What Are Your Intentions?

I've been doing a lot of thinking these past few weeks.  It's been an interesting year.  Not stellar, not devastating.  I'm proud of some things and not so proud of others; but the beauty of this time of year is that we all get a blank check to make the next one better. I had already made this decision, quoting to some of my friends that "2017 will be the Year of Hope."  Kinda catchy, don't you think? Almost punny....

And then I came across this a couple days ago....  Kinda perfect, don't you think?  Now, I was joking about becoming a redhead but I have to be honest...kinda considering it!

Seriously.  Ridiculously amazing!

I write to you on the cusp of the new year.  I hope you read this before the drinks start flowing and the noise gets too much that you can't hear your own thoughts because I want you to take a moment to hear those thoughts.  To reflect on the past 365 days, to see what worked, what didn't, and maybe some things that could work but just maybe needs a little adjustment.  What do YOU want to do the same.  What do YOU want to do differently.  What will CHALLENGE you. 

I plan on taking some time to reflect on these things and to come up with a list to share.  I urge you to do the same.  I'm not talking about resolutions.  I'm talking about more than that.  I'm talking about intentions.  And yes, there is a difference.  Plug the word resolution into Google and you find "a firm decision to do or not to do something" or "the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter." Throw in the word resolute and you get "admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering."  Each are indeed admirable and inspirational, but is it reasonable?  

They get you excited, primed and ready for the big race, the big game, the whole enchilada!  But what happens when the race is over, the final score is on the scoreboard and you went to town on that enchilada and made happy plate?  

What if we replaced the word resolution with intention?  "A thing intended; an aim or plan." There are other great definitions out there, but they all give me the same feeling; of something organic, something fluid allowing the ability to reassess, change and to grow with what is being thrown at you every which way every day.  Because that my friends, is life.  Life is unreasonable sometimes and how we react and how we deal cannot be absolute.  Why not allow ourselves the freedom of fluidity?  How can we grow if we are absolute, feet set and unwavering or unwilling to move?

So let's start.  What do you intend to do in the coming year?  I'll have more later, but one intention that comes immediately to my mind is to do things that I've missed and writing ranks right up there. 

So I hope you all will welcome me back to the interwebs because I intend to get back to my roots.  To get back to one of the things that helped me navigate through this second chance at living.

That and I might become a redhead.  Could be funny and you might not want to miss that...

Dear Dad,

Oh, this day.  Such a loaded, emotional day in so many ways.  But, it's also a day that I get to talk to you so that makes it a little better.  I only wish we could do it over a cup of coffee.

It is hard to imagine that it's been 25 years since I last saw you.  It was a day that started just like any other but ended with your last breath.  I spent years wondering what would be different; how I would be different.  Where would I be.  I know now that it doesn't matter because I'm here, now.  And as much as I'd like to take an eraser and rewrite yesteryear.  I can't.  So, Dad, how do I write my tomorrow?

I've been doing well, having more good days than bad; but it's been a struggle as of late.  It's times and days like these a little girl could really use a hug from her dad.  But there is no time for boo-hoo's, right?  It's time to figure out what's next.

I was going through an old picture box a few months ago and found a picture of you and Mom from our trip to the Bahamas.  You two had such smiles on your faces!  I loved it so much I framed it and put it where I can see it always.  I don't have a lot of memories, but some of my favorite ones are ones with you.  I only wish we had more time to have made some more.

There I go....wishing again.

So, before the waterworks start, I'm going to say goodbye for now.  I only ask you watch over me.  I have some decisions to make and could use a little fatherly help.

Give Rex a hug and kiss for me.  I do miss my old man.

Love you, miss you,
Me

That's Just Hope

Words sometimes just come out of my mouth with no apparent relevance to anything.  Sometimes they are thought provoking and sometimes they definitely are not.  Sometimes they are intelligent and sometimes they reveal my naiveté.  But one thing is for sure, they will usually make you shake your head.  I seem to have that effect on people.  An old friend once told me that if I were to have a t.v. show, it would be along the lines of "Seinfeld" and it should be named "That's Just Hope."

I haven't been writing (obviously) which makes me sad (tear).  Honestly, I haven't had much to write about.  There hasn't been any focus, just a bunch of randomness.  Luckily for the interwebs I'm really good at random, so I thought I'd write a random post.

I know.  Genius.

So, here are some random thoughts and things that have happened in the past few days.  In no particular order because...well...it's random.

When walking to the grocery store, it is very important to remember that you have to carry back everything you buy.

It doesn't matter which floor is my destination, when that elevator bell dings and those doors open; I walk right on out like a boss....then turn right back around.

Can someone please explain to me how putting the peanut butter in the soft drink aisle makes sense? 

Dear Trail Mix Mixers:  To claim your mix as a Tropical Blend, you really should include more than one tiny pineapple wedge.  And maybe throw some shredded coconut in there.... 

Sometimes I feel like a Mini Cooper in a lot full of Lamborghinis. 

I have rediscovered my like for Cadbury eggs. 

I have this strange feeling that I'm running out of time. It's like a little rain cloud following me around and every once in awhile, usually when I'm happy and smiling and well, just being me; it shoots out a little lightning bolt and gooses me right in the ass to serve as a little reminder that it's still there. 

My dog likes to poop as close to the road as possible, during rush hour, and it's embarrassing as all get out. 

When running and cycling groups post "all levels, all paces welcome," do they REALLY mean it??   

Sometimes it's VERY difficult to live across the street from Fuel Pizza.

Somehow Adele has infiltrated ALL of my Pandora stations.

And that my friends, is a wrap.
And for all of our sakes, hopefully I'll come up with some ideas for better posts.
Suggestions welcome!

Words for Wednesday

Effort can be insanely terrifying because it 

robs you of all your excuses.

- Dean Bokhari

Meaningful Shows

Special shout out to Trikitten for today's Words.

It's uncanny how appropriate this is....

She's beginning to know me all too well!

The Beast

You've all met Thelma and followed our adventures, then Jasper made his debut at the beginning of the year; but I don't think I've formally introduced you to The Beast.  Well, I've mentioned him once or twice, definitely in 2012 after I did my very first event that introduced me to triathlon.

I've only been on The Beast probably a total of 5 times since his purchase.  Buying The Beast wasn't exactly my idea; I really wanted a road bike.  Nonetheless, in all his girlie lavender, big wheels and clunky splendor, The Beast became mine.  And has been sitting for years.  Literally.

So I asked myself:  "Self? Are you going to sell this dang thing or you actually get your ass on that bike and finally learn some skills??"

So, Interwebs, I formally introduce you to The Beast.  The Beast, say hello to the Interwebs.

He better play nice.

After a safety check from our friends at Uptown Cycles, we are ready to hit the trails.  All we need now is someone with lots of patience, humor and first aid kit to babysit take us out.

Any takers?

(Also available for urban pub rides...)

Words for Wednesday

Perseverance is not a long race;

it is many short races one after another.

-Walter Elliott

Words for Wednesday

I really wish I could remember where I grabbed this.

My apologies to the source, but this was just too good not to share.

Holy Smokes.

I was just looking through my pages and saw that my last "real" post was back in April when I was training for Raleigh 70.3.  Holy smokes that seems like a lifetime ago.  Once again I find myself looking back and saying, "well, dang.  That didn't go as planned."  I had pretty big ambitions when planning my 2015 season including some long trail races, a weekend 100 mile mountain ride, two 70.3's and a Boston qualifying attempt.  Then life decided to throw some more curve balls my way.

This is how the last 8 months have shaken out.
I got through a few trail races and then we got to say hello once again to my old friend, Mr. Lateral Patella Tracking Pain In The Ass and good bye to Mr. Raleigh 70.3.

Then at end of April I received notice from my employer that my position within the institution would be eliminated effective June 30 due to restructure.  Oh and by the way, since I would be out of a job, I would also be out of a home since I was living in on-facility housing.  Life may have just wizzed a fast ball in there... you know, just to mix things up a bit...keep me on my toes....

But within the chaos, some really great things happened.  Like this:

9 years in the making!
GRADUATION DAY!!!
HOLLA!

 

view from my new place.

new job in the big city!

I did get my 100 mountain miles in, barely...but I did it!

I was gearing for a 6:30:00 performance at Augusta 70.3 for the shape I was in, but I surprised myself with meeting my original pre-injury goal of sub 6 hour....at 5:59:56!  4 seconds to spare...  I'm glad I didn't stop to pee.

But honestly?  My favorite moments and highlights of this season had nothing to do with me, but those that I was fortunate enough to witness and be a part of.

Do you remember the guy in the orange visor?  Well, I was privileged to see him complete a 100 mile trail race in Virginia.  As described on their website, it's a race that requires "grit, endurance, temporary loss of sanity."

And then I was in awe as I watched my friends, Trikitten and Sunshine, do the 140.3 distance at Beach 2 Battleship, both giving stellar performances.  Normally I would take this moment to introduce you to their blogs and link to their recaps....but we've all been slacking on the blog front these days....

And finally, I was able to help pace my friend, Michelle (yes, she does have a nickname as well, but the interwebs aren't quite ready for that), for the first 10 miles of her marathon a few weeks ago.  She had an a fantastic training cycle and was running so strong...I have never had so much fun running 10 miles in my entire life.  True story.

I am so proud of all my friends.  It's been a big year for all of us.  Lots of life changes.  Babies, new houses, job challenges, broken ribs, questionable toes..... and we've all made it through.

There are still a lot of changes for me on the horizon.  I'm not sure what 2016 is going to bring.  I've learned that nothing ever goes as planned so might as well stop planning so much?  Maybe it's time to just throw caution to the wind and see what happens...

Words for Wednesday

Stop wearing your wishbone 

where your backbone ought to be.

-Motivational Quotes

+David Roads 

Dear Dad,

I know, I know...I'm a couple days late.  Even though I enjoy it, I find it very hard to sit down and write these days.  Also, well Dad, I owe you an apology.  I almost forgot.  It wasn't until I was sitting in a meeting on Friday that I realized what the date was. Usually at some point I can see this day coming up on the calendar.  Then again...you didn't really give me a "reminder" this year.  It's been a while since you've come to visit.

It's been a challenging year.  I thought I had hit my stride again and then WHAMMO.  I had to start all over again.  It's good though; I made it through and I think I'm doing pretty well for myself.  I finally graduated from college with honors, moved to a quiet and wonderful neighborhood; I found an awesome new job with so much opportunity to learn and grow and I've met some amazing people and made some fantastic friends in the process.

But I do miss you, still.  I'm getting better at handling change, but it would be so much easier if you were here.  To sit down over a cup of coffee...do you realize that we never had the chance to do that?  Thinking back, we never did really "chat." I was too much of a teenager I guess.  HAHA! Though now that I think of it, I don't think I'm much of a chatterbox anyway!

Once again I find myself at a loss of words, so I'll cut this short.  I hope Rex is well and fitting in with everyone, I'm sure you've been taking good care of him.  Please give him a hug and scratch behind his ears for us.  Tell him Sampson is doing well and is taking very good care of me. He saved my life this year; Rex taught him well!

Until next year.
Don't be a stranger; let me know you're still watching over.

Love you, miss you,
Me

Words for Wednesday

A friend of mine asked if I was going to post a "Words for Wednesday" today.  Now...I don't know if this was a "request" because she really missed my "words," or she was just making conversation, but nevertheless....

After this morning's visit to the pool, these words seemed absolutely perfect for this Wednesday!

To be successful you must accept 

all challenges that come your way.  

You can't just accept the ones you like.

- Mike Gafka

Words for Wednesday

found on themetapicture.com

Words for Wednesday

I was talking to my brother on the phone on Monday night, recapping our respective races over the weekend, which was a little weird and cool all at the same time.  You see, I was extremely sedentary up until about four or so years ago when I made some lifestyle changes, lost quite a bit of weight, began running which eventually led me to my triathlon adventure.

It happened to Jenn, my sister-in-law, too.  Then my niece, Jordyn, and now my big brother, Les.  My nephew, Adam, was already a runner; but he's joined in the family too.  This past weekend, Jenn did her first sprint triathlon while Les and Adam joined Jenn's swim coach for some relay fun; Les on two wheels and Adam on two feet.

So there we were chatting; sharing moments, sharing the sport, sharing the experience even though we were 300 miles apart.  It was a special moment.

And then he said it.... "the health bug....it's more like a virus." And then we both got a good chuckle out of it.

But think about it, diverging from the negative connotation.  He's not too far off.  Quoting from a wiki page, "a virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms."  Quoting from my dictionary app, a virus can be "an infecting influence."

How strange and fitting that the following came up on my quotes app this morning....on a Wednesday even...go figure.
(Looks like the Universe might be telling me to get my fingers back on the keyboard?!)

"A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others.  Be a carrier."

- Tom Stoppard

British playwright

Words for Wednesday

...Man is in a hurry but time is tardy and everything has its season.

Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali

D.T. Niane

2006 edition

Words for Wednesday

I just had to pull this one out of the archives...

Theme for Thursday

This is becoming my new theme song.

I Lived
One Republic, Native (2014)
lyrics found below




Hope when you take that jump, you don't fear the fall
Hope when the water rises, you built a wall
Hope when the crowd screams out, they're screaming your name
Hope if everybody runs, you choose to stay

Hope that you fall in love, and it hurts so bad
The only way you can know is give it all you have
And I hope that you don't suffer but take the pain
Hope when the moment comes, you'll say

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up
And when that sun goes down, hope you raise your cup
Oh, I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain
But until my moment comes, I'll say

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Oh, oh, oh, oh

With every broken bone, I swear I lived
With every broken bone, I swear I

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Oh, oh, oh, oh

I swear I lived, ohhh
I swear I lived, ohhh

Words for Wednesday

Let your smile change the world,

but don't let the world change your smile.

-unknown

I have tried to find the original source of this quote without luck.
But for those interested, I found this on my Twitter feed from Motivational Quotes (@DavidRoads).
And I will say, it is the best "follow" ever!

Words for Wednesday

Don’t whine, don’t complain, and put on a Nike t-shirt if it helps.

- @swim2win4life1 
as found on SwimSwam.com

Meme for Wednesday

"Words" for Wednesday

Summer School (1987)

Yup.  That just about sums it up.