Ever changing lives! ~ Hoboyoung

First Day of School

2011-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

John and Josie were very excited about their first day of school!

It is a beautiful day here so Derrick and I walked them to school, it is only a 10 minute walk from town.

Both of the kids were up early and were taking showers and eating breakfast with out any fussing!

Summer break has been lots of fun with lots of beach combing and snorkeling.

Here is John on "Boxing Day" - Dec 25th - notice the long curly hair.... he wanted to cut it short for school, so the curls are gone.

Ring in 2011!!

2011-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!

We were one of the first Countries to ring in the New Year this year! Kiribati beats Tonga by a couple of hours I think!

We had a blast. All the ex-pats got together down at a local bar for some New Year's drinks and much needed catching up. I am not sure exactly how many people were there, my guess is around 30. Many countries were represented including; India, Canada, United States, New Zealand, Australia, England, Sweden, Fiji, and Italy ...

To live on an island is interesting to say the least... it is island time and things get done, well when they get done. You just go with it. Crazy people live on islands, I have gathered! Well I moved to an island so that puts me in the crazy catagory too!!

So to have ex-pats here makes it even more interesting! The American are known as being arrogant and stupid. This is great isn't it? So the stereo type precedes you before you open your mouth. It is actually quite comical at times. I had someone from Austria ask me when the WWII started, I responded by asking this question; "Would you like to know when it actually started or when the US was involved?". The gal that asked me that just smiled, and said "oh so you know it was happening before the US was bombed." I just smiled and said yes I do know a bit about world history.

Just a few thoughts on "being the newbies" in town! Guess I need to ramp up on my World History!

Let's see back to New Year's . One bar down and on to another. They literally closed the bar we started at and said, everyone up to the Balcony for drinks and dinner! So off we went to ring in the New Year at the Balcony Bar and restaurant. I started 2011 off right with a nice grilled fish salad! Yummy!

After we did the New Year's countdown and had our first New Year's kiss we went dancing down at the Harbour @ a place called Mermaids. Very fun time. Lots of people dancing and having fun!

Everything is in walking distance here - so after the dancing we walked back to town - to settle in from exhaustion. Really don't remember the last time I was up dancing at 2 am!

Great time with great new friends, Happy New Year!

A little about the Tongan culture, at 10 pm every church in Tonga is packed full! They go to church from 10pm - until midnight. At midnight the churches get out. The people either go home to bed or they go and drink until they pass out in the middle of the road. The majority of people go home.... however to see people passed out in the street is well not unheard of at all! It is new Year's after all, that happens every where in the world.

The next day the villages come together and prepare food for everyone in the village, Tongan's are all about family and this is one of the ways they show it!

I didn't know about the feasts, and attempted to go to the market on the 30th, stores are closed on New Year's eve and New Year's day. I did manage to get some chicken, but not with out a a lot of elbows being thrown at me! (I heard over and over "palangi", "palangi" , meaning foreigner. Very serious about food here - you don't mess with food! It's all good, I maybe skinny now in the Tongan's eyes, but I can hold my own in line! (Not as easy as it seams with 280-350 pound women on all sides of you!) Most of the time the Tongan people will bend over backwards to help you, just in the case of running low on food, it is a different story!

We didn't starve over the weekend, it is all good!

Next post will be of Josie's 6th B-day!! Our little girl is growing up!

Not getting photos to post right now, but atleast you have an update!

2010-12-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I have blogged. Internet connection can be very frustrating here.

Where to begin....

after 5 months we have real electricity in our home! (Before we were running an extension cord from the neighbors)

House is finished, small details left to do, but as we are on island time, it will gone done... eventually.

John and I snorkeling at 'Enio beach. this beach is beautiful! They also have a botanical gardens there as well, we have not yet gone to the gardens.

Kids are now officially on summer break - weird that it is December and it is hot and sunny here! Although I am very much enjoying it.

Kids could kind of swim when we came.. but are really turning into fish now! Josie wouldn't go into the water by herself, and she is now snorkeling! So proud of her.

My goal is to start blogging more, so you should see some more posts from me!

Dancing and Singing

2010-08-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Most weekends at the market a village will come out or church group and sing and dance to entertain and "preach" at the people visiting the market.
This past week was our villages' week. So the kids at the village spent most nights up at the local hall so that they would all be ready for the big day of dancing. John, Josie and Detrix got asked to go!

Can you find them in the picture?

Wedding Tongan style

2010-08-04T16:05:00.002-07:00

We were invited to the minister's wedding in our village. The minister has only been in the village for 1 1/2 and is marrying a lady from the next village over. We were very happy to be invited to the wedding and feast. The night before the wedding the women decorated the church with beautiful flowers, and white clothes.The bride is in front, the man in white is the minister... don't know who the man in blue is!
Note: Behind the couple is a cement water tank it hold approx 10,000 Liters of rain water. The church has 3 of them and they are public water. Right now are village has no well water - the well was contaminated with salt water when the cyclone hit last year. The entire village is dependent on rain water.

The weddings here take place on Tue or Thursday, there is a party after the ceremony. Then the bride and groom go back to their seperate homes until Sunday when they present the bride at church and have a small ceremony. Sunday after the feast and ceremony the bride and groom then go to the house they will live in together.

Due to this wedding being the minister - nearly every family in the two villages prepared a table... In Tonga the more you have on your table the bigger status you have so the people literally spend an entire weeks salary or more preparing a table for others to eat at! The picture at the right is Maka, with the pig he killed for the feast. This was his own pig, and one of the bigger pigs he has.

The villagers also collected money over the past couple of months and purchased a couple of cows to eat at the feast. The following pictures are of the cows hanging from the trees after they were killed, and then the umu (underground oven) that they cook all the meat and vegetables in. The vegetables here are mainly sweet potatoes and taro leaves. Taro leaves are close to tasting like spinach.
I went up with Derrick to where they were preparing the meat. They were very happy to have me take pictures, I then realized there were no women at all near the umu or any of the slaughtered pigs and cows. I was quick and taking pictures then I left the men to cut up the meat and prepare the pigs and cow for the feast the next day! Derrick was invited to stay and he sat and drank kava (local plant root) and cut up cow.
The picture is of some of the men in the village who dug the umu. It was atleast 6' deep and 10' long! I think a total of 2 cows, 5 pigs, other various animals and all the sweet potatoes went into the umu to cook overnight.

The amount of food on each table was over whelming! Each table had on it; of oti ika (oh-tie-ee-ka) it is a raw fish in coconut juice with tomatoes and lime juice. Sweet and sour chicken, deep fried chicken, lu (corned beef wrapped in taro leaves) regular fish, chicken chow mein, mussels, clams, lobster and then in front of us was a whole cooked pig. I would guess there was over 300 people there from both villages. I must say my favorite thing to eat is the oti ika.... before coming here I had never tried raw fish, no sushi, nothing, but I wanted to try eveything when we moved here.. now it is one of my favorite things to eat!

We had a great time at the wedding and feast, I might still be full from all the food!

The last picture is of just one side of all the tables, there was a whole other group of tables set up to the right.

2010-08-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful view we get to look at every day!

Yesterday was the King's birthday. Because it is a royal holiday everything was closed, after a brief trip into town, then realizing everything was closed, we did what anyone does on an island, piled everyone in the car and went snorkeling at the beach!

The kids played for a few hours in the water - it was perfect!

What do you get at the end of a rainbow? We got three wonderful children! We had a really nice wind and rain storm on Saturday night, right before the rain storm we looked off of the back porch and saw a rainbow. There are people in the background collecting mussels, they must not have known to dig under the rainbow to find the pot of Gold! We have already found the pot of gold, with the three kids!

The "torch is coming"

2010-07-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

So I while back we had big news in town that the Olympic Torch was coming through town. All kids went to town (instead of school) and lined the streets waiting for the torch to arrive. We had a few conversations about why the Olympic Torch would be touring around the world now, didn't the Olympics just take place?

We arrive at 9am and we purchase the country's flag for each child... The teachers then begin instructing the children that they are to stand on the sidewalk and proudly wave the flag when the torch comes by.

At 9:30 am we hear the plane fly over, this will be a while... the torch is coming from the airport to town a 15 minute drive. They will be running, ok we figure give them an hour, hour and a half... we will then see the torch. Over the next 3 hours we would continually go through a drill every 20 minutes or so of someone yelling, "here it comes!" All kids would then run to their designated spot and proudly hold out the flag. Minutes later we would be told, it was a false alarm. Pretty comical really. After 3 1/2 hours we finally see the torch coming. We were standing next to a gal from Austria and some other Americans we all wanted to know what torch was coming, it was not the Olympic Torch!

We found out it was the Common Wealth games torch! The next half hour the people from England, and Canada had to explain that the Common Wealth games take place with countries associated with England. (This is what was explained to me... if it is different, sorry I still don't know much about the Common Wealth Games!)
Can you see the torch? Definitely not the Olympic Torch!

The funniest part of the whole day: When the torch finally came - all kids ran from the sidewalk and crowded in the street. The people holding the torch (not an actual torch at all) were walking not even trying to run! Too funny.

We have arrived! - In Tonga

2010-07-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

Well hello there, blogging world! It has been a while. Most of you already know that we have moved to another country. We have moved to the South Pacific to the Kingdom of Tonga. Look it up on a map, it is near Fiji. We have been here for almost 3 months. For the first month we were living in an apartment, or what we like to call, “the oven” it was ridiculously hot at all times. We have since moved into our house that we finished while we were living in the apartment.

I wanted to start from the beginning and go through our lives as we arrived in Tonga, it has been quite a journey for us. Due to the length of the time we have now been here – I have decided that I will just tell you some of things that have happened in no particular order.

Josie and John arriving in Fiji - after our 10.5 hour flight!

So from the US, it is a bit of a journey to get to Tonga. If up in the Northwest area, it is a hop skip and a jump: First get to LAX, then LAX to Fiji (10.5 hour flight) , we spent the night in Fiji (wanted to give the kids some time to play) had a great time, there is a hotel literally right next to the airport that has a water slide we all had a great time. From Fiji to Tongatapu (main island group in Tonga) then finally from Tongatapu to Vava’u(the island group we live on)This is John at Tongatapu apon arrival! Why he is not smiling I don't know!

Whew… it was long trip especially with two kids in tow and 12 suitcases! The kids did amazingly well, I was jealous of them on the airplane when I looked over and they were sleeping, they looked so comfy all cozied up in the seats. We were fortunate and could sprawl out over 3 rows of seats! Little Josie finally conked out on the long LAX to Fiji flight, John was so excited to be on a BIG airlplane that he watched every movie on the movie channels, he finally fell asleep with only 3 hours left on the flight. So when we arrived in Fiji he was a bit tired.

We stayed one night at the resort across the street from the house we were finishing, and then moved into the apartment. The first night in the apartment we got all settled and put some rice on to start dinner. Then the lights went out. No power. Hmmm, I know I have a candle in one of the suitcases, search through 12 suitcases and finally find the candle – get it lit and then realize that the rice is completely burned! The stoves are all powered with butane gas so it kept cooking even when we had no power. Pretty funny, the kids were troopers and ate just rice for dinner. We were all so tired, we crawled into bed, and were out in no time.

Josie and John in Vava'u. First day at the beach in Tonga!

Tonga adventures

2010-03-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

This a plantation on the small island of Tapana. If I remember correctly the island has 6 people, 2 dogs, and a goat.... Pretty cool.

There is a couple on the island that own the "Paella" resteraunt. The experience of going to this resteraunt, is not like any other I have ever had! Those of you that come and visit will want to venture out to this gem of a place. It is expensive, but worth it.

You drive to Ano beach at the end of the road on the island of Vavau. You then take a small dingy to the island. To get on the dingy you wade into the water (oh, I loved this!! It was great - warm beautiful water) It is about a 4 minute boat ride - unless you have 5 people on this tiny boat, then it is a bit longer! The bay you cross is absolutlely amazing! Yachts are anchored off in the distance, and sky is the clearest blue you can imagine. We left at 5:00 with the sky bright blue. It is very quiet and calm as you cross the bay.

(Picture on right is leaving Ano Beach)

As we arrive on Tapana island you are greeted by a small but nice beach.

The restaurant is only open by reservations when it is not tourist season. So when we arrived we were told to go explore the island. This was a wonderful way for us to see the beauty of Tonga. The first thing we came upon was rows and rows of pineapple plants. Now call me stupid, but I didn't know that pineapple does not grow on trees. Nope it is more like a "bush" it grows very low to the ground. The picture below is of the pineapple rows.

After "getting lost" trying to find the other beach - we made our way back to the restaurant. The restaurant and bungalows (you can spend the night) are very rustic, the views however are amazing. The bathroom is outdoor - very cool to see. Yes there was a toilet, and it flushed!

The two people that own the restaurant made everything by hand. The restaurant itself is made of coconut tree. The chairs and tables are all made from trees off the island. To see what one man put together was incredible.

Water is gathered from the rainfall. It is safe to drink the water, as we did not get sick! Yeah. that was good news.

As sun set we started to dine on traditional Spanish cuisine. The food was good, but I think the experience of being on the island was just special.

After the meal our hosts started to sing and play guitar, Eduardo was very quite all day, and then he came out of his shell as he started to play his guitar and serenade us with a traditional Spanish song. A "yachtie" - (person that travel around on yachts) joined in the fun too!

What made the whole experience extra special was the attitude of the owners.... "come take a look around, take your time" As we spoke with our hosts at the end of the evening she told us this story.....

Tonga is a different way of life, you are not in a hurry when living in Tonga. They see many tourists come and go all year long, they can always tell the difference between a tourist and person that lives in Vavau. Not necessarily by how they look but by how they react to situations. She said when foreigners get "stuck in the bay" if the boat breaks down or something goes wrong they hear the foreigners yelling and cursing. On the other hand if a boat breaks down, or stops and it is a local, you hear laughing. What else can they do? There is no point to yelling and screaming, someone will be by and pull them to shore.

We didn't know that we would have our own story to tell.....

As we left the island and got a ride back on the dingy. (It was dark out- nothing but the bright stars in the sky. We waded in the water and got in the boat) As we waited for Eduardo to start the engine..... we waited and waited..... and waited..... and waited..... he couldn't get the engine (it was a pull start motor) to cooperate. We sat uneasily at first... apprehensive to why the motor didn't start. Then as if we all remembered the story at once and we started to chuckle... really what could we do? We were still pretty close in about ten minutes into this Eduardo got the motor started. Derrick had been holding onto a rope to keep us from going back into shore, so Eduardo said let go of the rope. As Derrick let go, the engine stopped. It was. well really funny. So we sat and took in the night sky as Eduardo pulled the engine rope to get the boat to go! We finally got going and thoroughly enjoyed the ride across the bay.

If anyone comes to visit us, I highly recommend going on this adventure! It was a wonderful experience. Glitches and all - made it a memorable trip!

Tonga

2010-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get the photos up..... it has been many many months and way too long! I have some wonderful stories that will soon accompany these. Enjoy. Last year we took a trip to Tonga! Tonga is located in the South Pacific near Fiji. It was a wonderful trip, we had an amazing time. We went to Tonga to check out real estate and business opportunities. What we found was amazing people living in paradise! We are getting our ducks in a row so we can move to Tonga and start a business.

View from our hotel room in Vava'u, Tonga. An outer island in the Tonga group.

Derrick and I on our first day - putting our feet in the sand in Tongatapu. This is the main island.

these are kids playing along the water front in Neaifu, Vava'u. They play in the water after school. What fun they were having.

Stopping for some beers in the Mango cafe. Right on the water in Neiafu, Vava'u. This is located in the Port of refuge. The local 'yachties' hang out here. Great cold beer and wonderful pizza. Foster and Derrick.

This is at the Kaleti resort on the main island of Tonga. The city is Tongatapu. Beautiful white sand beaches.

Sunset

One of our bungalows at the resort. Two rooms with an adjoining bathroom.

Derrick and I on tapa island. We went to a paella restaurant there.

Muttin Bustin!

2009-09-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Josie and John both rode sheep at the Puyallup fair last Friday. They call it Muttin Bustin... I knew John would want to do it but wasn't so sure of Josie being all gung-ho. Ofcourse she wanted to do it too. So away they both went, it was so fun to watch and the kids had a blast. We purchased the video so I will put it up soon. However we found out that Josie was on Komo 4 news here in Seattle! Quick clip of her - but oh so cute @ 4 years old.

Here is a link, if the video doesn't work.

http://www.komonews.com/home/video/59406407.html
More pics to follow!

Hopefully the video is below.

Sekui 2009

2009-09-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

We have had a pretty busy and crazy summer. This so I haven't posted since after the fiasco surgery in June. I am all healed and doing well. Here are some pictures from our fishing trip in Sekui, WA. We have gone with Grandma and Grandpa Cotton for the past 7 years... out of all the years, this was the best year for "fish caught!"

John Isaac caught his first fish, all by himself! Then he kept going, he limited on his fish when ever he went out on the boat! (Of course every fish that we got a bite on was then his!)

Detrix became a wonderful navigator this year, he drove the boat in and out of all the other boats and in and out of the kelp beds. He tended to fall asleep if he was watching the rods! (hmmmm, teens sure can sleep alot) I am sure it had nothing to do with getting up at 4:30 am to go fishing!

Here is the crew after a great trip out!

We had many great outings this year, we learned many new things about the boat. I have successfully learned how to backlash a down rigger, no one else can seem to do this! (this is a rare and finally tuned skill - Grandpa would not like me to teach to anyone!)

We also learned that "balls up!" is a new boating term!

Josie and I hanging on the boat.... funny story. We put the crab pots out to see if we could get any crab. They haven't gotten many up in Sekui in the last few years but we thought we try and it would be fun for the kids to see how it works. So we put in the fish head and all the other fun stuff, off we go to drop the pots. we go out fishing and then later go find the pots and raise them up to see if we got crabs. Well we load up the kids, Grandpa and I on the boat to go find the pots... we search and search .... and search some more and go all over the area where we think we left the pot. But we can't fidn the pot! 1/2 hour later still can't find the pot! Now we are thinking maybe someone hit the crab pot line and the pot is gone forever. We find every other pot out in the area, but still not ours. We head back in after an hour of searching. Grandma meets us on the dock, saying, "well did you get any?" Our response was, no we couldn't find the pot! "You drove right by it!" she says. Grandpa and I are less then pleased with her at this moment. "Fine then, show me where the pot is, we searched everywhere and couldn't find it!"Grandpa said (ever so kindly). Grandma jumps in the boat and heads right to the pot! Grrrrrr. We had driven around the pot for an hour and never did see it! Grandma knew right where it was. So we get the pot up and......

WE GOT ABSOLUTELY NO CRABS!!

We did have a very nice ride!

Josie and I hanging on the boat!
We have no pics of Grandma this year... and here is one of the only ones we have of Grandpa..... great isn't it?

New Goals

2009-06-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

I had goals for this summer of running another half marathon, a few sprint triathlons thrown in there too... no big deal I thought. I am in pretty good shape. Then I find myself in the hospital for 8 days wondering how I will be able to get out of bed and make it to the bathroom. Things change, goals change in a blink of an eye. I am okay with that. So now my summer goals are redrawn... maybe a sprint triathlon in Sept. last of the race season. 1/2 marathon in Oct. A little rushed for a goal? maybe. Doable? I think so. Considering I now can't do anything for 4 weeks after surgery. The fact I can now walk to the bathroom, I am well very pleased about that! It is all in the perspective.

Our family has had our share of trials. crap, sh#$. what ever you want to call it. I call it life. With this last set of things we have gone through, our 16 year old in the hosp. and then me in the hosp. there has been some grumblings from other people as to why this happens. Here are the scenerios.

A) Things happen to you because you have done something to deserve them.
B) God doesn't give you more than you can handle
C) You have been attacked by the (enter here what ever the word you like) demons, devil, evil.

A. So the ideais that things keep happening to us because of something we are doing. OK If that is the theory, just how does that play out? In the "organized religion" thinking there must be a door left open or a window for bad things to be let in so that these bad things keep happening. What the heck does that even mean? This line of thinking makes no sense to me at all. In this theory maybe I didn't pray enough therefor these bad things are happening? My response. Are you kidding me? So everything bad that happens in the world only happens to people that believe in God because they have something in their lives they need to pray against? What about the people that don't believe in God or a higher power, what if something bad happens to them? Does the theory still hold up? Nope.

B. Ah the ever popular God doesn't give you more than you can handle thought. I get the theory. I take much pride in what our family has been through. We know pain, we have depth. This wasn't our first rodeo ride, it didn't shake us. We stand strong. So OK I get that. But what of the people that have never had anything major happen in their lives? What about them? You have never been given anything difficult, because you can't handle it. What does that say of that persons character? Do they have any? How would we define it? We can't because they have never been through anything. God doesn't trust you can handle it?
Pretty slippery slope if we go down that route isn't it?

C. The last one that has come up is you keep being attacked by (whatever you want to call it) Again this is more in the "organized religion". If this is the case well, I smile from the inside out, I smile from ear to ear like a chester cat. I smile and a I smirk and I laugh out loud! I say then I must be doing something right in the kingdom of God to have the devil worried about little ol' me. Why aren't you being attacked? Shouldn't you be?

No matter the scenario or what you want to call it, I like to just say life happens. Life is messy. There are good times and bad times, and things you do that hurt yourself, and things that others do to you that hurt you. And well, sometimes just .... things happen for no reason at all. They just happen. For me I just do my best to get up everyday and press on. What ever comes into my life today I will worry about it then. Forthe "religious people" out there, the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. Let's get through the rain together.

So I am counting down the 4 weeks until I can start working out again... nothing for sure for two weeks, then I can start walking and possbily biking. I will take it slow one day at a time.

A new addition to the power show!

2009-05-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

Derrick and Jimmy did an awesome powershow tonight. They were talking to a group of at risk teens about focusing on positive things instead of negative things. They also talked about steering away from drugs, and what road that can lead you on... They came in with a bang and shocked the kids as they jumped up on the tables and popped pop cans, and sprayed the pop all over! It is a great attention grabber.

Derrick called little John up and gave him a small phone book, and little John worked with all he had, and really ripped the phone book! When he was done, he threw the pages in the air, and yelled, just like Dad and Jimmy did! It was really cool to watch little John up there with all the big guys - John will change this world, just watch!

Both Jimmy and Derrick have hearts for helping people, and this show really had them at their best. Even in trying times, you can still help others... after all if you can't share with others what is the point of going through all of this crap? Here are some of the pictures from this evening.

Derrick talking about obstacles.

Jimmy after breaking the bricks (I missed the shot, Jimmy was too quick! -but I like this picture)

The kids tried to pull Jimmy and Derrick apart, but they couldn't do it!

Derrick broke 2 sets of handcuffs tonight! The first pair he did, he just did as part of the show. Then at the end of the show, he told the kids that we had been going through some things with our son, Detrix and he was in the hospital. He told the kids he was breaking the cuffs for Detrix, as Derrick broke the cuffs everyone in the room shouted out Detrix' name. It was a powerful moment. We will overcome. (This is Derrick right after he broke the cuffs)

New Blog - Go ahead read it, great news ahead!

2009-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

I know my posts haven't been as frequent recently, I think I needed a little break from blogging. I am beginning to miss it, so I am sure my ramblings of life will be frequent - very soon! Great news for you I am sure! I am not running the full marathon in June, just didn't get started at the proper time to give myself enough training. But I am going to do a 1/2 marathon in October. Then maybe the Seattle full we will take it day by day. Triathlon season is fast approaching and I am getting pretty excited. I don't know how many races I will be in, but I am just happy to start some more outside training. The last couple of weeks have been rough trying to get outside with sideways rain, well isn't exactly making me get all gung ho to run or ride. I have not stopped riding all winter - so I am happy about that! That is my update for now.

...... for the other news... the new blog! My hubby who is a chaplain has decided to start a blog. He has always been the most positive person I know and has helped me to become an optimistic person as well. Let's just say I was the "It will never work" person growing up. My husband on the other hand has always had a very positive attitude. So he has decided to write down his thoughts on various things including his understanding of God.

Those of you who know us personally know that Derrick suffered a stroke on June 24th of 2006.(Press here to view the first post after the stroke) It left him paralyzed on his left side. On July 7,2006 he was miraculously healed and walked out of the hospital to the amazement and disbelief of his doctors. (Press here to view the post after he was healed) To say that event has changed our lives is well an understatement. It changes how you view people and circumstances.

So, go take a look at his new blog and let him know what you think!! Blog is: www.chaplainyoung.blogspot.com Have a great day!!

Easter fun

2009-04-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have got to get pictures of Josie in her ballet class up - but here are some new photos of the kids that Grandma Mary took when they spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Lou's house this past weekend.

This last photo is of John "helping" Grandpa Lou dig up the septic, the funny thing is they were at there other granparents last week, with Granpa John and Grandma Priscilla doing the same digging! Too funny.

Judo- chop!

2009-03-10T19:03:00.001-07:00

Little John is taking Judo. He is learning all the moves and working hard. His favorite part is wearing his Gi, or as he calls it - his costume! Got to love it.

You can imagine what happened when little John did his first kick against this little boy ~ oops right in the privates~...... I didn't mean to.... he felt really bad. *on a side note* don't mess with little John!

Very happy wearing his Gi.

I fought Joe Rogan!

2009-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

For those of you that watch the UFC fights, you are familiar with the announcer Joe Rogan (used to be of Fear Factor Fame) He announces all the fights, and with our group of fight watchers - annoys the day lights out of them with his comments. He says he has fought, or uses the words, when I was in that position... it is a hard position to get out of..... however if you google him - nothing comes up with fighting.... (he claims on his bio he is a black belt, yada yada yada but no footage on you tube.......rumor is he fought once with BJ Penn in Hawaii, years ago in a sparring match... anyway no footage of such fight exists currently on the internet......if you have seen footage of Joe Rogan fighting send me the link!

So we had to get these shirts done!

Detrix. Derrick and Uncle JohnThis is the UFC crew that comes to watch all the PPV fights

Uncle John and Detrix

They couldn't quite get Bill..... you would think they could get him?? wouldn't ya?

The next day we had a Super Bowl party!!

It's a crazy buch for Superbowl!

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

2009-02-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

There are things our children do that at the time they do it, you just can't laugh. It is very funny, but you can't laugh. This was one of those times.

My (just turned 4) 4 year old, Josie was playing with handcuffs. Now before you all roll on the floor laughing of why we have police handcuffs, get your minds out of the gutter. Derrick breaks the handcuffs when he does his power shows (as well as phone books, bricks of ice, re bar and bricks!) So she grabbed the hand cuffs I told her I don't know where the keys are please don't play with them. I knew I should have taken them from her, but I didn't so ..... she of course she hand cuffed her feet together. Pretty funny she couldn't walk and would fall over. I wasn't real happy as I searched the house and couldn't find the key. Derrick was on his way up north to a business meeting when I called to find out where the rest of the keys and handcuffs were so I could get them off her. Got the extra key - can't get the hand cuffs off. Josie by now is getting a bit worried it has been 15 min. I am now getting more and more ticked, because I can't get them off. After trying and trying I finally got one side off but I can't get the other side off. I am by now pretty angry that the cuff is still on her! It is about 10:30 am. John goes to his bus at noon. I don't have enough time to drive out to my mom's house and have Uncle John or Grandpa take them off and get him to school.... so Josie sat on the couch, with one hand cuff on her leg and waited until John caught his bus then we drove over to Grandma's . Uncle John was working at their house, so he could help us get the cuffs off. I thought about driving to a police station, or fire station - but I really wasn't in the mood to answer why we had the hand cuffs in the first place, and have them look at me all weird. Plus we have had an unfortunate incident with a cop a while back, so Josie is a bit afraid of police officers. So we went to my parents house. Uncle John has a straight face on, staring at her - Grandpa is staring at her straight faced - Grandma straight faced staring at her - and me too. Poor girl looked like she was on trial! All sunken down looking sad. At this point I wanted to laugh, cuz really it is pretty funny, but I just couldn't.... (Grandma looked at me, and whispered don't make me laugh! So we went in the other room and laughed) Uncle John assessed the hand cuff situation and realized they were broken. (that is why I couldn't get them off!) After a few trips to Grandpa's shop, Uncle John freed little Josie. She was pretty thankful and I don't' think she will be playing with hand cuffs any time soon. No pictures, sorry. Just imagine Josie sitting on the couch, handcuffed with four adults staring at her! Too funny. Oh the things kids do.

2009-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

It has been a while, sorry running shoes, I knew you would have a bit of a break after the marathon training - I didn't mean for it to run in the months time frame instead of weeks....

Last night I started my love/hate relationship again with running. Just to prove to myself I could I did 5 miles... and you know what? I did it! I was slow, but it felt good to be out there in the 31' weather. I missed the soul searching I do on runs, I missed the complaining I do in my head, I missed the trail. The trail and I are friends you see. I know all the corners and what lies around them - in winter well I pretty much have the trail to myself this is both a blessing and curse - I love it cuz I don't worry about dogs knocking me over as you do in the summer time when the trail is so full - I hate it because I have these horrible thoughts of "what if" - you know the one's - what if someone is around the corner, what would I do? I decide in my head I could take on anyone who may try and attack me, after all - if they run at a slow turtles pace - I could so out run them! In my head I solve the worlds problems, and all my friends too!

Jan total: 5 miles!!

2009-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

There is in every person's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

Miss you Liz.

Flooding

2009-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Weather channel joked it was the apocalypse, with flooding in Pacific North West and snow and ice storms in the East. . . It certainly looks that way - but the sky hasn't opened up yet with the voice of God so all is good right now. We live a block from the Cedar river, but we are in no danger of flooding and they say it crested at 10am this morning. I know people including family that have been evacuated as of late last night. If watching The Weather channel.(This picture is next to the running trail I take all the time - needless to say the running trail is under water - 2 feet of it!)

We have family and friends that were evacuated - As far as I know their homes are safe, so that is great news. It is a bit surreal to drive around the area and see the waters so high. We live near a golf course - across the street from our housing development and well, it is almost all under water - nice muddy, brown water - I called a friend just 6 miles from us, his home is ok, but he is stuck in his house, literally can't get out. Two of the major roads are closed and his car isn't high enough to get out. I told him we could come and rescue him if needed later tonight as the water level is slowly going down on that river. My SUV has a lift on it, and if needed I could test it - however I am not in favor of driving around barricades into unknown depths of water - even if it does look fun - He said he is ok with food for a couple of days so we will see what happens. I think he has hip waders, so we could probably meet him on higher ground. Thought I would give a quick update for those of you out of town on what was happening here around Seattle.

Princess turns 4!

2009-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

With all of the snow, snow and more snow - we have been busy playing outside! I haven't even thought of updating.... sorry. Snow pics to come, we had over 18" of snow... craziness for the Seattle area. It is hard to tell how much we had total, because it would melt a little then we would get hit again!

Until the snow pics come, here are some fun pics of our princess who turned 4 on Dec 30th. We have a "you must buy her two gifts" rule in the house so she doesn't get jacked with the combo gifts... I think we can lift that rule if any of the grandparents want to buy her a car when she turns 16... I think that is fair. This year was pretty special, as she woke up and yelled to the house, " it is my birthday!" followed by the ever demanding, "where's my gifts?" lol. I just don't know where she gets it from..... hmmm.

I baked the cake (actually Josie made it with me) and then Grandma Mary rescued me and decorated the princess barbie cake. Josie knew exactly what she wanted and Grandma did every detail for her. Grandma Mary has the patience of a saint! Josie was extremeley - detailed in how she wanted it to look. When Grandma Mary was done - Josie was beaming... she loved it! Thank you Grandma Mary

We celebrated on her actual birthday by going out to lunch with Grandma 'Scilla and Grandpa John. (Thank you!) Then we had a family party on New Year's eve. Great time to go to Chuck E Cheeses... not really anyone there, it was nice. They played and played.

Josie with her favorite friend, Foster!

New Year's post to come with all the plans:

I have decided to do the Rock and Roll Full Marathon in June! Yeah. Training officially begins the last week of Feb. Since I have taken the holidays off.... you know Halloween to Valentines day.... true Holiday season.... OK, hopefully not all the way until Valentines day. I am pretty excited to get back out there running. It is not easy to run in almost 2' of snow!

Vision Quest

2008-12-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have been slacking on the updating - - Thanksgiving was great, lots of food and lots of company, I did make Jell-o and it was the best damn Jell-o ever! lol.

Detrix made the wrestling team! (Varsity squad too) It is the first year he has wrestled, we are so excited for him. All the years of wrestling dad have paid off, he is one strong 15 year old. He says I have a wrestling meet, do you want to come? Of course we do. Dad drops him off at 6:30 am.... is this crazy - 6:30 am.... he says the meet starts at 10:00. We have never been to one - in oh 18 years! So we have no idea what this entails...

(Detrix is the one with the red showing beneath his blue sweat suit)

We load up the kids (reminder they are 3 and 5) and get there promptly at 10:00. It isn't just a meet it is a full tournament! Very cool there were all the schools in his league attending. So they start at the lower weights and work up.

The entire time I am there - I am thinking and remembering the movie Vision Quest.... I was in (ahem -so more like 23 or 24 years ago... ) Jr. High and we had some soon to be wrestling prodigies at our high school... that's right folks I don't have the remember when... stories of golden years for myself, I have to live through other athletes in my class! lol. (We had many state champions through out my high school years) I remember watching this movie - maybe it was because the guy was suppose to be from Spokane, WA - a mere 5 hour drive away... that is why we all loved the movie?? hmmm. Maybe I wanted to date a wrestler, me date, I never dated... Jr. high? dating? lol. I am going way back here. Most of this period in my life I have blocked out... but for some reason I remember Vision Quest.... weird I know..... back to my step-son and his wrestling!

First surprise you pay to get in! Not a big deal, had we known, trip to the ATM problem solved. We waited and waited and had fun watching all the wrestlers warm up.... running around the circle of the mat, again... flash backs to the movie... you just have to rent it if you don't remember it ... very intense scenes.... lol.

About noon Detrix gets to wrestle.....

Detrix did so great - he has never wrestled for a team so he is up against guys that know all the moves, he lost the first match in points... he is super strong and a quick learner. His coach says every practice he is learning and growing as a wrestler. He shot his way out of two tough moves, and never gave up.

The second match - was around 3:30... he was so pumped up for the match, I knew he really wanted to do well. He showed all heart, he had the guy beat right up until he got caught ... and pinned. He did so well, he was strong and showed no fear of getting in there and doing his best! We are very proud of him and can't wait to be there for his next meet. I can't wait to see how much he grows this season.

John and Josie were troopers.. we were there for over five hours, and they were super happy to watch their big brother wrestle! Little John looks up to him and wants to be just like him, Detrix is setting a great example for little John.

Our weekend was packed full, Friday was my Bunco night - I won money!! Yeah! (I hardly ever win, last year I won a whopping $1o.00) Saturday was the tournament and Sunday the boys went to the Seahawks game, while I took Josie on a early birthday treat(birthday is 12-30, she will be 4!!) to the Rainforest Restaurant, she has a love hate relationship with the monkey section... she loves to see them, but is terrified of them at the same time. We had lots of fun, us girls!

I can to make Jello!

2008-11-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

One little mistake a few years back with my thanksgiving dish, and I get kicked off of making a "real" dish.... geesh....

So the story is this:

First a little back ground on Ribbon Salad: Our family favorite "ribbon jello salad" everyone loves the ribbon salad it is just a pain to make. Three layers of different jello - you have to let each layer set before adding the next.... you get the salad, ofcourse it is a jello brand recipe - so the middle layer is filled with stuff you would never think of putting together, but for some reason it tastes great... Needless to say I don't like making the salad, but I enoy eating the salad.

Sooooo........

When I was pregnant with Josie - I got taken off of Jello duty (for once!!) and I was to bring the bean casserole dish.. you know the one green beans, mushroom soup, onions on top.... pretty easy to do.

I go to the store (8 months pregnant) get the grean beans.. fresh ones, no frozen for me! Pick them out myself. Get all the other ingredients....

Go home, prepare the beans, make the dish and take it to family dinner. All went well, until my aunt says, hmmm... I have never had this casserole before.... what do you mean? I say. You put sweet peas in with the green beans, did you see that on a show? With a bewlidered look I tell her I didn't put peas in the recipe, only green beans. I then look at my plate... low and behold I bought half green beans and half sweet peas! ooops!!! The funniest part is, I prepared the peas and didn't even notice I was cutting the stems off of peas and not beans! I blame the fact I was pregnant!!

Didn't taste bad, pretty good really.... ofcourse I was taken off of green bean casserole ever since.

We have done thanksgiving on Derrick's side of the family two years ago, then did my first all on my own thanksgiving last year (everything was great by the way!) so this year we are going to my family's again. I say - I will bring the casserole this year... why don't you bring the jello salad was the response! Geesh. One pea casserole mistake and I am back to Jello - wait until they see what I put in the jello this year!!

Happy Turkey Day (early)!!

2008-11-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

I am bit behind in my picture posting I will catch up soon.

Until then I can still dicuss the marathon..... right? it has only been just over a month, so I am still with in the milking it time frame. Really though I don't think I am milking it, it is a well deserved pat on the back in my opinion!

I recently watched Run Fat Boy Run, it is about a man that wants to win back a woman he left at the alter 5 years earlier, he has 3 weeks until the race, and plans on running a full marathon.

Immediately the title caught my eye - that is hilarious! I want to see it! Is my first thought. After watching it, I can say it had some very funny parts, but I was irritated that they had the character run a marathon in only 3 weeks.

This is where you get to hear all about my hard work! After all I spent months in preparation for the marathon. With three weeks left, you are tapering! Not beginning your training.

On a facebook forum, I asked the question: guess what I am going to be for halloween? At the time, I was actually thinking of dressing up in our gorilla suit - I thought it would be funny. But I got response back saying a marathon runner, ofcourse! (or something like that) so I decided to wear my *saying it with pride* Portland Marathon 2008 finisher t-shirt! Guess what? People actaully asked me if it was my costume, or if I really ran it! Whenever I can I have to fit into a conversation that I just ran a full marathon.... it is my new game, how many times a day I can tell someone (wether or not I know them is irrelevant) that I ran a full marathon. It is pretty fun coming up with new ways to bring it up in a conversation. While out on Halloween a pastor of the church carnival we were at, asked if I had ran it.. why yes was my reply. He asked about how hard it was, and all the usual questions... I told him it was great right up until mile 22, where there was a rather large wall infront of me! No, really I had trained so hard I knew I would finish, but yes it was hard. He then told me his wife and four other ladies from is congregation were going to run the Seattle marathon, I congratulated them on doing it, and told him, I had only done the Seattle 1/2, and in case they didn't know... it was pretty hilly so be prepared. It was great talking to him and all the other people that asked me about it too....

Just thought I would share my still consuming thought on running a full marathon.. if you live near Seattle, go ahead, ask me about it! I will love to tell you!

Later

Oops I did it again!

2008-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

So this is pretty embarassing to admit.... you know me I have to tell you all! Remember back in July was it where I jammed my toe into the couch and then proceeded to throw myself on the ground? Same darn couch jumped up and attacked me again. I may have to take the couch out back for a good beating, it keeps attacking with out any warning. Same toe... same bruising... same #$%$# words came out of mouth. Maybe it is trying to teach me not to swear when I get hurt... I failed that test so far. Top of my foot was completely bruised and the little toe swelled up real nice. It happened a week ago Sunday, and today I am actually able to walk like a normal person yesterday and today, so I am happy about that. My little toe must really be ticking of the couch, cuz the couch is showing no mercy with these ruthless attacks.

This is where you here the tiny violin playing my sad song.....
I love this time of year around here too, the leaves are turning and they are just beautiful, so I have been bummed I haven't been able to run along the trails. Weather has been perfect. A little cold in the mornings but up to mid 60's in the afternoon. Hopefully I will be out there today or tomorrow testing the toe.

I am thinking I won't do the Seattle half, since I haven't run after the marathon... but we shall see... I would like to do it to see how well my time has improved from two years ago.
Upcoming events:
If I don't do the Seattle half I will do a turkey trot run out in the sticks.... a small town outside of Seattle..... I have the 12k's of Christmas Run on Sat December 13th and I also want to do the Christmas Rush on Sunday. May be a really fun weekend.

My mom took the kids to a fun farm, I have some great pics and fun stories coming soon...
Also some other exciting news.... (and no I am not pregnant)

It's not about the marathon....

2008-10-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

It is not about the marathon. I think this is what I have learned from this journey. It is the journey of getting to the marathon that really counts. It is the 600+ miles that lead up to the final 26.2. It is getting up each day and doing what it takes each day working your way up to the goal of 26.2 miles. For me it was running a few minutes at a time, in order to run my first mile. I haven’t been an athlete. I couldn’t run a mile when I started this journey with out stopping. My journey began with me wanting to do something bigger then myself. The thought of me running a marathon was overwhelming when I first began. I am a wife, a mom, a step-mom, I work part time time, how would I do this? I got a plan, and started working everyday on my goal of running a marathon. I feel like if I can do this, you can do this too. I started this for someone else, I started this to honor my friend who passed away last year at the age of 30. I started this because we had talked about running a full marathon together. I wanted to honor her, by finishing the marathon. In the beginning stages of this journey I really doubted myself, how could I do this, I couldn’t run with out stopping to walk? I wasn’t skinny enough, I wasn’t strong enough, all these doubts were in my head. Then I changed the way I thought about myself. I could do this, I was putting in the time, and I was putting in the energy and training, and I could and I would finish this marathon.

Today after the marathon, I am feeling more confident than ever, I did what a lot of people don’t dare to even start. I believe that starting the journey is the important part, getting out there and doing something you are not sure you can do. I have found inner strength though this process. Sure I am very proud of myself, I think I have great reason to be. But I am also very thankful that I made it through this process injury free. I recently saw the video of myself towards the finish line, I immediately started to tear into myself, about the way I looked. I had to stop myself , and redirect my thinking, I finished a marathon in this body. I may have some extra “lady lumps” but that is what makes me, well me!
I have used what I have ~ this body right now ~ and done something extraordinary! I am an athlete.

I started out this journey to honor my friend, I did that! In the process I found out who I am. Who am I ? I am stronger than I give my self credit for both inside and out. I am able to look at any obstacle, not with fear, but with wisdom and insight. I am able to dig deep no matter the circumstance and know I will make it through stronger than ever.

Thank you all for coming on this journey with me!

Some race photos!

2008-10-12T13:51:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of the race!

Portland Marathon.....

2008-10-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wow what a journey! It started 9 months ago, I started training for the marathon. Not sure if I could actually complete it. Then probably 4 months ago, I knew I could complete the marathon, I just had to continue all the hard work... 600+ miles later in training I have accomplished my goal, I ran the Portland Marathon! My time was 6 hours 20 minutes and 18 seconds. I am thrilled with the time! I was on track for my six hour goal, then I felt it slipping away and I had to readjust my attitude, no matter my time, I still completed a marathon. Something that a small percentage of people can say they have done! I might go through my full journey at a later time, but I felt great up until I hit mile 22... I struggled the last four miles. I think that is the whole lure of the marathon, is the wondering when the wall may hit. For me that was mile 22!

To say the day was emotional well, that is an understatement. Running a marathon is emotional in itself, then to add on the reason that I started the journey in the first place (to honor my friend Liz that passed away) and it was quite an emotional journey. But in a great way.

Derrick and Foster were great! They were wonderful spectators.... Apperantly spectating is as hard as running the marathon itself! (sure guys I believe you!) So thank you to both of them for being there to see me cross the line.

When Liz and I did our half marathon together, Liz had finished before me and when she saw me come into the the last .1 miles of the half, she ran with me along the sidelines and met me at the finish. When I hit the 26 mile marker Foster and Derrick were there waving and taking pictures. I then watched Foster run along the sideline all the way in with me. As I rounded the corner I watched Foster running, and I also saw Angela cheering me on. I think I cried the whole way in on the .2 miles.

More on the journey later - and ofcourse pics!!

Here are some tough ladies!

2008-09-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tapering? Is it a good thing? No.......

2008-09-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

See what happens when I am not running a ridiculous amount of miles??

New fun way to make a checkered cake

Josie made the funfetti section

John made the chocolate

Detrix iced the cake

Everyone sprinkled

We all enjoyed it!

Great looking "checkered" cake... it tasted great too.

See what happens when I am not running?

Actually I did run 12 miles this weekend! It doesn't really knock your socks off like 21 miles though does it? All part of the training.

2008-09-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me that the images of 9/11/01 are still so vivid in my head. I remember turning on the tv and watching in horror as the second plane hit. The chaos that began was unheard of... I can't imagine what the people of New York felt as it happened in their city. My prayers go out to all those effected by the terrorist attacks that day.

I was down in California on a business trip, I was stuck in California for days as we couldn't fly anywhere. All flights were shutdown for 5 days.

I hope that I have lived each day since 9/11 with a new sense of urgency:
~ to tell those around me that I love them.
~ to not only tell them, but to show them I love them
~ to live each day as it truly may be my last.
~ to live with no regrets
~ to say my peace if I have a beef with someone and then let it go
~ to go after my dreams
~ to live the best life possible
~ to love others as I would like to be loved
~ to embrace people from all walks of life
~ to look past sins and look at the person on the inside
~ to walk in faith every day; no worrying about tomorrow

May we all love a little more.

It's that time of year again.. you can do it at a trot, you can do it at a gallup

2008-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

you can do it real slow so your heart won't palpitate~~~ just don't be late....

Do the Puyallup!

For those not from the area... it is a local fair... the above words should be sang.

Petting zoo
milking cows

The cows look pretty real don't they?

Have to meet Spongebob!!

Giant pumpkins

The famous "foot massage chairs" - John loved these!

Bunnies....

After 6 hours of walking around the fair...... Josie fell asleep in the car with our friend Foster.

It has been a tradition of ours to go to the fair on opening day since I was pregnant with John, so even though he was suppose to be in school - we went to the fair! No worries it was very educational, he learned how to milk a cow!

On the running front:

5 miles today... legs a bit tired after Sat long run but I felt good!

First day of school!

2008-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

John's big day finally came - First day of Kindergarten!
John and sister waiting for the bus, Josie did a great job of wishing John a happy first day!

Dad came home during his lunch to see John off on his bus.

John loves his sleep, so I was happy he was in afternoon kindergarten this year. Plus it works out with my work schedule, so it is perfect. John was up early and all ready for school 3 hours before the bus came. I had to talk him into eating something, he was so excited he didn't want to eat anything. After looking out the window waiting for the bus to come, (although we have to walk a block to his bus stop, but hey he was more than hapy to look for the bus anyway!) I finally convinced him he had plenty of time and needed to eat breakfast, then lunch, then the bus would come.

He had on all is new favorite school clothes.

The bus finally came, John was so excited. He was the only child on the bus!

I had the big debate on if I should drive him or let him ride the bus the first day - I figured because it was only kindergartners on the bus, that it was ok if he rode to school. He was a little nervous about the bus ride, but really wanted to do it "all by himself". So he got on the bus and then we walked back to the house, and Josie and I took off to meet John at his school when he got off the bus. I did very well, I didn't cry as I drove to the school. I was close to tears, but I didn't cry! (yeah me!)

All the parents were waiting in the hallway - John's bus pulled up and the doors opened, but no one was getting off the bus. The teacher walked out and still no kids gettting off. I had checked out the busdriver so remembered what he had on (nice Freddy Krueger shirt he had on) so I knew it was John's bus. I moved up so I could see the entire bus and not just the door. I see only two kids on the entire big bus, and they are both sitting on the bus together in the same seat! The teacher and bus driver were trying to get them off the bus but they were both nervous! It was really cute to see. John couldn't see me in the hall, so I waited for him to get off the bus and come and get in line with his classmates before he saw me. When he saw me he came running up and gave me a big hug and said the cutest thing, " mom, I missed you so much!" Ahhhhh melt my heart! He had been on the buss a total of 12 minutes I think - but I had missed him too.

sitting down at class.

I had to laugh because we got to his school and you could totally tell which mom's had their first kid going to school, we all looked on the verge of tears. Turns out a gal on my triathlon team has a son in John's class, so I was distracted talking to her so I didn't think about missing John while he was at school.

This is John in his classroom. He was a little nervous at first, but then we found out a friend from church is in his classroom! So John was very happy to know one of the kids in his class.

Love the cheese grin John has. His friend is in the blue.

There you have it, all the ins and outs of the first day of Kindergarten!

If you are following my running:

21 miles this weekend! (I did 21 miles! holey moley 21 miles!)

Over 5 hours - not my best run! legs felt like lead.

average hr: 140

highest hr: 170

calories burned: 3,097

Russia

2008-09-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Grandma Mary got back from a few weeks in Russia this past month. She brought back John and Josie the cutest outfits. John is all dressed up in Russian army outfit and Josie has on a traditional head set worn by the Russian girls during traditional dances and festivals. Josie got a very cute outfit, but it is not on in the picture. Aren't they just the cutest?

August running total: 151 miles - holey moley! Wow. I am shocked by that number! I did that? Why yes I did.....

I have never tracked my, well never tracked anything before, so I don't have anything to compare this too ~ but I think it is a pretty good number. Can I get a woot, woot?

First day of school coming Wed. I am sure you all can't wait for the pics!

like birth?

2008-08-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

As I am going into my first marathon, I am consumed about reading people's experiences with their first marathon. I can't read enough books, have two on hold at the library right now! I am scouring blogs, looking for any advice at all that I can take from their experience. I feel like the first time I was pregnant, the anticipation ...... you are excited and scared. I remember being so excited but really wondering how the baby would exactly come out... just how bad would it hurt? Some of you know I have a strange blood disorder - that made me not be able to have an epidural.... so I know only one experience of child birth and that was one that didn't involve drugs. Let's say if I could have had them, I would have! It wasn't even considered, so you just gut it out. Why? Well you have to, you don't know any better. I mean you can't really stop it from happening, although I am pretty sure I tried to get hubby to take me home at some point. I was done, wanted to go home and try again another day.... but no I stayed in the hospital, and sucked it up and had the baby!

I have been told by Dr's that having kidney stones is much like giving birth. Having had kidney stones 4 times and being hospitalized each time, I can say... child birth is a lot easier! My dad once asked me why on earth you would ever go through that kind of pain again (he has had kidney stones before) I remember saying to him, cuz the pain is so worth it in the end. You have this beautiful baby to hold. Kidney stones, well not really fun all the way around, and if you do get to keep the stone - no one wants to see it.

Now this is where you may think I've gone off the running deep end. Will I look at the pain endured during the marathon and think it is worth it? I hope so. You have this goal, the marathon. It started out as a mission, a far away- I -can -stop -the- nonsense -and -not- really- go- through- it- at- any- time-, mission. Then somewhere along the way I convinced myself I could really do it. Then after putting in months of months of training, my mind and body caught up with one another and I knew I could do it. Now it is a matter follow through. I have put in over 500+ miles of training runs. When I set out to do the marathon, I didn't focus on all the months of training I focused on only the 26.2miles. Same with when you get pregnant, you don't focus on the baby who will soon be 2, 3 and 4 years old, no, you are focused on the cute and cuddly sleeping baby you take home from the hospital. If you went home from the hospital with a 2 year old you might go screaming back and return the child! But no, you start out small and work your way up the through all the milestones before you get the toddler.... same with running. You don't start out running 26.2 miles, no you start with one mile, or in my case a few minutes of running at a time. December '08 was the first time I ran a 5k race with out stopping. Then it was running for an hour, then hour and 1/2, then a 1/2 marathon, then 3 hours of running ... now I have built up the endurance to run for over 4 hours! I am doing it. As I hit my longest run of the training next week, 20 miles I can't help but to smile. I am in the the last pregnancy phase - the phase where you are just wanting the baby out safely. I am excited for the marathon to come, yet still nervous of the actual day. Kind of like wanting the baby out, but not wanting to go through the labor.

I had a friend that was pregnant the same time I was, after I gave birth she asked me how it went, really? I smiled and said some kind of a response like, oh not so bad, you will be fine.

What I didn't say was - it is some of the most intense pain you will ever feel in your entire life, if you can get drugs, by all means take them, take them early and often! But I didn't want to freak her out, so I side stepped and gave the answer she needed to hear. The one I needed to hear before I gave birth to my first child.

So now as I search for first time experiences of marathoners, I am finding the answers that I need to hear. I will survive, it is tough but well worth it, the pain is all worth it!

So in a few weeks I will go and find out for myself...

Redeemed!!

2008-08-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

My last long run, as I wrote about was just bad all the way around.

Today I ran my longest run yet (18 miles) I ran with friends from my team, definetly think that helps. Also I ate quite a bit a this morning, so I had some energy!! Yeah. I can be taught!

I am so worried about running out of steam that I tend to run a little slower than normal for my longer runs.

Here is the breakdown:

18 miles
4:11:05
calories 2321
Avg HR 143
Max HR 172

Not too bad for me~! I tend to run a higher HR in a race, but I think that is normal.

I wish I had a pic of us all sitting in the river after the run, pretty funny sight 6 women sitting in the river. A man and his son were down at the river, looked at us like we were nuts! River is still pretty cold, but it felt good on the muscles. I did enjoy it better than pouring ice in the bath tub. We were joking saying during the winter we will have to have someone come and sit in the bath with us, with our ice!

Wanna race?

2008-08-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is my new head band! I *heart* it!! I bought it at the Danskin expo, the gal that makes them, had some really great ones, but this is what I ended up with after much deliberation. I posted this for you Lisa!

This is me today after my 8 mile run!! I am sporting the farmer look with the braids! It was a very wet day today... I have very long and very thick hair that frizzes in the rain... so braids work!

Th company is called Bondi Band, you can custom order for your teams, or for a race, or what ever you'd like.

Some of my other favorite quotes they had:

Will run for wine

Iron Goddess

Iron Diva

Run like a girl - it was a toss up between this one, and the one I got!

They had a ton to choose from, I wore it yesterday running my 4 miles and today on my 8 miles... very nice. I like it a lot!

Go ahead, laugh! I still am.

2008-08-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

We all try to post the best pics of ourselves up on the blogging circuit.
Well any of you know me know that I am always honest and truthful.

This was sent to me on my phone.... go ahead, laugh out loud... roll on the floor laughing it is ok, I did.

My mom called and I couldn't understand what she was saying she was laughing so hard after she saw it...

Yes it is me. The Keebler elf.

Derrick thought I should post it, as he was doubled over laughing on the floor!

That's right.. I'm bringin' sexy back! yeah.

Pics

2008-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Julia's hubby took pics today @ Danskin.

Here are a few

Pre race in the bike area - this is one of 9 sections... craziness!

Finish line smiles

Julia coming across the finish line - - tears of joy!

We did it!

Seattle Danskin

2008-08-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

I had three goals for this race:

1. To go all out!
2. To kick my previous years time on the bike (really not too hard, last years time on the bike was not pretty - for me!)
3. To run the 5k without walking.

Every time I felt like slacking off - I would remember my first goal, seriously I would kick it into gear!

I only had a hard time on 1 part of the bike loop so I felt really good about that. I went all out on the bike, for me this meant a 17.9mph pace! Yeah!!

The first mile is always tough for me, my feet don't seem to cooperate after the ride, but I kept running anyway, in the past I have always walked until my feet felt "good". Not this year I began to run (I actually said to a lady next to me, "we are moving forward right?" she laughed and said, we were!

The swim: In past years the swim has been short on the distance about 200m. This year it was not, it was right on a 1/2 mile. So it was the first time during a race that I have done an actual 1/2 mile. My practice swims, I wasn't sure if I was doing a 1/2 mile or not, the life guards weren't all on the same page on exactly how far the two docs were I used to practice. One said 5 lengths in a pool, one thought it was longer. So it was hard to gage how fast I could do the 1/2 mile in. Swim started no problems, I stayed way in the back, knowing I would get run over if I didn't. I have had continual rotator cuff issues for a while, so I can't swim free style very long, I have to switch to side stroke. Around the first buoy, I finally found my stride and just kept to my pace, no panic attacks for me today! Last year I had a bit of a panic attack when I got kicked and choked in water, this year I remained calm. Second buoy I looked at my watch, and was thrilled that I was going as fast as I was, then the second wave back came up and it became a bit of a shark fest in the water... seriously it was hard to swim I kept hitting feet and and I grabbed a few butts too, I just wanted to get out of the mess, but I couldn't.. so I just kept going. My friend Kalei was in my wave this year, and she kicked my butt last year, so this year I wanted to at least keep up with her.... we came out of the swim with the same exact time! Not bad....

Ran/walked into the transition area, got shoes and a drink and ran out with bike, I felt great. I had a mission to accomplish on the bike, I started off strong and never really wavered for me. I felt good the whole ride, the last incline (bridge) was a bit tough but I gutted it out and even passed people! Last year the entire ride I heard, "left", "left", "on your left" "coming on your left, to the point it was beyond irritating to me. This year, I was shocked I was the one passing people! Of course I had people pass me, the younger ages are behind us in the waves, and some of them gals are very fast! But it felt good to know I had a great ride.

Off the bike, long way to the bike rack, oops. Changed socks and shoes and drank and went on my way - I was a running! (You have to say that like as in Forest Gump, I was a runnin' ) I felt good going into the run too, that was a plus. I have put so many hours into training I was happy they have all paid off. I was strong. Legs finally cooperated after about a mile. Then I just went at my slow steady pace. My friend Kalei, I had beaten on the bike, and I knew I had to get pretty far ahead of her as she a 9 min mile, and I am a 12.... obviously I needed to make past mile 2 to have a shot. There is a hill towards the middle of mile 2 I think.. and I thought if I can make it up the hill I may have her. Right before the hill, I hear, "I caught up to you, can we walk now?" as I turn to look it is Kalei passing me! Darn it, I yell! You can walk, I am running! I yell back to her as she goes off towards the hill. I was bummed, but happy I knew we would be close on our time. I didn't quite reach my goal of running the whole race, right at the top of the hill I stopped running. Yes I looked at my watch when I did it, I stopped for a minute 30, then I looked back at my watch and said to myself, no you don't ~~ finish this!! so I picked up and ran again. You can hear the crowd as you come to the final stretch it is pretty cool. I gave it all I had in the last .2 miles, and ran through the chute.

Great race this year, I felt strong at the end. I know I have come a long way, I feel stronger than ever.

Final Numbers: 1:49:16 Goal was to make it under 2:00 hours! Yeah.
Swim 1/2 mile: 23:20
Trans 1: 5:04 I could use some work here
Bike: 40:11 17.9 mph I kicked butt over last year - improvement of 37minutes! (I still stick to something was wrong with my bike!)
Trans 2: 3:26 not too bad??
Run: 37:14 Pace 12:00 My PR in a 5k until now was 36:20... you think I have improved? Heck ya!

It was great to race with so many ladies from the Raise the Bar and Raise the Hope teams. One of the gals from RTB took 4th over all and quite a few names in the top 10 I recognized and thought were from the team as well. Then I see a gals name who came in 8th.. she wasn't an elite either... she was a year older than me in high school, and had a wonderful race!

Congrats to everyone who competed this weekend.

A big shout out and congratulations to Julia~ she completed her first triathlon today!! She did awesome, I will let her tell you all about it, give her a "way to go" she deserves it!

Light the Passion Share the Dream

2008-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Another virtual race down... I don't think I won the gold!

Non Runner Nancy hosted another virtual race event (8 miles on the 8th - with the Olympic theme no less)... Nancy thought up the event when she was looking for a race during the winter months and needed something to train for, ofcourse her idea took off in the blogging running world, and she has hosted many more, some with prizes! I am not really a contender for prizes (ok, really in any race) but obviously I don't run for the prizes. (Just the free t-shirt and medal to wear around my neck!) I was on my long training run for the week, a 16 miler. Wow, it takes me by suprise I ran 16 miles. OK I ran/ walk 16 miles. Actually I walked 15 minutes of my 3:44 minutes of torture! I didn't fuel correctly before I left the house and well, it was a recipe for disaster. I have learned my lesson the hard way - the very hard way, and will not be doing that again! As I was coming to my last mile, I had a nice deer in the headlights look about me, I was passed (she was on her bike, training for World Championships in Nov. for her Half Ironman) one of the elite athletes that helped me do my schedule for the marathon a few weeks back. I was horrified when I saw her. I happen to be walking when I saw her, I was horrified I saw her, because I was done, you know put a fork in me done, finito, adios, kind a done! She asked how you doing? I responded, "good" and put a smile on my face.... then I had to come to the fact, that I had given up. Seeing her, well it shamed me into digging deep and getting my head straight! Yes I was tired, shouldn't you be after running 15 miles with one more to go? Maybe some people are not, but I was... so what I thought to myself. Suck it up! Get your head back in it and finish this.

(A picture from china for you to visualize the Olympics!)

So I mustered a bit of energy and ran (at a snails pace) back to the house... to finish the 16 miles. Lesson learned. EAT before you run! Won't have that issue again, only have to go through it once, to know you don't want that feeling again!

In the spirit of the Olympics opening on 8-8-08 enjoy the pic!
Also a shout out to my friend, Kalei - she turned 35 on the 8th!!

Light the Passion Share the Dream
The Olympic Motto

Fishing.

2008-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great family vacation this past weekend. For the past 5 years we have gone fishing around this time of year in a little town called Sekiu (see-Q) It is a beautiful area. The town is 19 miles from the Makah Indian tribe - the tribe made national headlines for killing a whale this past year, illegally. I won't get into the politics of this, I will instead say, this is one of the most gorgeous areas of Washington state.

We forgot our camera, so I am waiting for this pics of the kids, and boat, etc. As soon as I get the photos I will post them.

We caught 11 salmon that we could keep. Coho and Chinook were legal, hatchery. (meaning they have to have a clipped fin) We caught many wilds, but couldn't keep them. It is fun just catching fish, so it is always exciting getting them to the boat! After two days I was in the zone, I was catching and also able to get the hooks out of the mouth and release the wild ones, no not as good as Grandpa does it, but hey I was doing it!

Fun story: Remember the hiking shoes I was so excited to get? They are red, cute and great to hike in.... not good for boating. not good for boating at all! My dad (grandpa) had a fish on, I went and got the net, we start doing the whole drill... you wave the net around, try to get the fish in the net with out losing fish, and with out throwing yourself over board. Well grandpa led the fish right to the net (he is good like that) and I lean over to net the fish..... both feet slip, darn shoes! I (for a second) thought I was going over board. I caught myself on the side of the boat. (with my elbows - ouch!) With out missing a beat, my dad turned and said the family line, "what the hell are you doing?" Yes dad I wanted to throw myself over the boat, with the net, it is easier to net them if we are all in the water! In case you were wondering... yes my elbow is bruised! Yes. We got the fish. It is a family tradition when someone does something really stupid, or clumsy, or gets hurt, what ever the situation to look at them and say, " what the hell are you doing?" you have to have a serious tone though when you say it, like you are irritated they just hurt themselves. My mom once stepped off the side of the road, when it was snowing and threw herself down a ditch... yes mom it is still funny! Yes, dad asked the question as he was helping her out of the ditch.... we are a nice bunch of people.

See the two towns in bold print? Sekiu and Clallam bay they are 2 miles apart... That is where we were on the coast. The dotted line going across the bay from the town of Port Angeles - is going to Vancouver, BC.... to give you all a reference of where we were.
The only tough part of the trip was trying to get in my run... Since I write the blogs, you get to hear about my part of the trip!

As you can see from the map on the right. This is it... this is all the road I had to run on. Yes there was the highway - but not much a shoulder so it made me nervous. Derrick drove me over to the town for my adventure. As he pulled away I turned on the ipod to find out, all my songs were magically erased. Great a nice 15 mile run with no music. I am not a purist here, I like me some music to run too! Ugh. Oh well first two miles ( a small loop out to the light house and back to town) was great. Then I decided to run the rest of the town. Well one trip down each road, kept my pace up - no one chains their dogs or owns a fence, so the animals run free. I guess they aren't used to runners, cuz I got them all stirred up! I even got chased a bit... nice heart rate booster! So once down each road was all I could take. A quick jaunt out to the prison... yes state prison in the middle of no where. I didn't go all the way out just up the first big hill, I didn't want a full four miles of hills.... ick. So yes I cut the run a bit short, I figure I made it 12-13 miles. not too bad for a town of 3 miles of road!

Let's see we skipped rocks each night after dinner, we decided that Detrix could take all state for rock skipping, 7 skips! he is a natural! Mom well not so good with the rock skipping. We ate and ate and had so much fun! Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for hauling the boat all the way out there - it is very much appreciated. We always have fun.

I will save the story of my mom and I watching an old fellow dock his boat. . . Always entertaining to watch people dock boats....

On the way home we got stopped on the Hood Canal Bridge. (they were letting marine traffic go through - all though we never saw a ship.... hmmmm) I have never been stopped on the bridge before... we got out and looked around. It was so cool to see the views from the deck of the bridge. Picture is from my camera phone.

Do you see the chip on my shoulder? Put up your dukes!

2008-07-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that I *may* have a chip on my shoulder about this whole exercise stuff. Hmmm, I know you are all probably shocked to hear that, coming from me. I realized after writing the previous post, and then letting it marinate over night, that I *may* be a little sensitive and on edge, when the discussion of exercise comes up. I *may* jump to the conclusion that the person - who ever it is that I am talking too - assumes I am not capable of doing a triathlon, or a running event. I *may* be the one with the problem, not the other person. Can it be? Could it be I have my cackles up and my claws out before the person says a word? hmmm.

Before jumping to my defense and saying no, no, no you are in the right the whole world is against you and thinks you can't exercise.

Let's back up a bit. It *may* be that I have this preconceived notion that I can't do it, lingering somewhere in the back of my mind. This thought that people think I am a poser in their athletic world. But alas this self doubting me has not been seen in so many years! why now? Could it be my late 1980's - early 1990's self is trying to get back at me? Could it be that person the late 80's exercise poser is just ticked off, because this stronger healthier me, has won the battle? I am thinking that the chip on my shoulder *may* come up ever now and then, and I think it is OK. I have faced my non- exercising self, and I have won. I have thrown down my own doubts and fears and beaten them into submission. They *may* rear their ugly head now and again, but I think that is OK. For now I am smiling, knowing my future is brighter than ever. My goal is bigger than today. (that is by the way my new favorite saying!)

9 mile ride last night
swim - no idea how far?
7 mile run today
9 mile ride tonight
swim tonight

A Real Marathon? The Nerve of some people!!

2008-07-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

I write this with a very light heart, a heart of someone that knows what they are going after, and knows how hard it has been to get to this point.

Today (I work at a gym part time- in case you missed that) at the gym, a little boy came in wearing the STP (Seattle to Portland bike ride) coat. So I ask, is that the new one from this year? Yes, said his dad. I have known his dad since I started going to the gym, very nice man works out all the time, very nice boy as well. Anyway, so I say, " I am trying to find a new challenge for next year, maybe I will do the STP next year. " so we have a conversation about this year's ride, how he did, how he felt... you can either do the ride in 1 or 2 days I believe it is 209 miles. He did it this year in 1 day, last year in 2 days. I said I have friends that did it two years ago in 2 days. That is great you did it in one day. Then I mention (not sure he didn't know this ) that I was training for a marathon in October. (Seriously I think the people that drop their kids off our sick of hearing about from me! - Hey the more people that know, then I know I can't back out, well I am way past the backing out stage now!) Anyway the point to my babbling here is to say this... he said it, I kid you not, " A Real Marathon?" Many things went through my head on how to answer after the fact, you know what you wish you would have said. I replied, "yes a real 26.2 mile marathon". I could tell he regretted how he responded, well one word comes to mind is, well, RUDE! But I will forgive him, as I really think he meant well. He did go onto explain that although he could bike 200+ miles in one day, he can only run 5 miles at a time. So after that I was happy I didn't respond with an incredibly sarcastic remark, I think he was shocked ANYONE would be undertaking the task, not just me singled out. So I will put my claws back in, and let the man have a mulligan. (Don't know what a mulligan is? Click on the word mulligan!)

Learning from the elites

2008-07-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last night, 8 of us, Raise the Hope gals got to sit down with some elite athletes from our tri team (Raise the bar) and go over our marathon training plans. First let me tell you who we were in the company of;

a marathon winner and record holder,
two people who have (ran - oops) run many marathons

**grammar police caught my air, ha gotcha! error**

and who just qualified for the half ironman national finals

I wanted to soak up everything they said, I wanted them to say that the marathon is a piece

(peace - oops again)**I am pointing out that the grammar police missed this one! **

of cake for them, not to worry it is pretty easy at their level. Nope. Not what I got. I got exactly what I needed to hear.

This is a tough race, most people don't make it to the starting line.
This is crunch time in the training, these are crucial weeks, as the miles begin building, you cannot slack off.
This is a serious run, take the training seriously.
Be prepared for the race, so you will want to run again afterwards.

We got so much great information! It was overwhelming. I really didn't want the night to end, as I could have asked a million questions. I wanted to also know what these three elite athletes were thinking? ---As I asked my newbie questions,

For other newbies here are some of the questions we asked;

How much do you eat and how long before the marathon start do you eat?

Eat 400-600 calories 3 hours before the start of the race. Start time is 7am, you are eating at 4am. Yes you can go back to bed after you eat!

Do you stop at all the water stations? Do you drink the water and the electrolytes at each station?

This answer varied a little bit, but all agreed, we for this marathon should stop at all water locations and drink both the water and the electrolyte drink provided. Or at least drink the electrolyte drink, and pour water over head. Important: Have tried the drink on your long runs, make sure you are familiar with everything they are offering on the course!

Do you take gels during the race? of so how many how often?

This answer of course varies depending on the person and how fast they run, as a general rule we got this answer, take a gel every five miles or so. (For this person it was every 40 minutes...obviously I would need many more than that! As my 5 miles is at about an hour!)

How do you carry the gels?

Clip them to your shorts. Or put them in a running belt. Also had the idea to put them in your bra! I will probably need around 18 gels if I go by the 200-300 calories an hour rule.... hmmm think I need an entourage following me handing me gels!

Do you wear a water belt during the race?

All of them, I believe said no, that there is typically enough water on the course. Of course they are in the front of the pack, so I assume there will be enough for the back of the packers too!

Newbie question I am sure! What do you do when you hit "the wall".

With a straight face , they answered, "you keep moving forward"

After the race, what is the first thing you should do?

Eat something, within 30-60 minutes, keep walking right after you cross the finish line, do not sit down immediately. Ice your legs, as soon as you can to prevent swelling. Go out for a short walk/or run that evening 15 minutes - for them it was a couple of miles!

Anyone have other newbie questions we didn't ask, and should have please let me know.

Any tips would be nice too, for those that have ran before.

** Grammar police you ask??, well it is my mom! Bless her heart, retired school teacher loves to catch my errors Yes, the 4 years at the University served me well! I laugh when I catch the errors myself, but dang it when she calls to tell me my mistakes! Eagle eye - missed a funny one this time... **

what's in a song?

2008-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

While running yesterday, 7 miles may I add - 12:14 mile average (rockstar fast, for me!!) I was listening to my ipod. Many songs, keep me going when I run. These songs I tend to play over and over again, I find inspiration in the lyrics, or in some of the songs, they just make me smile and laugh and that is enough to get me through a 1/2 mile or so, back up and repeat and I am through a mile!

The Distance by Cake
He's going the distance, he's going for speed...

Baby one more time by Britney Spears (that's right, Britney Spears!)
Hit me baby one more time....

Shackles (Praise you)
You broke the chains now I can dance....

Extreme Days by Toby Mac
These are extreme, extreme days...

Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
I'm bringin' sexy back... (just that alone keeps me going for miles!)

I actually have these on my ipod, back to back, then it repeats a few times, these songs have meaning to me. I feel like they are anthems for me when running. It is my life, what do I choose to do with it.

Stand, well I feel like after all I have (and my family has) been through we still our standing. No matter what gets thrown at us, we pick ourselves up and brush off and come out of the situation stronger than ever before.

It's My Life by Bon Jovi
It's my life, It's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive...
Stand by Rascal Flatts
cuz' when push comes to shove you you taste what your made of,
on you knees you look up and decide you've had enough, you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off and you stand...

So I crank the ipod up, and I run. The songs, just remind me when I want to stop and quit, that nope, I need to keep going. My goal is bigger than today.

The full marathon is fast approaching.... sure I am nervous, but also excited too. I know the Marathon doesn't define me, but it helps to shape me!

I take it back!

2008-07-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

A while ago I posted how I thought I was hardcore....

I take that back!!

I shamelessly stole this picture off of Bree Wee's blog... she was probably in the water! Wow I am in awe.

Thank you to Julia for meeting me at the crack o dawn this morning for our bike and swim! Rockstars, we are rockstars!!

Kept it off

2008-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well it has been 7 months this month since I lost 35 pounds, and I have kept it off!! I ran two days ago 6.5 miles then did 13 miles on the bike today and am swimming 1/2 mile tomorrow and running 7 miles... I am pretty determined not only to keep the weight off, but to add some more pounds to the weight loss as well. I feel better than I have in years, and I am way more active too! The fun thing about this summer has been been putting on summer clothes that are loose or too big!! Yeah. Pretty darn exciting if you ask me! Ever take out the summer pile of clothes and start trying them on, only to shove them back in the closet, knowing that the dryer shrunk them?~! Well not this year, not for me! Yeah me.
I own more spandex now than I did in the 1980's - is that scary? It makes me laugh everytime, I laugh when I put it on and I think "I make this look good!!" Yes, then I laugh again... You have to have a sense of humor!

That is all, just a fun update!! Raise up the glass - Here's to keeping it off!!

Back at it

2008-07-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

As I make my way back to my long run (for me a long run is 10+ miles) , I am mentally battling what it takes to get there. As I have run 3 - 5 milers in the past few days, I can't help but think about the mental side of the sport. What makes you go out and do things that other people won't even try? Truly I can say this in other areas of my life as well. I have told people what my hubby and I have been through over the years, (baby born with tumors, house burning down, stroke) most often there response is I could have never gone through that. My response is typically, well what choice did I have? Life happens and you have to deal with it. I think there is always a reason we go through hard times, whether or not it is training when we are preparing for a race, or in life when something just comes at you and knocks you off your feet. How do you handle it? I must confess I am lot better equipped at handling what everyday life throws at me than I was two years ago. I don't have that sense of panic anymore when something comes up like I used to. I used to freak out, and panic and worry, well what does that get you? nothing. It leaves you stressed and worried. Now when something happens, I may worry and I may have a few moments of panic but it does not consume me. I missed a couple of weeks of training. I am not panicking... I am know I have a base built, and I will be back on track in no time. Just like in life. You may get thrown off a bit, but you will be back on track soon enough.

Know that impossible things happen. Do you have a dream of running a 10k? Go out there and make it happen! Do you have dreams of a family unified together? Go out and make that happen, impossible things are all around us, you just have to believe in the possibilities! I have myself run a 1/2 marathon something I thought was impossible at one time. How did I do that? I believed in myself. I also took the required steps to make it happen. Sure there are days you don't want to do things, you don't want to run, but you run any way knowing that you have a goal that is bigger than today....

Just some thoughts!!

2008-07-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Let's see on Saturday the Grandma 'Scilla and the kids and I went to Symphony!

They had a special guest at this performance a fiddler, who was amazing. (Mark O'Conner)The hour is geared towards the kids to teach them about music. Both the kids had lots of fun. We learned about the violin, viola, and fiddle. Grandma plays the violin, so it is always fun to hear it played.

After the symphony we all went to the Market. We hadn't gone yet this summer and it was packed full of people and fresh fruit andbeautiful flowers. We watched the famous fish throwers for a little bit. It was a great time walking around and seeing all the nice attractions that Seattle has to offer.

While we were out at the symphony Derrick officiated a wedding, and then entertained the wedding party with his DJ-ing! How is that for one stop shopping?

Today I got back to running! Yeah. Toe didn't bother me at all. So that is great news. I swam a 1/2 mile and later I ran 5 miles. Felt good to get out there running again.

Go diego Go! Live

2008-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Friday night, we got tickets to go see Go Diego Go Live! It was in the WaMu theater down between the Seahawks and the Mariners Stadiums. Very cool. It was very interactive and grownups and kids alike had fun.

Yes, we are fun parents and made D get in the picture too! I love having pictures of all three of them together! He is always a great sport and goes along for the ride.

Detrix mom gave us the tickets, and is a state farm agent, with her own office and since state farm was the main sponsor friends and family got tickets... very nice of her to think of us. We wish we could get some kind of special rates from her, but after our home burned down, we were dropped by State Farm in the middle of construction. Darn insurance companies! Obviously State Farm had to pay out a pretty penny for our policy, so I guess that is how it works, you make a claim and get dropped. I have heard that from other insurance companies too. So it is just the industry. They did cover everything, so I can't complain other than they won't give us insurance!

The performers were really good. They had all the kids entertained. I think the funniest character (not shown in the pic) was the Rescue Pack. If you watch the cartoon, the Rescue pack does a whole song, when he comes to help Diego. Well during the show this guy comes out in a suit with a huge rescue pack on him, and starts dancing. This guy did mostly the old school dancing and had all the kids and adults rollin' laughing. He did the sprinkler, I think I saw the running man and Derrick's favorite the shovel. Detrix and I looked at each other as we were watching and said this is Derrick (Dad) to a tee! I could so see Derrick in this costume bustin' out all the old school moves, it was priceless. On the cruise a couple of years ago, Derrick was caught on video tape bustin' a move doing the ever popular Shovel Move! Too fun!

So this was the kick off to our weekend. Another post to come soon.... we had a packed weekend!

Confession time!

2008-07-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

So saturday I was walking by our couch, tripped on the computer cord, fell into the coffee table and jammed my toe into the couch....

I sat all day on the couch icing my very swollen and bruised toe! I can walk on it, with out limping now, and I went for a 1/2 swim today. So that is the good news. I am going to try to bike tomorrow. I still can't quite run on it.... it is still lovely purple color in spots, with that great looking yellow all over my foot. I don't think it is broke as I can put some pressure on it - I think I just jammed it very nicely.

Me being the type of person that I am, hurt toe and all -

I officially signed up for the Portland Marathon today!

Bib #2186

I figured it would keep me more than motivated, if I had paid the entry fee, cuz as you know once I pay, I just have to do it! So no excuses on the toe - I will be out there soon!!

2008-07-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

As our Independence day was yesterday I thought this was a fitting post!

BOGOTA, Colombia - Former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt embraced her children for the first time in six years Thursday, saying the thought of them helped her stay alive until a daring rescue plucked her and 14 other hostages from the jungle.
"Nirvana, paradise — that must be very similar to what I feel at this moment," Betancourt said, fighting back tears as her son reached over to kiss her. "It was because of them that I kept up my will to get out of that jungle."

All around the world there are people being held against their will. I pray that those captured and being held against their will, will soon have their own independence day. I celebrate for with these families, can't imagine what the 6 years of torture were like for all involved.

Truly an amazing story!

Happy 4th!!

2008-07-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

The things we do for our team! My wonderful group of ladies RTH, had a girls night out last night. It was well timed for me. I needed a night out with adults! We had much food and lots of fun, and even invited strange men to our table (it is was all for the points!)
We moved over the weekend, and I was pretty tired and worn out, so a night out with the girls was fabulous! We went to the Buca de Beppo in Seattle, and then some of the ladies did the midnight run.

Warning read at your own risk: A little note to those that volunteer, I was one of the first people at the finish, to help cut off the timing chips.... the first group of runners came in - 15 min... for a 5k! Wow they are fast! Anyway the guy who came in 5th comes in, stops, turns towards me and then gets sick ... uh hello??? what are you doing??? I guess the look on my face was pretty priceless, so I moved my little stool away from the sickness, and proceeded to help people!! Just a thought if you are running so fast that you are sick at the end of the race, slow down! Unless it is the Olympic trials.... then I say spew all you want, but no prize money? hmmm I wouldn't go all out like that.... ok, done on the gross out story....

I got to volunteer to help out with registration and hand out shirts and timing chips. Pretty easy and fun job, and the bonus is I get a free race! Score on that one. So I am trying to figure out if I will be up for the annual UW Dawg Dash @ the University of Washington! Since I am an alumni I thought that might be a fun run to do.... but it is a week after the marathon in Portland, so I am not sure how feasible it will be for me to do.... we shall see. That is about it for now.
Have a Happy 4th of July!

Too funny!

2008-06-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have a big follow up to the ironman post with my own training... these should make you laugh.

For Paula

for Marcie - bike riding diva!

This last one is too funny for words!

Ironchasers

2008-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend some of the brave, awe-inspiring, dedicated, ever-evolving, truly magnificent, men and woman of my triathlon team We Raise The Bar, are competing in the grueling, life-changing Ford Ironman in Coeur d Alene! (Did I get enough adjectives in?)

I am hoping to go watch next year, I of course would love to do this race some day - but I know a bit of what is involved and I know I have much, much more training and discipline before that would take place. The full Ironman is not something you take lightly. I have been watching these superhuman athletes train and they are amazing!

I say superhuman, because the dedication to the sport of triathlon is nothing less than heroic. (that is why i love the sport, eh?)

Swim 2.4 miles - When I went in for my swim last week in the freezing cold, windy day - I didn't mention that while the four of us ladies entered the water, from across the lake came two lone swimmers - training for Coeur d' Alene. I can't swim 2.4 miles at this time... so it is inspiring to watch those that can!

Bike 112 miles - Again while I have been out riding my 12-14 miles - I have been passed by many on the RTB team that are training for the 112 mile bike ride! The longest ride I have done is 20.... I got a ways to go!

Run - 26.2 miles - OK so I am on my way on this one! I know how much training it takes to do a half marathon, so add 2.4 miles of swimming then 112 mile bike ride, then holy cow a full marathon! Wow, I am seriously blown away people do this all in one day! I know I will finish my marathon in October - (see the ticker on the side it is ever taunting me!! counting down!) I am hoping to finish in and around 6 hours... give or take.. you aren't suppose to set a time goal on your first marathon.... so to think people can do Ironman races in 9-10 hours... truly amazing!

So as you roll off the couch this weekend, think of the superhuman athletes out there laying all their hard work on the line - , leaving it all on the course!

Best wishes to all the racers out there this weekend!!

God Speed Ironchasers, God Speed!!

Our fearless leader Patty owner of Raise the bar is out there this weekend. It is an honor to train with her. I wish her all the best, she is a truly selfless individual that gives of herself day in and day out... best wishes Patty!!

words to live by

2008-06-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

or swim, bike and run! :)

This was in my inbox today - I needed to hear it today. Thought maybe you did too!

I Got Tagged!

2008-06-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tagging is one way that bloggers connect with each other and each other's blogs.
I have some great people that I have "met" on line and are interested in running and triathlon. I got tagged by You Run? no, Really You run? blog. As some of you know that I run with, I talk about the people's blogs I read. I find most of these people truly fascinating and very inspirational!

So, here are the rules of tagging:
Tagging is easy. Just copy the following onto your post. The rules of the game are posted at the start of your blog post. In this case, I'm asking you 5 questions about running. Each player answers the 5 questions on their own blog. At the end of your post you tag 5 other people and post their names. Go to their blogs and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details. When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you. Got that?

So here goes:

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

1998 - hmmm I was definitely not running at this point in my life. I was engaged to Derrick and if memory serves me correctly I was traveling for a company every week of the month, not exactly into exercise - more into eating out every single night.... not a great combo!

2. What is your best/worst running experience?

My best running experience by far has to be the last 6 months of training. I have ran 200+ miles and I have found a group of women that push me and help me to achieve my goals. Best race was my half on Mother's day - PR!! I cut 53 minutes off of my first ever half Nov of 06. This leads us to my worst run would have been my first half in 06'. I had not properly trained (I thought I had, ha ha!!) I couldn't walk for a week after the race! Also I bought a pair of "running shoes" ie) they looked cute - they were not the correct size ( I found out later - I have been wearing the wrong size shoe for years!) My toe nails turned black! Big red flag your shoes don't fit!

3. Why do you run?
I started out for various reasons....but why do I continue to run? I found an outlet that works for me. I run because I am happy, I run because I am sad, I run to clear my head, I run to show my kids a healthy lifestyle, I run for me.

4. What is the best or worst piece of running advice that you've been given about running?hmmm. I don't really have a bad piece of advice - the best piece of advice - Get fitted for your running shoes! priceless!

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

What don't you all know my life is pretty much an open book -

I once traveled on a 3 month road trip with my (now) hubby we drove for a promotional tour for 1800Collect - in a cargo van that had Phil Hartman (rest in peace Phil) on the side of it with big huge words saying, "FREE STUFF"! It was a great gig, traveled to college campuses handing out free stuff. We ended the tour in Los Angeles - we got lost in Compton - we were terrified we were going to get shot and the van taken!!

What else can I tell you -

I have taken 7 years of Spanish! While I am not able to hold on a conversation right now (lack of use) I can understand when people are talking. I can't conjugate the verbs quick enough to hold on a conversation. I once went to Spanish camp in highschool (yeah I know big geek here!) where we spoke only spanish the entire week. Actually I had a lot of fun.

People I will tag: (hopefully they will do this)

1. I have to tag Julia from Julia's Journey I find her so inspirational and I am always proud to call her my friend.

2. Viv, from Im not fit to run , well she is the first blog that I stalked! This is a fun term meaning - I found her blog, I liked it and kept coming back to see if she had posted, then finally I introduced myself to her! I came across her blog, cuz I liked the name of it!

3. Again I loved the name - Athena Diaries in the sports world Athena is given to us girls who are not a size 2 but we are out there defying the odds, and kicking some serious butt! Her story of losing weight is incredibly empowering. (OK - oops she already got tagged by I am still leaving her up cuz I love her story!!)

4. Cindy of Triathlon stuff - warrior woman right here!!

5. Last but not least is Wes from A Code Geek's Tail, love his stories - he just finished a 1/2 ironman! Incredible!

Hopefully all of you are up for the tag challenge - I certainly have enjoyed reading your blogs! Thank you for the encouragement and the courage to keep moving toward my goals!

I think I just became hardcore!

2008-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Em: Does this qualify us as now being hardcore??

Tina: Yes, this is hardcore!

So there it is... It was verified.... We are hardcore!

Seattle Metropolitan Area
Tonight: windy. Showers, decreasing after midnight. Lows in the 40s. Southwest wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph, decreasing after midnight.

Right now:
Seattle, WashingtonCurrently: 52°F Partly Cloudy
Wind: Southwest at 26 MPH

What were 4 of us doing that make us hardcore?? Well we were swimming in a local lake! As we were getting in the water there were 2 people that are training for the Coeur d’Alene Ironman that takes place is a couple of weeks, coming out of the water. So I will gladly take the "hardcore" title I have given myself! (Am I funny or what?) Yes we had wet suits on... if you were wondering... I had on a shorty - so my legs were a bit cold, but felt good besides that.

I really don't know how far I went probably about a 1/4 of a mile, before getting out! The wind was blowing so hard there were almost white caps on the water making it mighty difficult to swim! I decided that swimming in open water is better done when it is 80' and sunny and calm.

That is all for now!!

Good thing there wasn't anyone at the park... I would have flashed them as I got my wetsuit off and into my clothes.. the restrooms were way to far away to see if they were open, so I hope anyone watching enjoyed the show of us four woman... stripping down with towels around us! (OK maybe it was just me!) After I got out of the water the wind was relentless.... then I got cold brrrrr.....

Shameless plugs

2008-06-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have officially sold out! As you can tell I am pretty excited about it too!

Our Raise the Bar team uniforms (Local triathlon club) and jackets have arrived. Some of you know just how cool it is to slip into that new uniform. Last year I was kind of bummed all year cuz I didn't order the jacket, well not this year. Thank you to my brother John (who purchased it for me! Thank you!!) I will be wearing this baby all the time. (I think he just didn't want to have me complain all year long that I didn't order one! They only did one order last year so I couldn't get one!)

We have some great sponsors this year. One of them the Hope Heart Institute is near and dear to my heart because they help raise awareness and also do research to help fight against cardiovascular disease. As most of you know my hubby suffered a stroke in '06. So this cause is very close to us. What is very cool about this organization is that 100% of all donations go into research, your money does not go towards administrative costs. Just an FYI! Pretty cool, huh? They not only do research but they also run many programs to help educate men and women on how to lower their risks of a heart attack or stroke. Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke. There are small things you can change in your life that make a big impact on your chances of a stroke or heart attack.
What you can do...

Eat a low-fat diet that includes eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, and three servings of low-fat dairy a day. These foods contain calcium, magnesium and potassium - minerals that help control blood pressure.

Get regular, brisk exercise - at least 30 minutes most days.
Lose extra weight.

Cut back on salt - About 10 to 15% of Americans are "salt sensitive."
Limit alcohol - More than one drink a day can contribute to high blood pressure.
Manage stress.

Buy a home blood pressure monitor. This can give you a better picture of your average blood pressure.

Ask your doctor about blood pressure-lowering medications if lifestyle changes don't help.

Hope Heart Institute and another sponsor Kagome (this is a wonderful product too! can you say YUMMY, more on them later) directly support the Raise the Hope Team I am on which is a subset group of woman within the regular (We Raise the Bar) triathlon team.... we are a wonderful group of woman that not only want to lose some weight, but also but are finding inner strength while participating in life changing events such as triathlons, 5k's, 10k's, Half Marathons and Full Marathons!

Rest assured from time to time I will talk about the sponsors on here - not because I have to ~ but because I believe these sponsors have some great products, and well in this case are truly changing lives!

One more thing, last night at out team meeting we were all learning how to change a flat tire. Being newer to the sport of triathlon this is a rather important thing to know! I have only changed my tire once, but it went fairly quickly and without too much trouble. But they showed us this tool last night that well, it could change your life! (OK, maybe not change it but make it very easy to change a tire!) It is by crank brothers and is called a speed lever. It is different from a normal "tire changing thing-a-ma-jiggy" how you ask? Well let me tell you it is different because it has this handle that you attach to your spoke (the middle part of your tire where all the spokes meet.) So you just spin the tool all the way around your tire and pop off the tire with one hand. Normally you have to slide the tool around on your own, this new tool guides it around because it is attached! (hope that makes sense) Seriously is a cool tool! (wanted to make more use of the parenthesis) Plus it is only around $6.00! You can't beat that price in the sport of triathlon!

This may be old hat for you veterans in the sport, but if you are new to biking and or triathlon, get one of these!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings... you will see me in my spandex soon ( I know you are excited for that) ha ha ha!! As my friend Julia says "Spandex is a privilege not a right!" I don't know where she got it but it cracks me up each time I hear it.

Another funny note, last night we all changed into our uniforms so they could take some photos - here we are 15-20 woman wearing spandex! Maybe I only thought it was funny ~ but two years ago I would have never done that - and then to know I would be photographed! Too much.

Full marathon

2008-06-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Let's see this weekend I lived vicarously through two of my team mates that ran in and FINISHED the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon! Shout out to Teresa and Jessi!! (I will have to ask them if I can post their pics!)

To say that I am excited for them is well, an understatement. They are the first of our triathlon team to complete a full marathon. I am so fired up I can't hardly control myself.

The cool thing is that I am kind of inbetween the ladies in how fast I run. One of them is between 10:50 and 11:30 min a mile, and the other one is about 13:30 a mile. I fall somewhere in the middle at about 12+ min a mile for anything over 10+ miles. What makes me happy is to know that they both completed the marathon, meaning I can too... There times you ask? Jessi 5:15 min and Teresa 7:30 you gals rocked it!!

I think we always see ourselves in other people. Some of you out there in blog land may have thought after reading my rambling blogs, if she can do it, I can do it! Well that is my thought too. If they can do it, then I can too!

My excitement turns to nervousness, I want to be well prepared for the race. I am putting in the miles, and I know that will pay off, but the mental part ... how do you wrap your brain around running 26.2 miles? I don't enjoy driving 26.2 miles :)

I am actually submersed in a book on mental training. For any non runners out there - it is such a mental sport. Your body does what your mind tells it to! "They" (don't you love that? who is they?) say that after 20 miles you physically can do the next 6.2 it is all a mental battle. That is why when you are training for a marathon your longest run is 20 or depending on the program 22 mile run. My program (it is official I have a program - yeah me!how "cool athlete" is that ? )

I will do 2 - 20milers and one 22 mile run.. the rest vary from 14 miles to 18 miles. This weekend and for the next 2 weeks I will be doing 14 miles for my long run.

Wow.... that is a lot of miles!

My point being I know after this training I will be able to do it.... how cool is that? When I first had the idea of running (after the loss of my friend, Liz - I thought I would run in Portland) I wasn't sure if I really could but let's see , after 200+ miles (holy cow 200+ miles) of training... I am feeling ready to take on what I thought was once impossible....

Glad to have you along for the ride. I know this blog has turned into my running blog now, with occasional family photos - but you know I think that is great, as I evolve so do the things around me. I find peace in this new passion. I find running a new outlet, so thanks for hanging with me on this journey.

There is 8 of us that are going to do the Portland Marathon in October. I say "Bring it on Portland! I will be ready"

The countdown timer is ever spiraling down, so my intensity will heat up!

Go run your race, what ever race you choose ~ run it with all your heart!

Memorial Day

2008-05-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited.. I got some free shoes! No I am not like half fast a company didn't send them to me... although I would love that if it happened! As you know I work at a gym. Well one of the couples that works out there works for a local outdoors company. Helly Hanson. My boss was tlaking about how big her feet were, so they had a pair of shoes that didn't fit a friend, so they gave them to my boss, well her feet really aren't that big (size 9) come on now - that is not that big! After I made a nice big production of how I loved the shoes (they were so cool - totally coveting the shoes!) I informed my boss that I truly had big feet! (size 11 folks!) so when she finally tried on the shoes they were huge on her little feet... as you know she gave them to me!! They are pretty cool. They aren't running shoes they are hiking shoes. Since I had the shoes well I went for a couple of hikes this weekend! Yeah!

View from the place we stayed, this is looking over the Columbia River. It is truly breathtaking!

We went down and stayed in Oregon with Derrick's sister. She works and runs a camp outside of Portland. It is a beautiful area, very green! They live in the middle of a huge hill the elevation goes from sea level to approx 750 feet in 2 miles! They are almost in the middle of the hill - very cool views from her house!

They have pretty large fishing pond right next to their house. We caught trout (and ate them) and Detrix and his cousin Brian swam in the pond. Saturday night there were around 20 teens swimming in the pond!

We stayed at the camp in a mansion. When I say mansion I mean mansion! It was a house built for a man that owned grocery store chains, when he died he gave it to the FourSquare church and they made it into a camp. I think there is 50 acres, it is a gorgeous camp and retreat center.

LavYonne and Brad (Derrick's sister and brother in law) provided food for all of us as well! We helped them to prepare the meals - here the littler kids are helping to put cheese on the pizzas. I think Lav said there were some 50 pizzas! Crazy! But with teens that can go pretty quick! I know we ate them sat night then they made more on Sat and Sun for a midnight snack!

We went down because Derrick's nephew Blake is graduating from highschool and Derrick's sister and brother in law through him a huge graduation party. Friday night there were 8 of us, then Saturday I think I counted 30+ then sunday night there were 60+ people that came - it was really nice to celebrate his accomplishment with lots of friends and family. Most of the people that came were teens, so the games and fun was on!

This is Detrix and Blake havin' some fun! Look how big the fireplace is! We had 4 people actually standing in it one night to start the fire!

They played frisbee, and capture the flag... even played dodge ball in the gym. There was so much to do that we were busy all weekend

I wish I had a photo of all the teens, it was really fun to watch them run around.

Saturday night we had a big thunder and lightening storm roll through. I kept missing the lightening rods, they were so amazing to watch. The whole sky was lit up. I was under the porch, and didn't feel the need ot venture out into the big field holding something metal. I thought about getting a golf club and seeing if I could have lightening strike me, but alas I came to my senses and stayed under the porch! So this picture is right before or right after the lightening struck. I personally think we got a photo of a UFO... see in the corner? I kid people I kid!!

Here are all the cousins.... John, Blake, Josie, Detrix, Breck and Brian!

For those wanting to know I did do a run on Sat - went from around 450 elevation to 750 elevation in 3/4 of a mile! Ran down to a local landmark (again down a hill and back up!) the hills are great training but rough! My HR was high! I think it was 7 miles... don't know for sure....

In the groove?

2008-05-21T18:16:00.001-07:00

As I was running this past couple of weeks I have had the same conversation with a few different people. The conversation is about how it takes me about 45 minutes of running to warm up and find my groove. At about the 45min to 1 hour mark I start to feel really good and feel like I could run forever. I had this conversation on the day of the half with my two friends and we all laughed and thought, hmmmm I guess we never ran long enough before ~ to get in the groove. I never thought I would say I need to warm up for 45 minutes, but now in training for a while I am comfortable with that. I laughed as I had the same conversation at the gym I work at, with two women who were asking me about the half. Pretty cool I have some of the women asking me about my running schedule and such. Obviously I don't claim to be an elite athlete but they are taking note in my changes in the past 6 months or so. My question is this, does the same thing happen to a person on the swim? on the bike? I haven't found my groove yet in these two disciplines, still searching for that magic time when I can swim, or ride forever! It will happen I am certain of that!

Dead bodies and running?

2008-05-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Pearl Izumi ad . Pearl Izumi's lastest ad campaign's headline reads "Ever notice how it's always runners who find dead bodies?" Saw this ad in a runner's magazine while at the gym and it really got me thinking.....

bad campaign?

smart campaign?

make you want to run?

make you want to buy their shoes?

What you might not realize is that they are more than just a cycling brand. To those who might not be that into running, they do make some good shoes.

The point of the ad.. and their other contraversial campaign pitting "runners against joggers"... is to get people talking about their brand. So I guess it is working! It has me thinking.

Maybe that is good. But it doesn't want to make me go run on a trail by myself. That freaks me out as it is.. now an ad saying runners find the bodies.. hmmm.

I do like the part of the ad that says run like an animal. Kind of cool.

Thoughts on the ad?

*** In doing a little more research, I think this may be an older ad, so much for the gym magazines! --- Just to clarify I only read when I am on the Stairclimber---- thought you should know that! ***

weekend

2008-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the first weekend we had some heat in the PNW. I know we broke records, I belive parts of the area hit 90'. Craziness considering that about 3 weeks ago it was snowing! So I went out for my long run on Sat AM and was shocked that at 8am it said it was mid 70's. As I ran with friends the talk ofcourse was how hot it was. I have always liked cold weather compared to hot, I like that you can always put on more layers if necessary. When it is hot, I can't really take off layers, well I guess I could but I am not comfortable with that scenario. I see people running in just a sports bra, but well folks I don't think that will be happening any time soon with me. Rest assured I won't be running in the little underwear things either. I know I know you are all suprised by that, and relieved.

We had a fun weekened around the house. The boys camped out side in the tents. I believe we were the only people in our 'hood that sprung up tents in the backyard! I forgot to get pics, darn it. The funny thing is we sent up the tents and get John and Detrix settled in and what do they do while camping? They watch a movie from our portable DVD player. True roughing it folks! Josie didn't make it to the tent on Friday night, she fell asleep next to me in the house.... she did make it out on Saturday night.

Too fun.

Ran 8.6 miles Sat

Some more photos

2008-05-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Just got the "official" photo from the race - Here is Amy -

They missed the photo proof on mine! oops. I think they were standing next to our friend taking photos - it is almost the same shot.

Pics from Kirkland

2008-05-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

I didn't get any pics of the 1/2... so as I get them emailed to me I will post them.

here is the Raise the Hope Team! I am on the bottom right... didn't think I could stand up after the pic!

me at the finish!

the only photo I took, camera was left in the trunk! This is my two lifelong friends, Kalei and Amy! You guys rocked it! Kalei's time 2:22 and Amy's 2:20 All smiles before the race!

this is when I saw the RTH team waiting at the finish!

You can't say I don't take in air!
Here is the rock star Julia 100 meters from her first 5k! So proud of her!

Julia and I after our races!

Mother's Day 1/2!

2008-05-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is the front of the RTH team shirts!

Wow! What a race.

I wasn't nervous this time about finishing, because I knew I had trained hard for this, but I wanted to do well. My two friends that I have known forever (I met one when I was almost 3, the other I think at 4 or 5 years old) carpooled with me to the race, it was great to see them both. It was funny to think after all these years we were doing a 1/2 marathon together! Woo hoo for us.

It was a bit windy when we got there, but that is to be expected when you are right next to a lake!

Miles 1-2-3
Moved right to the back of the pack, with the 12:00 min pacer signs. I didn't want to start off too fast. I knew rather quickly into the first mile that I was going faster than a 12:00 actually I think we did the first mile in 10:55! For me that is rock star fast! Something happened after the first mile, my shins started to hurt, hmmm this is new I thought never had sore shins. This is going to make for an interesting run if it keeps up. Miles 2 -3 were more struggling for me. Ouch shins still hurt. I started at the back of the pack, and as you can imagine my worst fear is to come in last so I kept looking back to see that I wasn't last. At one point I only saw 3 people behind me. Crap I thought. Then something changed and my thoughts went to doing my best instead of worrying what was behind me. truly it is a mind game to run long distances.

Mile 4 -5

Shin stopped hurting, I started getting my groove. I looked at the watch and I was at approx 4.5 miles when I hit the hour mark... cool right on time!

Mile 6

This was a truly great mile for me - I caught up with the walkers that left a 1/2 before me! You can't begin to imagine the mental lift this gives you! I ran for the past 2 miles behind a gal with orange shorts determined to close the gap. At mile 6 I did just that I passed her. I started to look back to see if she was going to give chase, but I stopped and thought nope I have passed her and she will not pass me, keep running, there is no looking back, only forward! OK mile 6 for Non-Runner Nancy was 1:20. I believe!

Mile 7

I put a gal in my sights with a white long sleeve shirt with a bright blue shirt on underneath. I thought to my self " bring it on! I will pass you!" I was now fully in my groove and dare I say it? Getting that runner's high! Feeling really good.

Mile 8 -9

Most of these two miles were down hill, wow that does wonders for you the first 1/2 was gradual up hill! So I really kicked it in and passed the lady in the white and blue right before mile 9! Right after that I called and left Derrick a message - I know, I am a big geek calling my hubby to tell him I think I am going to beat my "hopeful" time (that was 3:00 hours) I was quite a bit a head of schedule! If you are wondering I grabbed the phone and dialed and left message while I was running I did not stop! If only I could use my multitasking skills to run a consistent 10 min mile!

Mile 10 - 11

Kind of a blurr in the zone, there weren't a lot of runners around to pick off just the walkers. I was kind of bummed that was a fun thing for me to do. So I picked a walker way up the course and headed towards him. Hit 11 miles and got really excited just 2.1 miles left! Then you round a little corner and it is a short but steep hill. ugh. Made it up the hill - HR went up to 190! wow! My arms were pumping! Again for Non-Runner Nancy and her 10k or 10 miles, my time approx of course, was about 2:06 I know I looked at my watch, to make sure I noted the time but now I have so many numbers in my head I am not positive!

Mile 12

There were two wonderful guys yelling at 3 of us, that we were almost there! The two ladies started to run with me, I was beyond determined to not have them pass me. The first half of the mile a lady in green and I were battling it out - enough is enough I thought - and I broke away. (You have to laugh at me breaking away with a 12:00+ mile!) But hey a break away is a break away. Saw the bridge at the end and new I was close. But I didn't know when to really kick it in, as I didn't want to run out of steam.... Got down the bridge and thought - don't leave anything on this course, run like you've never run before! I looked at the watch and I thought, holy crap I can make 2:45! Started a little faster - then saw my two friends, (who were done!) I know I am close! Started to sprint (again my version of sprinting) Then as I looked up from my running fog I saw the coolest thing... My Raise the Hope Team all standing at the corner! I seriously got excited.... how great they were waiting until we all finished! I missed the 2:45 time... but I finished in 2:46:?? I need to look at the race time to see what my seconds were. I think my average mile was 12:42! that is awesome for me!

Ofcourse through out the race I thought of my friend Liz. Miles 8 and 9 I started to cry, wishing she was with me. Then I had a little conversation with her - me just talking to her telling her I missed her, then telling her I think I could have kept up with her today. Thank you my friend for pushing me. When I crossed the finish line, Foster (her husband) was there. It was great that he came to the race. As I hugged him, so many emotions came into my head! I told him I loved him, and her and that I missed her, and I thanked him for being a great friend! I know Liz was with me today.

I will have to look it up, but I believe my time for my first 1/2 in Nov '06 was 3:36... I took off 50 minutes! Wow! I have come a long way! (Just looked it up - my time was 3:33 53 minutes off the time)

I PR'd the race! 2:46:??
Min/Mile 12:42 I need to verify!
Calories burned: 2, 062
HR average: 164
Highest HR: 190

The coolest part was seeing everyone at the end of the race! Congrats to Julia, she did her first 5K! You rock!

To all the Raise the Bar /Raise the Hope people I met during the race - you looked awesome, many people got a PR as well! I will add pictures later!

this is the back of the RTH shirts.

I will post pics of me, my friends and the team as soon as I get them! There is a pretty cool one of me at the finish that my friend Amy's sister took! So cool Jen came out to see her sis race!

Wanted to say thank you to Derrick and kids for supporting me in my marathon craziness!!

and a big Thank you for the beautiful flowers and card you got me! Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day!

John's big day!

2008-05-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Looking good, Billy Ray! Feeling good, Louis!

(thought the quote from Trading Places fit)

Kindergarten round up! John was so excited to go to school today - he wanted to pick out his outfit, so to the closet he went for the perfect clothes. Then with out me asking he brushed his teeth... this is a first. John didn't want to walk to school, he wanted to take the car. We live really close to the school, so I think he won't get a bus, but we don't know for sure. We pull into the

this is John on the bus!

He kept saying this is the best day ever!

school and I about tear up! Great I am thinking I am going to be that parent... Not only did I start to tear up, it is only an hour today people! ( What is my deal?) I was also that parent taking photos! That is right I took photos of John as we walked into school, and then on the bus. I refrained from taking pics of the classroom, now I must admit I wish I would have... I don't know what I am going to do on his real first day of school I am probably going to be a mess!

Here is lil' sister - not too happy that John was getting to go to school today, and she had to stay home.

Some thoughts...

2008-05-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

As the clock ticks down to the 1/2 marathon my mind is consumed with thoughts of my friend Liz who suddenly passed away in Jan. For those that don't know we did our first 1/2 marathon together in 2006. I so smile as I write that because I remember like it was yesterday. I smile because it snowed on that day - who runs a 1/2 in the snow? Well I looked at the forecast for Mother's day today.... no snow thankfully, but it looks like rain is coming. It makes me smile. All the training all the hardwork, and well it will probably pour rain! That is ok I smile cuz there is no way I would back out. I smile because I know Liz will be with me. I smile cuz if I don't the tears come streaming down. I still miss my friend, everyday I think of her. I wish she were here to run it with me. I ofcourse made the decision to train for this 1/2 on my own, but part of me wants to do it for her as well. Everyday when I think of her I think of one of her favorite songs
Unwritten
"Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in"

I know you hear the song on every freakin' commercial but it is so true. Only you can feel the rain, only you can go after your dreams. Sitting on the couch doesn't get you closer to your dreams ~ go after your dreams what ever your dreams may be ~ Go get em!

Here is me at the finish in 2006 - 35 pounds heavier! Who says you can't change things in your life? Woo hoo for me!! Still have the same coat I will probably wear it @ the race - hey it is bright, and I kind find myself in every photo very quickly! It works!

Kirkland Half course!

2008-05-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Kirkland Half Marathon
Find more Runs in Kirkland, Washington

This is the course for the 1/2 I am running this coming weekend. Pretty darn excited about it!

Went 11.4 miles today ran with my friend Kalei she had to slow down for me, but it was great to run with her!

calories burned: 1650
I was running faster than I normally would, so we met somewhere in the middle - although I did have to walk a bit more than usual cuz my heart rate would get up there! But so cool to do this with friends!

Can't wait for next weekend: Not only am I running with lots of people from the RTH / RTB teams I am also running with two friends from highschool! Yeah!! So cool. I am trying to convince them both to do the Full Marathon...

Some quotes

2008-05-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

"It's supposed to be hard. If it was easy than everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”
Tom Hanks, A League of their Own

"We have two options in life both medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell. "
Lance Armstrong

“I know what I have to do now, I’ve got to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?”
Tom hanks, Castaway

"Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”
Panalope Cruz, Vanilla Sky

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
Tim Robbins, Shawshank Redemption

These are some of my favorite quotes... a friend shared some with me today and I thought I would then share mine with you!

A half marathon today!

2008-04-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Quick info on the run today - never in my life did I think I would actually run a 1/2 marathon for my training run. I actually was slated to run 11 miles. But I missed a trail marker and did 3 miles instead of the 2 I was suppose to do, on the first part of the run... Then ran 9.6 miles around a local reservoir, add in the .5 miles from my house to the first trail head (I didn't drive to go running!) And drum roll please, you have 13.1 miles!

I just had to share that - pretty darn cool if you ask me. The best part was I cut 15 minutes off of my first 1/2 marathon two years ago :) All smiles today.

Calories burned: 1720
HR monitor said I was in the zone: 3:01 minute!

Who is this person?

2008-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

On Wed I woke up at 5:30 and went to my 6:00 am running class. I was dragging a bit as I started out but quickly got into my chugging along pace.
I felt great when I got home so I thought let's go to the gym, got the kids fed and ready and headed to the gym. Ofcourse I know all the trainers at the gym, I work there after all and may I add they are all extremeley friendly and helpful. I get quite a bit of free advice, tips and training techniques from them so it is very nice to work at the gym. There is this one trainer who has quite an impressive personal trianing resume, so I tend to always ask him my questions, well he was on one of the stair climber machines when I got there (the gym only has two) so I got up on the second one and thought ~ I can hang with him! So I start out and fiddle with the machine until I can get it about the same pace he is on ~

I don't know if anyone else does this but I always run /work out faster and harder when there is someone right next to me!

So I am taking on the trainer if you will. After a 1/2 hour over 125 flights of stairs I am dripping from head to toe with sweat but I am smiling, I am keeping up! A half hour was all I planned to do, but I can't stop now, I have to go longer than him! Five minutes later I decided that he has won and I reluctantly get off the stair climber and and spray it down (yes you are suppose to wipe off the machines after you use them - it is gym etiquette and just plain gross if you don't!) I hang my head and walk over to do my sit up routine. He won. But then alas a positive thing happened - he got off the machine right after I did! So now I feel pretty darn good. Sure he was probably at a higher setting I was level 6 not bad for the stair climber for me... so I wonder what level he was at? I didn't have the nerve to ask... I hung with the trainer on my second work out of the day - not too bad, eh?

Then I went to a bike handling class to round out the evening!
I burned a total of 1500 calories - on my 3 workouts - according to the HR monitor! I was feeling pretty good. The best part, I was only a little soar the next day.... woo hoo.

Happy B-day!

2008-04-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

I was waiting to post a pic of D and big D to wish them a happy birthdays, but if I wait any longer it will be really late.... already late as it is!

I don't have any recent photos of Derrick with his son Detrix. I have Detrix or Derrick... but not together!

Wow Detrix turned 15, can you believe it!? I can't he will be getting his permit soon... crazy how time flies. I met Detrix when he was 3 years old, what a charmer he was and still is. If you haven't seen him lately you will hardly recoginize him he is all "growed" up!

My 3 guys at the Seahawks game in Dec 2007

Derrick turned ..... 35! yeah we are both officially in our mid thirties! It used to seem so old, 35, now I think it very young, life is just beginning.

Happy Birthday to Detrix and Derrick!

A Duo you must see!

2008-04-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Marcie regarding the Hoyt Team I think I have posted on them in the past but given the Marathon Challenge it is very appropriate to remind you all of this AMAZING team!

Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they’re not in a marathon they are in a triathlon — that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America.
It’s a remarkable record of exertion — all the more so when you consider that Rick can't walk or talk.

This video can be viewed

at:http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

If I can figure out how to put the video on blogger with out clicking to the website I will fix it later.

Now that you have seen the video - I can guilt you into my challenge of 26.2 little miles done on a weekly basis! Everytime I see a video of these two remarkable people it inspires me to do more than I ever thought possible!

The best part of this video is when they are running - Dick pushing Rick in the wheel chair and they pass a lady running! How awesome is that! I must say I would be honored to get passed by this Amazing duo!

Come on get out there - Week one of the Marathon Challenge - just one mile this week...

Through Rain, Sleet and Snow

2008-04-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

No it is not the mailman - it is me running! Went out for a nice 10 mile jaunt this morning in the spring time, instead I got 32 degree rain, snow and sleet! Crazy weather around here. I actually ended up going 10.7 miles. I was done with my run and a team mate came by and wanted someone to run the last two miles with her of her 16 mile run, so off I went with her. It felt good but I had many flash backs to the Seattle 1/2 marathon 2 years ago, it snowed on the 1/2. I am hoping that the 1/2 in May it doesn't snow. Sad I would have to think that... the person who is suppose to "flip the switch" on the weather from Winter to Spring has been slacking! If they measure snow fall at the airport, it will be latest snowfall on record I think! That is nuts!

so I burned 1300 calories today. Yeah.

Have a great weekend.

A Challenge for you all!

2008-04-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hey mom's out there! I have a challenge for you and your kids

A Marathon! 26.2 miles

Now before you freak out - read this!

Over the next 26 weeks, I want your kids to undertake a challenge of epic proportions, A Marathon. I am taking on the challenge of running a full marathon in October, I want you and your kids to join me on my adventure of running a full marathon. I am asking you and your kids to walk or run 1 mile a week.

This weekend will mark 26 weeks until the marathon in October - so every week you and your child(ren) would walk or run a mile, at the end you will have done a marathon!

What is a Marathon?

In ancient Greece, Phidippedes ran from the plains of Marathon to Athens to report about the Persian War. That is where the marathon got its name. Thousands of years later, people still run, but now they do it for fun.About half a million people run marathons every year! People who run marathons train a lot. A marathon is 26.2 miles.

Why participate in this challenge?
· it's a great way to have fun
· kids emulate their parents, get into this make it a family outing
· running and walking makes you physically fit
· you can run or walk anytime and anywhere
· you don't need special equipment

Not sure how far a mile is? Well when you are with kids if you walk for approx a 1/2 hour you will have gone about a mile!

I am actually starting this challenge this weekend at our church ( I am one of the children's directors) and waiting on approval to do the program at my work (wrk part time at a gym in the kids care)

So let me know if you are in - if you would like to do it let me know and I will send you a run - o- meter.... I am also working on prizes for the kids! I am thinking medals, I have seen them before just have to find them... and yes I will send medals to you and your kids!!

I started "racing" with John and Josie and they were just beaming the whole time - so excited to be out "racing"!

As some of you know I am on the Raise the Bar triathlon team, Here is the link to my bio on my Raise the Hope team a subset of the main triathlon team ~ check it out!

My Meez

2008-04-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Does it look like me?

Don't leave me home alone!

2008-04-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

So much talk of the New Kids on the Block reuniting..... Would I go see them in concert? hmmm that is a tough one... Bon Jovi I would travel to go see, seriously.

But New Kids, not so much. Jury is out on this one I think, I will have to hear some of the new music to see if they are ipod worthy. Looking good after 20 years... yeah not too bad.

The new or should we say "old" New Kids on the Block....

What ever happened to Hangin Tough?

I got a kick out of all their publicity - Now back to me and Bon Jovi - I run to their song "It's My Life" each day I run. Really is a great song. It's my life, what am I choosing to do with it? I know "like totally 80's" of me.... laugh if you must but I love my Bon Jovi. Yes if you are wondering all BonJovi songs are ipod worthy! Random post from Em, see what happens when Derrick goes out on a Sat night and leaves me at home... postings of NKOTB and Bon Jovi.

Great Grandma Jo

2008-04-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

I got quite the suprise today - an inheritance if you will. Not the kind of inheritance I was expecting at all. My mom and dad just came back from a long road trip, they visited many relatives and sounds like they had a great time.

Josephine our daughter is named after my grandmother, Josephine "Jo" My mom brought back a painting of my grandmother "Jo"

Now I must say the picture has some unique qualities. I will tell you the suprise it has later. But when you first look at the picture (hand painted may I add) it sort of looks like one of those paintings out of a scooby doo cartoon. You know the pics that the eyes follow Scooby doo around the room, as he walks. That is what this painting reminds me of. It is not a horrible painting by anymeans - It is a pic of my grandmother after all - she was a small petite woman devoted to her faith - I think it was done when she was around 50 years old. Grandma 'scilla gave it to Josie, with a bit of a grin on her face. Ofcourse I couldn't put it up anywhere but in josie's room because it is her Great Grandma Joe! "Grandma scilla told her that, it goes in my room, mom" says Josie. She is now as I type singing a song she made up about "Great Grandma Jo!" I had the perfect spot for it - but alas it is hanging in Josie's room. It has only been up for a little bit of time, but she is taking time out to talk to her Great Grandma Jo on the wall.

The suprise you ask - what is the surpise? There was money hidden in the painting!

Nah, just joking, that would have been a great story eh? Actually the surpise is this - the painting was done by Zorro's daughter. OK the guy who wrote the Zorro stories., Johnston McCulley. If you are asking who Zorro is, or don't know the Zorro stories - you are too young to read this blog! The painting actually has on it the famous "Z" mark that Zorro made, I kid you not it really does! Some pretty fun stuff here....

Thank you to Aunt Laura and cousin Holly for thinking of us with this painting. I will be thinking of something I can say thank you with, keep your eyes peeled for something fun.

5 years old

2008-03-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

John turned 5 on Friday! He was totally into this birthday and he knew that all day was his day. So he got to choose what we did. We went to lunch at Chuck E. Cheeses, of course! Then we went swimming at the local pool. I don't have pics of the pool but we had lots of fun!

Here is Derrick and the kids.... Derrick's first pic on the blog, after losing (drum roll please!) over 70 pounds.......(and the crowd goes wild!)

Chuck E. Cheeses

Sat was John's b-day party It was mostly boys with just a couple of girls. The girls did very well with all the boy party superhero stuff! It was my first "kid" b-day party and I think it went very well. It is really organized chaos when you deal with 3-5 year olds!

Happy Birthday John, we love you and can't wait to see what is in store for you!

Cake - thank you to Grandma Mary - it was both great looking and tasted out of this world. John asked Grandma to make fresh strawberry cake - asking for fruit, oh I am so proud!What a pic of blowing out candles! Great shot dad.

The kids had fun playing party games!

Pizza!

Easter Bunny

2008-03-25T15:22:00.001-07:00

Easter bunny came! Not once but twice! The bunny came in the morning when the kids woke up and then came again and left eggs in the house when they were upstairs playing ... darn bunny didn't stay and chat he had to go to other houses!

We realized the camera didn't have charged batteries when I was taking pics of the baskets, so no pics of church or the egg hunt. But we did play games all day long - enjoy those photos!

John and Josie made a skit for us!

John playing lightning! McQueen!
This was a fun skit ~ I don't remember what it was about but they sure looked cute! Grandma too!

Too cute!

They did real plays with our theater puppets!

Pillow fight!

2008-03-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

I just came across this.... call me crazy but this sounds like fun! You could get out some pent up anger! I am assuming this is real? I don't know? Should we go down? Em

Pike Place Market

1535 Pike Pl

Seattle, WA 98101

DATE: Saturday March 29th RAIN OR SHINE. Don't be a wimp ;-)

TIME: 3:15pm

PLACE: Pike Place Market, corner of Pike and Pine.

In the street, in front of the place that throws the fish.

A car will be blocking traffic so that we can safely fight in the street. Because we'll be stopping traffic the fight will be 3 minutes.

Tell Everyone about the fight.

Bring people.

Conceal your pillow

Listen for the whistle (When you hear it start swinging!!)

I'll blow the whistle again to stop the fight.

When you hear it, stop fighting and walk away.

More info on website tribes.tribe.net/seattlepillowfightclub

more about me running blah blah blah.....

2008-03-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

So if you are sick and tired of hearing about my running well, sorry! Tough, my blog I get to post what I want! Seriously enough with the running I know.... but today was a major milestone for me. I ran an hour and a half with out stopping! So excited. I always have to stop and walk - this time I kept going. woo hoo for me. I ran total of about 9 miles, and I did it in the same time I did 8 miles last week - isn't that cool. I am going to go look for a heart rate monitor this week, I want to know if I am in the correct "zone" my friend Ang has one and burned 2,200 calories... and (ahem) I went a tad bit further than she did - ok the reason I went further was I didn't quite know where the turn around was, and I really had to go to the bathroom so I ran the extra 1/2 a mile just to use a porta potty.... sad, sad, sad I am fully aware. The really bad part was, I could have turned around at the point, I wanted to ~ there was a house they were building and it had a porta potty there! Dang blasted I didn't see it until my run back down the trail..... I wasn't happy. At this point due to my 1/2 mile jaunt and potty I played catch up trying to find all the ladies on the trail. I would have probably stopped -but I knew I had missed them at the turn around.... so I kept running. I like it though I really pushed myself. I am feeling really good about the 1/2 marathon... next week I think I am being talked into a 20k! That is 12 + something miles... really I better get a medal when I am done! Isn't that why you run in races? OK it is my motivation... then you wear the medal all day long, to the grocery store, out to lunch.... where ever you go for the rest of the day! Flaunt it I say ~ flaunt it!!

this is Daniel Cook, no it's Emily Yeung

2008-03-14T19:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.thisisemilyyeung.com/#/intro/

I am famous! ha ~ who knew? If only they wouldn't misspell myname! I may sue......

If you have kids between 2-6 you probably have seen this.... it used to be thisisDanielcook poor kid got bumped!

Running and our life group

2008-03-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

So I went to my first running class, at (ahem) 6 am! Yeah for me. Sadly I was stressed out all night afraid I would oversleep, and then I was also just nervous. So I stared at the clock most of the night. I did make it on time! Besides battling the hotlink sausage I shouldn't have eaten for numerous reasons, I did very well at the class. We did timed trials to see where we are at in our running and then later to show how we have improved. We did first a mile run, then just a run around the track. My mile wasn't anything fancy I was trying to pace myself so I didn't run out of steam and I figured out on the last lap I was pacing too slow and could have sped up but I am not used to running just one mile, so I was very awkward at this trial. How cool is that for me to type - I am not used to running (only) one mile. I say that so smiling and laughing because not too long ago I couldn't run (only) one mile! So I am totally laughing as I write that .... laughing in a great way. Typically I have been running more miles to get the distance in for the upcoming 1/2 marathon. Well I know I can't keep up a real fast pace for 8 miles so I have to go real slow but just keep chugging along. So to do just a mile I was at a loss for how fast to run it. The one lap trial I decided to lay it all out there and just go for it... laughing again I can say it still took me 2:45 sec. to do the lap. Not great if I was a "true" runner. But I now know where I am starting and will work on speed work. My goal was not to get over run - by one of the real fast runners in the class.... there are actually people out there who can run a mile in 5 min? who knew? I am proud to say that as I ran my 1 lap - I was not passed by Mr. Fast man! I beat him by 5 sec! Ha take that Mr. I ran the Boston Marathon in 2 hours and 20 minutes! Again who knew this could actually happen?

It was really cool one of the ladies that was at the running class ran for the first time all the way around the track without stopping! Isn't that awesome? I seriously wanted to cry for her with excitement. What a wonderful accomplishment. I know what it is like to start out and not be able to do a full lap, or 1/2 lap.... cool to be there for her to accomplish that!

As I mentioned I ate a hot link the night before. Our life group was celebrating getting through our first book. Pretty cool. We had a pot luck dinner, I was up with the kids and when I came down all the chicken was gone. So I thought I will try the sausage. I didn't know it was a hotlink until 1/2 way through.... whew... when you haven't eaten hot stuff in a while those will knock you right over! For the first time since Christmas I had (drum roll please) real potatoes! Wow those were good too. I didn't go crazy or anything just a taste to get my taste buds all, but OK I will so admit I miss potatoes! Everything in moderation right?

Our life group meets twice a month. I have really enjoyed getting to know the people in the group. We started going a little late in the session, but since we had already read the book we weren't too far behind. It is always nice to see and chat with people during the week!

Sadie Hawkins Day

2008-03-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know that February 29th is not only a day that comes along every four years but also Sadie Hawkins day too! OK So Sadie Hawkins day is out of the comic strip 'Lil Abner. It actually made it's debut sometime in Nov 1937. Sadie Hawkins day is not suppose to be announced before hand so the 'fellers don't know it is coming.

Grandma Mary put on a Sadie Hawkins dance for her community on leap day this past Friday. Did y'all celebrate this day?

Ofcourse Grandma Mary knows how to throw a fun dance - this was done Hill Billy style!

Gunny sack races!

For those of you not familiar with the Lil Abner comic strip or Sadie Hawkins here is a bit of info on it:

Sadie Hawkins Day was a day-long event in Al Capp's comic strip Li'l Abner observed in the United States on the Saturday that follows November 9, named after Sadie Hawkins, "the homeliest gal in all them hills." Each year on Sadie Hawkins Day, the unmarried women of Dogpatch pursued the single men. If a woman caught a man and dragged him back to the starting line by sundown, he had to marry her.

All 3 kids having fun... yes D got into it too.. you can't say no to Grandma Mary!

They had lots of games and prizes, this was the 3 legged race - John being a little more coordinated than Josie was dragging Josie when she fell down. Got to love big brothers!

Love this pic of John in the gunny sack... love the face.

Half marathon - coming up in May!!

2008-02-22T13:29:00.001-08:00

So today I did it ~ I put my money down for the half marathon on Mother's day! To me putting money means that there is no way I can back out! What a treat to do something for me on mother's day! It is exciting yet it freaks me out. Although I am feeling really good about this half marathon - I did 10 miles (ran the straight aways and walked the hills)last Saturday and I know I am way better shape then I was last time I did the half marathon. So today I ran my 3.5 miles on the treadmill and it felt good! The training program has begun!

Last week I turned (drum roll please) 35! As Foster says I am now on the back side of 30 - ewww doesn't that just make me seem old? Laughing I say no, I feel better than ever and I am more fit than I have been in a long time. For my birthday from a friend I received a gift, when I first opened it I thought - oops wrong size, I am going to have to take it back! But then I went and actually tried it on - low and behold it fit! I wore today for the first time in many many years (again drum roll please) a size medium shirt! To you skinny people who don't have a lot up top ~ who may not understand the magnitude of this moment ~ this is a major feat for me! (just so you know you tiny people ~ that is not a strike against you, I say that with the long time longing that I could fit into those cute little tops, but my size and proportion had stopped me from doing that) I am re-training myself for my new shape - I can actually wear fitted clothes - who knew?!

Anyway that is it for today thought I would share my two triumphs with you all!!

Maybe I will post a pic of me in my new shirt - sad ~ I know ~ that I would want to do this but I got to keep motivated!

Thank you all for your continued support!

How do you say goodbye to a true friend?

2008-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

This last month is been one of the most diffcult of my life. (If you have read our blog for any length of time you know that is saying a lot!) Part of me doesn't want to blog again, part of me knows that I need to for my own sanity. As you read from the last post I lost my dear friend Liz last month.

Liz knew me, she knew my inner most darkest secrets. As I knew hers. We shared some of the best times together and some of the worst times together. How do you say goodbye to a friend like that? How do you move on from that? I know I have a void in my heart that I have to fill at some point, but for now it just remains empty. To move on with life, wow, how do you do that? I want to just curl up and cry on mostdays, others I can find a drive to keep her alive by my living. I choose to do the latter. I choose to get up and to honor her life. I choose to remember all the wonderful and good things about her. I will look at the negative aspects of her life and learn from that too. (we all have negative things in our lives, eh? - I know I do) So I will take all things about her and hopefully make the lives of people around me a little brighter. It is not easy to do. Do I want to put a smile on my face? no I don't. I have two children at home though, that need their mom. They need me 100%. So I find that smile that I have somewhere in me hidden and I take it out and I smile. I laugh. I cry. I live life. My mom has always said to me "Life is for the living" it always irritated me when she said it (I have shared this story before I know!) but it is true. Liz isn't here anymore and as hard is that is to write for me it is the truth. She is in heaven on streets paved of gold. She has finished her race and got her prize. Eternal life. How do I know she's in heaven? Well we talked about it more than once! I know with out a shadow of a doubt that she is in heaven. I am so happy I know where she is! But life here does keep going. So I find that inner strength and I do the best I can each day to live.

If there is a couple of words that describe Liz and Foster together it is "in love". To see the two of them together you saw just how much they loved one another. As you can imagine this is a very tough time for Foster. Please keep him and both families in your prayers.

I know I will continue to write about my journey through this process.... I wanted to share the two stories I told at her memorial.

We went on a cruise two years ago with Liz and Foster. Some of the funnest times of my life were had on the cruise! We flew to Austin where they were living and they showed us the town. We got in real late (we had no kids with us!) and we were set to get up and leave at 6am. Well at 4am Liz came flying into the bedroom and jumped on the bed! She continued jumping on the bed until we agreed to get up and go! 4am!! She was so excited to go on the cruise she couldn't wait to leave. That is the joy and fun I will remember with Liz.

The other story I shared was that of Liz and I running the 1/2 marathon a year ago in November. I was talked into running the 1/2 marathon from another friend, so ofcourse Liz had to sign up too. A marathon was something Liz had always wanted to accomplish. Well with my two kids we didn't get to train together. So the day of the marathon we start out together and then Liz starts in on her pace - and she was flying in front of me! So she waited and was doing the whole running backwards and talking to me thing.... ok enough Liz I said you go on and run your race and wait for me at the finish line. The Seattle 1/2 marathon is not an easy run there are quite a few hills and it is pretty tough (especially for a newer runner) By the time I saw the last 200 yards I was so exhausted I could barely run. I knew I would be seeing Foster pretty soon (he had the camera) so I was happily looking for him while just trying to finish. I saw Foster and Liz was waving widly behind him. What she did next I will never forget. She ran with me on the side line all the way to the finish line! She had already finished her race, yet there she was running along beside me. Waiting for me at the finish line. She came around the fence and we both hugged and cried at the finish line. I like to think that Liz now has finished her race and she is up there waiting for me and ofcourse waiting for Foster.

As I go on in these next days, weeks, months, years I only hope that I can accuretly share her smile and joy with everyone that I meet.

Tribute to Elizabeth

2008-01-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

The woman in the room.

We noticed that there was another woman in the room. When news came in that our daughter was born with two tumors we noticed another woman in the room. When the news came in that our house had burned down we noticed another woman in the room. When a loved one awoke from a coma we noticed another woman in the room. When life got unbearable for many we saw another woman in the room. The other woman in the room will no longer be seen, but we now know the importance of just being in the room with the ones we know and love.

We miss you Liz and know you are waiting for us just in the other room.

Elizabeth Brooks

Nov 24, 1977- Jan 17, 2008

Please leave comments of your thoughts, or a fun story for Foster to read. Thank you.

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Elizabeth Anne Brooks (Mitchell) passed on January 17th. She was 30.
Liz was a vivacious spirit who loved children, competed in triathlons and traveled extensively. She held her friends and family close to her heart. She will forever be remembered for her love of life and the passion she brought to it.
She is survived by her husband, Foster, mother Rosemary Mitchell, father Mark Mitchell, stepmother Sue Mitchell, brother Ryan Mitchell and her beloved fat boy, Sherman.

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New additions to the house, no not a baby or puppy!

2008-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

In one of my friends house growing up there was a picture that she had colored when she was young and her parents framed it and put it on the wall. I always thought that was a great idea, but had never done it. Well Grandma Mary took it to a whole new level! She had the kids paint a picture for us and then went and had it framed. I just love it. It is proudly hanging on our wall. To me it is the best painting ever done.

Another new addition to our walls:

This is our new motto: We may not have it all together; But together we have it all. We like it!

2008-01-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

**** We looked so good in the first few minutes of the game, our hearts swelled with pride! Yes the Hawks, the underdogs were going to rule the game... then ooops we got knocked down! I will live with the wounded pride but in true Hawk fashion I will say - next year we will go all the way!! ****
Go Seahawks!

Two years ago I planned our cruise that left on the day of the Superbowl... who would have thought the Seahawks would have been playing in that Superbowl... so I am thinking in order to secure the Seahawks place at this years Superbowl I will now make reservations for another cruise on that weekend?

This is what I will be pitching to Derrick? Think he will buy it? Cruise anyone?

Binkie Ferry

2008-01-06T19:47:00.001-08:00

Those of you that our around our daughter at all know that she is attached to her binkie. Well I knew it was time to get rid of the binkie (no thanks to the lovely lady that I didn't know who decided to point out that she is too old for a binkie. Yes I had a woman actually stop me and ask how old she was and then go into a whole ordeal about how bad binkies are for their teeth, yada yada, yada... etc. etc. etc. as you can tell I tuned her out. Kindly smiled and said well, thank you for the advice I will take appropriate actions with your advice... well what did I do with her advice... ok I laughed at the poor woman... duh I am not an idiot I know what it can do to teeth. Who really stops people and points things out like that? To me it is up there with the person on the street corner waving a sign saying you are all going to hell unless you repent. There heart my be in the right place but the execution is all wrong! So I filed her with the crazy christian in my rolodex in my head and well went on with my life!) OK now back to my story.....

The final farewell!! Here they are the last we saw of them before the binkie ferry came!

So for a couple of months now we have talked about how the binkie ferry will come and take all her binkies and then leave her a prize. We have talked about it enough that she was more than ready for it to happen. The night of her birthday she was still sick and went upstairs and fell asleep by herself so I couldn't just take it that night! So I waited for New Year's Eve and had her line up all her binkies so the ferry would find them. Lo and behold the binkie ferry came and left one of those big eraser pads you write on. She was one happy girl, and has done great ever since with out the binkie. . . the binkie ferry is great!

Party for our Princess ~ 3 years old!

2008-01-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Josie celebrated her 3rd Birthday. She is growing up so quickly. It is fun to watch her turn into a little girl, but hard to watch my baby grow up. She is definetly not a toddler anymore. She likes to keep up with John. I can't talk about her birthday and not tell you all just how happy and grateful we are to have Josie in our lives. As you probably know Josie was born with two tumors and one was blocking her airway causing her not to breathe correctly. After 5 days (I think it was 5?) She was moved to Children's hospital and within an hour of us being there she was heading into surgery. Quick story: Derrick was holding Josie as we walked down to the surgery area. There was a nurse carrying oxygen becuase her breathing was so erratic. I remember all of a sudden the nurse picked up pace, then looked at Derrick and said "you need to run". Due to just giving birth I couldn't keep up and I remember looking at Derrick and saying "just go". The emotions that went through me were so overwhelming it is hard to describe. I remember it like it was yesterday. Obviously the outcome was good. But it is very hard to trust sometimes, this was one of those times that you just had to trust that everything would work out. I'll never forget how helpless I felt as they took her away. It is crazy that her life started out with such a traumatic event. However we quickly learned that Josie even at 5 days old was a fighter, and a survivor. Those great qualities are still with her today. She is now into all things "girly" yet still holds the heart of a fighter, and she is our little princess! My favorite thing to watch is Josie fight "UFC style" with her older brothers then go put on her Cinderella dress! Got to love girls! Happy Birthday Josie~ you continue to inspire us all!

Josie was loving tearing all the gifts open. John did really well and helped to hand her the gifts. It is tough at the age of four to see someone else getting lots of gifts!

Detrix and John

A princess cake for our little princess! This picture doesn't do the cake justice. It was just perfect! We don't have any pics of Josie's friends ~ they made her day very special.

A little out of order - this pic... but I thought it was cute!

This is Liz and Josie sleeping on the couch. Liz and Foster had flown in Christmas Eve, and so they were a bit tired Christmas Day. Josie wasn't feeling well, so she was more than happy to take a quick nap with Liz.

Wow what a last week! Poor Josie got sick the day before Christmas, all the way through her birthday. She decided to share a bit of it, so Derrick got hit too. We missed a 40th B-day party too! Darn it. Happy 40th Leonard! We love you.

Christmas is here! The reindeer came. . .

2007-12-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

Here is what Santa left us! We are very blessed this year.

The kids woke up at 6:30am excited to see if Santa came last night. They ran outside to see if Santa's reindeer had eaten the carrots and the celery they put outside for the reindeer - low and behold the reindeer had taken bites out of the food! Santa was here! John didn't hear Santa on the roof and was a little bummed out, Josie though, thought maybe she had heard him but wasn't sure.... oh to be young again!

Look at this pile of gifts John has, it was so fun to watch him open them.

Josie got her first official Barbie Doll ~ Dancing Ballerina Barbie. She loves it!

I love this pic, Detrix was so suprised he got the laptop he wanted... Thank you to the Kovacavic (hope I spelled the correctly!) family - you helped us out tremendously getting it all ready to go!

Some of you know that Derrick and I have been very disciplined with our health lately. Derrick has lost 55 pounds and I have lost 27 pounds, today as a new Christmas tradition we went for 5k run! I actually did my fastest mile yet at 11 minutes, Derrick not to be out done - did a very fast 8 minute mile!~ I am so proud of both of us, we have been working hard and it is paying off. Am I bitter that Derrick is running faster than I am for his first run? No, not at all I am so exited we are both out there doing something to ensure a lasting healthy lifestyle! Way to go Derrick I am very proud of you!

Running, what I am learning.

2007-12-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have never been a real runner, I have never gotten that "runners high". Yesterday I went out running on a trail by our home, I found out something about myself. I don't mind running. Yeah I kow I did the 1/2 marathon last year but I really hated running. Now after running two 5k races in the last two weekends, something has gotten into me. I am starting to - dare I say it? - I am starting to enjoy running. Oh my those are words I never thought I woud say. I did another 5k race on Saturday it was a small race with about 52 people, most did the 10k, but I stayed with the 5k. I was dead last, and even got a little lost on the course. You see I am not a fast runner, maybe I will speed up at some point but for now I just chug along, but my point is I am out there. I beat the winner of the 10k by 3 minutes... I know a bit pathetic the guy went almost twice as fast as I did. But for me, it was one of my best races so I will take it! The people out there are really nice, they all said they were slow runners when they started out - slow to them is slowing down to a 8 minute mile. Wow I think if I could run an 8 minute mile, how cool would that be? as they all took off down the trail, I had some great alone time - thinking of why I am running in the first place. I run to get healthy but it is also a big challenge for me. I love to challenge myself so this is my next thing to conquer. I will be running another 1/2 marathon in California in October. So my goal now is to actually run the entire race with out stopping and walking. To some that is not a lofty goal, to me it is. So as I take each day to go run a 5k and then build up from there I will slowly accomplish my goal. Maybe I will get that "runners high" someday! It is the same in life, you set out to do something big and huge in your life, and it doesn't happen over night, it takes small steady steps. Do you have a goal for this next year? Make it a big goal, make it huge! Now start by doing little steps to have your goal come to pass!

Here I am before the race sponsored by Fitness For Vitality 5k/10k Run/Walk Shoes For Foster Kids it was in West Seattle at Lincoln park, very cool run - the wind picked up right at the end and blew my hat off... so I got to chase down my hat! ofcourse I ran in my Team Toyota shirt, had to represent the team!

Santa came a little early!

2007-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

After church on Sunday the kids found out that Santa came a little early this year. Santa was making sure that he knew where our new house was, and if he could fit down the chimney.

You never know how long the Seahawks will play for - so we thought to get the most use out of these gifts we better have Santa come early! John does some great tackling and Josie (despite my childhood hangups with cheerleaders! ) loves being a cheerleader. I am going to be ok with it (really, I am) if Josie wants to be a cheerleader. OK, So I will make my self be ok with it! After all I want all my kids to lead their own lives and go after their own dreams, so if she wants to be a cheerleader then well I just might have to be "that" cheerleading mom! Kidding. Just kidding!

You should see them both they are adorable in the outfits... John seriously is a great tackler, and Josie does look too cute for words.