Favorite budget-friendly family vacations

If you ask my children to name a favorite family vacation, without a doubt, they would list Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas among their favorite vacation memories. It was 1996 and we had two kids in private school at the time, so needless to say, we needed a budget-friendly vacation. My husband had been to Petit Jean on family vacations when he was growing up and since the lodging was at a State Park and it was within driving distance of Austin, we thought it might fit the budget. He is the designated vacation planner of our family, so he set forth to research the options of possible kid-friendly activities nearby. He then brought the whole family together for a family meeting to involve the kids in the planning of the trip. At the time, they were 8, 6, and 3 years old. During the family meeting, each child could pick an activity for one day. The activities ranged from horseback riding, hiking, digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, and even an alligator farm. (Note: Scroll over some of the activities for clickable links.)

The first half of the trip, we stayed in a cabin at Mather Lodge which is on the premises of Petit Jean State Park. There is a swimming pool, playground, dozens of hiking trails, and sweeping panoramic views. Trust me folks, this is not your average State Park. The last half of the trip, we rented an A-frame cabin at Lake Ouachita State Park. In fact, the vintage clip above was taken on a pontoon boat we rented one day while on Lake Ouachita. For years, we have withheld the footage at the end of the clip from the grandparents (where the kids are driving the boat), fearing parental chastisement. And if you fall into the nervous-nelly category, rest assured that we were not going fast enough to be in any real danger. As you can see in our new family photo on the right, they are none the worse for wear, some 13 years later. :)

If you live within driving range of Arkansas and are looking for a budget-friendly family vacation, check out some of the links above. If your kids are young, you just can't beat it for the price. In fact, I share a humorous story in one of my books about a conversation between my daughter and one of her school friends that took place just weeks shy of the summer vacation where the clip above was taken. The school year was wrapping up, and she had invited a friend over to play after school. Like many of the kids who attended my children's private school, "budget" was not likely a word in this child's family vocabulary. "Vacation home" maybe, but not "budget." Anyway, on the way home, I asked Paige's little friend (they were 6 years old at the time) if her family was going on vacation that summer. Her friend immediately spoke up and said, "Yes Ma'am. We are going to Disney World and we're going to stay in the Disney Hotel and eat breakfast with the Disney characters!" Mercy, I thought to myself...why did I even ask?!

I glanced in my rear view mirror to see if Paige looked disappointed over this revelation of a world unknown to her...the world of not-so-budget-friendly vacations. To my surprise, she was smiling from ear-to-ear and immediately piped up, "Well, guess where MY family is going this summer?" Oh boy, I thought, here it comes! Her friend, curious as to what could possibly top a Disney World, stay-at-a-5-star-resort-and-eat-as-many-funnel-cakes-and-dipping-dots-as-you-want kind of vacation, said, "Where?" Paige, with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning said, "Arkkkkannnnnsaaaaaas!" After that, she began to spill out the exciting itinerary that had been voted on during our family meeting, one activity at a time, barely gasping for air in between each activity. "We're going hiking, and swimming, and digging for diamonds. Oh, and horseback riding, and to a real-live alligator farm! We're staying in a cabin at a State Park, and, and,...." To this day, I can still remember her friend's response: "Wow, you are SO lucky! When I get home, I'm going to ask my mom and dad if we can go to Arkansas instead of Disney World!" It's all a matter of perspective, people...and how you sell it to your kids!

What are some of your favorite budget-friendly family vacations?

Shred-head update and Level 3 commentary!

Let me start this post by sharing that all three of my kids harassed me mercilessly about posting the pictures above. My daughter poked fun at my workout skort with a sarcastic, "Mom, what in the world are you wearing? She then added insult to injury when she asked if I could crop myself out of the picture on the left and send her just Scout. My oldest son took one look at my talking cartoon bubbles (a proud design moment, btw) and simply said, "Mom, sometimes I feel bad for you." Next up was my youngest son who upon seeing the pictures said, "Are you sure you want your readers to know how weird you are in real life?" Seriously, what is wrong with my children?!

And on that note, allow me to introduce my newest blog readers to Scout-the-wonder-pup, who also happens to be my biggest (littlest?) Shred supporter. As you can see, Scout was there to cheer me on when I graduated to...are you ready for this? Level 3 for the first time! Never mind that it took my body two full days to recover before I could attempt it again. Last night was my 5th time to do Level 3 and I am now over the hump. For those of you who are just now tuning into my Shred journey, I have completed the full 30 days (Level 1 for the 20 days, Level 2 for ten days). My goal in the aftermath of the 30 Day Shred is to do Level 3 (every-other-day) and sometimes incorporate Level 1 or 2 on the off days. The one time I tried doing Level 3 for two days in a row, I felt a strong temptation to cuss at my television set and curse Jillian Michaels, so I guess you could say that I'm fleeing the temptation.

That said, here are a few random thoughts regarding my overall assessment of level 3:

• Those of you who posted comments saying that level 3 was not any harder than level 2 (in your opinion), are either A) delusional, B) much younger than me, C) in much better shape than me, or D) all of the above.
  

• The following day, it was painful to sit, stand, or lie down for extended periods of time. Translation: I hobbled around, whined incessantly to my family members, and popped the maximum number of Advil tablets allowable per day. When there was little improvement on the second day, I suggested that my husband call our pastoral care minister at the church to see if we qualify for the meals ministry. It was certainly worth a try.
  

• When Jillian made this comment during the dreaded Superman move: "If you're following our 30 Day Shred, you should be seeing that six-pack right about this time," I wanted to crawl through the TV set and slap her silly. Um, earth to Jillian, for those of us who have birthed multiple children and are pushing 50, the closest we will come to seeing a six-pack is on the drink aisle at the local supermarket.
  

• The move that looked easy, but proved anything but: Scissor crunches. Mercy. Muscles I didn't even know existed were screaming in pain.
  

• Rockstar jumps: There are no words for this. You would think that my cheerleader days would have put me at an advantage, but such was not the case. I had to sit out on the 2nd set. Besides, I needed the 30 second break to wipe up the sweat that was pouring off my body and spritz my face with the kitchen sink sprayer.
  

• Jumping lunges, aka: "jump training." I am convinced that this will be a required workout move in Hell's Gym. All the more reason to pause right now and make sure you are right with God. I don't normally endorse scaring folks into the gates of heaven, but the thought of round-the-clock circuits of jump lunges with no ability to lower the thermostat just might be incentive to get saved. I found it interesting that Jillian referred to this move as an "eccentric contraction." Having birthed two of my three children naturally, I will have to admit that by the final jump lunge on the second set, I was pondering which type of contractions were in fact, more painful. And yes, I would definitely recommend Lamaze breathing while doing jump lunges.

Next week, I will post another Shred-head update and the results of both my sons' first-ever attempt at doing the Shred workout, starting with Level 3 (pictures and possible clip included). Mind you, one of them plays three sports and works out regularly. The other one has been talking smack for weeks about how effortless the workout looks and bragging that he could easily master it, starting at Level 3. Suffice it to say, I called his bluff and feel vindicated.

Now it's your turn. How are you doing?

While we're thanking God for the hotdogs and hamburgers this weekend...

...let's be sure to say a prayer of thanks for those who traded their lives for our freedom.

Have a great weekend and I'll be back next week with a Shred-head update!

Beach bag give-away! BYOS...(sunscreen, silly!)

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to: Wendy; thedelightedlife.blogspot.com/; Thanks to all who entered!)

Okay gals, it's time for another give-away! This one is really easy. In celebration of summer, comment with your all-time favorite beach...whether you've been there or not. Be sure to leave your email address if you don't have a blog profile, so we can track you down if you win. One winner (announced one week from today) will receive a cute tote, compliments of author, Linda Anderson, a signed Priscilla Shirer book, one of my books (signed), and The Story, which is the Bible told in story format from beginning to end. All three books are great vacation Summer reads. Even if finances don't allow for a vacation this summer, take them to the neighborhood pool and pretend you're on vacation!



Given that this give-away has a beach theme, I thought it would be fun to post the above family beach photo from 2004 (Destin, Florida). This was before I had a digital camera and in an effort to get a decent family photo for our end-of-the-year Christmas card, we had a stranger snap the picture. It wasn't until I got home and had our vacation pictures developed that I discovered the sun-burnt Bubba in the background holding his beer koozie and giving our camera a howdy-doody wave. Go figure. He made me laugh, so I sent the picture out anyway, Bubba included.

For the record, if you happen to know this guy, you might want to suggest SPF 50 for his next beach trip. Oh, and be sure to send him this link and let him know that in the end, I got the last laugh. Approximately, 25,000 people will see his sun-burnt beer gut over the next 30 days alone! (Insert evil, maniacal laugh, here.)

A few timely reminders...God-style

Lately, I've found myself reflecting on my journey in ministry. I could never have predicted in a million years that the event that I organized for college women in 1998 would morph into the ministry I have today. Trust me, only God could have written this script. I'm just thankful that He has handed me one scene at a time or I can guarantee you, I would be curled up in a fetal position and sucking my thumb, had I been given even a tiny glimpse of the big picture.

But I have to confess that sometimes, I find myself wondering if I'm up for the part He's assigned me in this divinely inspired script. Okay, so yeah, a lot of the time. Half the time, I feel like I need to be reading slews of Christian books rather than writing them. Or sitting in the audience and soaking up some good teaching rather than stepping up on the platform to teach. And there are so many amazing, godly women I have met along the way who quite honestly, have more devoted prayer lives and spend far more time studying His Word than I do. That said, I never cease to be amazed that God allows me any part in His kingdom purposes. That He uses little ol' me in spite of...little ol' me.

When I think about my list of short-comings and my countless areas of struggle, it's not long before I find myself at the foot of His throne, reminding Him of just how messed up I am. (As if He doesn't know, right?!) And so, I had one of those days last week where I was overwhelmed with self-doubt over the assignment I've been given. I'm sure it was spurred on by the fact that I had just come off an especially powerful speaking season where I witnessed God do some unbelievable and amazing things in the lives of mothers and daughters. As a result, my long list of short-comings seemed to be etched in my mind. Highlighted in bright yellow. In caps and underlined. With footnotes. The contrast of what He did up next to who I am, left me scratching my head in total disbelief that He puts up with me in any capacity, whatsoever.

Needless to say, it didn't take long before I found myself back in that familiar place again: At the foot of His throne, reminding Him through tears, of how very unqualified I am for this part. I even went a step further this time and pulled a Moses on Him. Since I don't have a brother, Aaron, to pawn off for this role, I kindly suggested some names of darling, sweet, seemingly Polyanna-perfect Christian women He might wish to consider should He decide to recast my part. I'm sure He was grateful for my help. Oh, I know that in truth, none of us are qualified for any part He assigns. I know that apart from Him, we have nothing of worth to offer. I know all this in my head, but it just felt good to rehash my doubts and have myself a little impromptu pity party in His presence.

And then, the coolest thing happened. God, in His mercy, sent a rather creative RSVP if declining to my pity party invitation. My Assistant, Shawna, forwarded me the following email:

Hi Vicki,

I’m blessed to tell you this past Saturday morning a group of moms met at the church and we had a book club based on your book. Twenty five moms (including a single dad!) read the book and sixteen were able to join us for discussion....

...I just wanted to take a little of your time to say thank you for being obedient to God’s calling on your life. I’m sure it can’t be easy. Please know you have impacted us immensely. At the close of the morning we thanked God for you and prayed for you.

Rachel

"Take a little of my time?" Seriously? No, please, if you're going to pray for me, take up as much of my time as you want! God used Rachel's timely email to remind me that behind the scenes, I am being prayed for by others. He also used it to remind me that He is more concerned with my obedience than He is with my qualifications. Ministry is hard and it's not as glamorous as it may look from the outside. Rachel is in the ministry, so she knows that firsthand. Rachel, thank YOU, for being obedient to write your divinely inspired note of encouragement. I sure hope someone who has benefited from your obedience to say "yes" to the role God has assigned you, will take a minute to write you a note of thanks and encouragement and send it your way.

And thank you to Kelly for your very sweet note that came in the mail within days of Rachel's email (along with a darling shoe-themed notepad--love it!). I added your note to the pile in the picture above. Thank you also to Kristen, a waitress at California Pizza Kitchen who stopped by my table when I was having lunch with my daughter last week and introduced herself and further encouraged me in this call. Did you know that I was just wrapping up a full-out pity party, blow horns and confetti, included? I have no doubts whatsoever, that the timing of the above-mentioned words of encouragement were no coincidence. They've been on God's Daytimer for quite some time.

In fact, the whole experience inspired me yesterday to rifle through a big box of thank-you notes that I keep on a shelf in my office. I took some time to reflect on the amazing things God has done over the past decade, some of which had already begun to fade from my memory. More tears followed as God brought them back into sharp focus again. For the life of me, I don't get why He allows me any part at all in heralding the good news. Trust me, I bring no qualifications to the table ... not ten years ago, nor today. Poor, wretched sinner-saved-by-grace that I am, thank goodness, God didn't require me to get my act together before I answered His call to serve Him.

Is God perhaps, recruiting you for something? Maybe you've been wallowing in self-doubt and putting Him off. You know, until you feel a bit more qualified to serve Him? Good luck on that one! In fact, if you're brave, I dare you to comment below and share an assignment you feel God may be placing on your heart. Take it from this work-in-progress poster child, He's not looking for perfection or an impressive list of qualifications. He just wants you to say "yes" and He'll take care of the rest. I'm living proof of that promise. ☺

P.S. Minutes before posting this to my blog, I received this note on a speaker request form that came directly off my site. It was an answer to the question, "How did you hear about Vicki":

The very first time was when I was at the duck ponds. I was so upset that my daughter, then in third grade, had just been subjected to the words slut and whore, and a teacher reading Harry Potter to the class, all in the same week. I hated that my sweet daughter was getting this from the world. How could I equip her--how could I protect her? Just at the right time, a friend came up to me at the duck pond to chat. She said she was reading "Your Girl" and told me all about it. Well, the rest is history. I read the book. My daughter and I flew to Texas in 2006 to attend an event; then in 2007, I led a Your Girl Bible Study; in 2009, a group of us attended an event in Katy, Texas. My daughter and I have since started a girl's group, ETC (Empowered Through Christ) before school. Very small, but it's a beginning point.

Bravo, my friend! I'm not a bit surprised that God showed up at the duck ponds "just at the right time." And you know what? "The rest is history" not because of anything I've done, but because of your faithfulness to say "yes" to the role He has since assigned to YOU. Oh, and that "small" girl's group you started? I can't begin to imagine the fruit ten years from now. Go get 'em, Mom. You're my kinda gal.

And to think I was worried about her growing up too fast...

An impulse buy at Blockbuster...
Driving down the highway with your newly-purchased teenage crush...
Not caring one bit what anyone thinks...
Enjoying being 19 years old...
In no hurry to grow up...

PRICELESS

What do you think of me?

What do you think of me?

From baby steps and finger paints
and learning how to read,
I proudly asked the world's advice,
"What do you think of me?"

With trophies, grades and honors
I quickly began to see
the world applauds success and fame-
"What do you think of me?"

"You look great," "I love your smile,"
"You've lost some weight, I see."
With high school comes the dating game-
"What do you think of me?"

For boyfriends and promised love,
I traded my purity,
and choked back tears and silently asked,
"What do you think of me?"

The world's applause was my reward
when I sought to please,
but the clapping stopped when I missed the mark-
"What do you think of me?"

And now I stand before his throne
burdened by sin and shame.
Beaten and battered by the world,
I call upon his name.

I hold back tears and try to speak,
but utter a silent plea.
With downcast eyes, I finally ask,
"What do you think of me?"

I catch my breath as he draws close
In fear, my knees grow weak.
My heart grows faint as I wait on him
And then I hear him speak:

“My child,” he said, the time has come
when you ask the same of me.
For so long you've sought the world's advice—
What do you think of me?

Now, here we are, my turn has come,
the chance to finally say
exactly what I think of you,
so allow me, if I may.”

Gently, he takes my chin
and raises my face to see.
"My child," he said, "You're beautiful-
for you're made in the image of me!

The world was quick to judge your deeds,
but failed to tell the rest-
there was nothing you could do
to make me love you less.

Before you ever drew a breath,
My name was on your heart,
the author of your hidden frame
before your life did start.

You entered this life with pomp and fare
And I held my breath to see,
if those I allowed to care for you
would teach you all about me.

An innocent child, your journey began
in this life to find your place.
The world was quick to take your hand
and thus began the race.

In quiet moments throughout your life
I whispered in your ear,
tender pledges of my love-
I prayed someday you'd hear.

But the world could offer nothing
to fill your inmost need,
and release you from the bondage of sin
and love you eternally.

My Son was sent to tell the world
of my unfailing love -
A covenant pledged to all mankind
and written in the heavens above.

My boy was nailed to a rugged cross,
For you, he agreed to die.
As a sacrifice for your sin and shame,
"It is finished," he finally cried.

The world could never match my love,
the price was far too high-
for if you were the only one,
My Son would choose to die.

I've gone to desperate lengths, my child,
to prove my love to you.
I loved you then, I love you now-
Will you love me too?”

“My child,” he said, “The choice is yours.
What will your answer be?
It's your turn now -- the question is,
What do you think of me?"


(c) Vicki Courtney, 1999

Shred-head update!

Okay, I realize that I am a day late on posting the promised 30 Day Shred update. Sorry about that, but (drumroll, please...) I just finished my 30 days of shredding last night! Woo-hoo! The last five days, I ended up shredding every other night because Level 2 was beginning to take a toll on my aching body. And by "toll," I mean I was feeling pain in places that I've never felt pain before. For example, there is apparently a muscle in my left arm that has never been used before and in retaliation for being stretched beyond it's comfort zone, it made my left hand tremor for 24 hours when I would do simple things like type on a keyboard or lift my cell phone up to my ear. Oh, and on about Day 22, I had to ask my husband to give me a little shove out of the bed to start my day and had he not done so, I'm fairly certain I'd still be there at this moment.

And by the picture, you might note that I had some company on Day 27! This was my daughter's first-ever night of shredding and hey, do you recognize that expression? I bet you do! Feel free to also note how very calm I look. Never mind that my sweet daughter has been mysteriously MIA from shred workouts since this photo was taken. Level 2 was a bit much for her, so she has decided to start on Level 1 and perhaps, our shredding paths will cross someday.

And now for an update on my results after 30 days:

• I continue to remain more energetic with no sinking spells in the mid-afternoon. In fact, it's 3:10 p.m. as I type this sentence and I'm not under the influence of an afternoon caffeine buzz, nor are my eyes propped open with toothpicks. Oh Jillian, how I love thee.

• I continue to eat overall, more healthily. Unless, that is, there's a box of Cheez-Its in the pantry and then all bets are off. But hey, in my defense, they're made with cheese and last I checked, cheese is very good for you, thus putting my favorite snack in the dairy category.

• I ended up only losing ONE POUND during my 30 Day Shred experience, which might seem discouraging to some, but I ended up losing inches by toning up. In fact, I can no longer fit into most of my jeans, shorts, and dress pants and I have gone down one pant/skirt size. Oh snap. Looks like I'll need to get some new clothes.

• I just went swimsuit shopping and there was no weeping and gnashing of teeth in the dressing room. Here's a sneak peek at my new tankini (slightly different pattern) that is, hellooooo, one size smaller than my last swimsuit. (Insert Hallelujah chorus here) I actually cannot wait to wear it on the boat this weekend. There's a sentence I never thought I'd type at my age!

• I feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless shirts now. My arms look much more toned and my children no longer tell me that I'm getting "old lady arms." Or as one of my friends calls her arms: Flying Squirrel arms. Now, there's a visual I can do without...

• The workout got easier as I progressed and I now can do it with the sound down low while watching something else on TV while Jillian barks out commands from my laptop. But for the record, I still think planks are of the devil and that Jillian needs a new wardrobe stylist. I wish there was an option on the DVD where we could incorporate songs from our iTunes library and change her workout outfits. You know, kinda like virtual paper dolls?

• And last of all, I can no longer imagine not working out. I plan to stick at Level 2 for while and do it at least, every other day. I hope that I can remain self-disciplined enough to continue this habit in the years to come. Just go ahead and sign me up to lead the Wednesday morning Shred chair workout when I'm a resident at the Whispering Pines assisted care facility in 2055. No cameras allowed.

So, what about you? Now, it's your turn to share an update of where you are in the workout. What day are you on? What are some hurdles you have faced? What makes you want to slap Jillian silly? Or Anita and Natalie with their washboard abs? Are you seeing results? I realize some of you may have quit or gotten off track, but let me encourage you to give it a try again. Persevere! You'll be glad you did. And if you're just now joining us on this post, it's not too late to become...a Shred-head.

P.S. Jillian if you ever happen to stumble upon this Shred-head post, please feel free to send a courtesy commission check to the address here. Or at least a personally signed DVD. ☺

The nest is full again. Hallelujah. And amen.

Waiting and anticipating...any moment when the college kids will pull into the driveway after a two-day road trip home from Auburn University. And yes, Scout, was very excited.










Paige pulled in about five minutes before her brother and confessed that she left him behind at a traffic light.


Next up...Ryan!









Reunited and it feeeeeeeels so good.

Wow. That's all.

Nineteen years ago, I had a baby girl. Today, she's all growed up. The End.

I put this slide-show together a few weeks shy of moving Paige off to college last July. Given that the clip is less than a year-old, I am re-posting it today in celebration of her 19th birthday. She is in final exams this week at Auburn University and will begin the two day caravan home (along with her older brother), this Thursday. I can hardly wait to have all my little chicks home in the nest for the summer.

My prayer for my children has been that they would claim Christ for their very own and that this "Jesus" would become more than Mom and Dad's Jesus .... He would become their absolute everything. When Paige moved over 800 miles from home to attend college this past year, she hit the ground running, when it came to her faith. She immediately found a Bible-believing church to attend, a group of solid Christian friends, and made sure that Bible study was the main course in her diet. It has been an absolute joy to watch her journey (from afar). Keith and I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for her future.

Now, grab a tissue, enjoy the clip and then go hug your babies and say a prayer over them. Time flies. Before you know, you'll be the one posting the flashback clip. :)

The song is "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris:

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth

And if I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 4)

Proof that I can do a back-flip...and that I still need to get a life (Part 2)

I have to admit that I had second thoughts about posting this clip when I saw the freeze-frame shot above after the video had finished uploading. Mind you, Blogger has a mind of its own and I have no power over the opening frame. Mercy. Are you kidding me? I'm not even sure a few back-flips can redeem a shot like this one. Talk about big Texas hair...

Off to take a couple Advil. Next up (in 4 1/2 years): The big 5-0 on a unicycle. If I remember...my memory is fading fast, ya know?

Proof that I need to get a life (Part 1)

I'm not sure what's more dangerous: Breathing in the mass quantities of oak pollen that I'm sweeping off my trampoline or the trick I performed afterward on this very trampoline. So, what am I doing, you may wonder? I'm preparing to settle a dare that was issued to me a couple of months ago by several Facebook friends. Just to give you a little background, I succumbed to Facebook peer pressure and compiled one of those "25 random facts about me" lists. I know, I know...more proof that I have way too much free time on my hands.

One of my random facts was in regard to a trampoline trick (multiple back flips) that I claimed (bragged?) I could still do despite the fact that I am just a few years shy of AARP eligibility and the senior discount at IHop. Actually, I haven't done this particular trick in several years, but I was short a couple of random facts when compiling my list, so I kind of pulled it out of the sky...along with the one where I claimed I could still ride a unicycle. Of course, I never imagined at the time that I would be challenged to the validity of the trampoline or unicycle claim and asked to provide back-up proof.

I'm waiting for my 50th birthday to back up the unicycle claim as I want to provide footage of me pedaling while holding my newly issued AARP card in hand. Maybe as a bonus feature, I'll pedal across the IHop parking lot in hot pursuit of a deeply discounted Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n Fruity. And let the record state, that I predict that the AARP-bearing, unicycle-riding, senior citizen clip will gain YouTube notoriety, as well as take reality TV to a whole new level. Even more importantly, waiting until my 50th birthday to debut the clip will also buy me 4 1/2 years to take unicycle lesssons, if need be.

So basically, a dare was issued and yeah, I took the bait. So, for the last few months, I have been stalling and waiting for just the right moment to respond to the dare. Once it became clear that God was not going to answer my prayer and send a suitable stunt double my way or that my alternative back-up prayer was also not going to be answered in time (Jesus returning and the rapture occurring), I knew it was time to get it over with before I aged another minute. Besides, what better time to do it then when I'm in tip-top Shred shape? Never mind that my son Hayden (the designated videographer) had to give me a boost onto the trampoline. Probably, not a good sign...

Anyway, in the clip above, I was unaware at the time that Hayden was filming my little sweeping frenzy as I cleared off the trampoline in preparation of the trick to come. I consider this rare and priceless footage seeing as though I am holding a broom and actually using it for its intended purpose. If only I would apply these same sweeping skillz in the kitchen! Given the sacredness of this moment, I thought I would post this clip first as a prelude or teaser of sorts. You know, build some anticipation of what is to come.....MONDAY! I know, so very cruel! How's that for luring you back? At least in posting this clip today, you know I'm not in traction...

Have a great weekend!