity yet to understand. Unfortunately, this will cause them to gain that experience.

Since I had been part of most of the discussions already, and this meeting was just informing the permanent congregation of what had happened, my attention wandered. I started playing with 1-year-old Kaetah and 4-year-old Ella, and their smiles were just what I needed. When it was finally time to leave, Ella gave me a big hug and a kiss, and I thanked her for playing with me. There's nothing like the complete uncomplexity of a child's affection help heal the soul.