When you hit 28 or 39, I hear there is a divide that takes place. Two kinds of people emerge. One side are the people that used their 20's to grow, learn and determine who they were. They found God for themselves. Found their dreams. They know what works, what doesn't. They've pushed themselves to go through the pain and become a real, live adult and realize that it's a beautiful thing.
The other side are those stuck in college, or heaven forbid, high school. They've stayed at dead-end jobs they've hated because of fear of taking a risk. They are in relationships that are good enough, but aren't amazing. They mean to find a church, develop intimate friendships, and stop drinking like life's a big frat party. But they don't do those things and continue to live in an extended adolescents.
This past year I can look back and say I can be content and that I am proud of the life I'm living.
In 2011, I've crossed the gap from from mid- to late-20s. In that transition, if it even qualifies as one, I've happily found a balance between the season of wildness and season of settledness. I've heard so many times that life is too short to stress yourself with people who don't even deserve to be an issue in your life, but this past year my soul actually learned it and life has become so much more beautiful.
So because of that, I walk closely with people I love, that believe God is good and life is a beautiful adventure. I don't get stuck in the past and I don't try to fast-forward into a future that I haven't yet earned. I give today all the love, intensity and courage I can as I travel along life's path.
There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming. Discovering. Dreaming. Not loosing myself in immature adventures and not loosing myself on the corporate ladder. I've found a balance that allows me to stop every once in a while and go out with an old friend for coffee or climb in bed with my journal and write till my heart stops bleeding.
I've embraced that imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. I've fully realized the uniqueness that you are taunted for all the way up through college is what people suddenly embrace and love. The uniqueness is what employers remember.
So this year, in the midst of all the accomplishments that I'm so proud of, I'm most proud of the fact that I'm growing and find the beauty in what God is making me. That every day he instill His divine sense of creativity in me and that I can use every part of good in me to give honor to Him.
It's been a wonderful year and I wonder how I could top it, then I realize I can't. I wouldn't have been able to plan all the beauty and accomplishments that happened this year, so why do I think I can comprehend this coming year. So I tear out my page in my notebook with "2012" scribbled across the top and leave a blank page and just hand it to God.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
New Years Resolutions To Keep
I wish I could claim this, but alas, it came for thenest.com. Made my day too much to not pass on :-)
Resolve to drink more wine.
Stop thinking of it as "drinking the whole bottle" and start thinking of it as "getting all of the antioxidants."
Resolve to stimulate the economy.
JCrew.com totally counts as the economy. Go ahead! Get the parka. Get six! They come in that many colors for a reason. Eat your heart out, Occupy movement.
Resolve to be less selfish.
There are only about 12 treadmills at your gym, and there are always at least 20 people who want to use them. Take one for the team: Stay home and eat pizza rolls!
Resolve to obsess about bangs.
Whether you have them and are forced to constantly maintain them, or you're simply obsessing about getting them, this is easy to do. Commit to emailing your best friend once a week with a picture of a different celebrity’s great-looking bangs, with subject lines like: "Yes? No??"
Resolve to learn the Spanish word for ladle.
It's cucharon! There! You're done.
Resolve to use fewer industrial chemicals.
You're not avoiding cleaning the toilet; you’re protecting the environment. There's probably a way to apply this philosophy to laundry and dusting too.
Resolve to watch everything in your DVR.
Don’t you hate it when people complain about falling behind on their DVR watching? Don’t be one of those people.
Resolve to obsessively check the Facebook pages of your exes.
Facebook profiles are troves of information! Think of them as educational tools. The next time you need a good quote about Gandhi and one rolls off your tongue, you can thank yourself for having read your philosophy PhD ex's profile 13,000 times
Resolve to drink more wine.
Stop thinking of it as "drinking the whole bottle" and start thinking of it as "getting all of the antioxidants."
Resolve to stimulate the economy.
JCrew.com totally counts as the economy. Go ahead! Get the parka. Get six! They come in that many colors for a reason. Eat your heart out, Occupy movement.
Resolve to be less selfish.
There are only about 12 treadmills at your gym, and there are always at least 20 people who want to use them. Take one for the team: Stay home and eat pizza rolls!
Resolve to obsess about bangs.
Whether you have them and are forced to constantly maintain them, or you're simply obsessing about getting them, this is easy to do. Commit to emailing your best friend once a week with a picture of a different celebrity’s great-looking bangs, with subject lines like: "Yes? No??"
Resolve to learn the Spanish word for ladle.
It's cucharon! There! You're done.
Resolve to use fewer industrial chemicals.
You're not avoiding cleaning the toilet; you’re protecting the environment. There's probably a way to apply this philosophy to laundry and dusting too.
Resolve to watch everything in your DVR.
Don’t you hate it when people complain about falling behind on their DVR watching? Don’t be one of those people.
Resolve to obsessively check the Facebook pages of your exes.
Facebook profiles are troves of information! Think of them as educational tools. The next time you need a good quote about Gandhi and one rolls off your tongue, you can thank yourself for having read your philosophy PhD ex's profile 13,000 times
Monday, November 21, 2011
I've Learned
I lifted this from the great Andy Rooney. I remember watching him as I grew up. There aren't many ten year olds that watch 60 Minutes much less children that want to hear Andy's perspective on life, but I loved it. He always had quips that were interesting, had so much common sense and were really grounded. Sometimes in our life we need to be grounded and remember what is important.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE
I've learned... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' Makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned ... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned... That simple walks with my father on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told my Mom and Dad that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your look.
I've learned... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE
I've learned... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' Makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned ... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned... That simple walks with my father on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told my Mom and Dad that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your look.
I've learned... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
There is difference in having color and looking like you rolled in Doritos....
Recently, I've really been bothered by the amount of young people that find the need to tan excessively and not acknowledge the dangers they are in or the long-term damage they are doing to themselves.
How To Scare Your Teenage Daughter Out of Tanning
This is a personal issue for me. My mom, who use to tan religiously, was diagnosed with melanoma and was very fortunate to catch it immediately. Her doctor said it could have killed her within two weeks since it spreads so rapidly.
In 2010, more then 2 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in this country. Of those, 68,130 cases were melanoma resulting in 11,790 DEATHS, with late stage detection having only a 15% survival rate. Main cause? From being exposed to UV rays.
Deadly as arsenic
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun/tanning beds and generates endorphins. Endorphins generate a rush, such as one gets during exercise, excitement, pain and love. It produces a morphine-like feeling throughout the entire body which easily becomes addictive. This addiction of endorphins that comes through sunlight has been dubbed as "tanorexia," an addiction to tanning.
To me, this raises the question of difference between soliciting tanning and soliciting drugs, tobacco or alcohol. All are addictive. All harm your body and ultimately kill you with little benefit other then vain aspirations. I wish someone would find a difference, because honestly I don't like making that comparison. Unfortunately, in my mind, I can't see the difference.
Some argue that the sun has UV radiation, and it does, which is why it's important to exercise safety with sunscreen. In addition, I personally have always stood on Psalm 121:6 as a promise from God that "the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." That is obviously a personally interpretation, but something God had given me peace about.
Others argue that tanning beds are a good source of vitamin D. Ok, first, can you tell me why you need vitamin D? I'm guessing no. Most don't understand the importance of vitamins in their diet. In my opinion, this is a weak excuse formulated by the tanning industry to come against the attacks on their industry.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium in order to avoid osteoporosis and builds up the immune system to protect against autoimmune diseases and cancer. VItamin D comes in the form of supplements, food (mostly plants but is often added to juices and dairy to supplement) and sun/tanning exposure. This made me wonder how much vitamin D is really necessary in a diet.
After some research, I found the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 200 IU per day until the age of 50 and 400 IU daily once you are over 50. You can get it through natural sunlight by only about 10 minutes of exposure, three times a week with only about 6-10% of your body exposed to the sun. This generates all the vitamin D you body needs for an entire week. I find it hard to believe a majority of people can't get that in addition to food. If concerned, vitamins are also available, which I actually think is cheaper then a tanning package.
In addition to the health concerns, tanning ages you so quickly and gives the worst wrinkles. Why do you think so many celebrities are on the paler side? This always confused me, people think tan is hot but celebrities aren't really tan.
For some reason, this information offends people. I think everyone should understand what they are doing to their body and the long term effects. Understanding motives are also important. What are your motives? What are your addictions? Do they line up with what God would have for us?
Be smart people. Respect yourselves.
How To Scare Your Teenage Daughter Out of Tanning
This is a personal issue for me. My mom, who use to tan religiously, was diagnosed with melanoma and was very fortunate to catch it immediately. Her doctor said it could have killed her within two weeks since it spreads so rapidly.
In 2010, more then 2 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in this country. Of those, 68,130 cases were melanoma resulting in 11,790 DEATHS, with late stage detection having only a 15% survival rate. Main cause? From being exposed to UV rays.
Deadly as arsenic
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun/tanning beds and generates endorphins. Endorphins generate a rush, such as one gets during exercise, excitement, pain and love. It produces a morphine-like feeling throughout the entire body which easily becomes addictive. This addiction of endorphins that comes through sunlight has been dubbed as "tanorexia," an addiction to tanning.
To me, this raises the question of difference between soliciting tanning and soliciting drugs, tobacco or alcohol. All are addictive. All harm your body and ultimately kill you with little benefit other then vain aspirations. I wish someone would find a difference, because honestly I don't like making that comparison. Unfortunately, in my mind, I can't see the difference.
Others argue that tanning beds are a good source of vitamin D. Ok, first, can you tell me why you need vitamin D? I'm guessing no. Most don't understand the importance of vitamins in their diet. In my opinion, this is a weak excuse formulated by the tanning industry to come against the attacks on their industry.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium in order to avoid osteoporosis and builds up the immune system to protect against autoimmune diseases and cancer. VItamin D comes in the form of supplements, food (mostly plants but is often added to juices and dairy to supplement) and sun/tanning exposure. This made me wonder how much vitamin D is really necessary in a diet.
After some research, I found the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 200 IU per day until the age of 50 and 400 IU daily once you are over 50. You can get it through natural sunlight by only about 10 minutes of exposure, three times a week with only about 6-10% of your body exposed to the sun. This generates all the vitamin D you body needs for an entire week. I find it hard to believe a majority of people can't get that in addition to food. If concerned, vitamins are also available, which I actually think is cheaper then a tanning package.
In addition to the health concerns, tanning ages you so quickly and gives the worst wrinkles. Why do you think so many celebrities are on the paler side? This always confused me, people think tan is hot but celebrities aren't really tan.
Talk about tanning gone bad, yet Ann is stunning!
For some reason, this information offends people. I think everyone should understand what they are doing to their body and the long term effects. Understanding motives are also important. What are your motives? What are your addictions? Do they line up with what God would have for us?
Be smart people. Respect yourselves.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Best new website find, pilot wife must-have!
I must say this is the best website I've found in quite some time, other then Pinterest, which I'm beginning to think is more of a cult then website :-) *shameless plug....follow me.*
I recently discovered Cozi, which for the typically family saves a lot of time and offers a great space for organization.
For flying families, it is the ultimate must.
Basically the main page offers articles on food and meal planning, financial planning and links for samples and coupons.
To log in, each person in the family can use their own email address and the main family password. This main page hosts a family calendar, to-do lists, grocery list, journal and option to email other family members in a chat-like set-up. What's really cool is each family member can be identified with one specific color.
As a pilot's wife, I find this helpful in so many ways. My husband is a little paranoid and doesn't like me logging onto his company's website in fear I will acknowledge something that could be illegal or cause problems. This means I have a hard time keeping up with him. Now, he can just update it with his flying schedule, give or take a few stops. (BTW - this wouldn't have really been feasible at a regional, just because that's a lot of info to manually enter, but with the international flying he doesn't have multiple stops in one day.)
He can also stayed connected to my life by seeing what I'm up to. I can leave him notes in the journal and he can add "Oreos" to my shopping list so I know to have them when he gets home.
I highly recommend checking it out. Very easy to use and there is even a free app to go along with it!
Enjoy!
I recently discovered Cozi, which for the typically family saves a lot of time and offers a great space for organization.
For flying families, it is the ultimate must.
Basically the main page offers articles on food and meal planning, financial planning and links for samples and coupons.
To log in, each person in the family can use their own email address and the main family password. This main page hosts a family calendar, to-do lists, grocery list, journal and option to email other family members in a chat-like set-up. What's really cool is each family member can be identified with one specific color.
As a pilot's wife, I find this helpful in so many ways. My husband is a little paranoid and doesn't like me logging onto his company's website in fear I will acknowledge something that could be illegal or cause problems. This means I have a hard time keeping up with him. Now, he can just update it with his flying schedule, give or take a few stops. (BTW - this wouldn't have really been feasible at a regional, just because that's a lot of info to manually enter, but with the international flying he doesn't have multiple stops in one day.)
He can also stayed connected to my life by seeing what I'm up to. I can leave him notes in the journal and he can add "Oreos" to my shopping list so I know to have them when he gets home.
I highly recommend checking it out. Very easy to use and there is even a free app to go along with it!
Enjoy!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Drinking pilots
Genius. Good job buddy. Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking and if they ever give thought to the bad name they are giving to others. Always be aware of the reputation you could be giving to others.
Federal Judge Sentences Pilot
Federal Judge Sentences Pilot
Monday, November 7, 2011
Ten Things NOT To Say To the Childless
Through the past few months, I have come to realize that a majority of my friends have taken the plunge to have kids. My husband doesn't seem to realize, or appreciate, how I've been bomboarded with ultrasound pictures and countdown timers, texts about the size their unborn child is now in relation to fruit, endless showers, names and meanings, and Pinterest postings just to name a few. How do men always avoid this type of thing?
This experience has taught me a few things, namely the ten things not to say to peers who don't have children. Here are a few and please share if there are any I didn't include.
1. "When will you finally have kids?"
Very common, especially if you have been married for more then a week. I understand many people are happy to be childfree or waiting, but sometimes the situation is more heartbreaking. A couple could be facing infertility or in the agonizing position of having a spouse who doesn't want children. Maybe theyare in a complex struggle over the issue. At a shower with many strangers listening in may not be the ideal place to bring it up.
2. "We always wanted to have a family."
This expression is a pet peeve of mine. I wasn't aware that "family" equaled "children." Does that mean people without kids are family-less? Family comes in many forms: significant others, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors -- happily, the list goes on!
3. "We only invited other parents."
Child-free friends can sometimes feel isolated or excluded from their friends' lives. So invite us to birthday parties! Sure, there are some people who just don't like kids and have no desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by them. They can decline the invitation, and the rest of us will cheer when the birthday boy takes his first bite of cupcake. This can make couples feel included and that our relationship is valued and they want us to be apart of their child's lives.
4. "You can go out every night"
If you had kids when you were on the younger side, you may have transitioned abruptly from staying out to night feedings and Yo Gabba Gabba -- and years later, you may assume that we're still acting like our crazy twentysomething selves. But just because we don't have kids doesn't mean we aren't growing up.
5. "You're so lucky you get to sleep in/shop/travel."
We understand that you give up a lot to be the amazing parent you are -- and we do appreciate our extra cash and free time, and yes, the sleep. But the constant offhand comments like this make us feel like you assume the reason we don't have children is that we're lazy, selfish, or shallow. The decision is never that simple.
6. "This must be birth control for you."
Parents often make this joke when their kid is being loud or persistent, and we understand it's because you're worried the situation is bugging everyone around you. Don't stress -- a good friend understands that your kid is going to have a meltdown once in a while. We can take it. And, of course, a crying toddler is not actually a tipping point in our decision to have kids. We're not that shortsighted.
7. "Your dog/cat/parakeet is your baby."
Pets are a huge part of many people's lives, whether or not those people have children. But it feels like a consolation prize when you put it like this. I recently heard a co-worker say to another, "you are smart to stick with dogs" while dealing with a problem with their child. I don't really see them as interchangeable, and I'm sure your kids would appreciate it if you took that approach as well.
8. "I can't die; I'm a mom."
During a recent brief terrorism scare in New York City, a friend said, "I have to get out -- I can't die; I'm a mom." We know you have someone depending on you in an unprecedented way, but there are people who love and depend on us, too.
9. "I'm sorry it's taken forever for me to call/email/text you back."
Don't start every correspondence with an apology. Your life is insane and letting us know you want to make time for us is appreciated. But don't stress so much: My life is busy too, and more often than not, I didn't even notice a lag.
10. "You wouldn't understand."
First off, this is just bad communication in any circumstance. Really, just retire this saying from your vocabulary.
Second, there are many things about parenting you will turn to your mom friends to talk about. And, honestly, with anyone other than a close friend, that's probably best -- I lose interest fast when someone I don't know well talks too much about their kids. But when we're real friends, don't let our relationship fade because you're afraid of boring us with parenting stuff. Just like we used to listen to you talk about your ex, we want to hear about what's important in your life now. And we hope you'll do the same for us.
Ok, I hope you find this informative and maybe see the situation from another pair of shoes. :-)
This experience has taught me a few things, namely the ten things not to say to peers who don't have children. Here are a few and please share if there are any I didn't include.
1. "When will you finally have kids?"
Very common, especially if you have been married for more then a week. I understand many people are happy to be childfree or waiting, but sometimes the situation is more heartbreaking. A couple could be facing infertility or in the agonizing position of having a spouse who doesn't want children. Maybe theyare in a complex struggle over the issue. At a shower with many strangers listening in may not be the ideal place to bring it up.
2. "We always wanted to have a family."
This expression is a pet peeve of mine. I wasn't aware that "family" equaled "children." Does that mean people without kids are family-less? Family comes in many forms: significant others, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors -- happily, the list goes on!
3. "We only invited other parents."
Child-free friends can sometimes feel isolated or excluded from their friends' lives. So invite us to birthday parties! Sure, there are some people who just don't like kids and have no desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by them. They can decline the invitation, and the rest of us will cheer when the birthday boy takes his first bite of cupcake. This can make couples feel included and that our relationship is valued and they want us to be apart of their child's lives.
4. "You can go out every night"
If you had kids when you were on the younger side, you may have transitioned abruptly from staying out to night feedings and Yo Gabba Gabba -- and years later, you may assume that we're still acting like our crazy twentysomething selves. But just because we don't have kids doesn't mean we aren't growing up.
5. "You're so lucky you get to sleep in/shop/travel."
We understand that you give up a lot to be the amazing parent you are -- and we do appreciate our extra cash and free time, and yes, the sleep. But the constant offhand comments like this make us feel like you assume the reason we don't have children is that we're lazy, selfish, or shallow. The decision is never that simple.
6. "This must be birth control for you."
Parents often make this joke when their kid is being loud or persistent, and we understand it's because you're worried the situation is bugging everyone around you. Don't stress -- a good friend understands that your kid is going to have a meltdown once in a while. We can take it. And, of course, a crying toddler is not actually a tipping point in our decision to have kids. We're not that shortsighted.
7. "Your dog/cat/parakeet is your baby."
Pets are a huge part of many people's lives, whether or not those people have children. But it feels like a consolation prize when you put it like this. I recently heard a co-worker say to another, "you are smart to stick with dogs" while dealing with a problem with their child. I don't really see them as interchangeable, and I'm sure your kids would appreciate it if you took that approach as well.
8. "I can't die; I'm a mom."
During a recent brief terrorism scare in New York City, a friend said, "I have to get out -- I can't die; I'm a mom." We know you have someone depending on you in an unprecedented way, but there are people who love and depend on us, too.
9. "I'm sorry it's taken forever for me to call/email/text you back."
Don't start every correspondence with an apology. Your life is insane and letting us know you want to make time for us is appreciated. But don't stress so much: My life is busy too, and more often than not, I didn't even notice a lag.
10. "You wouldn't understand."
First off, this is just bad communication in any circumstance. Really, just retire this saying from your vocabulary.
Second, there are many things about parenting you will turn to your mom friends to talk about. And, honestly, with anyone other than a close friend, that's probably best -- I lose interest fast when someone I don't know well talks too much about their kids. But when we're real friends, don't let our relationship fade because you're afraid of boring us with parenting stuff. Just like we used to listen to you talk about your ex, we want to hear about what's important in your life now. And we hope you'll do the same for us.
Ok, I hope you find this informative and maybe see the situation from another pair of shoes. :-)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Pushing your limits
So on Octover 22, I completed my very first half marathon!! I can't even begin to describe my excitment or sense of accomplishment. It was such an incredible experience, I've taken the past few weeks to just soak it all in! haha First of all, if you have never participated in a race of any kind, I don't think I can accurately relay the energy, encouragement and excitment. A half marathon is just like that, but on steroids!
I started training for my half when I first heard about it in August. I followed Hal Higdon's plan and it was PERFECT! It broke it into doable pieces, only alteration I made was adding a mile every week to my long run, so my longest run the week before was 12 miles, making 13 fit perfectly into my routine. I ended my training running about 30 miles a week, much different then the three I started out with.
Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Program
About two weeks before the race, my cousin posted on Facebook he was looking someone to run his first half marathon with, how perfect! Never having run together, I was a little nervous, but TJ was a trooper and hung with me all the way till mile 10. Amazing considering he is at least four inches taller and six years younger. It made the race go so quickly! We really had some good heart to heart. It's for those moments why I run. It's getting away from everything and just reflecting on life without pressure or anything else to do.
We got to the race start at 7:00 that morning when it was about 30 degrees. I couldn't believe how it took my breath away when I got out of the car. Once the gun went off, my muscles still weren't as warm as normal, this was the first big cold of the year. Pretty sure my body wasn't awake and loose till mile 3. Needless to say, the first few miles were really slow.
At mile 10, TJ took off and killed it! I think he finished in 2 hours and 5 minutes. Like he said, only three minutes short of the world record....for a full marathon. :-) LOL
I put my headphones in for the first time and the following song came on my shuffle. Now tell me how can you not kick it into gear when you hear this? I was dancing the entire time it played.
10 mile song
The last mile, the next song came on. As old school as it is, it is my absolute favorite running song. How does it not kick you into gear? I think I repeated it three times. :-)
Pick it up!
I ended up finishing in 2 hours and eleven minutes, pacing 10:00. Not exactly proud of it, but happy. Especially for my first!
I remember seeing an interview with Kelly Osbourne and she said she never thought she would be the girl who snacked on rare carrots. Well, I never thought I would be that running girl, but I can honestly say I've caught the bug. I literally think about running and look up articles to read about it. Now that, my friends, is sick. There are worst things :-)
Oh! And for my pilot wives, DH WAS in town! Got in the night before :-) How amazing is that? I was a little depressed he wasn't going to get to share in my excitement, along with my uncle, mom and dad.
Ok, I will stop gushing. Let me just encouraging you to make a goal. Then set doable steps to accomplish it. Goals that take work and dedication. Where the possibility of failure is real. There is nothing like pushing your limits and watching them back down.
I started training for my half when I first heard about it in August. I followed Hal Higdon's plan and it was PERFECT! It broke it into doable pieces, only alteration I made was adding a mile every week to my long run, so my longest run the week before was 12 miles, making 13 fit perfectly into my routine. I ended my training running about 30 miles a week, much different then the three I started out with.
Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Program
About two weeks before the race, my cousin posted on Facebook he was looking someone to run his first half marathon with, how perfect! Never having run together, I was a little nervous, but TJ was a trooper and hung with me all the way till mile 10. Amazing considering he is at least four inches taller and six years younger. It made the race go so quickly! We really had some good heart to heart. It's for those moments why I run. It's getting away from everything and just reflecting on life without pressure or anything else to do.
We got to the race start at 7:00 that morning when it was about 30 degrees. I couldn't believe how it took my breath away when I got out of the car. Once the gun went off, my muscles still weren't as warm as normal, this was the first big cold of the year. Pretty sure my body wasn't awake and loose till mile 3. Needless to say, the first few miles were really slow.
At mile 10, TJ took off and killed it! I think he finished in 2 hours and 5 minutes. Like he said, only three minutes short of the world record....for a full marathon. :-) LOL
I put my headphones in for the first time and the following song came on my shuffle. Now tell me how can you not kick it into gear when you hear this? I was dancing the entire time it played.
10 mile song
The last mile, the next song came on. As old school as it is, it is my absolute favorite running song. How does it not kick you into gear? I think I repeated it three times. :-)
Pick it up!
I ended up finishing in 2 hours and eleven minutes, pacing 10:00. Not exactly proud of it, but happy. Especially for my first!
I remember seeing an interview with Kelly Osbourne and she said she never thought she would be the girl who snacked on rare carrots. Well, I never thought I would be that running girl, but I can honestly say I've caught the bug. I literally think about running and look up articles to read about it. Now that, my friends, is sick. There are worst things :-)
Oh! And for my pilot wives, DH WAS in town! Got in the night before :-) How amazing is that? I was a little depressed he wasn't going to get to share in my excitement, along with my uncle, mom and dad.
Ok, I will stop gushing. Let me just encouraging you to make a goal. Then set doable steps to accomplish it. Goals that take work and dedication. Where the possibility of failure is real. There is nothing like pushing your limits and watching them back down.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
"Pilot's don't work"
I'm sure I caught EVERY pilot wife with that header! I hope it irratates you as much as it does me. Ok, here is the scenario.
Sitting at lunch with a few former co-workers and a friend says, "Yeah, tell them where your husband was headed yesterday?" (Side note - this happens a lot, actually. I think my husband's travels are cool, so I don't mind sharing. I just try not to be annoying and bring it up first. Only my closest friends are given that privilege!)
So I mention that DH flew from Las Vegas to Honolulu yesterday then had the day in Honolulu today before heading back to Las Vegas.
THAT opened a can of worms, you know because these three 50+ year old ladies know ALL ABOUT the industry.
"Pilot's never work"
"They always have three to four weeks off at a time"
"And they make so much!"
Please people. If we weren't in a resteraunt, my head would have spun and I would have divulged in a 40 minute conversation about the stupidity of those statements. So just to clear up any confusion non-pilot individuals may have, you get to hear it.
The first statement is loaded. For one, please realize that when pilots aren't working, they aren't paid. Just like most people. Plus, they are hourly and that hour starts at take-off and landing. That means commuting to work (typically in a different state), pre-flight checks, loading and unloading of passengers, etc. Lots of hours go into one hour of work.
Second, I don't know many pilots that are off three to four weeks at a time unless they are furloughed, and I have never seen that as a positive. Pilots are home several days in a row, but they are also gone. Away from family, friends and everything familiar. I've never done the math, but if you added up the hours a business, 9-5 man spends at home at night and during the weekends and the hours a pilot does, I'm almost positive a majority of the time, the business man comes out on top.
As for the last point, if they land the right job at the right company, they have the potential to make a lot. For the rest of them, I'll leave you with the article BFF Tyler posted.
Pilots can earn less the airport window washers
I must apologize for the rant. Since it is a little whiny, I'm not going to particularly advertise this post. Just needed to vent a little bit and ask people in the general population to be conscious of their diction. I am guilty of this as well but must always remember that I don't know what battle someone else may be fighting.
Sitting at lunch with a few former co-workers and a friend says, "Yeah, tell them where your husband was headed yesterday?" (Side note - this happens a lot, actually. I think my husband's travels are cool, so I don't mind sharing. I just try not to be annoying and bring it up first. Only my closest friends are given that privilege!)
So I mention that DH flew from Las Vegas to Honolulu yesterday then had the day in Honolulu today before heading back to Las Vegas.
THAT opened a can of worms, you know because these three 50+ year old ladies know ALL ABOUT the industry.
"Pilot's never work"
"They always have three to four weeks off at a time"
"And they make so much!"
Please people. If we weren't in a resteraunt, my head would have spun and I would have divulged in a 40 minute conversation about the stupidity of those statements. So just to clear up any confusion non-pilot individuals may have, you get to hear it.
The first statement is loaded. For one, please realize that when pilots aren't working, they aren't paid. Just like most people. Plus, they are hourly and that hour starts at take-off and landing. That means commuting to work (typically in a different state), pre-flight checks, loading and unloading of passengers, etc. Lots of hours go into one hour of work.
Second, I don't know many pilots that are off three to four weeks at a time unless they are furloughed, and I have never seen that as a positive. Pilots are home several days in a row, but they are also gone. Away from family, friends and everything familiar. I've never done the math, but if you added up the hours a business, 9-5 man spends at home at night and during the weekends and the hours a pilot does, I'm almost positive a majority of the time, the business man comes out on top.
As for the last point, if they land the right job at the right company, they have the potential to make a lot. For the rest of them, I'll leave you with the article BFF Tyler posted.
Pilots can earn less the airport window washers
I must apologize for the rant. Since it is a little whiny, I'm not going to particularly advertise this post. Just needed to vent a little bit and ask people in the general population to be conscious of their diction. I am guilty of this as well but must always remember that I don't know what battle someone else may be fighting.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
First 757 Flight
My husband recently completed his first trip on a Boeing 757. I would say I am so proud of him, but that seems a little too motherly and creeps me out. So, I will simply say that I am ecstatic for him. For as long as I have known him, a whole four years, he has talked about flying that plane. Watching him fulfill his goals reminds me of the things I was so attractive to when we first met. I love his ambition and dedication and I never have to doubt that he will achieve the goals he sets.
My husband's BFF was attentive enough to pull up a flight tracker (I need to learn how to use those things) and snag this Shawn's first flight! Continually upstaged by the bromance, thanks Fries. :-) But kudos, very thoughtful!
The Omni Boeing 757, at least according to Google. Those that are more plane-versed, please forgive me if my research is incorrect. :-)
My husband's BFF was attentive enough to pull up a flight tracker (I need to learn how to use those things) and snag this Shawn's first flight! Continually upstaged by the bromance, thanks Fries. :-) But kudos, very thoughtful!
My husband had a free day in Las Vegas, where he proceeded to send me the following picture. I would like to take a moment and mention how much I LOVE receiving text pics from wherever he may be!
That is, until I am sitting in my bland, grey cube at work on a rain, cold day and he sends me this pic from Honolulu...
I'm so fortunate. I have a job I love, married to a man I love that is doing what he loves. This place is just oozing with mushy stuff.
Do I have moments where I feel sorry for myself? Unfortunately, yes. I did, however, just read a short article that made me smile. It talked about the benefits of taking adventures alone and how it helps you to truly learn yourself. I can honestly say that through the past two years, not only have a I learned more about my husband, but I have learned myself and become comfortable in my skin.
I've always been independent but it's like I found a new strength. I have always attributed it to being married to the right person, the one that makes your strive to be better without pressure or expectations. Now I realize it's also about pushing outside my comfort zone and I don't know what all I'm capable of quite yet.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Jazzy Pilot
Ok, so this is cheesy and a little raunchy at the end, but it really cracked me up. I would have never watched the whole thing but another wife recommended it, and I'm glad I suffered through because the end is funny, probably because I can totally relate.
Jazzy Pilot
How do I relate, you ask? No, I can't even impersonate "type talk." That's just weird to me.
I relate because everything somehow results in a checklist. If my pilot can't think of a checklist, he will just start reciting a take-off checklist...while driving down the road to the grocery store. Randomly.
Ok, maybe this is more a personal thing, but I don't start randomly quoting stock prices while pumping gas. Just saying.
This is my post for the day. Short and sweet. Just like me. (Ok, maybe more sassy then sweet and definitely not short. Maybe in my dream world.)
Jazzy Pilot
How do I relate, you ask? No, I can't even impersonate "type talk." That's just weird to me.
I relate because everything somehow results in a checklist. If my pilot can't think of a checklist, he will just start reciting a take-off checklist...while driving down the road to the grocery store. Randomly.
Ok, maybe this is more a personal thing, but I don't start randomly quoting stock prices while pumping gas. Just saying.
This is my post for the day. Short and sweet. Just like me. (Ok, maybe more sassy then sweet and definitely not short. Maybe in my dream world.)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
50 Rules for Dads of Daughters
I'm so blessed and reading this just confirmed it. My father did all these and so much more, he is so instinctive about it. I am a daddy's girl, and for good reason.
"I learned from you that I do not crumble
I learned that strength is something you choose
All of the reasons to keep on believin'
There's no question, that's a lesson, that I learned from you"
I learned that strength is something you choose
All of the reasons to keep on believin'
There's no question, that's a lesson, that I learned from you"
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
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