This year has been full of changes for our little family unit and it all culminated in an amazing graduation trip to Paris with the kiddo . We walked all day everyday looking at anything and everything we could. Some of it was on a map, but most was very off map (maps annoy me so I don't tend to follow them). Ten glorious days without a computer other than the old Mac in the lobby of the hotel (which I did get on twice) and my cell phone although even that was limited as I turned off the sync function so I couldn't get email. I thought about blogging all about it but clearly didn't and am not sure I ever will.
The break from technology was great and something I will do again on my next vacation. Europeans are very good at taking holiday as they call it - a true break from work, time to simply enjoy their family and friends. We ran into friends while there, the kiddo got to spend a whole day with a buddy touring Versailles and the Paris metro system. I am not sure which was more educational, the metro experience or Versailles! He has since told us more than once that spending time with his buddy was one of his favorite days of the whole trip.
Well, that got me thinking. We have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. all these avenues where 'friends' follow us or check on us or, let's be honest here, stalk us. How lucky are we to have friends that want to know what is going on in our lives? Very of course. But how much luckier are we when we have friends that want to spend time with us, even if that means finding 12 hours in a foreign country because there was no time at home? Spending time with family and friends is what life should really be all about.
Now comes the part where I change my mind come full circle. I am not suggesting that everyone has to take a foreign vacation to spend time with friends, sometimes it is as simple as sending a note, FBing a status or texting a smile (there it is, the technology that I took a break from yet suggest you use now). Life is crazy and sometimes that is all you have time for - everyone knows that - vacations are few and far between. This week I challenge everyone, myself included, to send a smile to someone you like/love and that you haven't had time to see/spend time with - don't wait for your Paris. Use the technology we have (yup, full circle - it's my blog so you should all be used to that by now). And if you get a smile, send one back...you never know, the person may enjoy it as much as you do!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Run for the Roses
I think I have mentioned it before, but I moved quite a few times growing up. Once we moved back to the United States my mother unknowingly started a tradition for me when things get rough. In one move I remember particularly, she held me (nope - didn't like being touched way back then but in this case, it was perfect) and started singing Dan Fogelbergs's Run for the Roses. While the song is about horse racing, and specifically the Kentucky horses, the lyrics hit home.
Run for the roses, as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand.
It's the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance,
It's high time you joined in the dance.
These words struck me even more this weekend as I was telling this story to some of my wonderful friends as any time things get tough, I sing that son to myself.
Lately, a number of great things happened. Many of my friends and family ran for their own roses, took their chance and danced without even knowing it. The kiddo finished his last track meet and set personal records & this last weekend took 4th place in the state of Texas for speaking; a friend finished a long journey of 390 miles for those who need help; others completed races, some their first, some covered in mud not just sweat; some realized that they have so many friends who love them that they danced because they can. The stories can go on...
I danced many times this week spending times with friends and family (a quick high in the garage to lunches of celebration), running early in the morning (something I couldn't do a year ago!), having fun night cheering for the home team (even if the basketball we saw doesn't deserve mention the company does!). Tomorrow morning I will be dancing my way through Heels & Hills, getting up before the sun to spend time with my friends and beating our own personal records.
All of these things, and many more that I didn't list, remind me to keep joining in the dance, even if you have two left feet. It might be scary, and you might not reach every goal right away that you set for yourself but the time is now. My friends, run for the roses - it is worth the effort so join in the dance.
P.S. Thanks Mom.
Run for the roses, as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand.
It's the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance,
It's high time you joined in the dance.
These words struck me even more this weekend as I was telling this story to some of my wonderful friends as any time things get tough, I sing that son to myself.
Lately, a number of great things happened. Many of my friends and family ran for their own roses, took their chance and danced without even knowing it. The kiddo finished his last track meet and set personal records & this last weekend took 4th place in the state of Texas for speaking; a friend finished a long journey of 390 miles for those who need help; others completed races, some their first, some covered in mud not just sweat; some realized that they have so many friends who love them that they danced because they can. The stories can go on...
I danced many times this week spending times with friends and family (a quick high in the garage to lunches of celebration), running early in the morning (something I couldn't do a year ago!), having fun night cheering for the home team (even if the basketball we saw doesn't deserve mention the company does!). Tomorrow morning I will be dancing my way through Heels & Hills, getting up before the sun to spend time with my friends and beating our own personal records.
All of these things, and many more that I didn't list, remind me to keep joining in the dance, even if you have two left feet. It might be scary, and you might not reach every goal right away that you set for yourself but the time is now. My friends, run for the roses - it is worth the effort so join in the dance.
P.S. Thanks Mom.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Life gets busy - can you spare 60 seconds please?
I have written before about how people are always waiting for the weekends for a break...exactly who doesn't have busy weekends anymore? I am not complaining by any means, I like what I do with the kiddos & friends on the weekends. And if I get to sleep past 5:30am I am golden anyway!
This weekend is crazy for us. Not only do we have the Walk MS Dallas on Saturday, we have another school auction and the Tough Mudder (okay, that's not we - that's just me) on Sunday and throw in opening day for the baseball team Sunday night for the closer. Is this crazy busy? Yup. Yet, I cannot wait for it to be here.
It's not because I don't like my job or what I do during the week. I can honestly say I am one of the lucky few who not only likes their job but also likes the people they work with on a daily basis. I am looking forward to the weekend because it means I get to hang out with the kiddo - even if it is with thousands of other people - in support of a cure for MS.
This cause is near and dear to me as I have a friend who is more like sister with MS. She will be out there with us, walking with pride in orange shirts (a literal sea of orange) in the hopes that someday we will find a cure. Over the past few years, many new developments and drugs have been found through the research supported by our walk and those across the nation. In the course of fundraising this year, I have met so many other people who are directly or have loved ones who are afflicted MS and no one would know. It isn't a disease that you hear a lot about (such as cancer), but it is very real and affects many people.
I know this entry is more serious than most of my posts (which have been severely lacking this year - sorry) but it is what came into my head this morning! If you don't mind, please take a moment Saturday morning to say a quick prayer or have a quick thought for the cure for MS please...it doesn't take but a moment and you never know who you might be helping out.
:)
This weekend is crazy for us. Not only do we have the Walk MS Dallas on Saturday, we have another school auction and the Tough Mudder (okay, that's not we - that's just me) on Sunday and throw in opening day for the baseball team Sunday night for the closer. Is this crazy busy? Yup. Yet, I cannot wait for it to be here.
It's not because I don't like my job or what I do during the week. I can honestly say I am one of the lucky few who not only likes their job but also likes the people they work with on a daily basis. I am looking forward to the weekend because it means I get to hang out with the kiddo - even if it is with thousands of other people - in support of a cure for MS.
This cause is near and dear to me as I have a friend who is more like sister with MS. She will be out there with us, walking with pride in orange shirts (a literal sea of orange) in the hopes that someday we will find a cure. Over the past few years, many new developments and drugs have been found through the research supported by our walk and those across the nation. In the course of fundraising this year, I have met so many other people who are directly or have loved ones who are afflicted MS and no one would know. It isn't a disease that you hear a lot about (such as cancer), but it is very real and affects many people.
I know this entry is more serious than most of my posts (which have been severely lacking this year - sorry) but it is what came into my head this morning! If you don't mind, please take a moment Saturday morning to say a quick prayer or have a quick thought for the cure for MS please...it doesn't take but a moment and you never know who you might be helping out.
:)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
For the good of all...
Let me start by saying that this may (translation - will most definitely) come across as dramatic but as the blog owner, sometimes I get to be dramatic. We all have our days. Enough about that.
Today I got my first MRI at lovely Envision Imaging of Allen which is where I became a regular not a year ago for my then broken foot. This time it was as a result of the strained ligaments in my knee not healing quite as fast as my doctor would like. I love my doctor, she didn't chide me for waiting to come see her and admitted she would have done the same thing (we had a double to run people!). But this is not about that, this entry is about my need to be KNOCKED OUT.
Why do I feel the need to be knocked out you ask? That's easy - because an MRI is a metal tube of death. A loud, tight, scary - albeit very well lit - metal tube of death (MToD for short). I am not a claustrophobic person, at least normally, and did not have to be all the way in the MToD, in fact, my head was not in the MToD. This does not change the fact that every slightest shift of the sliding 'bed' of fear towards the MToD sent cold shivers down my back and my hands started to sweat. I knew I wasn't going all the way in, I was still in street clothes with zippers and hooks, but that did not stop the irrational fear of enclosure. The music coming through the headphones that had me singing in my head? Nope, not a soother either.
I clearly survived and have all my body parts unsmooshed (it's a word). Should there be a next time, this is the only warning I can give: I will fight harder than a honey badger and spider monkey combined to not have it happen AND for the good of all - please knock me out. I promise, I will buy a round when I awake.
***Update! I have heard back and have what is called Iliotibial Band Syndrome and have PT starting Friday. I will get to run again! Only this time, I will know when to take it easy (I will - sometimes) and leave the MToD for others.***
Today I got my first MRI at lovely Envision Imaging of Allen which is where I became a regular not a year ago for my then broken foot. This time it was as a result of the strained ligaments in my knee not healing quite as fast as my doctor would like. I love my doctor, she didn't chide me for waiting to come see her and admitted she would have done the same thing (we had a double to run people!). But this is not about that, this entry is about my need to be KNOCKED OUT.
Why do I feel the need to be knocked out you ask? That's easy - because an MRI is a metal tube of death. A loud, tight, scary - albeit very well lit - metal tube of death (MToD for short). I am not a claustrophobic person, at least normally, and did not have to be all the way in the MToD, in fact, my head was not in the MToD. This does not change the fact that every slightest shift of the sliding 'bed' of fear towards the MToD sent cold shivers down my back and my hands started to sweat. I knew I wasn't going all the way in, I was still in street clothes with zippers and hooks, but that did not stop the irrational fear of enclosure. The music coming through the headphones that had me singing in my head? Nope, not a soother either.
I clearly survived and have all my body parts unsmooshed (it's a word). Should there be a next time, this is the only warning I can give: I will fight harder than a honey badger and spider monkey combined to not have it happen AND for the good of all - please knock me out. I promise, I will buy a round when I awake.
MToD - and sliding bed of fear.
***Update! I have heard back and have what is called Iliotibial Band Syndrome and have PT starting Friday. I will get to run again! Only this time, I will know when to take it easy (I will - sometimes) and leave the MToD for others.***
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
We did it...
In 2011 I became a workout person. I like to go to boot camp at 5:30am outside in a parking lot or parking garage (only if it is really raining or really cold of course). The people I met that have kept me motivated make it that much more fun. We work through the pain, the gain, the good times and bad and still show up for more. In August I started running - training for my first half marathon. I completed that first one with one of my best friends in the rain and cold. We were wet from the first step to the last but we did it and did it well.
The next half was the first leg of the New Years Double. We had decided to do a 1/2 on the 31st and 5k on the 1st as we were pretty sure that pain would play a major role. I had no idea how much of course. Two weeks prior to the NYD, I did a hilly training run with my crew. Nothing new for any of us and I felt great afterwards. It wasn't until later when I was at the movies and couldn't get my knee to straighten without more pain than I ever felt that I realized something was wrong.
Now, a smart adult would take this as a sign to rest up and I did, I only did one more 4 mile run before the half. I never said I was a smart adult. I made it through the half - slower than my first one but yet still made it with minimal walking and got ice right after the race. Immediately actually, it was comical how quickly I voluntarily got a huge bag of ice for my knee while standing outside during a sunny 45 degree day.
The next day, under penalty of bodily injury (I do love our running crew, we take better care of each other than we do ourselves and wouldn't make it a step without the support) I walked the 5k. This was painful and I don't just mean literally. Having started where I did in January (more than 20 pounds heavier and WAY out of shape and not just because I was coming off of a fractured foot) to running 1/2 marathons and working out 6 days a week and then having to walk 3 miles - I 'ran' the first 1/4 mile as well as I could and that was not smart but nothing was going to stop me - was not where I wanted to be. I was there with the kiddo who once told me he hated running more than anything in the world and yet he was voluntarily running two 5ks and still at the finish line cheering for us.
I was having a big time internal pity party as I walked with a smile on my face until this one woman walked up next to me and said 'Hey, we might be walking but we are out here doing it and that is better than being on our couch!'. You know what? She was right. We were out there walking in the beautiful weather because that is what we could do. I walked for a while with another guy who was about to go in for knee surgery. He ran the half the day before too and was paying the same price I was but we were out there walking with smiles and enjoying every minute of it.
Moral? Yes, it stinks to train and not make a goal I set but this is a new year and I still have plenty of trails and asphalt to kick ahead of me! So here we go 2012 - recover and take on the year. You may be 'walking' through whatever it is you are doing right now, but at least you are taking steps and you will 'run' through it before you know it. One foot in front of the other.
PS: I am already thinking that the 2012/2013 New Year Double needs to be a 1/2 / 1/2 for me...how's that for a goal? (Yup, I have lost my mind)
The next half was the first leg of the New Years Double. We had decided to do a 1/2 on the 31st and 5k on the 1st as we were pretty sure that pain would play a major role. I had no idea how much of course. Two weeks prior to the NYD, I did a hilly training run with my crew. Nothing new for any of us and I felt great afterwards. It wasn't until later when I was at the movies and couldn't get my knee to straighten without more pain than I ever felt that I realized something was wrong.
Now, a smart adult would take this as a sign to rest up and I did, I only did one more 4 mile run before the half. I never said I was a smart adult. I made it through the half - slower than my first one but yet still made it with minimal walking and got ice right after the race. Immediately actually, it was comical how quickly I voluntarily got a huge bag of ice for my knee while standing outside during a sunny 45 degree day.
The next day, under penalty of bodily injury (I do love our running crew, we take better care of each other than we do ourselves and wouldn't make it a step without the support) I walked the 5k. This was painful and I don't just mean literally. Having started where I did in January (more than 20 pounds heavier and WAY out of shape and not just because I was coming off of a fractured foot) to running 1/2 marathons and working out 6 days a week and then having to walk 3 miles - I 'ran' the first 1/4 mile as well as I could and that was not smart but nothing was going to stop me - was not where I wanted to be. I was there with the kiddo who once told me he hated running more than anything in the world and yet he was voluntarily running two 5ks and still at the finish line cheering for us.
I was having a big time internal pity party as I walked with a smile on my face until this one woman walked up next to me and said 'Hey, we might be walking but we are out here doing it and that is better than being on our couch!'. You know what? She was right. We were out there walking in the beautiful weather because that is what we could do. I walked for a while with another guy who was about to go in for knee surgery. He ran the half the day before too and was paying the same price I was but we were out there walking with smiles and enjoying every minute of it.
Moral? Yes, it stinks to train and not make a goal I set but this is a new year and I still have plenty of trails and asphalt to kick ahead of me! So here we go 2012 - recover and take on the year. You may be 'walking' through whatever it is you are doing right now, but at least you are taking steps and you will 'run' through it before you know it. One foot in front of the other.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It's a Theory - AH HA
Yesterday's ah ha moment was at the end of a 6 mile training run, I realized still had fuel in the tank to sprint the last 1/4 mile...and realized that I would have had it for a 1/2 mile if my awesome running friend (you know who you are) had kicked sooner - even if I was cussing your name when I realized what you were doing at the time. This ah ha moment was an awesome one. One that showed me all the training my BAM-mates have been doing together and apart is working and that we are all champions in our own right.
Today however, I think I am getting old....this morning I woke up at my traditional 5am and realized that 5 hours of sleep just isn't going to cut it anymore. I am sure I have had other 'ah ha - you are getting old and need more than 5 hours of sleep' moments but this one bugged me. Well, it didn't bug me enough to get out of bed and go workout with the crew at 5:30am, but it bugged me.
Or maybe it was the weather. Or the cold that I can't seem to get over. But I refuse to believe that a cold will hold me down so exhaustion it is. Tonight, bed before midnight. In theory. I love a good theory.
I look forward to another ah ha moment today as they are not rare, you just have to be aware of you and your moments. Another theory, and I love a good theory. :)
Have you had an 'ah ha moment' lately?
Today however, I think I am getting old....this morning I woke up at my traditional 5am and realized that 5 hours of sleep just isn't going to cut it anymore. I am sure I have had other 'ah ha - you are getting old and need more than 5 hours of sleep' moments but this one bugged me. Well, it didn't bug me enough to get out of bed and go workout with the crew at 5:30am, but it bugged me.
Or maybe it was the weather. Or the cold that I can't seem to get over. But I refuse to believe that a cold will hold me down so exhaustion it is. Tonight, bed before midnight. In theory. I love a good theory.
I look forward to another ah ha moment today as they are not rare, you just have to be aware of you and your moments. Another theory, and I love a good theory. :)
Have you had an 'ah ha moment' lately?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It's a list - add to it.
Ever have a week that just never seems to end? Of course you have, and if you say you haven't, you are lying to us and yourself so stop it. Anyway, it is only Tuesday and it has already seemed like a long week. No particular reason so I thought I would make a list of reasons why weeks seem long and see what y'all think...in other words, step up and add your thoughts. It's interactive Tuesday. My thought being that some of the time stoppage might be thwarted by a fun interactive game if you will. Yes, I have odd thoughts but if you are reading this blog you already know that.
1. Lack of sleep (yup, seems like the age old working parent excuse but I am sleepy. Of course a friend pointed out that we also get up at 5 every morning to work out or run so really, we have no one to blame.)
2. Too much work(it's a good problem to have)
3. Too little work (not sure I remember what this problem looks like)
4. Big crazy weekend planned (for example, this weekend is the tennis tourney, ZBB concert in honor of said friend's birthday week, high school open house...the kiddo is growing up and this is not slowing down like the week)
5. Stuff you don't want to do looming (you know, house work, work work, yada yada yada)
6. Weather (right now, the sky is grey and we are supposed to get wonderful rain which we have not yet seen. Even my boss said this was a day that we should be working at home from our couches, with the fireplace lit and a movie on. Yes, I am ignoring the fact that it is supposedly 70 degrees outside because I am cold)
7. Too much other stuff to do (which oddly this week is not the case in our house. Rest assured, I am sure we will fill it)
8. This is where you start adding your wise thoughts - you know, interact. It is called social media after all...
And for all you people out there keeping track (humor me please), we saw a ton of bunnies on the trail this morning and one squirrelabunny. Yes it is a thing, and yes I saw it. I will name it Thursday I am sure.
Back to interacting...
1. Lack of sleep (yup, seems like the age old working parent excuse but I am sleepy. Of course a friend pointed out that we also get up at 5 every morning to work out or run so really, we have no one to blame.)
2. Too much work(it's a good problem to have)
3. Too little work (not sure I remember what this problem looks like)
4. Big crazy weekend planned (for example, this weekend is the tennis tourney, ZBB concert in honor of said friend's birthday week, high school open house...the kiddo is growing up and this is not slowing down like the week)
5. Stuff you don't want to do looming (you know, house work, work work, yada yada yada)
6. Weather (right now, the sky is grey and we are supposed to get wonderful rain which we have not yet seen. Even my boss said this was a day that we should be working at home from our couches, with the fireplace lit and a movie on. Yes, I am ignoring the fact that it is supposedly 70 degrees outside because I am cold)
7. Too much other stuff to do (which oddly this week is not the case in our house. Rest assured, I am sure we will fill it)
8. This is where you start adding your wise thoughts - you know, interact. It is called social media after all...
And for all you people out there keeping track (humor me please), we saw a ton of bunnies on the trail this morning and one squirrelabunny. Yes it is a thing, and yes I saw it. I will name it Thursday I am sure.
Back to interacting...
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