New Years or not, we hit the gym…because it’s what we do.
farewell my friends
I have really become attached to my Friends over the past couple of years. During 2019, in particular, Rachael, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, Joey, and my friends’ friends have helped me to smile (even laugh) when my heart was aching. And it was aching terribly for much of the year.
When I was feeling lonely, they were there within a few clicks — and I knew that indeed I had a friend (or three or 6+). It seems only fitting that I would see the decade pass with them in my presence — if only until the clock strikes midnight. I hope that once they get settled (where ever they land) that they will reach out to reconnect as good friends always do.
Farewell my friends; you will surely be missed.
20/20
The term 20/20 vision is used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. Someone who has 20/20 vision, can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance.
In the year of 2020, I hope to bring my visual acuity to a new normal by repeating my Daily Photo project of 2010. The plan is simply to take a photo every day to use for a little write up. Nothing fancy; any camera will do. I plan to post here but was thinking that the best of the week could be shared on a Best Shot Monday post to my Instagram page.
Back in 2010, I found that the project helped to inspire creativity and an ability to look at things differently. An eye opener of sorts; one that makes something extraordinary out of ordinary.
If you care to join me, please leave a comment on where I can find your pics.
drink it up
This Thanksgiving I poured myself a large glass of gratitude.
My glass is overflowing with gratitude for:
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- my health,
- my beautiful family (immediate and extended),
- for my friends,
- for my yoga practice and the new opportunity to teach others,
- for the warmth of my lovely home,
- the car that takes me places,
- my job,
- for the ability to love myself and others,
- for our sweet dog who is always excited to see me when I come home,
- and so much more
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I hope that your glass is overflowing with blessings and gratitude in this holiday season.
earned, not given
Last year, when I was in the final stage of earning my Spartan Trifecta, my brother (Robert) decided that he wanted to do the same. You should know that I am one of 4 siblings who have all lead a quite athletic lifestyle – with the exception of Robert. His desire to complete the required races to gain trifecta status would not come easy. I decided that I would accompany him on his journey, and Lil Sis (Carol) volunteered to do the same.
We took on the Spartan Sprint in March, met the Spartan Super in June, and, this past weekend, faced the beast of all 3 races (the Spartan Beast). You should know that while Robert was enthusiastic following the Sprint, he was very apprehensive (if not reluctant) upon completion of the Super to continue on to the Beast. By the time he decided to bite the bullet and register, Carol and I had been signed up for a couple of weeks and all of the earliest start times were sold out. He put everything he could into his training but wasn’t feeling confident that he could go the distance and complete the obstacles along the way. At one point, he thought of quitting. He told me that he thought he was holding Carol and I back and was a little surprised when I told him that we were only doing it to support him. [No pressure] Of course, he kept trying and added hikes at elevation to his plan of attack. In the months leading up to our final race, I made a couple of road trips to accompany him on some training hikes.
Long story, short. HE DID IT!
But it was NOT easy. His pain was palpable at times. His determination was admirable every step of the way. It was cool to hear him express his thoughts while navigating the steepest downhill sections (with some uphill thrown in for good measure) the final 5-ish miles. He wasn’t planning to do another Beast, so he was really taking in the experience. Being accepting of the pain, he took my input on how to encourage glute activation to heart.
Meanwhile, I learned to be more receptive to the heel pain which decided to accompany us every step of the way. When I felt like complaining, I’d look over at Robert and the feeling would quickly be buried in the heap of admiration that was growing. You see, this race wasn’t about me… or Carol; it was about Robert.
He put in the work and earned his trifecta!