I had a major breakthrough this weekend. I'd been afraid in open water since I was caught in a rip current last November in OBX. All my tris this summer were a struggle, and I didn't realize it until a big panic attack in my last race. (All summer I thought my heart was racing in my swims b/c I was swimming faster; no, it was racing b/c I was having anxiety attacks!)
Well, during my long run on Saturday I realized I'm looking at it all wrong. Instead of looking at my experience as proof of how scary the water is or how vulnerable I would be if something happened, I should realize how strong I am. I was caught in a nasty, horrid rip current the day before a hurricane hit. I had already run a half marathon that morning, I hadn't eaten properly afterward, I was cold and dehydrated, I was exhausted, and I GOT OUT OF IT. It took me nearly 45 minutes, but I did it.
I'm not incapable. I'm not a bad swimmer.
I am strong.
Now I can't wait for the 2011 tri season!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful
Every year at Thanksgiving we go around the table and say what we are thankful for. The one rule is that we all assume that we are thankful for our health and for being together, so we try to think of different things to name; those are a given.
As always, I am thankful for so much. And yes, my health (and my loved ones' health) is at the top of the list. Here's a partial list. There's no way I could list all the blessings I've been given.
I am thankful for:
- The fact that the most wonderful, selfless, giving man I've ever met decided he wanted to be with me. Me! Of all people. I can't ever express how thankful I am to have him in my life.
- His safe trip east in September.
- The people that took him in along his way and gave him shelter, a good meal, a safe place to sleep, and their friendship. You know who you are. I am forever indebted to all of you.
- My wonderful family. I consider my mother and brother to be my best friends. How many people can say that?
- The fact that a kooky, mismatched, much larger than expected group of people is descending on my house for dinner tomorrow. There aren't enough seats for everyone, and there certainly isn't room at the dining room table, but we'll make it work. I am so thankful that people feel welcome in my home and want to be there.
- My pets. They entertain me every day and make me smile.
- My job. How lucky am I to have a boss I admire and respect, a job I am capable of doing well, and coworkers I adore?
- The healing that has taken place in my family this year. The hurts are still there, but we are all working hard to move forward instead of backward. SC, I know you read this blog. I love you like a sister. Never forget that.
- My friends! Where would I be without my friends?? Old and new, male and female, I have the absolute best group of friends in the world.
- My friendship with IronEx. There will always be a special place in my heart for him. I wish him only the very best in everything he does, and I'm grateful that we have remained friends.
- This will sound silly, but I'm thankful for the Philadelphia Flyers. They have given me great joy (and great heartache) for more than 35 years of my life.
- Related to that, I'm very thankful that I finally took the plunge and purchased a season ticket plan this year. What took me so long?
- My ability to run, bike, swim, dance, walk, jump, teach classes, and have fun doing all of it (most of the time).
- My house and everything in it. Sounds obvious, but there are so many people who have so little. I have been given much.
There is so much more to list. I am humbled by all that I have and truly appreciate all of it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
As always, I am thankful for so much. And yes, my health (and my loved ones' health) is at the top of the list. Here's a partial list. There's no way I could list all the blessings I've been given.
I am thankful for:
- The fact that the most wonderful, selfless, giving man I've ever met decided he wanted to be with me. Me! Of all people. I can't ever express how thankful I am to have him in my life.
- His safe trip east in September.
- The people that took him in along his way and gave him shelter, a good meal, a safe place to sleep, and their friendship. You know who you are. I am forever indebted to all of you.
- My wonderful family. I consider my mother and brother to be my best friends. How many people can say that?
- The fact that a kooky, mismatched, much larger than expected group of people is descending on my house for dinner tomorrow. There aren't enough seats for everyone, and there certainly isn't room at the dining room table, but we'll make it work. I am so thankful that people feel welcome in my home and want to be there.
- My pets. They entertain me every day and make me smile.
- My job. How lucky am I to have a boss I admire and respect, a job I am capable of doing well, and coworkers I adore?
- The healing that has taken place in my family this year. The hurts are still there, but we are all working hard to move forward instead of backward. SC, I know you read this blog. I love you like a sister. Never forget that.
- My friends! Where would I be without my friends?? Old and new, male and female, I have the absolute best group of friends in the world.
- My friendship with IronEx. There will always be a special place in my heart for him. I wish him only the very best in everything he does, and I'm grateful that we have remained friends.
- This will sound silly, but I'm thankful for the Philadelphia Flyers. They have given me great joy (and great heartache) for more than 35 years of my life.
- Related to that, I'm very thankful that I finally took the plunge and purchased a season ticket plan this year. What took me so long?
- My ability to run, bike, swim, dance, walk, jump, teach classes, and have fun doing all of it (most of the time).
- My house and everything in it. Sounds obvious, but there are so many people who have so little. I have been given much.
There is so much more to list. I am humbled by all that I have and truly appreciate all of it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Front row, baby!
My dear friend Samme gave me tickets to the Flyers game Saturday... in the front row right behind the visitors' bench! I've sat that close before (lucky girl that I am!), but this time I really appreciated the players' athleticism and speed. From farther up in the stadium, or from the comfort of home watching on tv, you really have no perception of just how fast the game really moves.
It was pure awesomeness.
Here are two pictures taken with our phones. My phone doesn't zoom at all, and the picture is still so close and clear.
Dave took this action shot with his phone.
I love this game.
THANK YOU, SAMME!!
It was pure awesomeness.
Here are two pictures taken with our phones. My phone doesn't zoom at all, and the picture is still so close and clear.
Dave took this action shot with his phone.
I love this game.
THANK YOU, SAMME!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
For the dog lovers out there
I received this in an email. It was not the first time I've read it, nor was it the first time I cried while reading it. Hope you enjoy.
A Dog's Purpose
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The six year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Things we can learn from dogs
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
A Dog's Purpose
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The six year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Things we can learn from dogs
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wow. I really needed to see this this week.
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?'" ~ Peter Maher, two-time Olympic marathoner
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