Well look what's out there in the tropics. Am I worried? Not yet. But I will keep my eye on it. The weathermen LOVE this stuff. They tend to make such a BIG deal out of it. Am I prepared? Nope. It was 5 years ago this week that Florida got hammered by back to back to back to back hurricanes. That was the most stress I had ever been through. We were ready. Tampa was in line to take a direct hit but then Charlie turned at the last minute and hit Punta Gorda. We didn't even get a rain drop. We drove through Punta Gorta several weeks ago and you would never know that it had been hit....and bad! I was so impressed by how well they picked themselves up and rebuilt that town. I hope no one ever has to go through that again. Of course, I'm sure the weather will turn nasty just in time for the kids to go back to school.

Speaking of school, it starts in less than two weeks. I have ordered Greg's senior pictures. He got one college application submitted. So far he has applied to the University of South Florida. It's just about 15 minutes down the road. That would be ideal. Still not sure if he will live on campus or not but we don't have to decide that right now. He still has a few other colleges to apply for. My only "dilemna" with USF is that they are in the division as my alma mater...The University of Cincinnati. Who to root for?

Liz left and went back to Gainesville. It's kind of quiet without her. Steve and the boys take the rest of her stuff up to her on Sunday. Emily and I are going to stay behind and shop.

I'm really looking forward to having the house back to myself. I plan on going through ever closet, nook and cranny and start pitching stuff. It's time. We have way too much stuff. I'm finally okay letting stuff go. It will be hard but it has just taken over the house. I'm making the kids pitch stuff too. I told them I have it easy this year buying school clothes. They have so many and they don't want to part with any so I told them that in order to get some new stuff, the old stuff had to go. Yesterday, I reorganized a few kitchen drawers. I was able to get rid of a few old dish towels and pot holders. I actually have room in drawers now. It's such a great feeling.

Well, time to get off here. I have to run to the elementary school and pick up a few of Mark's uniforms. Again, I'm replacing a few and at the same time getting rid of some. It's a great feeling seeing those trash bags full and ready for donation!

Have a great Thursday.

School starts three weeks from today. I have mixed emotions. I will have a quiet house to myself but at the same time, I've enjoyed sleeping in somewhat. Plus, legion ball just ended on Sunday so my summer of run, run, run, just ended and I have somewhat of a break. Liz goes back to Gainesville this Sunday. Again, I have mixed emotions. It's been nice having her home but at the same time, it's been an adjustment. She had spent the last 9 months living on her home and doing her own thing. We clashed but we also had fun. We will miss her when she's gone. She's wrapping up her job at Adventure Island. Boy did she get tan working out in the sun. She doesn't look like the rest of us anymore. lol.

As we get closer to school, I'm starting to stress out about Mark. I dread the learning struggles. In my quest to find out why he struggles, I decided to take him to get his first "real" eye exam. He's always passed his check ups at the pediatrician and school tests. But, I figured what did I have to lose (except the money to cover the cost of the visit). It was the best thing I could do. He is not only far sited but near sited. Today he is sporting a new pair of eye glasses. He is so excited. So, here's the before:

and here's the after:

I hope this can help him and can help solve the the learning difficulties. I hope 4th grade is the year that things turn around. Plus, we start school off with the IEP which is now in place. There is nothing worse than seeing one of your kids struggle. I hope this helps ease the frustration and stress. I guess time will tell.

I'm still continuing my workouts. I feel so good after doing them. Even if the weight doesn't fall off overnight, I still good that I am taking the time to focus on myself. When the temps cool down, I plan on trying to run. I used to run track in high school but that was many, many years ago. I at least owe to myself to try.

Well, time to log off this computer and get something accomplished. I've decided to tackle my scrapbook room and reorganize and move some stuff around. It's nice that I can start something now and not have to stop and go pick up a kid or something.

Have a great Tuesday!