I participated in the Utah Fantasy Authors Halloween Story Challenge. Please go check out my story and support the other authors involved as well!
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From Relay Race to Real Life
This last weekend I participated in a relay running event here in Park City. I along with my 6 teammates (yes 6-in a world of 6 man relay teams-we run with 7) we ran just under 67 miles. This was my first relay race and was an incredible experience. There are so many things that I could touch on that change a person but instead I will share just a few of our slogans that will change the way that I will embrace life.
“Embrace the Suck”
This was our team motto and was written on the side of our ride. A military motto that we chose to help push us forward even though our mission was nothing in comparison to those that represent our freedom. It did, however, make an impact on not only us but in other teams struggling that day. Sometimes things suck-but if we make it to the other side-we gain power.
“I’m All In”
One teammate in particular embraces all of life this way and we couldn’t help but be pulled into the enthusiasm as we embarked on our journey. Really, this is the only way to live. Either you are in, or you are out. Focus on what matters and make sure it counts.
“I hate Royal Street”
Okay this one, maybe doesn’t make as much sense to some, but it applies, everyday. Even though this teammate now officially hates Royal Street-guess what, she made it to the summit and is still kicking. She looks back-still hating it, but is really okay. Sometimes in life we may come across things that just plain suck. It won’t look better tomorrow, or even ten years from now, but we are still kicking and should be very proud of ourselves for what we accomplished.
“God made me for this”
That’s right. We have so much more strength and power than we can even imagine. We are incredible, little perfect wonders that God made. We can do it. Even when it is hard-we can work harder, push further, and when all else fails-start crying and pray-but we will make it…today (right now) may be terrible and horrible, but maybe, just maybe tomorrow will be amazing.
“The wind, this hill, I feel like I am going backwards”
But you aren’t. You are going forward and from the outside we see your struggle but girl you are moving. Sometimes in your hardest moment you may feel that you are going the wrong way, but we see you. Press On!
“This is endurance running-and it feels good”
Sometimes a really good challenge is the very best thing for our soul. Pushing ourselves to do something amazing changes just about everything. The training will improve confidence while the challenge will improve strength and the accomplishment-well that-it changes everything.
“You Are Awesome”
You are awesome-pass it on! (when he completes the video or has a link for the campaign-I will share it here)
I can only share my own experience but it was amazing. I enjoyed the time spent laughing in the car and especially the feeling of being a part of something so incredible. These people who I ran with will always be my friends. They accomplished amazing things. I am motivated to be more like them. They helped me accomplish something that I never could have done on my own. Thank you!
I conquered a really big hill that I had been training for–for months. (4.33 Miles at a 10.5% average uphill grade)
I got to meet my biggest support crew at the top of the summit in my husband, dad and sidekicks. 
I realized what incredible people my teammates were who helped keep me going up the hill even when it would have been faster to walk-I kept running. Because of them, my sister, and my kids. I told my legs to shut-up….it worked….the next step, I said it again. It’s all about persistence.
All-in-all I am a big fan of relay races. I love the whole experience-even when it was hard. I highly recommend you try this in the future. For us, we were a bunch of “non-runners” and we did really really well. You can do it too-I know you can! You….Are…..Awesome!
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Learning Life Lessons In Good Clothes
I am a self-proclaimed life long learner. Not just because I love education and believe in it, but also because I continuously make mistakes and it’s either get up and learn or lay on the floor and waste away. Sometimes literally. I fall a lot.
I learned a pretty big lesson this last week though from sidekick 1. She saw me learning and even said, “Sometimes you teach me things, and sometimes I teach you things too.” So right. Everyday.
I was busy one morning so my well-trained one decided to help me out by picking out the outfit that I was going to wear for the day. She selected an incredibly bright pair of leggings and an equally bright but not of same color striped tank top. When I saw the outfit I laughed. Out loud.
“I can’t wear that, everyone will think I am crazy and they will laugh at me.” Bad Mom.
She cried. Real tears. “I thought you would look so pretty in that mom.”
Shame. Frustration at myself. Anger at my actions.
Why can’t I wear that? Why do I worry about what others will think? She will learn this all too soon and lose the special that makes her sparkle extra bright. She too will try to conform in order to fit in. Why now? Bad mom…Let her be her. Show her she can.
“I’m so sorry. I do love that outfit and I will wear it.”
“No Mom. I don’t want you get laughed at.” Sniffle.
“I will wear whatever you want me to wear. You know fashion so much more than me (It’s really true).”
“Okay Mom, I picked this one instead. It’s not as bright.”
I don’t love selfies but I couldn’t resist. (This is my best “tight pants” dance move)
You bet I rocked this in public. (no that is not pink in the pants-it’s orange) Proud of it, head held high. I even found the nicest lady I could and secretly asked her for a compliment. She told me that she loved my outfit.
“Did you hear that? She loves my outfit. See you were right. I don’t know anything about fashion and I should listen to you more.”
“Do you like my outfit too?” She asks the lady with a smile a mile wide. Then she twirled and did a little break dance move on the grass to the music.
I learned to “embrace myself.” I learned that life comes far to fast in the world and I am not ready for her to have to fight it yet. I’m not saying that social norms don’t need to be taught. They do, but only when it defines character and shows respect.
Today I will wear my “fashiony” outfit, embrace life, and show my kids that I am still learning too. I think if we all face the world together we stand a fighting chance.
It’s a good thing she loves me and forgives me right away. My mistakes would add up if she didn’t. Look how cute she looks though. She really is a doll.
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The Muscle
This post is about a muscle. Not that muscle…..get your mind out of the gutter!
A muscle. One that I found on the back of my leg. I told my husband about it-to which he asked if I was going to “book” about it. I realized then…I may be a “Facebook Offender”. Do I post too much?!? Then decided, never mind, I am not only going to “book” this but I will blog to which it will hit all social media platforms-that’s right.
This post may start with the muscle-but it’s really about so much more. If you remember a few of my past posts, I was talking a lot about confidence. Here and here for example. I have not made the time to become a die-hard exercising mom, but I have certainly made it more of a priority and it feels really good.
More than that-I am finding a little more confidence-not just in myself-but coming from those around me.
For example. A month ago I ran a small town 5k. I love this 5k and run it nearly every year, with my dad cheering along. This year I finished in just over 27 minutes. This was not my best of all time, not by a long shot, but what I found was that I was really proud of myself. It felt really good and I had pushed myself the entire time. Sidekick 1 and my sweet niece were also very proud and gave me the trophy. Imaginary or not, that trophy holds a special place in my heart. They heard me say that I was proud of myself and I realized that they were proud of me too. I watched as they watched me and something clicked.
My sidekick had also run the mile that morning too. Just over 13 minutes at just age 4. She was incredible and thanks to my nephew and sister-she had a great running crew. We did this event as a family and all were all involved.
Fast forward to Sidekick 1’s performance as a mini cheerleader at the high school football game about 2 weeks later. When she finished and she was asked if she had fun, her response, “I’m really proud of myself.”
She didn’t say it when she finished the mile, because I am convinced she hadn’t learned that it’s okay to voice pride in yourself. She hadn’t seen it yet. Once she saw that though-she took off-like she always does.
It’s worth it people. The time away, the little extra effort. It doesn’t have to be an hour a day, it doesn’t even have to be exercise, but I am realizing more and more that I need to keep a little of myself, challenge myself, and do things that my kids can see me enjoy doing. Most of all, I want them to see that I am proud of myself: even if I am not the 1st one in, or the very best. Do things, be proud of yourself and show them, not just tell them, that they should be proud of themselves too.
Most of the time, I feel like I get everything wrong when it comes to raising sidekicks-but every once in a while, I totally Nail It.
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Salsa By The Two’s
I won’t ever be a food blogger, but I have learned a lot about cooking and I really enjoy it. There are a few recipes that I always get a request for, so I thought I would share a few. This is my fresh Salsa. It’s fantastic. My favorite. I have worked on this recipe enough to know that I very nearly have it perfect and I know you will enjoy it.
You need: 12-Roma Tomatoes 2-Yellow Onions 2-Limes (juiced) 2-Cups of Cilantro 2-Jalapenos Salt to taste (Now you see why I call it Salsa by the 2’s-easy to remember right?) I have a food processor and I use it because I am lazy. You could chop everything and it would be delightful as well. First– in the processor mix the onions, jalapenos, cilantro and lime juice. I don’t know why, but I read somewhere a long time ago that this should be done first. I have tried it both ways and this does seem to give it more flavor. Add salt and stir. (more salt than you think you will need) FYI… the longer you leave the jalapenos on the counter after picking-the hotter they are. You probably knew this already but I learned by doing it, so I just thought I would share. You can add more, or let them sit if you like it hotter-up to you. Second: process the tomatoes and stir, adding more salt to taste. (Hey look at that-a two-step process-“Go 2’s, Go 2’s” waving pom-poms!!)
It will make just over 2 quarts, (what?!? another 2?-it just keeps getting better – shooting confetti canon) and yes, we eat that much before it goes bad around here.
After just 2 days we only had this much left. I promise you will love it. Let me know if you try, and if it works for you too!
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Celebrating the Family
I remember fondly the family traditions that we did with my parents when we were younger-many I still do with my own family. Last year we were moving and busy and stressed. Our Anniversary came and my husband and I didn’t get the opportunity to go and celebrate just the two of us, but refusing to miss out on the opportunity, we had an event at home with the whole family. Wonderful dinner, dancing and fun. Sidekick 1 thought it was the best day of her life. She asked throughout the year when “our” Anniversary was going to be again. She loves to party and plans her birthday at least two years in advance-so this was no surprise.
She did make me realize something though: Our Anniversary is really just the birthday of our family and really should be celebrated as such. So this year, my husband and I did go for a night out where we acted like teenagers and I had butterflies in my stomach because my date was the most handsome of all. We didn’t forget our family though and especially our littles that think this event is just as big as it should be. So we Celebrated the Family last night and it was an event to behold.
I had a professional select my attire and put on my make-up. She is quite amazing for her meager age of 4.
The we had a fancy dinner, where the ladies were given flowers by our most special man. “Cheers!”
The sidekicks got a special “birthday surprise” that they thought was the best gift ever. We danced to our hearts delight and I had the opportunity to look around and say, “Thank God for my family. I am so Blessed!” So here is to new family traditions. One that we will always celebrate. Even when they are teenagers we will force them to a night of celebration hoping that when they are old and with their own kids they will realize that it really was one of the most important days of all. Happy Anniversary to my family and to the man who fits perfectly by my side. Here’s to many more. I love you, and I couldn’t be happier.
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My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: In Poem Form
I recently completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In my own form, I did via Poem. (I am much better behind the camera-but hey) Check out my video here:
If you haven’t seen these two videos, they also come highly recommended and I speak of them in my poem:
Pete Frates:
And Anthony Carbajal:
In closing I think that every disease is a challenge and that we need to work together to find cures. Not one is more important than another and I have found it very difficult in my life to understand why so much is put toward one disease and not to another. Every life is important. I just wish that magic truly existed. For today though, I support ALS and hope that a cure is found and in the meantime-compassion and knowledge!
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The Looks
When I was younger, I wasn’t afraid of very much. I often found myself on stage dancing freestyle to the intermission music in plays and Christmas programs. I wanted to dance, and was encouraged and allowed by my parents to express myself. As a mother now, I wonder if my parents ever had moments of concern or embarrassment. They never showed it. But still….
Sidekick 1 wanted to do the County Fair Talent show. She has talked about it all year, but when I asked her to practice or prepare she flat-out refused. She insisted she would be fine.
Thinking of the event, the many spectators, and the idea of my daughter not winning a ribbon stuck in my mind. Would she be embarrassed if she was the only one not prepared, would I? Would she be upset if she didn’t win a ribbon and the other kids did? Finally I tried to encourage her to back out of the competition and proceed with life as normal. (not my proudest mom moment) This stubborn sidekick of mine again refused. Instead she gave me what I wanted and danced in the basement the entire time to the song that she had selected. “Hey Mickey.” She’s darling. So I did what any mother would do and tailored her costume, helped her get it just how she wanted it to be and told her I was proud and that she was amazing!
I still worried, would the crowd get to her? Would she be sad if she didn’t win?
The night of the talent show this sweet and spicy little sidekick of mine took the stage. Smile on her face, eye contact with the crowd and a consistent flow of movement and shakes all across the stage. My cup of pride ran over. I was so incredibly proud of my brave little lady. Oh, how I love her and need her energy in my life.
The best part-she was so proud too. I may be biased, I may think there is a little favoritism in the judging but my four-year old little girl had more stage presence and confidence than any child that took the stage that night. Her routine was not choreographed, but she looked at the audience, not a teacher…and she smiled. She didn’t win. She noticed that others got ribbons and their pictures taken and that she did not. This made her sad. It made me sad. I know that children need to learn that they won’t always win, but I sure wanted my little sidekick to win this one (and everyone). She then looked at the participation certificate in her hand and said, “but I got the gold star.” I replied, “you sure did, and it says shining star and that’s the best of the best.”
She’s proud of herself. She doesn’t feel embarrassed with her own choreography. She just loves to dance, loves to perform, and loves herself. The audience loved her. I was so proud. I don’t know if I could do it anymore, I wonder if I could ever get that confidence and lack of caring for the looks that others might give me back. The very thought scares me. I wonder, exactly when do we lose that spark in life? When do the looks add up?
Anyone want to do a talent show next year? Let’s take our confidence back!
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A Few Steps in a Walk Across America
I have a few traits that seem to be pretty well-known by those in my closest circle. Sometimes I am teased and bring people into things that they may or may not have wanted to do. But sometimes…I become a part of something really, really cool.
Example A: I would do almost anything for anyone, my husband would do anything for me, therefore, he gets roped into doing a lot of things for others, that probably wouldn’t be on the top of his list. i.e. taking boxes of food to a bunch of kids stuck in a home with drug addicted parents. Not his idea-not safe for me on my own-so he does it for me. Good man. Not …fun…
Example B: My sister loves to chat. She gets stories out of people and learns a lot about others. Then she tells me stories and “opens the crazy,” as she says. Ian and his walk across America fits here. She met Ian and Jake as they came into her store to buy some shoes. She told me their story and I then contacted them on Facebook and promised breakfast. I woke my kids up at the crack of dawn (my niece and nephew too) so they too would get to be a part of this walk. My sister, dad, and sweet cousin joined in the walk. Together we walked a few steps through town to support them on their way. The mission is one I am very passionate about. I urge you to support their cause. You can find Ian’s story here. The blog is: www.ianwalksamerica.com and he’s almost to his destination.
My mom was a therapist, my sister following in her tracks. My mother was innovative and believed in the power to help make change. She worked miracles. I saw it because I worked alongside many of her clients. She was passionate about suicide prevention and had a plan in the works just prior to her passing to offer her gift to those in need to help keep people like Ian from losing their loved ones. I am proud of her and her work. She would have taken a few steps with these men too, she probably did that day. So not just for Ian but for my mom, for my sister, and all others working in Mental Health or in need of services-support this cause. It matters.
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Just a Drop of Juicy Gossip
It seems as if I have seen the side affects of gossip my entire life. Maybe it was the small town, maybe we are just interesting. Recently, I saw this again and I find myself compelled to speak out. I am far from perfect, and know that I too make mistakes, but hope that I can strive to do better and be better every day.
Gossip is so easy to get tied up in. The fresh new story about someone else, and dare I say, an opportunity to feel better about your own self and your current standing. How sad it is that we look to others so often as a comparison for our own life and our own worth.
For me, living here in Utah, it seems that not attending one specific church seems to give others even more ammo to judge and speak out against another. It’s hard to be looked at equally in all things, to be included, and to be a part of. It’s difficult to find a place in a community so focused on showing others their worth, rather than feeling it in their own heart. I know this doesn’t fit for all involved, but certainly does for some.
You may be saying “not me” but reach deeper. Do you ever find yourself judging others and then speaking about their hardships in a negative fashion? Does this make you feel more worthy?
Gossip cannot be undone. Your actions in those moments cannot be reversed. An apology can go a long way. But even further, an acceptance of your own errors and faults, but mostly, a desire to do better and to change the next time around. Working for the hope that next time you hear a juicy bit of information, you bite your tongue, call the person involved, and learn for yourself the truth of the matter. Share only good news and good things. Your heart will change from the inside. I promise you will find more joy. Imagine your example to others. One drop in that very big pond of negativity. Let’s shake things up a little. Go forward with a kind tongue and an open heart. It is not our title (religious or otherwise) or the size or our home, but it is the intentions of our heart that make us who we are.
Theodore Roosevelt said: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
To each their own battle. I hope to help another rise above, not get lost in the fall. I am not casting any stones. I know I too fall in the trap. I want to be better. It is just the sting of a family member causing another heartache that makes me sad. It motivates me for more. I hope it will you too.
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