Random thoughts and adventures...

Javelina Jundred - My first 100K

2009-11-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Wow.

That is about where my thought process is regarding this event. I don't know if it is just hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that I ran my first 100K (62 miles) or that I have experienced an amazing year so far.

Dick Collins Firetrails - My first 50 miler

2009-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

So, all week I had this excited nervous energy pulsing through my bloodstream until….Friday afternoon when my calf decided to act up. Yeah, I have had some issues with it off and on the past several months but usually after running some big hills. Not, the day before my biggest race to date. Ugh! Well, knowing this calf issue isn’t one I can run through the stress started to kick in. What am I going to do if it is like this during the race? That is a long way to go and money to spend for possibly having to stop because of my lil ol’calf. All these thoughts and more floated around in my head like the chaotic bubbles in whitewater. What’s a girl to do? Bring on the arnica oil for massive amounts of massaging, the stick for rolling, compression socks to sleep in. Yep, whatever I could do I did because darn it, I was not going to miss my opportunity for this first. No way.

Woke up race morning feeling good and did an assessment of how my body (calf) was doing: a little tight but manageable. Because I wanted this race so bad I decided my goal for the day was to live in a bit of denial...if I didn’t think about my calf, maybe my calf issue would go away. Mind over matter right?

Being part of the speedy turtle club, I was set up to go with the early start. With my headlamp on and a quick good luck and good bye to Beiyi I was off. The sky was dark, the forest quiet, and it was so peaceful. I realized again at that moment why I love running especially trail running. I feel at home out there. My mind can wander, my body can reach for dreams, and my soul can breathe. In my non-running life I am busy raising a family, being a good wife/mother/daughter, volunteering, taking care of our home, etc. But running on the trails is for me. It is time I can live in the moment, not be in a hurry, look around and breathe deeply. I think this is why I am not currently obsessed with my time or solely focused on getting faster. With more running and getting stronger my speed will come but right now, in this time of firsts, I want to savor the sound of my footsteps on the fallen leaves, the scent of pine that gently kisses the air I breathe, the streams of sunshine that sneak past the branches of the redwood trees. With welcome abandon, I felt and lived that appreciation and serenity the whole day.

Highlights of my run:
Having perm-a-grin all day long and seeing other runners responding to it. I think some aren’t used to seeing someone so happy at the back of the pack. Struggling a bit with my calf on the uphills at the beginning but then after about mile 16/18 it seemed to subside. Yay! Rocking out to Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker (think Eddie Murphy singing Roxanne in that one movie) as I was running down the 3.5 mile descent before the 26 mile turn around. Was glad I could bring some entertainment to some of those runners trudging up the hill in the opposite direction. Apparently they found my singing and air drumming while running quite entertaining. =) Staying ahead of grumpy girl the whole race. Maybe not a very politically correct motivator but a motivator nonetheless; positive energy was going to win out over negative energy on this day. Watching the sunset as I was running around Lake Chabot and heading for the finish line. Coming within sight of the finish line and running onto the grass knowing I made it. Feeling good the whole day except for my calf at the beginning and being a little tired at the end. Feeling a deep sense of appreciation and thankfulness of this gift of a day embrace me as the reality of a goal accomplished and the finish of my first 50 miles sank in. Wow.

Not only did I survive my first 50 miler but I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Based on my history with triathlon, somehow I don’t think I should be so surprised. I found out a long time ago that my favorite events tend to be the long stuff....I feel at home out there.

Living a dream....with 37,000 other crazy runners

2009-03-16T09:06:00.001-07:00

Wow....3 weeks until my 40th birthday and one day less for an amazing birthday present. Myself along with 37,000 other runners will be lining up at the startline of the 2009 Paris Marathon and running the streets of Paris.

Now, I have run some big marathons - LA, RockNRoll SD, Honolulu.....but, the most runners at these events averaged somewhere around 20,000. It was crowded, busy, never a dull moment to be had, and it was fun. But, I have never run with 37,000 other people. That is almost double what these other marathons have been...crazy. And, how's this for added perspective - there are more people signed up to run the Paris marathon than live in my city of Dana Point, which has a approximate population of 36,000. So it would be like my whole city; kids, babies, grandparents and all, plus another 1000, running the streets of Paris. I wonder how long it will take me to go from my starting corral to cross the startline after the gun goes off....I'm thinking at least 15 minutes.

I am so excited and looking forward to this birthday present. I can't wait to run down the Champs Elysee, along the Seine, past Notre Dame and the Louvre, and within view of the Tour de Eiffel. I just hope I don't trip and fall over anyone because as you can see by the pictures above, it can get a bit crowded. =)

Here's to happy runnning and the delicious crepes and tasty red wine that will follow....
Cheers!

2009-03-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

A little reminder to myself....

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." - Author unknown

I enjoy wonderful quotes and feel this one represents a large part of my perspective on life. I wish I could remember it as a response to the amazement and bewilderment people show me when they hear about the varied things I do in my life and the various adventures I have experienced. I am not special or amazing. I am just a person that wants to make the most of my days, live my life to the fullest, experience all this amazing world has to offer with my family, and continue to use my experiences as stepping stones for my personal growth in becoming the best wife, mom, daughter, friend, and human being I can be.

Cheers...

Tattoos and healing

2009-03-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

I love tattoos and appreciate their artform and the canvas on which they are placed. I find it fascinating that people, including myself, sometimes wear chapters of their life in artwork on their bodies. Regardless of the pictures, I enjoy seeing how ink and a great tattoo artist can create such amazing work and to hear the stories behind the art. I also find it can be a bit healing when representing something so special.

I am so excited but also a bit emotional...My most recent tattoo is very personal to me and I have wanted it for awhile. It is a memorial piece, honoring a very difficult time in my life and after several years of waiting, it is finally being done. This is in memory of the baby I miscarried, my Grandma who died the day after I miscarried, and my trip to Malawi and Zambia that helped a part of me heal.

The first stage started a few weeks ago and was the scroll work on the outside of my arm. I went to Greg Pugh at White Lotus Tattoo in Laguna Hills and he is amazing. It was so fun to have Greg freehand it on my arm before and while he was tattooing. I usually have a vision of what I want and I love when the tattoo artist flows with it and freely creates what they see as well. I couldn't be more happy with it. For me this scroll work represents the journey I have been on; the changing directions or lack thereof at times, the flow and the twists and turns, the evolving and everchanging emotions, the beauty and the pain.

The second piece was finished Tuesday night and it was the rainbow plumerias and the dancing woman. Plumerias are my favorite flowers and remind me of trips I took with my Grandma to Hawaii as well as how when leaving, we throw our leis into the ocean in hopes of our return. Just as I look forward to seeing my Grandma and Grandpa again someday. The dancing woman comes from some beautiful artwork I purchased in Zambia. She represents the amazing and beautiful women I met in Malawi and Zambia who displayed so much grace, dignity, and strength, and who inspired me during my struggle then, and continue to inspire me today.

My tattoo is not finished, there are a few more things to be added and I can't wait. But, as much as I am in a hurry to have it done, I also find myself taking my time, savoring it, and allowing it to flow and reveal itself to me as I go along. It is almost as if each step and each piece is more personal, specific, emotional, and.....well, healing for me, and I am finding I am now ready for that.

With love and ink.....

My intro into trail racing...

2009-02-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

All this fun started in January with the first of four trail races put on by Big Baz and his Winter Trail Run Series. That first race was a 12K loop starting and finishing in Blue Jay Campground up Ortega Hwy. I hate to say it but it was love at first step. The scenery was spectacular, the challenge worth it, the people friendly and funny, and running on that single track, under tree limbs and over rocks, I knew.....this sport fit me to a T. So back I went every two weeks for the next race in the series. I ran in the rain, I ran through mud, and today like that first race, was perfect.

Today was my first 21K trail race and it was tough. It took me 2:47 min to go 12 miles but I wouldn't of traded it for a road race for anything. It started off with a tough 3 mile climb with scenic views of the Lake Elsinore valley followed by a great 2 miles or so down hill (along the side of a cliff mind you) with patches of snow and amazing views of parts of the OC. Yep, that's right, snow. After crossing a beautiful creek there was a quick change of direction and the toughest climb up Horsethief showed itself. Felt like forever as I slogged my way up but I think it was about 2 miles. Upon reaching the top I found a couple of new friends crewing a great aid station (see picture above). There is nothing like a well stocked aid station and super duper crew at the top of a gnarly climb to make the climb worth it! I took a moment to catch my breath, take in the scenery, grab a snack, and off I went....to the rollies (with more patches of snow) followed by another great downhill and into the finish. Even got to see Leonard and Jenna working at the finishline and cheering me in.

Now, just so you know, I took my new, handy BEAN camera along so I could take some pics...unfortunately it didn't work so I carried it around for nothing. Bummer as I would of loved some pictures with the snow to show the kiddos.

I am kind of bummed this race series is over but I look forward to my many other upcoming events.

Happy feet.....

Ironman AZ ....My 5th IM...Crazy!

2009-02-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

Race Day - November 23, 2008.

It was an interesting experience and race for me for several reasons. My emotional pendulum seemed to swing from stressed to humbled and back again in the days leading up to standing at this startline. I was stressed because I knew my swim and bike training was lacking. I was also experiencing the joy of lethargy, bloating, and cramps of my period (sorry fellas), and for the past two days I had acquired a swollen and painful lump on my head behind my ear which was giving me headaches. I woke up on race day feeling awful and thinking...of all races to DNF this was probably going to be it for me. Thankfully, I had been feeling extremely humbled as much as I was feeling stressed and decided to focus on that emotion to take my mind off the stress. Why humbled? This was my 5th Ironman. I had always dreamed of experiencing and doing an Ironman and here I was going for my 5th finishline. Over time I have learned that endurance events like Ironman feed my soul...that my spirit needs and wants to be challenged, to push myself, to discover who I truly am and what I am made of, to grow, to dream, to overcome, and to experience. So, here I was, standing at the startline for the 5th time, with my husband and children supporting me, again...with my dad encouraging me and cheering for me, again. How did I get so lucky...so blessed....to get to live a dream of mine all over again. Wow.

So, what started off as a not-feeling-very-good-don't-think-I-am-going-to-do-well kind of day turned into a couldn't-have-been-better-the-weather-was-perfect-and-I-set-a-PR kind of day with lots of special moments in between. As always, I enjoyed and drew strength from my dad's walk with me to transition. Got a nice surprise by seeing my friends Jenn, Vivian, and Dave prior to the race which helped lift my spirits. Got the wetsuit on, hugged and kissed the family then off to the chilly water I went. Water temp was about 63-4 which wasn't too bad but the visibility in the water was nil. I think I laughed the first 1000 yards because I couldn't see anything while my head was in the water...kept hitting the people around me as I was getting hit by them. Good times! The water was calm so that was great and I came out of the water in 1:21 which was amazing considering my training or lack thereof. Got changed and headed out on the bike. Was a great course and the winds were friendly so it was perfect. Enjoyed seeing Jenn out there as my own personal cheerleader on occasion and got to poke fun at Dave eating that giant sandwich as I rode by (it looked way better than the GU and bars I was snacking on!). The course is three loops so I got to see my family alot and that was fantastic! Came in off the bike, changed shoes and headed off on the run. It was a great day, the weather was perfect, and the course was really well supported. I had a bit of stomach issues for the first couple of miles but thankfully they worked themselves out by mile 7. Enjoyed running past Dad, Leonard and the kiddos, getting the updates and messages from friends and family. Kept checking with Jenn to see how our friend Gina was doing and around mile 17 she caught up to me. It was so great to see her out there and doing so well (she had a tough time in April). I also couldn't believe that I was going to set a PR...I took alot of time off of my bike time and so I was doing great. Ended up walking and jogging on occasion the last 8-9 miles with Gina while we enjoyed wonderful conversations, dreams of chocolate mint chip milkshakes (one of the few things that sounds good 13-14 hours into physical exertion), and laughter along the way. That was definitely a race day special moment for me.

Well, made it to mile 24...only 2 miles to go. I couldn't believe it. I was going to be a 5th time Ironman Triathlete...amazing. Got to mile 25 and thanked God for taking care of me this day, for easing my headaches, bloating and cramps, for allowing me the chance to fully enjoy a sport that I love, for giving me a family that understands me and loves me for who and what I am, and for bringing me to that finishline. Somehow, there is not much that can compare to 15 hours of physically exerting myself and then rounding that last curve, entering the loud music blasting, crowd cheering, blinding bright area known as the finishline and hearing good old Mike Reilly announcing, "Jody Van Zanten..You..Are..An..Ironman!!". To top it off, as if the day wasn't good enough already, I came across that finishline to be greeted by my amazing family along with my cousin Kris (whom prior to the night before, I hadn't seen in about 17 years) and his wife Kara. After many hugs, laughs, and cheers, I grabbed some of the best frenchfries I have ever had from the athlete post race food area and called it a day. It was time for a strawberry milkshake from InNOut, a shower, some tylenol, and a bed....oh yeah, and to try on my finishers shirt to see how it fits!

Another amazing adventure accomplished and experienced....life is good.

Living Dreams

2009-02-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

A lot of times I am stared at in amazement and innocent curiosity and told I am nuts when others hear about some of the things I do. It's ok, I understand...constantly physically challenging oneself, pushing oneself to the limit, and always being open to adventures does not come naturally for a lot of people. Neither does having dreams and pursuing them I have found. I know I am not the only one out there making dreams come true but sometimes it feels like it by the looks and comments I get. There is a quote out there (I have no idea who wrote the original) I came across a long time ago that I enjoy and adapted to me personally.

"Life isn't a journey with the intention of arriving in a pretty, well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with dirty sneakers on my feet, my full passport in one hand, a cold beer in the other, exclaiming, "Wow, that was a heck of a ride!"

I spent the first half of my life insecure, doubting myself and what I could possibly offer the world, worried about what other people thought, afraid to take chances, etc. But, I have spent the second half going for it. I have realized through hard times, heartbreak, and self reflection that life is for living. Truly living. And, I find for me to truly live I want to have dreams and goals to work towards. What do I want to do in life? What kind of person do I want to be? Yes, I am a wife and mom and I love it but I am also a role model for my children and can be a motivator and inspiration for others. What do I want to experience? Whatever I can as those experiences help shape and mold me into who I constantly become. We all have something amazing and worthwhile to contribute to humanity and this gift of a planet. Do I want to live in a bubble of monotony? No, sadly, I am not one of those people. I enjoy and welcome change. It is refreshing like a breath of fresh air for me. Change helps me grow, it encourages me to learn, to branch out of my comfort zone, and gain wisdom.

I realize that this going for it attitude suits me and feeds my soul. I have discovered a huge part of me, Jody the person, needs and wants to push the limits, wants to experience the world, wants to be tested. And, funny enough, the more I push and experience the more I realize is out there to try.

Did I ever fit a mold....have I ever been "normal"? Yes, I believe I tried during the first half of my life. But, I have learned during this second half that I am ok with being me and kind of chuckle inside when I receive those looks, questions, and comments from others. It's OK. Yes.... I love tattoos; it's form of art and self expression. I love Ironman and pushing my body in three sports within a 17 hour window. I enjoy playing women's football...being both feminine and butt kicking at the same time. =) I love to travel the world; seeing new lands, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. I love volunteering and helping those much less fortunate than I am. I love being a mom and encouraging my children to appreciate the world and all it's amazing people and places. I love encouraging them to have dreams and going after them no matter how big or small.

Do I have a dream & goal list for this year...You betcha. Is it full of adventures other people consider nuts? Of course. Am I looking forward to this part of my journey? Definitely, and I can't wait to share it with Leonard and the kiddos!

Dare to dream.....it takes you to some amazing places and in contact with some wonderful people.
Cheers!

Rain, Headwinds, and 26.2 Miles of.....fun?!

2008-11-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

10/4/08
I have only wanted to quit one other race I have ever done and that was the LA Marathon the year I had the flu and it was downpouring with thunder and lightening the whole race.....until today. Don't get me wrong, the ST. George Marathon course is great; full of rolling hills, beautiful rock mountains, and the support is fantastic. But...when the rain started and the winds howled before I even got off the shuttle at the starting line I knew I was in trouble. Huddled five people deep around one of the many prerace bonfires deceived me into believing the wind was letting up and the rain dying down. Until, I took my place in the starting shoot and received a reality check. Flashbacks of the LA race and standing at that start in the rain, remembering how hard that marathon was because of the weather creapt into my mind. Well, standing in the dark waiting for this, the St. George marathon to start, I could not see how good or bad the sky looked. It wasn't until mile 3 as the sky lightened that I realized it was going to be a day of grey skies and rain...ugh. Sadly, I was already soaked to the bone...talk about retaining water!
Yep, the wind and rain kept up until about mile 16 when the rain decided to take a break. This course is billed as a scenic marathon but I didn't see much but the rainwater dripping from the bill of my hat. I was happy when the rain stopped but my clothes remained soaked thoughout and still are as they hang in my motel room.

Quitting....yep, seriouly considered it, especially between miles 11 and 15 as I watched other freezing cold and soaking wet runners climb aboard the warm, dry, and weather protected race support vans. But, I know myself too well. Had I of quit, I would have been disappointed in myself: for this trip - the time, energy, and money involved; for giving up because the elements were not favorable; for taking the easy road. So, I persevered and did it...it wasn't pretty but I crossed the finishline in approximately 5 hours 40 minutes (about 30 minutes longer than I would have liked thanks to the weather); soaking wet, chilled to the bone, and happy I didn't quit. The depth of joy I felt when given the finishers medal was incredible...knowing I overcame the internal battle to give up, feeling that I earned that medal and grateful for the opportunity and adventure that went with it. There is part of a quote that states "No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it", very true and applicable to today and the race.

If I am standing at the starting line and it is raining, next time I am turning around and going for breakfast....wait, didn't I say that after LA?!

Happy running.....

WipeOut Adventures

2008-11-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

HOLY COW!! I don't even know where to start. Put it this way, my whole body is stiff, bruised, and my fingers are having a hard time typing correctly. Too bad you can't hear all my giggling as I flashback to all the fun of my day.... =)

Yesterday was my Wipeout taping day and it was CRAZY to say the least. Oh my goodness.... The whole experience is hard to put into words, kind of like childbirth...you gotta live it to understand it. Anyway, I got up at 3:30am to get out there by 6am and made it with time to spare. Got checked in and noted it was freezing out and I realized...hmmmm, they probably don't heat the water and I would later find out that I was right. They drew names and out of the 24 contestants I got drawn as number 5. That was great...I wasn't first or last and I would get it done and over with early. They told us that they wouldn't tell us our times or the 12 that move on to the second round until all 24 people were done. Needless to say, there was a lot of sitting around in a wood panel trailer checking out my competition. I figured I had half of them beat and that was all I needed to advance.

My turn is up. Got my life jacket on. The sun is shining bringing the temp up. And I am ready. So, I stand under the Wipeout sign at the top of the ramp, strike my pose, hoot and holler, and get focused. HOLY COW!!!! This is it. My turn at the wild and wacky big kid playground. Bring it on!! Hmmm, what's that shiny stuff on the bottom of the ramp? hmmm...must be water from the contestant before me. There goes the horn and off I go....four steps down the steep ramp I hit that shiny stuff...nope, don't think that was water because I went down hard and fast, into the water and under the first pad. Climbed up and headed to the piano keys over the mud pit. Fired up and ready I hit those things at a run and went down on the third or fourth key...PLOP..into the mud. Got my shoes unstuck and swam to the ladder. Climbed out went for it on the second set of keys and....PLOP, into the mud again...Darn it! But, now it was onto the Big Red Balls....that's what I was here for. Well, they showed me who was boss. My goal...make it to the 3rd ball, even if it was just a touch. Well, I got rejected by the second ball and became another human pinball. Splash. Of course because I was 5th the balls weren't too muddy yet so I couldn't even slide across them. After climbing out of that, I was off to the spinning log....yeah, that was "fun". I knew I was a goner because agility isn't my thing, endurance is. Well, I made it to the second rope and was thrown backwards and took a nice upside-down backwards facing headplant into the water. (I was later told by a Wipeout worker, they have no idea how I even managed to fall like that). So, possible brownie points for me for a most creative dismount off the spinning log. =) Next up crossing the catwalk and the spinning fenders (several rollers to be run across). After walking up and taking a peek I took a few steps back and went for it. Made it to the second or third one then went down hard and got squeezed between the two rollers like dough going through a pasta press. Splash. Swam out and made it to the red circle to stop the clock. Got interviewed by Jill only she called me Kristen..what's up with that?! Corrected her then headed back for a shower. Geez that was FUN!!!

It was awesome, hard, intense, and one of the craziest things I have done but it was so worth it!!!

Well, after more sitting and waiting, everyone was done and the announcement was made...I passed (barely) and was one of the 12 to go on to round two. Yay!!!!!

Got the life jacket back on, the microphoned helmet on and headed out to the sweeper. Only, we weren't doing the regular sweeper game but a crazy one they called King of the mountain. It basically consisted of standing on the pillars (like in the sweeper game) but having to jump onto a small moving platform circling clockwise and trying to make it to the center while two sweeper arms are circling counterclockwise. If we got knocked off we had to swim back to an empty pillar, climb up and keep trying until all 6 spots were taken. I don't like heights so it was a bit unnerving at first to stand 12 feet above the water on an unstable 2' x 2' pillar. But hey, this is Wipeout, I didn't come here to wimp out so I went for it. That horn went off, the platform came by and I jumped. Made it about 2 seconds and got hammered by the sweeper arm. Air born. Splash. I am changing my name to "girl that almost made it so many times". I wanted it so bad and totally put up a fight. I made more attempts and got close to the center SO many times but then would get flung, knocked, hammered, beat, smashed, and clobbered...ugh. But, despite my great efforts, I was a loser. Although, I am proud to say several people, both Wipeout workers and fellow contestants alike, were impressed with my fight and drive and amazed I was so close so many times yet didn't make it. I bet those audio guys are gonna have fun with what they were hearing from me...hope they have enough bleeps. =)

Even though I am not moving onto the 3rd round I am proud of myself. It was hard, much more so than it appears on TV. But, I made it to the second round, I brought 100% to it, I had a great time (even though I am stiff and sore as heck), and I got to live a dream and jump on the big red balls!!!!

Time for advil....

The crazy adventures that await....

2008-09-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness.....Life can be kinda crazy!!!! =)

Four weeks ago I was watching TV and came across the game show WipeOut. After many belly laughs I thought, I would love to have a chance at that obstacle course! So, I ran downstairs to my computer and sent in my application. Not really thinking I would hear back, the following week I received a call...they wanted to schedule an audition. WoooHoooo!!! Off to Burbank I went to my silly and embarrassing audition. I did ok, can't really say I want to watch my audition tape but I passed and was handed the paperwork to complete.

Well, after my audition for Wipeout two weeks ago, I really hadn't planned on hearing from them for awhile if at all. But, yesterday I got a call congratulating me on being a finalist for Wipeout. So, guess what that means? I have to go in next week for the drug test, physical (guess they want to make sure I am healthy enough to bounce around on the red balls and bellyflop in the mud!), and background check. Apparently if I pass all that then I get scheduled for the taping. Can you say C R A Z Y? Holy Cow!!!

Oh, and like that isn't enough. I received a call last Thursday from LA Ink. Yeah, I totally forgot I had applied a year ago to have a tattoo done by High Voltage Tattoo Studio (home of LA Ink). Well, they called me last week wanting to schedule an interview for me. Yeah, I know, what are the odds?! So, I went to the interview on Monday and they called me back yesterday saying I passed the audition/interview and all I have to do is send in my deposit, then they will call me and schedule my tattoo appt. based on their taping schedule. C R A Z Y!!!!!

Even though my emotions are fluctuating between massive excitement and "Holy Cow what was I thinking?!", I am cracking up at all these "opportunities" that are presenting themselves. Kinda fun to see what happens, how far I go, and what the results are gonna be for both of these shows. I told Leonard maybe I can do Wipeout first, win the $50,000 and cover the cost of the tattoo. =)

Cheers for now....

A New Zealand Fave Run

2008-03-31T20:46:00.001-07:00

One of the highlights for me on our trip to New Zealand was the drizzily morning Kiana and I went for a run along the 5.5 km trail around Blue Lake. I love to run even though I am slow...it is a chance for me to unwind, meditate, simplify life, and experience some peace, quiet, solitude, and nature. The fact that I was able to do this in a beautiful new spot and share it with my daughter is very special to me.

The trail was a dried leaf and pine needle covered dirt trail that meandered its way through the fern and pine tree forest that hugs the shoreline of Rotorua's Blue Lake. It was a grey, gloomy morning and partway through our jog mist started to sneak past the branches of the trees and gently attach itself to us, keeping us cool, refreshed, and in awe. The fern trees were so tall they competed with the pine trees for sunlight and resembled umbrellas, creating a canopy over our heads offering us glimpses of the light that would peek through on occasion.

We took the camera so we were able to capture a few pictures but didn't try too hard because of our focus on enjoying the moment and the beauty which surrounded us.

I am so proud of Kiana and sharing these precious moments with her allows me to see the wonderful person she is and pieces of the amazing person she is becoming. She will probably never know how much joy, appreciation, pride, and love these shared times fill my heart with but I hope someday should she choose to have children, she will experience with pleasure these brief moments of mother and child perfection.

Needless to say, I look forward to more amazing runs like these with Kiana to create memories and to share our love of running, nature, and being together.

Trip of a lifetime!

2008-03-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Wow...I just returned home from a wonderful family vacation. I am currently too tired to write alot so I will start with this.....during the trip Kiana and Elijah had to write in a journal about their experiences as homework. Elijah seemed to struggle a bit with writing about all the great things he was seeing and doing so I came up with the lists of favorites and had Kiana do this as well. Journal entries included their top 10 animals they saw on the trip; top 10 experiences they had in New Zealand, top 5 in Moorea, top 5 in Tahiti; top 5 things they did that was new and different; top 10 favorite things on each island, etc. My blog tonight is simple...my top 10 favorite things about my trip and each country...

North Island, New Zealand:

1. Finding and eating the best donuts ever - freshly made cinnamon/brown sugar donuts at Mooloo Cafe, near Miranda.

2. Luge-ing with the kids in Rotorua.

3. Running with Kiana along the beautiful 5.5 km trail through a fern forest around Blue Lake.

4. Visiting Thermal Parks with the kiddos and seeing the geysers, mudpools, steam vents.

5. Tidepooling with the family during low tide at Raglan.

6. Watching Leonard, Kiana, and Jenna surf at Raglan.

7. Looking for sea glass/lake glass with Elijah at Lake Taupo.

8. Seeing these great rainbows from our cottage at Solscape in Raglan two days in a row.

9. Eating ice cream wherever we went.

10. Approaching the Ironman NZ finishline and seeing Leonard standing there with all three kids excited (even though it was after 11pm) and wanting to cross the finishline with me. Then doing just that...crossing the finishline holding my kids hands while we laughed and giggled about the moment and all the people cheering.

Moorea and Tahiti top 10

1. Spending this great time together in a beautiful and family friendly location.

2. Snorkeling with Kiana and Elijah and seeing all the neat fish and sea critters together.

3. Playing with Jenna in her fish ring in that amazing turquoise water.

4. Eating the best fish dinner every night on Moorea and seeing Kiana eat fish and rice everyday while Elijah ate cheese pizza.

5. Getting my traditional Tahitian tattoo done traditionally and learning that that way is much more fun and interesting than with a machine.

6. Spending time with Dad and Jerry on Moorea, and seeing the kiddos get to snorkel with their Papa.

7. Playing cards with the kiddos while eating dinner and watching the geckos at Teahupoo.

8. Enjoying a pina colada with Leonard while watching the sunset over Moorea while the kiddos were playing on the beach.

9. Watching Jenna, Kiana, & Elijah enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the lagoon all day long.

10. Watching these incredible sunsets over the ocean from our bungalow in Teahupoo.

It was an incredible trip and I feel so blessed and thankful for this wonderful and amazing adventure with my family. Traveling like this just reinforces to me that I truly don't need to be rich for material possessions but for my love of traveling with my family and showing them the world, giving them these experiences and adventures, and hoping it will help them appreciate the world, what it has to offer, and all the amazing and wonderful cultures, people, and places that exist.

For now.....

Peace, love, and dreams...

The tortoise and the hare

2008-02-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Swimming for any length of time in the pool creates an opportunity for my mind to wander, to think, to float, to dream, and to pretend. How can it not when all I get to look at is the black tile stripe on the bottom. And since this training season my swim time has pretty consistently been between that 5-6:30am timeframe, the sky is still dark, the stars are still shining, and I pretty much have that semi lit water environment to myself. That's probably why I like my blue tinted goggles... (even though they leave goggle marks under my eyes all day)....it's like being a little (ok, not so little) fish swimming in my very own tranquil blue ocean.

Yes, as you can see, my mind tends to wander and create to keep me occupied and entertained because really....how exciting can swimming 4000 yards be, all alone, in the dark except for the two lights in the pool. Well, today, with my Ironman event 2-1/2 weeks away I was reflecting back on my training (or lack thereof), how I currently feel, what I need to do in this next week before I leave, and how I think my event day will unfold. I kept coming back to one main thought: The Tortoise and the Hare. You know the fable about the hare who ran fast but pooped himself out before the end of the race and the tortoise who practiced the slow but steady theory. Well, personally I believe there is nothing wrong with the tortoise's example of slow and steady wins the race. Slow...yeah, I got that part down, seems to come naturally. Steady, that I decided is going to be my focus and goal for my race. To find my steady and consistent pace throughout the swim, ,bike, and run and hopefully by being consistent I can avoid as much as possible the highs and lows of racing like the hare: push hard, get tired, slow down, push hard, get tired, slow down.

Since my training has not been where it usually is at this point due to life and things, I am nervous. I know how hard Ironman is. I know how long the day can be (especially if you are a back of the pack person like I am). I know the mental and physical strength it takes to make it to that finish line. Am I ready? This is always the question I find myself asking about this time: 2-3 weeks before the event. My answer this time I found quite interesting. Reflecting back on my previous Ironmans... California, I was good, excited to be living the dream and I think it showed with the perma-smile I had the whole race. Canada, I was physically ready but mentally tired, and that was evident throughout the race with the various struggles that cropped up. Ironman Revisted, I was mentally and physically ok but came down with a virus a few days before so I was not quite myself on race day (or the three days after for that matter). So, my experience has run the gamut with this race no different. Today, am I ready? Physically, my training could have been a lot better, but mentally...I am sooooooo ready. I don't know the course, I don't know the weather conditions, I don't know how the travel will effect me. But, I do know I have done my best, I have put training time in, I want that experience, and I want that finish line.

Which brings me back to the tortoise. Slow and steady will get me there; to my dream, to my goal, to the finishline; remembering it is so much more about the journey and not just about the destination.

Ironman

2008-02-05T15:51:00.001-08:00

You can fake alot of things in life; pretending to be sick to get out of a day at work, saying everything is ok when it really isn't, intereacting peacefully with someone you truly don't care for, saying you're on a diet but eating whatever you want, having things under control when you really don't. But, I have learned through experience...you can't fake an Ironman. It brings out the truth in you, in your training, in your desire, in your perseverance, in your pursuit of goals, in living your dreams, in your dedication, and in your ability to overcome pain. Ironman is a journey like no other and Mitch Thrower from Triathlete Magazine states it quiet appropriately......

"It is moments before dawn. As you look around, you peer into the eyes of other athletes who seem to be on autopilot, showing hints of both nervousness and peace. As you are body-marked you watch calves branded with people's ages, ink that becomes a target for some, a dating tool for others. You know that the sun will come out soon, and even though it is 90 million miles away it will burn your race number and your age into your skin, leaving a tattoo on your soul. This is the real medal from the Ironman.

The sky is now brighter and there are no clouds anywhere on the horizon. Your iPod is playing your favorite song, and you are reminded that everyone has to look deep inside to find something that drives them to do this sport...Emotions are so close to the surface you can taste them...You take a deep breath and try to clear your Karma before you start the Ironman, crossing your mental fingers and hoping that you have been living your life as you know you should. In 'Ironman' , you cannot hide from the choices you make. Because you have raced Ironman before, you know that to finish the Ironman you will need a soul full of friends, food, and a purpose. Without these things your day will be painful beyond measure.

As you enter the water and mull through the water-treading limbs of eager athletes, you consider how you're going to get through your moments of doubt later in the day. You know that the weight of your wheels and bike frame pale in comparison to the weight of doubt and stress, which are the heaviest things you can carry through the headwinds and heat of the Ironman, or through life.

You hear the cannon blow and you are now, officially, past the point of no return. For now, your existence has been stripped to the basics: water, food, wind, heat, competition, survival, fear, passion, pain, joy.

The Ironman has started and you are now deep inside your dream, drafting behind and splashing up against the dreams of 2,000 other people. The world looks different not just because you're looking through your tightly fit goggles but because you are now inside your dream looking out at your life. You suddenly realize that the only way out of this dream consists of two very painful, challenging options: one way is to finish, and the other is to quit. You ponder for a stroke or two which would be more difficult, and then you rule out quitting for the first of many times today."

24 more days. Ironman New Zealand.....my 4th Ironman.

Tuned in...or tuned out?

2008-02-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

During my long training rides I tend to let my mind wander and roam where it may and see where my thoughts take me. Today during my 5 hour bike ride, besides enjoying the beautiful day of sunshine and the fantastic ocean view, I kept thinking about how I enjoy this quiet time with myself. I find myself looking around, savoring the small treasures of the moment like the hawks soaring overhead, the steady sound from freeway traffic that gradually blends into the environment creating background music to my ears, the hills of Camp Pendleton cloaked in a sea of bright green grasses, the helicopters on the base practicing their landing/circling/taking off on the ocean view bluffs, the funny sounds from some little birds in the bushes (I call these R2-D2 birds because they sound like R2-D2 from Star Wars), the fishing boats out on the dark blue ocean waters searching for their daily catch. On days like today with the crystal blue sky above my head, the sun warming my body, I enjoy this serenity, this quiet time, these moments of appreciation of being alive and a part of my surroundings.

The Ironman triathlete/ALS warrior-poet, Jon Blais once said, "I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and truly like the company you keep in the empty moments of your life." I find this statement so interesting considering I am constantly seeing people plugged into their iPods while they are riding and running. It makes me wonder at what point so many in our society became so dependent on technology, stimulation, and distraction to help them tune out while they are in the wonderful outdoors and doing these great activities. Is it a reflection of our times where we as a society are so distracted, needing to multitask, be entertained, unable to slow down, appreciate the moment, and be tuned in?

I am a huge music lover and I know how music can inspire, motivate, and entertain us, but.....why such a need to constantly avoid these precious moments and opportunities for quiet, reflection, being tuned into our surroundings, and alone with ourselves? Why do we feel such need to fill those "empty moments" of our lives instead of taking those moments to get reaquainted with ourselves and maybe get to know ourselves a little better?

Being tuned out may work for some but it is not my choice....I prefer the insight, the adventures, the observations, and the appreciation of being in the moment and experiencing all it has to offer.

A Fave Run

2007-12-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

A soaring hawk seeking its prey, a passing cowboy kicking up a dustrail in his truck, a flock of sheep grazing in the field, a pair of cows chewing some dried grass, an ice frosted river winding under a bridge in the road, airplanes and their contrails weaving a tapestry in the crystal blue sky, snow capped mountains gently hugging this valley, and the sound of gravel crunching under my feet....these were my companions during my wonderful and meditative run today.

This is one of my favorite areas to visit and also one of my favorite places to run....Running along these quiet gravel and dirt roads, through fields and farms outside of my grandma's town of Kingston, Ut (pop. about 130). Today I decided to run the "backroad" toward my Aunt's town of Junction (3 miles away) and loop around, taking the "oldroad" back. I love the open space up here; the endless views of fields, farms, and mountains. The sky is so clear, crisp, and blue. It's so quiet I can hear the birds singing and the wind whispering through the barren trees. Aside from the occasional passing truck, there is a peace and tranquility here that I long for when I am away and completely enjoy and appreciate when I am here.

Running up here is one of my favorite things to do....no traffic to worry about, no signals to stop for, no exhaust fumes suffocating my lungs, no concrete sidewalks, no endless rows of houses and buildings, no trash littering the road....just wide open space full of endless fields, occasional houses, small flocks of sheep, herds of cows, a sprinkling of horses, snow capped peaks, barren trees, ice frosted rivers, and the sound of gravel crunching under my feet.

"The American Paradox"

2007-12-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

While studying for my last test before my final in my Social Psychology class I had a definite "A HA" moment. The chapter is titled "Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future" and was a fascinating look at our current world situation, enabling and supporting sustainable living, with a large section focusing on materialism,wealth, and well-being. The paragraph that hit me was the following:

"We might call this soaring wealth and shrinking spirit 'the American paradox.' More than ever, we have big houses and broken homes, high incomes and low morale, more comfortable cars and more road rage. We excel at making a living but often fail at making a life. We celebrate our prosperity but yearn for purpose. We cherish our freedoms but long for connection. In an age of plenty, we feel spiritual hunger. - The findings of studies done are startling because they challenge modern materialism: Economic growth has provided no apparent boost to human morale."

Wow...This paragraph clearing stated somethings I have been feeling for several years now. Having been born and raised in Southern California my whole life (with the exception of the one year I lived in Utah) I have been surrounded by a culture that is on a constant quest for "stuff"and the bigger and the more the better. Somehow in my youth this constant focus on material possessions did not bother me, of course times were different then and I don't believe they were as bad. But, as I am getting older this constant focus on materialism and stuff bothers the heck out of me. I look around at the kids growing up in this culture and see the impact all this materialism has...where is the focus on compassion, values, manners, priorities, helping others, selflessness? And this link between materialism/consumerism and the impact it has on the world is incredible yet, we as humans continue to lose sight of this in our endless search and acquisitions of the newest, latest and greatest thing. Drive around town....how many strip malls do you pass? It seems our priorities and focus has been swallowed up into the belly of the beast called materialism.

Yes, I am guilty of being a consumer but I do balance some of that with buying used (cars, books, furniture, toys), using things (cars included) until they are worn out, and spending more money on helping others than I do on stuff we don't need. What is my greatest consumer weakness? Vacations. If that even falls into this category. I would rather travel with my family via car, airplane or boat, staying in off the beaten path places than shop for new clothes, toys, shoes, stuff for the house, etc. But, I find the more I travel and see of the world, especially experiencing those wonderful cultures that have so much less than us....I find I am even more concerned about and against this strong focus on materialism and consumerism so prevalent in the US. I also find myself getting tired of being surrounded by it, living in it, and raising a family so surrounded by families that feel their stuff is more important than what truly matters. 8 days out of 10 I am wishing and dreaming that we would just sell the house and get the heck out of Orange County and Southern California. I get overloaded and overwhelmed in dealing with and being surrounded by people whose priorities are so very different from mine. I mean seriously, why are people starving in the some parts of the world when in others people have complete excess? I know so many people who don't volunteer, donate money or time, or consider pitching in for a worthy cause...but, they have DVD players in their cars (what happened to looking out the window?), they have several closets worth of clothes, and their kids have every toy imaginable. I compare them to the amazing people I have met in Jamaica, Zambia, and Malawi...and what I have discovered surprised me....those that have the least amount of stuff seem to be the kindest, most caring, and considerate people while the people who have the most seem to be the most selfish, inconsiderate, and most afraid because they don't want to lose their stuff. Amazing.

Hopefully someday the balance of priorities will shift yet again and refocus on what truly matters... I know I can't be the only one that feels this way.

Just ride...

2007-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today was gorgeous...and a great day for a bike ride. Now, I am currently training for my fourth Ironman and am extremely excited that is IM New Zealand, a race I have wanted to do for many, many years. I am three months away from stepping down onto New Zealand soil...fabulous!! Oh, but wait...that means I only have three months left of training...eek. Three months sounds like a long time and usually it is just enough to get me to comfortably complete an Ironman. But...this time is different. Leonard has been working out of town since August and I started training a little over a month ago. So, what does that mean? That it has been really hard for me to get my long bike rides in because he is not home of the weekends and with three kids and no sitter....I have missed a lot of long rides.

But not today. Today was B E A U T I F U L...and Leonard was home. Which means I got to go for a long ride. Now, because I have missed several long rides, I am lacking some confidence in where my bike strength and endurance is currently. So, I decided to take advantage of Leonard being home and the great weather and instead of riding my training program's required 2 hours 45 minutes, I decided to ride longer to make up for missing rides. So I did. I rode for 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Now let me share that I like to ride, but I fall more into the catagory of social cyclist....I get a tad bored riding long distances by myself and as a result tend to struggle a bit with getting my time and distance in. So how did I manage 4 hours and 20 minutes all by myself today? My mantra of the day....just ride. Amazingly repeating this to myself helped incredibly. I didn't focus on speed. I didn't focus on how far I was going to go. Nope. I just rode. I looked around at the stunning ocean views. I observed the fire scars on the hillsides. I watched the cars racing by on the freeway. I grinned and greeted passing cyclists. And....I just rode. Even the tough headwind that eagerly embraced me as I turned around just before Oceanside didn't cast a shadow on my lovely ride. And for the first time on a long ride I was glad I was alone...to enjoy my freedom, my peace and quiet, my own pace, my own thoughts.

It was a wonderful reminder.....Sometimes we need to .... just ride.

Turkey Trot

2007-11-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Ah...there is nothing like the sound of feet rhythmically pounding the pavement while the runners lungs reach for more air, to start off a beautiful Thanksgiving day. I love running in the Dana Point Turkey Trot...it is flat, fun, and full of nice scenery. And this year it was also packed with runners. I remember running this event many years ago and it sure didn't seem to be as popular then. Could it be more people are active these days or......they want to feel guilt free later when they go for that second helping of turkey or pie?

I decided since we were in town and I was scheduled in my training to run 1 hour 40min today I might as well pay the $45 (goes to a good cause - Second Harvest Food Bank) and run with thousands of other people. I happily trudged along during the 10K focusing on consistency more than my speed. Which was good since I haven't been running too much so my speed is somewhat lacking!! And then got ready for my proudest moment....Kiana, my soon-to-be 11 year old daughter and I ran the 5K. My plan was to run it together at her pace so she would feel comfortable and have a good time. Well, apparently she had other plans... we ran together through mile one and then she was gone....leaving a trail of dust, ocean air, and the fading sound of her footsteps behind her to keep me company. So I shuffled along for the next two miles catching glimpses of her blond ponytail bobbing along the course, weaving in and out of the walkers and even passing other runners. Who was this girl.....and where did she get that speed? Did I feel my age at that moment...the fact that I am no longer as fast as I once was? Of course. But, that was a beautiful moment....seeing my daughter focused, independent, and finding her own pace while having the courage to run it on her own. Like a mother bird watching her chick take flight for the first time. Sure there is some heartache...I had hoped to share this experience with her, as mother and daughter, so I could show her why I have such a love of athletics, the outdoors, and challenging ourselves. But, she had other plans. And that is ok. She was beautiful running along in the crowd; free, courageous, independent, and strong. I am so proud.

Of course, what was the first thing she said to her dad after she crossed the finish line? "I finished before mom!"

Well, I think it's time for pie...and I think she deserves the biggest piece...she earned it!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Quotes I enjoy

2007-11-20T20:47:00.002-08:00

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love." – Sophocles

"Every day the path to your own spirituality starts with clarifying who you are and what you want. Not just things--things are easy. I mean the stuff that really matters. Life isn't just about what you can have; it's about what you have to give. What kind of person do you want to be?" -- Oprah Winfrey

"Love is a taste of paradise."-- Sholem Aleichem

----SO IT IS WITH LIFE--------"How many people besides athletes have the courage to display their weaknesses as well as their strengths before thousands of people? Nowhere else but in the sports world does one dare to lose so often, hope to win so much, try over and over so many times for perfection, or give so much so often. The athlete knows the price of excellence, the worth of pain, the desirability of joy, and the self's ability to achieve. To learn to compete well, is to learn to live well, for not only is competition a way of life...it is life. Only those who dare to accept the bad with the good, the work with the fun, the sorrow with the happiness, and the defeats with the victories, will ever achieve or accomplish much in the sports world. So it is with life." - unknown

"Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." -- Nora Ephron

“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years” -- Abraham Lincoln

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -- Mahatma Gandhi

Body piercing mishaps

2007-11-20T20:47:00.001-08:00

Thought I would share my nose piercing adventures...

Mishap #1 - Takes place one week after getting nose pierced. After a nice hot shower I am toweling off when I conveniently forget about my new "accessory" and dry my face. Hence, the "cute little jewel" gets caught in the soft, thick weave of my towel and I no longer have a new "accessory". Now I get the fun of trying to put it back in. After several minutes of attempting to figure it out and realizing I either put it back in or I have to go back to Max, I suck it up, find the path and put it back in. Nice.

Mishap #2 - Occurs two weeks/one day after initial piercing...one week since mishap #1. This past Sunday it was my son's birthday party day. Gee....being the good mom, I decide to help my son make his bed to get his room ready for our company. As I am pulling his Thomas the Train comforter down from the top bunk to the bottom, hmmm...Thomas gently brushes up against my face and...you guessed it....above mentioned "cute little jewel" gets ever so gently stuck and pulled out. All in the matter of a few fast, painful seconds. Can you say, "O U C H!". Due to my eyes watering, I was blinded at first to where my "cute little jewel" ended up. After some searching, then some disinfecting, I was ready with "accessory" in hand to put myself back together again. Hhmmm........20 minutes later, my nose red from my numerous attempts at returning to my cute nose pierced state, I begin to wonder if these adventures are signs trying to tell me something. I ponder that during another 10 minutes of my attempted nose piercing replacement project......I am supposed to be decorating for my son's party not accessorizing. I cannot get the jewelry back in....at all.

Conclusion - Since this is the second time I have had my nose pierced in the past 5 years....first time the piercing got consistantly irritated due to my swimming and biking activities so I reluctantly removed it. Now it has oddly been removed for me....twice in the past two weeks, I am beginning to think that no matter how much I love it, it is not meant for me.

I think I will stick with tattoos....they don't get caught on anything!

Question of the day

2007-11-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

What is it about interviewers, their notes, and why they decide to publish what they do after interviewing me? I have to laugh at my recent adventure in "fame". =) This past Saturday we had our first of the season football tryouts. Since we have a new coach, us vets were in attendance and participating so the coach could check us out and see what kind of condition we are in. Well, a gal from the local OC station stopped by with her camera/recording equipment to film some of the action. Apparently she not only wanted to interview the new head coach but also a player that is a mom. Since the assistant coach is also new and only knew of me being a mom...lucky me...I got interviewed. As I stood by during the water break, watching the coach get interviewed I was going through typical questions in my mind and how I could best answer them and promote the team. Well, she did ask me some pretty standard questions regarding what inspired me to play, my age and how many kids I have, what I would say to all the other 30 & 40 something women out there watching this, and anything else I would like to add. Which I did, and spoke about how surprised people are when they come see us play and how much they enjoy it because it is good football. Oh, yeah...and the question of the day.....she also asked if we are afraid of breaking nails and getting dirty. Well, my answer to that was...this is down and dirty football and that is the fun of it...getting dirty and knocking helmets (all said with a lot of laughter because I couldn't believe she asked me that question). Well, guess what part of my interview got airtime? Yep, that's right....not my team promoting comments, or invitation to the other 30 & 40 somethings out there to come and try out...nope. It was my response to her silly question...great. Somehow seeing that response on TV without hearing the question it was in response to makes me feel and sound (to my ears) like a dork. =) lol. The bright side....I didn't look 10 lbs heavier on TV. Oh, yeah...and my kids thoroughly got a kick out of seeing their mom on TV not once, not twice, but 6 times. Yep, that's right. The OC station aired that same clip 1-2 times every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Kinda funny.

They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame in their life....I guess I've got about 14 minutes and 35 seconds left after that. =)

What are people thinking?

2007-10-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

Wow, was last week a mess or what?! Nothing like a few fires to create some nice fresh air for us all to breathe. Who knew being closed up in the house for four days and going outside in the smoke and ash filled air only to take and pick up my kids from school would create such a sense of claustrophobia for me. I think it was starting to get to me with headaches, a sore throat, and even some chest pains and achy lungs. I can only imagine what it was like for the evacuated people and firefighters that were so close to the hot spots. Makes me wonder what the long term effects are from breathing all that junk.

One thing I would see a couple of times each day during this time was people out running or riding their bikes. What were those people thinking? In my mind, the idea of sucking down all that ash, smoke, pollutants, deep down into the lungs (cough, cough, hack, hack) while trying to do something good for the body like exercising seems somewhat counterproductive doesn't it? Amazing. And I for one know how important exercise can me both physically and mentally, but to risk making yourself sick by doing it in those conditions....hmmm. Oh, well, to each his/her own but you wouldn't of caught me out there running. =)

Controlled (on occasion) Chaos

2007-10-10T22:39:00.002-07:00

As I sit here and start this blog (of which I have been trying since January) I ask myself...what am I thinking?! Do I really think I have time in the chaos of my life when I will be able to sit down and post on this blog? In theory, yes...in reality...I guess we'll find out. Why am I here if my life is so busy? Because of the chaos. Because of all the thoughts, ideas, stress, worries, and dreams bouncing around in my head and without a place for them to go I find myself restless. Will posting on this blog calm my restless energy? Probably not. But....it is an outlet, an avenue, an area, a place for all those fun, serious, ambitious, and unending thoughts and dreams to sneak away to, to come to life, to be heard.

Chaos...it's an interesting word; an interesting concept. MSN Encarta defines it as - disorder: a state of complete disorder and confusion. Hhmmm...funny, I didn't see my name listed there but that sure sounds like me. What is my chaos? An overflowing plate of activity and responsibility that seems to be raining down at once. Apparently I need to get a larger umbrella and bigger galoshes.

Am I complaining? No. Will it always be chaos? No. Is life still good and am I still happy? Most definitely! Chaos allows me to appreciate the calm serenity of those quiet moments I rarely get and truly enjoy. Chaos reminds me to reprioritize and refocus on what is truly important to me. Chaos encourages me to learn, to grow, to question, and to adapt.

Pandemonium & chaos, stormy skies & rough seas, rainbows & roller coasters....Life is a roller coaster ride and we wouldn't have the rainbows if we didn't have the stormy skies...

Sweet Dreams....