Make time to spend time with your family

The last time I saw my family was just over 3 years ago. My mom said I was overdue for a trip just over a month ago and so we made a little game plan. My mom wanted to pay for me to come home and I didn't want it to cost very much so I decided to take the bus from San Luis Obispo, California to Salt Lake City, Utah.

I began my journey the evening after Christmas day. I missed the first bus in San Luis Obispo and so I had to drive to Santa Maria and try to catch it there. I was very fortunate the driver let me on as the bus was standing room only. I arrived in Los Angeles, California and had a short layover before departing for Las Vegas, Nevada. I arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00 a.m. and had a 3 hour layover there. I departed the bus and found the hotel next to the bus station and found a fitness center so I could relax after all that sitting on the bus. I had the most boring bike ride of my life on the stationary bike for 30 minutes and my hamstrings are still letting me know they didn't approve. I then found a dumbell which I turned into a miniature bar and did some strength work. I then boarded the bus bound for Salt Lake City. The bus made a short stop in St. George, Utah where my Aunt and Uncle came to say hi.  I arrived in Utah Tuesday evening around 5:30 pm.

 I got to my parents house just in time to watch my dad starting to filet a trout he caught. I then headed off to my running group where we had a really fun night of running a viewing a Christmas light display.

Wednesday morning I got to go to Wasatch Crossift and do a front squat burpee ladder and I was amazed at the challenge it was with the elevation difference. Wednesday night all my siblings came over for dinner which I was able to prepare. It was nearly all paleo except for the few little treats that my mom added in such as her famous lemon jello salad that I requested and some mini eclairs for dessert which I am proud to say didn't eat a single one. My family loved it and my mom said she was so happy to have a new idea of what to feed everyone. The kids especially loved the fresh fruit platter.

Thursday I went to visit my Grandma. It is amazing to see how she had aged in just the past 3 years and what she does to stay occupied and how she gets around with her wheelchair.

Thursday evening I went to exercise at the Bountiful Rec Center and then met my friend Emily and her sister Katie for drinks and appetizers. It was so great to catch up with her. She truly is such an example to me.

Today I got up at 4:00 to go to the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah to fly into Long Beach, California. The flight was delayed and so when I arrived in Long Beach I had a very short period of time to figure out how to get inexpensive transportation to the greyhound bus terminal so I could come home on the bus. I took two city busses and arrived at the Greyhound station to find out I was supposed to pick up my ticket one hour prior to departure. I was given a standby bus ticket and received the last seat on the bus departing for Los Angeles, California. I made it to Los Angeles and had a 3 hour layover so I asked where a shopping center was and was told to take a city bus into downtown. I found a little mediterranean grill to have a paleo lunch at. I then decided I would walk back to the Greyhound station. I walked down 6th street and later learned I had walked down what is famously coined Skid Row. I walked down numerous city blocks of trash and saw people living in ruins and poverty, but each time I smiled at someone or an unwelcome remark was made I simply stayed positive and wished them a happy new year. You never know the difference an unkindness returned with a kindness will make or how a smile may help someone in need.

I made it back to the Greyhound station and arrived back to where I had parked my car. I had a great time, but was so grateful to be back to my familiarity, my abundance of blessings and a beautiful place to live.

One day at a time

Today I set out on a bike ride with my goal in sight. I wanted to see how well the road leading to the botanic gardens was improved. There had been a road closure for the previous two weeks so I was looking forward to seeing the progress. I made sure I had my additional hydration and some snacks and I began my ascent. The rain started out lightly. I enjoy the rain and the beauty it brings so I continued on. I arrived to the midpoint of my goal and the rain began coming down a little harder and I could see the road was getting muddy. I wanted to be conscientious of the new road improvments so I gave way to my goal and set it aside for another day.

I came home and finished sewing a little butterfly quilt in just a couple of hours. I'm looking forward to seeing my family in less than 2 weeks and having my mom help me finish the quilts I have been sewing.

I then made my way over to crossfit. I told my friend I was going to try to beat my time running there. I did this in order to hold myself accountable. I have found that making a commitment and telling someone I will be trying something and receiving that encouragment really improves the desire and drive.  I was able to run to the box in 2 minutes 18 seconds that was a personal best for me and the last 25 meters was the most challenging.

Today's workout consisted of bench presses, dead lifts, pushups and situps. The dead lift, pushup, situp portion was to be done with a 25 pound weighted vest. Deadlifting with the vest wasn't very challenging but pushups were much harder and situps were brutal. I only lasted one round with the vest but I completed the WOD in 12:55. The most rewarding part for me was that 3 years ago I lost that 25 pounds and to put that vest on today and see how heavy it felt was a major milestone I realized I was able to overcome. I am so grateful for improved strength and a much more positive outlook. I also saw how possible it really is to see my goal and visualize success.


See your goal
Understand the obstacles
Clear your mind of doubt
Create a positive mental image
Endure the struggles
Stay focused
Say you will

That is the formula I strive to follow for success

time to appreciate strengths and weaknesses too

When I give my word it is my bond and I will keep it or die trying. Yes indeed I do strive to live by the old saying a person is only as good as their word. I can only hope my word is great!

All year I have been settling for a shorter box to jump up on in crossfit. Tonight the trainer Ben turned my box on the tall side and I looked at him then he asked me if I wanted it changed. I said,"NO, I am up for the challenge!" I gave my word! I graduated to the taller box yes that's a 24" box I'm jumping on now. Tonight's work out catered to all my favorite things.  Strength was front squats and squat cleans. I maxed out on my weighted front squat at 155 and I perfected my jump stance on my squat cleans. The conditioning consisted of a ladder 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. deadlifts, box jumps, games standard pushups all done in 12:32 I was pretty content with today's wod.

I went to the market after my workout and bought food to prepare for dinner then I went back to crossfit for open gym and to practice my pull-ups. I also wanted to see if my callus method I used before hand would hold up to the bars and I'm proud to report my hands are not as torn up as they could have been. A kipping pullup is still incredibly hard for me, but I see gradual improvement and I am going to keep trying until I accomplish what I've set out to do and find success.

I came home and made dinner and this is how it turned out. Avocado and tomato, crimson pear, mango, pineapple, red grapes, kiwi and cantaloupe and then boneless pork ribs with asparagus, carrots, radishes, broccoli stems and shallots

Today was a fantastic day of learning, growing and loving!

Setbacks Take Time

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. -Washington Irving

I recently came across this quote and was reminded of the many tears that fell in the last couple months.

It started with a back strain from a bike ride which kept me from running, mountain biking, or participating in crossfit. I would cry tears of frustration that my back was not healing as quickly as I wanted, but I knew I needed to stay disciplined and allow it time to heal in order to be able to participate in all the outdoor activities I love doing on my time off.  It took five weeks to heal and I have gradually made my way back into doing all the things I love. I was able to start crossfit at a new box that is so close to my house I can jog there in 3-4 minutes.

I was able to do some volunteer work with All-Out Events preparing for the mud run and I was happy I could do some lifting of all the boxes of pint glasses for the finishers of the 5k and 10k. I was able to run the mud run and feel more challenged than I was last year, but very satisfied the solid walls were not as difficult this year as they were last year.

I was able to ride the trail that I had sucessfully downhilled prior to my injury.

Today I went to crossfit and I had to substitute the kettle ball swings with 20 pound dumbell push presses. I am still compensating in some areas until I am certain my back is healed completely. This was a new challenge and technique to learn because the weight is distributed much differently in two dumbells than it is with a weighted bar. I have also had to learn how to bench press and try to have a better attitude about it. I don't like it because it is boring, but I also don't like it because it's not something I know how to do well or with rapid succession. I suppose with a better attitude and practice I will improve that over time. There is always enough time!!!

Time for continued improvment

Toward the end of July I was doing some volunteer work at Santa Margarita Ranch on Ancient Peaks Winery property. I was helping my friends from All-Out Events prepare for the Ancient Peaks Classic mountain bike race.  I was able to help carry some pieces of wood for one of the bridges that was built and I was able to help cut a short section of trail on the cross-country course. Just watching the course being built ignited my desire to want to improve my mountain bike riding abilities. One day I was even taught how to drive a skidster tractor down the dirt road.  My friend Todd took me in his truck the few times I was out on the ranch helping out.  Todd may have annihilated a poor snake and I felt bad because I think it was the kind that kill the rattlesnakes and it was good for the property, but 4x4 on the dirt roads sure was fun.  The day before the race I was asked to be the onsite EMT for the pre-riders. I got to watch the bikers and direct them on the course near some cabins by a small reservoir/lake that was great and only one person had some minor scrapes and one person needed hydration. 


There is a trail called shooters that I have been wanting to try. Last Thursday I took my friend's dog with me to see if I could bike up TV Tower road to the shooters trail without getting off my bike. I was able to accomplish my goal with dog in tow.  The only downside was my glutes were so sore all weekend it hurt to sit on the couch at work.

Today I decided I would do my usual ride up stagecoach road then I would add tv tower road and I would do a test ride down shooters then try to ride back up shooters after I completed going down it. I strayed away from my original plan slightly. After a successful ride down shooters without any falls I decided I would continue down into the dirt roads to the college. I arrived at one locked gate and had to lift my bike over and I had to climb through the gate. I arrived at the next gate which happened to be wood and barbwire. I put the bike under the barbwire fence and I did a plank crawl under to retrieve my bike. I then arrived at once last metal gate it was another one to lift my bike over and this time I couldn't crawl through it I had to go over it. I then rode to the bike shop to get a pedal adjustment and refill my water bottles for the return trip up the busy 101 freeway back to where I had parked my car at the bottom of stagecoach road.

The little jaunt on the freeway really made me appreciate the riders out riding with Ride for 9-11 they are absolutely amazing.

I really have grown to love biking and just how incredible everything around me feels as I am riding.

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Time to do a self evaluation

The month of May passed and so did June for that matter and I didn't find anything to write about. I did however find time to completely lose sight of my goals and focus.  The beginning of June I was forced to quit crossfit due to my budget and work schedule I just couldn't justify the cost although the physical and emotional affects were absolutely amazing. I have seen the importance of challenging myself and striving to be stronger and I realized I very much took it for granted.

July 1st I found myself in the Emergency Room of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital this time as a patient and not as an EMT.  My skin disease that I was born with had a really awful flare up and it had all the signs and symptoms (using my education there) of shingles and I couldn't justify tolerating the pain so I was forced to make a trip. I had been putting this trip to the ER off for about 4 days just so I wouldn't have to take time off work. After seeing the doctor he added a second medication to the one medication I was already taking. After one very emotional and painful week I think it is finally in remission and I am no longer in pain.  The down side to being on these medications is my sun sensitivity increases 100 fold.

Yesterday I was assigned to lay the trail for my running group. I put on my hoodie, my running pants, running shoes and sunscreen and off I went. I'd forgotten how much I loved running on my own and with a purpose in mind. While on the trail I was able to do a self-evaluation of how I had allowed life events to ruin my attitude and my focus thus causing me to forget about my goals.

I decided it was time to put myself in check and change my attitude and stop worrying so much. It's advice I often give, but so seldom take.

Today has been a great day. I started day one of getting my focus back. I made brunch (egg white, sausage and veggie stir fry side of avocado) then did a number of errands and went in to the office and was asked to pick up a short 2 hour shift this evening and I was thankful for the extra work.  I also received good news that my raise request was authorized and although it is small I am grateful for every penny. Before my shift I did a trail run, I worked the 2 hour shift, drove to two grocery stores and came home and made a great dinner chicken tandori, lentils, green pepper/mushroom sautee and cucumber/tomato salad. I think the best part about the dinner I prepared was it only cost $6.86 and I had leftovers.

My dear friend from Australia sent me a get well wish that said I hope you feel well soon and can get back to kicking ass soon.  I think I am on my way back to doing just that!!!

Time to pick yourself up again

I really enjoy reading and one thing I have found is that if I want to become better at something I often read a book about it. I think learning through others expertise is very beneficial to me.

I wanted to overcome adversity and triump through a devastating time in my life so I read Aron Ralston's book Between a Rock and a Hard Place.


I wanted to become a better runner and train for a half marathon so I got a book and studied it and studied the training schedule. The Non-Runner's Guide to Marathon Training.

I want to ride my mountain bike better and so I got a book written by biking extraordinaire Lance Armstrong's coach Chris Carmichael who developed Carmichael Training Systems. I also took the time to email Gene Hamilton and get his mini coaching guide online. Gene does mountain bike training camps and has some excellent tips that I have utilized and seen great improvement in a very short period of time.


Today I ventured out on the stagecoach road ride that I have been trying to become better at climbing. I can do the ride from bottom to top with an elevation gain of almost 800 feet in about 32 minutes. I really wanted to hit the top at the 30 minute mark today but was unsuccessful.  I've learned the key to my success is hydrating. I don't think its any coincidence my two favorite beverages fit in my bike holders. Of course I transferred the drinks to my water bottles so I wouldn't have to unscrew the caps while riding. I had begun the ride by inflating my rear tire a little more and I  put my pump back on my bike. Apparently I put my pump back on upside down and when I began my descent  the pump kept rattling so I stopped to adjust it. I guess I had to learn a lesson in completely dismounting the bike before adjusting the pump. I left my left foot clipped in and just as I had finished placing the pump back on the frame correctly I fell to my left. At least I caught myself and it didnt hurt too bad. I picked myself up looked at my hand, looked at my knee and laughed. I got right back up and rode to the bottom.


I correlate dusting my hand and knee off to life's lessons. We all have to have that one occassional bad day or sometimes even week or month, however, it is truly which decision we make that will determine the outcome of our reaction to that challenge. Those three decisions are as follows: allow the challenge to define you, debilitate you or strengthen you! Personally I like the strengthening option.

time to appreciate the little things

Today I set out to spend some time trying to overcome an obstacle I've faced twice and failed.

I began my bike ride at the bottom of Stagecoach Road and I wanted to get through the ascent to the second cattle crossing with out dismounting my bike and pushing it up the hill.  I also wanted to do a long ride and get to an area I discovered by accident two years ago.

I had my water bottles, my two extra hydration bottles and I packed a little lunch and some quick energy source foods.

I began pedaling up the hill just before noon. I got to the part I had nicknamed "death hill". My legs have hit failure each time I've tried to pedal up it. Today was different. I have been reading a book that had some good pointers for me. I also got some good advice from Rick at the bike shop. Today I put my full effort and determination into accomplishing that climb. I did it and when I got to the area just past the second cattle crossing I stopped, took in the scenery pulled up a little seat on a rock and had a little lunch and continued on in my ride.

At the three hour mark I reached the area I wanted to and took in the incredible view. The ocean and Morro Bay Rock to the west and surrounding by trees and rolling hills and mountains. I went through burn areas with new growth, national forest area, botanic gardens, across disintegrated black top over rocks and passed wildflowers in order to arrive there.

The descent took me approximately half the time. If someone would have said I would be doing this 3 weeks ago when I got my bike I would have told them they were crazy. The thought of downhill on a dirt road terrified me. Now it's something I take as a fun challenge and it's been just one way for me to grow and improve and come closer to my goals.

I took an hour break after my ride and then I went running with my fun hash group. At one point during the run I said I didn't want to see any more hills. Then we came to an absolutely amazing view at the top of a hill overlooking homes and hills and falling down into the ocean near the avila pier it was one unlike the view I had taken in earlier today and I was grateful I pushed myself up one more hill and I got to enjoy discovering another area near where I live that I was unaware even existed and it was absolutely incredible.

More than anything today I was so grateful just to have this time to enjoy myself and appreciate all the little things I have to be thankful for.

Time to forget mishaps

After the great weekend I had I decided I needed to get on a bike again. 

5 years ago I took my vitamins, drank some juice, skipped breakfast, put on my helmet and strapped on my camelback filled with water and I jumped on my bike to ride to my friend's house to babysit her daughter. I didn't make it to my friend's house. Instead I stopped one mile from my house at a four way intersection at a red light where I became very light headed. I reached for the spout of my camelback and took a quick sip. The next thing I remember was picking my bike off the ground and walking to a sidewalk. A man in a caltrans truck yelled to me and pulled over. I said I was okay but I wasn't aware my head and face were bleeding. He called an ambulance. I didn't want to go to the hospital, but I took the medics advice and went anyway. They ran some tests cleaned the gravel out of my knees and knuckles cleaned my forehead injury and told me I was okay to leave. I didn't ride my bike very much after that day.

I got off work and went for a ride in beautiful morro bay. I was trying clip in pedals for the first time. They weren't as scary as I thought they would be that is until I went to begin riding a muddy dirt trail and couldn't get my foot out so I fell. I got that same light headed feeling and I got really scared. I used my EMT training and put my head down. The feeling was my body's natural defense mechanism kicking in saying I was hurt somewhere and that's how it was coping. When I looked to see where I was hurt I had to laugh. My hand hurt a little and I had a little blood blister on my middle finger where it had landed on a tiny piece of gravel. I gave myself some time and jumped right back in the saddle and had a great ride.

I then made sure to hydrate and I headed to crossfit. I had a great hard workout and am happy with my progress. I know not only has crossfit helped with my running but I know it will help in my mountain biking too as I increase my strength training.
I was able to do 65 pound power cleans tonight.
I am so grateful for my health and my life and the ability to just choose to be happy and to continue to grow and strengthen myself in all that life throws at me.

Take some time away

I just spent the last few days at a mountain bike race event with a really amazing new friend.

I had forgotten how much I loved camping and how much I loved not having a single thing to worry about.

We arrived Thursday evening and set up the trailer in a nearly perfect spot. I say nearly perfect because the following morning the port o' johns were set up directly across from where we had parked the fifth wheel. Friday morning we moved the fifth wheel to another spot which I thought was just as good and it had a hole that was great for the fire pit. I enjoyed gathering a large pile of sticks and placing them in the hole for the fire. I enjoyed being by the fire that evening and just staring up at the full moon in the sky and just reflecting on all that life has to offer. My friend started the barbecue and made salmon burgers. Of course I loved them I think they are one of my new favorite foods.

Saturday morning I got up to watch my friend do the cross country race. I was so amazed at his abilities and skill level. He placed second in the cross country and only missed taking first place by .02 seconds. I was so impressed by each of the bikers dedication to their health and their fitness.

I took some time away for myself while I was there and I did a crossfit workout. It was an incredible workout just being outdoors in the beautiful atmosphere I was surrounded by. I have been absolutely amazed at my strength since I began crossfit just two months ago. Anytime something gets hard or I don't want to react negatively to a situation I now say to myself a crossfit woman is physically, emotionally and mentally strong!

Sunday I went to watch my friend do the short track which he placed first in but got shorted a lap due to the wind gust that blew all the canopies all over the track and meadow. I then did a hiking/jogging interval workout up to the downhill course. That was amazing and so many of the views as I was hiking were absolutely breathtaking. I watched my friend start the downhill race and then I did a downhill run of my own. I went at my max and sometimes 80% of my max the entire downhill road back to the campground. It took me 22 minutes and I felt great.

I can honestly say this was one of the most enjoyable weekends I have afforded myself in a very long time. It was just great to be surrounded by great company and I felt really spoiled the entire time I was camping.  I also enjoyed getting to know some of the campers around in the area. 

Time for no excuses

Today I posted that excuses are the difference that lie between the successful and unsuccessful individual.

Today I didn't make any excuses. I donated a pint of blood. I ate a good lunch. I drank gatorade and went to a crossfit workout although it wasn't advised to exercise until 24 hours after donating blood. I wanted to test my limits. I came home and ate an even better dinner.

I posted my goals in January and I wanted to gauge where I am at in terms of how I view myself successful or not.


Have a support network

Accept accountability

Complete one competitive run monthly

Utilize the gym at home

Utilize down time at work for stationary strength training

Drink water and plenty of it

I feel I have excelled in each of these areas. I was blessed to find crossfit which made it  not neccessary to utilize the gym at home in the garage. Instead I have made a goal to attend crossfit at least twice weekly and three times weekly when I don't have my Thursday running group meeting. I have seen and felt improvments in my running through the strength training I have been doing. Crossfit in and of itself is a great support network. I don't know any other gym where I would have one of the trainers sending me a message asking if I was okay because he saw me leave a little early and he would validate my frustration that my body didn't allow me to complete the entire workout. I have not been able to compete in one competitive run monthly. I have no excuse other than my work schedule and finances got in the way. I have however continued to improve on my personal best on my 2.5 mile run each month. I have also been able to utilize down time at work to do some travel workouts of the day. I have had to set that aside because of my studying for an EMT exam this upcoming Friday.

I am hoping to succeed in scoring in the top 10 and securing myself an invitation to the physical agility portion of the EMT exam. I really want to see what I've accomplished and more than anything I want to prove that I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. After successful completion of the written exam and physical agility I will be invited to an oral interview where I will then either be selected from a small number of candidates or I will be asked to try again at a later date.

All in all things are looking up and I am trying to keep a positive vision of my goals!!!

Time to wake up

Here's the Devil versus Angel on my shoulders battling this morning.

Angel: you can get up and go to crossfit it is hard, but you will feel better.

Devil: you can show up late you're only going to pick up the textbook that was left there for you anyway.

Angel: someone sacrificed their time to leave you that textbook and do you really want to live with the guilt you will give yourself for skipping a Friday crossfit wod?

Me: okay Angel you win I'm getting up and getting out the door.

Thank goodness for that Angel on my shoulder or should I say pillow this morning.

The crossfit workout today was hard but fun. I really want to be able to do an unassisted pull-up by the end of the year.

I left crossfit and went for a beach run.

I'm really proud to say I reached my February goal. I'm going to have to kick it up a notch to reach my March weight loss goal, but I'm determined I want to finally feel content with who I am and where I am.

time to understand what is most important

Tonight I went to the place that is helping me arrive one step closer to my goals.

I decided to run there instead of drive. I did this against the advice of one of the trainers. I ran 1.5 miles in 15 minutes 35 seconds although my runkeeper said I only ran .35 miles. I then did the workout warmup and then began the workout. I was on my second round of the workout and I wanted to give up. Something inside me said no you do not want to give up that is not what is important. What matters is finishing what you started and taking your time to get to the end. I have been striving to live by the philosphy that I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself and in doing that I strongly believe I can prove myself right each and every time.

On Monday I came home to find my invitation to test with the ambulance company that I have wanted to work for since I began the process of getting my EMT certification. That test is in one month. In that month I want to prepare for the physical test as well as the written exam. I am required to pass the written exam in the top 10 in order to continue on in the hiring process and be invited to the physical portion of the test. I am setting my expectations high and going to push myself to do my best.

time for special friends

Today I woke up at 6:30 and since I had the day off I decided I would begin sewing the baby blanket for my dear friend Autumn as I knew she is expecting her little girl Penelope to be born on Monday. Something told me that little Penelope wasn't going to wait until Monday, but that she would be arriving today. 2 hours later I logged onto facebook and learned that indeed at 6:26 am Autumn had her little precious Penelope Rose.

I took the time to contact the hospital and I was transferred to Autumn's room she sounded tired but just like my special friend I have come to love and adore. I asked if I could take my day and come meet her little girl. Autumn was so kind to tell me her and her husband would love my company and to drive on down.

I arrived at the hospital and was given my visitors badge. I walked into the room and Autumn's husband was holding the baby. Autumn asked him if I could hold the baby. I of course said I would like to wash my hands first. A day or two of clinicals in the hospital will teach you proper hand washing technique in a hospital. I sat down and Mike handed me Penelope. I think my heart skipped a beat and of course I was aware of this seeing as how today is woman's heart health awareness day. Penelope was perfect her skin is beautiful, her hair is beautiful she wasn't red and she was so quiet. She had this cute little expression on her face that Autumn kept saying looked like a little scowl, but I just loved it. She also had her hand to the side of her cheek. I was holding her for a short period of time and she found her little tiny thumb and started sucking it. I got the most precious picture taken of the moment. I was so grateful for the time to capture that little moment. I said to Autumn and Mike that I couldn't wait to see her eyes. She didn't open them while I was visiting, but I know they will be the most amazing blue eyes.

I had such a wonderful time. I know Autumn had been looking forward to this day for many years and I was so thankful for the time to spend today with a very special friend.

time to find myself

I went to a little craft store today and they had paperweights/silver stones with inspirational messages on them and I saw that they were 80% of the original price. I had to get some for myself. Tonight I can honestly say I had one of the most powerful experiences of my life. The afternoon evening started out with my friend and I setting the drink stops along the trail that our running group would later run.

My friend and I then began laying the trail and along the way we sidetracked from the original plan we had. This meaning we took the wrong trail. The wrong trail actually proved to be very incredible. The trail we took ran along a rapid flowing stream and the sound of the flowing water was absolutely amazing and the trail ended at the same place we had orignally set to end.  There was just one little flaw. At the top of the hill a really cute bag was left that I got for .29 it was also full of drinks. By taking the wrong trail that particular drink stop was completely missed.

I later this same evening went hiking back up the trail to retrieve the bag and the drinks. I took with me my ipod and I put it on low volume and did not put my headphones on which is usually what I do when running alone. I had my headlamp to be a safe hiker and I had my keys. On that hike with the full moon out and my small headlight shining the way for me and my soft music playing I found a peacefulness and a stillness I rarely take the chance to feel. Engraved on those little stones I bought today are two seperate statements. One saying rest a minute and the other saying take some time. The other two say shine and discover. I am trying to let my weaknesses go by the the wayside, let my strength shine through and discover all life is ready and willing to offer me.

I took some time to express the gratitude for the energy and strength I had to return up that hill as well as for the appreciation I gained for what an incredible place I live and just for the opportunity to continue to grow through humbling experiences and for all the opportunities that can be afforded to every single one of us through striving daily to be positive and seeking to rest a minute.

Time to see a different perspective

Today I was blessed to receive so much insight and realize it's time to see a perspective through someone else's eyes.

A friend of mine informed me about a fitness training facility he has gotten involved in. I saw this type of fitness training a number of years ago and was interested, but I pushed it to the way side thinking it was not something I could do.

My friend Emily and I went to the crossfit facility tonight. I had an amazing time. I even realized that my goal of being able to do one pull-up unassisted by the end of the year is completely accomplishable. I also drew the corrolation to how each of us have so many strengths inside of us just wanting and waiting to be found and challenged.

I love the words in the song by the band Kutless "What Faith Can Do." I think so often we get to thinking I can't when the reality is simply we can, but just don't know how or don't want to do what it is we think is impossible or difficult. Today I was shown how and I started to believe I can and that made a tremendous difference.

Time for new things

So it seems so many of us make new years resolutions. I heard in a study that was done only 46% of people who make new years resolutions actually follow through with them beyond the midpoint of the year.

I always like a challenge so I'm setting a goal to be in that 46th percentile that chooses not to quit. That chooses to push themselves often times greater than what they feel they can bare, but they do it anyway. There's my mantra sneaking up on me. Do a little a lot and do it anyway.

My resolution is to be a stronger, happier, kinder, healthier me in 6 months and then continue on after reaching my goal until years end.

My game plan: Have a support network
Accept accountability
Complete one competitive run monthly I almost have until June planned out
Utilize the gym at home
Utilize down time at work for stationary strength training
Drink water and plenty of it
Focus on staying positive and not self critical

I think my game plan looks like a really good guideline to my success.

I'm looking forward to all this new year has to offer.