The Life of Jilly O

sigh

2011-11-05T21:32:00.002-04:00

I used to blog more regularly and have more time to do things. Now I feel like I'm just caught up in a whirl wind and trying to hang on for dear life. I make Nathan lunch and dinner every day, sometimes breakfast too. Granted breakfast is usually instant oatmeal or pouring a bowl of cereal, but I still have to stop what I'm doing to do it... when it's instant oatmeal, he could just as easily do it.

I wish I could go home and live somewhere I could bike or walk to work. I can't stand living here and having to drive all across town even if it is only 3 days a week. I'm SO glad it's not 5! I often don't get enough sleep and get tired during the day. I am afraid to have children if this is what being married is like. I should probably just have my tubes tied. I feel like I am already taking care of a child sometimes, I don't know how women before me have done it with full time jobs and then preparing every meal for themselves and their husband ... and children when they have them. I will have to pray harder and pray that God will give me super human alertness and make me able to stay up longer and get things done more quickly.

No wonder Americans have turned to fast food and going out to eat. Long gone are the days of home cooked meals and sitting down at the dinner table. Now we sit and eat in front of the television and drive around in cars and are tired after being up all day working. I think America should institute the 'cesta' like they have in European countries. Afternoon chill out time. That would be fabulous! Sigh. On to putting together more lunch for Nathan when he goes golfing tomorrow morning with co-workers. Wonder what church will be like at night. I still would rather go to the church we always go to... sigh.

good bye 2010

2010-12-25T16:16:00.007-05:00

It's Christmas. I feel like the year has yet again gone by so quickly. I guess it's because I've done so much and been so many places. Sometimes I just wish I had a home base and didn't have to think about moving anymore. I wonder when that will happen?

The beginning of the year began with transition. I moved from the Richardson house to the Fanz. I lived there for 5 months while continuing to do marathons: January 9 & 10 I went to Florida and ran the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World and went home for dad's birthday. In February I wasn't able to run a marathon because I flew home for both my sister's bridal shower (with the big snow in 2010 I had to drive to Washington Dulles to fly to Los Angeles because JFK and Boston were both closed, it took 5 hours to get to Dulles even though it should have been 2.5-3 hours because there was so much snow on the road and there was only one lane open on the 4 lane highway with 5 or 6 feet of snow pushed onto the other lanes) and wedding. March came and I went to Louisville for interviews for a mission trip and drove to Knoxville for a marathon. Little did I know that the trip I made to Knoxville would not be my last.

In April I worked, took an over 24 hour greyhound bus ride to Tampa to watch the Rays and a 22 hour bus ride back and went back to Knoxville to go zorbing and on to Kentucky with Nathan for the Kentucky Derby Marathon. He became the first person who came to cheer just for me during a race ever, my first spectator! The next weekend, the first weekend of May I ran in New Jersey and the humidity and heat was horrible. I overheated and my body temp was over 103 degrees when I finished. I flew home for Kevin and Noelle's wedding and then started my long drive back across the country. Nathan and I went to an Oriole's game two days before my birthday (he took his first greyhound bus ride from Knoxville to Richmond), it was his first MLB game ever.

The entire month of June I was on the road, I first stopped in Roanoke with Nathan to visit his cousins and uncle for dinner on my birthday. We stopped in Knoxville at Nathan's and I continued on to Dayton to visit Jecca and Dan. After that I drove up to Wheaton to visit the Halls and on to Milton to visit the Richardson kids since Scott and Kelly were on the road. I drove from Wisconsin out to Minneapolis to visit Abby and Eric, run the Minneapolis Marathon and go to the new Target Field, my last of all 30 major league baseball parks that were currently operational.

I drove from Minnesota down to South Dakota and stayed with Luralyn and her husband Jordan prior to running the Swan Lake Christian Camp Marathon the weekend after the Minneapolis Marathon. Vermillion is a very small town, but at least they have an ice cream shop and a college. After my South Dakota marathon I was able to spend the night at Lura's friend's apartment in Rapid City. I watched game 5 of the NBA finals with Nathan over the phone and soon passed out after running a marathon and driving 6 hours across the state of South Dakota. Mount Rushmore was my next destination and thought it had rained all day the day before, it cleared up and I was able to get some pretty good pictures with the president's faces in the background. Later during Nathan's graduation weekend I learned from his Uncle Kenny and Aunt Nancy, who had also been to visit Mount Rushmore this summer, that one of Nathan's relatives had been an engineer on the project and his name was on the stone "Blewett, Thomas "Tom"."

I continued on to Wright, Wyoming to visit Elizabeth and her family. The sky looked huge with just land and no buildings or trees along the way. While I was drive from Wright down to Fort Collins, Colorado Nathan asked me to be his girlfriend. Ninety one days after knowing each other, I entered into a "relationship" with him after not dating anyone for 8 years (and I mean official, if it's on facebook, you know it's real). I told you 2010 was a big year. In Fort Collins, I slept on Donnie's (one of Nathan's best friends) chair and then stayed with Tony Time in Denver while waiting for Ashley and Brian's wedding to roll around. Tons of ice cream to be eaten before then! Tony dropped me at the airport with the evil horse statue that killed it's creator (it has red lights lighting up it's eyes) and I flew down to San Diego to stay with Shane and hang out with Kim and go to Rachel and Jeff's wedding. I flew back up to Colorado and hung out with Coop and Lindsay prior to driving 8 hours up to Salt Lake City to visit Thy. After Salt Lake City and hitting up In-N-Out (they have it in Utah now!), I wanted to visit Bryce Canyon but didn't have enough time. I made it down to Ian's in North Vegas and hung out there for a night before staying at the Brausell's house with Wally and Sylvia's parents. Lazarus broke down on the way to the 50 miler in the desert and I was so thankful that Sylvia's mom was able to get me after the tow truck too me to the shop to get my car fixed. While I was running the marathon (I switched to the marathon instead of the 50 miler because I made it just in time for the marathon start and had missed prime cooler hours for the 50 miler) they fixed my car.

I drove from Vegas down to SoCal and watched a Dodgers Yankees game with some of Nathan's friends that he had met while couchsurfing last summer in California. Then to visit sister and fly back to Knoxville to hang out with Nathan for two weeks before flying back and driving home through San Luis Obispo. I made it in one piece. I had decided I wanted to hike Half Dome and Nathan wanted to be there when I did it, so we split his flight out to California and hiked it on a Thursday (since they had new permits for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays) after watching the A's beat the Red Sox after he arrived California (Nathan went from no MLB parks to three in the span of 3 months because he took me down to Atlanta to visit Stone Mountain and go to a Braves game for 4th of July weekend when I was in Knoxville). I organized my stuff and my family went to Japan to visit my dad's sons and their families. We went to the Tokyo Dome to watch the Giants play (they're like the Yankees in Japan). I was going international with my baseball watching. I still need to go international with my marathons, but I want to actually get in shape before I do that.

As soon as I got back I unpacked, washed my clothes and headed back to the airport to fly to Knoxville. Nathan and I went camping in Roan Mountain with his family (this was the first time I met his parents). I flew from Knoxville to New York for orientation for the mission trip, I still can't believe I cried when he was dropping me off at the airport. (Seriously, I feel like I've become a pansy over the past years, I get so much more emotional.) Orientation was interesting, I got really sick and ended up sleeping a lot. Flew from New York to Tucson and was there for 5 weeks, during which I flew to Tennessee for the Florida game. Nathan flew out for the Mount Lemmon Marathon, his first ever and went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. We flew to Nashville together and then drove to Knoxville where I stayed for 3 weeks before flying back home and drove down to San Luis Obispo to get the condo ready for renters (I drove from San Luis down to Anaheim and back and then back home, basically making two trips because there was a lot of stuff). I flew to San Antonio for the San Antonio Rock n' Roll Marathon and determined that if I'm going to roller skate prior to a marathon, I should either roller skate regularly, or just not do it. I was in Miriam and Sal's wedding which was in our little home city of San Leandro with the reception further out in Walnut Creek.

The weekend after the wedding Nathan flew out for Thanksgiving and we went to Alcatraz on Black Friday, which turned out to be a wonderful day to go because it was chilly but the sun was out so it wasn't too cold. Soon after I flew to Tennessee for his graduation and got back a few days before Christmas and spent two days at the DMV trying to change my car from a planned non operative car to an operative car. Note to self: just pay for registration and keep in it the garage, it doesn't matter if it's 50 bucks more over a year, it takes way too much time and effort to change it back!

To sum up 2010: I now have a boyfriend who lives in Tennessee and just graduated from University of Tennessee, making me a Volunteer Football fan. I drove thousands of miles with everything in Lazarus up and down the east and west coasts and across the nation. Took a 25 hour bus ride down to Florida for baseball with a 22 hour bus ride back and decided it was worth it to pay more and fly if it was over 10 hours on the bus. I flew over 22 times on countless airlines (including Delta who loses your luggage; I miss JetBlue's all you can eat snacks and 36 channels of direct tv included in the ticket price) from Virginia to Florida, Washington D.C., Nor Cal, SoCal, Tennessee, Arizona, New York, Texas, and Japan. I ran 10 marathons in 10 different states, including 'the world's toughest marathon' and got both my boyfriend and my sister to run their very first marathons on the same day: October 17, 2010. I moved 4 times and next week will be 5 (all different states except the first from one house in Virginia to another) in the past year. Oh, and I also finished my Master of Science degree from Northeastern University. I suppose that's pretty important too. I always forget that. Whoops. Here's to 2011 and a new home base. God please help me to find a job! I pray that I will continue to follow You and strive to do Your will and not mine.

- run for life

Tomorrow

2010-12-07T02:25:00.002-05:00

I feel like something's always happening tomorrow. I'm always trying to get things done so I can get to tomorrow. When will I just get to sit and rest in today? There are times when I feel like that's possible. There are times when I feel like I'm so far behind, even with no job or school, yes, you can get behind. I need to write about the San Antonio marathon in more detail. I don't know if I ever wrote about Mount Lemmon in detail, but I should see if that's happened yet. If I'm actually going to write a book about all these excursions for marathons, I'm going to need to keep up with it!

I feel like I accomplished more today than I have in a few days. I've been writing postcards all afternoon/evening for Christmas (all by hand!). I ran 8.5 today. I still need to pick up the pace, but at least I'm out there. There's nothing wrong with that. I ran mostly uphill because I was just trying to get going. Daddy was asking about engagement, marriage, jobs and where I'm going to live. I know he cares and is just worried, but it's frustrating the way he asks. I just need to remember that it's because he cares about me... and keep telling myself that.

I wonder often about the whole online era. Everything is seen online and even this blog, everyone can read it. People I don't even know could be reading my thoughts! Strange to think that people could read this right after I post it, somehow landing on my page through some sort of random search. Guess that's why I never put my full name so it's more difficult to find. I feel like I need to make my fb more private. I actually wish I didn't have it, but unfortunately it becomes more necessary these days to keep in touch because some people only use internet sources like email and fb to communicate. I mean, I finally got texts this past May and some people still use fb instead! I kind of want to get rid of texts or at least cut down on the amount, but with long distance it's kind of vital to have something.

Wonder how this is going to go when I move to Tennessee. I'm hopeful. I'll keep my hopes mostly to myself. I don't want to spread them around like wildfire and make people think something is more or less than it is. We shall see. I am praying that God will remain my focus and my guide. That I will always trust Him no matter what and that I will go to Him for everything. God will tell me what I need to do and where I should go. God please provide me with a job and a place to live!

Thanks!
- run for life

over reacting

2010-12-01T14:15:00.002-05:00

I think I have high expectations for myself. I expect myself to have good will power and self control as well as drive and focus. I often become prideful and forget to give myself to God. My thought is that I am strong and have good morals and character and I so often loose the main thing in my life. The reason I even have anything. God is definitely the reason I am still living. I'm not sure why I'm here specifically, but I know that God has a purpose for myself. I often wonder what that purpose is as I feel like I'm floundering through parts of life, but I know His plans for me are for my good.

For my friends, I expect them to treat me with respect and be there for me when I need them. I guess I have high expectations of those close to me and get frustrated when they are not met. Perhaps it is my fault for having high expectations? Maybe I shouldn't become frustrated and I should act like nothing has happened? I don't think that's okay. I don't want to be a doormat to anyone. All of my closest friends who have been close friends for more than a year are great and even though there may be little things here and there... we haven't ever had any arguments or problems.

I guess it's easier like my sister said, because we're all like-minded. We think alike and therefore agree with each other on big issues and then the little things are easy to brush away.

With a boyfriend, I guess you're supposed to do the same thing. Treat him like a best friend and let the little things go... but I don't want the little things to keep happening when they clearly bother me. Oh, who knows. Maybe I should just move to Alaska or Montana and find myself a mountain man who just loves the outdoors and stays away from the crazy worldly lures of television, movies and other advertisements. I guess it's hard because I know those are bad and I don't like television and I rarely watch movies because I don't want to support them. I don't like advertisements on television telling me I need some 'thing' to make my life better. God has made my life great and I don't need to clutter it up with 'stuff.'

Sometimes I wonder if things are worth it. I do need to work on how I say things and my requests. It's hard when people don't want to even talk about things or listen to what I have to say or keep saying they don't understand. I don't think I'm that difficult to understand. When people already are plotting their argument or plan of attack... they're NEVER going to understand what the other person is saying. That is why it's important to listen and understand (or at least try to) and then respond... not formulate a response before the other person even finishes their thought.

God I need help. I don't know what to do sometimes.
- run for life

changes...?

2010-11-10T14:17:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I get frustrated about life. Sometimes I wonder why things have to be so difficult or so hard. I think it's because as humans we always think of ourselves. We're always right, our feelings are always right to ourselves.

I try to discern what's right, I try my best to live the way Jesus wants me to. I think I need to be more patient with others and remain calmer... though I have been doing better. I've been learning how to express my feelings a little more and how to more appropriately express my concerns.

I guess sometimes I feel like it's difficult. I know that everyone has to change, myself included. I know change hurts and it's not the most fun experience... but as the saying goes... "no pain, no gain" right? I think my biggest fear is to be taken advantage of. I think I am a nice person, I like to do things for others, I just don't want people think that that's my job... Perhaps I should think of it different. I need to remember that I'm first serving God and not anyone else or myself.

-run for life

one step at a time

2010-10-11T11:02:00.003-04:00

I really dislike applying for jobs and looking for jobs. I feel like I'm being scrutinized down to my very core. I don't like bragging about myself other than sarcastically and it's difficult to get your story across in the first 30 minutes of meeting someone. It really is all about the first impression.

I updated my resume and began to look for anything available online. I am not sure where to even begin. The place in San Luis Obispo is empty, I could live there. I could live back at home. I could live in an apartment for the very first time ever. I'd be on my own... weird. I never thought about that until I was talking to Kelly and realized I've never actually 100% lived on my own. I've never rented my own apartment or place without my parent's owning it or living with another family.

I do like community and I do like being extroverted... but I guess I'm finding out that I do need some introvert time and figure out what I'm going to do. I thought about beginning my own dietitian or nutrition counseling services. I wonder if the gyms around have any openings or are deciding that they need a dietitian. I don't know how I go about looking for those jobs. It's quite frustrating. All the jobs posted are clinical. I want to work on my CSSD and get experience more along the lines of nutrition and fitness rather than CNSD or being a diabetes educator.

While I think it's important to help treat people and help them figure out how to control their blood sugar and diet... I also believe prevention is key. We need people starting NOW on the forefront of preventative diet and exercise. Not necessarily 'weight loss' diet, but a healthy diet. If people are always looking to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis... it would be a much better place. We wouldn't have as many people struggling with complications of obesity such as heart problems, COPD, diabetes, and sleep apnea. It's more difficult to loose 20-30 pounds and keep it off than it is to maintain your weight year after year. They say the average person gains 3-5 pounds a year and over 7 or 8 years, that's 21-40 pounds! The yo-yo diets and 'quick' fixes are abundant in our society today. We need to convince people that they can live a healthy life day by day and they don't need to get drawn in by the advertisements.

It's so frustrating to see those ads and know that thousands will spend their money hoping for a change... only to have their hopes dashed.

Change takes time. Old habits die hard and it takes time for new habits to form. One step at a time can help someone get to a healthy lifestyle of a balanced diet and regular exercise...

- run for life

plans

2010-10-10T00:14:00.005-04:00

I feel like I always have plans. Plans to do this, to go there or be here. I make plans ahead in the future and as soon as I don't have plans or plans don't go as planned... I make more. Is that the way it should be? Should I be more spontaneous? I like being spontaneous, but I also like getting things done and I like to get early bird discounts on things like marathons and runs.

The planner is usually someone who is organized and likes stability. I do like being organized. I do like knowing when things are going to happen and with whom. I feel like my life is all mixed up right now. I don't like when things don't go according to plan. However, I do like to be free and I do like to be able to go where I want, when I want.

If someone else is involved in the decision making process, I feel like it's harder to do things and go places. So far this summer was fine. I felt like I got to do what I wanted to do. Traveling costs are higher when there is more than one person involved and most people like to sleep on beds and are opposed to sleeping in the car like I do on a regular basis (it's really not that bad if you're short).

On the other hand, if someone else is involved, it makes for a good time. I like having someone else along to help drive if it's a road trip and talk to to keep me awake when I am driving. I enjoy singing along to music with someone else... more than just by myself. I always make new friends while running marathons because I would be bored otherwise. Having someone along side makes the miles pass by instead of trudge along. The rain pelting down on me during the Knoxville marathon was disheartening, but a man named Jack ran with me for the last 5 miles because he said I was encouraging and that helped me a lot. I was cheering and thanking everyone along the way. While I am quite motivating and encouraging, some even would go as far as inspiring, I do need motivation myself. I do need someone to encourage me and back me up as well.

I'm a little afraid of this whole Mount Lemmon deal. It's advertised as the 'world's toughest road marathon' and is entirely uphill. Twenty six point two miles up. It's quite daunting. I'm not quite sure what I was thinking. Nathan will be there and we'll make it up step by step together. I know we can make it to the finish. I'm just not going to worry about time.

Time. It plays a big part in people's lives. Where will you spend your time? What's important to you? What are your priorities? I wonder often about God's timing. His plans. I always make plans, but I need to think more about His plans. I constantly come back to: many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. [Proverbs 19:21].

- run for life

FYI

2010-09-06T17:39:00.004-04:00

...

Keep your chin up and eyes on the prize. Fight the good fight. Pray and follow Him.

- run for life

unexpected

2010-09-04T17:24:00.002-04:00

When things don't happen as planned, what do you do?

mountains

2010-08-06T19:13:00.006-04:00

The only thing I really, really wanted to do when I knew we were coming to Japan was climb Mount Fuji. Anita had done it when she was on the army base in Zama back in 2007. She had made it up and back in 6 hours, so I figured it wouldn't be too bad. Boy was I wrong.

It turns out there are 5 different routes up and each starts at a different level on the mountain. Apparently the one army dropped her group off the first time was the easiest one. The one we did yesterday was the second hardest. If that was the second hardest, I don't even want to know what the hardest one is like!

It was an ordeal deciding when to go because our half brothers told us it was hard and we'd need a lot of time, so we settled on leaving Thursday night at 7:30PM from the Shinjuku bus station. Hiro asked me when we would want to come back, so we booked the bus coming back at 12 noon the next day. I figured we'd make it up for sunrise (by 4:30AM), maybe walk around the top in 90 minutes and head on our merry way back down by 6:45-7AM. That did not happen.

After taking mom and dad to the cemetery, Hiro picked us up at the hotel and we headed off to the bus station. We ate before he came so we were able to get right on the bus when it got there. It was super confusing to find the right stop! There were so many buses, even Hiro had to call the bus line and ask where we needed to go. Anita and I definitely wouldn't have been able to find it since we can't speak Japanese. We planned on sleeping on the bus, but that didn't happen. I wasn't tired at all yet as it was only 7:30PM and I often stay up talking to Nathan on skype well past midnight since it's day time for him (13 hour time difference). So we ended up talking and then took a brief "nap" for an hour... in which I didn't sleep at all, I just tried to sleep but failed miserably.

We arrived at the 5th station a little after 10PM, we went to buy our sticks, we got the shorter ones with flags on them for 1200 Yen. A guy found nubs of the sticks and we asked if we could have them and the guys at the counter shook their heads "no" and took them from us. (They were probably a foot long and had the 5th station brand on them, I figured if we could get "top" brands on those and our long sticks, we'd for sure be able to get our branded sticks or stick nubs home somehow on the plane!) Oh, well. We sat on the rock seats that were outlining a rocky patch and ate some of our rice triangles and drank some water before we began our accent at 10:18PM. I had to go potty but I didn't really want to pay 50 Yen at the bottom in the store where we got our sticks, so I waited until we found some trees on the side of the trail and went there when there were no people passing by. It was much easier in the dark because as long as no one was shining a flash light on you, no one could see you as it was pitch black. Later I found out all of the restrooms on the trail were 200 Yen, so 50 Yen at the bottom didn't seem like much!

There was a cement tunnel-like structure with a speaker that said in Japanese and English that we should be prepared for a strenuous activity and that if we were wearing summer clothes, we should turn back now. It reminded me of the warnings on the rides at Disneyland... Luckily Anita had said it was colder at the top so I was prepared wearing my North Face snow pants and brought my North Face jacket with fleece liner. I was San Leandro'ed out, reppin' the North Face! Ha, ha. I almost bought a new Recon while I was at Sports Authority... if I hadn't needed new running socks, I totally would have since I had that $25 gift card. I'll have to get the Recon again when its on sale or there is a coupon again from REI. It's pretty much best backpack I ever owned, but my old one's zipper broke. :( I was hoping to get a new one, but they just gave me money back and said I'd have to buy a new one... I've been putting it off because they're about $100 bucks. Anyway, I should get back to the Mt. Fuji journey...

Shortly there after we arrived at the guide station where we received a map for the trail. It's pretty straight forward to get up... you just take all the trails upward. It's down that is more confusing, but I'll get into that later. There were no stamps at the guide station, but after a few more twists and turns we reached the 6th station where we received our first stamp! I was pretty excited and handed over my money willingly. Whoever thought of the stick with branding idea was brilliant, branding is super easy/very low cost and the sticks are way useful when climbing up a volcano with slippery rocks and loose dirt.

I have been saying "climbing" rather than "hiking" because we were literally climbing up rocks at least 1/3 of the time. It was quite difficult to do with a hand held flash light and I longed for my headlamp I had packed into my Arizona stuff! I vowed never to leave home without one again (I always keep one in my car too, just in case I need a light!). In case you're wondering, I didn't bring it because we were planning on hiking in the day time-getting there in the morning and then coming back that late afternoon or evening.

I was carrying an exorbitant amount of water and food as well as a change of clothes and my flip flops. We each brought 2-2 liter bottles of water, a small bottle of vitamin water, and a small (16 oz) bottle of water. I carried 3 of the 2 liter bottles along with my vitamin water and small bottle of water. In all I was carrying almost 2 gallons of water which is nearly 17 pounds of water. Along with that I had an extra shirt and pants in my bag, my fleece for when we got to the top since there was always snow at the top, tons of food including snacks, rice triangles, bagels, pocky, chips, chocolate, etc. We didn't want to buy the crazy high priced food in the mountains so we packed a lot.

We arrived at the 7th station and were quite tired. Literally every time I began to ascend I felt winded. When we were walking on flat ground through the station I felt fine... so of course I wanted to keep going. I knew we needed to keep going in order to make it to the top before sunrise. When we began at the 5th station, we were still beneath the clouds, but the rocky slope was steep and we were able to see the tops of the clouds. The view was breath taking. We continued gamely on with our massive amounts of water and over abundance of gear.

We reached the 8th station and had over an hour to make it to the top, we weren't that far so I thought we could make it. I began stumbling up the side of the mountain. The altitude was getting to us. I closed my eyes and trudged up the path. It was dark anyway, everyone had lights. Anita thought there were more buildings above us, but the white, blue and red lights turned out to be a huge line of people waiting to get to the top. We joined the line shortly and still had 45 minutes to make it the last 900 meters to the top.

The line barely moved. I became a little concerned. Even though I really didn't mind the slow pace since the altitude was killer (when you get less oxygen than you need to your brain and legs, it really puts a damper on things), I was worried we wouldn't make it to the top in time for sunrise! It took 10 minutes to move 20 meters! I tried cutting through people but the path was only big enough for two people and the line was already two across as people marched two-by-two up the path.

It was soon 4:20AM and we still had about 10 turns to go, if we were only doing 2 turns every 10 minutes, we weren't going to make it before the sun rose at 4:57AM! We decided to step off the path and watch the sunrise from 12,370 or so feet instead of waiting to get to the top (not even the highest point, we had to hike around to that after we hit what most consider to be the "top"). I pulled out the video camera (oh, yeah, that was another 4 pounds on top of the 17 or so pounds of water along with all the other gear and food I brought) and tried to set it up. It said the card was formatted incorrectly. I was getting frustrated. I didn't carry it all that way to have it not work while the sun was rising!! I pulled out the battery and put it back in, but that didn't work. I pulled out the memory card and put it back in. It's easier said than done because at this point I was literally freezing and my fingers and hands weren't functioning properly. It was hard to smile because my face was so cold and my teeth were chattering. I couldn't wait for the sun to come up!

After I put the memory card back in, it worked! I was SO glad and set it up on a rock facing the sun. It took a decent picture, but it was definitely not the same as sitting there watching the sunrise. There are so many words that can attempt to describe the beauty, but nothing is even close. The clouds look like fluffy pillows with a red gleam far off on the horizon. As the sun rises higher, the light breaks into gold, yellow and red in the distance. The great reddish orange ball of light continues up into the sky flooding light over everything in sight. Like I said, nothing can describe what we saw that Friday morning on August 6, 2010 on Mount Fuji at over 12,000 feet. It was even more gorgeous than the sunrise Anita and I saw back in 2002 on Haleakala (the world's largest dormant volcano on Maui in Hawai'i) at over 10,000 foot elevation. I never thought I'd see a more beautiful sunrise.

I think the pain and headache (literally) of climbing that high that fast made it even more beautiful. My head was pounding and I could barely move from the cold, but the view was breath taking (literally with the limited amount of oxygen available).

After the sun fully rose we packed up the video camera and headed up the trail toward the 'gate' at the top. A man who worked in Japan, but was from the U.S. told us what it was, I think he said it was a Torro? I forget, my brain was just hurting and it was all I could do to smile for a picture beneath it.

I had to hit the bathroom. I can say without a doubt that climbing Mount Fuji at a bad time of month for me was the toughest thing I have ever done as a woman. I stood in line for the bathroom at the top. It smelled wretched. And it cost 300 Yen. I used wet naps to clean up a little and waited while Anita stood in line. We looked for the "top/sunrise" stamps but we couldn't find them. I began walking toward the highest point. It didn't look that far. The path we chose started out downhill. That was easy, I was feeling better! Of course, what goes down... and is trying to get to the highest point... must go up! As soon as my foot stepped on the upward slope, I was not happy with my decision. I knew I was an idiot for attempting to get around when the bus was leaving at noon. We trudged along anyway since we had already come this far. I was figuring if we were able to get back around and start down by 8 (that'd be four hours) we would be fine. There was a line to take pictures at the highest point. It took about half an hour to get through that. It was ridiculous how many lines there were on top of a volcano!!

Once we had taken pictures at the highest point, we climbed up a ladder to the look out... which was a sucky view and my backpack was so big it was difficult to fit through the small opening in the metal that you had to get through to see it. I squished through anyway and was disappointed and wanted to go back down. We finished the circle as quickly as we could, we found the post office on the way, went to the 'gate' to the left of the "village" or shops on the top when you first climb up the Yoshida Trail... I was disappointed. It didn't look as awesome from close up and there wasn't much space to take a jumping picture! Boo.

We hurried back to the shops to find the brand we wanted. It was right in front of our faces by the Coca-Cola umbrella out in the open! We stood in line for a short while and got all 4 for 300 Yen a pair, so for both of us, it was 1200 Yen. Totally worth it and we hurried to begin our decent at 8:38AM. We had 3 hours and 22 minutes to make it down. We half ran/half walked. I could make it down more quickly, but my shoes were horrid and kept getting rocks in the bottom. That's definitely the last time I wear sandals (I was wearing Keens) to climb mountains. They weren't very comfy on the Half Dome hike either (that was actually a hike, this was definitely a climb). Note to self: don't climb mountains with Keens when there is a possibility of there being loose dirt and pebbles!!! They are fine/great even when there is not loose dirt or pebbles.

I kept checking the signs to make sure we were on the right path while Anita kept on trekking downward. Her knees were hurting so I took the rest of the water and her jacket to make her load a little lighter. We drank another 2 liter bottle of water on the way down but still had another two liter and a small 16 oz bottle of water in my backpack when we finished. We saw horses on the way back, the people there rented horses out to people to carry them to the end of the trail head. They think of everything here! As soon as it was flat enough, there were horses for tired, weary travelers who just wanted to get back to the bus station.

I started us down the Yoshida Trail toward the Yoshida-guchi 5th station, but one of the guides yelled down to us to come back up. Another guy said Kawaguchi was the other way when I asked him. We came back up and were soon on the right path. I'm glad that was the only place I got a little turned around on directions! (I tried to remember everything but things look completely different from night to day! ... especially since it was literally the difference of night and day when we hiked up and down.) When we hit 1000 meters to the finish (I believe it was Izumigataki where the road broke off and you could get to Sato-goya following the other path) there was a group of people there taking surveys. They said it was about 15 minutes from the end and Anita was tired so she continued on. They offered a 16 oz bottle of water if you completed the survey... which I didn't need since we still had more than a half gallon, but I did it anyway. We still had nearly 50 minutes to make it to the end before our bus departed the station. The survey just asked how I heard about Mt. Fuji, if I had been to Japan before, who I was traveling with, if I had come with a tour group, why I was visiting the country, what they could do to improve (i.e. a visitor center since there wasn't one, more information about the area, religious, history), etc. I said more bathrooms at the top cuz that 20 minute or so line was ridiculous when you're on that time and need to go! I got my bottle of water and hurried along the trail back up to the bus station. I caught up with Anita along the way and we made it to the starting gate in less than 3 hours! We still had 30 minutes to spare. I was stoaked. We walked over to the bus stop through the now crowded circle filled with people laying down and those new comers coming in to climb. I'm definitely glad we left at night because it was more crowded during the day than it was at night and I thought there were quite a few people at night. It's probably because it's popular as it's the highest point in Japan and it's only open to most people 1.5 months out of the year due to weather (snow, sleet, etc) making it unsafe.

I asked to make sure we were at the correct bus stop and then we took turns hitting the bathroom. I made it back as people were loading the bus and after we got on, we passed out. We hadn't slept since Thursday morning because we weren't able to take naps during the day Thursday or on the bus. That was the longest I had ever stayed up in my life (over 26 hours)! (I pulled an all nighter once in my life before during college but I was only awake for 24 hours and then I went straight to sleep after I turned in my homework.) I don't sleep a whole lot or haven't since I started grad school while working full time, but I always take naps and sleep at night. I would always put off homework or studying and choose sleeping over any of that. (I barely studied in school anyway.)

Needless to say, it was amazing to see the sunrise up over the clouds in brilliant fiery reds and oranges. My head hurt like nobody's business. I'm a tad bit sore, but not much, it was really the lack of oxygen and not the actually physical difficulty of the climb that made it difficult. According to the Yoshida Trail map you start a little below 2,390 meters, hike down a few hundred feet and then up to 3776 meters. So I figure we went from almost zero elevation/sea level in Tokyo to 7,841 feet and then climbed up to 12,395 feet. It looks like we climbed over 4,500 feet on foot and the bus took us to about 7,800. Either way, I think we both got altitude sickness since we live at or around sea level 365.25 days out of the year. You literally climb up rocks and trudge your way up switch backs up the side of a volcano. It took us 7 hours including our stop to watch the sunrise to get to the top and less than 3 hours to get down. The fastest person ever to run up did it in 3 hours. I'm sure that was without waiting in lines for other people! It was super hard, it'd take a miracle for me to want to do it like that again. I want to climb more mountains, but I think I'd want to acclimate a little more to altitudes before I go running around up mountains and volcanoes any time in the near future... so I should probably train a whole lot more for the Mount Lemmon marathon I signed Nathan and I up for this October...

- run for life

catch up on catching up?

2010-08-04T10:50:00.004-04:00

Really, I will catch up and write about the completion of my road trip, my two week trip to Tennessee to visit Nathan, and hiking up Half Dome! I'm currently in Japan and talking to Nathan on skype. Once I get to Arizona I should be able to get up to date! Sorry for the delay... more to come in a few weeks...!

- run for life

catch up!

2010-07-15T14:26:00.003-04:00

I need to catch up on blogging from my road trip since I haven't taken the time to do so since I was in South Dakota. I've been more content to chill and bum around. I'm currently at Anita's in Anaheim and am getting ready to pack up Lazarus for one last hoorah up the coast through SLO and back to the bay. I'll be home on Saturday.

Since I last wrote, I've acquired an "official" boyfriend, I mean, it's facebook official, so it must be a big deal right? Today has been one month since we've become boyfriend and girlfriend officially. Unfortunately, it's long distance, but I don't know, I've gotta feeling about this one. We'll see how this works out. Spent 8 years not dating and coming up with more pre-requisites that my future boyfriend would need to have when I eventually had one. I think I hooked a good one this time, I don't foresee having to throw him back into the ocean anytime soon.

Gotta pack up Laz and head out to SLO. I'll try to actually catch up on the last month of my life soon.

- run for life

on the road again...

2010-06-10T14:00:00.005-04:00

Nathan took a Greyhound bus from Knoxville to Richmond to come visit me. :) I took him with me to Baltimore to watch the A's play the Orioles. It was his first major league baseball game, which I was glad I was the one to take him to it. Camden Yards is a nice park to go to for your first game ever. Hopefully he won't be too disappointed if I ever take him to the coliseum! We don't focus on the frills in Oakland, we just play baseball! We drove back to Richmond that night looking forward to a good night's sleep, especially since Nathan had been on the Greyhound and hardly slept and then I took him straight up to Maryland and back! We arrived at the apartment and no one was home. We couldn't get in and after deliberating for a bit, we headed to a hotel to shower and sleep. It had been sticky in Baltimore due to the humidity and we were tired. It was the first time I've ever paid for a hotel in my life. I always couch surf and my parents have the time share condos with World Mark so we don't go to hotels. I screamed when I saw a roach on the bed. I killed it and threw away the body, but wow. Gross. I was paranoid something was going to bite me. I don't think I'll be checking into a hotel again any time soon. I definitely appreciate my dad spending money on the time share stuff a lot more now. It's always super clean with a full kitchen and master bedroom.

I was hoping to take him down to the river and hang out, but since we were so tired we slept in and checked out of the hotel at 11AM. I baked a yummy pizza for lunch and we just hung out at the apartment and watched a movie. I packed up my stuff to leave Friday after work.

Unfortunately after I packed my stuff up... I brought my keys with me to work, which defeated the purpose of getting a ride to work, but Nathan was able to open the door and get my spare key so he could come visit me at work and have lunch with my co-workers and myself. :) After lunch we headed out, stopping at the house I lived at in Harbor Point to pick up any mail and drop off my key. Then we hit the road, stopping in Roanoke to have dinner with his uncle and two cousins who live there. It was a fun birthday dinner. I never have many birthday celebrations so it was nice to have a gathering on my birthday even if it wasn't specifically for my birthday. Last year I sat on the couch at the Richardson's watching the Cavs vs. Magic game by myself while doing homework. Super exciting, I know.

We continued to Knoxville, stopping to get gas along the way and were very tired and a little cranky by the time we got there. Tennessee was fun, we mostly chilled, hung out by the pool, watched movies and ate food of course! Brittany, Denise, and Jenna had gotten me a gift certificate to Olive Garden and I took Nathan there where we had a long and interesting conversation with our waitress about her life, kid, and gym memberships. I felt bad for her and tipped generously when it was time to pay for the check, especially since most of the meal was covered by my birthday present. Sunday night I cooked dinner, we need to get more spices, but I tried to make do with pepper... I liked my fish and potatoes, but my asparagus was lacking. I usually like to cook my asparagus with garlic, so next time I'll spring for the garlic when I go shopping. I was going to leave on Monday but I ended up staying until Tuesday morning.

After Tennessee I drove up to Dayton to hang out with Jecca and Dan. Jecca was done with school and just passed the NCLEX so we hung out, watched movies, and rode bikes. When I got there her friend was there and we all watched 'Dear John' which was one of the worst movies I've seen this year, if not the worst. I thought people said it was a good movie... or a good book, but it was horrendous! The girl promised to wait for John when he went overseas in the army and then wrote him a letter TWO MONTHS later saying that she was engaged... what the heck??? What is commitment to these people? How is that a good movie? I thought perhaps it'd get better or something, but it didn't. He ended up going back and they alluded to them getting back together after she was a widow because her husband died. She could have taken care of the dude without marrying him. That's ridiculous. If you really love someone, you shouldn't marry someone else. I felt like I had wasted two hours of my life that I couldn't get back. Ugh.

We did run the first morning I was there at a local walking/running park near where she lives, walked over to Graeter's Ice Cream (ice cream made in Cincinnati) and hung out by the pool until the clouds rolled up. We rode her scooter around a bit and I was left wanting my motorcycle (daddy said I'd hurt myself, which is probably true, so I sold it since it wasn't vital for my livelihood). It was awesome to just chill out. I think I could get used to this life! I stayed for about two days there and headed out to Wheaton... fighting off the Chicago traffic (it ended up taking 8 hours because of the last 30 miles, I had made good time through Indiana!). Jill and Catherine came out to meet me, Catherine had made me a sign that said "Welcome Jill" and we had pizza and salad for dinner. It was good to see them! Catherine and Connor have gotten so big! Patrick came home later and we had some ice cream and caught up.

In the morning I went with Jill to drop off the kids at school and back for Connor's 2nd grade poetry reading. Afterward I headed out to Wisconsin to hang out with the Richardson kids after they got off school. We just sat around, watched television and I regulated their chip consumption. ha, ha. Then they were picked up by the woman they were staying with for the weekend and I hung out alone in their house... which turned out to be very creepy because the lights were flickering in the dining room, the door shook and there were growling noises coming from in the basement. It didn't help that Kelly told me her tales of when she grew up in the house and there were demons in it. I was quite afraid alone and turned up the Jesus music and went back into one of the bedrooms, shut the door, put some stuff in front of it and prayed.

In the morning I gathered all my stuff, shut out the lights and headed out as soon as I woke up. I was on my way to St. Paul, Minnesota. I had a marathon to run and a baseball game to watch! I made it the 5 hours of driving without stopping for gas or the bathroom. I had filled up before I left Wheaton and made it to St. Paul with Lazarus' tank near empty. I pulled up to a gas station on Como Street where they were having an art fair in the drizzling rain and napped in the parking lot across from the apartments while I waited for Abby to finish at work. When she got there I brought some of my stuff up and we went downtown to go to the expo... which was the more pathetic excuse for an expo. There was nothing there, not even to buy if I wanted. The shirt was pretty cool and I like the color, but the jacket they were raving about was waffle material and funny cut. The sleeves are too short and there's a weird slit in the bottom of them. I just watched a movie on Saturday when they went out and then went to bed.

Sunday I got up and drove down to the Lake Street light rail station since the bus didn't start running Sunday morning until after the race had already started. I caught the light rail to Government Plaza, followed people to the bag check, turned in my bag (I brought a bag so I could have other clothes to change into because I was supposed to meet Kat that afternoon), and waited in line for the restroom (okay, so port-a-potties).

The run began. I took my time and walked up to the starting line. I ended up finding my way to the 4:45 pace group and chatted a bit with the pacer and another guy named Al who was running his first marathon. After mile 8 I sped up a bit with a girl from North Dakota who was there with her grand father running her second marathon. She was only a sophomore in high school who ran cross country in the fall and did a marathon in the spring instead of doing track. I thought that was interesting. We ran together for about 10 miles before she decided she needed to walk and I trudged along ahead until Fort Snelling when I walked up the hill because it was huge! They definitely did not give you enough water or Powerade (of course I thought of Nathan and how he would be pleased there was Powerade and not Gatorade). It was probably a centimeter of liquid in the bottom of a small cup which is barely a sip! I took three Powerade cups and two water at almost every station to attempt to wet my throat even a little!

I found myself with the 4:45 pace group again as I ran through miles 19-22. After awhile I just needed to hit 10s and couldn't run at the 10:53 pace they were at so I went on ahead. I was passing people and trying to encourage them to keep going to the finish and one guy took it to heart. His name was Kent. He was from Iowa and he ran with me from around mile 22-24.5 before he started walking a bit. I walked up the hill around mile 25 and he caught up with me again telling me I was close! and that I could do it. It was good to have a little push at the end and when we finished he hugged me and thanked me for the encouragement and said he wouldn't have been able to run those last few miles without me. His kids were there at the finish waiting for him. It always makes me feel like I've accomplished something when people say stuff like that. I feel like I've done something. Helping people achieve their goals is a great feeling.

Afterward I tottered on over to the bag check, picked up my stuff and wobbled over to the food where I picked up everything. I was appalled they didn't have water bottles for people who had just finished a marathon... I mean for crying out loud, why wouldn't they have water bottles? I drank 3 cups of water, but they weren't even full and I couldn't carry it with me. I laid around on the cement near the stone bridge while waiting for Kat to finish up at work. Unfortunately after I had text her a second time... (I text her right when I finished and then again 3 hours later) she told me she wasn't going to get done until 9-10pm... um, I wish I had known that 3 and a half hours before so I could have just gone back to St. Paul instead of lying around downtown Minneapolis! It's not like I could have done anything cool or knew where to go when I was super tired after running a marathon. And I was hungry! Boo. I headed back to the light rail, got back to the apartment, took a shower and chilled out. (I watched Step Up 2 for the millionth time.)

When Ab and Eric got back they were going to Eric's best friend's house for a birthday dinner, so I tagged along. They had 4 kinds of pie! It was awesome. I of course tried them all. :) His grand parents were there, they were super cute showing off their great grand child. :) We chatted as I tried not to fall asleep. The next morning Ab and I laid out on the front lawn of the apartment... I fell asleep while trying to read Born to Run and got a little toastier than I would have liked. Then we hung out, made pizza for dinner, and watched some of the Blind Side when Eric got back. We headed to 331 with one of their friends for some free live blue grass music and hung out for a bit afterward for some strawberries in chocolate sauce. Al and Andy had gotten engaged on the west coast so I took a break from the blue grass music to hear the story. :)

After that, more sleep and when I woke up, it was Tuesday. Game day! I was a little worried because it was raining all morning. I took a nice long nap in the after noon and then packed up my stuff to head to Target Field. Luckily it stopped raining and although they canceled batting practice because of the rain, I was able to wander around and take pictures around the entire outside of the stadium and inside. I posted myself near the foul pole in left field and talked with some Australians who were there on holiday. They borrowed my glove for pictures and bought me a bottle of water in return for explaining some of our American baseball practices. I met another pair who lived in St. Paul and I didn't end up having to wait for the bus because they gave me a ride back to the apartment.

I fell asleep soon after talking to Nathan and was woken up in the morning when Abby knocked on the door and said she had to go to work. While I was packing and folding everything up, I watched the Proposal again and moved everything to Lazarus and hit the road. I had horrid reception on the way down interstate 90 toward South Dakota. Luckily I have reception here in Vermillion, but apparently South Dakota's best carrier is Verizon so everyone out here has it. When I arrived in South Dakota I had dinner with Lura and her husband Jordan, we hung out, chatted and had some ice cream afterward.

And this morning... all I've done so far is type up this blog, talk to Nathan and eat food. Not a bad morning for an unemployed master's program graduate huh?

- run for life

sharp top then back to the bay

2010-05-13T09:50:00.004-04:00

I was a little heisitant but I went to meet up with a friend in Roanoke, Virginia at his cousin's family's house Sunday after work. I got Monday and Tuesday off since I have a bunch of PTO (paid time off) days and I'm leaving the company (I don't take sick days). We hung out, watched movies and ate lots of yummy food. (I'm definitely still the president of the Big Eaters Club!) I had just talked to a friend and mentioned that I wish I could have been going home this weekend because the A's were playing at home and I would of course have gone to all the games... and Dallas Braden threw a PERFECT GAME on Mother's Day (Sunday), the first in A's history since 1968 and the 19th ever in Major League Baseball! I was disappointed that I wasn't there to witness it... but at least I had fun in Virginia right? Sigh. We had dinner with his cousin's family and aunt and uncle at McDonald's... the first time I've been to Mickey D's in over 2 years. I, like the good dietitian I am, ordered large fries and an Oreo McFlurry. I'm such a great example.

Monday morning I woke up, did the dishes, took out the trash and ran up Mountain View street and back for a total of 4.6 miles. I need to run more. I was kind of tired and it was very nice weather though I have pretty bad allergies out here in Virginia. My friend and I drove over to the Otter's Peaks and hiked up Sharp Top. It was a perfect day, the sky was perfect, the weather was perfect. The pictures turned out because the weather was so great. We went to Cracker Barrel and I branched out and had something other than my usual blueberry pancakes... it was delicious as expected from Cracker Barrel.

Tuesday I was a little more lazy because it was raining when I got up and though I changed to go running, I didn't end up going out. We watched 'Death at a Funeral' at the theatre and ate at Red Robin for lunch. I headed out around 8:30PM and though I was falling asleep, I made it back to Midlothian via 460 to 307 to 360 (I passed Farmville where I used to intern at Southside, so the last 50 miles were familiar... I've fallen asleep while driving those 50 miles tons of times... not safe but whatever, at least I made it.)

Wednesday I went to the dentist and got the bumps taken off my teeth and I'm done with invisalign! :) I was excited. I chewed a piece of gum with gusto as soon as I got to work... despite the fact that we're not supposed to chew gum at work... but I haven't chewed gum in almost 9 months! I am a gum and chapstick addict and I'm not in denial about it either. I need to go to Costco and get gum when I go home. We had our Abbott rep come and do an A.S.P.E.N. inservice with us so we got Panera for lunch... I had already made plans to eat at Panera with some work friends for dinner... so I had the yummy Panera twice yesterday, ha ha. Later I met up with another friend from church for Cold Stone's. I love ice cream. Gosh, food is delicious.

Today I got up at 3AM and registered for the Rock 'n Roll San Antonio Marathon, so I'll get Texas done this year. I don't know if I'll get New Mexico done while I'm in Arizona because we're supposed to stay in state as much as possible and I really want to make it to Miriam and Al's weddings. My friends are priorities over running... as we tell because I'm paying to fly to California for K-Gibbs and Noelle's wedding this weekend even though I already registered and paid for the Delaware Marathon back in November. Hopefully I'll be able to run it later/not have to pay another full registration fee again (I already deferred my registration for next year for $25 but I might not be able to make it out to Delaware since I'll be in Arizona... augh!).

Well, I've been at work for about 5 hours (I got here a little before 5:30AM) and I'm really tired, it's a good thing it's hospital week and it's the ice cream social today after lunch. I have to drive up to RIC and fly out to Oakland today. I'm SO excited for In-N-Out. Of course Manuel's picking me up and we're going to In-N-Out like I always do as soon as I touch ground at home no matter what part of California I'm in. Tomorrow is our joint birthday venture (my 7th birthday party ever), we're going to Quinn's and bowling. Hopefully I'll see Rock tomorrow and also see Iron Man 2 and Robin Hood. Saturday I'm hanging out with Al and Andy before K-Gibb's wedding in Portola Valley... my tan lines are horrid for a strapless dress, but oh well, I'm going to blame New Jersey. Sunday is Bay to Breakers! I am pretty sure Manny, Noli and Herns are all doing it... along with a whole host of other people I know but haven't confirmed with. Good times back in the bay. I can't wait.

- run for life

hyperthermia

2010-05-04T22:00:00.005-04:00

I'm a little concerned about Nevada and the 'Running with the Devil' 50 miler than I have scheduled. I went to New Jersey this weekend and ran the New Jersey Marathon. It was reminiscent of what I would consider torture. I hung out with a friend and watched "John Tucker must die" or something at her house, it was funny (mindless funny). Then I drove up toward New Jersey and slept at a rest stop in Maryland a few miles from the Boarder of Delaware. Since I am holding off on the Delaware Marathon and have no Delaware jumping pics, I stopped off at Delaware Park (I thought it would be a park, like a garden-ish type park with a walking path/playground, but it turned out it was a race track and casino... ha ha). I took some pictures by the signs and met a guy who was on his daily walk who helped me to take some jumping Delaware pictures at the track.

Afterward I headed out to the hotel where I would pick up my stuff for the expo. Of course I'm brilliant and forgot to print out the booklet with the directions and information for runners... So I looked up hotels in Long Branch, New Jersey on Tommy's (my GPS) points of interest. I knew it had the word 'Ocean' in the title, so that narrowed it down to two choices. I called the first hotel on the list. It wasn't the right one, it must be the second right? I called them and it turned out it was the location of the expo and across from the starting line. I chose that as my destination. I was planning on stopping at White Castle (as in Harold and Kumar go to White Castle) but I was too tired and wanted to get my stuff.

I hit the expo and picked up all the samples they had and bought a few sports bras and shirts with sweet logos. I even 'designed' my own shirt from the logos they had. It's going to be great. I think it's hilarious. I got a shirt that says "will run for ice cream" aka the story of my life and another that says "it's not fat, it's fuel"... plus the one I designed. I usually don't buy anything, but I really liked the material and the sayings on these shirts so I got sucked in! ha ha.

After I left the expo I wandered around on the beach and sat out on the rocks chatting/catching up with a few friends. I even signed up for unlimited text messages! Big deal for me since I haven't had them since 2007 and am not the hugest fan. Honestly I got them because of a certain someone... but I'm also excited to get A's scores every day sent to my phone.

I read the small book I got from visiting Park West Church in Knoxville, Tennessee by Lucado. I love Lucado's writing, he's so frank and he just makes so much sense!

I went to the 50 States Club meeting and met some people who are just as crazy as myself. :) I was glad I am really not the only one. I'm going to join and get a 'certified' 50 States finish when I am closer to being done. I added up how many states I will complete this year... and I've already done 4 and I will get 4 more before the year is through with just the runs I've already signed up for, not to mention I want to do Arizona and Ohio this year...

Afterward I ate some food and read some more and chilled in Lazarus before prepping for the next morning and falling asleep in the back of Laz.

The run began at 9AM... I thought it was pretty late, but people were arriving before 7AM. I was woken up by the sound of car doors slamming on either side of me. I decided I should get up when it hit 7:39AM and changed and headed toward the hotel to brush my teeth, wash my face, and charge my cell phone... ha ha.

Others were stretching out and were serious about this run... I waltzed in with my toothbrush and was just out to complete another state as a part of my quest to finish the 50 states.

I talked with some fellow runners, dropped my stuff off at Lazarus, put on tons of sunscreen (though apparently not enough because my neck and cheeks were still burnt after the 5 hours in the sun). I headed toward the starting line and there was a sea of people. It was kind of ridiculous. The race started... the gun fired... and then again the gun fired. I didn't actually cross the line until 10 minutes after the original start. It was already 85 degrees and 85% humidity when we started. The sun peeked out through the clouds. It was going to be a hot day.

The loop was unnerving because you could see the markers for the second loop... so at mile 2 we saw mile 14 0.1 miles before we hit mile 2. It was frustrating... I felt so annoyed by mile 9 that I wanted to hide the flags and pull them out later for the second loop. (I'm not a big fan of loop marathons or when you see the other people who are ahead/behind you while you're running, it's disheartening.) I met a guy named Don who was 54 years old and didn't run at all other than the half marathon each year. He said he was out of shape, but he didn't look that terrible for a man of his age and his claims of not exercising. Later he said he was going to do something he'd never done before in his life... walk. I trudged on along ahead and eventually found a woman named Julie to run with. She was 46 and a health and P.E. teacher with two kids. I want to look like her after I have kids when I'm 46. She was awesome. I pushed her through the last 3 miles of the half and was excited to she her finish her first half marathon. :) (That's the only cool thing about a straight up double loop, I could literally see her finishing her run as I passed under the sign that pointed to the "loop 2" for the marathon.)

I continued to slop along (my heels had both been bleeding for at least 5 miles at this point and were quite tender and painful). I stopped by the port-a-potties by mile 14 only to discover to my horror that it was that time of month... no wonder my stomach had hurt, but not running cramping, the other kind. I was so annoyed and of course no one running had anything. I was tempted to ask someone who was sitting on their lawn cheering us on but I figured I might as well just get to the finish so off I went. I ran with a guy named Sean who lived in Texas but worked in Northern Jersey for a company based in Southern California. He got paid to travel around. I liked the sound of that. I definitely need to find a job like that. He was walking/running so I eventually ran on ahead (slowly mind you) and eventually was delirious by mile 22. I thought I was going to die. My head hurt, my body hurt and I wasn't sure what was keeping my legs moving but I had to chant to motivate myself and tried my best to encourage those around me despite the overwhelming heat.

At one point (around mile 24) I was almost crying from the heat and pain of it all. I hit mile 25 where we ran along the boardwalk and I knew I was going to finish under 5 hours. I kept on moving and even picked up the pace in the shoot passing the guy I had set my sights on around mile 23 and dominated the girl who had passed me at mile 22 (I actually passed her at mile 24.5 when she started walking and I continued on toward the finish). When I crossed the line, it was like a release of tension and my head hurt, my body hurt and I semi collapsed. It's a good thing they have medical personnel to help, they put me in a wheelchair and wheeled me over to the medical tent. I didn't quite pass out but I was hyperventilating and it turned out my body temperature was a toasty 103 degrees. They packed my body in ice (armpits, groin, under my knees, neck, in my shirt, etc) and it took a good 20 minutes to get my temperature down to 102.1. I couldn't talk because my tongue was malfunctioning and I called Benedetti to tell her I'd be slower than I had anticipated. My entire body was tingling more than I had ever tingled in my life. I tried to slow down my breathing as they instructed but it was difficult. I was glad I had texts at that point and took a picture of my medal and bib number still pinned to my stomach and sent it off to some friends to notify them of my 13th state finish. 37 to go. After another hour and then some (it took over 90 minutes to get my temperature back down to normal ~96 degrees), I eventually was freezing cold because my clothes were soaked in water from all of the ice melting (they had to change packs of ice on me multiple times) and the breeze coming from the nearby ocean. I left AMA (against medical advice) because I was really hungry and wanted to get back on the road to Princeton to visit Benedetti, Andy and Jeff.

I drove over and we watched Drumline, which I love. A good quote from the movie: "we don't date in the South, we have boyfriends." We got pizza from Papa John's and chilled out. Andy came by and visited after he got back from church in Philadelphia and Jeff stopped by to stay hello after he was done with his prior obligations. I was just glad to see everyone since I was in New Jersey and wasn't planning on going back. I finally left around 10PM and headed south. I made it to Maryland before I had to pull over and take a nap. I was very out of it and quite delirious at this point. I felt so dehydrated I couldn't think. I took an hour and a half nap, woke up and continued on my way (of course after trying to figure out how to get to the freeway, rolling over a curb because I was still out of it, I finally made it back to 95S). I ended up cranking up the tunes and bustin' a move to stay awake till I got back to Midlothian. I arrived around 6AM, took a 2 hour nap and got up and went to work.

I need to get more sleep. Last night I tried to go to bed at 10PM and I couldn't fall asleep until after midnight even after taking half a Benadryl (usually I'm knocked out from Benadryl).

- run for life

three things.

2010-04-27T23:58:00.006-04:00

Another weekend, another marathon, more life goals checked off the list. I went to Tennessee to hang out and go zorbing in Pigeon Forge, TN. I forget when I discovered zorbing, but I thought it'd be awesome, so of course, I went. It's like a huge hamster ball for people. You get in it and if you do the dry version, you have to get in a harness. If you do the zydro or the zorb with water in it, you don't need a harness and you sort of roll down the hill with the water reducing the friction in the ball. It's pretty awesome. I recommend doing it at least once in your life. I might have to go again...

While in Knoxville, we watched movies, ate food, and hung out. It was fun. We drove up to Louisville, Kentucky where I need to do 2 more things on my list: go to the Louisville Slugger Museum and run the Kentucky Derby Marathon. It was AWESOME. The museum was one of the greatest places I've been, and I've been a lot of places. Perhaps it's because of my huge affinity toward baseball, but it was good times. I ran the marathon and had local ice cream in both Tennessee and Kentucky while I was in each state.

For the first time I had a spectator with me, which was nice so I have some pictures of myself while running (Sam was there when Kristen and I ran the Greenville marathon/half, which was super great so I have pictures from that run too, but this was also more special because my spectator was there specifically for me). I just wish I was actually in shape... haha! Well, I haven't slept much due to driving around so much, but I figured I'd throw out a quick update on my ever jam packed life of traveling and experiences.(I am tired because I left Knoxville around 11:30PM/midnight Sunday and slept an hour on the way to work and last night of course only slept 6 or 7 hours as usual. I need to get back on my regular sleep schedule!). Well, gotta sleep, more work and letter stuffing (for the Tucson mission trip) ahead before the New Jersey marathon this weekend. I'm excited.

- run for life

mmmm...!

2010-04-14T23:12:00.004-04:00

I love good food. I love eating it, cooking it, baking it, and everything about it. I like making food aesthetically pleasing and the smell of glorious creations wafting from the kitchen.

Tonight some of my co-workers at I visited Mamma Zu's in Richmond (Churchhill area) and I had gargonzola sauce over penne with peas (I didn't choose the peas, it came with it, I would have chosen broccoli or mushrooms). I love 'stinky' cheese! It's so delicious! I liked the other dishes they had as well. (I need to remember to bring my camera so I can take pictures of my dishes...) I probably shouldn't get cream sauce prior to a marathon [note to self] because of the whole lactose intolerance factor (and if you read about my lactose tolerance test, you know I'm legit lactose intolerant). We went to The Phoenician last week on Monday night and had the Mezza or appetizer sampler. Their hummus was so smooth and delicious! I was delighted to have the yummy pita and the large variety of dishes to try. The cheese was so good! I liked both the cheese that was crumbled and the cheese that was in the block still (the block was better, but I love cheese either way). I need to figure out the names of everything I like... which was pretty much everything but the grape leaves, their flatires and kebbe.

I was disappointed because Auntie Helen used to make kebbe and I loved it so I was really looking forward to it... theirs tasted a little too fried or toasty/dry for me though. I miss Auntie Helen. I was talking to Anito and I think Auntie Helen was Lebanese... I never thought about it before. Interesting. The minds of young children are so different than adults.

It's past 11PM and I'm trying to get back in shape so I should wake up early to exercise... so it's past my bed time!

-run for life

note to self

2010-04-12T23:58:00.005-04:00

Dear self,

Remember the grit, grime, gunk and long waits at bus stations when you have the brilliant idea to take Greyhound instead of flying again to save a little dinero. That was ridiculous. There is no reason to ever subject yourself to anything like that again. Flying is really the way to go, it's faster, more convenient, and usually you can get decent prices if you are looking around. Don't take Greyhound ever again. Sincerely, me.

I went to Tampa this weekend. I got to work a little before 6AM Thursday morning, finished up and got a ride over to the Petersburg bus station. The bus was late. Great start. Luckily I had a 4 hour layover in Richmond to wait for my next bus so it didn't matter the bus was an hour late. When I got to Richmond I was quickly reminded of how much I dislike taking Greyhound. The chairs are uncomfortable, dirty and there is no where to sleep while you're waiting for your bus to arrive. I got on the next bus, fell asleep quickly since it was already 7:50PM when I got on and was rudely awoken by the bus driver tapping my head as a slept telling me I had to get off the bus until they called us again to reboard.

Waiting at bus stops near plugs is not the most fun thing in the world. They do have "charging stations" at some bus stations at least. Most of them (like Richmond) have very few plugs and some of them are oddly placed 5 feet above your head. They're also so loose you have to hold your plug in at an angle in order to get it to work. It's so frustrating. When I got to Jacksonville a guy came up to me and was SO excited I had an ipod... which everyone and their mom has an ipod these days right? He wanted to charge his, I'm nice so I let him. He went to smoke and came back in... he asked me where I got my plug and I told him I bought it from the apple store. He asked how much I got it for, I told him $30 bucks. He went back outside to finish his cigarette, came back in and offered to buy my plug for $20 bucks... I was like, "dude, I just told you I bought it for $30, why in the world would I sell it for $20?". He offered me $30. I told him I wasn't interested unless he was going to give me $300 because I used it for my ipod and phone, so why would I sell it, then I wouldn't have a charger, duh.

Weird people.

I finally got to Tampa where my CS host picked me up and we drove over to St. Petersburg where the Rays play. The stadium was interesting looking, all indoor stadiums are kind of ghetto. We bought the cheapest tickets, took a few pictures outside as per my custom and headed inside where I took some more pictures. We missed free t-shirts (to the first 10,000 fans), I blame Greyhound for that since I was over an hour late. I got over it really quickly when I saw them. They were baby blue and quite ugly at that, I would have just donated it to Good Will anyway. We found some seats in the front of the bleachers where we sat until we were kicked out. We thought perhaps the man at the end (we dubbed him 'peanut man') would be nice and let us sit next to him, instead my CS host got sprayed by peanut flecks and spit from peanut man's mouth when he was yelling that the seats next to him were taken. Interesting. We moved down closer to the players and I was having difficulty seeing because tall people kept sitting in front of me... and the lady behind us was all into the cow bell thing (which is really loud and annoying). A family sat in front of us and I occupied the youngest girl by making funny faces (fish, platty, etc). Soon more people moved into our row and we were forced to move again.

We moved down closer (you'd think we'd have to move further but that was not the case). We sat in an almost empty row on the first base side. A guy in a hat was sitting 8 or 9 chairs down from me. It was the worst hat I've ever seen, I almost lost it right then as I was turning to say something, my CS host made a comment sending me into fits of laughter. It became the butt of our jokes for the rest of the night. I got a picture of it too. Wow. It's interesting right? The Rays and Yankees both had home runs in the game, continuing my streak of home team home runs (home runs in general really). The game was uneventful, the Rays beat the Yankees 9-3, no come backs by the Yankees at all. They had indoor fireworks... really the lamest show I've ever seen in my life, but they let us walk across the fake astro turf and exit out the back which was kind of neat.

We left the game and went back to the small parking lot we paid to park in ($10 vs. $20 for the team parking lots that were the same distance away-within walking distance). I wondered if the lot even belonged to the boys and father who were taking money and showing us where to park behind the fence. I really doubted it. We got into the car, I ate a snack (I refused to buy food from the Rays and support them more, especially since tickets cost $23 each for the cheapest ones!) and we headed back to Tampa on a mission to find a restaurant to eat. I spotted IHOP and we pulled in. It was super cold inside so I went out and got my fleece pants and sweatshirt. It was a good choice. I got a Spinach & Mushroom omelet with 3 pancakes (cheesecake pancakes with blueberries on top). Unfortunately I couldn't really taste any cheesecakey bits so I was a little disappointed but they were still good nonetheless. The Hollandaise sauce on my omelet or whatever it was, was disgusting so I scraped it off and proceeded to consume my entire order. There were some interesting people in IHOP at 1AM including a girl who looked like she wasn't wearing any pants when she walked past. I didn't get to see the rest of the ensemble, but that's probably for the best.

We headed back to sleep, he slept on the couch and I slept on the bed because he felt bad that I had spent so long on a Greyhound bus. When I woke up it was nearly 1PM and unfortunately the last run for kayaks was at 2PM so we missed that. There was also a new zipline Safari in Florida that was full for the night (moonlight Safari). Rock climbing was expensive and the other options just didn't seem worth it so we went down to the pirate ship and bay walk where I got a jumping picture in front of the boat and we walked for an hour down the bay walk and back. It was nice and fun to just chat and hang out (for free). On the way back we stopped at Bo's for ice cream, I got a vanilla ice cream cone dipped in chocolate. It was great. We hung out for a bit at his place before we hit Carraba's where I got lobster raviloli which were delicious. The bread was good, my salad was better with cheese on it and I was disappointed to find they no longer at canolis. There were some kids going to prom there also.

We hit the grocery store to get some ice cream (moose tracks with health magic shell) and headed back. I was excited to watch Die Hard... but it turned out that Live Free or Die Hard was on Sunday night, not Saturday! So disappointing. We ended up watching Fever Pitch and The Bank Job instead. Fever Pitch was okay, I didn't really like the acting but the story was decent. After all, I do like baseball. Could you tell?

I went to sleep again on the bed after taking a shower and woke up at 7:30AM, ate some breakfast and we were off to the Greyhound station... I was not excited. I said farewell and waited for my bus. It was late. I got on and we ended up getting late to our stop in Jacksonville (big surprise) and I ended up missing my exchange. Luckily there was another guy who missed his transfer also... because we ended up outside McDonald's in Waterboro, Georgia and sat there for over 20 minutes wondering if we had just got left in the middle of nowhere. We got on the correct bus and I sat next to an ex-Marine (the CSer I stayed with was also an ex-Marine). We chatted for a bit before I passed out and was sleeping soundly. We arrived in Columbia, South Carolina at 1:15AM, only 5 minutes behind schedule. My bus was scheduled to leave at 2AM, his at 2:50AM. I was glad mine was going to leave earlier. Unfortunately... they ended up leaving first and my bus didn't leave for an hour and forty minutes after the scheduled departure. We got to Charlotte, North Carolina late and to Petersburg, Virginia an hour and forty minutes late. Luckily I had chosen the earliest arrival so I was still on time to work. I got everything done and was able to make it to my appointment for my oil change and dentist on time. It really pays to work ahead and sort everything out to be sure that I won't be swamped on Mondays.

Overall, Tampa was definitely more fun because my host was hilarious. We joked around like old friends and had a blast. The food was good and I was a fan of the ice cream as well. I love couch surfing. I have made so many good friends while traveling around sleeping on people's couches. Good times, but I'm still never taking the Greyhound bus again. It's definitely not worth it!

- run for life

relief

2010-04-03T10:59:00.004-04:00

I am officially done with class as the final day of school was yesterday. Monday will be my first day as a non-student since I was four years old. That's a long, long time. I am gearing up for the day ahead at work, finishing my ServSafe certification is one of my priorities in the coming weeks.

Yesterday I faxed my official 'acceptance of appointment' to the PC USA to be a Young Adult Volunteer in Tucson, AZ. I've been praying about it and God has really given me a peace about it. He's done so much, even my dad has now said that he just wants me to be happy and if God wants me to go to Arizona and not move home yet, that's okay. :) I nearly cried when he said that and apologized for getting mad at me and hanging up abruptly when I first proposed the idea. It really means a lot to me to be able to honor God without feeling conflicted inside by disobeying my parents.

I created my new YAV-only blog yesterday. Raisin helped me with the title. It's called: babbling oasis. I posted my first post yesterday. I'll still be posting here now and then, especially while I'm still in Virginia (which is the original reason made this blog... because I was so far from my family and friends) and driving across the nation. I'm excited about moving closer to home.

Dad also wants to go to Japan and China this summer. I'm pretty excited about that. I need to take my new passport picture tonight and get the renewal form sent off. I decided I was going to do the Running with the Devil 50 miler in Nevada. I still need to buy my plane tickets to get from Denver, CO to San Diego, CA and back for Rachel & Jeff's wedding the day after Ashley & Brian's. It's going to be a great summer.

- run for life

closer

2010-03-31T23:25:00.004-04:00

I did what I was going to get done for the capstone class. I analyzed and analyzed and re-analyzed using the SPSS 17.0 program and lots of excel sheets. I am so tired of looking at spreadsheets. I wrote and wrote and created my presentation and poster. I turned my documents in and now it's up to the final grading and that's not my part! I'm sure I'll do fine, I am just glad it's over. Now I just need to work on the final draft of my eating disorders paper and turn it in. I'm so tired, I think I might sleep first and work on my paper later... I have to do my lecture slides or whatever for the interns at VSU on Friday too (I'm doing the RD exam review with them). Maybe I should do that now... since I want to print it out at work tomorrow and I'm going straight to VSU tomorrow morning and then going to work afterward.

So much to do... so little time. I always feel like I pack things in even when I don't try to. I have to work this weekend too. At least I get Tuesday off to chill and teach a fitness conditioning class. I think that class will be fun.

Well, I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to sleep now and work on the paper and RD review stuff tomorrow at work. Hopefully I can get it done before I leave. At least I have nothing planned tomorrow night.

Almost there!

- run for life

and another one...

2010-03-30T23:27:00.008-04:00

And another one, another one bites the dust. I did state 11 - Covenant Health Marathon in Knoxville, TN this past Sunday. It was a 'persevering' experience.

Saturday I got up, did the dishes at my CS host's place since their sink was super full and went downtown to pick up my race packet. I parked in the same lot by the art museum that I did Friday while I was wandering and went down to check out the Sun Sphere (from the 1982 World's Fair, which I didn't even know they had World's Fairs in random years-apparently the Eiffel Tower was from the 1889 World's Fair and the Space Needle was from the 1962 World's Fair). I was expecting this '360 degree view' of Knoxville to be amazing so I was disappointed when it was only 4 stories up and reminiscent of the Canada Tower but not as cool because it wasn't as high and there was no glass/clear floor. I was expecting something more like the Space Needle, but I guess Seattle has everyone beat. There's apparently a bar up there on the 5th floor but I didn't make it that far.

I headed off to the convention center and picked up my stuff. There was a decent assortment of things to look at and I got some car magnets - one of my favorites says "some girls chase boys, I pass 'em." I got another one that said, "I know I run like a girl, try and keep up." I normally don't buy anything but I liked them! I was going to but the "some girls chase boys, I pass 'em" on my car but I feel like I need to get something that says I'm a runner first because people might just think I drive fast or something... which I really don't because I'm paranoid about getting another speeding ticket. :P

Afterward I hit the Hilton's Starbucks to use their free wireless internet and got another 6 hours of analysis for my thesis done! I was stoaked I was being so productive... (I should be editing my final paper right now but I am writing this instead, whoops...). Then I met up with another CSer for dinner where we went to Dazzo's on S. Gay Street and had a bowl of pasta. I had broccoli rabe pasta which was delicious albeit there weren't enough people working that night because it took an hour to get a bowl of pasta. Then I got dropped at Laz and went back to my CS host's place to do some more homework and sleep before the 26.2 in the morning.

Sunday morning I got up at 6AM and went through the motions of checking my stuff, putting on my shirt with number pinned to it (I always pin it on the night before) and socks and shoes. This bib had the timing chip stuck to it so that was pretty neat. I didn't have to put a bright orange timing band on my shoe (I would have thought they'd want to put it on because UTenn's colors are crazy bright orange and white). I packed up my stuff, put it in Lazarus, made a hole in a garbage bag since it was raining and walked 2 miles to the starting line. I'm really glad I brought the plastic bag because I would have been freezing the entire race if I hadn't since it rained before we even started at 7:30AM. I went to the convention center where everyone was gathered in to keep warm and dry prior to the start. I met two ladies from an hour west of Knoxville who were there to run the half. I ended up running the entire first half with them, it was fun chatting and getting to know them. They were both mothers and said they ran for a cheaper "group therapy" option. We talked about tons of things from life and running to food and shoes (a man was actually wearing the Vibram 'barefoot' shoes, I did get a pair to try and I tried them on last night, they were really comfy, I'll have to write about them after I've run in them). I love long distance runners. They're so friendly!

After they finished the half I was off on my own. I took a little walking break (running 5-6 times total since Jan 9/10 is not an optimal training strategy) for a half mile and picked up again when I got to a downhill. Around mile 16 I fell into pace with a man with the last name 'Knox' who had run all 6 Knoxville marathons! It was interesting getting to know him too, the first Knoxville marathon he had broken some of his ribs in a speed skating incident and ran it anyway because he thought he should represent Knoxville as the only entrant with the last name of 'Knox.' For 2 miles we plodded along until it began to rain at mile 18. When I say 'rain,' I actually mean pour like no other. I was drenched in less than 10 seconds, chilled to the bone.

I sped up in an attempt to get done more quickly and eat the gross (yet oddly tastes like the best ever after a long run) cold pizza awaiting me at the finish line. Clearly some of the roads we were on were not meant for pedestrians. I was running in puddles above my ankles and my shoes were squeaking from the water. I was surprised there were any spectators left and I said "thank you" to every single volunteer, spectator and police officer after mile 19. I cheered everyone on after mile 21 because everyone looked so gloomy. Around mile 21.5 a 61 year old by the name of 'Jack' fell into stride with me. He mostly played tennis these days but his daughter had asked him to join in their relay last minute. He had run about 10 times prior to the race, his leg of the marathon was the last 6.2 miles. He ran with me to the finish and after I was tired of encouraging, he encouraged me. As they say, 'Iron sharpens iron' and we need our brothers to pick us up when we fall. I was glad he was there for those final miles.

When I crossed the line the cramps I had been trying to avoid thinking about since mile 10 (yeah, I know I'm out of shape) set in. I went to the athletic trainer tent and some students helped me to stretch and 'knead' out my 'crunchy' IT band and muscles. Afterward I got a ride from two ladies in a golf cart to where the post race 'party' was being held. I was still freezing since I had planned on grabbing some food and heading back to Lazarus to change instead of carrying a bag with me and checking in my stuff.

There were no hand dryers in the basketball stadium's bathrooms so I couldn't dry off. I went to get my food and loaded up on pizza, chocolate chip cookies, granola bars, banana halves, Luna bars and tomato soup. The post race lunch of champions, I know. The granola bars and Luna bars I saved for the drive back to Virginia (since 7 hours is a long drive alone!). I ate my food and conversed with some of my fellow marathon finishers who were at the table I sat down at.

After I was full, I was preparing myself to walk back to Lazarus when I spotted a Lost and Found table... sheer luck. Since I had taken so long for stretching and ate so slowly it was nearly time to pack up and leave (if I had waited another fifteen minutes they would have given me an entire pizza or two since they had so much food leftover). I quickly sifted through the clothes and found the only sweatshirt in the pile, hurried over to the women's restroom, stripped off my soaking wet (I could still squeeze water out) running shirt and tank and pulled on the dry sweatshirt. It was definitely a lifesaver. I wrapped my space blanket around me, pulled on my marathon finisher's hat and walked outside.

It was much warmer with the dry sweatshirt on even though the bottom half of me was still freezing and wet. I walked down to Cumberland Ave. and began the trek back to Lazarus. I stopped in a pizza joint to use the restroom again (I think I drank a lot of water... so at least I was hydrated while running) and a minute after I got back outside the skies opened and it was dumping buckets on me. Luckily the space blankets are that silver water proof material and I stayed relatively dry.

When I got back to Laz, I headed to the CSer's place whom I had eaten my pre-race dinner. He arrived from lunch with church friends and I took a glorious warm shower. (Showers, like food are 100 million times better after you've run a marathon... and even better when you've been frozen, wet and pruny for as long as I had.) We watched the UTenn vs. Michigan State game (sadly UTenn lost by one point with a terrible desparate final shot that didn't even hit rim). I ended up staying in Knoxville a lot longer than I thought I would. Luckily I was able to stop to power nap at a gas station and a rest stop on the way home and made it to work. In all, it was a great visit to Tennessee. I doubt I'll go back again soon since I've checked off my life goals for the state (marathon & jumping pictures in each state), but I enjoyed it.

Now back to homework. School ends this Saturday, commencement is April 24th. I'm so excited for school to be over!

- run for life

stay warm

2010-03-26T12:43:00.003-04:00

I usually keep a bag in Lazarus with blankets and small pillows for the random overnight in the car. I was super tuckered out after staying at work again on Tuesday night after presentations for health promotion class so when I got home, I took a shower and took a nap... or what I thought was going to be a nap. I didn't set my alarm because I figured I'd get up after a couple hours. I laid my head on my pillow around 4:30pm... and heard creaking overhead. I looked at my watch and it was 6:30... AM! I jumped up with a start and threw running clothes and a sweatshirt into my Arc'teryx and grabbed my backpack with my homework in it.

I ran up stairs and ate my fiber one with soy milk, went to the bathroom and headed to work. I got in around 7:15AM and went to work. I was hoping to get out so I could speak at the YMCA at 1PM. Luckily the census is down at the hospital and I was able to finish all my patients by 11AM and eat a snack before heading out to the Y. When I got there everyone was serving up food and eating. I joined in and the talk went well, there were lots of questions, but it was fun. Afterward I changed into more comfortable pants and hit the road to Knoxville.

I was getting tired early on the drive and ended up at the first Tennessee rest stop along 81 South from Virgina. I slept there... but it was freezing. Of course I had no blankets and I curled up in my sweatshirt with my jacket over me and was wearing all the pants I brought with me. It was still cold. I woke up at 8AM and went to the bathroom and got ready to hit the road again. I'm sitting in the visitor's center - just got a call from the person I'm supposed to couch surf with tonight and tomorrow night (so I have a place to stay at least that's inside and warm!).

Time to head out to another coffee shop and perhaps scrounge up some food for lunch/dinner. I should have brought more but I assumed I was going to an expo on Friday... but it turns out it's only tomorrow. Lame. Well, the forecast is showing rain Sunday so it'll be a cold run. At least it'll be warm in Lazarus on the drive back to Virginia. Note to self: don't forget the Girl Scout motto-"Be Prepared." Duh. Keep blankets in your car.

- run for life

seeking approval

2010-03-23T23:32:00.002-04:00

I told my dad tonight what I wanted to do next year. I tried to start out with the positives or things I thought he would like: 1) I'd be closer to home, 2) doing something I'd actually like doing, 3) trying to expand my horizons and figure out with vocational discernment what I want to do/what God made me to do in this life. He asked about money, and I told him I'd break even because they'd cover my expenses and he was not pleased. In fact, that was the end of the conversation. He told me he didn't like that and that I shouldn't waste my life doing things like mission trips that you don't get paid at and said bye.

I was so excited. I get so frustrated when I hear that. I know it's going to happen but at the same time I hope that maybe he'll understand. Life isn't all about money. I wish he'd understand one day, I am doubtful that will ever happen. At least I told him though. He can't say that I didn't tell him I was planning on "wasting a year of my life doing nothing." If that's what mission trips are and helping people is, wasting my life sounds good to me. My ideals are so different. I don't want to disobey or defy but I can't live the life my dad wants me to live. I still need to figure out how I can honor him at the same time as doing what I think God wants me to do. If only life were easy. He mentioned how I need to find a Chinese guy to marry again. Great. Thanks dad. Such great aspirations for me.

- run for life

a reason

2010-03-23T00:25:00.003-04:00

I'm constantly amazed at how God works. I feel silly for attempting to plan anything. I am still planning on going to Peru one day. I'm still planning on driving home. There are some things that God must think are comical and my ridiculous organization of my life is probably one of them. Every weekend till I leave Virginia I'm gone or working. I can wait for these last 67 (since it's past midnight) days to go by quickly. There's a method to the madness that is life. There's a reason for everything, I just have to figure it out ... or not and just go with it. I'm glad I can usually do that. I was having a life crisis this morning. I went to work but when I called my boss earlier she said I didn't have to come in and I should take a day off, of course I went anyway when I was finishing my stuff. I'm not a big PTO user. I wonder if I'll get 80% pay out for left over vacation and PTO days. I need to make sure I don't use anymore...

I have some more homework to finish. I need to get crackin' on analyzing my stuff for my thesis. The other classes I have are almost done. I need to do the discussion boards for weeks 11 & 12 for both, edit/add to final paper for ED, give presentation tomorrow and write article 3 next week to be done with my health promotion and eating disorders classes. The whole thesis thing really shouldn't take me this long. I just need to get the analysis done... then I can write the paper and make the presentation and poster based on the paper. So close... yet I feel so far.

I'm so tired. It's past midnight again. I need to catch up on sleep after I'm done with school... Priorities post grad school: sleep, run, guitar...

- run for life

YAV Can 3

2010-03-21T00:43:00.005-04:00

Everyone always says that things aren't going to turn out the way you planned them to be. It's completely true. (Or they say, "God has a sense of humor.") I originally wanted to join the Peace Corps and go to Latin America. That ended up not working due to interviewer issues (he was an interesting character). I decided based on that experience I wanted to do something faith based (still in South/Central America) instead.

I attempted to look up long term mission trips and searched google for days, asked pastors if they had any ideas about it and eventually decided I would apply for YAV through PC USA. They had Peru and Guatemala on their sites list and I thought Peru would be amazing. All of my application stuff was filled out and turned in before August '09 (including references). I was gearing up for Peru.

I had my initial interview with the YAV office staff and that went well I thought. That was in December. I intended to practice but when I decided to take more classes so I could finish grad school in April instead of the end of June... it got a little hectic. When you add flying home every other weekend for dad's birthday, sister's bridal shower, and sister's wedding and the regular traveling I do on top of that for marathons. Let's just say I was busy.

I had no time to practice Spanish. I hadn't really spoken a word since Guatemala in 2007. Basically I was terrible this weekend when I got here and I'm still not much better. For Guatemala you don't have to be fluent, for Peru you have to be before you go. The day we got here they showed a slide show of all the sites. I thought Tucson looked interesting. I hadn't looked at national sites and never considered them. It's near the boarder of Mexico so Spanish is recommended, but not required. You do go to Mexico a lot though. They have a Community Food Bank site where you get to work with Farmer's Market stuff and organic food as well as the food bank. I thought that sounded awesome and I went for a run with the site coordinator and asked about the program in Tucson. It was intriguing. I decided to interview with Tucson on Saturday afternoon. (I had already interviewed with Guat on Friday afternoon and was interviewing with Peru Saturday morning).

The interview for Peru was pretty much all in Spanish (so obviously I sucked, pretty much the worst interview I've ever had in my life). I could understand what she was saying, but I was so slow to answer when I was trying to think of how to formulate my answers in Spanish, it was pretty bad. I wanted the immersion experience so even though I didn't feel too great about Peru, I figured that's what I came here for.

My interview with Tucson went a lot better. I felt like I was able to be very honest and communicate what I was thinking a lot better (well obviously because I can speak English... :P ). I had a good conversation prior to the interview so that probably helped also. I felt quite comfortable with what it sounded like was going to be happening in Tucson, AZ (even though I'm not a big AZ fan, at least they have In-N-Out Burger! There's one that's like a half mile from where I'd live if I was in the community house).

We had to turn in our decision sheets and I thought about it and turned it in before hitting the trail with the site coordinator from Tucson and another YAV candidate. She had ranked Tucson high and was hoping to go.

We went to dinner afterward, I prayed that it was what God wanted and not what I wanted and that everything would work out. I was confused about what I was hoping for. It was internally conflicting.

We had our concluding worship and then we got our letters. I didn't look until I got out of the room. It was written that I was accepted at Tucson, but they encouraged me to look elsewhere in case I wanted to go to another national site. I didn't really see a need to and was wondering why they said that. I talked with the site coordinator and it was because I didn't put it as a one for my options.

The more I hear about Tucson, the more I think it will be a good experience and something I really need to do. I don't have to decide just yet if I am going to go or not which is nice and I don't need to raise as much money. I feel like I should be more disappointed about Peru since I was hoping to go for so long but I feel oddly relieved. I am just praying that God will work out the wedding situation. It looks like I will probably be able to run a marathon in AZ and TX next year as a YAV which would be awesome since I'll be there anyway. Riding bikes is grand, I will actually get into shape I think..! God needs to give me some good clear direction. Please do. More homework... annoying right now especially because my group members gave me incomplete information to work with and I can't really do anything until it's done... what the crap? I'm really frustrated right now... I'm going to sleep and then eat some breakfast and get things done soon after I hope...

- run for life

YAV Can 2

2010-03-19T16:46:00.001-04:00

All right. It's day 2 of the YAV Candidate retreat (hence the title of the entries "YAV Can" - YAV stands for Young Adult Volunteer). I ended up going to bed after 2AM because my roommate and I were talking about life and the future and everything. It was good times. We got up at 6:45AM to get to the dining hall for breakfast at 7AM. I was stoaked for waffles as they have the flipy/turning waffle iron here like they did in the Lighthouse when I was in the dorms at Poly. Amazing.

I had my two waffles topped with fresh strawberries and bananas and whoa, I was full. I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach. We went to our site presentations (so I went to Peru at 8:45AM and Guatemala at 9:45AM). Afterward we met with our small group and it was good conversation. One of the girls had both her interviews today and is leaving for a funeral - she had to make her decisions today before she left at 4:30... which is now. I pray that God leads her and gives her strength as she goes through this difficult time in her life.

We had lunch and then I had my Guatemala interview. It was interesting, honestly I'm still shooting for Peru. I was talking with my roommate again when we ran into each other in our room (I was getting ready for a run with the Tuscon coordinator to talk to him about Tuscon as a national site/hang out and she was going to her interview for South Korea). While we ran I liked that he wasn't trying to promote his site or push me in any direction in particular. I enjoy honesty. We discussed God's calling and he reminded me that it's also about what God made you to be passionate about, not just about trying so hard to discern what God wants you to do... because God gives you those emotions, passions and feelings for a reason. He doesn't want you to begrudgingly 'do His work' He wants you to LIVE for HIM. Why do I have to remind myself of that? It seems silly, it's what my blog is titled and I can't even remember, ha ha. Oh if I could remember everything I should (and that's when I have a pretty good memory to begin with).

I need to meet with one of the guys tonight and go over some Spanish questions they might as tomorrow in my Peru interview (9:45AM!). I'm still a little worried although every caution people mention about how hard life might be for the year you're gone... I've not gotten concerned at all. I feel like I've dealt with so many cultures and backgrounds including disabled adults, children, varying socioeconomic backgrounds, urban, metropolitan, rural, country, etc. I am a pretty chill/laid back person and I guess God made me that way for a reason. I am debating on whether or not I want to interview with Tuscon, it would be interesting to be on the boarder... but I really want to go be immersed in the culture and language, not just dip my toes in it. When it really comes down to it, people are right, it's 2 days - Al and Miriam's wedding days that I want to be home for. The rest of the time would be the daily grind and I honestly don't like the grind much... I want to see the world and live the dreams that God has given me to help people of all nations nutritionally, environmentally, ecologically, etc.

I am still praying about all of these choices in my life. I just need some clarity and to strip all of the other stuff away and get down to the heart of the matter. Where does God want me to be and where do I want to be?

- run for life.

YAV Can 1

2010-03-18T23:17:00.003-04:00

I was really tired because I stayed up till 2AM doing my paper for ED class last night and when I got to Philly all I wanted was lunch. I ate some of the snacks I brought and updated my resume some more when I realized the wireless didn't work. I got on the plane and fell fast asleep. I woke up with a jolt and I thought they said we had arrived in Louisville... I deflated my neck pillow and got ready to deplane only to realize a minute later they said we were going to get ready to take off to Louisville, ugh! I was too tired to re-inflate my neck pillow so I just went to sleep on the window. I am plane spoiled by the way. JetBlue has really big comfy/cushier seats. US Airways plane was tiny. From Richmond to Philly there were two seats on either side of the aisle. From Philly to Louisville there was one seat on the left and two on the right. Weird right? Yeah, but their numbering system is even more strange. On the first plane I noticed the seats were numbered by row likea normal plane and then on the left were seats A and D... on the right were seats C and F. I have no idea why it was like that but that's what the signs said above every row. Weird.

When I got to Louisville I am so Presbyterian I fit in with the other YAV candidates. I definitely enjoyed meeting all of the new people today. I went running when we got to the lodge-which by no means is 'roughing' it at all. Definitely more plush accommodations than I was expecting. I went down to Cherokee Park and ran the 'scenic loop' which I learned was 2.4 miles around. It was really nice! I didn't know what to expect out in the cuts of Kentucky (okay so Louisville is a pretty large city out here) but there were a decent amount of people running around the park-there was an entire lane devoted to biking and runners/walkers. Amazing! I thought it was amusing that they had a carpool diamond in the "recreation lane" as they dubbed it on the signs (I probably would have been like 'sweet, there's more than one person in this car' and run someone over... okay so exaggeration, but it was awesome).

I took a shower and grabbed the two bottles that looked shampoo and conditioner. Washed my hair with the shampoo, and put conditioner in my hair... or at least what I thought was conditioner. Turned out it was lotion. Wow...

- run for life

decisions

2010-03-13T21:17:00.004-05:00

When you're a kid, you've got decisions to make. Will I play with my ball or climb the orange tree in the backyard? Am I going to cross the street to go to the park or ride up and down the sidewalk?

When you get older, you've got decisions to make that can affect your life in major ways. For me, I had to make the decision to go home after my internship or stay. I chose to stay. I know that God will be glorified no matter what I do, but it's still tough making big choices. Now I've been here on the east coast for three years and don't get me wrong, I think if I were in New York or Boston I'd be all right. However, I'm a city girl stuck in the southern flair of Virginia.

I've got 77 more days until my 27th birthday and pack up Lazarus and begin my drive home. I hope that I can make it. I just finished my big project evaluation for one of my classes and have 3 more large projects to finish before I am done with school (along with some smaller assignments). Once school is over April 3, I think I will feel much more free.

However, with freedom comes more choices! I need to decide whether I'm going to KGibbs wedding or run the Delaware Marathon (I already signed up for back in October). I am going to interview next weekend in Louisville, KY for a mission trip that would last a year in Peru. Or, should I get a job back home in NorCal and hope for the best as far as relationships go.

I feel like my life has been on hold these past 3 years. I kind of want to start my life and perhaps I'm ready to be in a relationship. Who knows. Only God. I'll keep praying. Here's to hoping for the best and trusting in Him.

More homework to do. I can see the finish line. I'm almost there. I just have to kick it in and finish strong.

- run for life

types

2010-03-04T00:54:00.004-05:00

Is there really a 'type' that everyone must have? I have always tended to be attracted to tall (5'10" or taller) guys. Generally they are Caucasians/white. I guess it doesn't matter though... what people look like, it's the inside that counts right? I think it matters to a certain extent. I wouldn't want to be tempted by other guys... but then there are tons of attractive males out there so of course there are temptations. I would have to stand firm on my commitment made before God to be a one woman person and eventually or hopefully I guess get married and vow in front of friends and family (or not, the whole eloping idea is sounding better and better, especially after all the hectic ordeal at my sister's).

I have talked to a bunch of girls who have ended up with guys they didn't think they would end up with, or in their words, "weren't their type." For them, it's worked out beautifully.

I wish I could stop obsessing over this. It's really keeping me up at night. I need to sleep. I have to get up in 5 hours and drive down to Norfolk. I need to sleep more. I'm all messed up from time zone travels, work and homework. At least all of the wedding hustle/bustle is over now. I'm praying for all of that. God answers all prayers. He will answers my current prayers in His time. Please God. Help me get through these next few weeks and on to home! 4.5 more weeks of school and 86 days till I start driving home. I can't wait. I wish I was done with school and already ready to drive home. It will be here before I know it.

-run for life.

just one of them days...

2010-02-18T21:57:00.005-05:00

I'm exhausted. Literally. Not only is my body tired, but my mind is tired. I have never actually felt like my mind was functioning more slowly even if I got less sleep. I've done the school and work thing for years, but I guess with the added time zone changes every other week it's putting a toll on my cognitive functioning.

When I flew back to Dulles on Tuesday morning, I was already wiped. At least this time I didn't have to sleep at the airport (I'm tired of cancellations and delays due to the storms and snow out here on the east coast!). I hadn't been to Dulles since senior year of high school when we went with Mr. Zuber (also known as Barney, my next door neighbor growing up... weird he was a teacher at SL while I was still a student there!) for the Close Up trip to Washington, D.C. So I walk out and wander around where the buses come to pick people up. I already thought I lost my stub to pay for parking (turns out it was sitting on the passenger seat in my car, I just found it today-wow, sad huh?) and now I had no idea where I needed to be to catch the shuttle for the Green Lot where Lazarus waited for me in the snow.

I asked a man in a suit if he knew where I needed to go for the shuttle, of course he did not and neither did the airline staff (not airport staff) standing nearby. I walked back and forth for awhile debating on what to do when I spotted a shuttle with a flashing sign that said 'GREEN LOT.' I ran over and got on (it was a lot easier this time since I didn't have my drum, box and rolling suitcase).

When we got to the parking lot the driver asked me where I parked. What I thought was the middle of the lot apparently was not. I was confused. I knew I was in the right row but it was freezing cold and I wasn't sure which way to turn. A man in a service truck with a plow on the front asked me if I wanted him to help me find my car and told me to hop in the truck. This seemed like a warm plan, so I did. We started at the end of row 13C and kept rolling until I spotted Laz. Interestingly there was another 1992, blue, Integra 5 or 6 cars down from Laz. His brother!

I thanked the man, hopped in and started Laz's engine. I couldn't wait for the heat to get going. I rolled out toward the exit and had to stop at the cashier because I wasn't sure where I put the parking stub to pay (at the time I didn't, now I know it's in the trash because I already paid it and had to fill out a lost stub form at the exit and they even copied my license number and everything, apparently they don't want people to lose their parking stubs more than once).

Once I was done at the booth, I rolled up the service road to the highway. I took 495 (it was a special airport exit road in between the lanes on 495) out toward 95S but I second guessed myself and missed the exit from the special airport lanes (they were separated by concrete) to 495 with regular traffic. So of course I'm wondering where I can get off next and I decided I'd hop off at the next available exit... well that exit was for authorized vehicles and buses only but I didn't realize that until I was already halfway down the ramp and I couldn't get back over so I had no choice but to turn off. A huge bus was coming straight at me and the driver motioned for me to make a U turn and go back... as I was making a 3-point turn another bus was coming down the ramp behind me. So here I am, ultra California, having no idea why I'm trying to make a U on a authorized vehicles only 2 lane road outside of DC with huge buses on either side of me. No matter where I looked, all I could really see was buses.

I saw a construction worker who told me to follow the signs for 95S because I was pointed again in the right direction. I did and reached 95 safely and continued on down to Petersburg. In all I was utterly tired and disoriented and got home from work at 9PM. I'm still tired and feel like my brain isn't functioning well (maybe instead of 'one' of them days, it's actually one of those months for me!) but I'm still trucking along. Manuel helped me to finish taxes via TurboTax 2009 edition tonight and I answered the initial discussion board questions last night so I just need to respond to other's posts, take a quiz and write a paper for this week. Hopefully I'll finish tomorrow... while getting my oil changed at 7AM (why do I do this to myself?... it's already past 1AM!).

Well, I fly out again on Tuesday, so this weekend I'm working and trying to get all my homework for next week done before the week starts because I will be even more busy Monday (my only day to do homework since I work and fly out on Tuesday). Praying there will be no more snow storms and cancellations to my flights. I'm tired of driving unnecessarily to other airports and sleeping unexpectedly at the door on airports where it's literally freezing cold. God help me to get rest, I want to give you my weariness and burdens.

- run for life

good friends are hard to find

2010-02-14T00:46:00.003-05:00

Over the years I've learned that some people don't value friendship as much as others. Perhaps it's not that they don't value it, but they don't put as much effort into it. I fully believe that if you want to hang out with someone you will make time for them, regardless of what else you have going on in your life. I say that from experience of working a full time job, taking full time graduate school classes, running marathons on a regular basis, and working part time at the gym to maintain my free gym membership. On top of that, my good friends or best friends are all located over three thousand miles away so hanging out with them takes a lot more time and planning than it normally would if they were in the same vicinity.

However, I think it's worth it to put in the effort to see them and hang out with them and live life together. I call my friends when I have time and cell phone minutes and try to keep in touch. I'm learning who are my true friends and who was just my friend out of convenience or close proximity. Those are the friends I am trying to invest in and put more effort into the relationship. The other people, I still would hang out with if I had time, but they aren't the first people I'll call when I'm going home.

For awhile I wished that more people would put the same value on friendship as I do and my best friends/good friends do. Now I'm thinking that it's okay that some people don't want to be good friends with me, that's fine. It just gives me more time for those who reciprocate my attempts at friendship and do return my phone calls and go out of their way to meet up or pick me up when I'm home. Those are the people I would consider my closer/good/best friends. Those are the people I will try to keep in touch with no matter where I am or what I'm doing. When I come home (because home will always be California), those are the people I look forward to seeing and catching up with if I haven't seen them for awhile.

I'm so glad that God has blessed me with the good friends I have. I won't take it for granted or expect so much of other people who are more of acquaintances. I appreciate who I have back home more after living in a place where I've felt so lonely. I can't wait till I start driving home and will live among them and see them more regularly again.

- run for life

don't try this at home

2010-01-26T09:04:00.008-05:00

My friend made a facebook group called 'LIA' a few years ago. It stood for 'Lactose Intolerant Anonymous.' I thought it was funny so I joined since I have been lactose intolerant, or at least discovered my unfortunate condition junior year of high school. That was a sad and embarrassing day to say the least.

Fast forward... whoa a decade already? I can't believe it's already 2010. It's been 9 years since I graduated from high school! It's amazing how time flies. I briefly heard some facts about lactose intolerance recently and I thought the blood glucose testing to determine if you were full blown lactose intolerance or just lactose mal-absorptive were interesting. Since I'm a nerd and a dietitian, I've taken part in diabetes fairs and have a glucose meter. I decided it'd be a neat experiment to see if I was full blown lactose intolerant. Part of me told myself this probably wasn't the best idea in the world since milk generally gave me terrible side effects, but alas, once I get an idea, I usually (literally) run with it.

So here I sit, 37 minutes into my experiment (I worked the weekend so I have a day off today and I'm flying home for my dad's birthday on Thursday after work). I took my first glucose reading at 8:33 AM EST and it was 79mg/dL. Usually they use 50 grams of straight lactose in water, but I don't have pure lactose so I drank about 48-50 grams of lactose in milk within 5 minutes and took my glucose reading again at 9:03 AM. This time it was 74mg/dL... it went down. When I was reading the information on how doctors determine whether patients are lactose in tolerant or not, it stated that a person with enough lactase in their bodies would have a rise blood glucose more than 30mg/dL after 30 minutes. If the person was indeed lactosee intolerant, their blood glucose would not rise more than 20mg/dL. There are some margins for error in my case: 1-I used milk instead of pure lactose, milk slows down digestion rate and could contribute to the slower breakdown of lactose to glucose, 2-I exercised briefly this morning during my fast and you're really not supposed to exercise or eat anything for 8-12 hours. Either way, my stomach is making funny noises, but since I started this ridiculous experiment, I might as well see it through and take my blood glucose reading again in 16 minutes.

Remember GI Joe? Well, knowing is half the battle. If you think you're lactose intolerant, don't drink a whole bunch of milk. Duh. I know I will regret this later, but in the name of science I will sacrifice my health and well being for a day... Don't try this at home kids. What a silly idea. I'm definitely full blown lactose, my stomach's going to pay today!

- run for life
ps. I did the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge earlier this month (Jan 9-10). I was disappointed because it was in the 30s and raining/sleeting on Saturday when I ran the half marathon and in the 20s when I started the full marathon on Sunday.

I accomplished my goal of taking a picture with every Disney character during the race and had a lot of fun making new friends and hanging out. It was my slowest marathon to date, but it had the most photo opportunities. I got to take a picture with Mr. Fredrickson and Russell from Up. :) ...Not to mention some pretty nice bling to go with my pictures...
Edit: Yup, I'm definitely lactose intolerant. My blood glucose an hour after drinking the milk was 59mg/dL... and then after 90 minutes it was 32mg/dL. I quickly retrieved my banana and had my usual breakfast-1/2 cup Fiber One (Original) cereal with a banana and 1/3 cup soy milk (usually vanilla). I can already tell I'm going to pay for my curiosity. Ah, well, it was in the name of science... ha ha.

black Friday

2009-11-29T11:33:00.007-05:00

I wonder if it's called black Friday because people wake up before it's light out and line up at the stores... Who knows. My first black Friday experience was at home... I think in 2004 with one of my best friends from high school. We went to Fry's in the dark. I think we stood in line a long time and I remember I got a dvd player for my computer and we got monitors (I think he still has his)... I ended up returning mine later because that trip back to school was the one in which my car spun into the semi and was totaled. I needed to save money to get a new car/the motorcycle I ended up getting was awesome even though my dad made me sell it later.

Back to the present: I decided to check to see if Target had movies on sale: I wanted UP and the Proposal (way girlier than my normal movie selection, I know, but it's so funny). I looked at the ads, the Proposal was $8.99 and UP was $13. They also had a nice Kodak digital camera with 10x optical zoom and a GPS... so I went and got the camera, GPS and two movies. I checked the Kohls ad since Kohls is right next store to Target where I live and saw they had the Magic Bullet for 39.99... I got it but when I checked the receipt... you have to do rebates. Eww. I don't like rebates. I'm going to return it and the waffle maker because there isn't really a point to having them here, I'm sure I can get them elsewhere for the same price when I move back home.

I have tons of stuff to return to REI when I pick up the stuff I ordered last week. I also made my own TRX to use on the door frame (thanks to REI's 1" webbing). So, I've got everything I wanted for Christmas: The Proposal, UP, a TRX, digital camera, GPS, Harry Potter 1 (from England-The Philosopher's Stone), Harry Potter 7, and a new necklace for my cross pendant since I keep breaking it. Since I use swagbucks, I was able to get my HP1 book free and my necklace. HP7 was only 11.15 including shipping. I definitely recommend using swagbucks. it's awesome. I've already used $35 of amazon.com gift cards since I started using swagbucks in September. If you want to sign up (it's free) - use this link: www.swagbucks.com/refer/speedieturtle

I used my TomTom GPS yesterday when going to Williamsburg Plantation. The sales guy was nice but I still can't justify buying a timeshare. I am too cheap and that locks you in to payments and you feel obligated to go... I'd rather camp out and sleep in hostels. Hotels? Yeah right. Maybe when I get married and go on my honeymoon. Otherwise I'm content to sleep on a friend's couch and the back of my car. At least I got my 'gifts' out of it. I got a $100 VISA gift card and a $25 Panera gift card. I wanted a $50 Panera gift card but they ran out so I got a $25 Panera and $25 Applebee's gift card. Hiliary and her sister Erin met up with me for dinner after the tour thing at Applebee's so I just threw in the gift card there and went home with $125 more than I started with when I set out for Williamsburg. Once they figure out you really aren't going to buy their stupid time share they really aren't very nice. I'm glad I didn't get sucked into their silly sales pitch.

Time to do homework. Thanksgiving week is over. I need to send my postcards for Christmas out too. Last time in VA. So glad. Twenty four more days until I fly home for Christmas. Two more weeks of school, then ONE more quarter and I'm done with school forever (at least for now, but I doubt I will get a hankering to go back to school to get my PhD later).

-run for life

a whole new world

2009-11-14T22:35:00.003-05:00

I forgot how much I love reading. To become lost in another world, no worries of your own. I forgot I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (number/year 7) and borrowed it from a co-worker. I began reading only to discover I had already read it a few chapters in. (I wondered why it seemed so familiar when I started.) Reading it anyway, I decided to re-read through the series, currently reading book 6 - the Half Blood Prince.

Don't worry, I won't go into detail about Harry Potter. Mostly I miss reading. Transporting yourself out of the real world into a fantasy land that no one can corrupt. It reminds me of the days when television was more wholesome. Before movies and books began to be full of crude humor, desensitizing the public to atrocities that should not happen. Selfish human beings playing on others insecurities and feelings to make money.

I used to read all the time. I know it's a weakness-the love of reading. Curiosity like mine. When I begin a book, I have a hard time putting it down until I'm finished. When I read the Harry Potter series I finished 1-6 in less than a week. I began reading The Kite Runner on the bus one morning on the way to school and on the way back I read some more. Once I got past chapter 5 on the bus, I had to continue reading. I needed to know what was going to happen. I finished the book the same night. The Lord of the Rings is quite a large trio of books, but I finished those just as quickly prior to the movies on the big screen. Less than 2 days to finish all 3 of them. And I wondered why I was voted 'biggest book worm' in the 8th grade polls. Oh well. At least reading is a beneficial thing, albeit I didn't think it was great to be known for being a 'book worm' at the time. It's interesting to see how we've grown and changed over time as we look back on the past. The past helps to shape our future, our present choices will stay with us and our future awaits us. Here's to living in the present so that the future shall be bright.

- run for life

glance back

2009-10-24T21:10:00.004-04:00

It's interesting to think about really living in the moment. So often I feel like I'm looking back and then making plans for the future. Don't get me wrong, God's definitely made my life interesting and enjoyable. I just don't want to miss anything. I want to live in each moment and really live.

When I think about it, maybe it's school. School always makes you look toward the future and make plans for afterward. In college I imagined what life would be like when I finished at Poly. Now that I'm done and have been done for over 2 years... I'm still in school. I have less than have a year left of school. I can't wait.

Tomorrow morning is the Marine Corps Marathon. Another adventure to see all the sights DC has to offer. I figure taking the train will be the easiest. Hopefully I won't be too tired in the morning. It's already 9:30PM. One of these days I'll have to train and run with someone. I wonder how different that will be.

Oh, today the rain out near Annapolis was crazy. There was SO much standing water on the streets and freeway. My heart was racing, I thought I was going to die for a minute. It may have been less than a minute, but hydroplaning is very scary. Lazarus swerved. Luckily I was in the center lane and there were no cars on either side of me. As I swerved into the right lane, I tried to hold the steering wheel steady as Laz quickly jolted into the left lane. Eventually I hit dry ground again and was able to straighten out. I slowed down, way down. I can only imagine what happens when it's colder and icy. Needless to say, I am looking forward to driving back home and avoiding driving as much as possible.

- run for life

the green monster

2009-09-06T17:44:00.007-04:00

It's September 6th, which means it's nearly time for the All-You-Can-Jet era to begin! I'm so excited. I suppose I should recap August before I let you in on a preview of my post-Labor Day adventures since I'm so behind.

Besides ending up spending over 7 hours in the ER at MCV one Saturday night (actually the night I went up to Glen Allen, so the last time I wrote an entry... and don't worry it was not for me, but for a friend-that's a story in itself), August consisted of 3 weekends of missing home. I've never felt homesick as much as I have here. I miss the weather (no humidity, no rain), feeling in shape & healthy, exercising outdoors whenever I want, and my friends and family. I've been working a lot and teaching more classes at the YMCA lately. I got an A in my MNT (medical nutrition therapy) class... I felt like I had to get an A because I am currently a clinical dietitian which means I do MNT for a living... but I didn't want to study because I am lazy/I do MNT all the time. So, I didn't study and I still got an A. Good times.

I went to Boston and hung out with Donovan and her roommate Sam. It was awesome. We explored the Pilgrim Line... aka the Freedom Trail together. It was the first time for all of us to follow the red line around Boston and see all the old historical sites from Paul Revere's house to the oldest tavern in America. I finally went to Fenway. We sat in the bleachers to the left of the green monster. I saw 3 bombs go over the green monster, 4 HR total. I was less than impressed. I felt like the 'monster' should be more difficult to hit a HR over it. I still really liked the park and the historical feeling of the city and that you could walk around it. 'Walker friendly' as some people call it. I have also decided that I LOVE cannolis! They are so glorious with their delightful fluffy chocolate mousse filling and ribbons of drizzled chocolate over the top. Just another one of God's gifts to people.

I worked last weekend and this weekend spending my days off cleaning and organizing what I'm going to take home while taking a few breaks to have lunch with friends. I drove out to Staunton, VA where my friend Shannon lives. She goes to Mary Baldwin College which is affiliated with the ASC or American Shakespeare Center. Apparently it's the only place in America that has authentic Shakepeare productions. You have to go to London to have a similar experience. I loved the production of Henry the IV, Part I that we went to see. We were perched on stools on the stage where the rich people would sit during Shakepeare's time so that everyone could see them and their embellished attire. We went to Italian food before the play, watched it and hit the Split Banana for some gelato in a waffle cone afterward. The next morning before I had to leave we went to breakfast a little outside of Staunton toward the highway and I had a fabulous waffle with blueberries and whipped cream. I was reminded of how much I dearly love my waffles. I'm definitely tempted to bring my Belgian waffle iron back to Virginia with me when I go home for my mom's birthday. However, I know if I brought it, I wouldn't have time to use it very often and I wouldn't want it to get dirty downstairs amongst the children's cereal on the counter and random roaches. Ugh.

After breakfast I drove 2.5 hours to Petersburg, went to work and then visited Commonwealth Chapel's Saturday night service with Trina, Andre and Joshua. I may be making the Saturday night service my regular service once this All-You-Can-Jet month is through. I had to work this morning and then teach body sculpt at the Y. I feel like I'm always doing something or going somewhere. I am getting a little tuckered out. I need to get my rest so that I can be 'alive, awake, enthusiastic' for my adventures this month.

I'll be heading out to Buffalo, NY via JetBlue after work Wednesday night and driving to Niagara Falls which should only be 15 minutes, trapesing around there for an hour or so and then off to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays batting practice and game. After the game I'll head straight back to the airport and Friday morning at 5:50AM hop on a plane back to RIC for work that day. Saturday I'll head off to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The airport is 17 miles from the Florida Marlins where they will be playing the Nats. Not the best of games, but it fits into my schedule and I haven't been ultra picky thus far. That will be stadium 29. I will have only Tampa Bay left for the 2010 season. (That doesn't count the Twins because their new stadium - Target Field will be opening next season and I'll be going there too, but technically I will have only one left for next season since I've been to the dome already.)

The following weekend I'll be heading home since my mom's birthday is in September and there is an A's fireworks game that I will be attending with friends from home. The weekend after that I'll be in SoCal for an Angels vs. A's game (hopefully the A's will win) with Herny and friends and Anita's engagement party. The first weekend in October is the Portland marathon so I'll be in Oregon to hang out with Juice, Blair, Allie, Alyssa, hopefully Mersh and who ever else is in Portland this time of year.

I'm excited. Time to bum it up and watch a movie while resting for my coming adventures.

- run for life

time goes by so slowly...

2009-08-09T20:58:00.006-04:00

I feel like time flits by when I don't want to it and rushes past me when I want it to stop. I guess it's been almost 2 months since I last wrote. Since then I've been to Seattle and ran the inaugural Rock 'n Roll marathon there. I got a PR. I was pleased with the outcome especially because I didn't train very hard (I think the longest I'd run prior was 12 miles 3 months before) because my neck/shoulders were giving me a lot of problems in the 2 months leading up to the run. I also made it to Paul Riley's wedding. I was so excited to be there representing his West Woods friends on that special day. I also made it to Safeco with Bonnie where we had awesome seats - park 26. ;) It was so fun just chillin' and actually having a 'vacation' type time in Seattle while seeing old friends from high school including Michelle, Miya and Jimmy. Crazy there were so many San Leandrans up there!

July went by like a whirl wind and has left me gasping for air. I'm trying to keep up with running/working out/staying in shape more. I have 3 marathons I've registered for and 'homie don't play'. I am getting tired of just doing them. I want to race again. Today I was doing a little striding during my run and I MISS IT SO MUCH!!! AHH! I LOVE going fast. The way your body works mechanically together in perfect motion (pending injury).

In July I was pretty sick from allergies/life in Virginia. I managed to make it home for Jecca's wedding! I made it to 2 Oakland A's games even though I was only in Oakland/SL for about 36 hours. :) Good times were had at home hanging out with good friends.

I got up to NY and hung out with Rach and a bunch of friends from California including my mochi sister Sandra,which was awesome because I had just hung out with Yuri while in Seattle and had gone to Leilani's wedding in October last year. Now we all just need to get together for once! I can't wait for that to happen. It will be glorious.I went to Yankee stadium dressed in full Oakland attire which is only the appropriate response considering the A's were in town to play the Yanks. Monday night I went to a Mets game with Rach, Carrie and Andy which was a lot of fun! I love going to games with friends. I'll go by myself... but it's more fun with friends for sure.
This month is focused on getting school work done... and then going to Boston to visit Donovan. I'm stoaked for that.

I've got to go up to Glen Allen now... so farewell for now.

-run for life

last spring

2009-06-17T23:35:00.003-04:00

I find it so interesting how people can take something said by another and perceive it in so many ways. Two people (both guys, I wonder if that has something to do with it) both said, "I thought you liked it here" when I said I was planning on moving back home as soon as possible after I finished my Master's Degree. I laughed and shook my head. I tried to think of a single time when I was thinking, "wow, I'm glad I'm in Virginia." I couldn't think of a single one. I guess that's kind of sad and mildly pathetic because I want to be where God has called me and I want to live for Him and live joyfully. I need a lot of grace and I cannot for the life of me see how I someone in my circumstances (without God) could ever be the slightest bit happy about Virginia.

I do like traveling, but I would hope that I would do that if I were living at home. When I think about it, it's probably not as true. There is a lot nearby on the East Coast, everything is so close together. (I'm trying my best to think of benefits to living out here. My mind quickly jumped to... 'well, there's not really a need to go to another state because we've got everything in California anyway.' Like I said, I need a lot of grace. God really needs to change my thoughts because I can't do it.) The more I contemplate and attempt to find good things about living in Virginia, the more discontent I become. The more I want to go to a South American or Central American country and live amongst the people and help them. The more I want to take BART or ride my bike to the water. The more I despise driving and loathe trying to stay awake on my commute to and from work much less when I'm traveling somewhere.

These pictures are from Hatteras, North Carolina - known by the people here as the 'Outer Banks' or 'OBX'. It was quite comical to me that I drove over 200 miles to camp with people I had met once and ended up hanging out with a girl I just met on that trip and am now really good friends with. I am often so amazed. God really has a sense of humor. One of these days I will look back and thank God that I lived in virginia. Maybe all of the mosquito bites are building up my immunity and reminding me to put on bug repellant so I'll be ready for the rain forests when I go to Costa Rica and zip through the trees. There are so many possibilities. Here's to 54 more weeks.

-run for life

mersh, chicken, & attic journals

2009-06-03T22:17:00.005-04:00

Reminiscing the 'good 'ole days of San Luis Obispo conjures up memories of First Presbyterian Church SLO. It was there that I walked into the church not knowing a soul except for Christ Himself. I can only say that it was Jesus Himself that prompted me to go alone and sit next to a couple with whom I am still in contact with every now and then via email and letters that I dearly enjoy.

I remember getting to know some of the college students who attended the church and meeting at the Hokits, the pre-Front Porch days including a worship-washed out by the ocean-bonfire. Fun nonetheless. Mersh was the Youth Director and oversaw the college students during the transition time... I remember going into her office and plopping my life story into her lap. A relief to get it off my own shoulders, things I'd been carrying alone for so long. God tells us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2

We became good friends over the years from youth group to when I cleaned her house when she lived behind the health center and got Santiago [chicken] for the first time. I remember when she decided to begin making journals and still have the 'Fat Men from Outer Space' journal she gave me for helping her cut pages for all of the journals. [Am I glad that paper cutters were invited!]

Attic Journals was born in a small house on East Foothill Boulevard behind Cal Poly's health center in San Luis Obispo, CA when a woman named Michelle Sanders who had a dog named chicken decided to start making original journals using children's book covers. What a fabulous idea! She's very creative from house decorations to sending people random objects in the mail. Journals are something that we use to express ourselves. However, not all journals are meant to be read by the world which means that the cover must tell a little something of ourselves but not bare our souls to the random passerby. Thus Attic Journals are a perfect solution to the query of which journal expresses your inner child and joyful spirit the most yet remains affordable and stylish.

There is something about writing your thoughts that allows you to process them and re-read them later, almost like a history book of your life from your perspective. You can learn from your mistakes and see patterns in your life that you might not have noticed so easily. Online blogs are the journals of today... but nothing beats sitting by the ocean writing your thoughts, hopes, and dreams in a handmade journal that you can physically hold in your hands and stash away for another time when profound thoughts will flow from your pen onto the paper in front of you.

Honestly, I prefer handwritten journals to blogs because you can carry them with you anytime anywhere and you don't have to worry about who may come across your entry. I'm a doodler and while taking notes on a sermon or message I tend to draw pictures with my notes and it's not the same on the computer. I tend to feel like I'm writing a paper for school when I am tapping away on Jac's keys [my Mac is named Jac if you weren't aware yet].

Remember the good times, learn from the not-so-great and share with one another in order to lighten the load and fulfill the law of Christ. I miss SLO. I find myself a little jealous of the people who are left there in the small town where biking is widely accepted and even encouraged during bike to work week. The beach less than 12 miles, hiking across town, rock climbing down the street, and friends sprinkled across town. I suppose that's why they say you should enjoy college while it lasts because there's nothing like it. It's true, especially when you've lived in a place like San Luis Obispo and 'learned by doing' at Cal Poly. There's so much more to say, but it's past my bedtime. I miss home. I miss my family and friends, the Pacific, the glorious dry heat/weather, and hypoallergenic atmosphere. One more year. God will see me through until the end. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

- run for life friends

may '09 recap

2009-06-01T20:45:00.006-04:00

I missed the entire month of May! I love May most, I guess I just got too caught up with life and everything to do. I went camping at Douthat State Park with the Richardsons and Doody CG the first weekend of May, then to New York for Rachel's birthday fiesta and worked the third weekend. NEXT was Memorial Day weekend and I just worked this past weekend as well. I made it to my 3rd MLB park this 2009 season (San Diego, DC, & Baltimore so far) with more to come. I love traveling and baseball. When they're combined, that just makes it so much better.

I feel like I am plagued with lack of sleep and a lot of neck pain in a addition to my usual aliments. I wonder if it's because I'm older or because I am just as injury prone as I've always been. June is already filling up with (hopefully) 2 weekend trips to the beach, a working weekend and Seattle for Paul's wedding, the Rock 'n Roll Seattle Inaugural Marathon and a Mariners game at Safeco.

NEXT was good (the new New Attitude). I had been dreading it, with lack of communication and not really knowing anyone who was going (due to lack of communication, it turned out there were about 70 people from our church, I just had no idea until after I was already there). It worked out better though. I hung out with new people and made new friends. I prefer that, rather than only hanging out with friends I already know and see all the time. Not that last year wasn't good, it was, I just like meeting new people.

My favorite speaker was Kevin Deyoung. He is a pastor from Michigan and he is HILARIOUS. I definitely want to get and read his book, 'Just Do Something!' He went through the latter half of Luke 8 and I was impressed with his simplification and break down.

He went through and noted (my notes not his, this is what I thought was important):

1) You do not rebuke something unless you believe it's going to obey. Clearly, Jesus knew who He was while everyone else was just beginning to understand. [ex-Jesus and the storm, he said 'peace be still' and it stopped].

2) the disciples and witnesses were MORE afraid after Jesus performed the miracles [the demon called Legion scared them, the storm scared them, and the girl dying was sad, but they were MORE afraid that Jesus was able to control all of these things, instead of feeling better or impressed: they were filled with FEAR-clearly he was more than human].

3) These miracles were not a test of Christ's power. Jesus barely says a word and miracles happen. [they were simple/easy for Him].

4) Christ's holiness is more powerful than your uncleanliness. If you touch Jesus -> you become CLEAN! [ex-woman who touched His cloak and stopped bleeding after TWELVE YEARS! The law said that you're unclean if you're bleeding and if another person touches you-you became unclean as well. Not for Jesus. He is so holy/pure/clean that you become clean if you are unclean and touch Him.].

5) You cannot exhaust God's grace [ex-saying, 'I can't forgive myself = MORE SIN, YOU CAN'T FORGIVE YOURSELF, HE MUST FORGIVE YOU! It's not that you feel bad, it's that you don't feel BAD ENOUGH.]

Finally, my favorite point. (6, I guess) Deyoung states that Christianity is 'anti-Disney' which I never thought about, but it's true. He says,

"You will NOT be a Christian unless you stop believing in yourself."

Which is a great statement. We must believe in Christ, we must believe in His power. We need to remember that Jesus is the Lord and Savior. "The closer you get the more you love Him & the more you get a little scared." - K. Deyoung

Another good point he had, "the goal of youth group is boring testimonies!" He also says that the sins biggest in the church today are 1) sexual sin and 2) self righteousness. Being tormented by Satan is better than being proud [ex-Paul with the thorn in his flesh-God gave it to him to keep him from being conceited].

D.A. Carson and Sinclair Ferguson were also very good. I am too tired to write about all that, but I definitely need to re-listen to the messages.

God please help me to make it through the last 4 weeks of these 2 classes and finish them with satisfaction that I glorified You in the process. Please help me to prepare for my summer class and do well in that. Lord You know what I need, please help me to sleep more and be content in all areas of my life. Thank You for leading me and guiding me and saving me from what I cannot handle.

- run for life

woman with a plan

2009-04-18T23:31:00.003-04:00

I have reviewed my short-term goals since I got back to VA. I've become much more cheery with my prospects. After I'm done with all of my school and tests (by 2011) I should be: Jill O, MS, RD, CSSD, CNSD. Then in 2011 after I've passed the CSSD, I want to study for and take the ACSM HFS, which will tack on more initials to my name. I pray that God will see me through. I know that his plans for me are the best and I pray that my will is aligned with His. I will understand if all of my plans are not completed if it is not His will, but I am glad that I know what the next two years look like.

I think I'm at least 5 shades darker than I was in February but when I look at myself, I still look sickly pale. I guess I'm just used to home. With God, I'm ready for the world. I'm ready for anything. I need to get back into the swing of things and maybe figure out how to fix Safari on Jac. I'm tired of Safari crashing every time I open a link to a new web page. They're not even anything bad! Mostly it's just links from e-mails or trying to open another tab so I can look something up while keeping the web page I was on still open so I can go back to it (school stuff mostly).

God I'm tired (when I say things like that I'm talking to Him-obviously NOT using His name in vain). I need to get on EST. Good night.

-run for life.

april thoughts

2009-04-17T01:26:00.004-04:00

I often wonder if time goes by more quickly when you've gained life experience because you have a daily routine and responsibilities or because we're more patient. Of course I can still grow in the area of patience. I often feel like I jump into things & need to take a step back. Looking at my calendar I wonder if I can fit in more vacations and get out to the West Coast more.

I went back to California for Easter and hung out with my sister, her boyfriend, and our cousin. It was fun. I made it to Petco finally and have 25 stadiums down (technically 23 since the Mets and Yanks opened new ones so I am going back in July-I already have my tickets). Seattle will be done in June and my 7th state marathon as well. I need to figure out if I can get another state in before 2009 is over. I wonder if I can find some that are close back to back, like Delaware and Rhode Island. I was thinking about going home for the Nike Women's marathon too since some of my friends run it.

It's already April. March weather was ridiculous here in Virginia. It snowed the 1st weekend, was 83 degrees the next, poured the next and then was sunny again. April hasn't been much better as it rains, the wind blows, and my longing for home grows.

Should God allow me to move home next year, I'm going. I can't wait to be done with this state. I know it's quite bad, but I really dislike Virginia. The weather is terrible. All the talk about relationships and wanting to get married is way over rated. I'm not saying I don't want to get married, I do. I just think it's ridiculous to have regular conversations about other people's relationships (or non-relationships) because it turns into gossip and slander. Unless someone gets engaged I don't think it's that exciting when people get together. Maybe I'm still a covert pessimist. Nick encouraged me to be more positive... I've tried, but I wonder if I have ever taken that to heart.

The crystal blue waters of the Pacific are calling me. I want to say the end of 2010 is the longest I can handle being here. Then I need to get a new job and move home... after traveling in Europe and then road tripping across the nation in style (I pray that Lazarus will still be around).

I'm still on West Coast time. It's almost 2AM EST and I need to get to bed.

- run for life friends.

firsts

2009-03-02T22:33:00.004-05:00

Simple, yet satisfying. Virginia experienced a snow storm, or at least I thought it was a lot... and a little scary to drive in last night when it was about 5-6 inches. I drove slowly and with control, which apparently is the way to drive when you're in the snow from what I've been told.

This morning after my standard healthy breakfast of Fiber One and soy milk, I made a large ball of snow for Jim's head (the kids named the snowman Jim). They made another bigger one they named Chewbacca. Both of snowmen fell after a short while.

I made a snow penguin in the front yard and named him Dave. He took me about two hours to make! I built my first snow creature and made my first snow angel. When I got back from work hours later, Dave was still proudly standing tall. I was very excited.

Silly, but if one were to draw from the examples of the snow creatures-snowmen that tumbled quickly in harsh conditions vs. a snow penguin who stood firm, one might come to the conclusion that the penguin that was worked on diligently for hours stood firm because there was dedication and care put into it. The snowmen were made by children who have yet to learn patience. One was large but was not well put together, he was lopsided and soon tumbled. In order to be firm on solid ground (Christ) we need to get into His word and remember 'I have hidden Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You' -Psalm 119:11. We need to be diligent to get into the Word and study it so that we might be on the solid ground and steady through times of trial that will test us.

After the eventful morning of firsts, we went into work. On the way home we noticed the roads were thawing which was a good sign. I am praying that the roads will be clear tomorrow when we go into work and that there will be less accidents and people will drive safely.

Fun day. I finally got to build my snowman and complete another life goal without even leaving the yard. :) Thanks God, more prayers answered. I knew You would... all in Your timing. 'You are the Rock, Your works are perfect and Your ways are just. An upright God who does no wrong, faithful and just is He.' -Deuteronomy 32:4.

-run for life

disappointment

2009-02-09T01:19:00.003-05:00

That sick feeling at the pit of your stomach that creeps up to your throat is very unappetizing. When tears stream and the thought that throwing up might help get rid of it? Conflicting interests flit through my mind. I should be happy.

I'm glad that God's plans are the perfect ones. All I can do is trust that it will happen in His perfect timing.

I need Your help God. I need Your help to turn head knowledge into heart knowledge. Please God. I run to You for consulation. I run to You for everything.

- run for life

constant

2009-01-22T18:46:00.003-05:00

Consistent. Certain circumstances have tossed me into a heap of confusion. For me this turns me to the Truth. My heart hurts, my mind is disoriented and my body is plagued with issues. The only thing that keeps me focused properly is faith. Believe. One might say for me to be living up to my name - believing in the Hero.

I am not perfect, nor never will be. It's only 22 days into the new year and I've already missed 2 days of quiet times. The percentage can get smaller, but I'm kind of glad it will never be perfect because I feel like that would develop into pride and Satan would be able to attack me in that manner.

The joy that reading every morning brings is so unlike any other joy throughout the day. I pray that this burning desire will be fueled more and more each day. I pray that God will use what I'm gleaning and teach me more about Himself, His glory, and promises.

With all things in life, whether we originally perceive them as good or bad, 'All things work for the glory of God for those who love Him'-Rom 8:28. Therefore even if things may seem bad, because I trust Him and love Him, God will be glorified somehow. Even if I don't see it right away, a week from now, a month from now, sometimes it may be years from now that I will figure out what God was trying to do. I feel like I am cultivating this aspect of my life more. My responses initially may be negative, but I remind myself of the truth-that God is working through the circumstances that I may not appreciate or enjoy. (We discussed this at women's CG last week, it was interesting because everything people were saying are things I tell myself on a daily basis.)

How easily we forget! Daily, hourly, even minute reminders would help immensely. Reading through Genesis and Exodus (I'm just going straight through until the end like I did when I was a kid) I can quickly judge the Israelites and scoff at them, pridefully (sinfully) thinking, "how could they grumble and complain, wish to be back in slavery, or horde manna when God clearly has shown them sign after sign of His power?" Then I look at my own broken, sinful, shameful human existence and realize to my own dismay and sadness that I do exactly the same thing. I was the one who drove the nails into Christ's hands and feet. It was my sin that held Him there. He went through so much pain because I wasn't satisfied with what God had given me, because I wanted more, because I was jealous, because I coveted, because I judged, because I sinned.

Oh, how glad I am that the Holy Spirit entered my heart and opened my eyes. How much I rejoice that Jesus was the ultimate gift of love-for me. How could God love me? Once because He made me, and twice because He bought me-with the blood of Christ.

When I remember these things daily, other worries or anxieties that I had seem insignificant. I know that God's plan is best. I will follow where ever He leads me. Regardless of where He asks me to go, what He asks me to do, I know that He will give me grace and the talents and gifts to glorify Him through whatever task, where ever. I praise Him for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank You Lord for choosing me. Thank You for adding kindling to the fire, so that I yearn to know more about You. So that I have to learn more about You. That it is a desire of my own free will to read Your word and invest more time with You. I thank You that You have integrated continuous prayer in my life from a young age, where I feel as though You are my most constant friend, my best friend. I talk to You daily, throughout all my activities and life. It's more of an open-on going conversation. I know You are listening. I know You answer my prayers. My spoken and unspoken prayers. I know You will answer the longings of my heart.

-run for life

so fresh, so clean

2009-01-12T23:28:00.002-05:00

Spare time is so few and far between. From attempting to spend time with friends and get work and school done, I feel like the 'processing' time is short.

A new year signals to many a new beginning, a re-birth if you will. To me it is another year. Each day I look forward to a new beginning, each moment I praise God for giving me yet another chance. Oh how I am so glad that Jesus' blood covers past, present, and future. I could never make it even a fraction of an hour without Him.

To review 2008: the year was filled with ups and downs. Life changing decisions hindered on what God would reveal to me in His time. I prayed continuously, listening intently for His voice. I completed a few more life goals, visited more ballparks and missed friends from home.

After my dietetic internship, I passed the RD exam on 7/11 and caught a firefly the next night. I got my first salaried, full-time job in Petersburg, VA and have benefits. I now have health insurance again! God has been so apparent and has blessed me with everything I could ask for, everything I need. I got a job at the YMCA as a group exercise instructor and am hoping to start teaching in March. Currently I am enjoying the free membership that being an employee brings. I ran in the pool and swam today. It is a lot harder than I remember! I'm still waiting on my new Supernovas to come in the mail so I can run.

Na was amazing and I listened to John Piper live for the first time. It was so delightful to hear from someone so candid who trusts so much in the Lord. I was very encouraged and convicted all at the same time.

I started my graduate classes at Northeastern and will receive tuition assistance this year as a benefit from my job.

I still have allergies and get sick often. I'm still praying that I will feel better physically soon. Maybe I'll be able to sing again one day? My throat is so sore it's been painful to talk over the past week. I've been sucking regularly on cough drops in a feeble attempt to soothe my throat to no avail.

God has some marvelous plans I can feel Him preparing my heart and soul for something I cannot imagine. I have been more emotional over this past year than I've ever been in my life. I think it's got something to do with being so far from anything I know-it's like being in a foreign land. (I mean, I did see an ice scraper for the first time in my life about a week ago.)

My verse of the year was Proverbs 19:21-Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. All of my plans and good intentions are just that-plans and intentions. The Lord's purpose trumps all of these and His plan is only for our good so I will continue to put my trust in Him daily and to life according to His will. Though it is sometimes difficult and I get weary, He will continue to lift me up and guide my steps.

Here's to 2009. More opportunities to share about Christ's love. More chances to seek His face and live for Him. I shall continue in my pursuit of glorifying Him. With His help I will persevere through physical suffering, emotional trauma, and spiritual adversaries to sit at His feet. My focus is only on You Lord, my Father. I praise Your wonderful name and take in Your beautiful splendor. Thank You for getting me through a difficult year. I know that You will take me through another which will probably be just as hard.

-Live Simply, Live Fully. Live for Him, Live like Jesus. Run for Life.

dashing through the snow...

2008-12-23T21:11:00.004-05:00

Whew. The day set aside for the world to celebrate Christ's birth is less than 25 hours away. I feel like every day should be a celebration of what God has done for us-how He has saved us. It is nice that there is a special day although I am saddened by the commercialization of the day and how the world attempts to profit from anything and everything.

Sunday Gene preached on 'Why Celebrate?' It was wonderful to hear again that God created us for worship. We are supposed to be full of joy. I often am self conscious about my loud laughter... and the fact that I laugh very often. I never thought about how we as Christians turn ordinary things into the sacred. I have thought to myself that there is more in common between Christians and non-Christians than most Christians would like to admit (though I never understood why because we are all human). The joy we experience from knowing God rather than the circumstances we face. To know that He is only working for our good, to bless us, that He has saved us & given us eternal life!-this is what sets us apart.

We can rejoice even in the suffering. We can rejoice even when we're far away from everything we know. We rejoice even though the world around us is fighting us at every turn, even when we are constantly attacked by the enemy's lies. Although our bodies are falling apart, our spirits are captive of the Holy Spirit. What grand news!

I am 'fighting for joy' in every day life as John Piper says. I cannot do it on my own. I need You. Thank You for giving me everything. For blessing my life. Thank You for saving me. I am so grateful, I cannot express in words what You mean to me.

- run for life

like sand through your fingers

2008-12-10T22:05:00.003-05:00

How quickly money goes even when you're trying to be frugal. My physical therapist told me to buy new running shoes since I already have over 350 miles on both of my old pairs that I got in April and the bottoms are worn out oddly from my messed up muscles. He wants me to re-train myself to run and strengthen my right leg so it will match my left. I just dropped $120 on two new pairs of supernovas. I'm hoping that the switch from responses will help a little bit. I've been told supernovas have more control than response. If not, then I will switch back after these shoes are done (apparently it only takes 6 months or so for me to wear two pairs out at a time). At this rate, I'll be spending tons of money on shoes.

I registered for my class in the winter. I chose the only 3 credit option since I'm still paying 100% out of pocket for grad school. Another $1500 towards school. Maybe one day I'll get ahead in my spending. Right now with school I'm still trying to play catch up. I need to fill out the applications and paperwork to submit so that I can get reimbursed for my classes when I am eligible to get reimbursement (after I've been with Aramark for 6 months). Good thing I'm not too concerned about 'storing earthly treasures up' huh?

I met with Steve today about membership. I asked my questions and went over my application with him. The answers were what I was expecting so it wasn't a big surprise.

God is amazing. I am astounded as I look back on this past year, but I will save all of my thoughts for my end of the year post. I put my trust in You. I follow Your footsteps and You guide my path. I often fail Lord, but You are there to pick me up and lead me on. Thank You.

- run for life

physically ill..again

2008-12-08T20:05:00.007-05:00

This weekend was rough. I am a food lover and I was only able to keep down 6 crackers and a yogurt drink on Saturday (the yogurt was really hard to hold, apparently dairy isn't so great for you when you're nauseated). Saturday I did my homework, went to work, and then to the CG Christmas party. It would have been much more enjoyable if I could have eaten. I knew I shouldn't have gone. Honestly, part of me wanted to be a kid again and have a 'mom' to tell me what to take and what to eat when I'm sick. Weird, I know. I haven't had that for over 7 years now.

I woke up Sunday with a pounding headache, still feeling fatigued, queasy and overall quite ill. I fell back asleep, drank about a 1/2 cup of chicken noodle soup Kelly brought up for me, ate some crackers, and got up to go to work. I didn't even try to eat again until after I was done. I ate a bag of Ruffles (with ridges of course). Luckily that stayed down and I got home and went to sleep.

This morning I felt a little better but I woke up with a start at 9AM. My alarm had been set for earlier... I guess I just slept straight through it. I was lucky that my outpatient wasn't scheduled until 10AM so I got there just as they did (9:35AM). I still have a headache but today I was able to eat some spaghetti O's and ice cream after work. I had a little broth at work, but nothing else. I worked straight through lunch so I wouldn't have to stay as late (and I felt nauseous anyway).

I'm praying (and taking more cold medicine) that I will get better soon. It feels like someone is squeezing my head right now and punching me in the lungs. It was really hard to breathe the last two nights. I had to use my inhaler it was so hard to breathe (good thing I have health insurance and got one!). I hope my body feels better soon. It's hard to concentrate or get anything done when you are preoccupied with not vomiting the contents of your stomach (even if it's only HCl and other gastric juices).

Through all the physical aliments, it's important as my friend Dave wrote to me "sickness cannot break your spirit because your joy in the Lord cannot be broken! You will rejoice even in sickness!" Kelly reminded me of 2 Cor 1 "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even our life. Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers." At least that's what I got from it... ha ha. I'm still congested and groggy/sick. I think that's what she was reading from, but I'm not quite sure.

Just because our physical bodies are ill-our spiritual lives do not need to be! Our minds can be as sharp as ever and our sword ready to attack our enemies. They can use the illnesses and pain to poke at your weaknesses and try to undermine the truth. Continue fighting the good fight, focus on Him, and press on friends.

- run for life

zzzz...

2008-11-24T20:50:00.004-05:00

The good days of sleeping. Where have they gone? Why does it seem like there is so little time? When did all of the responsibilities come?

Answers to these questions elude me. A quarter of a century into my life I stop and wonder. There are so many obligations that I must fulfill. So many people I want to spend time with and invest in their lives. Yet here I am, wondering where the past year has come and gone so quickly. I need to become better at prioritizing. I am terrible at that when it comes to people, I want to help everyone, hang out, get to know everyone better, and save the world from corruption, obesity, and inactivity.

I barely slept this weekend. From juggling working, taking classes to become a certified group exercise instructor and my online graduate school class, I guess there just wasn't time. I made it to church alive which was only by the grace of God. I almost hit the wall on 95 while driving to church from work after being awake for more than 27 hours straight. That's the longest I've ever been awake in my entire life and hopefully the last.

It's almost 9:00PM and I'm ready to go to sleep. I'm glad I at least have a day off tomorrow. I have a lot to do tomorrow. I'm praying for a few things and specific people. Lord, let Your will be done.

- run for life

only time will tell

2008-11-16T20:35:00.007-05:00

Like many girls growing up I dreamed of getting married, having kids, a house with a beautiful garden-bay windows-and a porch. I wanted a dog that would protect my family. It was picturesque. The house would be spotless, like the rooms out of a Home & Gardens magazine. Sunlight would flood the rooms in the afternoon and cast a lovely glow into the dark corners of the rooms glinting off the shining wooden dresser drawers. The china cabinet would be filled with various dishes and glasses from all around the world. The walls would display photographs from the traveling my husband and I had done prior to having children. The kids would wear little ties and cute dresses that matched to church. They would be respectful and mind their manners when out in public. My husband would have a 40 hour work week so that he could be home in the evenings to spend time with the family. Weekends would be filled with family time, hiking, playing, going to the park, singing, laughter and pure joy of being together. Sometimes we would go on family vacation playing games in the car if it were a road trip or dozing off in the plane.

Reality hits like a slap in the face. It's 2008, not 1998, or 1988. I'm twenty five-a quarter of a century, single, on the other side of the country from everything familiar to me, and still wondering if the dream was just that-a dream. My eyes well up with tears as I pray and repeat various verses to myself. He is the Rock... He will never leave us or forsake us... All things work for the glory of God for those who love Him... and on I fight back the temptations and lies. Satan whispers in my ear that I am not good enough, not pretty enough, don't make enough money, am not smart enough, fast enough, don't have enough hobbies, am too tomboyish. The list could go on forever. With a shaking hand I pull out my sword and cry out to my God to help me.

He reminds me of how He saved me. He gently turns me away from the distractions. He tells me that His timing is best. He whispers that He has marvelous plans for me. I look up into His loving eyes as tears stream down my face. I tell Him my hopes, my dreams, and put my trust in Him. I ask Him if I'll one day have a family of my own and He smiles at me, "child you are more precious than silver," He says. "I cannot tell you what your future holds right now, you will have to trust me and wait and see. I have never broken a promise, I will always be faithful."

I look down the path, trying to control my feelings and emotions. I see the faces of the guys who have distracted my thoughts. I turn away and refocus on my Savior, telling myself if it's in God's plans-it will happen (I've not lost hope, but have once again had to refocus on what is of utmost importance). I put my head down and grit my teeth. I have a long journey ahead of me. I take the hand extended out to me and turn to see a familiar face. Jesus is walking beside me. He smiles and tilts His head back with laughter as we head down the path together.

- run for life

independence

2008-11-05T21:43:00.004-05:00

I am glad I live in America and am an American. Even though I get people asking me "where are you from," expecting me to say some Asian country, I am a proud born & raised Californian. We are so lucky to have a voice in who leads our country. Although the tide has turned from red to blue, we have been on a roll with presidents maintaining office for 8 years for the past two.

I feel like no one will ever be satisfied. There are pros and cons to both sides. I am registered under a party simply because I want to vote in the primaries. I claim to be non-partisan because I do not agree with either side.

I have friends and family who were pushing hard for either side-democratic and republican. While I do not need to go into detail, I understand the plight of both sides and the reasoning behind both choices. I believe that people should be informed voters albeit-it is difficult to do so with the media skewing things to sell a scandal.

Relief flooded over me last night as my head hit my pillow before the votes were even counted. I am tired of people publicly bashing each other. Will there ever be an election based on the character of the person and their policies without speaking poorly of the other candidate? Some are complaining about "dead people" voting for Obama, do I need to say that stuff like that has happened every election for both parties? I mean, I hope it evens out if both parties do it, but it's not really necessary to point it out when it happens on both sides every election-it's like pointing out the speck in someone's eye when you have a mammoth log in your own.

I'm already hearing the complaints about the new president and it's only been 1 day. He's not even president yet, he's just the president elect. I'll continue praying people do not resort to violence and that this nation will one day know God. Four years ago I listened to the angry cries of "he's not my president!" when Bush was re-elected. I told them then and I'll say it again: if you are an American citizen, he's your president. I voiced my opinion by voting and now we have a man waiting in the wings to begin his term as president of the United States. I will support the man whom the nation has appointed to lead us, this does not mean I will support all his actions and policies, but I will not slander a man I have never met just like I do not want to gossip or slander against someone I have.

Regardless of who is my president or not, I keep my focus on God-Our creator, Sovereign over all & always ultimately in charge. He is the one who planned this moment and this day before time began, He knows when the world will end, He knows the exact moment of every detail of each of our lives. The president is merely a man, a sinner with flaws, who must obey God's laws just like the rest of us for he will stand one day in judgement. God will determine if he truly believed or not, not me or anyone else. I pray that God will give direction and guidance to Obama while he is in office.

I lift up our president and our country to you God. I pray for those who are excited and those who are discouraged about the results. I pray for those that will be affected by this-the United States and the entire world. I pray for the soldiers at war. I pray for the countries and their citizens who are under attack or have terrorists in them. I pray for the people who are in need in our country and others. I pray that God will always be our Guide and our Light no matter what.

- run for life

the eve

2008-11-03T23:08:00.006-05:00

Some days I wonder, what happened to decency? I never was a huge fan of Halloween because I'm afraid of everything related to creepy-ness and being scared. I did like the candy and it was nice that we got to visit the neighbors to get it (and now I like that kids are getting exercise). Granted the last time I went trick-o-treating was 2006 (you thought I was going to say something like 8th grade huh?). I never fully understood the holiday and don't really celebrate it per se, but here I am to gripe about it.

Now Halloween has morphed into yet another excuse for females to traipse around scantily clad in the cold while men gawk and bring their video cameras (literally my friend was telling me that there was a 40-ish year old guy with his video camera out on Halloween, I can only assume he was making a free 'girls gone wild' dvd for himself).

As I say this, I think of the varying standards for different parts of the world as well as different parts of the country. I understand different attire is accepted in various places, but wearing underwear in public negates the term "under" wear, maybe it should just be called "wear" now. We've lost the under part I guess.

On another note, yet somewhat related-today's society is looking for a 'quick fix' or short term enjoyment; in other words: lust rather than love. People think that love is a feeling, when it is more than that. It is a commitment, something that must be worked for, not just found. When love fades (and I'm told it will and it does), it must be rekindled-more than just once or twice during a person's married life. What happened to "until death do us part"? At least that used to hold true in the old days. Don't say it unless you mean it! I wish that we didn't have to sign papers and have 5 million witnesses. What happened to the good old days (I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I've read books) when a man's word was his contract? When you could 'shake on it' and it would stand up in court?

I know I'm just annoyed because I do wear clothes and I get annoyed because the girls not wearing any get more attention. I have to keep telling myself that I don't want that kind of attention. I keep telling myself that God has something/someone planned for me, someone worth waiting for. Someone that will appreciate that I don't "flaunt it because I got it" or "shake what yo mamma gave ya" for the world to see. God's plan is the perfect plan. Anything worth anything is worth trusting in Him and waiting for.

-run for life

stress

2008-11-02T20:28:00.005-05:00

It's already November! Wow. Thanksgiving is coming soon. Two more states down. I was in North Carolina this morning running the Sony Ericsson City of the Oaks marathon in Raleigh. Last weekend was the Spinx Greenville, SC marathon. At least I am done with the Carolinas now. I was so disappointed when I was told I probably had a stress fracture... but I kept running. Then it was later confirmed by the trainers at the end of the race. So disappointing!

I wish I could bring my bike here for less than $100. How unfortunate. I am probably going to start swimming every day after work/aqua jog to keep my cardio up and stay in shape until I can run again in January. Six weeks is such a long time! It will pass sooner than I think.

SC was fun while visiting Kristen and Sam. Sam took some great pictures of us running. I was so impressed with his awesome (really expensive) camera. Kristen got a PR in the half which was great, I was excited for her... but it was really painful to run the second half alone.

NC was good too. I enjoyed the marathon in NC more than last weekend. The first half last weekend was good, but the second half was terrible. Today there were more people and it was just all around organized better and more of the volunteers were cheering us on. It was a lot more fun. I ran almost the same time this week as last weekend even though I wasn't even breathing that hard at the end. I tried to take it easy because my ankle was killing me. :(

-run for life

re-growth

2008-10-22T23:35:00.004-04:00

I'm attempting to grow pineapples in my room. They take 18-20 months to grow. One of them has roots... well a stub of a root that is beginning to protrude from the base of the 'stalk' (is that what the spikey green part is called on the top of a pineapple?). Life is all about growth and re-growth. Pineapples must be grown from individual plants, then replanted. They aren't like other plants that you can keep harvesting from. How did I never know this? It really is true that we learn something new every day.

God continues to teach me lessons each day. I am forever in His debt. I answered all my messages and emails today and I'm hitting my 4th post this month. I realize October is almost over, but hey, I'm trying to be technological enough to keep in touch with the outside world.

I messed up while taking my first online graduate school test. I was quite disappointed and felt like a complete nincompoop. I accidentally submitted it before I was finished with the test. Luckily I still got an 88.63% so I can still get an A in the class. I would have been horrified if I had gotten anything lower than a B. I still have the final which is worth more and a big project than I can do well on. God is still working on my pride in the area of intelligence and GPA.

My TF lesson went fine. It wasn't actually nursing students. It turned out it was actual RNs and LPNs who worked in the ER, acute care, and ICU. Fancy that. I was nervous and thought I sounded terrible. For some reason I was having difficulty pronouncing things, medications are weird though. At least people learned something. It's over until next year at least.

Tomorrow I leave for South Carolina for state 5. I'm excited to go somewhere new. I pray that I don't get more sick while running and that God will help me through it. I can only pray that I will finish strong since I know I cannot get a PR while my lungs feel this way and my body feels physically ill. Oh well, that just means a bigger PR in 2009.

Keep looking up and focusing on Him. Look out SC! Here I come.

-run for life

racing

2008-10-21T23:59:00.005-04:00

He is the Rock, His works are perfect and His ways are just. An upright God who does no wrong, faithful and just is He. -Deut 32:4

I am so amazed constantly throughout my days and weeks. I will never measure up, yet He still chooses me and nudges me to try again. I dust myself off and stand at the line once more, setting for the gun. The loud "bang!" fills my ear drums as my body springs into action.

The race of life is swift, sometimes I feel so left behind. I feel my anxiety and stress leaving me as I enjoy fellowship with others who are like minded. I still have hopes and dreams that I will keep to myself for now, perhaps time will reveal or smash those glimmers, but God's in charge, so whatever He wants to happen will happen.

I didn't feel super productive today but at least I got some cleaning done and read through some of the material I'll be teaching tomorrow afternoon. I am hoping to get to work early so I can finish all my patients and prepare my lesson! Wow. I've never been this last minute when giving a presentation or teaching. I guess it's a good thing I already know the subject, I just need to review it. We have a lot going on tomorrow including a teleconference. I hope that my lesson doesn't need to be an entire hour-maybe 45 minutes max. I can squeeze and easy half hour out of nothing so I can hit 45 no problem. God please help me with all of this, the things I must do for work and everything in life.

Greenville, South Carolina here I come this weekend. I am praying about that too. My lungs hurt and feel like they are strangely smaller than normal or clogged... I guess that could have something to do with being sick this past week and being unable to breathe. Sometimes I pray for God to just take me now and put me out of my misery of this life and take me to heaven. One day I'll see His face. I can only imagine. I pray that I will finish this race for His glory and be able to make it through the next race in Raleigh, North Carolina the week after. God, please help me.

-run for life

commitments

2008-10-13T00:15:00.007-04:00

I glanced through the past few entries I've written and every single one of them speaks of a lack of time. This has been evident throughout my entire life as I filled my calendar with sports, clubs, activities, academics, work, and social events. I need to re-evaluate my use of time again soon. I always pack in as much as I can and I am able to survive and make it work, but I want to enjoy the life God has given me rather than feeling like I'm barely clinging on, trying to make all the events that I've committed to.

I look and try to determine if each commitment itself is important, and they are. All of them are good in themselves. I can glorify God through them. However, I don't think that I can continue to barely make it and feel like I am utilizing all of God's gifts appropriately. I suppose I can make it to the next quarter. Once Starting Point is over I will have another free night each week-then I can finish all of my homework on Wednesday instead of working on it on Thursday. School is a lot more work than I anticipated, but I know that it will be worth it when I receive that Master of Science diploma in the mail.

I keep telling myself that God wants me here. I know that He does. It's so hard to stay when your heart is telling you to run as far and as fast as you can go. I guess this is what fear is like. I don't experience that often. Kelly says, "if you leave now, you could miss out on the best thing in your life." I know she's right, but I still want to learn Spanish fluently while working and living in South America, backpack across Europe and live out in Switzerland and Germany. There are so many things on my lengthy list of life goals.

Some days I just want to sit and do nothing. Yeah, I know, that's not glorifying God. Please help me out here. I really just need to hear Your voice in my life. Please tell me what I need to do and help my human heart to be comforted and content.

-run for life

disappointment

2008-10-10T22:05:00.007-04:00

I suppose I put a lot of stock in what people say. I have always been the most gullible person I've ever met so I guess it makes sense. I am feeling mixed emotions. I want to do nothing and mope around, but at the same time I feel like that would be stupid and lame. I've never really done that before over anyone, I always just keep rollin' on with my life and truck along. I wonder if I'll get up in time for discipleship group. I have to confess I've read nothing. I have been really bad about keeping up with something I should be, especially because I need to work on my heart in so many ways. I should really go.

I need to catch up on homework tomorrow-my first grad school test is next week. Life is coming at me 100 miles an hour and I feel like I'm barely hanging on. It's already 10/10! Nikki's birthday! Gosh, I wonder how she's doing. Ahh, those good old days of gymnastics. They were so much more carefree, I worried more about sticking my dismount than I did about boys, money, and life.

I don't know why I'm so sad. I shouldn't expect much. I keep realizing that people flake out all the time and every time I'm shocked as if it's a new phenomenon. I wish I could go visit my family, well my sister, whenever. I wish I had plans with old friends from college or could go visit and go to a game on short notice. I have to plan everything far in advance when I go home and then I still can't visit everyone.

I did have a good time in Hawai'i though I wish I could have stayed longer and seen Anna and a few others... especially since I flew all that way. It was good to see Lei again and support her at her wedding. Oh I miss the mochi days. Those were good times.

I need You. Help my thoughts and heart Lord. Help me to concentrate on You and glorify You.

-run for life

wow

2008-09-30T00:06:00.005-04:00

Dear God,

So what are you trying to tell me? Am I supposed to feel this way? I feel so conflicted inside. Please help me to focus on You and avoid distractions. I am so tired. Please help me to get real rest and be refreshed from my trip to visit Lei.

I am so excited to go back to Hawai'i, it's almost as far as going to China though. Thanks for making me small and have great ability to sleep on planes, buses and trains!

You're the best. <3

-run for life

stuck

2008-09-27T23:06:00.005-04:00

I can't get out of bed today, or get you off my mind... I pray that God will make it go away if it's not from Him. I wonder and I try to focus on my life and glorifying God. Am I doing the right thing? Should I give myself a break and not get annoyed with myself?

It's already almost October. So close to Lei's wedding. Terrence called today, I can't believe I haven't seen him in 4 years. I am excited to meet his sister and hang out with old friends. I wish Yuri was going though. We definitely need to have a Mochi reunion one of these years...

God I need Your help. I need Your discernment and direction. Please help me to stay on top of my school work and keep up with my friendships. Lord please help me to speak truth into the lives of my friends and co-workers. Please give me the words to say and help me to be joyful when I face adversity. I get discouraged when I don't get a positive response, but I have faith. Your Holy Spirit is doing a work that I cannot see. It's all for You.

-run for life

there and back again

2008-09-17T22:08:00.002-04:00

Life keeps on flitting by. I feel like I've done a lot, but there is much to be done. I attempt to stay on an even keel and hope for the best-preparing for the worst. I know God is watching out for me. I can tell that He wants me to be here. It's funny how comforting that is. The small fact-yet immensely huge and I don't know how anyone would be able to be somewhere if they didn't know God wanted them there. I continue to be amazed at how fast my paychecks go each month. I know it will lighten up with less plane tickets and no school payments, but wow. I can't wait until I'm no longer a student! People can save so much money!

I went home the first weekend of September. This past weekend was my only chance to make it up to Philadelphia and back before the season was finished. So I went. I drove straight toward Philly after I finished at work and stopped off at a refill station in the middle of I95 somewhere in Delaware to go to the bathroom and sleep in Lazarus' trunk. I got up-went to the bathroom again and continued on my way in the morning toward Pennsylvania. I parked in the ballpark/stadium parking lot and took the subway up to downtown Philly. There I met Cap and Dave-two ex-foodservice directors who were now bus drivers. The stories they had to share. I asked them about cheesesteaks and they were on their way to eat some, so they invited me to join them. A mainly vegetarian being, I was excited to eat a Philly Cheesesteak-a REAL Philly Cheesesteak. It was delicious. I also had In-N-Out Burger twice when I was home for 2 days.

I went to the Phillies game and caught a ball from Suppan, one of the Brewers pitchers. I was excited. It was a good day, humid, and kind of disgusting, but an over all good day.

-run for life

movin' on

2008-09-08T23:26:00.003-04:00

First time in SLO since graduation. Oddly it was so much the same as far as looks. It would be a beautiful place to live for sure. It would be kind of sad with all of my friends gone though. I had a wonderful time celebrating Juice and Blair's wedding with friends old and new. I went to church the next day and saw some of my youth group kids... I can almost not call them kids anymore. They're all grown up now.

Mixed emotions fill my mind and soul. I am so thankful that God has kept some of my kids in the church and rooted them in faith. It breaks my heart to see some of them fall away and get caught up in the world. I knew it from the fruit before, but I prayed that it wouldn't happen. God is ultimately in control. I am so glad that I could play a small role in the development of so many children and teenagers who are now adolescents, adults, and even married adults.

Wow, I miss California. I miss my friends and my sister. I pray that she is okay and that it is just a plane delay. I'm sure it is. I hope that everything is all right. God please help sister be all right and those who she is with. I know you only give us what we can handle and I'm quite certain I could not handle a tragedy of catastrophic proportions.

-run for life

time goes by

2008-09-02T20:53:00.003-04:00

Days keep flying by. Sometimes I just want to sit and do nothing. I often feel like I'm caught up in this and that, going from one place to another. It's already September. I try to take in the beauty of God's creation around me and savor the moments He has provided me with. It's hard with so many things to do all the time though. I feel like there isn't enough time. The clock keeps ticking, time keeps moving on without me.

I am excited to go home this weekend. I can't wait to use my comforter and sleep comfortably instead of with small good will blankets. I need to get my mom a birthday present before I go back to California. I should finish my list of things I need to get while I'm home now before I forget what I need...

I feel like people are often caught up in relationships whether it be with a guy or girl, family or not. I suppose it is because we are relational beings. I find myself falling prey to the conversations about desires for marriage more out here in Virginia than I ever did at home. I don't feel like marriage will define my life. I think it could enhance it-obviously if that's in His plans it will, but I am content with being me, being single and getting to do whatever I feel like God wants me to do or is allowing me to do.

Today was the first day of school for many... wow. It's funny to look back and think about my perceptions of my teachers and others around me... and now my friends are teachers. Weird.

-run for life

benefits

2008-08-18T22:41:00.003-04:00

I signed up today for health benefits. They will start beginning October 1, 2008. I am going to go with the highest premium plan because it's not too bad and really, if I ever plan on going to the doctor, I might as well have the best insurance Aramark has to offer. This way I can go to the chiropractor and all that if I need to and I can get fun invisaline I think... hopefully? We'll see. It's about 156/month for benefits which isn't too bad considering they pay 75% of it for me.

I'm tired now though, it takes so much effort to figure all of this insurance stuff out. Usually I figure the highest priced one is the best choice in the long run... I need to get a new inhaler and allergy medicine. I am praying that will work to help get rid of my allergy headache and messed up throat/voice.

-run for life

green eyed

2008-08-17T22:45:00.003-04:00

My body is tired, my lungs feel compressed. It's hard to breathe. I don't know why I can't just get a breathe of fresh air. I took advantage of being able to breathe with no problems at home. I feel so sick and tired all the time here. I think that half of the problem is my lack of oxygen to my body.

I prayed so hard that the pangs of jealously would leave my green eyed heart. My immediate reaction was the desire to run away and go home so that I didn't have to deal with any of this... as if that would help. I can't run away from life. I need to face what God has for me and accept whatever it is with a heart of joy and contentment. Lord I need Your help. I get glimmers of hope, but maybe I am looking in the wrong places.

Two more weeks until I get health insurance. I'm getting closer. I will be able to get an inhaler and some allergy medicine that works... I'm praying. I watched a meteor shower, went for a hike to waterfalls and pools, and am ready to start my third week of work. Cheers.

-run for life

seasons

2008-08-04T21:36:00.003-04:00

I watched a Nats game up in DC with Karen and a few of her friends. It was glorious, the new park is really nice. I am glad I was able to close off my pre-salary life with an MLB game.

A new season of life is beginning. I had general orientation at SRMC today. Though twinges of loneliness and longing for home attempt to suppress my excitement, I am trying to remain optimistic. I know that God has brought me here for a reason, I know that He has a perfect plan. It's hard to control your emotions though. I am praying that I will feel at "home"-not California home, but feel like I belong, that the people around me want me to be here.

I am praying that carpooling to work works out too, that will save so much gas and be fun too. It only took me 30 minutes to get to work this morning. There is no traffic despite what others may say. If you are able to go the speed limit or higher, even if there are a lot of cars around-that's not traffic. Traffic is when you sit there and can't move, it's also known as "gridlock" or "congestion" Silly people who don't know what real traffic is. I'd say going to DC there is traffic and out to VA Beach, but definitely not on the way to P-burg in the morning-or afternoon for that matter.

I get to start doing actual work tomorrow, but I have a few more orientations to go to this week. I am hoping to get my CPR re-certified if they'll let me. I don't want to pay for it...

Well, time to sleep. I feel like turning off my computer too. I have a job now... so I don't need to check my e-mail as often. Technology has it's pros and cons. I often get tired of it. Good night.

-run for life

visit

2008-08-01T01:18:00.003-04:00

I am a little more at ease with the Petersburg job. I had to go today to sign some paperwork and get my name badge done. The new hospital is really nice. The outside looks classy and the inside looks like a university. The cafeteria is so clean and I am excited to see old faces that I worked with back in December.

I have to do a PPD test on Monday and go through a bunch of orientation the first few days but I believe I will begin working with patients right away. I'm pretty stoaked. I can't wait to get experience to put on my resume. That sounds terrible but I hate hospitals anyway.

It's so funny to look at each minute detail. I know and have complete faith and certainty that everything God planned far in advance. It's too much of a "coincidence" for things to just work out the way they do all the time. I pray and He answers. I'm so thankful. Lord Your love is extravagant, You are an awesome God.

-run for life

a new chapter

2008-07-30T14:21:00.005-04:00

A new chapter of life is unfolding. I anticipate much happiness, pain, joy, tears, struggle, and wonder. Life keeps on rolling and it's all I can do to keep up. I FINALLY sucked it up and bought a djembe (a nice one). I've been looking for a good one on sale/inexpensive for about 5 or 6 years now. It's my treat to myself for getting a job-complete with carrying case.

I start work on Monday. I'm a little scared. Yuri and Sandra are going to Vegas in a few weeks. I wish Lei and I could go to. Vegas is so boring though... and hot. Ugh. There are so many reunions I want to have, people I want to see. God be with my friends and family as I am so far away.

I wish I was better at keeping in touch, but I guess I'm not terrible. I sent out my newsletter update of the summer and let everyone know I will be staying out in Virginia for a while... I'm scared to say the least. I'm excited that I have time to hang out with Karen and Natalie before I start. I am thankful for the accountability group (right now it's just Abby & I-so partners) we have started out here in Virginia. I need to look for those questions Em and I used to do during high school with our journals.

Lord please help me to be content with the life that you have given me. Please God, I would like to be able to breathe better. I feel so headachy and stuffed up all the time. I don't like the constant dripping and sore throats all the time. God please help my heart.

-run for life

another one bites the dust

2008-07-23T18:43:00.009-04:00

Life goal #524: see the sunrise over the ocean-check. I went with the Salims, Kelsey, and Joanna to Nag's Head in North Carolina. It was fun, mainly running and splashing in the ocean. I got up each morning I was there to see the sunrise. My body wakes up at 5AM without an alarm so it worked out pretty well since sunrise began around 5:30AM. I loved running on the beach even though it was hard and I thought I might pass out a few times from dehydration.

I attempted to play my guitar on the beach, mostly just trying to rebuild my calluses. Natalie made a big deal about it, I just wanted to practice. I guess it was neat. I love the strumming and the crashing waves together in harmony... or as much as I could. I need to become more disciplined in the area of music... and get my djembe.

As usual I did handstand pictures and jumping pictures around the beach and on the dunes. I probably should have taken more pictures but Kelsey and Natalie had their cameras too.

There were also sand dunes which I LOVED. I ran across the tops off them straight on down without a pause. It was awesome. I was thinking it'd be a grand place to zorb... really scary but amazing all at the same time. I could have spent hours and hours just running up and down the dunes.

I love the big blue. Waves crashing, sand squishing between my toes, sun beating down, shells to be discovered, fish to be caught and eaten, friends to be made, frisbees to be thrown, soccer balls to kick, and life to be lived. I miss being able to go whenever. I hope that I can go again soon.

-run for life

blown away

2008-07-19T18:43:00.006-04:00

I don't remember exactly when the dream I had in January popped into my head again but wow. It was so real. I had woken up with a start and thought it had happened... I was trying to figure out when and realized it was just a dream. Prayed about it then... still praying about it now. I wonder if it is coming true...

I was at the Jones' garage sale today and it was amazing. I didn't think there were that many people coming through... but God answers prayers. He does it so miraculously. I don't understand it, I don't think I will ever comprehend it. Trying to make sense of life and how it all works... I just don't get it. Why does God love us so much? Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful He does... but why? I constantly mess up and make mistakes. I can't get anything right. Yet the Creator of the world loves me and thought of every detail and step in my life right down to how many hairs are on my head.

This amazing love, this awesome God who answers our prayers-I am so grateful, so thankful. I really cannot understand how people can live without believing that God created them, loves them, and that they need a Savior. I know it's because I have Christ in me and it was the work of the Holy Spirit... Wow. Why did you choose me? Thank You God with all that I am and all that I have. Thank You for listening and answering prayers. Thank You for always being there with me. Thank You for providing for me. Thank You for granting me the patience and the strength to survive in this world and be content. Everything I am is because of You and who You are... I am blown away.

-run for life

awkward

2008-07-14T17:49:00.005-04:00

I passed my Registered Dietitian exam on Friday. I haven't been online in a week, it's nice not to be attached to technology. I love it. I haven't really been carrying my phone around much either... unless I know someone is going to call. I had my interview with Aramark in Petersburg, VA today. It was... interesting. Definitely the most awkward interview I've ever had. It's all up to God and I am going to have fun and enjoy myself in VA with friends until I find out what is going on.

I have felt so blessed this past week staying at the Johnson's and the Dixon's. It has been fun and I could definitely get used to having so many uplifting people around. I do feel a little jealous sometimes, though I try not to. I sometimes wish I could hang out with my family and have fun. I wish that we could even sit in the same room together without someone yelling at us. I know that God wouldn't give me anything more than I could handle and I know that He will prepare me for when I have my own family. God thank you for calming my thoughts about this matter and placing people in my life that I can talk with who speak from You.

I anticipate more glorious happenings in my future as I continue to strive to follow and glorify God with my entire being. God is so faithful and good. I know that He will guide me and make my path clear. Thanks for always being there and lifting me up.

-run for life

sometimes

2008-07-02T21:49:00.005-04:00

Sometimes... I feel very alone and lonely. I wish there was someone I could call whenever just to talk or hang out. I wish I was at the beach. The bugs get loud when banging into the windows. The heat and humidity annoy me (that's more of an all the time). I wish I didn't have to study so much. I just want to run. --This just shows me how much I need God. How worldly I am and that I need to rely more on Him rather than my feelings, thoughts, and emotions. God I pray that You will draw me nearer as I continue to seek You.

I ran 12.5 today at a 9:07 pace (slow, but oh well, I need to lose some weight before I start real training-I'm aiming for 125 by the end of the summer). I decided I'm going to run a sub-3:30 marathon (sub-8/mile) so I need to get back into shape and doing actual training instead of being a slacker and relying on my guts to make it through like I have been. Big Sur-I hadn't run for a month prior and I was dehydrated and sick before I started. Richmond was pure pain and all will power-my neck was tweaking the entire summer and I hadn't run since Big Sur 6 months before. Seneca 50k-I really felt like I needed to run more long runs before doing over 30 miles-the longest I ran before that race during training was 6-8 miles. The Ridge Runner was fine until I hit mile 19-from there it was guts and will power; indicating my assumptions were correct and I need to add distance to build up my endurance. I need to get a set schedule-aka a job soon so I can plan my runs and training schedule.

During my run today I stopped at church for water. I didn't expect so many people to be there at 6:45 when the event started at 7:30, but oh well. I was dripping with sweat, I couldn't even pretend I was just glistening. Most of the ladies smiled at me regardless, but they looked like pity smiles rather than 'good to see you/glad you're here" smiles.

I don't really fit in here very well do I?

-run for life

sparks

2008-06-30T20:18:00.010-04:00

My stomach was full, the weather tepid and humid. Sweat dripped into my eyes as I ran through the trees. I saw a spark. I blinked, brushing the sweat from my eyes. I glanced around to see if anyone was smoking near by. Another small streak of light whizzed by in my peripheral vision. I rubbed my eyes. Maybe I needed them checked.

Rounding the corner by the golf course I sped up. The two small bridges beneath my feet made a clopping sound as I trod across and down the path. Making my way around the course and back toward the park I saw a another spark. Fear flitted through my thoughts. Flames and images of the wildfires roared to the forefront of my mind as I saw more sparks light up and disappear.

There were definitely sparks in the forest at night. I had seen lightning bugs/fireflies for the first time.

-run for life

assumptions

2008-06-30T11:15:00.003-04:00

I never realized that it rained during the summer nearly everywhere except where I lived. I just went through life assuming that California weather was the norm. I guess I have done that with a lot of things. I assumed that if someone proclaimed that they were a Christian-that they were. I take people at their word, only to get burned, trampled on, and disappointed. I am so glad that God will never cease to love us, to be faithful, and keep His promises.

-run for life

the heart of the matter

2008-06-25T01:17:00.005-04:00

Not that I ever care to confess to having an affinity toward a particular someone of the male gender... I was reading Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? chapters 5 & 6 for Resolved Girl's Discipleship Group this coming Saturday. I realized that I indeed have some of the characteristics of one who "dates within their mind;" more than I would like to admit. I generally don't talk about guys. I consider them friends. Brothers if you will. I love hanging out with my bros... and competing with them.

I thought I was better at guarding my heart. I thought that I made it clear I was not interested in a relationship other than friendship. My pride will be my downfall. I have been illuminated once again to the fact that I need to protect my brothers and myself even more. I think it's people freaking out because they're getting older. I don't know why. I'm 25 and I'm dandy. Yes, I want to get married. Yup, I want to have kids.

However, I have utmost faith that God will provide me with a suitor and eventually a husband in His perfect timing. I know that He did not create me to be alone, thus He will give a husband one day. Is it possible to have too much faith? I don't think so. I'm living up the single life while I can. I should reach out to people, travel, and live life. God has called me to be single right now and I am content.

I dress comfortably and continue my low maintenance lifestyle. I thought for a split second that perhaps I should try a little harder to look nice, worry about my clothes, or maybe wear something other than flip flops... then I quickly snapped back to reality, ha ha. I maintain the Northern California attitude-the "feel and look comfortable" look. I figure I am still trying to find a balance or happy medium, but then I am pretty content with the way I dress and how I look... is that finding balance?

When I need to, I dress up-just enough. Even at church out here in Virginia where the dress code is the most stringent I've ever experienced... I wear my free workout pants, they are my favorite pants after all. Other people just wish they could be as efficient as me! Dressing up for me consists of wearing my hair down and putting in dangly earrings. I usually take about 4-5 minutes to get ready on a regular day including brushing my teeth and washing my face. On days when I am trying to look nicer, I might take as long as 15 whole minutes!

I am so thankful that God has made me the way I am so that I can be a minimalist and still 'clean up nicely.' I pray that God will send someone my way (I'm talking about a husband) who appreciates me for the way I am. Someone that likes that I don't put on tons of make up or take lots of time to get ready. Someone that values my ability to be efficient!

- run for life

reflections on RT 2008

2008-06-21T01:54:00.007-04:00

Good times to be had traveling. I am seriously considering saving all my money for my Europe, Australia, South Africa, and South America funds... and that is what I will probably do unless I can get a traveling job which would be optimal. I am praying hard regarding the job topic.

It was awesome meeting new people, talking to random people at games, and seeing new sights. I prayed every time I got in the car and tons throughout the day. I was going to go to the Pittsburgh Sovereign Grace church the first Sunday, but I didn't know how to get there and I woke up pretty late/realized I had nothing nice enough to wear out there anyway. God was definitely watching over me and I pray that I represented Him well during my 2 week journey.

Everything worked out perfectly. Despite floods a few days before tormenting Wisconsin before I was to arrive, the waters receded just as I made my way across and up to Minnesota. I didn't get lost despite driving back roads to Milton and into residential areas in huge metropolitan cities. No one disturbed me while I was sleeping in Lazarus. Lazarus worked... even though he had been finicky two days prior to my departure from VA. God is good, so good to me. Countless more blessings happened while on the road that I couldn't write them and I am probably not even aware of all of them.

It really is amazing how many wonderful, generous people there are. All of the news only shows what people will pay to see, the bad things going on in the world, but there are good deeds done every second of the day throughout the world!

I calculated my total cost (including Lazarus having a full tank of gas in the driveway right now which is about $40 worth of gas, so technically it'd be the total minus $40) to be $672.34-more than I was hoping to spend (I was shooting for under $500, the games were more expensive than I thought! $22 for standing room in Milwaukee! $21 dollar "cheap" seats at the White Sox and mad crazy expensive Stubhub tickets for the Cubs add up!) but in the long run, worth it. Gas is only going up and I won't have time to drive around the nation when ever once I start working-especially with all of these weddings coming up!

Praise God for allowing me to have this experience and being right there with me. His creation is so astounding. I am forever in His debt-especially for Him helping to keep me safe while falling asleep at the wheel and knowing when I needed a break/nap.

-run for life.

Minnesota to Ohio

2008-06-20T19:48:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, June 17: When Ryan said it didn't get light downstairs he wasn't joking. I woke up at 11:30 and it was still pitch black in the room. I walked upstairs and I met Dan, Ryan's older brother and their mom. She was making waffles for all of us which was glorious. I love waffles. I put my stuff in the car and ate waffles. Ryan and I went to the free Como Zoo which was fun. We watched the California Sea Lion show and headed back to his house to eat lunch-pizza. I got directions to the Mall of America and after charging my phone and watching a little tv/hanging out with Ryan I set off to catch the light rail train to the stadium. The train is underneath Bloomingdale's parking lot at the mall, so I parked on top and walked down the stairs just as the train pulled in. I got on and was off toward the stadium. It was pretty decent, 3.50 round trip to and from the stadium with free parking at the mall.

I arrived at ball park 22. The outside, as everyone had told me, was much more impressive than the inside. The inside was really crappy. I was kind of shocked, though I had been warned. Fortunately they are building a new park set to open just for baseball (no Vikings games) in 2010. I think I may have to go back to run the Twin Cities marathon and watch a game at the new park in 2010. It was a decent game, the Twins won over the Nationals and I saw a homerun as is customary for me at each ballpark.

After the game was over, I hopped back on the train, got back to Laz and started driving 52S-90E back through Wisconsin. I made it to Janesville a little south of Madison before I was beat. I fell asleep around 3:30AM in the back of Laz.

Wednesday, June 18: I got up at 9:30EST-so 8:30CST. I ate some random hot fries from a vending machine for 50 cents and drank some Gatorade as I rolled out. I was worried I didn't have enough gas to make it into Indiana so I bought really expensive gas for 4.229 a gallon outside of Chicago and kept on rolling. I made it to Lowell, IN and filled up for 3.979 (I had only put 2 gallons in at the 4.229 price). Then continued on my way to 65S toward Indianapolis. I ended up sitting on the highway for at least 45 minutes. I was able to load all my pictures off my camera and make some Minnesota Twins collages while waiting for traffic to move again. I was on the verge of turning around and going back up to 18 to go around the accident right when traffic started to move again. A semi had some how torqued and twisted across the entire north bound road causing the south bound traffic to be stopped by the police.

I continued on through Indianapolis (I went around 465E because 65S was only 1 lane due to construction) and then finally made it to Cincinnati at 6:30PM EST. My host was great and made me spaghetti and I was still hungry so he cooked me some scrambled eggs. Then we walked down to the store to get ingredients to make homemade brownies. We visited his house mate who lived upstairs and had made cookies from cookie dough he gave her. Then I made the brownies (which were delicious!) and he had bought Graeter's ice cream made in Cincinnati, so we had brownies and ice cream. Good times. We stopped by the neighbor's party and chatted a little with his friends. Around midnight we were finally ready to sleep... I had been ready from the long drive but it was fun to hang out.

Thursday, June 19: I woke up at 7:30AM and had to go to the bathroom. I walked through his room to the bathroom and upon my departure he said, 'good morning Jill' which freaked me out. I thought he was sleeping. I fell back asleep on the couch and thought about running... that didn't happen. When I woke up it was 9:30AM and time to eat breakfast and head out to the game. He made me a sunny side up egg sandwich and he had sausages and toast. (We had used all the eggs except one to make the brownies last night.) Then I changed, put sunscreen on and he walked me down to the bus/metro stop. Unfortunately I missed the 10:38 bus because it was early so I had to wait for the 11:18 bus. He went back to his house to meet up with another CS person who was coming to the game as well. I saw a car full of guys wearing Reds hats and I was going to try to hitch a ride with some of them, but no more cars with Reds fans drove past before the bus arrived.

I talked to the bus driver about his diet and he was very nice and told me about the different parts of Cincinnati that we were driving to. I arrived at the ballpark at 11:50AM and unfortunately all of the bleacher tickets were "sold out" at the box office so I just got the second cheapest... twice as much as the bleachers. I didn't have cash to buy from scalpers... so I really had to. I took some pictures outside with statues and then went in to take more pictures with the field behind me. I got my ticket signed by two of the players-#32, Bruce and another that I had never heard of. Sitting down where there were empty seats worked for me, I was in section 129 and had a great view of the players and field but my friends weren't able to get down without getting their tickets checked so I got up and we sat in the outfield, still on the bottom deck with a good view of the field and the "sold out" bleachers.

The game was kind of sad with the Dodgers beating the Reds pretty badly. Afterward we headed out to get Skyline chilli-"famous" Cincinnati chilli I had never heard of. It was pretty meaty, but good with the spicy-ish after taste. Then we went back to the bus, our friend forgot his sunglasses so we waited for him by the fountain and caught the bus back to his house where he got set to leave for a soccer game and I sat on my butt eating ice cream on the couch. It was good times. Before he left I was mentioning that I always hurt myself during soccer games and he said he never did, I was surprised, but figured he was just lucky.

While I was sitting on the couch, his new surfers came and I invited them in and showed them around. He came back and he had sprained his ankle! Probably jinxing himself when he said he never got hurt earlier. Everything was breaking-his milk jar, his body, the house (not really), it was pretty funny. We ended up with a lot of good times in 24 hours. I taught him about how to take care of a sprained ankle and took care of him for awhile. He called his nurse school neighbors, who I didn't think were much help, but whatever. I went out with one of the girls to get a bandage for his foot so he could wrap it. On the way back into the house I stepped on some rusty metal pipe sticking out of the ground in the grass near the curb in front of one of his neighbors houses. Blood came gushing out and I washed it off and let more blood bleed out so that all the rustiness would come out... and thanked God for tetnus shots!

It was fun getting to know the new CSers and meet his parents. They were great! They brought 6 pints of ice cream and crutches. Always a good thing when one has a sprained ankle. They left soon after and I got ready to leave and left at midnight. It's nice to make really good friends within a day.

I drove down 75S and when I was getting ready to get on 64E toward Richmond, the traffic literally came to a halt-for a good portion of an hour. I fell asleep in Laz for at least 30 minutes while he idled there on the highway. I was able to get about 50 miles more down 64E before falling asleep somewhere off the highway in a parking lot in Kentucky.

Friday, June 20: I woke up, bought some gas for 3.999 and continued on my way. Before I crossed into the West Virginia state lines I had to nap again. I woke up to mom's phone call and set off toward WV and VA. It was a long drive. West Virginia is nice-"wild and beautiful" as their motto says but it's not the most fun when you're tired and alone. I hit VA and got a VA state map for the first time and a free bumper sticker that claimed the state's motto "Virginia is for Lovers" which I don't understand, but I'm a lover and not a fighter so I guess it works.

I rolled on down 64 through more traffic and construction. I finally arrived in Midlo, filled Laz to the brim at the BP in Brandermill and arrived at 4-4:30PM. I cleaned up and put away everything from my trip and heated some macaroni from a can before the family came home and we had some spaghetti for dinner. I had only eaten a power bar the whole day so I was pretty hungry. Afterward we had some moose tracks ice cream and I went through all of the pictures I had gotten, picked which ones I wanted on the walls, framed them and put them up. They aren't as straight as I'd like, but I'm way too lazy to try to line them up perfectly. I like the variety and selection up. Most of them are beachy/California themed pictures but there are some streets of Oakland and other random United States places. I have a picture of my family at Anita's graduation and of Herns, Manny, me and Noli at my graduation. All the rest are of places rather than people. Cost for the road trip was more than expected due to the Cubs ticket, but approximately totaled $672.34 for nearly 3,000 miles, 8 ball parks, infinite good times, new friends, amazing hospitality, and unforgettable memories. 7 more MLB parks to go. I am sending out thank you postcards/letters tomorrow to everyone that hosted me.

Well, my road trip for this summer is over, but my adventures continue.

-run for life

Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota

2008-06-16T23:21:00.005-04:00

Saturday, June 14: I woke up around 10:30AM again and ate some miso soup for lunch after having a power bar for breakfast. Gross. I packed everything up and checked the weather for Wisconsin and tried to look up which highways were closed but I couldn’t find anything so I set out around 2:30PM and didn’t get to Milwaukee until 5:10PM because of all the traffic and two of the lanes were closed. I stopped off to get gas on the way there since it was 4.01 (actually I thought it was 3.91 but the sign had in small letters 10 cents off per gallon if you buy a car wash).

I arrived in Milwaukee while the rain clouds rolled in. Tons of people were in the parking lot tailgating with beer, sausages, hot dogs, and other baseball food. It was great; every aisle I went down had tailgate party after party. I wish I had gotten there earlier so that I could weasel my way into one and have the entire Milwaukee Brewer experience. The stadium has a roof that closes so after I walked around the stadium and took pictures with the statues outside and the large drops plummeted from the sky, I got in line to go inside. It turned out it was kids’ t-shirt day and they were nicer at Miller Park than PNC and they gave me one. It had been Pirates kids’ t-shirt day and they wouldn’t give me one even thought it would have fit me. I probably would have worn the Pirates won too because SL’s mascot is the pirate. I walked around and took pictures down in the 100 level. I should have bought tickets earlier, but I didn’t realize there were enough hardcore people who would drive from Minneapolis to Milwaukee for the Twins vs Brewers game. I bought standing room only tickets and stood behind the seats on the 3rd base side to watch the game.

Large people were standing in the way but I ended up sitting down next to a guy who was with his family, originally from Minneapolis but moved to Chicago and drove up for the game. Another guy sat down next to me even though he had standing room only tickets as well. He was impressed that I was driving around from park to park and bought me a Miller Lite since I was at Miller Park, he didn’t think it was right to be there without having a Miller. I drank about a quarter of it (when I looked at the bottle, it was only a centimeter below the neck of the bottle, ha ha-if you look at the picture, that’s how much was left once I was done with it) and then left the rest under the seat. I figured I had the experience, but I don’t like beer so I was done with that. I saw some more homeruns by both teams. It was awesome and the game went into the 12th inning after Nathan blew the save with the Twins up 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th. The twins loaded the bases in the 10th, 11th, and 12th innings before scoring in the top of the 12th. After scoring two runs, with 2 on base, Cuddyer went up as a pinch hitter and hit a 3 run bomb. The twins shut down the Brewer offense in the bottom of the 12th and they became the first away team to win on this road trip.

I took more pictures after the game and waited for the traffic to die down. Walking outside to Lazarus I was telling Melissa about my travels and bringing her up to date. Ballpark number 6 had been reached and so far Lazarus was holding up quite nicely. I only had one scare in Pittsburgh so far and I prayed that God would help me out.

So far on the job and school front I’m not doing too terribly. I got the full time job offer from Farmville, VA and I got an email declaring my acceptance into Northeastern’s graduate program.

I rolled out on 94W and it detoured to 83S, which I took all the way to 59W. That highway brought me to Milton where Scott’s parents live. I arrived around 12:30AM and Clara showed me around the house and I soon went to sleep.

Sunday, June 15: I woke up at 11AM and went up stairs after brushing my teeth and washing my face. We set out to the Family Diner or the Milton Family Restaurant and had lunch there. I ate a mushroom burger and fries. For some reason I thought it was a big Portobello mushroom, but it was a burger with mushrooms cut on top and cheese melted over them. I ate it anyway; it was good, but huge. I ate it all.

After we ate I was taken on a little mini tour of Milton and then we went out to the mall to see if they had cheesehats. I met some of the people that work with Scott’s sister at Kohl’s and one guy was wearing this awesome shirt that had a picture of the United States and it showed baseball countries for each team on it. I had to have it. Luckily it was on sale and Scott’s sister Leanne gets another 15% discount on clothing. Unfortunately it was a medium rather than a small, but it was too great to pass up. I got my cheesehat and my Wisconsin mission was complete.

They showed me the old high school and the rock in front and where they used to live. The Milton House is the oldest concrete building in the nation and they used to have slave trade to Canada out there. There was a small pioneer cabin built in 1837 that has been maintained for the most part. We headed back to see if the sign that said 1989 football state championships was still up since Scott was on the winning team and scored the game clinching touchdown.

I took my Wisconsin jumping picture behind the house in the garden and took a nap before dinner after making my Wisconsin collages. I woke up around 7 and ate some dinner before we headed out to Scott’s sister’s place to pick up my shirt. It was father’s day so the grandparents were there. I met the whole family and we had some cake and ice cream. We headed back (I had driven) and all went to bed.

Monday, June 16: I woke up at 9:30AM and had some toast with homemade preserves. Clara was making molasses cookies so I had some of those before I left as well. She had some great cook books that I want to try to get. I said good bye and headed out around 11:00AM. I hit 90W to 94W and then headed toward La Crosse on 90W where it split again. It was pretty smooth sailing with little traffic and no blocks.

Once I got into Minnesota it started taking longer to get any where. I guess the flooding had gone down in Wisconsin, I thought that was the part that would take a long time. I hit 52N and then 50W. I met Ryan at Target once I got into Burnsville because I didn't know where he lived. We went to the Mall of America after I ate some chips and salsa and walked around. I figured we should take a picture with some of the Legos to prove that I was there. Gabe would be all about the Legos, but I think there must have been something cooler because I imagined Lego Land a lot cooler. Then we headed to Burnsville High School where Ryan's practice for his play was.

I sat through about an hour of it and then walked toward Burger King to get a milk shake. Unfortunately... or lamely they were closed at 7PM, it was 8PM, and they wouldn't let me get anything through the drive thru since I was walking. I started off annoyed toward the Super America or "SA" gas station and saw Dairy Queen across the street. Amazing. I walked kitty corner from BK to DQ and it was so much better. I got fries and a Health Blizzard. Yum. A little league team had won and was there to celebrate. After I was done I walked back to the high school and walked around the football field where the team was having practice. I had to wait a little longer and went to the bathroom since I had time to kill.

When practice was over we headed back to the house and watched an episode of the office and some movies on tv before heading off to bed.

Illinois

2008-06-14T01:35:00.005-04:00

Friday, June 13: Lack of sleep finally took it's toll. Waking up at 9:30AM this morning, Brian and Chandler were already ready to leave by the time the drilling started out the window. I got up, checked the weather, ate miso soup and popcorn for lunch and packed my bag. I dawdled and tried to look up the news in regards to the flooding of Iowa and the dam breaking in Wisconsin. I started my laundry, dried it, folded it, and stuck it into a compressor sack so that I could squish it and stick it in the car. Everything was reorganized in Lazarus and then I set out for the stadium.

I took the blue line toward Forest Hill and then transfered at Jackson to the red line south. Then I walked out to the stadium, bought my over priced tickets and waited for the gate to open. Some people in line were from Alabama and I was talking to them about baseball. They were visiting a bunch of stadiums as well, but staying in a motor home instead of sleeping on other people's couches and in the trunk of their car.

We went inside and they check your ticket before you even enter the 100 level of the park. I spoke with one of the ladies who was in charge and she let me go in even though I had an upper deck ticket (500 level-aka the 'cheap seats' even though they were 21 bucks). I took tons of pictures at the field level and after trying to get a ball for a little while, I traveled up towards the upper concourse, some guys whistled and tried to get my attention, but I kept on walking. I really don't understand, like I told my friend-even if I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt guys still act like idiots. There was a beautiful view of the city loop.

I went and sat down a little to the left of home plate. No one bothered me so I never moved to my actual seats. The people across the isle from me were from Salt Lake City and I got another 'proposal.' I guess guys who like baseball are impressed when girls like baseball enough to travel from park to park by themselves just to watch the game. The first 6 runs of the game were all home runs-it was crazy. The Rockies had 4 HR and the Sox 2, but later on the Sox scored like a normal team and won 5-4. There was an awesome firework show after the game since it was firework night (Friday) and then I got back on the red line only to discover that I couldn't transfer to the blue line during the 'weekend' (Friday night counts as the weekend) because they are doing construction.

There were loud boys yelling at one another and then at me when they saw my A's hat. I ignored them for the most part and got off and walked 3/4 of a mile to get to the proper train. I got back around 11:31PM and loaded all my pictures onto Jac to make collages, organize my papers/trash, and go to sleep.

I have to look into the news for details on flooding in Wisconsin. I really want to see Ryan and stay on schedule. The people I was talking to from Salt Lake City bought me nachos and it turns out they are planning on going to Milwaukee as well, so we'll see. Maybe I will see them again. God knows better than I do what is going to happen, so I will trust & follow Him.

Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, & Illinois

2008-06-12T23:58:00.001-04:00

Monday, June 9: I don't know how people survive out here. I got up around 7:30AM and tried to sleep longer. I couldn't, so I dumped all my trip pictures onto Jac and organized them. Around 8:30 I ate breakfast, toast and cheese with some frozen blueberries and two bottles of H2O. I watched an episode of the office while working out for 30-40 minutes, took a shower, and went down to eat lunch. I thought about going outside to run, but it's really humid, hot, and icky outside. I ate lunch: a can of tuna and crackers with some cheese and water. I am really tired though, so I might take a nap and workout some more. At least I get rest on this trip, I tried to plan it so I would get enough sleep between drives. After dinner I drove out to Cleveland to stay with couch host #2 who was an ultra marathon runner and has run a 100 mile race. On the way there I was apprehensive as black clouds spanned the horizon in front of me, shocks of lightening blazing through. I hit the storm, slowed down and arrived in Cleveland around 11:30. My host was very nice and we discussed running a bit and I soon fell asleep.

Tuesday, June 10: I woke up at 7:30 even though my alarm was set for 10:30. I went to the suggested college and took lots of pictures and walked around. I came back and took a nap in Laz. I wasn't sure if my host had come back so I used the restroom on the first floor of his building before buzzing up on the intercom. Then we set off on an 8 mile running tour of Cleveland passing Lake Erie [the first time I've ever seen one of the Great Lakes], the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, downtown Cleveland, the Browns stadium, across a long bridge that lead to Progressive Stadium where the Indians played. I was sore, dehydrated, and my blister was hurting so we stopped for H2O in a pizza place and walked through another campus before running back to the lot. I showered and ate an apple and some vegan chocolate and cookies. They were pretty good. I set off for the field with my host's directions in mind and found free parking 3 blocks from the stadium. I bought the cheapest tickets available and went in. I stayed near the bottom taking tons of pictures of the field and players and soon it was time for the game to start so I sat in some seats that were open behind the mvp area on the first deck but I couldn't see the jumbotron so I moved to a perfect location with a great view where no one questioned my tickets once and I got pictures with one of the hot dogs and the mascot. It was great. Sabathia threw a complete game shut out and I set out for Detroit at 9:30PM.

I arrived in Michigan at 12:30PM or so and met my host. He was awesome. It was so fun to talk to him and since I'm an Office addict, I mentioned some of the wonderful references but he had never seen it! I introduced him to some of my favorite cold openings and he was hooked. We didn't go to bed until 2:30AM because we were watching The Office.

Wednesday, June 11: Again, I woke up at 7:30 with no alarm so I put together Cleveland collages. Soon Joe was down for breakfast and made us oatmeal with raisins and I added glorious brown sugar. It was grand. We sat and watched another episode of The Office and then left for our bike tour of Detroit. We started off down the street and went on the train tracks. I think he thought I was a wussy because I wasn't able to ride very well on the rocks, but I wanted to go into an abandoned factory, so we did. We went and explored the rusty old ruins of what was once America's booming up and coming urban city. It was heart wrenching to recall the hopes of the citizens being pulled out from beneath them as their once growing economy came to a grinding halt with large factories closing, causing lost jobs, poverty, and a great exodus from Detroit. We were in a back room of one of the warehouses when he saw two men and we rushed quietly and quickly back to our bikes and took off down the tracks. We crossed the highway and my chain and shoe popped off when riding off a curb. I put my shoe back on and fixed the chain. We continued on our journey.

We saw some old churches and a deserted school with a hole in the gym building window-two of them. For some reason we thought that we should go inside, so we did. The pool was disgusting, rubbish floating in it, brown grimy water shallow in the deep end. We heard banging so we quickly exited the building only to discover that the noise was coming from a man who was stealing the copper off the roof... so we went back in to climb the ladder. In the room above the pool there was an old gym. Imagine the children who played there. Where were they now?

We left, riding down the street toward the water-the Detroit River. It was beautiful. Housing is so cheap! We rolled toward downtown to eat lunch at Ephs. It was good, I liked the Herb Havarti and I 'sold it' to another girl ha ha. The fountain at the park was great, I liked the ones on top. Rolling down to midtown we stopped at a smoothie place and I taught him how to play chess. We were using my chapstick because the bishop wasn't on the board when we sat down. A man kindly interrupted us and picked up the chess piece that had been hiding behind the leg of the chair that I was sitting in. We had a complete set.

On our way home after chess we stopped by the church where he works. It was beautiful. The tiles on the ceiling of the dome were shining. It was amazing. When we got back I took a shower and we set off, he drove us over because our journey had taken so long. We got there just in time to see the start of the game and headed up to seats in the top so that we could see the skyline, later moving to nicer, padded seats to complete the game. It was a great game. I saw another home run and Verlander threw a complete game. Afterward we set off in search of ice cream. Happy Cream and Ben & Jerry's were closed so we looked into a coffee shop but they didn't have any. We stopped at CVS and got some Michigan Black Cherry ice cream. It was authentic and made in Detroit, creamy and delicious. Another episode of The Office followed and soon it was time for me to leave for Chicago. I drove for an hour and a half before I couldn't handle it. I pulled off the road into a Citgo gas station and slept for two hours.

Thursday, June 12: I woke up at 4:30AM and continued on the way to Chicago arriving at 7:30AM. I was so tired. I pulled into the garage and we talked a bit before I napped. I threw together some collages of Detroit and set off for the game. I walked down to the train station and saw some guys waiting for the bus and asked if I could follow them to the game... they said 'yes' and we went down to the game.

We separated at the stadium because they were in the bleachers and I was in the main section. It was hot but my seats were in the shade so I was fine for the first 2 hours of the game. I cheered for Tim Hudson and he was doing fine until the 9th when the Cubs homered off one of the relievers. It went to the bottom of the 11th two walks were given up, a hit, and then they won because the pitcher hit a player... terrible way to win. I went to walk around the stadium and happened to run into one of the guys whom I had come on the bus with to the game, we waited for his friend and headed back to the original bus station. I have to say, I was thinking Cubs fans were idiots. They kept standing up for every inning the Cubs were up to bat as if that was going to help. I could see that at the end of the game, but they started in the 6th and continued on through the 11th. I just wanted to sit in my seat and watch the game, but with everyone else standing around, you can't see! The woman sitting next to me was really nice and bought me a Maitai, I could feel it and it was pretty funny because I thought my sunscreen wasn't working at one point because my skin was red, but it turns out it was just the alcohol. SPF 55 is great. She was a White Sox fan and explained that Cubs fans just went to games to get drunk, were mostly from north Chicago-if someone moved to Chicago-they generally would become a Cubs fan and the White Sox fans were from south Chicago and actually cared about baseball rather than drinking. I would probably be a White Sox fan.

I walked the wrong way down the street toward the loop and took some pictures of the city along the way. Then I walked up the street back to the apartment and a man started interrogating me. I was weirded out and told him I had no idea what he was talking about and that I was just in Chicago to watch baseball and then I was out of here. He looked like he was full of himself anyway with his power suit. I went inside and we watched 'Secondhand Lions' which is actually a good movie and I had some miso soup for dinner. I made Chicago collages of the Cubs game. It's already almost midnight here in central standard time. Time to sleep! Big day of the White Sox ahead tomorrow. South Chicago here I come.

West Virginia & Pennsylvania

2008-06-09T08:23:00.011-04:00

Friday-June 6: I woke up around 8:30AM and put all my stuff in Laz before heading out. I got as far as Harrisonburg to get gas (JMU is there) and remembered I forgot to grab my glove! Ugh. It's 2 hours away, so I decided to leave it in VA. :( So sad. The drive felt like an eternity; the twists, turns, and hills in West Virginia didn't help. I arrived at North Bend State Park around 5:15PM and checked in although it didn't officially start until 6. I was really hungry/wanted to carb load a little because I didn't know what to expect with such a small marathon so I sucked it up and paid the $10.55+tip to eat a plate of fettuccine alfredo. I ate really slowly and went out to the car where I got my Bible and went through Psalm 139 and wrote it on a piece of paper to memorize during the marathon [it was working until I was so delirious I couldn't remember anything or think anything but having to finish the race]. The race director convinced me to run the regular start rather than the early start I was going to because I could get a trophy if I placed overall. I wasn't super excited, but I figured I drove 6.5 hours to West Virginia for a marathon so I might as well try to place. I prepped Laz for sleeping, but it was still humid and disgusting when I lay down at 8 so I got out and walked around/stretched outside, watched the West Virginia sunset, went to the bathroom in the lodge again, and then went to bed at 9.

Saturday-June 7: I got up at 5, before my alarm went off. It was probably because I was still sweating, there isn't the best air ventilation in the back of an Integra. I changed, got out, ate a banana, an English muffin with a little butter because there was no cream cheese for the bagels and spoke with some of my fellow marathoners about the race we were about to run. Though there were only 57 people who finished, about 40 of them were people attempting to run 50 states [including myself] so that was fun. A 61 year old man completed his 200th marathon when he finished. We walked down to the starting line and I was preparing myself to start slow and pick up the pace as I went. The horn blasted and we were off, everyone started quickly, it was all I could do to not start racing in the beginning. I dropped the first mile in 10:31, faster than I wanted to start, especially since 9/10 of the first mile was uphill. I got into a pretty smooth rhythm and was running with a guy from southern West Virginia/northern Virginia from mile 5-14. We hit every mile on 10 minute mile pace like clock work. I was a little concerned that I wouldn't have enough energy for the end, especially when we passed a sign 2 hours into the race that displayed the 87 degree temperature and rising-the big hills were still to come [the whole thing was basically hills, but the big, big ones were at mile 15 and 24]. I drank powerade at every stop until mile 21 when I took both H2O and powerade, it was gross. It's a good thing there weren't many people in the race because I had to go to the bathroom a little after mile 21; I went on the side of the path behind some trees. I am really glad I brought the extra gel I ran nearly 32 miles with in Maryland and didn't use-that I got from the Richmond marathon, ha ha. I ate that around mile 14 and kept on truckin'. By mile 19 I was tired, and missed 10 mile pace by a minute. Every mile after that... I missed 10 mile pace by a minute more. By mile 24 I was done for, I was dehydrated, my muscles were depleted of their glycogen [no food/snacks at all on the course] and I still had 2.2 miles to go. I kept going. I got to the top of the hill and hit the 25 mile marker and I thought I was nearly done, but that last 1.2 miles seemed to go on forever. I finished in 4:31:33 which is my new marathon PR [one day I will run a non-hilly marathon when I'm not sick and qualify for Boston], I thought that was pretty decent for a marathon that's supposed to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest on the east coast. It turned out I was the 3rd woman to finish overall and I got a gaudy trophy, but hey, if you're going to run a marathon mostly by yourself, you might as well get a trophy right? It was definitely an all mental race because the field was small and the only people with words of encouragement along the way were other racer's spouses/family and the people at the H2O stops. I hobbled around a little and leaned on a tree so I wouldn't fall down, then I got into the shuttle back to the lodge where Laz was and took a shower in one of the rooms the race provided for runners to shower afterward. I was so grateful and happy to be clean. It turned out the lady who was parked next to me had slept in her car the night before as well, she was from PA and going on to SC after the marathon. It was nice to know I'm not the only person who does stuff like that... ha ha. I set out for PA and remembered I hadn't taken a WV jumping picture, so I did. It was the best I could do after a difficult marathon with a timer. I rolled toward PA and saw huge road kill... gianormous paws that resembled something like a mountain lion. I called Jeff, Melissa, Linds, and Leah to say howdy and that I finished my marathon/was on my way to Pittsburgh. I arrived at my first couchsurfer's place around 5 and ate a quesadilla. We watched Revolver-a Guy Richie film that was interesting, but confusing until I read the synopsis of the movie to figure out exactly what was going on. I met his girlfriend and soon went to bed around 9:30.

Sunday, June 9: I got up at 7:30 like the weirdo I am and then tried to fall asleep again. I debated going to the Pittsburgh SG church, but by the time I was officially up, I remembered I didn't have any nice clothes. I got ready for the game, slathering tons of SPF 50 sunscreen on [did that for the marathon too] and the guys' girlfriend dropped us off at the park and we went to the game. It was ridiculously hot in the sun so we moved to the shade and watched the rest of the game from near the top of the stadium. The Pirates won 6-4 over the D'backs and then I got a jumping picture by the bridge and we walked back. I was really tired and drank a ton of H2O when I got back to the house. Around 6, he drove me around to see downtown P-burgh and over looking the city. It was neat to hear about the history from a native of the city. I called Linds' dad and ended up going to their house to sleep for the night-we watched Game 2 of the NBA finals and they fed me tons of food for dinner: soup, pizza, blueberries, apple slices, etc. We all went to bed after the game, I was happy because the Celtics won [although the Lakers did nearly make a comeback and I was afraid at one point].

small things

2008-06-03T02:38:00.004-04:00

I am always amazed at how minute details add up in my head. I analyze too much, too often without effort. It actually takes more effort not to analyze some things. I need to fill my mind with truth and be wary of my thoughts. Small unimportant things can affect my mood. The A's won today and I felt much better after I learned this tid bit of information. The human mind intrigues me, even my own.

I feel lazy, I haven't left the house much since I got back to Midlo. This has to do with Lazarus being out of commission and the necessity of a car in Virginia. I am going to call the auto mechanic tomorrow and if they can fix Lazarus by Thursday, I will have AAA bring him over. It's 3.5 miles according to google maps, so it should only cost $3.00 to bring it, plus however much it will cost to fix Laz. I am praying that it will be inexpensive.

All of these unexpected costs I continue to incur while in Virginia. A police officer hitting Laz, my computer's hard drive failing, now Laz doesn't work again. I probably shouldn't have ordered any pictures from the past year, but it's too late now. They have already been printed and paid for. I wanted to put them into an album and organize my Virginia memorabilia since I have time while I don't have a job. I am also redecorating my room since God may want me to stay here longer than I originally anticipated.

- run for life

crushing

2008-06-01T00:30:00.003-04:00

Crashing waves, deep, crystal blue stretching past the horizon. That's what my heart longs for. The familiar crests of the water and squishy sand between my toes. Comfort found in knowledge that my Creator has made the oceans and heaves to reveal His glory. God has a plan. Finances are so burdensome, praying for a job and utmost frugality. Everything worldly about me, even my physical body longs for home and the crisp, cool fresh air. My human instincts are screaming to run west.

Something stronger than myself is pulling me back. Allergies rule my lungs and my throat. Sharp pain emits from my lung and heart region every time I laugh or breathe deeply. The only way to describe the pain would be 'a knife stabbing through my left lung into my heart and every time I laugh or breathe deeply it feels as though someone is twisting it; or someone is constantly crushing my upper rib cage to inhibit me from breathing.' It hurts to speak. It's painful to sing. My heart sinks. The lies that tell me I'm alone are louder than ever. Reminded that the plethora of people who call themselves friends does nothing when you really need someone by your side. I pray that I can continue to be a good friend to everyone regardless of how I am treated. I know that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I know that I am not truly alone because You are always with me. Why do I feel this way?

Keep praying and keep trying. Maybe one day I'll actually fit somewhere. Maybe I'm supposed to go home. Where is home? Maybe I'm not supposed to fit in. I've never been a part of this world... so why start now?

Just keep running... one step at a time. I will praise You all the days of my life. Even when I don't understand what is going on around me. When I don't feel well, I will praise You. Feelings are fleeting, but my heart knows what is true deep inside. I need to memorize more scripture to fight all of the lies Satan tells me so I can stab them and kill them with my sword...

-run for life

quarter century

2008-05-29T02:20:00.007-04:00

Phases of joy & denial. 25 years. Society advertises youth, sex, fun, short term satisfaction and pleasure. I tell myself God planned my life before I was born. I am exactly the age I should be. All my accomplishments would not be possible were I only 20. I would not be the person I've become if I were still 21. Life experiences have shaped me to be whom I am and will continue to do so throughout my life.

When in high school, 25 seemed to loom far ahead in the distance. Well, here it is. My heart is brimming excitement to see what God has in store over the next quarter century. Hopefully it includes much laughter, new friends, more marathons, ball parks, visiting other countries/backpacking, biking coast to coast, getting married, and having & raising children. Regardless of what He has planned, I will continue to follow Jesus above all else with all of my heart. Here's to the next twenty five years.

- run for life

wow

2008-05-24T14:29:00.005-04:00

I got to LAX at 6PM PST. Didn't get out of the airport until 1:30PM EST in Louisville, KY. My bag was emptied during a search and I thought, 'good thing I put my underwear into my check-in bag' (the first time I've checked in a bag since we went to China when I was 8). When we boarded the Boeing 757 in SF and pulled out, it smelled like gasoline. They said a valve was leaking and they were trying to fix it. I fell asleep, an hour and a half later they made us all get off and board another plane. It was almost 2AM PST before we left SF. That delay caused me to miss my connecting flight from Chicago to Louisville. Good thing I took the complementary pillow and blanket with me when I left the plane. I fell asleep on the chairs at the gate. A lady on the plane from SFO to Chicago gave me a piece of sourdough bread and a Kudos bar because I hadn't eaten since Anita's graduation lunch by 1AM PST. I just ate a Kashi bar I found in the side pocket of my bag, it's 2:35PM EST. I can't check into my room until 3PM. I went to baggage claim to get my bag. It wasn't there. The lady at the desk thought it was still at LAX. I thought, 'maybe it wasn't such a good thing I put my underwear into my check-in bag.'

- run for life

words

2008-05-18T12:12:00.004-04:00

I can’t win. My attitude is poor to say the least. I’m selfish. I’m stupid. I’m fat. I’ve gained too much weight. My grades aren’t good enough. I’m a bum. I don’t have a job. I don’t think about my family or anyone else. Nothing is good enough. Everything is wrong.

It’s hard to remember the truth when all you hear is lies.

I wonder if people realize how much their words affect others.

- just keep running.

turmoil

2008-05-16T01:51:00.006-04:00

Inner turmoil, heart pounding, conflicting thoughts running through my mind. 100 degree weather outside and warmer temperatures expected tomorrow muddle my mind. Perhaps I think too highly of myself and my influence on others. Friends falling, tumbling down the wrong path, stumbling, unable to stand on their own. Jail, drugs, alcohol, and sex are king. Why do I think I can help them? Why do I care so much? The answers to these questions I know. What I don't know is how this plays into my future and God's will.

What are all these overwhelming emotions? Home with the glorious waters and cool breeze. Hanging out with my friends, attempting to represent You. I do it faultily, broken and alone. Who knows if anything will come of it? I fit in... but do I? I try to live differently. Can they see it? Do they care? What is Your plan? Was I too hasty? Questions and feelings in direct opposition to one another choke my heart and mind. I need clarity, I need Your vision, I need guidance and direction. I need a Savior. I need You.

- run for life friends.

brevity

2008-05-12T15:29:00.006-04:00

I went to visit Kim today. It was unreal. I stood there with a rose, a coconut monkey bank from Hawai'i [the last place I saw her], and a paper crane. Everything became blurry, the bright green blended with the pink, white, and gray. My friend placed the flowers he bought at the head of the stone with the others. Salty drops ran down my checks. The tombstone was new, her picture just put on in the past month. A little over 6 months ago, she was still here. I called her for her birthday on the 3rd; I'm so glad I called the day before. We should be hanging out right now, instead I am visiting her grave. I am reminded to live for today, to live for now rather than tomorrow or the future. I know that God has plans for all of us, but we need to enjoy the times we do have and make the most of all the opportunities that He has given us. We're only on this world for a brief period of time, then we will pass on to heaven to be with our Creator and Savior. There are so many people to reach out to, so many people to tell about Jesus, it feels like there isn't enough time. I pray that God will use me and that I will allow myself to be available for His works. I pray that my life will have an impact on those around me and that I will "preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words" [St. Francis of Assisi].

- run for life friends

ramblings/brief update

2008-05-10T18:07:00.010-04:00

I wonder sometimes if I trust too much. Con: I end up getting burned a lot because I expect that people will keep their word. Pro: I have never been much of a worry wart. People are always amazed when I mention things I've done or what I am planning to do. I tend to think the best about people. I believe there is good in everyone. I befriend anyone who wants to be my friend and I always stick by my friends. I would say that I can go anywhere and get along fine - part of that is knowing where I can and can't go at certain times of the day or what to wear and how to act while I am there.

I was sorting through free t-shirts and old clothes, deciding what to donate and what to keep. I took pictures of all the fronts and backs of the shirts. I thought it was funny that I could follow my life through free t-shirts from all of the events I've done, volunteered at, schools I've gone to, and races I've run. If anyone who knew me saw the bag of stuff I was donating, they would know right away that they were my old clothes. I put tons of old Cal Poly, San Leandro High, gymnastics, running, sports, and other random shirts into the large garbage bags we will take to the Salvation Army/Goodwill.

I've been home for about a week, mostly hanging out with my half-brother's family - going to the Oakland Zoo, SF, and other places you can only go to in the bay. They flew out of SFO yesterday, so I will have more time now. I went to a few A's games with friends and have more planned. I love California. The weather is perfect for running, it's not too hot, nor too cold. There are hills for me to run and places for me to bike and cross train. Catching up with friends from high school and college has been wonderful. So much has happened since then in all of our lives. Seeing my cousins' children again reminds me that time flies, especially since the last time I saw them, they were babies and couldn't even hold their heads up themselves. Now they are talking and coming up with their own ideas. As great as it is to hang out with family and friends, I have only hung out with one friend who is a Christian. It's difficult to maintain a clear focus without support from others.

Right now I am nearing the quarter of a century mark. As I look around me, it seems like some people have given up big goals or dreams in exchange for the daily grind. I sometimes feel like I've fallen into that pattern myself as I go to school day after day or create my own routine. Luckily God's plan doesn't seem to have me in a rut. When I focus on Him and His sacrifice, I am astounded at everything around me. The calming waters of the lake or the ocean, the beauty of the plants and leaves dangling from branches shading the ground, smiles on people's faces as I pass them on my runs saying 'good morning' or an encouraging word or two to them. I am so thankful for what I have been given and that He is in control of my life. I do wonder what is in store for me, especially because I need a job to support myself, but I know that whatever it is, it's better than I could have ever imagined.

Now to bike to Alameda with one of my best friends. Tucker's here I come! Oh how I have missed thee. [Tucker's is an ice cream parlor in Alameda around the corner from the gym where I did gymnastics. When we won meets our coach would buy our whole team ice cream.]

-run for life friends

rekindle

2008-04-28T21:44:00.004-04:00

Light the fire once again. Throughout my life I have realized I am a "doer." When I say I am going to do something - I do it. I have found many people do not share my enthusiasm or zest for life. People second guess, get scared, or change their minds so often I don't understand. I was looking at my friend Matt's pictures of his travels through Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica (the waterfall is one of his from Costa Rica). My heart was filled with longing. I miss the volcanos surrounding Antigua's cobblestone streets. I have always wanted to see the world and oh, it was so lovely. I need to backpack across Europe and I need to find someone who's "hardcore" enough to do it. I don't want the frills, I want to live with the people, I want to live out of one backpack for a month or more and see everything. The only thing that holds me back right now is money, I need to get a job for at least a few years that will repay my debt to my parents and start scraping and saving for traveling in the future.

You only live once. I want to experience all of God's creation. I'm hoping that I'll get married some day and I'm hoping my future husband will have a passion for God's world and traveling like I do. I'm thinking of looking for jobs in Europe or other countries. Spain would be sweet and I could become fluent in Spanish that way. Oh, even a year or two abroad would be glorious. I doubt it would quench my thirst for traveling, but I don't know if anything can. God please, if it's Your will, let it happen, and provide me with the means and the fellowship. All in Your timing of course, I don't plan on going right this moment, but I will if You want me to!

- run for life friends.

so what?

2008-04-23T01:20:00.019-04:00

The day after I returned from crowded and bustling New York City, I went on a retreat with some women from KingsWay to Smith Mountain Lake State Park (Virginia). I love the purply-pink trees that added so much color to the mainly green and brown back drop. The rolling hills didn't do it for me and I was having a hard time with my stomach while I was there. Once I hit the water's edge, even though I still felt sick (I think it was from drinking the tap water), I laid it out straight up. I conversed with God through my guitar - basically crying out to Him.

I am tired: physically my body hurts from pollens and allergies attacking my system. My eyes hurt, my stomach hurts; I want to breathe without problems and swallow without pain. Emotionally I am drained. Torn between two states, two sides of a nation, two lives, and two choices that could potentially be beneficial to myself and bless others around me. I miss home, my sister, my family, my friends, the Pacific, and everything familiar that I grew up with. Mentally I am exhausted from all the long nights of projects, homework, assignments, seminars, papers, other dietetic internship details, and from thinking about the pros & cons of California & Virginia. Spiritually I am weary, I pray the same prayers every hour and every day for myself [for God to be the center of my life, for Him to guide me, etc]; though my prayers for others and the world change as necessary.

I am in an in between stage. The curtain is closing on one set, but the crew doesn't know what to change the back drop to. I sat there by the water on a bench. My calluses were wearing off due to time constraints from so many internship things to do, but I played. My throat hurt, but I sang. It may have been one of the most heart felt sets I've played in a long time. Every song I sang I meant.

When it was time to go - I hadn't done much, the world would say I accomplished very little from sitting by the water singing. God was present. I stood up. I have no job, negative money, and no concrete plans for the immediate future. I felt like God was telling me - 'So what? Why are you worrying about worldly things? Follow me.' I realized that God would provide a job for me that I could glorify Him through. He had a great plan and it would all fall into place in His timing. It's easy to say, but difficult to believe.

Oddly, I believe it. I don't have a plan other than following God where ever He leads me. Even more bizarre is that I feel at peace with knowing nothing. Despite every ailment and fatigue I feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mentioned or unmentioned, I know that God is in control of my life and that gives me hope. It seems impossible to those who don't know how great God is. With God, everything is possible.

The world laughs at people like me. I laugh too - for a different reason. I know that God's plan is best for me. I know He will provide. I know He's got my back. I know that if He wants me to stay, He will provide me with the financial means. If He wants me to go home, He will let me know. The peace that over flows my heart is precious. I want to experience it for eternity and bask in it forever. It is well with my soul.

- run for life friends.

right down to the wire

2008-04-17T15:24:00.009-04:00

I just got back from New York today. This time I went to both Shea and Yankee Stadium. It was nice to get away from the pollens even though it's still difficult to breathe well.

I feel like I'm cutting it close and I'm not a last minute person! Perhaps God's timing is this way so I can fully trust Him. I still don't have a job and I graduate next week. I don't know if I'm moving three thousand miles home or staying here [though I think God is calling me here]. I feel like this would be easier if I was closer to home, but God doesn't tell us life is going to be easy. He tells us to trust Him, so that's what I am going to do. My California license must be renewed by my birthday this year - May 28. My car registration in California must be renewed by May as well. If I'm staying here, I'd rather not pay for California renewal if I have to register in Virginia and get a Virginia license [and end up paying double fees]. I feel a little nervous, but I am still holding on - clinging to God's whisper.

- run for life friends.

going the distance

2008-04-14T17:04:00.003-04:00

It's funny how we make so many plans throughout our lives. I planned to run across the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday, Roosevelt Island today (which I did and ran about 5 to 6 miles), and Central Park Tuesday and Wednesday. I was thinking I'd go about 4 to 6 miles on Saturday unless I felt like going further. I have to say, I didn't feel like going further but I figured I'd run back across the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn instead of the Williamsburg Bridge, not realizing that it would be a total of nearly 12 miles. I'm glad I am capable of running that much in one shot (almost 2 hours) without water, snacks, or breaks (I ran/weaved through crowds the whole time except waiting for stop lights here and there). The sun was setting beyond the skyline by the time I was running through downtown Brooklyn.

God knows what's best for us, He has glorious plans we can't even imagine. I make little plans here and there and go with God's timing. I need to be prepared, to continue to train myself so I am ready to go the distance - any distance for Him. I still have allergies - or post nasal drip (probably from Richmond still) and feel sick (scratchy throat, runny nose, hard to swallow, sometimes hard to breathe) but I am becoming more aware-it's becoming more real-that I will be living in Virginia. I don't know how long or why, but I am praying that God eases my heart. I feel torn between family and friends back home and God's will. I wish the two conincided...sinful me being selfish. I need Your help to be content with my lot. I want to sing, "it is well with my soul" and mean it.

- run for life friends.

the street

2008-04-10T23:50:00.006-04:00

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
Top 25 Safest / Top 25 Most Dangerous Cities

Home sweet home. I consider myself street smart. I know how to roll with it. I'm Asian so I'm a minority, but I am the "model minority" so I can rock the majority. I don't fear man in that way. I fear God, I know that whatever happens, God will be with me and that He is my guide and strength. I try not to "brag" about where I'm from. When people "brag" about Richmond, Virginia... I just don't see it. I don't feel unsafe, I don't see as much crime or as many homeless people as in Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Homeless people don't even scare me, why would they? They've fallen on hard times, they're still people! The population in Richmond, VA is less than half the size of Oakland, CA.

I guess I just get frustrated when people try to act hard, like they know what it's like to live in the city. Friends dropping out of school, in car accidents for drunk driving, that happens every where. If you don't know people who sell cocaine, weed, or other drugs, why talk about it as if you do? Are you proud that sin is rampant throughout a particular area? I am glad I was born in Oakland, I am glad I grew up in San Leandro on the edge and did not see as much as I could have deep in East Oakland. I am not proud that there are so many lost people who don't know God and hurt others with their sinful deeds. My girls in my youth group at home saw when a girl was shot 5 times in the back in front of my high school, they saw the boy shoot himself in the head less than a mile from my house. My dad was mad that home owner's insurance doesn't cover bullet holes from drive by shootings since there are 3 in the house. Walking across the elementary school playground at night isn't safe if you're a girl by yourself, you could get raped and killed - the same thing with sleeping over at a friend's house, that's why I was never allowed to. Leaving a bar at night about a mile from my house could result in you getting shot in the back of the head. That's NOT cool, it's not exciting. Why gloat?

God please help all the people who are affected by all the crime in every city regardless of how much there is or how many murders there are. God please help those who are afraid. Please show them that they can be cautious, but still go where they need to go or want to go without fear because You are with them. God You are sovereign over all. I thank You for protecting me and please God, help me to be more like You. Thank You for showing me this in my life, that I do not have to say anything Lord, that You know what it is like. Thank You for showing me I need to be more humble in this area, I need Your help. Please help me to hold my tongue when I come across people who are sheltered or don't truly understand. Thank You for making me the way I am so that I can relate to urban people and give glory to You through it all. God please keep my friends safe, please keep everyone safe who is innocent and doesn't yet know You. Please Lord, reveal Yourself to them.

second thoughts

2008-04-08T14:19:00.008-04:00

Big step, I wouldn't say a "leap of faith," but still big. I finally got around to opening a bank account. I walked down to Central Virginia Bank in Market Square and went through all the background checks. Luckily, I have not been convicted of any felonies (I was worried! yeah, right.) Since I don't pay bills, it took more questions to say that I was a "Virginia" resident since I have a California driver license. I never actually said I was a Virginia resident. I think I will always claim California.

It doesn't seem like that big of a deal, to open a bank account, especially when you consider that the closest Washington Mutals are in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Today was the first time I've been inside a bank since I was in California. My heart was pounding, I couldn't tell if it was nerves... the whole idea of actually becoming a Virginia resident freaking me out or the Virginia allergies and pollen from all the trees and plants surrounding me. Once the lady who was helping me handed me all the papers to sign... fear gripped me and I had to force my hand to sign all the papers as I read down the sheet... seeing the VA instead of CA underneath my name was bizarre.

Oh Lord I'm a little bit afraid... oh Lord make that very much afraid! How long will I be here in this state that gives me headaches, sandpapery throat, sinus problems, post-nasal drip... aka allergies from random things my body has never been exposed to while living in beautiful, sunny California. I hope that I can acclimate, or at least not feel so terrible during allergy season. I'm scared. God give me strength. I should not fear anything but You Lord, please help to ease my fears, calm my heart, and grant me peace.

"rejoyce"

2008-04-05T22:47:00.011-04:00

I saw a sign today while walking to the start of the Ukrop's 10k that said "Rejoyce in the Lord." Even though I knew it was a play on the word "joy," it bothered me because it was misspelled. My pride just getting in the way again. I randomly thought: if our pride was an actual physical being, I wouldn't be able to fit in Lazarus anymore if I had to lug that around. I am SO thankful for His grace and mercy!

I have been VERY busy! I just got home and it's nearly 11PM... and I went to bed at 2AM and left at 6:30AM! This is a semi-laundry list of my recent activities:

This past week was (praise God for His kindness) my FINAL week in Farmville!! I was so excited to finally be done. Friday was full so I am glad that I did hours this weekend (otherwise I would have been in Farmville Friday too). Friday's schedule went something like this: wake up, run, shower, stop at church to get a book, Johnston Willis for a "second interview," to Richmond to volunteer for the Ukrop's 10k Health Expo RDA booth, then I wanted a free shirt... so I volunteered a little bit for the actual race organization... ha ha. I was cutting it all very close on time! It was student night for the KingsWay Co-op [see picture above] and of course I went since my 'family' [the family I live with] is involved in it. It was hi-larry-us. The kids were very silly, but I enjoyed it. I got a major workout rotating between toting 4 different girls on my back for about 30-45 minutes. [When I say 'tote'... I mean literally running around the foyer with children up to 65-70 pounds on my back. I was gross afterwards-I mean glistening since girls don't sweat; but it was fun!] We didn't get back until almost 11PM, but I had to make cookies for the Resolved Girl's Cookie Competition (since I knew I would be too busy Saturday)... so I was up until 2AM - made snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies with Ghirardelli 60% real dark chocolate (made in San Leandro, CA baby!)... I made a huge chocolate chip one to celebrate Josiah's early birthday (and it was fun - and delicious). Kelly liked the chocolate chip ones better, but I brought the snickerdoodles because I thought they were more "aesthetically pleasing." We ran out of sugar, but I made due and our CG was represented well, we took 1st and 3rd (Hannah got 1st and I got 3rd). Good enough for me, it turned out 11 girls made cookies! I didn't know there were that many, so I figured 3rd was pretty good.

>Today I left at 6:30AM, went to Gail's to carpool to the Ukrop's 10k with her and Rebecca. It was good times from '50 cent' to actual fellowship. I just thought of it as a training run, I paced Gail around 9:40-9:50 until the 5 mile marker. Over all I finished with a 56:38, considering I covered the last 1.2 miles in 8:20 which translates into 6:57/mile, I wasn't too disappointed. I wonder how fast I could run one since I'm so much better at "surging" rather than sprinting (and weaving through thousands of people is really annoying). We may see one day. I need to re-start my speed workouts again... [Picture is because I saw the Virginia Commonwealth University aka VCU for the first time and... why wouldn't you want to climb in letters?]

Afterwards, we got a little mixed up on getting back to [highway] 95, took showers at Gail's and Rebecca and I headed over to the Williams' casa for a post-run brunch with a bunch of the KingsWay participants and their families. We were a little belated on our arrival and ended up having 'nap time' from 3-4PM. David on the large couch, Rebecca on the smaller one... and me on the floor. [Side note: I totally fell asleep on the Hiler's kitchen table on Tuesday after ladies CG because I didn't want to sleep on the floor with all the Reepicheep hair on it. I did fall asleep on the floor in the front room of the Johnson's house on Easter.] Then I headed over to Food Lion, picked up some pink lemonade and orangeade and went to the Dixon's to assist Kathryn with any final preparation for the dinner for some ladies before Resolved. I had a lot of fun, the food was delicious, and there was ice cream for dessert! I didn't even eat any snacks or anyone's cookies at Resolved because I was so satiated from dinner. :) [That doesn't happen often, usually I'm all about the snacks!]

The message was so pertinent to all of our lives, I was so grateful that God had put it on Steve's heart to share with us. To pursue others and have others pursue you to assist in lovingly correcting each other and re-focusing on what Christ has done in our lives (to spur one another on). I was re-convicted of my selfishness and pride, we joked during our group that it was like an AA meeting - or as I said, an "SA meeting - Sinner's Anonymous" [I love our group by the way, we're serious and truly care about each other, but we like to laugh and joke around too - we're the 'loud' group... I think whatever group I'm in is 'the loud' group (don't know if that's good or bad, but I do love to laugh)]. I tend to forget that God calls us to correct others for their benefit rather than our own. It was nice to be reminded I am not the only one who falls short and we have one another to encourage each other. I am ever aware of my sinful nature. We are all equal at the foot of the cross, it is so good to remember, it is one of those things that you can never grow weary of and we will always need to be reminded of throughout each moment of our day and for the rest of our lives.

Just today I was asked about 10 times - so are you staying in Virginia? It was kind of funny, but I am so grateful for all the encouraging words and heartfelt prayers. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say REJOICE!

forever in His debt

-run for life friends

ps. Just found out today that Ukrop's is NOT a play on the word "crop" like I assumed originally - it's the last name of the man who started the business (it's a health food store in Richmond, similar to TJ's at home, but way more expensive.)