I have always liked to go running on a trail somewhere. I love to run in downtown Seattle along the water, at Greenlake, or on the Centennial in Snohomish. All three of these places offer both sidewalk or grass, people and a lot to look at. It takes about 1 hour out of my day to drive to and back from my destination daily run. With the kid's crazy schedules keeping me in my car longer during the week, my motivation has been slightly less than it had been in a long time and I decided to change up my routine a bit. Maybe not having to drive to run would help. I began to stay local, starting and finishing my run at my house. The route begins with the first quarter of a mile uphill. It flattens out gradually, for about one mile, goes down hill, flattens out, then goes back up hill for another mile. I finish with an easy downhill. It's approximately 4 miles.
On this route I don't usually pass anyone, but I have made some new friends. Horses. Three horses, dressed in Burberry-like, printed overcoats. The first time I ran by their pasture, they barely took notice of me. One of the horses shook its head and turned away from the sound of my footsteps, but the others just ignored my presence. After a couple of hellos, overtime, they seemed to be waiting by the fence for me. So I took them some apples.
Have you ever run with a small bag of apples?
I would have never had to learn, except that my neighing buddies love them so. I get them off of the little tree at the 2.3 mile mark, and happily fumble with the odd package down the hill toward the pasture. I toss the treats to my neatly dressed friends, make a little small talk, and off I go...with a smile on my face. The short break in the middle of my run has guilted me into making it a bit longer. I had no choice. Its a small price to pay for this moment that has made this from-home-run one of my favorites!
Sometimes you just have to find your own trail to get you back into the swing of things. I am back on track and ready to go running.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Me?
My daughter auditioned for the Jr. Jazz Company with her dance school yesterday. The results were posted on the studio window today at noon. She asked me not to check, she wants to know first. Did I run down there to find out? The old me would have, and then I'd either show up at school with a congratulations balloon and a card, or keep the news to myself. Today, the new me, got home from my body pump class, put a load of laundry in, did the dishes and went for a run (I thought a lot about her audition and what her name looks like on that printed piece of paper), but I didn't go peek. Welcome New Me. Life is going to be a little less hectic because you won't have to do everything right now.
I blame this New Me on my kids. They are growing up. Calli does most everything by herself now. From homework and packing for school to completing her chores and keeping her own schedule... she does it all. Nathan is getting better. He's still young, but honestly, he knows where his stuff is. He can get packed and ready for the day so easily (after I've finally get him awake), and has gotten so that he does his chores without me asking too. It's cool. It's also a little sad, I'm going to miss my little people. They've been so fun. I guess now, I can sit back and watch them become their own individuals. I can't wait to see who they become.
Yes, I can't wait to see who they become. However, at the same time I can. Tonight when Cal wants me to lay in bed with her and rub her back after we read, and when Nathan grabs my hand to walk away from football practice to the car, I will continue to cherish all the youth that I have left with them. And even though she doesn't need me to be by her side to find out if she's made the Company, I'll be there, proud either way. I may have a New Me. I may be able to step back and let my kids grow up. But, there is always going to be a part of me constantly wondering what I can do to help make their world's just a little better... behind the scenes!
I blame this New Me on my kids. They are growing up. Calli does most everything by herself now. From homework and packing for school to completing her chores and keeping her own schedule... she does it all. Nathan is getting better. He's still young, but honestly, he knows where his stuff is. He can get packed and ready for the day so easily (after I've finally get him awake), and has gotten so that he does his chores without me asking too. It's cool. It's also a little sad, I'm going to miss my little people. They've been so fun. I guess now, I can sit back and watch them become their own individuals. I can't wait to see who they become.
Yes, I can't wait to see who they become. However, at the same time I can. Tonight when Cal wants me to lay in bed with her and rub her back after we read, and when Nathan grabs my hand to walk away from football practice to the car, I will continue to cherish all the youth that I have left with them. And even though she doesn't need me to be by her side to find out if she's made the Company, I'll be there, proud either way. I may have a New Me. I may be able to step back and let my kids grow up. But, there is always going to be a part of me constantly wondering what I can do to help make their world's just a little better... behind the scenes!
Monday, September 7, 2009
JOY
On Saturday I witnessed true joy. It was amazing because it occurred in two separate events and I actually got to feel it. What's it feel like? It feels like a rush of excitement that takes over your entire being. It makes you smile and can sometimes leave you with tears in your eyes. This is what it feels like to me anyway.
The first moment of joy came at the end of my 2.59 mile race. With less than 100 meters to go, I spotted my son and daughter at the end, waiting for me. At that moment I was pulling with my arms and hoping the my stride was long and strong. And then I stopped thinking all together. I heard two little voices, yelling, "GO MOM!" I just smiled and ran. Out of the corner of my eye I saw them, running along side of me, trying to keep up. As I walked away from the finish line, I found them. All bubbly and proud. "We ran with you," they said in unison, just before nearly knocking me over with a full blown hug. JOY!
The second moment came at the football game. Not a pro game. Not a college or high school game either. This team is called the Jr. Sophomores and is made of players between 9-12 years old. Our quarterback threw a pass from the 30 yard line into the end zone, where his receiver caught it and stepped in to make the touchdown. It seemed like slow motion as soon as the ball left the quarterback's hand. He stopped and just watched the ball fly. As soon as it hit the target, real time caught up with the moment, and the quarterback jumped up and threw a huge punch in the air. His face guard hid his expression, but it showed in this body action. That felt good! More joy!
There are so many wonderful moments in a day. I think that often I get too tangled in my own world and miss them. However, when I do catch one, these small moments have an impact on me and remind me of what is important. It's all about catching life happen around you and celebrating it. Embrace the joy.
The first moment of joy came at the end of my 2.59 mile race. With less than 100 meters to go, I spotted my son and daughter at the end, waiting for me. At that moment I was pulling with my arms and hoping the my stride was long and strong. And then I stopped thinking all together. I heard two little voices, yelling, "GO MOM!" I just smiled and ran. Out of the corner of my eye I saw them, running along side of me, trying to keep up. As I walked away from the finish line, I found them. All bubbly and proud. "We ran with you," they said in unison, just before nearly knocking me over with a full blown hug. JOY!
The second moment came at the football game. Not a pro game. Not a college or high school game either. This team is called the Jr. Sophomores and is made of players between 9-12 years old. Our quarterback threw a pass from the 30 yard line into the end zone, where his receiver caught it and stepped in to make the touchdown. It seemed like slow motion as soon as the ball left the quarterback's hand. He stopped and just watched the ball fly. As soon as it hit the target, real time caught up with the moment, and the quarterback jumped up and threw a huge punch in the air. His face guard hid his expression, but it showed in this body action. That felt good! More joy!
There are so many wonderful moments in a day. I think that often I get too tangled in my own world and miss them. However, when I do catch one, these small moments have an impact on me and remind me of what is important. It's all about catching life happen around you and celebrating it. Embrace the joy.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Time Expectations
I wrote today's blog at five o'clock this morning. One hour and 14 minutes later, I read it and deleted it. It was about time and time suckers. It was more negative than I ever am.
Yesterday I was rubbed the wrong way by someone who signs up for everything with the PTA, and then because she bas spread her time so thin, she needs help with it. I wonder if she realizes that if she had maybe signed up for less, that maybe someone else might step up and volunteer for more. Actually, never mind, I know she doesn't think this way. Because yesterday she was out looking for help and when I told her I couldn't give anymore of my time to one of the projects (I've already put in countless hours in the past three months on this particular project), she sighed and said, "Wow, I've really found out who my friends aren't."
HOLD IT!
Should I take this personally? I'm going to try not to, though I think I already have. Saying no to save your sanity is a good thing. There should not be guilt attached to the word no, because in the long run it can save a lot of headache. Truly, if you don't have more time to give, don't. To this PTA overachiever I say this: If I can't do anymore, it's not because I don't want to, it's because I don't have time to. We all have things to do. We all need help on occasion. And if one person can't help, than it is very possible that another can, without the snide comments.
So, in an attempt to end this blog on a positive note I offer my readers this wonderful quote:
It is our mind, and that alone, that chains us or sets us free. -Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Today, allow yourself time to take care of you. Guilt free. Finish the things on your list. Clear your mind. I'm going to. I said no to helping at the school today. I will do my run so that I can be prepared for my race on Saturday. I will do some laundry so that we will have towels and clean clothes to wear for the rest of the week. I will get things done that need to get done so that my world can run smooth. And next week, with a clear mind and possible less hectic schedule, maybe I will say yes.
Here's to taking control of your time...
Cheers!
Yesterday I was rubbed the wrong way by someone who signs up for everything with the PTA, and then because she bas spread her time so thin, she needs help with it. I wonder if she realizes that if she had maybe signed up for less, that maybe someone else might step up and volunteer for more. Actually, never mind, I know she doesn't think this way. Because yesterday she was out looking for help and when I told her I couldn't give anymore of my time to one of the projects (I've already put in countless hours in the past three months on this particular project), she sighed and said, "Wow, I've really found out who my friends aren't."
HOLD IT!
Should I take this personally? I'm going to try not to, though I think I already have. Saying no to save your sanity is a good thing. There should not be guilt attached to the word no, because in the long run it can save a lot of headache. Truly, if you don't have more time to give, don't. To this PTA overachiever I say this: If I can't do anymore, it's not because I don't want to, it's because I don't have time to. We all have things to do. We all need help on occasion. And if one person can't help, than it is very possible that another can, without the snide comments.
So, in an attempt to end this blog on a positive note I offer my readers this wonderful quote:
It is our mind, and that alone, that chains us or sets us free. -Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Today, allow yourself time to take care of you. Guilt free. Finish the things on your list. Clear your mind. I'm going to. I said no to helping at the school today. I will do my run so that I can be prepared for my race on Saturday. I will do some laundry so that we will have towels and clean clothes to wear for the rest of the week. I will get things done that need to get done so that my world can run smooth. And next week, with a clear mind and possible less hectic schedule, maybe I will say yes.
Here's to taking control of your time...
Cheers!
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