Too old for that?

I am 34. There, my secret is out.

Photo Source
I no longer fit into the “hipster” category (and if I ever wear scarves with tassly things on the edges, please drag me out back and beat that urge out of me)…

…nor do I fit into the motherly “adult” category where my purse if full of band-aids, kleenex and juice boxes. Although, it is assumed here in Oklahoma that I am of age to have children, therefore, I have them. If at church on Mother’s Day, I am given a carnation by well-meaning but totally uninformed children–I am guessing due to my gray hair poking through my brown locks and the fact that I lack the tassly scarf.

I am in this weird interim of being too old to align myself with college students and too young to acknowledge I have a retirement account.

So, when asked by my nephews to play a game of basketball, I am tempted to pull the “old” card and sit on the side. After all, I just showered and why get all sweaty again?

I gaze at the bench on the sidelines and picture myself drinking my soda while cheering for the winners and the loosers.

But, if I did that, I would miss out on all this fun. And, it’s a good opportunity to show my nephews this old lady still has it. And not to mess with me, cuz’ I’ll elbow you right in the face. (Sorry about that, Tanner).

I don’t ever want to be too old for anything. I may get slower, less graceful and injured more easily-but never too old.

What Biceps Does to Worry Me

I know I shouldn’t worry, but it’s that danged thorn in my flesh. Don’t shoot Bible bullets at me-I realize I have a problem. I know the things to meditate on, I know what to confess.

I know, I know, I know.

Biceps decided to leave a somewhat safe 11 year-long career to pursue firefighting. Don’t get me wrong, there were the occasional lightening storms during outdoor festivals, whiteouts while driving across North Dakota, bloody knuckles from smashing his bass guitar against an amp and the most dreaded thing of all-scantily clad groupies.

But he chose to become a firefighter and I supported him wholeheartedly. I was ecstatic that we would be home more often, knowing that I could go to church on a more regular basis. That I could be present for birthdays, births and bar mitzvahs. That I didn’t have to be surrounded by stinky boys.

However, this is what I am getting used to now.

I now hear tales of structure fires, trailer fires, Hazmat situations, donkey kicking doors in, medical emergencies and the like. I want to be tough and pretend as if I would like to hear all about it.

But imagine your loved one fighting a chemical fire while being weighed down with 50 pounds of gear in 108 degree temperature. This is how Biceps makes me worry.

This is when I grab my aged Bible and look for 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I think this will be my mantra for the rest of my life…or at least for the rest of Bicep’s fire career.

Observing the Sabbath

This is my plan for what will be going on in our house today. After a visit from the parents, several family get togethers, church and a picnic in the park-Biceps and I need some down time.

For a time, there will be snuggling.

Then, if one of us is a little rowdy (Max), we will go to our separate corners.

And while I write, Biceps will probably fall asleep on my lap and twitch his way to dreamland.

I call this a pretty perfect way to observe the Sabbath. Even God rested, why shouldn’t we?

Skinny Orange Julius w/ Stevia

It’s so beyond summertime here, it’s ridiculous. I’ve been sweating every minute of every day-whether I’m sitting down or vacuuming or doing Crossfit, it’s the same. Stinky sweat and no end in sight.

This brings me always to the same place-I need something cold to drink. But I don’t want to consume my daily caloric intake with one or even two drinks. You can find a printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

(Did you know that the average Starbucks Frappuccino is in the range of 400-500 calories? YIKES!)

I decided to come up with a skinny version of one of my favorite drinks-Orange Julius. The result was a delicious drink without any of the spare tire conversion.

This recipe is a great just as a beverage, but can also be frozen and eaten as Orange Sherbet-(a skinny alternative to icecream)!

Here is all that you’ll need to make your own Skinny Orange Julius:

This Recipe makes a Pitcher of 4-5 Servings:
4-5 Peeled Fresh Oranges
4-5 Cups of Ice
1-2 Cups of Water
1/4 tsp Vanilla Creme Stevia

This Recipe makes one serving:
1 Orange
1 Cup of Ice
1/4 Cup of Water or as Needed
2 Drops of Liquid Vanilla Creme Stevia

In a blender, combine the peeled oranges, adding 1/2 of the needed ice on top.

Add the water and pulse until the ice is broken up into chunks. Add to this the other half of ice.

Next, add the Stevia.

Puree everything until it’s blended, but still a bit chunky.

Pour into a chilled glass, prop your feet up and enjoy.

Make an extra serving to freeze and enjoy later on as a skinny Orange Sherbet.

Watch out summer, I may have you beat.