Posts tagged Family
My Quest To Celebrate Life
0May 12, 2013
After coming home Thursday evening and finishing my blog post about the passing of my grandma and celebrating life I found myself going through the motions of preparing for another workday to finish out the week. I had the feeling of “Hold on! Wait a minute! How can I write all of that and yet not do anything to celebrate life??” I was torn because although taking a day off of work is easy for something like this, I wouldn’t be attending a funeral or any of the other typical bereavement day type of things. After batting the idea around and with the encouragement of a friend I went for it. I was taking a bereavement day. But I wasn’t taking any ol’ bereavement day. No, I was doing it my way, Buzzbomb Style, and I was going out to celebrate life. (BTW, did you know the nickname “Buzzbomb” was given to me by my grandma? True story.)
I woke up early, called off of work, packed my day pack, and hit to the road to Sedona…one of my favorite places in the world. I’m not going to hash out again why Sedona holds a special place in my heart…it just does. To me it’s magical and is my happy place. The perfect place to celebrate life. I had somewhat of an idea of where I was heading but no exact game plan for the day. I was rolling with it. Just under 2 hours into my drive I rounded the bend and the beautiful Red Rocks came into view. That’s always the moment when I feel my eyes light up and the smile spread across my face. By 9am I was on the trails surrounded by mother nature and all of her beauty.
Nothing like the red rock and blue skies of Sedona
I have yet to be on a busy trail in Sedona but given that it was also a weekday it was pretty empty. Other than a few couples here and there I was by myself along with my thoughts and memories. Happy memories. While speaking to my friend Dave the night before he gave me a few trail ideas. I chose Brins Mesa which was absolutely perfect. Not strenuous, but a nice climb it get my blood pumping. When I reached the mesa I found what remains from a 2006 wildfire. The mesa was ravaged, which was pretty sad to see. As I trekked through the damage I happened to stumble upon a group of wildflowers growing out of a bunch of tousled rocks.
So often I see metaphors for life of my trail hikes/runs. As I stared at the wildflowers the thought that came to my mind was, “Through death, there is life.” A perfect metaphor for the reason I was out on the trails. After the wildfire I’m sure there were no signs a life. A dark time, if you will, for the mesa. But here we are, 7 years later, and the mesa is slowly coming back to life. In no way will it be the same as it was before, but life is present. Here were these wildflowers, the minority in their surroundings, yet they were providing so much sunshine and positive life to their surroundings. In life, I want to be those wildflowers…positive energy and light.
After a quick lunch I decided to search out a location I’ve had my eye on since we moved to Arizona, Devil’s Bridge. Devil’s Bridge is a pretty iconic location for Sedona which also means it’s a bit popular. Unfortunately for those without a high clearance vehicle, or not on a Jeep tour, it’s a longer hike for the average Joe. I drove our Jeep Wrangler to Sedona and got to do a little “off-roading” to get to the trail. This meant less of a hike and a new experience for me. We’ve never really taken our Jeep off-roading and I was going at it solo. Needless to say I had some belly laughs as I set out on my adventure. It was pretty rad.
I arrived at the trailhead safely and once again took to the trails in search of Devil’s Bridge. Given that I got to drive in meant it was a pretty short hike.
Some hardcore hikers often say Devil’s Bridge isn’t as exciting as people make it out to be. Blame the novice hiker in me, but I thought it was awesome and worth it.
The second half of my days also lead to yet another metaphor…One that I’ve experienced before, but still a nice reminder. “Some of the most spectacular views require taking a rough road.” What if I wasn’t willing to go off-roading to get to Devil’s Bridge? I would’ve missed out! Even more, what if I chose to go down the rough road with a scowl on my face? Sure, I would have gotten there but how enjoyable would that adventure have been?
Although fun, celebrating life doesn’t necessarily require living an adventurous life or always being on the go. More importantly, it’s about recognizing what has been given to us, being grateful, and celebrating it all…including the ups and downs. Because after all, it’s those ups and downs that ultimately make up this thing we call life.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Celebrate Life
0May 9, 2013
in Simply Happy
In late March I took a quick weekend trip to Florida to see my ailing Grandma. Initially I had planned to go the first weekend of May (just this past weekend), but decided to go earlier than later. I’m glad I followed my instincts.
When I visited she was aware of who I was, but within the 48 hours of visiting I saw a drastic change in her energy level. Over the next month our family made it a point to visit, knowing our visits were our final goodbyes. Over time she was sleeping more and more and was finally to the point of having to stay in bed. Although she was already under the care of hospice it was decided just a couple weeks ago to place her in a 24 hour hospice care facility. Yesterday I received a message saying that my mom would once again be flying down to Florida today and that they planned to beginning morphine due to my grandma’s restless nights.
This morning I received news that my grandma had passed away.
Growing up I was always a basket case when it came to goodbyes…especially when it came to my grandparents. I loved when they would come and visit for the entire summer but when it came to them leaving I thought it was the end of the world. I would sob for hours. Thankfully as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten better at goodbyes. There will always be a little prick in my heart when it comes to saying goodbye, but I’ve had so many changes in my mind and spirit over the past year, especially these past few months, that I can’t help but feel joy and gratefulness with the passing of my grandma. Yes, I said joy and gratefulness.
I’ve spoken briefly about a feeling that overcomes me. I simply call it my “calmness”. It doesn’t happen everyday nor is it something I feel I necessarily have cognitive power over. It just happens. Most often it occurs when “bad” things happen or when chaos surrounds me. It’s almost as though a wave of energy flows over me and all is right with the world. When I received word that grandma passed calmness overtook my body, mind, and soul.
Have I shed tears? Yes. Will there be more? I’m sure. Will I miss her voice? Indeed. Will I miss her love and kindness she brought to the world? You bet.
But that’s just it. She brought joy to the world. Joy to my world…along with so many others. And although she is not here in the physical sense. She will always be here…in my heart. And every time I choose love and kindness over hate, there will be a little piece of her shining through.
I’m grateful that although these last months were trying she was surrounded by family. I’m grateful that although passing is never easy she didn’t suffer through the struggle that we had expected that would come with pancreatic cancer. I’m grateful I took the time to see her one last time. I’m grateful that all she said was “I’m going to be okay,” and I knew it was true.
Several months ago I sat down and wrote her a letter. This is what I wrote.
___________
Grandma,
So often I’m not too good with words. I see what I want to say but it won’t translate on paper in the way I hope. For several weeks I’ve wanted to write you a letter and yet I keep putting it on the back burner because I can’t come up with the appropriate words to say how I feel. With that being said, I’m going to try my best.
As a little girl I remember anxiously awaiting your arrival for your summer trips to Ohio. I remember the “Welcome to Ohio gifts” and riding in your Lincoln Town Car thinking I was riding in an airplane because it was so plush. You always provided the best foods because you were the one that made it. I remember when you’d bring us Chiclet gum or Mackintosh Toffee. The photos you’d share from your travels. Seeing those photos made me realize I wanted to be a world traveler someday. Your special cross-stitch sweatshirts and afghans always amazed me. How could someone make such beautiful art and fill it with so much love? I never wanted you to head back to Florida and every time you left I was beside myself and an absolute basket case.
Although we didn’t make many trips to Florida they were always so special. From surprising you and Grandpa on your 40th wedding anniversary to my first trip to Epcot. I’ll never forget looking forward to Justin taking us for rides on your tricycle as we squeezed into the back basket.
When Christmas would roll around the amount of cookies you’d make was out of this world and I knew no one could make a better cookie than my grandma. I remember when you visited my freshman year in high school. When I was trying to decide what to give David for our first Valentine’s Day you stepped up and said, “Why not Dream Cookies?” Not only did you provide the idea but you also helped me mix, cut-out, bake and frost the cookies. Who knew at that time I would marry him? I like to think that those cookies sealed the deal when it came to him wanting to marry me. Ha! Although I laugh, he still references that Valentine’s Day. That was also a year for the Olympics and I remember staying up late watching all of the events with you.
A few years later I was able to join you on my first cruise. What an experience. It was then that I realized what you had been raving about all of those years. Another moment with you that reminded me how much I wanted to travel.
As I’ve grown older I’ve seen our times together as even more precious. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to visit more as the years progressed. Most of our visits were very simple…no exciting trips or cruises, but they were just as important, if not more, than those because we got to spend time together.
You are such a strong and generous, yet loving, woman who passed her traits on to her daughter. I’m grateful to have had 2 powerful women to look up to over the years. Not everyone is so blessed to have such positive role models which in turn has helped me strive to be my best.
Every moment we’ve spent together is ingrained in my permanent memory and there are no words to describe how grateful I am for those experiences. Thank you for being the best grandma ever. I love you.
_____________
She was amazed at everything I remembered. What she doesn’t know is that it was just the tip of the iceberg of my memories. I’m grateful I took the opportunity to share with her how much she impacted my life because everyone deserves to not only know but hear that they are loved and appreciated.
It’s normal to be saddened and mourn the passing of a loved one. But instead of focusing on the sad I’m choosing to celebrate my grandma’s life. I have no doubt that’s what my grandma would want and that’s what I shall do.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Keep Calm And Keep Smiling
4April 8, 2013
in Simply Happy
I’m back from my short trip to Florida. I must say it wasn’t a emotionally draining as I expected it to be. That’s not to say it wasn’t trying. When dealing with the reality of knowing a loved one will be passing it’s never easy. However I am grateful beyond words to have had the opportunity to see my Grandma one last time. Sadly, her health and mind is worse than I expected. Even in the short time of my visit I saw a downturn in her health. More tired, the inability to recognize the time of day (like thinking it was time to get ready for bed at 4pm), not understanding why I wasn’t eating certain foods (when she knows I’m vegan), and calling me by my mother’s name/nickname instead of mine more often than not.
Surprisingly enough she’s still knitting up a storm and has made close to 15+ afghans within the past few months. I was blessed to receive yet another afghan to add to my collection of blankets she has made for me through the years. It’s made up of multi-colored squares, as she’s trying to use up all the odds and ends of yarn. With it’s bright contrasting colors, it fits me perfectly. All of my afghans from my grandma are prized possessions but this addition will be truly treasured.
As I entered the airport for my return flight I found some of the longest security lines to date. This caught me off guard considering the airport is known for it’s fast security lines. So fast that most times there’s little to no wait. Normally I make it to the airport with a minimum of 2 hours to spare. Knowing the history of the airport I became didn’t plan for the delay. Whoops. Initially I thought, “Crap. There’s a good chance I’m going to miss my flight.” But within seconds I realized, “Whatever will be, will be.” There’s nothing I could do about it. What would getting upset do? As the minutes ticked away and we very slowly moved through the line I could feel the anxiety rise around me. People becoming agitated and complaining. Even one woman calling TSA on the phone to complain. Instead of following the crowd I took my own action. By silently meditating as I stood, smiling at those around me.
I finally found myself speaking to those complaining. I didn’t speak in a “know it all” or argumentative way. Simply stating, with a smile on my face, “It is what it is.” This opened the lines of communication for further conversation, talking about everything under the sun. Before we knew it we had all made it through the security line and to our gate, just in time to board. Prior to boarding one of the gentlemen from the line said, “Thank you so much for calming my wife down. She was close to losing it and about ready to rip my head off.” A few moments later his wife came up to me and said, “You have such an amazing outlook on life.”
Little did they know that just a short time ago I was one of them…meaning freaking out, getting pissed at the situation, and raising hell. Heck, I still have my moments, but I am grateful that I’ve made a conscious effort to choose better emotions and actions. It’s not always easy, but it’s getting easier…and the results are pretty amazing.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Heads-Up, Seven-Up
11March 28, 2013
in Simply Happy
Anyone remember that game? It was my absolute fave game to play while in elementary school. Anyway….the whole reason for the title is that I’m giving you a heads up that I’m taking a slight vacation from blogging. No, I’m not giving it up and wouldn’t call it a hiatus per se, but some things are going on in my life and quite honestly those things come fist. Sorry ya’ll, I love you but that’s the way it goes.
First, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew are coming to visit!! Eeeeeee! We have been lucky enough to have met up with friends as they’ve passed through Phoenix since our move, but these are the first family members to visit. It will be awesome to see them since it’s been 8 months since we’ve seen any family members. Not to mention, our nephew is close to 2 years old and is starting to talk and do all the fun things toddlers do. Man, do they grow up fast. As crazy as it sounds, pne of the things we weighed before moving was missing out on of nieces and nephews growing up. Although we are more than happy with our move it’s still a tough fact to swallow. Thank goodness for internet and the their ability and willingness to visit.
Second, next week I’m heading to Florida for a few days. I’ve kept quiet about something personal because it’s something I’m holding close to my heart. You may remember that my grandfather passed last year. Although he was getting older and had health problems his passing pretty much blind-sided us. Since then my grandma has had her share of health difficulties. Most recently an abdominal mass was found and a biospy was taken. Within a few days we had answers…pancreatic cancer. She has chosen not to pursue treatment, which is understandable, which also means it’s a waiting game. Having been diagnosed a few months ago she’s doing pretty darn good. With that being said, we know that time is not on our side and we need to take advantage of all the time we have. I won’t be able to visit long but I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to make the trip.
So as you can see, now more than ever I need to practice Be Here Now, even if that means not writing for a week or so.
On a MUCH lighter note….what was your fave game to play in elementary school? Although I loved Heads-Up, Seven-Up, I could also play a mean Four-Square.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Making New Holiday Traditions
4December 25, 2012
It’s easy to miss family during the holidays (and we do!) but it is nice not to get all caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. One thing about moving away and leaving the decorations behind, it leaves plenty of room for us to try new experiences. We were able to sleep in this morning until I woke up and decided to make my vegan chocolate chip pancakes from scratch.
We had absolutely no plans to exchange gifts but D told me two days ago he bought me a present. A couple weeks ago we took a trip to the mall and found a shop that sold skateboards. Seeing them got me thinking about how much I’ve always wanted to learn how to skateboard….just one more thing on my Before I Die List. We talked about it a bit, I didn’t think much more of it, but he remembered. My gift from D? A skateboard.
No doubt about it, it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m excited! All I want to do is cruise, no tricks, but knowing my history, I’ll be investing in some safety gear.
After I rolled around the house sitting on my skateboard with the dogs on my lap we headed out to our mountain to do a little hiking. It was by no means busy, but I will say I was surprised how many people we out there today. As always, I have some of my best thoughts and experiences on the trails. I have really come to love them and am grateful that D was out there with me today.
We followed up our hike with homemade pizzas before I had to go to work for a couple hours.
As I type we’re finishing up the night by watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
I’m hoping that wherever you were or whoever you were with today, your day was everything you hoped for and more.
Who knows if anything we did today will become tradition. Either way, it was low key, simple, and just like any other day….perfect for us.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
End Of The World
5December 20, 2012
in Simply Happy
Today is supposed to be the end of the world, once again, eh? If you’re reading this then I guess you’ve made it….unless the end of the world comes at the end of the day. Ah. Who knows.
When people start seriously talking about preparing for the zombie apocalypse and surviving the end of the world (hellos, Doomsday Preppers) I can’t help but shake my head. To each his own, but would you REALLY want to live after the end of the world?
Growing up I had serious anxiety about saying goodbye to anyone. I cried up until the 6th grade when it was time to head to school because I didn’t want to leave my mom. When my grandparents left after their annual trip to visit us I was beside myself. My mom would say, “You’ll see them again.”
I’m still not fond of huge goodbyes but over the years I’ve learned to deal with this anxiety. Heck, with all of our moves I’ve had to learn how to deal with goodbyes. The thing that gets me through goodbyes isn’t the thought that I’ll see the person again. Although this may sound negative and even morbid I’ve come to realize that in all actuality there’s no guarantee I’ll see the person again. In my life most often than not this really is the case. What gets me through goodbyes is being present in the moment. I’m not talking about just being present in the moment during the goodbye but whenever you’re with that person. Once again, not to sound morbid, but I often think, “What if I don’t see this person again?” and that helps put me in the position to be “present”. I’m grateful for what I’ve been blessed with and the time with these people that I do have. When the time does come to say goodbye, whether on the phone or in person, whether I’m leaving on a trip or just heading to work, I take those extra few seconds in our embrace.
Even more, not only have I decided to make this choice with my interactions with living beings but also with moments that I experience. Whether simple or special I make it a point to stop, take a second, and say, “This is my life….”
I’m not trying to poke fun at the end of the world or anyone who has specific beliefs. What I am saying is, instead of focusing on when things are going to come to an end or preparing to survive, just live. Be happy. Be helpful. Be grateful. Be here now.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Where Are You Christmas?
1December 13, 2012
in Simply Happy
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a couple weeks away. I hear the Christmas music on the radio and see houses decorated with lights, yet every time I think, “Christmas is right around the corner…” I also find myself saying, “Really?!”
As I’ve grown older the idea of Christmas, what it stands for, and what it means to me has evolved. As a child who didn’t love getting gifts, waiting up for Santa, and hearing the story of Baby Jesus?
In high school I was blessed to participate in a group that traveled throughout the holiday season playing hand bells and singing carols to those living in nursing homes, others celebrating at Christmas parties, and even for tourists at Disney World. Some of my life’s most emotional and heartwarming moments were during those performances. As Buddy Elf would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear….” 
Indeed, I did.
The past few years I’ve struggled with the holidays. I’ve found it hard to find that true Christmas spirit I had growing up. From keeping old traditions, making our own, and doing my best to mesh my evolving religious beliefs with the reason for the season, it’s been a challenge. Add to that the materialism that comes along with the holidays…it’s enough to throw me in a tailspin.
It’s no surprise that this holiday season has felt even more different than in the past.
Initially I thought it was because we were living in sunny Arizona. Yes, temperatures averaging in the mid 70s on a daily basis with no snow in sight is throwing us for a loop.
Then I thought it’s because we have not decorated our home. No Christmas tree. No stockings. No mistletoe. This is the first year that we’ve never decorated. Why? We have no decorations. Remember, we sold half of our belongings before we left on our Arizona Adventure. Most of those items included non-essential things like holiday items. Anything that was left remained back in the attic of of house in our hometown. There is no way that I want to begin collecting items that we do not need once again. Not to mention, items such as those aren’t things we can really afford right now.
I thought maybe it was because we haven’t done any Christmas shopping. We haven’t entered the mall or purchased one single gift. It’s not that I don’t want to buy gifts for our loved ones. Once again, money isn’t on our side at this moment. With that being said, I’ve never got caught up in the whirlwind of Black Friday, gift giving, or the craziness of holiday parties. I will never understand spending items on material items due to obligation. No doubt, it’s always great to give and receive gifts, but seeing everyone get caught up in the materialism of it all makes me sick to my stomach. There will come a day when we can once again purchase gifts for our loved ones. When that day comes I look forward to giving gifts that I find for people that are perfect gifts for them. Perfect, meaning something that “speaks” to me and says, “this would be perfect for…”
How about the lack of annual Christmas “Dream Cookies”? But I went ahead and made some this weekend and indulged in my culinary skills…or lack thereof. The tradition of “the boot” lives on.
It’s got to be because we will not be heading home for the holidays and have no family nearby to share the day with…right? I will readily admit I miss our families. I miss being able to hop in the car and seeing my mom or dad at the drop of a hat, or seeing my nieces and nephews grow taller by the day. But I’d be lying if I said I’m not enjoying this time alone. Just D and I. It’s refreshing. No obligations to be here or there.
All of these things combined have definitely made for a different holiday season, but ultimately that’s not why it feels different.
It feels different because although the idea of Christmas will always hold a special place in my heart I no longer hold it up on a pedestal. It’s no longer about ONE day to focus on being grateful for what we have, be surrounded by those you love, and to be present in the moment. It’s an everyday thing.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Don’t Call Me Selfish
45September 30, 2012
in Simply Happy
Heads up! This might be considered a hot button topic for some. The point of this post isn’t to justify or defend our choice to not have children, or criticize those that do, but to provide food for thought.
D and I do have chosen NOT to have children. For those that know us personally this is not recent news.
When we married 10 years ago we figured we’d spend a few years as just “us” and would one day start a family, since it was the normal thing to do. It’s no surprise that we soon found ourselves once again going against the grain allowing the years to tick and not having children. We would randomly check in with each other saying, “Want to have kids yet?” Each time the answer was, “Nope.”
People began asking us, “When are you starting a family?” I couldn’t help but say, “We are a family.” As time went on we moved farther and farther away from the idea of adding children to our lives. After several years of deep thought we ultimately made the decision to seal the deal in 2009 with D having a vasectomy and me having a tubal ligation during my laparascopy to confirm my endometriosis. Surprisingly at the age of 26 (me) and 27 (D) we had no resistance from either of our doctors when it came to requesting the procedures. They actually applauded our decisions. In addition, our immediate families respected our decision.
To this day I still deal with random people saying, “You have plenty of time!” That is, until I clarify that that it is a done deal. I’m still amazed by the individuals that are caught off guard by our decision. Is it really all that taboo to not have children?
An idea that hurts my heart is the thought that people who choose not to have children are selfish. Those of us who have made that choice often do ourselves a disservice when we readily say, “We’re too selfish to have children.” True, many of the reasons for our choice may come across as selfish. However, how are we any more selfish than the family that brings a life into this world, one that has absolutely no choice in the decision, when they cannot thoroughly provide for them…whether emotionally or financially?
Many will say that they can’t fathom their lives without their children. I have no doubt that this is true. But something to consider is that there are people that have just as strong of feelings at the other end of the spectrum and can’t fathom their lives with children.
Not to mention, someone has to take the role of “cool aunt”
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Who Is “D” And What Does He Have To Do With Me Running
4
For those that follow me on Twitter, you may see that I reference “D” a lot. You may wonder who or what “D” is. Well, “D” is short for David, my husband =) Although I don’t call him “D” in real life I find it easier to reference him this way in technology. With only 140 characters allowed per update I have to cut where I can. You get the idea.
I’ve written a ton about myself on here and thought it’d be good to introduce you to David and what he has to do with my relationship with running. David and I met when I was a freshman in high school…he was a sophomore. We were both bandos…I played trumpet, he played percussion.
October 1997
We dated for about 6 months until I broke it off due to maturity issues on both of our behalves. Following our breakup, like most high school romances, we didn’t give each other the time of day. After a year apart I received a letter from him stating he still had feelings for me. I knew I still had feelings for him too but brushed it aside. At that point we became friends again, hanging out, just having a good time. My junior year he made his move, kissed me, and I guess you could say it sealed the deal. Within a month of being back together I knew he was the “one”.
April 2000
David soon went off to boot camp to become a Marine while I finished out high school. The following year he was stationed in New Orleans, La and I started college at a local university. To make an excessively long story short, he was to be medically discharged from the USMC, we became engaged, we expected a long engagement, he WASN’T medically discharged, so we decided to get married shortly before my 19th birthday. Yes, I was 18 when I got married and moved down to NOLA. To this day it is the only thing in my life I’ve ever been absolutely certain of.
July 2002
David’s time in the military proved to be trying on many levels. One problem: He had never addressed his weight until enlisting and from then on it was a battle. He was running 3-4 times a day….a person who had never run in his life prior to his time in the Marines. Me, being a non-runner could only encourage and support him in any way possible. After doing this for 4 years it’s no surprise that his body was physically and mentally worn down.
November 2002
After his four year enlistment David’s body was broken. What was our answer to excessive running and dieting? Eating whatever we wanted with no physical activity. Our weights ballooned higher than either of us had ever been.
January 2005
It wasn’t until 2 years later that he actually picked up running again. This time I decided to join in the party. I started run/walking with a friend and then finally was able to maintain a run. (My running story is much more involved, but I don’t want to stray from David’s story). Our weight started to melt off…wahoo! We looked forward to our daily morning run dates. He is a faster runner than me so we’d start off together, he’d stay with me for a mile or so, and then we’d finish at our own separate paces. My runners high soon had me signing us up for 5Ks and even a half marathon. David followed along with no complaining.
August 2007
Unfortunately, he soon found his body deteriorating once again. His body was never 100% following his time with the Marines, but it was usable. This time the deterioration wasn’t necessarily due to the running, but it wasn’t helping either. His body was in constant discomfort, the same problem which he dealt with while in the Marines…The same reason he was supposed to be medically discharged. Long story short (again) he was originally misdiagnosed while enlisted and we now have a correct diagnosis….fibromyalgia.
David’s fibromyalgia over the past 2 years has become significantly worse. He has been on multiple medications only to find that they may initially help but lose effectiveness soon after. Every so often he will try running, make it a few days, but find that his body screams at him, making him stop. Even without running he has still been able to maintain a healthy weight. David has a love/hate relationship with running, like so many do. I don’t know if he necessarily misses running, but I think he misses the effect it has on his health (weight). I know that I miss our daily running dates.
Last 5K Together - July 2009
It’s crazy for me to think that as I get deeper and deeper into running/triathlons, his chance of getting back into running gets farther away. I’m grateful that he understands my need and passion to run, bike, and swim. He acknowledges it and encourages it. He’s one of my biggest cheerleaders and I’m grateful for him in more ways than I can count. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today, as an athlete or as a person.
Be Grateful and Keep Smiling =)
Taking Inventory
1June 2, 2011
in Running, Simply Happy
This past weekend marked the graduation of the Class of 2011. It’s then that I realized I graduated high school 10 years ago. Wow. Never did I think I’d be where I am at this point in my life. I do not say that in a negative way. To be quite honest, I had no idea where I’d be 10 years post high school.
Looking back through the years I think most would find it easier to see the have nots versus the haves, meaning what haven’t you achieved versus what you have achieved. In no way is this a “look at me” blog post. This is just my list of things that I have accomplished and need to be grateful for. I think everyone needs to do this every once in awhile. It’s kind of like your own personal inventory.
So over the past 10 years I’ve….
Married my high school sweetheart. Been married for almost 9 years. Have proved the statistics wrong as we’re still happily married.
Lived in Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
Bought several of our own cars (over the years), in our own names.
Went to college. Graduated. Passed state boards and am licensed. 
Chosen a career path. Thought it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After 8 years decided it wasn’t solely what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Moved on and am happy with my choice.
Gone back to school to learn more and earned another license.
Trained to run. Ran many 5ks and a half marathon. Triathlon scheduled for this summer.
Bought a house and done MANY home improvements.
Have added to our clan with furry, feathered, and scaly kids.
Have become vegetarian and then vegan to better myself.
Traveled to Disney, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, NYC, Minnesota, and the Caribbean.
Been able to maintain a sane lifestyle through many financial ups and downs. We have no significant debt other than the typical house and cars.
Gotten to know my extended family better.
This is just a quick inventory. I’m sure if I sat down to think about it I could come up with much more…but why do I need to? Isn’t this enough to be grateful for?
