What's New, Pussycat?

It probably has caught your attention that some things have changed at my house, even after all these months of non-posting.  I'm no longer homeschooling, for one thing. Economics have driven me from my home, but it's not a bad thing.  Here's what has happened in the last year:

Hubby has picked up more freelance work and qualified for social security. See? There are good things about being old :o)  Financially he feels more secure.  He's also written a book (Full Circle by Phillip J. Powers) which is available on Amazon.com.  Another book he wrote years ago is also available (The Longest Night) which I like better. The second one is a psychic thriller and involves all kinds of plot twists.

Jack earned his Eagle award from scouts, got his driver's license, got a car, got a job at a hardware store (working about 25 hours/week), finished up his last year of high school as a homeschooler (graduating with honors), and started junior college in the Fire Science program with a goal of becoming a firefighter. He's also teaching himself to play the guitar.

Steve started public school for the first time, entering a smaller school than our local one that is working out GREAT.  He's in all honors classes and earned a 4.53 GPA his freshman year. He was also on the track team.  He's spending time this summer doing volunteer work for Nana's Kidz (feeding motel kids), and at our church as well as learning to skim board. Steve just got back from a week of hiking and tubing at Bass Lake in Utah with our high school youth group.

I am still working as a kindergarten aide and have picked up a bunch of odd jobs as well.  I "companion" a dear little 94-year-old lady, do PR/social media for an organic gardening company, work for Breast Cancer Angels, and have different clients who require different things (decluttering, family helper, etc.)  I also lead a prayer group and volunteer where I can. My big goal this summer has been to try and lose some weight :o/ I walk in the pool a lot.

So... while I miss homeschooling, I did wean out of it. My children are flourishing; I have NO complaints.  I even have time to fool around with my hobby of making little miniature room boxes. I haven't actually finished one yet, but they're fun to think about.

Achey Breaky Body

So... getting older isn't for sissies.  This next month I'll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of my 29th birthday (I'll wait while you add that up), and my body isn't getting any younger.  Arthritis in the back is my biggie, and it's curtailing some of my fun.

One of the new things I'm doing is working for an organic gardening company that puts garden boxes and raised beds in people's yards.  Part of my job is to find complementary articles and pictures for our Facebook and Pinterest sites, which is really fun!  As I've been investigating organic and holistic information, I came across one recipe that looked doable.  It's apple cider vinegar, honey, and garlic blended up and used as a supplement.  Here's the info: http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/articles/art_cidervingarlichoney.html  That article will give you all the pertinent details.

I blended up my concoction this afternoon, sealed it in a jar, and have it steeping in the fridge for the next five days.  I tasted it, of course, and it's not bad at all!  It tastes like really strong apple juice.  I can deal with that, especially if it means I can get up and get moving again.