I have so many stories to write about and all I can think about is sleep. Why? Because I know the next 72 hours of my life. It was supposed to be a relaxing week but that doesn't seem to be a theme for me recently. Honestly, working hard and being busy has been a blessing (Think Elder Christofferson). Now if I can just remember to follow the advice of President Uchtdorf.
Good-night! Good-luck! Pray I drive safely and stay alert as I travel back forth to meetings, to interviews, and to appointments (and yes they are all separate events).
*Kath - I'm finding myself singing your alternate lyrics to "The Role You Know So Well" as I commute each day.
Life is My Adventure
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Small Town Charm
Today I was tackling the reorganization of my parents’ basement, but I still needed to get my run in for the day. So, with the sun bright and shining, I set off. While running, I was reminded of a few things that I love about my home town.
1) The random names we give places. My run today was along Farmer’s Freeway. We also have The Oreo, The Moon, The Swing, The G-Hill, The Cliffs, The Camel, and so many other places. Very ordinary names but with extraordinary memories.
2) The smallness in size. Yes I know I am from a small town, but today it really hit me. I realized that if I ran from my place, down to the river walk, up past the Jacksons to 1st ward boundaries, and over to my house, I would have only covered three miles. (Hence the reason to run along Farmer’s Freeway.) No wonder my mom let me bike to the pool and to friends’ houses. It really wasn’t that far!
3) The friendliness of people. I had my sunglasses on while running and people had no idea who I was, but those running by or driving by would always wave. I love that!
4) The clear blue sky. During the winter time, the inversion can be stifling. I so enjoyed the sky today! I remember one time when my Uncle Udell and Aunt Pauline drove from Salt Lake to visit just to see the blue sky and enjoy the shining sun. Today was one of those perfect “warm” winter days.
Small towns are known for having their unique quirks. I know my town does. In spite of that, I still find a quaint charm about it every time I visit.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Worth Watching
Last year I discovered a TV show that I found fascinating. It combines the history nerd in me and my desire to discover my own family story. The show is Who Do You Think You Are?
The show follows different celebrities as they discover their own past. I loved last season! Matthew Broderick discovered one of his ancestors fought in the Civil War and was killed at the Siege of Atlanta. The touching part of this story is Matthew Broderick's ancestor was buried in an unidentified grave at the national cemetery. The grave will now have a permanent identifying marker. Sarah Jessica Parker discovered her tenth great-grandmother was persecuted in the Salem Witch Trials. Lisa Kudrow traced her family line back to the holocaust. Emmett Smith to slavery. Brooke Shields to King Louis XIV of France.
For those who want an uplifting show, try it. It just started again last week and once again the story connected a celebrity with living history. I love the stories that we learn from our past. Now I need to get moving with my line and discover the story behind the man in the picture with the Civil War uniform and find out more about my Arabic ancestors.
The show follows different celebrities as they discover their own past. I loved last season! Matthew Broderick discovered one of his ancestors fought in the Civil War and was killed at the Siege of Atlanta. The touching part of this story is Matthew Broderick's ancestor was buried in an unidentified grave at the national cemetery. The grave will now have a permanent identifying marker. Sarah Jessica Parker discovered her tenth great-grandmother was persecuted in the Salem Witch Trials. Lisa Kudrow traced her family line back to the holocaust. Emmett Smith to slavery. Brooke Shields to King Louis XIV of France.
For those who want an uplifting show, try it. It just started again last week and once again the story connected a celebrity with living history. I love the stories that we learn from our past. Now I need to get moving with my line and discover the story behind the man in the picture with the Civil War uniform and find out more about my Arabic ancestors.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Road Not Taken
Recently, an incredible opportunity fell into my lap. As I pondered the decision and the consequences of both options, I found myself reflecting on similar past experiences and the paths each of those decisions has taken me.
A few weeks ago, a CEO that I had talked with back in November emailed me and offered me a position with his company. He didn’t have specifics yet so we arranged a time to meet. As I drove to the interview, I had a very distinct feeling about this opportunity. By the time I got to the place, I knew I was only there for a courtesy check. Without even knowing the details, I had an answer.
As the CEO explained the particulars, those initial impressions were validated. The job would be in New York City. I would be training teachers on the company’s phonics based reading program. None of this sounds too bad, right? The caveat was I needed to give a three year commitment, the position encapsulated many of the reasons I left teaching in the first place, and no long term growth in the company seemed imminent.
I actually spent some time thinking about this decision to make sure I wasn't being irrational and to make sure I was accurately assessing all the options. This week I officially declined the offer.
In comparing this experience with others, I was able to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Incredible opportunities have come my way but they have never been the most obvious or the easiest to obtain. In fact, the greatest blessings have always come through difficulty, work, and the testing of my faith and resolve. New York would have been fun! Interesting though, a few other job leads have come my way in the past week. So what will be the ending to this story? To quote Robert Frost…
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
A few weeks ago, a CEO that I had talked with back in November emailed me and offered me a position with his company. He didn’t have specifics yet so we arranged a time to meet. As I drove to the interview, I had a very distinct feeling about this opportunity. By the time I got to the place, I knew I was only there for a courtesy check. Without even knowing the details, I had an answer.
As the CEO explained the particulars, those initial impressions were validated. The job would be in New York City. I would be training teachers on the company’s phonics based reading program. None of this sounds too bad, right? The caveat was I needed to give a three year commitment, the position encapsulated many of the reasons I left teaching in the first place, and no long term growth in the company seemed imminent.
I actually spent some time thinking about this decision to make sure I wasn't being irrational and to make sure I was accurately assessing all the options. This week I officially declined the offer.
In comparing this experience with others, I was able to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Incredible opportunities have come my way but they have never been the most obvious or the easiest to obtain. In fact, the greatest blessings have always come through difficulty, work, and the testing of my faith and resolve. New York would have been fun! Interesting though, a few other job leads have come my way in the past week. So what will be the ending to this story? To quote Robert Frost…
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Second Time Around
Last time I ran a half marathon, I started from scratch. Working out wasn’t even on the schedule. Getting into a routine and building my endurance took more time than I wanted. This time I am improving much faster! It took me two months to be able to run three miles with no problem. Second time around…three miles is standard.
Two weeks ago I used my sister’s treadmill because it was freezing outside (I refuse to run in the cold) and the indoor track I usually use was closed for the day. One of the treadmill programs pushed my limits! In a 30 minute spread, the grade fluctuated between 1-5% and the speed between 3.5-6.5mph. Gratefully 6.5mph was NOT at 5% grade. I’ll admit that I had to stop a couple of time to catch my breath.
Now let me tell you about my workout this week. Since the first treadmill experience, I had been changing up my running at the indoor track working on sprints and overall speed. After two weeks of consistently training, I wanted to test out my strength and see how much I had improved with that same treadmill program. Happy Day! I rocked that program! It felt fantastic to actually see and feel my improved stamina and endurance. I look forward to this half marathon because I know I am much better prepared. Only ten more weeks!
Two weeks ago I used my sister’s treadmill because it was freezing outside (I refuse to run in the cold) and the indoor track I usually use was closed for the day. One of the treadmill programs pushed my limits! In a 30 minute spread, the grade fluctuated between 1-5% and the speed between 3.5-6.5mph. Gratefully 6.5mph was NOT at 5% grade. I’ll admit that I had to stop a couple of time to catch my breath.
Now let me tell you about my workout this week. Since the first treadmill experience, I had been changing up my running at the indoor track working on sprints and overall speed. After two weeks of consistently training, I wanted to test out my strength and see how much I had improved with that same treadmill program. Happy Day! I rocked that program! It felt fantastic to actually see and feel my improved stamina and endurance. I look forward to this half marathon because I know I am much better prepared. Only ten more weeks!
Monday, January 31, 2011
My Number Is Up
My brother-in-law taunts me relentlessly about never receiving a speeding ticket. He’s right to do so. Many, many times I should have gotten a ticket. Only once did the highway patrolman actually give me a written warning. Every other time, luck, fate, grace, the tender mercy of the Lord, whatever you want to call it, stepped in and I drove off with only a verbal warning.
Also, commuting doesn’t bother me. I seem to turn on autopilot and cruise along the freeway, always making sure I’m not the fastest car on the road. As you read above, my number is up! I have to be careful. All of this background leads me to two Fridays ago after a very long week at work. That day I just wanted to get home. Cars sped past me so I just zoomed along with them not really watching the speedometer. One exit from mine, I realized I was leading the pack. I slowed down because I knew I would be an easy target.
Then the unthinkable happened. A highway patrolman zipped along in beside of me. He slowed for a second in FRONT of me, turned on his lights (remember he is in front of me!), then continued on his way. I took that as a “Slow Down!” sign and immediately decreased my speed. How grateful I was that I was only given a warning. My hard week didn’t seem so bad after the kindness of the highway patrolman.
When I got home, I realized how generous the patrolman had been to me. First, I was going 70 in a 55mph construction zone. Unbelievable! I should have been slammed! But it gets better. I was driving my sister’s car with California license plates! Easy target! At least the car was still insured even though the registration was probably in my parents’ names by that time. Such an utter nightmare it would have been trying to explain my sister’s insurance card, my parents’ name on the title, and me speeding in a construction zone. What have I learned from all of this? Even when you have a bad week, the Lord still provides blessings. Also…slow down!!!
Also, commuting doesn’t bother me. I seem to turn on autopilot and cruise along the freeway, always making sure I’m not the fastest car on the road. As you read above, my number is up! I have to be careful. All of this background leads me to two Fridays ago after a very long week at work. That day I just wanted to get home. Cars sped past me so I just zoomed along with them not really watching the speedometer. One exit from mine, I realized I was leading the pack. I slowed down because I knew I would be an easy target.
Then the unthinkable happened. A highway patrolman zipped along in beside of me. He slowed for a second in FRONT of me, turned on his lights (remember he is in front of me!), then continued on his way. I took that as a “Slow Down!” sign and immediately decreased my speed. How grateful I was that I was only given a warning. My hard week didn’t seem so bad after the kindness of the highway patrolman.
When I got home, I realized how generous the patrolman had been to me. First, I was going 70 in a 55mph construction zone. Unbelievable! I should have been slammed! But it gets better. I was driving my sister’s car with California license plates! Easy target! At least the car was still insured even though the registration was probably in my parents’ names by that time. Such an utter nightmare it would have been trying to explain my sister’s insurance card, my parents’ name on the title, and me speeding in a construction zone. What have I learned from all of this? Even when you have a bad week, the Lord still provides blessings. Also…slow down!!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sweet Moment of the Day
When I left my sister's house today, my two-year-old niece climbed into my lap, looked at my sweetly, and said, "You come with me?" She wanted to come home with me. Made my heart melt seeing those beautiful blue eyes asking me not to leave without her. Other sweet moment of the day was when we called my sister in Chicago and on command, my niece repeated "Da Bears!" Such an impressionable youth. Hopefully I haven't corrupted her too much.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Fun All Around
My nieces and nephews bring such joy to my life. Gratefully two of my sisters live nearby so I get many opportunities to spend time with them. Here are a few things I love about my nieces and nephews:
* My niece grabs a spoonful of peanut butter, places chocolate chips in the mass, and begins eating it. A girl after my own heart.
* The twins who joyfully scream my name whenever I enter the room.
* My nephew who jumps out of bed, even though he is supposed to be asleep, and runs to say hi because he hears my voice.
* Stretching out their muscles with me after I have worked out on my sister’s treadmill. The four year old could easily touch her nose to her knees. Me…not quite there.
* Making and eating a batch of Scotcharoos. For those who don’t know this divine treat, it is a mixture of corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar mixed with Rice Krispies, then topped with a melted butterscotch and chocolate chips. Like eating a bit of heaven.
* Being invited over to “babysit” even though the oldest is twelve.
* The two-year-old twins jabbering away telling me about their day. I know that is what they are doing because I hear things like bath, book, train, toys, etc.
* Getting text messages from my niece who is using my sister’s phone.
* The twins fighting to sit on my lap and reading stories.
* My nephew who makes pictures for me.
* Being called their second mom by many of them.
* Snuggling up to me when watching a movie together.
* Being silly together.
* Big group hugs.
At a party last summer, all the girls wanted to sit with me.
The boys wanted in on the action too.
* My niece grabs a spoonful of peanut butter, places chocolate chips in the mass, and begins eating it. A girl after my own heart.
* The twins who joyfully scream my name whenever I enter the room.
* My nephew who jumps out of bed, even though he is supposed to be asleep, and runs to say hi because he hears my voice.
* Stretching out their muscles with me after I have worked out on my sister’s treadmill. The four year old could easily touch her nose to her knees. Me…not quite there.
* Making and eating a batch of Scotcharoos. For those who don’t know this divine treat, it is a mixture of corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar mixed with Rice Krispies, then topped with a melted butterscotch and chocolate chips. Like eating a bit of heaven.
* Being invited over to “babysit” even though the oldest is twelve.
* The two-year-old twins jabbering away telling me about their day. I know that is what they are doing because I hear things like bath, book, train, toys, etc.
* Getting text messages from my niece who is using my sister’s phone.
* The twins fighting to sit on my lap and reading stories.
* My nephew who makes pictures for me.
* Being called their second mom by many of them.
* Snuggling up to me when watching a movie together.
* Being silly together.
* Big group hugs.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January Day of Gratitude
Today I am grateful for the computer savvy-ness of my brother. A year ago in November, I upgraded my OS from Vista to Windows 7. I didn’t have time to do a clean install because I was in the middle of grad school so opted for the quick upgrade instead. This past weekend I took the leap and did a clean install. Unfortunately, generic drivers were installed instead of the upgraded ones that originally came with my laptop. Long story short, through the help of my brother, I was able to get everything in working order and almost have my computer back to top-notch conditions. Glad to have my computer back and finally functioning normally!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Do You Ever Have Days Like This?
"We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?" --Meredith Grey
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Family Calendar
One year for Christmas, I made my parents a calendar highlighting the different events from our family from the previous year and placing face shots for each birthday and anniversary. The next year I got ambitious. My parents and all my married siblings each got a calendar that included all their in-laws' anniversaries and birthdays too. Well those two years started a trend. Since that time I have continued creating a family calendar every year.
Things have evolved from the first calendars. Eventually, I had to stop doing in-laws' events for my siblings because families, including ours, were expanding rapidly. I still do two in-law calendars for my sisters that they in turn give as presents to their in-laws. My parents decided they liked the calendar so much they bought a color laser printer to save on printing costs. I've become good at Photoshop and splicing different pictures and experimenting with different backgrounds and designs. My goal this year is to learn InDesign to incorporate more unique elements than the old program I have continually used in the past. This year I felt limited in what I could do and realized it was time to graduate to better software.
Nieces and nephews have called me on the phone asking when the calendar would be completed. Now they just realize that it will come after the New Year. In spite of my best laid plans, something always happens to delay it being done before December 31st. And, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to make a mistake! Gratefully my family doesn't get offended and take it as a Where's Waldo challenge to find the errors. Last year was the worst when I swapped two of my sisters' birthdays and forgot my newly married brother's anniversary. Oops!
Because I think my blog is lacking pictures, I thought I would share with you the results of this year's calendar. If you click on the slideshow, it will open to a different window and the pictures are easier to see. Each family member gets a different month and my remaining grandparent (Grams) passed away this year, so January became a tribute to all my grandparents. Hope you enjoy the photos of my family who I love dearly.
Things have evolved from the first calendars. Eventually, I had to stop doing in-laws' events for my siblings because families, including ours, were expanding rapidly. I still do two in-law calendars for my sisters that they in turn give as presents to their in-laws. My parents decided they liked the calendar so much they bought a color laser printer to save on printing costs. I've become good at Photoshop and splicing different pictures and experimenting with different backgrounds and designs. My goal this year is to learn InDesign to incorporate more unique elements than the old program I have continually used in the past. This year I felt limited in what I could do and realized it was time to graduate to better software.
Nieces and nephews have called me on the phone asking when the calendar would be completed. Now they just realize that it will come after the New Year. In spite of my best laid plans, something always happens to delay it being done before December 31st. And, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to make a mistake! Gratefully my family doesn't get offended and take it as a Where's Waldo challenge to find the errors. Last year was the worst when I swapped two of my sisters' birthdays and forgot my newly married brother's anniversary. Oops!
Because I think my blog is lacking pictures, I thought I would share with you the results of this year's calendar. If you click on the slideshow, it will open to a different window and the pictures are easier to see. Each family member gets a different month and my remaining grandparent (Grams) passed away this year, so January became a tribute to all my grandparents. Hope you enjoy the photos of my family who I love dearly.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Taking One Day at a Time
Recapping the wins and losses of the morning.
Win: I learned that setting an alarm does not fully wake me up in the morning. Turning on my lamp when I hit snooze is more effective at getting me moving than an alarm alone. Of course this makes sense now! Light wakes me up!
Loss/Win: Forgot my lunch that I had prepared last night. Had a package of instant oatmeal in my cubicle at work which took care of breakfast.
Win: Reading scriptures before I go to bed is an epic fail. I enjoy the time to ponder the scriptures after closing them and I miss that in the evenings. Waking up on time helped me have a more effective scripture study. Much better morning.
Loss: Forgot my key card that gives me cheap parking and access to the backdoor of my building. I had taken it out of my car because I was supposed to take my sister’s old car for the week while maintence was completed on mine. That didn’t happen and I forgot to grab the card. Now I am paying for all day parking in down town. Good thing I don’t live in San Francisco or Chicago.
Win: All the family calendars are now finished! I have to mail one more today and drop off the other on my way home from work. Good to have that project completed!
Win: Remembering the counsel and advice of Elder Christofferson: Take it one day at a time and it is day-by-day that we achieve our goals.
Win: I learned that setting an alarm does not fully wake me up in the morning. Turning on my lamp when I hit snooze is more effective at getting me moving than an alarm alone. Of course this makes sense now! Light wakes me up!
Loss/Win: Forgot my lunch that I had prepared last night. Had a package of instant oatmeal in my cubicle at work which took care of breakfast.
Win: Reading scriptures before I go to bed is an epic fail. I enjoy the time to ponder the scriptures after closing them and I miss that in the evenings. Waking up on time helped me have a more effective scripture study. Much better morning.
Loss: Forgot my key card that gives me cheap parking and access to the backdoor of my building. I had taken it out of my car because I was supposed to take my sister’s old car for the week while maintence was completed on mine. That didn’t happen and I forgot to grab the card. Now I am paying for all day parking in down town. Good thing I don’t live in San Francisco or Chicago.
Win: All the family calendars are now finished! I have to mail one more today and drop off the other on my way home from work. Good to have that project completed!
Win: Remembering the counsel and advice of Elder Christofferson: Take it one day at a time and it is day-by-day that we achieve our goals.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Quote of the Day
“What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.”
--Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
--Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Certifiably Crazy
Last April my sister suggested I sign up for a race. I had just graduated with my MBA but hadn’t lined up a full time job yet and my social life was pretty stagnant with no real dating possibilities at the time. Though I had never run a race before or even run at all, I signed up for a half marathon. I figured why start small. :)
Looking back, starting big like that was a good move for me. I set up a training schedule which helped me pace myself as I tackled a huge project. Being able to break my running into small parts helped me believe I could actually accomplish this goal. Also, I needed a distraction and running provided that emotional outlet.
My journey encountered many hurdles. Four weeks in to my training and one month before the half, I got sick. Both times felt like a huge setback but each time I found a way to keep going. At one point I was ready to give up. My sister, who convinced me to run the half in the first place, inspired me with these words: "It isn’t a race. It’s a run." I expected myself to accomplish a competitive runner’s pace and time. But the goal was not to take first place. The goal was to finish the run. Do something I had never done before.
With that new mindset, I approached my workouts with a renewed mental determination. I still remember the first time I ran three miles without stopping. Such a feeling of triumph surged through my body. After that run, I finally felt like I could achieve this goal. Before then, I only felt failure. Three miles became four then five and so on and so on. The week before the race I was able to run ten miles!
The night before and the morning of the race were horrible! I drove home from Park City later than I had planned and was so worked up about the race, I didn’t sleep well. All night long I kept waking up and checking the clock because I was afraid of missing the race. Gratefully I did make it on time. I started the half with my sister and my niece, but those two were in much better shape than I was and quickly surged ahead. The first half of the race I enjoyed the scenery, kept my pace, and remembered scriptures about enduring to the end.
All was well until I hit mile eight. I felt my body shutting down. I pushed forward hitting mile nine and somehow making it to mile ten. Then came the breaking point. A long hill stood in front of me, my muscles cramped up, and I couldn’t make my legs move any faster. As I walked hoping the cramping would subside, I said a prayer. I expressed gratitude for the help I had received to that point and shared my desire to finish the half running. I needed help and knew the Lord could help me. I don’t know what possessed me, but I remember asking, “Will you help me finish running this race?” I ended my prayer and began running.
The next two miles weren’t easy but I made it! However, somehow seeing that last long mile stretch in front of me, I began to doubt and became disheartened. Even though I had run twelve miles, I didn’t know how I was going to finish that last one. But I had asked the Lord for help and help came. A lady ran up next to me, grabbed my arm, and started running with me. I didn’t know this woman and with half a mile left she let go and I lost sight of her, but she helped me find the determination to keep going. Sometimes we all need someone to help us and “run” with us during the difficult times of life. (Btw, this whole experience has metaphors for life laden throughout it.) She was my tender mercy during that last mile.
Finally, I saw the finish line. A surge of adrenaline rushed through my body and I felt energized! Seeing my family and the time clock renewed my strength and I rushed forward. I thought I was at the three hour mark. Instead I finished around two hours and seven minutes! Somehow I had kept a 9:45 mile average pace. In all my training, I had never quite hit that mark. I was thrilled! My body ached and my mind was thrashed, but I finished!
Since that time, I haven’t been that consistent with exercising. However, something stirred within me and I wanted to feel that sense of accomplishment and drive once again. I liked the idea of tackling another half marathon and am officially signed up for the Salt Lake Half-Marathon in April. I’ve planned out my workout routine and am geared up to improve my time. So though I feel a bit crazy at times for signing up for another half marathon, I am mostly excited and determined.
Looking back, starting big like that was a good move for me. I set up a training schedule which helped me pace myself as I tackled a huge project. Being able to break my running into small parts helped me believe I could actually accomplish this goal. Also, I needed a distraction and running provided that emotional outlet.
My journey encountered many hurdles. Four weeks in to my training and one month before the half, I got sick. Both times felt like a huge setback but each time I found a way to keep going. At one point I was ready to give up. My sister, who convinced me to run the half in the first place, inspired me with these words: "It isn’t a race. It’s a run." I expected myself to accomplish a competitive runner’s pace and time. But the goal was not to take first place. The goal was to finish the run. Do something I had never done before.
With that new mindset, I approached my workouts with a renewed mental determination. I still remember the first time I ran three miles without stopping. Such a feeling of triumph surged through my body. After that run, I finally felt like I could achieve this goal. Before then, I only felt failure. Three miles became four then five and so on and so on. The week before the race I was able to run ten miles!
The night before and the morning of the race were horrible! I drove home from Park City later than I had planned and was so worked up about the race, I didn’t sleep well. All night long I kept waking up and checking the clock because I was afraid of missing the race. Gratefully I did make it on time. I started the half with my sister and my niece, but those two were in much better shape than I was and quickly surged ahead. The first half of the race I enjoyed the scenery, kept my pace, and remembered scriptures about enduring to the end.
All was well until I hit mile eight. I felt my body shutting down. I pushed forward hitting mile nine and somehow making it to mile ten. Then came the breaking point. A long hill stood in front of me, my muscles cramped up, and I couldn’t make my legs move any faster. As I walked hoping the cramping would subside, I said a prayer. I expressed gratitude for the help I had received to that point and shared my desire to finish the half running. I needed help and knew the Lord could help me. I don’t know what possessed me, but I remember asking, “Will you help me finish running this race?” I ended my prayer and began running.
The next two miles weren’t easy but I made it! However, somehow seeing that last long mile stretch in front of me, I began to doubt and became disheartened. Even though I had run twelve miles, I didn’t know how I was going to finish that last one. But I had asked the Lord for help and help came. A lady ran up next to me, grabbed my arm, and started running with me. I didn’t know this woman and with half a mile left she let go and I lost sight of her, but she helped me find the determination to keep going. Sometimes we all need someone to help us and “run” with us during the difficult times of life. (Btw, this whole experience has metaphors for life laden throughout it.) She was my tender mercy during that last mile.
Finally, I saw the finish line. A surge of adrenaline rushed through my body and I felt energized! Seeing my family and the time clock renewed my strength and I rushed forward. I thought I was at the three hour mark. Instead I finished around two hours and seven minutes! Somehow I had kept a 9:45 mile average pace. In all my training, I had never quite hit that mark. I was thrilled! My body ached and my mind was thrashed, but I finished!
Since that time, I haven’t been that consistent with exercising. However, something stirred within me and I wanted to feel that sense of accomplishment and drive once again. I liked the idea of tackling another half marathon and am officially signed up for the Salt Lake Half-Marathon in April. I’ve planned out my workout routine and am geared up to improve my time. So though I feel a bit crazy at times for signing up for another half marathon, I am mostly excited and determined.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Snowpocalypse
Last week a snow storm hit the state and created complete havoc. Two hours before the first snow fall, the roads were clear and dry. I knew a storm was coming but figured it wouldn’t be that much of a hassle. Turns out, this storm generated quite the adventure for all those stuck in its path. My usual forty-five minute drive turned into a two hour battle with the elements. To keep myself calm instead of white-knuckled, I distracted myself by devising a list of DOs and DON’Ts for driving in snowy weather.
DON'T...
* Slam on your breaks! You will only spin out. Tap them repeatedly. First, you are more likely to stay in control. Second, the car behind you will notice the flashing lights and be prepared to slow down too.
* Try to change lanes just because you are slower than the car to your right, particularly when said car is only a few feet behind you. One of the few times I have honked at someone.
* Ever cut in front of a diesel especially when the roads are icy. They will jack-knife and shut down the freeway. Gratefully the backup was far enough I could get off the freeway at a different exist; however, the icy roads in town were much more treacherous than the interstate.
* Stay behind a diesel. The spray makes it difficult to see. Gather your courage and pass him. Better to increase your speed for a few seconds than travel between a concrete barrier and a slush, spraying semi.
DO...
* Make sure you can see out your windshield which means have plenty of washer fluid and good wiper blades. Time to change the wiper blades.
* Go slower than you normally would, even if you have snow tires or 4WD. Traveling 35mph sure seemed too fast at times that night.
* Recognize how snowplows work. They work left to right so the “fast” lane is usually clearer than the “slow” lanes. Thankfully most people haven’t figured that out which makes a nice, safe driving radius for me.
* Leave later in the morning so the snow plows have time to clear the roads. It also makes for a nicer commute.
* Plan to stay at your aunt’s home next time. Check!
DON'T...
* Slam on your breaks! You will only spin out. Tap them repeatedly. First, you are more likely to stay in control. Second, the car behind you will notice the flashing lights and be prepared to slow down too.
* Try to change lanes just because you are slower than the car to your right, particularly when said car is only a few feet behind you. One of the few times I have honked at someone.
* Ever cut in front of a diesel especially when the roads are icy. They will jack-knife and shut down the freeway. Gratefully the backup was far enough I could get off the freeway at a different exist; however, the icy roads in town were much more treacherous than the interstate.
* Stay behind a diesel. The spray makes it difficult to see. Gather your courage and pass him. Better to increase your speed for a few seconds than travel between a concrete barrier and a slush, spraying semi.
DO...
* Make sure you can see out your windshield which means have plenty of washer fluid and good wiper blades. Time to change the wiper blades.
* Go slower than you normally would, even if you have snow tires or 4WD. Traveling 35mph sure seemed too fast at times that night.
* Recognize how snowplows work. They work left to right so the “fast” lane is usually clearer than the “slow” lanes. Thankfully most people haven’t figured that out which makes a nice, safe driving radius for me.
* Leave later in the morning so the snow plows have time to clear the roads. It also makes for a nicer commute.
* Plan to stay at your aunt’s home next time. Check!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Quote of the Day
What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life.
~Walt Whitman
~Walt Whitman
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Blog Analytics
I was going to label this post "Cyber Stalking" but figured that would give off the wrong vibe and impression to all of you who think my life is interesting enough to read about it. So who am I cyber stalking? You of course. Okay not really. Okay yes really, but let me explain.
Since I created my blog, I have had two programs tracking who visits it. It doesn't tell me who you are or where you are specifically located but it is fun for me to guess. Sort of like a puzzle and I use clues like a detective to piece it all together. I thought it would be fun (or nerd like of me) to share what I have learned from all of you. By the way, I am cheap and refuse to pay for detailed information so the programs only keep track of the last thirty days.
Combined, both of the programs will tell me your OS, your browser, location, host name, and referring site. For operating systems, Mac OSX is the preferred choice but I have a few Android, iPhone, and Linux users as well. Vista is at the bottom of the PC operating systems. For some reason, I find that funny.
Firefox and Internet Explorer are the preferred browsers with over half of you choosing those to read my blog and I'm guessing you use those to surf the web too. A few of you, including me, use Chrome with some opting for Safari. I have a growing number of users who access it using their smartphone.
As for locations, the program only tells me cities where your internet provider is located. Though 98% of my readers live in the United States, I do have people in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Spain that also read my blog. Japan used to pop up but my friend moved back to the states a few months ago.
In all honesty, I have to guess who reads my blog because ISP addresses are hard to trace. But this is where the fun (or the real nerdiness) begins. Since most of your ISP addresses pop up with Comcast, Broadweave, SBC, Qwest, Manti Tele Communications, Broadband Central, and the like, I find myself playing a game similar to Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I did have someone use Virgin Media from the UK the other day and that has sparked my curiosity. When Intel (one of only a few company names that actually pops up) is listed, I can safely guess that was my sister. Others are also pretty easy. Washington, California, Missouri, and Texas are either former roommates or family.
Utah is where it gets tricky. For the most part, I don't know. Two clues help me: your city and your referring site. For example, when Logan pops up I can guess my cousin logged on. Any city in Salt Lake or Utah County does not help me unless you have a referring site. Even my parents' town isn't easy because of extended family and friends of friends. In short, your ISP does nothing for me in figuring out who reads my blog. City and state help but only if you live outside of Utah.
What really makes the game fun is the referring sites. For all of you who bounce off my cousin Mandi's site...Congratulations! Her site is the highest referring site. I finally went and visited it (I use an RSS feed so rarely go to the actual sites) and realized her list of blogs shows when the blogger last updated her site. Since you bounce off her site, I naturally concluded her life is much more interesting than mine! :) Others of you bounce off your own blog, which makes it very easy to identify who you are, while others come from Facebook, Google Reader, or land here directly.
No matter how you get here you need to know two things. First, your identity is completely safe because 90% of the time I have no idea who you are. Second, thanks for being interested enough to share with me all the unexpected adventures in my life.
Since I created my blog, I have had two programs tracking who visits it. It doesn't tell me who you are or where you are specifically located but it is fun for me to guess. Sort of like a puzzle and I use clues like a detective to piece it all together. I thought it would be fun (or nerd like of me) to share what I have learned from all of you. By the way, I am cheap and refuse to pay for detailed information so the programs only keep track of the last thirty days.
Combined, both of the programs will tell me your OS, your browser, location, host name, and referring site. For operating systems, Mac OSX is the preferred choice but I have a few Android, iPhone, and Linux users as well. Vista is at the bottom of the PC operating systems. For some reason, I find that funny.
Firefox and Internet Explorer are the preferred browsers with over half of you choosing those to read my blog and I'm guessing you use those to surf the web too. A few of you, including me, use Chrome with some opting for Safari. I have a growing number of users who access it using their smartphone.
As for locations, the program only tells me cities where your internet provider is located. Though 98% of my readers live in the United States, I do have people in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Spain that also read my blog. Japan used to pop up but my friend moved back to the states a few months ago.
In all honesty, I have to guess who reads my blog because ISP addresses are hard to trace. But this is where the fun (or the real nerdiness) begins. Since most of your ISP addresses pop up with Comcast, Broadweave, SBC, Qwest, Manti Tele Communications, Broadband Central, and the like, I find myself playing a game similar to Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I did have someone use Virgin Media from the UK the other day and that has sparked my curiosity. When Intel (one of only a few company names that actually pops up) is listed, I can safely guess that was my sister. Others are also pretty easy. Washington, California, Missouri, and Texas are either former roommates or family.
Utah is where it gets tricky. For the most part, I don't know. Two clues help me: your city and your referring site. For example, when Logan pops up I can guess my cousin logged on. Any city in Salt Lake or Utah County does not help me unless you have a referring site. Even my parents' town isn't easy because of extended family and friends of friends. In short, your ISP does nothing for me in figuring out who reads my blog. City and state help but only if you live outside of Utah.
What really makes the game fun is the referring sites. For all of you who bounce off my cousin Mandi's site...Congratulations! Her site is the highest referring site. I finally went and visited it (I use an RSS feed so rarely go to the actual sites) and realized her list of blogs shows when the blogger last updated her site. Since you bounce off her site, I naturally concluded her life is much more interesting than mine! :) Others of you bounce off your own blog, which makes it very easy to identify who you are, while others come from Facebook, Google Reader, or land here directly.
No matter how you get here you need to know two things. First, your identity is completely safe because 90% of the time I have no idea who you are. Second, thanks for being interested enough to share with me all the unexpected adventures in my life.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Ol' Reliable
In the movie Lady and the Tramp, Trusty always mentions his grandpappy Ol' Reliable. He would question all who would listen to his stories: "I don't recollect that I've ever mentioned Ol' Reliable before?" Unfortunately for Trusty, his audience frequently heard about Ol' Reliable and Trusty would forget his story.
Just like Trusty, many of you have heard about my Ol' Reliable. I bought my first car, a used Honda Accord, almost eight years ago. I was so nervous! My aunt helped me transport the car from the downtown dealership to her place. I took another few days before a friend was able to drive me to my aunt's house so I could drive it to my place in Provo. I didn't dare speed or make any sudden lane changes! I even left my car in my apartment complex's parking lot and continued to drive my parents' car for another week. I know! Lame!
Fortunately, I got over that initial fear. This car has really been my Ol' Reliable. I've commuted for over five years with four of those being at least a 35-40 minute one way drive. Other places I've driven are Las Vegas, Southern California, Idaho, our cabin, Phoenix and back many times, Northern California, and all around the state of Utah. The paint is chipping away, the transmission is rickety, the knobs are loose or coming off, and the odometer reads over 180,000 miles. However, this week my car still managed over 34 mpg! For a car that is 11 years old that is impressive. Here's hoping my Ol' Reliable lasts a few more years.
I couldn't find a picture of my car but felt my blog needed some pictures. This is my favorite freeway sign located outside of Sacramento, California. I think my car could make it. :)
Just like Trusty, many of you have heard about my Ol' Reliable. I bought my first car, a used Honda Accord, almost eight years ago. I was so nervous! My aunt helped me transport the car from the downtown dealership to her place. I took another few days before a friend was able to drive me to my aunt's house so I could drive it to my place in Provo. I didn't dare speed or make any sudden lane changes! I even left my car in my apartment complex's parking lot and continued to drive my parents' car for another week. I know! Lame!
Fortunately, I got over that initial fear. This car has really been my Ol' Reliable. I've commuted for over five years with four of those being at least a 35-40 minute one way drive. Other places I've driven are Las Vegas, Southern California, Idaho, our cabin, Phoenix and back many times, Northern California, and all around the state of Utah. The paint is chipping away, the transmission is rickety, the knobs are loose or coming off, and the odometer reads over 180,000 miles. However, this week my car still managed over 34 mpg! For a car that is 11 years old that is impressive. Here's hoping my Ol' Reliable lasts a few more years.
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