My husband and I are about to embark upon a new adventure, I think. But before I tell you about it, I want to give you a bit of background.
When my husband and I bought our home, we prayed that it would be a house that served God, a house where the doors were always open to those in need. We intended it to be a place of ministry, and we try to always make it a place where God is honored and glorified. We've hosted Russians from our sister church in Penza, Russia. We've prepared holiday feasts for those that need a place to celebrate. We've held Bible study groups here. And now, we take on our newest, and possibly our biggest, adventure.
A friend of mine is currently going through some changes in her world. In an effort to make her life a little easier, we've offered her a place to live for a few months while she sorts out some stuff and figures out her next move. Yes, you read that right. We're getting a roommate. GULP.
I haven't had a roommate since 1989. And my husband has never had a roommate. This will prove to be interesting, I'm sure.
And though she's my friend, I know there will be some challenges, for her as much as for us. I've asked her for permission to blog about this experience, and she agreed (I think), provided I do not use her real name. Fair enough. I'll simply refer to her as Numero Cuatro. Number Four. It's my nickname for her, based on where she landed on my speed dial list.
So Numero Cuatro will be moving in sometime in August. She'll be staying in our guest room for about six months. She'll be sharing a bathroom with our cat. And she's not really a fan of cats. Challenge number one. Wonder how it will turn out? Stay tuned!
Here's to new adventures and getting my guest room cleaned out in two weeks!
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Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Reality Check
Posted in Ciudad Anahuac, Don Martin, Family, Flooding, God, Hurricane Alex, Mexico, Prayers, Red Cross, Rodriguez, Venustiano Carranza dam on by
In the northern part of Mexico there is a small town in the state of Nuevo Laredo called Ciudad Anáhuac. This town has a sister city just down the road and over a bridge. The town is called Rodriguez, and it was my dad's hometown. This is where his parents built a home, raised a family, entertained grandchildren, loved and lost a son, and later, where my grandfather was laid to rest.
It is the place that my dad still calls home, even after more than forty years of being in the States.
It is where I cracked open my uncle's skull when I caught him with a rock I was throwing into a pool for him and his friends to retrieve.
It is where my beloved grandmother gave me her beautiful gold ring so that I wouldn't feel left out when my brother was taken to the town fair and I was left behind.
It is where I learned of my somewhat [in]famous heritage.
It is where we mourned the passing of my uncle and my grandfather.
It is where I spent countless summers watching my grandmother make her amazing flour tortillas fresh for every meal. Where I watched her chase a chicken around the yard, shoo dogs out of the house, and toil lovingly and endlessly at the myriad of chores that made up life in this small, humble home.
It is a place that is currently under water.
This past weekend my parents traveled to Mexico to participate in the first Communion of their God daughter, my niece Alexandra. While there, they witnessed the mass damage caused by torrential rains in Monterrey and neighboring towns. The incessant rain from Hurricane Alex and it's remnants had beaten this metropolis into a soggy pulp. But that could not prepare them for what awaited them to the north.
On Monday, they made their way to my dad's hometown of Rodriguez to spend a few days with my grandmother and uncles. They arrived to a house full of people thrilled to see them and settled in for what they hoped would be a relaxing few days among family. As they settled in for dinner, city officials arrived to announce a mandatory evacuation of both Anáhuac and Rodriguez. The reason for the evacuation? The area dam, known officially as the Venustiano Carranza dam, but called Don Martín by the locals, was so full that it was at risk of breaking. Rather than deal with such a catastrophe, government officials opted to begin controlled releases of the overflow by opening twenty of the dam's twenty six floodgates. This meant releasing six hundred cubic meters of water per second into two small, humble towns made up on about forty five hundred homes and eighteen thousand people. Effectively, it meant flooding the towns. This would occur until the reservoir's water levels returned to more normal levels, and considering that the water from several tributaries was still gushing in from coastal rains brought on by another tropical depression, we were talking at least a week. I don't know if you can conceive what that looks like. I know I couldn't.
Then I found these images at www.milenio.com.
This first one is a before shot of the street where my grandmother lives, along with two uncles, one of which lives there with his wife and three daughters. Her house is the pink one on the right.
This second shot is from the next morning, after the dam's floodgates had been open for what I'm guessing is about twelve hours. You can see the house is nearly submerged in the dam's runoff.
This last image provides a side view of the land on which my grandmother's home sits. You'll note there is a second story structure towards the back of the property. This second story room sits on stilts of a sort and is taller than the original home. While the water had not yet reached this elevated room, keep in mind these images were shot not long after the dam draining process was started. I suspect it has since been submerged.
As for the bridge that connected these two cities? It's gone. Washed away in the raging waters released from the dam.
Even as I look at these images, I am unable to wrap my head around the complete devastation and loss. I hurt for my grandmother, who has spent a lifetime in this house, working tirelessly to make it a home and welcome refuge for all who entered. She has not seen these images, and I think it is just as well. She is currently staying in San Antonio with one of my aunts, and has my dad nearby to provide anything she may need. And while I'm sure she is grateful to be safe and dry, I also suspect she misses her home.
As for me? I am grateful that she is safe, that my parents were there to quickly mobilize the family and bring all our loved ones to safety. I am grateful for God's grace and mercy. I am humbled and reminded of what is truly important in life. And I am moved to action. I have begun exploring ways to help the people of these towns. More on this to come.
Here's to a reality check and doing something to help.
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It is the place that my dad still calls home, even after more than forty years of being in the States.
It is where I cracked open my uncle's skull when I caught him with a rock I was throwing into a pool for him and his friends to retrieve.
It is where my beloved grandmother gave me her beautiful gold ring so that I wouldn't feel left out when my brother was taken to the town fair and I was left behind.
It is where I learned of my somewhat [in]famous heritage.
It is where we mourned the passing of my uncle and my grandfather.
It is where I spent countless summers watching my grandmother make her amazing flour tortillas fresh for every meal. Where I watched her chase a chicken around the yard, shoo dogs out of the house, and toil lovingly and endlessly at the myriad of chores that made up life in this small, humble home.
It is a place that is currently under water.
This past weekend my parents traveled to Mexico to participate in the first Communion of their God daughter, my niece Alexandra. While there, they witnessed the mass damage caused by torrential rains in Monterrey and neighboring towns. The incessant rain from Hurricane Alex and it's remnants had beaten this metropolis into a soggy pulp. But that could not prepare them for what awaited them to the north.
On Monday, they made their way to my dad's hometown of Rodriguez to spend a few days with my grandmother and uncles. They arrived to a house full of people thrilled to see them and settled in for what they hoped would be a relaxing few days among family. As they settled in for dinner, city officials arrived to announce a mandatory evacuation of both Anáhuac and Rodriguez. The reason for the evacuation? The area dam, known officially as the Venustiano Carranza dam, but called Don Martín by the locals, was so full that it was at risk of breaking. Rather than deal with such a catastrophe, government officials opted to begin controlled releases of the overflow by opening twenty of the dam's twenty six floodgates. This meant releasing six hundred cubic meters of water per second into two small, humble towns made up on about forty five hundred homes and eighteen thousand people. Effectively, it meant flooding the towns. This would occur until the reservoir's water levels returned to more normal levels, and considering that the water from several tributaries was still gushing in from coastal rains brought on by another tropical depression, we were talking at least a week. I don't know if you can conceive what that looks like. I know I couldn't.
Then I found these images at www.milenio.com.
This first one is a before shot of the street where my grandmother lives, along with two uncles, one of which lives there with his wife and three daughters. Her house is the pink one on the right.
Photograph by Francisco Cantu
This second shot is from the next morning, after the dam's floodgates had been open for what I'm guessing is about twelve hours. You can see the house is nearly submerged in the dam's runoff.
Photograph by Francisco Cantu
This last image provides a side view of the land on which my grandmother's home sits. You'll note there is a second story structure towards the back of the property. This second story room sits on stilts of a sort and is taller than the original home. While the water had not yet reached this elevated room, keep in mind these images were shot not long after the dam draining process was started. I suspect it has since been submerged.
Photograph by Francisco Cantu
As for the bridge that connected these two cities? It's gone. Washed away in the raging waters released from the dam.
Even as I look at these images, I am unable to wrap my head around the complete devastation and loss. I hurt for my grandmother, who has spent a lifetime in this house, working tirelessly to make it a home and welcome refuge for all who entered. She has not seen these images, and I think it is just as well. She is currently staying in San Antonio with one of my aunts, and has my dad nearby to provide anything she may need. And while I'm sure she is grateful to be safe and dry, I also suspect she misses her home.
As for me? I am grateful that she is safe, that my parents were there to quickly mobilize the family and bring all our loved ones to safety. I am grateful for God's grace and mercy. I am humbled and reminded of what is truly important in life. And I am moved to action. I have begun exploring ways to help the people of these towns. More on this to come.
Here's to a reality check and doing something to help.
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One of Those Days
Posted in Beauty, God, inner-beauty, inner-strength, Joy, Peace, salvation, Serenity, Smile, Strength, Women on by
Ever have one of those days when you feel like you have it all together? You are comfortable in your own skin, self-assured even? Your confidence bolsters you and you can't stop smiling? You recognize the countless blessings and unconditional love that envelope you?
I don't often have those types of day, historically speaking. I can usually fake it, but rarely do I make it.
But today? Today was one of those days.
Today was one of those days when I knew I could conquer the world. When how I looked on the outside was reconciled with the beauty I felt on the inside. When I could smile with a peaceful calm and genuine gladness. When the world held hope and the promise of new beginnings.
Today was one of those days when I looked around and saw God's hand in everything. Today, I held my head a little higher, walked a little lighter, smiled a little brighter.
Today was one of those days when I caught a glimpse of what God intends every day to look like.
Today, I pray that every woman out there recognizes her own true beauty and strength, and knows it's source.
Here's to those days!
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I don't often have those types of day, historically speaking. I can usually fake it, but rarely do I make it.
But today? Today was one of those days.
Today was one of those days when I knew I could conquer the world. When how I looked on the outside was reconciled with the beauty I felt on the inside. When I could smile with a peaceful calm and genuine gladness. When the world held hope and the promise of new beginnings.
Today was one of those days when I looked around and saw God's hand in everything. Today, I held my head a little higher, walked a little lighter, smiled a little brighter.
Today was one of those days when I caught a glimpse of what God intends every day to look like.
Today, I pray that every woman out there recognizes her own true beauty and strength, and knows it's source.
Here's to those days!
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A Place of Solitude
Posted in Beauty, Blessings, Cycling, God, lake, park, Peace, solitude, sunset on by
With sixty degree temperatures and sunny skies, I couldn't help but pull my bike out today and go for a nice long ride. Ok, it was just under fourteen miles which isn't really long, but I haven't ridden in months and my bottom feels like it was a forty mile ride, so long we'll call it.
We live near a lake which is lined with parks, providing me with beautiful places to run and ride. It was along these trails that I wrestled my bike up hills and along tree lined paths. Not a particularly rough ride, I chose it for the distance, but mostly for the scenery. The lake, this time of year, tinged with the golden light of a setting sun, makes me forget the burning in my thighs as I pedal up yet another incline.
And then there's that one spot, about half way along my course. It's a bit of land that juts out into a cove of the lake. The trees come out of the water and in the evening, the sun turns all the water a beautiful red gold, and the trees are lined in light. On the tiny peninsula, there is a single bench, facing the water. The park path runs behind this and there is a road that can be seen from the bench, if one were inclined to tear their gaze from the spectacular light show flitting across the water.
During my evening rides, the path is a busy one. There are runners and walkers and dogs and kids and cyclists. Most are whizzing by, with nary a glance at the majesty of what is playing out in the sky, along the trees, and on the lake. Then, there are the mornings. Early morning rides during which the place is one of solitude. You can sit and reflect on God's glory, and wrap yourself in His peace. It is a place where the busyness of daily life is washed away in the oranges, golds, and blazing reds of a sun that chases the bluish purple hues of dawn into another day. It is a place I long to sit in for a moment of quiet, meditation, reflection.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? I paused along today's ride, with every intent of photographing this little piece of heaven so I could share it with all of you. Then, I changed my mind. I wanted to protect this not so secret hideaway, keep it private. But even more than that, I wanted each of you to see it in your mind's eye, to paint it with the hues that bring you peace, to imagine the silence wrapping itself lovingly around you.
Here's to a beautiful place of solitude.
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We live near a lake which is lined with parks, providing me with beautiful places to run and ride. It was along these trails that I wrestled my bike up hills and along tree lined paths. Not a particularly rough ride, I chose it for the distance, but mostly for the scenery. The lake, this time of year, tinged with the golden light of a setting sun, makes me forget the burning in my thighs as I pedal up yet another incline.
And then there's that one spot, about half way along my course. It's a bit of land that juts out into a cove of the lake. The trees come out of the water and in the evening, the sun turns all the water a beautiful red gold, and the trees are lined in light. On the tiny peninsula, there is a single bench, facing the water. The park path runs behind this and there is a road that can be seen from the bench, if one were inclined to tear their gaze from the spectacular light show flitting across the water.
During my evening rides, the path is a busy one. There are runners and walkers and dogs and kids and cyclists. Most are whizzing by, with nary a glance at the majesty of what is playing out in the sky, along the trees, and on the lake. Then, there are the mornings. Early morning rides during which the place is one of solitude. You can sit and reflect on God's glory, and wrap yourself in His peace. It is a place where the busyness of daily life is washed away in the oranges, golds, and blazing reds of a sun that chases the bluish purple hues of dawn into another day. It is a place I long to sit in for a moment of quiet, meditation, reflection.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? I paused along today's ride, with every intent of photographing this little piece of heaven so I could share it with all of you. Then, I changed my mind. I wanted to protect this not so secret hideaway, keep it private. But even more than that, I wanted each of you to see it in your mind's eye, to paint it with the hues that bring you peace, to imagine the silence wrapping itself lovingly around you.
Here's to a beautiful place of solitude.
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Back on the Wagon... Again
Posted in 5K race, Change, Diet, Dieting, everything, Evolution, Exercise, Faith, Family, Food addiction, Friends, God, Jogging, Low Carb, Motivation, New Year's, Overweight, Resolutions, Weight loss on by
This new year is not off with a bang. In fact, I've been a complete slacker this year. I run maybe once or twice a week, if that, and I'm way off my eating plan. But it's not all bad news. I haven't lost any more weight, but I haven't gained any either.
But today is a new day and I'm recommitting to my goals. I went for a run today, at the gym no less. Employed my new Nike+ sensor too. I think it's off. It said I ran 3.14 miles and at a pretty fast clip, too. Pace was something like 11:19 min/mile. If accurate, this is my fastest run yet. And since the treadmill speed fluctuated between 3.6 mi/hr and 4.8 mi/hr, well, it just think the Nike + sensor is giving me more credit than I deserve. Nonetheless, I'll take it. (Actually, I really should calibrate that thing. I need accurate readings so that I can start training for my first 10K. Not to mention I want to be ready for the next 5K, the Cowtown on February 27th.
As for the eating plan, it's all about small portions, high protein, lots of green veggies, and very controlled, small bits of non-starchy carbs. Want to get back the momentum I had before the holidays, and turn that 30 pounds lost into 50.
I'm newly motivated, and have such a great support system in my family and friends that I know I'll succeed. Not to mention, I really want this. BAD.
Here's to being fit and healthy!
But today is a new day and I'm recommitting to my goals. I went for a run today, at the gym no less. Employed my new Nike+ sensor too. I think it's off. It said I ran 3.14 miles and at a pretty fast clip, too. Pace was something like 11:19 min/mile. If accurate, this is my fastest run yet. And since the treadmill speed fluctuated between 3.6 mi/hr and 4.8 mi/hr, well, it just think the Nike + sensor is giving me more credit than I deserve. Nonetheless, I'll take it. (Actually, I really should calibrate that thing. I need accurate readings so that I can start training for my first 10K. Not to mention I want to be ready for the next 5K, the Cowtown on February 27th.
As for the eating plan, it's all about small portions, high protein, lots of green veggies, and very controlled, small bits of non-starchy carbs. Want to get back the momentum I had before the holidays, and turn that 30 pounds lost into 50.
I'm newly motivated, and have such a great support system in my family and friends that I know I'll succeed. Not to mention, I really want this. BAD.
Here's to being fit and healthy!
Simple Blessings
Posted in Beauty, Blessed, Blessings, charity, Christian, everything, Faith, Family, Friends, gifts, God, Jesus, Religion, Spirituality on by
There are so many small things I'm blessed with, things easily taken for granted, that I figured I'd list them, mostly for fun, but also to recognize God for the giving, merciful, AWESOME Savior HE is, for, after all, without Him, I have nothing. Please note, these are in no particular order.
1. Hot showers
2. Electricity
3. Indoor plumbing
4. Freedom of speech
5. Freedom of religion
6. My awesome husband
7. My adorable dog
8. My chatty cat
9. My family, nuclear and extended
10. Coffee
11. Bamboo knitting needles
12. Technology, and access to it
13. My friends
14. Rain, especially when I'm in a warm, dry place
Expect more lists like this, as my blessings are countless.
Here's to the God of love!
1. Hot showers
2. Electricity
3. Indoor plumbing
4. Freedom of speech
5. Freedom of religion
6. My awesome husband
7. My adorable dog
8. My chatty cat
9. My family, nuclear and extended
10. Coffee
11. Bamboo knitting needles
12. Technology, and access to it
13. My friends
14. Rain, especially when I'm in a warm, dry place
Expect more lists like this, as my blessings are countless.
Here's to the God of love!
Observations from Married Life
Posted in Bowling, Change, Christian, everything, Evolution, Football, giving, God, Growth, Husband, Love, Marriage, Sports, TV on by
I have never been one to watch the news. Prior to being married, I lived in a bubble, a bubble where the morning, evening, or nightly news simply did not exist. Neither did televised sporting events. Sure, I might have gone to a SuperBowl party here and there, but honestly I was in it for the commercials. And the food, of course.
As luck would have it, I married a man who is a news and sports junkie. He can watch CNN for hours. And he loves watching almost any televised sporting event. I've even caught him watching bowling tournaments!
When we first got married, his constant news watching really grated on my nerves. Seriously. But after a time, the news became white noise. And then, much to my surprise, and not infrequently to my chagrin, I actually started wanting to watch the news.
Same with the sports. Now granted, I won't voluntarily watch a bowling tournament. Don't ever expect that to change, either, but one never knows. Football, however, I've actually learned to love. So much so that during the AFC Championship game this year, he keep flipping the channels during the game. I finally had to tell him to put the game on and leave it on, as I wanted to watch it. HA! Even as I type that, I can't help but wonder, "who are you?!"
Some might think I'm trying to change myself to accomodate who my husband is. And maybe I am, to some degree. I, however, prefer to call it evolution. After all, don't we all grow, change, evolve over time? And if my husband and I evolve together, won't that ultimately make us a stronger couple?
Here's to healthy evolution!
As luck would have it, I married a man who is a news and sports junkie. He can watch CNN for hours. And he loves watching almost any televised sporting event. I've even caught him watching bowling tournaments!
When we first got married, his constant news watching really grated on my nerves. Seriously. But after a time, the news became white noise. And then, much to my surprise, and not infrequently to my chagrin, I actually started wanting to watch the news.
Same with the sports. Now granted, I won't voluntarily watch a bowling tournament. Don't ever expect that to change, either, but one never knows. Football, however, I've actually learned to love. So much so that during the AFC Championship game this year, he keep flipping the channels during the game. I finally had to tell him to put the game on and leave it on, as I wanted to watch it. HA! Even as I type that, I can't help but wonder, "who are you?!"
Some might think I'm trying to change myself to accomodate who my husband is. And maybe I am, to some degree. I, however, prefer to call it evolution. After all, don't we all grow, change, evolve over time? And if my husband and I evolve together, won't that ultimately make us a stronger couple?
Here's to healthy evolution!
A [Non] Resolution
Posted in Beauty, Christian, Dieting, Exercise, Faith, God, Jesus, New Year's, Overweight, Peace, Religion, Resolutions, Spirituality, Weight loss on byFirst, I should tell you, I don't make resolutions. Especially the new year variety. It's been my experience that resolutions wind up getting broken within the first week, or, at the very latest, within a month. So I figure, why bother?
These last few days, however, I've been taking inventory, stock; looking back over the last year and assessing what needs to be different.
Here's what my self examination turned up: I have this bad habit of using society as a measuring stick for, well, pretty much everything. Society has a way of dictating what is successful: do I drive the right car, have the right house, wear the right clothes, work at the right job? And we won't even discuss how society drives self-image: am I thin enough? Pretty enough? THIN ENOUGH?
I know many of you are aware that I've been working pretty hard over the last three months to get fit. Please know that this is more about being healthy, less about conforming to society's standards. But I'd be lying if I said that I have never been caught up in the madness of trying to "keep up with the Joneses." And it is definitely madness.
Therefore, this year, I have decided to stop seeing myself in relation to others, but rather, see myself in relation to God. After all, He created me in HIS image. If you stop to think about it, that's pretty powerful.
And because self-image seems to drive so much in our lives, my new measure of what I want to look like will be driven by the words of 1 Peter 3:3-4:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
I don't want to make this a resolution though. Kind of like the whole getting fit thing, it's not something I'm going to do until I reach my goals and then stop. It has to be a whole lifestyle change. Or, in the case of my [non]resolution, a whole change of thinking, feeling, being.
Please know, this doesn't mean I will donning a sack cloth or anything drastic like that. What it does mean is that I will try less to conform to society's standards, and work harder at pleasing God. After all, when you stop to think about it, He's the only one that really matters.
Happy new year and here's to good [physical, mental and spiritual] health!
What a Difference a Week Makes
Posted in Christian, Christmas, Diet, Dieting, everything, Exercise, Faith, Family, God, Jogging, Lay offs, Religion, Running, Spirituality, Weight loss on by
Time to take inventory.
A week ago, the company I work for had 43 employees. Now, there are 23 of us.
A week ago, I started running. First run was a quarter mile. Now, I'm up to 2.59 miles.
A week ago, I recorded a 25 pound weight loss. Now, it's 28 pounds.
A week ago, I was ecstatic to be able to run a mile. Now, I'm running my first 5K this Saturday.
A week ago, I would never have dreamed of running more than 5 miles. Now, I'm planning the training for my first marathon.
A week ago, I was planning a quiet Christmas at home with my husband. Now, I'm preparing for a trip to see my family in San Antonio over the holiday.
A week ago, I still had my optimism. Now, I am praying for perseverance. Praying to be enveloped by God's strength, seeking His clarity, and surrendering, moment by moment, to His will.
I know God is in control, and I completely prefer it that way.
Today Was a Blessing
Posted in charity, Christian, Christmas, Economy, everything, Faith, Family, generosity, gifts, giving, God, Jesus, Khalil Gibran, Lay offs, Love, Nothing, Peace, Religion, Spirituality, Work on by
Today, we blessed a friend. A group of 20 wonderful people came together and collected between them $690, a Wii game console, extra controllers, a few games and a DVD. These were given to a very special lady, that she might breathe a little easier during this difficult financial time, and give her twin, teenage boys a few small Christmas gifts and a big helping of Christmas cheer.
To those of you who reached out to help a stranger, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. To those of you who reached out to help a friend, I extend these thanks as well and am blessed and proud to call you friends. And to all of you, I pray that God would bless each of you sevenfold for opening your hearts and hearing the call of someone in need, and then acting upon it.
Today, we were all blessed. We were given the gift and privilege of being God's hands and feet, and doing HIS work. I can think of no better gift to receive this Christmas.
May God bless you all this Christmas and throughout the new year.
To those of you who reached out to help a stranger, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. To those of you who reached out to help a friend, I extend these thanks as well and am blessed and proud to call you friends. And to all of you, I pray that God would bless each of you sevenfold for opening your hearts and hearing the call of someone in need, and then acting upon it.
Today, we were all blessed. We were given the gift and privilege of being God's hands and feet, and doing HIS work. I can think of no better gift to receive this Christmas.
May God bless you all this Christmas and throughout the new year.
Now I'm Running
Posted in Atkins, Bike riding, Christian, Cycling, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Faith, Fear, Food addiction, God, Jogging, Low Carb, Overweight, Running, Weight loss on by
I should probably tell you that I really don't like working out. Never have and never dreamed I would. But lately, something's come over me. I can't explain it. I can only tell you that I find myself pushing my body to new limits, setting crazy goals and actually meeting them!
It started with cycling. I set a goal for riding 47 miles and accomplished it. It wasn't a race, but rather, for me, more about just finishing. And I'm not finished, either. I have set a goal to ride a century ride in 2010. That's 100 miles. All at once, in one ride. Crazy, right?
Crazier still is that now I've taken up running. I've always wanted to be a runner, you know, one of those lithe, graceful folk that look like they float over the road. But every time I tried to run my knees would scream in agony. Not surprising considering the ridiculous amount of weight I was carrying. Yet here I am, 25 pounds lighter and this past Saturday, I woke up and decided it was time to start running.
I know you have to start slow when you run, or you could seriously injure yourself. So I only ran a quarter of a mile, with my sweet boxer Bristol alongside of me. Crazy dog loved it. Crazy girl loved it more.
Sunday, I pushed myself a bit harder and ran a full mile. Ran the whole way, too. Not too bad. Most surprising was the fact that when I was done, I felt great and nothing hurt.
Today, my husband and our goofy dog, Bristol, joined me. Today, I ran 1.32 miles in 23 minutes. Okay, not a record breaking time or anything, I'll give you that. But I RAN the whole way.
I have another goal. I'm running a 5K next week. Yes, next week. I have 10 days to train. 5K. That's 3.12 miles. three times what I'm running now. I'm not ambitious. Nope, not me.
What can I say? I love running. And cycling. Soon I'll add swimming. And maybe, just maybe, I'll surprise myself yet again.
Here's to good health!
It started with cycling. I set a goal for riding 47 miles and accomplished it. It wasn't a race, but rather, for me, more about just finishing. And I'm not finished, either. I have set a goal to ride a century ride in 2010. That's 100 miles. All at once, in one ride. Crazy, right?
Crazier still is that now I've taken up running. I've always wanted to be a runner, you know, one of those lithe, graceful folk that look like they float over the road. But every time I tried to run my knees would scream in agony. Not surprising considering the ridiculous amount of weight I was carrying. Yet here I am, 25 pounds lighter and this past Saturday, I woke up and decided it was time to start running.
I know you have to start slow when you run, or you could seriously injure yourself. So I only ran a quarter of a mile, with my sweet boxer Bristol alongside of me. Crazy dog loved it. Crazy girl loved it more.
Sunday, I pushed myself a bit harder and ran a full mile. Ran the whole way, too. Not too bad. Most surprising was the fact that when I was done, I felt great and nothing hurt.
Today, my husband and our goofy dog, Bristol, joined me. Today, I ran 1.32 miles in 23 minutes. Okay, not a record breaking time or anything, I'll give you that. But I RAN the whole way.
I have another goal. I'm running a 5K next week. Yes, next week. I have 10 days to train. 5K. That's 3.12 miles. three times what I'm running now. I'm not ambitious. Nope, not me.
What can I say? I love running. And cycling. Soon I'll add swimming. And maybe, just maybe, I'll surprise myself yet again.
Here's to good health!
Can't Think of a Thing
Posted in Bike riding, charity, Christian, Christmas, Cycling, Diet, Dieting, Economy, everything, Exercise, Faith, Family, Fear, generosity, gifts, giving, God, Nothing on by
The problem with blogging is that I often can't think of a thing to write about. Or, the contrary occurs and I have so many things I want to write about that they all kind of collide together into this mushy, sloppy, incoherent mess. And it's really worse than it sounds.
When that happens, I find myself wondering how awesome bloggers like The Pioneer Woman keep their sites hip and fresh (aside from simply being writers with actual talent, that is.) Do the have an outline of ideas and topics? I need tips, suggestions, something!
Seriously, though, today I am at a loss for anything of interest (clearly I am assuming anything I write is of interest to anyone other than myself) to write about. So instead of boring you to tears with my mindless dribble, I will merely wish you a happy week.
Happy week and here's to good health!
When that happens, I find myself wondering how awesome bloggers like The Pioneer Woman keep their sites hip and fresh (aside from simply being writers with actual talent, that is.) Do the have an outline of ideas and topics? I need tips, suggestions, something!
Seriously, though, today I am at a loss for anything of interest (clearly I am assuming anything I write is of interest to anyone other than myself) to write about. So instead of boring you to tears with my mindless dribble, I will merely wish you a happy week.
Happy week and here's to good health!
It Really is Just Stuff
Posted in Christmas, Economy, Faith, Family, generosity, gifts, God, Lay offs, Love, Peace, Spirituality, Work, Worry on by
Ever wonder how you would handle losing all of your possessions? Think about it. What would you do if you lost your home, your car, your clothes, jewelry, electronic gadgets, every thing that meant something to you? In a time when amassing stuff seems to be the norm, we often convince ourselves that our lives would be incomplete without these things, that somehow, we would be less of a person if not surrounded by our worldly items.
I am guilty of this. I like to think I'm above it, that I have a loose grip on the things of this world and could move through the rest of my life without so much. And in my heart, I know it's true. But every now and then, I catch glimpses of a person who sometimes feels she is defined by how much, or how little, she has.
Today, as I learned of dear friends losing their jobs during one of the worst economic times our country has seen in memorable history, I was reminded of what is really important, of who I really am and what defines me. I am grateful to still have a job, my health, a husband who loves me, and my family around me. If all else went away, even my job, I would still be wealthy beyond measure.
I pray those faced with the challenges of this economic downturn remember what is important this holiday season. Hold your families close, bask in the little things, and remember that God has a plan.
Praying peace, love and hope for all those affected.
Merry Christmas and may the new year be filled with the wealths that can not be taken from you.
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