Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Digging Deep

I spent my Sunday doing something I was sure I couldn't do right now. Kim and I did the Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon Relay. Kim took the first leg, which was 7.1 miles, and she totally rocked it! But I was really anxious about my part. I had 6 miles in front of me, and when Kim and I exchanged the baton, I took off at turtle speed. I knew I couldn't run it. I wasn't even sure if I could walk it. At each mile marker it still felt like an eternity away. Wasn't the end ever going go arrive? I plodded along with people passing me the whole way. But here's what's really cool: People would walk with me a short ways and encourage me. They would tell me I could finish, and they would share their weight loss stories with me. It was amazing! And even though my calves were cramping and I was exhausted, it was the encouragement of others that kept me going. That and my desire to finish, which only grew strong with each step. By the time the finish line was in sight, I called my parents so that they could encourage me over the finish line. And then there were the tears...so I was sobbing, listening to my parents tell me how proud they were, and lumbering across the finish line. It wasn't pretty to see, but I don't care. I did it! I actually did it! I was so scared when I set out, but I really finished it! And Kim and I cried together when we found each other. She knows how hard that was for me. But she knew I could do it. It's so awesome to have so many people believe in you! This was physically the hardest thing I have ever done. But I did it, and I am proud! I ordered my finish line photo, so I will post it here when I get it. Next year? I just might do the whole thing myself! With friends along side me and family at the finish line. That would be the best ever!

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Merits of Grief

People sometimes think that some types of loss are more important than other kinds. I don't think that way. As a future grief counselor, I see all kinds of grief as valid and important. This comes to mind because today is a particularly sad day for two friends, and while each loss is different, they are both equally heartbreaking to me. If you don't agree, that's okay, but I would ask that you withhold that particular opinion. I normally wouldn't say that, but today I would ask that my friends' heartbreaks be respected.

My friend Christie (not my Matron of Honor, but another friend I've known since high school) unexpectedly lost her husband, Antonio, yesterday after a routine shoulder surgery. He left behind his lovely wife of 15 years and two children ages 13 and 11. He was her soul mate, and I cannot even pretend to know what that pain must feel like for her.

The other heartbreak belongs to my very dear friend, Kim. Her sweet kitty, Simon, went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. He had been fighting cancer for a little while now, and this morning he joined my precious Cleo in Heaven. Letting your furbaby go is a very difficult thing to do, and Kim was selfless and brave and loving.

If you add in the devastation in Japan this morning, it just feels like a terrible day, and I am looking to God today for comfort for everyone. Please know that to all my friends and family, I love you all and will be thinking of each of you especially...I hope you feel the hugs I am sending out!

Friday, March 04, 2011

Back in The Saddle Again

Okay...now that my blogging time for Woman's Day Magazine has come to an end, here I am trying to get back in the groove of my own blog. It has been a total whirlwind since January. While my job is changing, I am spared from being laid off. I interviewed today and feel like it went well, but I won't know for sure until I get (or don't get) an offer. I am optimistic, though, so I am hoping for the best. If I don't get exactly what I want, I will be very glad to at least still have a job.

School is keeping me busy. And by busy I mean that I feel as if I am hanging halfway out of a tornado. It's crazy! But I am getting through. What I love is that I am doing an internship with Hospice, and I just finished my training. Now I will get to start visiting patients and families, and my hope is to be able to help bring comfort to those who need it. It's my first step toward being in a helping profession, and I am excited. I am surrounded by people who are encouraging and uplifting, so I think I am in the right place.

Things at home a great! We are still loving our house so much! I'm ready for warm weather so we can enjoy our pool! Still doing the half-marathon relay at the end of the month with Kim, but I tell you...I am going to have to work hard to even be close to ready for that! One day I'll complete one on my own...someday.

So that's about it in a nutshell. It's been a busy first quarter of the year, and I am ready for the semester to end. As soon as it does, David is taking me to Las Vegas for a short vacation before summer school. I can hardly wait!