Where have you been?

It's been so long since I've written. Over the past year, I have oftenthought about blogging, but life took over. Then after a while, so much happensand changes that I didn't know where to begin.

Now everyone around me is blogging away and so I return, kind ofembarrassed, I suppose, for not keeping it up. Also kind of excited to tell youall the news!

Ethan is 1 year old! Where did that time go? He's such a little mister now,crawling, walking sideways along tables, chattering away in near words,clapping and waving. We have come to visit my parents in Texas over Christmasand stayed for while into the New Year. He has been Lord of Manor, demandingall of his Opa and Oma's attention; directing them around like a little slavemaster. They give into him, offering him ice cream and whatever non-deadly bitsof household stuff he sets his heart on.

We are discovering new things about this little emerging person every day.And it's the most exciting journey. He recently informed us that he loves TexasBBQ probably better than any other food on the planet. We went to the SwingingDoor, a local place serving simple smokey BBQ foods. Paper menus and plastictable cloths all surrounded by the smell of the smokehouse out back. Signs ofgood BBQ.

On the evening we went, he was being a little crabby. Didn't want his toys.Wasn't interested in the bread served while we waited for our order. But oncethe food arrived, his eyes got wide and his little grabby hands went for everybit of meat within his reach. He was stuffing in green beans, rib meat anddirty rice like we'd starved him for a day. He smelled like BBQ sauce until Ishampooed him later that evening before bed.

Thom and I are trucking along. Having a baby takes its toll on anyrelationship. But we have also had a year of grief to contend with, and in casethat wasn't enough, we've both started businesses this year. Thom is followinga long-time dream and tattooing. His artwork has always been great, but now hemakes it all permanent and even gets paid. It's been an ambition for a longtime and it's wonderful to see him do it.

I am confining my psychology work to one day a week and have been luckyenough to work as a personal trainer around Thom and Ethan's schedules the restof the time. It keeps me busy, but also healthy and happy. Nothing beats beingaround fitness-minded people for positivity. I've lost the mum-tum and gained asix pack. In the next few months, I'll be preparing for a body building competition.Yummy-mummy category! Keep an eye out for my posts about my progress. Promise Iwon't leave it so long!