My preggo commando friend and I walk 3 days a week after school. We usually walk for an hour around and around and around the gym. We have to change directions cause my friend gets dizzy. We spend most of that hour talking, laughing and occasionally venting. (The commando adds weights to the package to make it a tougher workout...I bring my tea.) It's great for both of us...although lately I do worry she may walk that baby right out on the gym floor...which would completely freak me out...cause I have seen childbirth (that's a whole nother story) and I have NO desire to see it again. (Really, it left me with visuals I do not need. But K...if you're reading this...I love ya...just seen way more of you than I needed to!) So today...we walked for an hour. Then I met another friend 10 minutes later to walk and visit. I haven't seen this friend in a little while and we had a lot to catch up on...so we walked...for another hour. We made 4 miles. I almost died the last 1/2 mile...really. I was trying to smile cause this friend runs...long distance...and I didn't want to embarrass myself. By the time I made it home...I couldn't reach my shoes to untie them. I think somewhere in the chatting, laughing and venting I forgot that I have lupus arthritis (did ya know there was such a thing?)...but I REMEMBER right this minute cause dang my legs are killing me...really. Lupus sucks...really.

My daughter turns 11 tomorrow. How is it possible that the little tiny baby I first saw hooked to wires and IV's in the NICU is now a healthy, happy drama queen? She is very excited about tomorrow's plans. No party...just a friend coming to spend the day. But there will be cake, presents, pizza...all the good stuff. She told me tonight that we weren't allowed to sing the birthday song...cause she is too old for it. Whatever...I am singing! She's getting exactly what she wants (for a change)...an IPOD nano. (Okay, she asked for a cell phone too...an IPHONE...yeah, so not happening.) She has a volleyball game tomorrow...but I have been instructed not to tell anyone on the team that it is her birthday. Funny...DQ has such a big personality...but she hates to be the center of attention. I just love my daughter and I am, oh so blessed, to have her! You can bet I'll be dragging my tired behind out of bed bright and early tomorrow to help her celebrate!