My quest for a 5k

I'm training for a 5K.

Okay, there it is. In print. Now I really have to do it, right? It's kind of a funny thing to say because I really feel like I've been training for 6 years. Six years ago I decided I would do a 5K. I did it but wasn't prepared enough to run the whole thing. I did a run walk sort of thing that consisted more of walking than running. Two years later I did another one, more physically prepared this time but not prepared for the hills that the course presented. Dang it, more walking. But I did beat my previous time by 5 minutes. I was happy about that.

Here I am again. This time I'm following an actual program called Couch to 5K.

I am on week three and it's feeling good so far. But I am looking ahead at what I'm supposed to be doing next week and the week after that and I'm wondering if I can do it. I think I'll stop looking ahead and just focus on the present task.

The goal for me is to run the Springfield Turkey Stuffer on Thanksgiving day. This is the same 5K I did for my first time. So I know the course and there are no surprise hills. This is very important to me. And when I say run I mean run, no walking involved. I'm scared. I'm scared because I really want to achieve this and it's been so hard for me in the past. But I am determined.

As the very wise Maya Angelou has said, "We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated."

I am going to do this.

Do you want to join me? There are Thanksgiving day races in most major towns. Look yours up. Here is the training program. It's not too late to get started. You can do it!

A Legacy

On Saturday I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast with my mom. It was fitting that I would be there with her because the message of the evening was Relief Society being a legacy. A legacy to be proud of. I love Relief Society but I haven't always. When I was newly graduated from High School my bishop cornered me and a few of my friends and told us we should go to Relief Society. I remember having a few things to say about that. And it wasn't good either. I can't remember if my mom was Relief Society president or not at the time, but I made a point of making a stink about going. Our Bishop eventualy ushered us up the stairs and into the room. We made our way to some chairs in the back and sat there, determined to not learn anything new or enjoy ourselves. But I went back the next week and the next and the next.

When I think of a legacy of Faith and Service I think of my mom. I know no better example. She taught me to love and serve no matter what circumstances someone is in. I'm grateful for that. I'm hoping to pass that legacy down to my own children.

This past weekend while in Coos Bay I was sick. The kind of sick where you don't have a voice and you are just pretty much miserable, the worst head cold. I debated about going but knew if i didn't my mom would be disappointed. So I went. And I slept. I slept 10 hours each night I was there and took a 2 hour nap each day. And my mom let me. The only sound I heard was the wind in the Cedar branches outside the open window of my room. It was lovely. Thank you, mom for a great weekend. I'm glad we could go to conference together and I'm so happy for the legacy you have provided your daughters and grand daughters.

A picture memory

I love this picture. In it, looking at the camera is Heidi with her friend, Eliza. I would say it is her best friend but she would correct me and tell me she has lots of best friends. That's one thing I love about Heidi. I love that they were caught off guard by my camera but smiling nonetheless. I love that they are holding hands and don't care at nine years-old. It's still okay. They don't have any social norms against it. And I love that. I love that Heidi is a foot taller than Eliza yet they are two peas in a pod, doing everything together. This was a fun day at Oaks Park. We had never been there before and despite the heat that day we survived and had a great time.

Hope

This was shared with me today in a moment when I really needed it.

Thanks, Nienie.

A night among bears on the Rogue River

Our second night we stopped at a place along the Rogue called "Missouri". By the time our group go there many of the spots had been taken by other rafters hoping for a decent nights sleep before the much anticipated "Blossom Bar" rapid the next day. This is a rapid not to be messed with. You want to do it right or suffer the consequences. So a good night of rest is essential. So essential that we had to find a tree. In order for Chris to get a good nights sleep while camping he now has to sleep in a hammock because of his back. No more cuddle time for us. Or so we thought. Keep reading.

There were NO trees at Missouri for Chris to tie his hammock to. I had to use the porta potty so we climbed a hill in search of it. Up there near the outhouse we found a shelter that had been built in memory of one of the first settlers on the Rogue River. It was something we could tie the hammock to and there would be space to put the tent as well. (See Above picture)

As we were setting up everything we noticed this:


You can see it in the 2nd picture on top as well, on the right hand side.

Chris says, "that from a bear. " He shows me how his fingers fit into the grooves of the claw marks. His attempt at duplicating the Discovery Channel does little for my nerves. Then we notice that all of the posts look similarly to this. It's then that I realize we are right in the middle of the BEARS SCRATCHING POST. I ask Chris if we should really be staying there and he assures me that we will be fine. You see, all the other rafters are down the hill. We are the lone people up on top. Then Donna (chris mom) says, you are so brave and should get some kind of award for staying up there." Now I'm beginning to think that it wasn't such a good idea. But I don't have much choice. Everything is set up and it's beginning to get dark.

As I crawl in my tent that night, by myself, i notice a small path right behind my tent going into the forest. I am fairly certain that is where the bear will come from when he decides to eat me.

So in the morning this is where Chris' parents found me.

I'm glad it was a double hammock.

God's Love on the Rogue River

What I love most about river rafting is being able to see the handiwork of God up close. I feel connected to my Father in Heaven in a very personal way. Nature has always done that for me. When you are in places so beautiful it's not hard for my thoughts to turn to Him. So despite our harrowing adventure at times I am grateful for all that I saw and experienced.

Rainie Falls......notice the Blue Heron on the rock?



Strawberry Shortcake - Day 2 - definitely a sign God loves me.

I also saw a bear, a seal, sea otters, a water snake, several varieties of birds and 2 bald eagles. One of the eagles flew right across the water in front of me. I was the only person who saw it. I think Heavenly Father was making up for the 3 other bears that others saw and I did not.

All is Well

Today is a day to take the time and reflect on what you have around you. I remember exactly where I was 8 years ago when I heard the tragic news of what was happening to our country. I'm sure you do too. It's not something we will ever forget. I was terrified of the planes flying over our home to the nearby local airport for about 2 years after that. Funny thing is, I can't remember now the last time I noticed them. So today, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that time heals. Whether it's being scared for our security, it's a loss of a job, it's an illness, or a loss of a loved one. Life does go on. All is well.

First day of school pictures from the May Casa.


Emma, first day of middle school. She is loving her new school.



Makenzie, first day of high school. Can it really be?



Heidi, my lone elementary schooler. She loves, loves, loves her teacher and is loving school this year.

* notice her cute shoes? $4.50 at REI clearance. So cute.

What to take on a white water rafting trip

I would like to thank the following sponsors of my recent flip into the Devils Staircase Rapids on the Rogue River.

First of all, a peek at what Chris and I flipped over into.


I would like to thank Stohlquist. The maker's of very fine PFDs. It saved my life......literally.

I would also like to thank Columbia Sportswear for their women's XCO rain and wind jacket. It's not waterproof which I knew beforehand but since it was so lightweight it did not retain any water. I never felt weighted down when I was in the water.


And to the amazing company of Keen. I loved these shoes from the moment I laid eyes on them. I have had my pair for 4 years now and when truly put to the test they did not come off my feet nor did I hurt my toes on the rocks in the rapids. When I was being rescued by the 20 something kid who dove in to pull me to safety I was ready with my Keens on my feet to climb the rocky cliff to shore.

Next up goes to Chapstick brand lip balm. In years past I have always carried a Burts Bees in my zipper pocket of my swim shorts. It has always been a little watery when I go to put it on. This year I grabbed a Chapstick at the checkout of Walmart at the last minute and I'm so glad I did. It stayed perfectly sealed and took on no water despite swirling around in two rapids.

*note: I have to confess that the fact that the package said "shimmer" was a selling point for me.

Next up is the Igloo cooler we had in our raft. Another friend of ours flipped their cataraft on the same trip. His cooler opened while upside down and he lost his food. Ours did not. Amazing. We had a full New York Cheesecake inside ours and when we opened the cooler afterwards there was not a drop of water inside and the cheesecake was perfect. We had it that night for dinner.


Lastly is our dry bags. We have these dry bags from Seattle Sports.

After being upside down in the water they did what they were supposed to do and kept our stuff dry. Our friends on the other hand had to hang all their personal belongings out that night to dry. We are so happy with our dry bags!

I did lose a pair of sunglasses, croakies and a handkerchief that was on my head. All replaceable.

So if you are considering a white water rafting trip, look at these brands. I recommend them.

Rite of Passage

It has happened. I have officially crossed that road and gone from young mom to old mom. I don't feel old so how did this happen?

After 3 hours of gathering documents, endless driving, finding ourselves lost and then found Makenzie got her driving permit. She passed on the first try. I'm not surprised.

Someone asked me yesterday if I was freaking out about her getting her permit. After thinking for a second I told them not really because getting the permit didn't really mean anything. I didn't really have any intention of letting her drive. But now I realize I must relent and actually let her drive.

She may think it's her rite of passage but I see it as mine. It's that moment when you realize that you don't have a little girl anymore. She is grown up. It's scary and you feel like running home and covering up all traces of grey in your hair.

But as she handed me her temporary permit I could not help staring. My thoughts turned from myself to her. She is gorgeous. I mean drop dead pretty. How can someone have such a good picture on their license?

So how again did this happen? How did my strong-willed, feisty 4 year-old end up with a driving permit? It is one of those mysteries of life.