I wrote this last Saturday

I like P90X. I’m surprised that I’ve enjoyed “hitting play every day.” This week I modified many moves to keep my joints safe and raise my strength level gradually. I really enjoyed it. Plyometrics and the strength DVDs are so hard, but doable. What makes it more possible than other workouts is that it’s a program so all I do is turn it on and do it! All I need is my computer, some bands, a yoga mat and good shoes.

There is a countdown at the bottom of the screen. It counts down the hour and the seconds for the exercise I’m doing. It’s strangely motivating. It’s great to think, “I have 8 more seconds, don’t give up!” and then I’m able to finish strong.

Tonight I did the DVD, Kenpo. It’s a lot of kicking and punching. It is the most fun. It’s hard if you “bring it” but it also adds a full range of motion and fluidity to the movements and feels good.

So I worked out 5 of 7 days this week and completed week one! 11 more to go! At week 3, I’m going to order some new equipment, a HR monitor and a pull up bar! Yep, my goal is one pull up! I’ve never done one in my whole life. At 34, I think it’s time. I will use the HR monitor to check that I’m working to capacity and not doggin’ it.

Things here are going fine. We were able to go through the whole house in one LONG day. We emptied out every closet, drawer, and every nook and cranny. We made the call whether it stayed her to be sold/ given away, or if it made the cut and went into the suitcase. By the end of the day we had 4 return suitcases that weighed 50 each. Pretty good- That even included my king sized bedding and kitchen aid and sewing machine. We don’t have that much to bring home, so I splurged and packed it all. I think we’ll pack a couple more with the remainder of the kid’s toys and scooters.

All the giveaway stuff is in the attic in bins. Today I started to lay it out like a garage sale and realized that it would be easier to just give stuff to families according to their needs. It was so fun. It was like Santa Clause. Peter and I went through all the stuff again and made a bag for every man, women and child we know. Baby clothes, rattles, bottles and blankets to babies, toys and 2T clothes to toddlers, make up and art supplies to teenage girls. Sweaters and cooking things to women. Warm gloves, hats and clothes to the men. To the more needy families, pillows, bedding, shoes for each. School age kids got school supplies in bulk. A doctor was given lots of medicine. An American bound teenager got a track suit and lots of CDs. It was way more fun than a garage sale. We were able to find meaningful things for each person and family. Now we will deliver them to people’s homes.

We will still invite over families to a meal and to pick out more stuff, but a huge bulk of stuff will be gone and meaningfully given.

Will you pray that the bigger stuff sells? We sent out an email and are trying to sell our car, libraries, kitchen stuff, appliances and treadmill. We could really use the money to settle in America. We’ll also post some pictures at the market in town and try to sell our couches, cabinets and some furniture.