Return to Structure

I've been home for just over 4 days now. The transition has been pretty smooth. Landon and I have worked our way into our summer routine. Although it will only last for about 2 weeks, it's been a good couple of days. Not wanting to be left out of the norm, Landon was sick for two days. He was running a fever. No other symptoms, just the fever. No one can figure out why he just runs a fever every 4-6 weeks. It can be a little disheartening at times, because I think there is some reason his body is fighting, something, but we just don't know what it is. I try not to worry about it (although I do). It did give me one whole day where all we did was lounge around and snuggle. It was sweet.



I've been to the gym most days (all but the one where Landon and I stayed in our PJs all day) with my friend Margaret. It has been great to get moving every morning. I'm going to miss my morning workouts after I get back to work, but I think the time to decompress after work will be beneficial too. When my work schedule picks back up I'll go to the gym right after work each day. When the weather cools down, (like anything not in the triple digits - ok, maybe when it gets down to the 80's or something reasonable) I'll try to do some walking around the neighborhood with Landon in the evenings.

The food hasn't been much of an issue. I have noticed that there are times I would take notice that "this is a time I'd drive-thru for lunch or dinner," especially when we are out running errands and we are heading home around a meal time, but nothing so powerful as to make me pull over!! Fast food has always just been so convenient (I guess they were doing their jobs well). This was the one of the things I could pin-point at the Structure House as far as bad eating habits - fast food. I've done great at my pre-planned meals. There was once or twice I had to make a last minute substitution because I was missing an ingredient or something, but other than that - I've been very structured since I've been home. It's nice to know what we will be having for the next meal. I need to take some time this weekend and work on my "standard" meals that will plug in where needed.

I don't really miss being at Structure House. I was there, got the info I needed, and now I'm home putting it all into action. There are some things I miss about the environment. I really miss walking the Duke Trail and I miss seeing/chatting with Lauri every day; never has one person made such in impact in my life in such a short amount of time. She's an amazing person. I honestly believe that our paths crossed for a purpose.



The Duke Trail was a challenge each and every time. I would push myself a little bit more each time around. I enjoyed the walks with Lauri while she was there and after she left I spent most of my trips around the trail alone. It was a great time of reflection, prayer, and just listening to God. I would put my iPod on shuffle and let the music do it's thing. I would, from time to time, take out the ear plugs and just listen. I never did get the chance to take pictures of the trail quite like I wanted. The first time I walked it was a beautiful, clear morning. The sun beams peaking through the trees was beautiful. I remember seeing a spider web about the size of an exercise ball (about two feet in diameter) with a sun beam shining directly on it from above. It was one of those moments I so wish I had a camera with me to capture the image, it was beautiful. There was one other morning where the sunlight was amazing as I walked. It was the Tuesday of my last week. I anxiously anticipated going to the trail one morning with my "good" camera to see if I could capture the essence of what I experienced each morning. The one day I had a chance to bring my camera and take my time around the trail, it was an overcast morning and the sun was scarce. I still took some shots of the trail with the hopes that I wouldn't forget that place. It turned out to be a pretty special place for me. I did a lot of thinking, realizing, and just contemplating in general while taking that journey 4 times a week.

Here is a slide show of the shots I took during that last week. I so wish I could have shared the magic of this place.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Overall the experience was a well purposed journey. I'm glad I did it. I'm proud of the changes I've made. And I'm just proud of myself in general. It was a big step, and I did it. I hope it brings me the benefits that I expect over the next few years and the rewards of a lifetime. I'm already much healthier and much happier. Isn't that what's most important?