Friends

I am still recovering from the warm fuzzies left from a weekend spent with the best friends anyone could ever have.   Maybe recovering is not the right word, basking in the laughter, remembering the fun, but mostly just the feeling of being with a group of people and being totally accepted and loved.  So yeah, I'm a bit sappy today and actually more days than not lately, I blame age it is making me soft.  Or maybe it is finally finding a group of people I can be myself with.

We have all been through one hell of a year since the last January retreat that we have all attended.  It was time that was needed to let loose and bond.  All while working on a favorite hobby.  So this post is to friends, a value can never be placed on feeling at home with such a great group of women!  I feel so blessed and grateful to have found such a strong group of women to call my friends.

My favorite question of the weekend "What animal are you going to flounce as?"

Are you an athlete?

I pulled the following definition from the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary.

Definition of ATHLETE

: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.

I have been called an athlete by random people in my life but I have never really thought about it.

This blog post by Katherine Tarbox really got me thinking .

I agree with Miss Tarbox.  Anyone can accomplish any athletic feat they want to, it is about desire and not making up excuses.  I ran a marathon and have completed a triathlon.  But yet still have not considered myself an athlete, but I believe I need to stop under-playing my activities.  

What are the reasons I personally work out?

• Keep weight off
• Stress Relief
• Stay healthy
• I genuinely enjoy it
• I like to help motivate others
• It's an accomplishment to finish a race or meet a goal
• Self satisfaction

Working out is a part of my life, I teach classes at the Y and the gym at my day job, so if I stop working out how can I motivate others or expect people to come to my classes?  I'm reminded during the times when I physically am not able to work out how much it is a part of who I am.  When my workout routine is messed up my demeanor changes.  But it is more than that.  I am an athlete.  I may not desire to be competitive with other athletes all the time, but I do participate in races, I make goals and do my best to achieve them.  By stepping out the door to run, bike, or swim regularly just might classify a person as an athlete.  What makes you feel like you are not an athlete?  What is your hurdle to getting out the door and taking the first steps to becoming an athlete, whether it is a weekend athlete, a YMCA athlete, or a stress-relieving fun-seeking athlete?  Do your body and your mind a favor and get moving.

Randomness

Just some hi-lights of things that have been happening.

I cleaned my cupboards so I would have some place to put supplies for...............

This:

I used my VISA giftcards from mom for these (which I love and wonder why I waited so long to purchase):

And I just had to get this:

PACKER SOCK YARN OF COURSE!!

And some cuteness: Gus "hiding" in the laundry basket

Seasons

Finally winter has hit Iowa for a few days at least.  We have snow and below freezing temperatures.  This winter has been mild and a fantastic surprise after the past few years where we have had snow fall after snow fall.  However, it hasn't felt right.  I love the change in seasons.  The cold and the snow get old after awhile but I live in Iowa and I expect it to come and as always it passes.

I guess this could be an example of life.  We go through seasons. It is a comfort to always know that everything will pass and there will be a new phase or season right behind to follow.  Life is unpredictable. Life is full of change, embrace it or get left behind.  A person can decide to grow with the changes, whether the change is expected or unexpected.  Or a person can allow the change to choke them out, it is a decision.

Kitties

Today's post is dedicated to the cats in my life.  I have one cat: Gus.  He is truly the best cat anyone could ever want.  He knows what no means and he stays off of the counters and tables.  He is a bit of a scardey cat in that he hates loud noises and little kids.  ( I think it is because little kids are loud and want to force him to play with his feathers).  He is the best snuggler and loves "the dude" as much (maybe more??) than I do.

Gus doing what he does best, snuggling and purring.

The dude has two cats, yes dos.  Ripley is sweet and about 15 years old, but oh-so-annoying.  He never stops meowing.  He will sometimes just sit and cuddle and stop meowing, but then there is the drool factor.  He is so sweet though it is hard to get too mad at him.  Dude inherited the cat from his long-time friends.  The other cat, Gabe, is a lap kitty but don't touch him too much or he will hiss and growl.  However, he will only move off of your lap if you make him.   It is rather confusing at times pet him or don't....it's a crap shoot for how he will respond.  I also call him moo-kitty as he is a rather large cat and looks like a Holstein.  I also gave Ripley and Gabe rapper names.  It is Rippy-D and Gabe-a-licious.  (Dude sometimes calls Gabe by his rapper name, it's really fun to say).  Gabe was given to the Dude by some students of his about 10 years ago or so, the students thought the Dude was lonely and needed a pet.  

Ripley taking a nap on the Dude's trumpet case.

Moo-cow Gabe a.k.a.Gabe-a-licious

So that's the pet story.  I will always be partial to Gus, he is my first baby and we have been through a lot together   He is 7 years old, which doesn't seem possible.  There is nothing like a pet greeting you home at  night or snuggling with you on the couch after a long day.  

Forgiveness

I kind of let myself get carried away in some drama this weekend and am regretting it like you would not believe.  So today's theme is Forgiveness.  Forgiving others can be healing and a growing point in one's life.  Forgiving oneself sometimes is even harder than forgiving another person.  I find that if someone asks me for forgiveness, I'm going to happily give it to them, but sometimes I fail.  And I have to figure out how to get back to the forgiveness cycle which means not only accepting an I'm sorry but also letting it go.  Sometimes it even means never getting an I'm sorry but in your heart offering forgiveness and living the forgiveness.  So I need to remember this and plan on coming back to this blog entry when I need to for a reminder.  I copied an article from the mayo clinic that I thought really outlined forgiveness and how it is a healthier option than holding a grudge or bitterness.  So, I will figure out how to ask for forgiveness to those I have wronged and hurt so that they can heal and so my heart can be filled with peace.  I have learned sometimes this means eating some crow so-to-speak.  It won't be the first time I have to nor the last, but hopefully these situations are few and far between.


I like this part: " By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy".


I also like the idea of becoming a more compassionate and understanding person, how can that be bad?  


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131

Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness

When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance — but if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is forgiveness?

Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?

When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.

What are the effects of holding a grudge?

If you're unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You might become depressed or anxious. You might feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You might lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others.

How do I reach a state of forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:

• Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
• Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
• When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you
• Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life

As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.

Working from home

Last night I worked from home for about an hour or more after an amazing run outside in January with only running pants and two layers, a long sleeve shirt and a fleece, amazing!!

I was writing with my pen that my friends this girl and this girl picked up for me on NYE, best part of my night.  Okay not really the best part but a memorable part, the best part was starting the  year off with great friends and their husbands!

The pen is from my favorite pizza place.  Not only do they have the best pizza, it is also where Dan and I went to eat on the night we met.  We go there every year for our anniversary.  And now we have gone with some of my favorite people, good times all around!

Thankful to have such great friends and a wonderful boyfriend!

Gratitude

Gratitude is the least of the virtues, but ingratitude is the worst of vices.  ~Thomas Fuller

There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude.  It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance.  ~Joseph Addison

Gratitude is the music of the heart, when its chords are swept by the breeze of kindness.  ~Author Unknown


Today's theme is Gratitude.  How can one be happy if they are not thankful for everything they have?  I know I'm so thankful for so many things, but I forget.  How can one forget?  It is crazy I know.  So every day I'm going to attempt to try to think of one thing I'm thankful for, the funny thing is once I started concentrating on this I can think of a dozen or more things I'm thankful for and that fills my heart.  How blessed am I to have so many things to be thankful for that I can't narrow it down to one thing a day.   What a terrible problem to have :o) and what a great way to start out each and every day.

Positive Attitude

Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.  ~Francesca Reigler


I like this quote.  It is true.  We can decide to be happy or miserable.  I'm going to actively choose to be happy, every day.  I think it can be similar to working out or any other change we make.  It takes some time to make it a habit but it can be done.  Dan is the best example I have for this. No matter what happens it takes a lot to get that guy down or for him to have a bad day.  Even if he has a bad day one wouldn't always know.  Also surrounding oneself with positive happy people helps.  Eliminate the drama and those that want to create it when it does not need to exist.

Farewell to thee 2011

Hmmm.  Everyone I know is saying farewell to the year.  I think it is appropriate to do so myself.  2011 has been a difficult year.  The theme is CANCER and it is infecting more people than I like to talk about.  From my dad to my cousin's wife who have been hit the hardest.  And whose future's are still being paved.  Thankfully my own brushes have been deemed insignificant in comparison.

I refuse to make resolutions, I believe resolutions are made to be broken.  I prefer to make life long changes knowing that set-backs happen but that if I persevere they are only set-backs.  I would like to improve some things this year that I can carry with me always.

First to let myself be close and stay close to those that I have become the closest to in 2011.  I realized that through all the down times in 2011 that I have really needed people and they have been there.   And if I let them they will continue to be there.

Second to step up things in the exercise department.  Running has been going well, I'm learning to respect it again and actually enjoy it, we have always had a love-hate relationship.  But I am quite a bit of a whiner on the bike at times.  I really need to buck up and accept where I am regarding conditioning and fitness and not complain when those who ride with me are better or stronger, we all have ups and downs, 2011 was a down year in this department for me.  However, I am feeling inspired.  So many people around me are discovering what exercise can do for them and it inspires me to see them figure out what works and how it is going to fit in their lives.

Third to just stop and be appreciative.  I tend to overbook myself and just go from thing to thing without stopping to appreciate the activity or the people or what have you.  And in this one to help those I'm closest to enjoy the good times in their lives, it is a given that we will help each other through the rough times but to really revel with them in the happy times so that the good times can always outshine the shadows.

Fourth to get a little more organized at home.  It is tough living between two places but I use it as an excuse too often for why things don't get put away.

I hope these things become habits that I can take with me beyond 2012.

I'm sure I will come up with more as time goes on, but this is a good start.

So onward and forward.

Have a wonderful NYE, be safe, enjoy the ones you are with!

I know I will be spending it with the people I love.

Minnesota Biking Trip Finally

Things have been crazy.  But I'm finally getting to post about our biking trip to Lanesboro, MN and the Root River Bike Trail.  We had perfect weather.  The fall colors were perfect.  On the way up we stopped in St. Ansgar to visit Dan's old stomping grounds, it is where he had his first teaching job. 

The first day we got there in the mid afternoon so we took a shorter ride.

Apparently happy cows can also be found in Southeastern Minnesota.

I don't have a great picture of the bed and breakfast from the first night and I won't bore you with pictures of the inside of it.

The second day we went for a longer ride and stayed in different Bed and Breakfast that was tucked into the countryside.  We will definitely stay there again, it was serene and beautiful.  The next few pictures are from the B&B and our ride.

Yes, I knitted.

The last day we hiked and shopped and then headed home here are some pictures from our hike.

The trails were around the B&B which you can see in the background.  This is one of the best pictures of us from the trip. 

So fortunate to have found someone who likes to do these sorts of things with me.  Next year we are going to Wisconsin.







Summer re-cap

Well it has been forever since I have posted anything.  We survived TOMRV and actually had a really good time with it, staying in dorms was so much better than camping as is done with RAGBRAI.

We rode one day of RAGBRAI, that was enough, not sure how all of those people survived the heat.

We went to the Sound Garden Concert.
We went to the Heart Concert.

We rode the Harmon Hundred (did the 50 mile option)

And now I'm training for the Des Moines Half Marathon.  I have never really loved running but lately I have been thoroughly enjoying my runs.  Some hurt more than others and some just fly by.  I'm doing  a race this coming weekend Capital Pursuit.  It is a 10 mile run with a downhill finish into downtown.  I am going to acutally race it, as much as it is a race for me.  I was shocked (at first) to find out I'm a much slower runner than I thought.  I bought a Garmin with a GPS in it so I would know how long I was running, the downfall is now I know how fast and how hard I'm working too.  But after the first shock of it I'm okay with it.  I'm enjoying myself and getting healthier and I'd rather run for a lifetime than be fast and injured (that's what I'm telling myself ;o) ). 

In a couple of weeks Dan and I are taking at trip to the Root River Valley Trail .  We are staying in this bed and breakfast the first night and this one the second night.  We are going to bike in the afternoons and relax and just have fun, I'm really looking forward to it. Then we are going to swing by the folk's farm and go to a Jazz Band concert at UNI.  I'm looking foward to a week off of work and getting out of town. 

I will try to get some pictures of our adventures posted soon.

5 days to TOMRV

Well the weekend is almost here for the big bike ride.  We rode 60 on Saturday and 30 on Sunday.  I'm sure the mileage will be okay now the hills might be another thing.  I'm looking forward to an early morning start, love riding my bike when the sun is just coming up.  I'm looking forward to the beautiful Iowa scenery.  Praying for nice weather, rain gear will be there just in case.  Looking forward to seeing what challenges the weekend brings and just going to ride my bike as best as I can.  I'm also looking forward to the pie at dinner and spending some good time with Dan and his family and some of our biking friends. 

Went for my first early morning jog this morning.  It was painful, my body does not appreciate morning runs, never has.  I'm a much better runner after 4 p.m.  However, it is so nice to get up and get it out of the way and my old running partners run in the mornings and I want to start joining them again.  So starting the trek to morning runs and hopefully the Des Moines Marathon half-marathon in October.

TOMRV Training update

Had a nice, relaxing long weekend.  Got a variety of things done, wish there would have been more time to do yard work and ride the bike, but some of both got done.  We rode 62 miles on Sunday, it was humid but cloudy so it was not bad, ideal weather really.  Since there was rain most of the weekend, both Friday and Saturday we had to take our chances Sunday afternoon or face 35 mph wind gusts on Monday.  We have down graded our TOMRV goals to the shorter route, so the 70 and 50 mile days rather than the 100+ and 90-something days.  It feels much more doable.  Mostly this is because some of the individuals going with us have not done much riding, one person has only been out less than a handful of times, glad it is not me.  I barely feel prepared.

I've been taking a TRX class at work.  It has  been the hardest, most challenging class I have ever taken.  I have not wanted to walk out of a class in I don't know how long.  It probably has been the best thing for me, but I'm not sure I will put myself through another session until the end of the summer.  I haven't quit and only have 3 sessions left, after that maybe some personal training to get stronger and try another session in the fall.......who knows. 

My spinning class at work will take a session off for the summer, to resume in the fall.  I really like teaching but will be glad for the break as I am going to start to train for the Des Moines Half Marathon this fall, that is the goal any ways.

So, after TOMRV maybe some half marathon training updates. 

TOMRV Training Update

Well, in my book we are way behind on our TOMRV training.  We did 55 miles Saturday.  We will do double that in one day of TOMRV.  I hope this weekend that we take the time to do 65 to 80 miles.  I will be honest that I really hate riding my bike after 80 miles, so the last 30 of TOMRV will be a challenge mentally as well as physically.  The good news is with the wonderful midwest winds it is just like climbing a constant 5% grade when the wind it blowing at you at 17 mph with gusts.  One time this weekend I slowed down to 9 mph, yes 9!!  The bf turns around and tells me not to stop riding, ummm..........I wasn't.........the wind caught me.  So a 11-13 turtle pace out to Redfield, but a nice 19-22 mph ride back.  So, all in all a nice ride once we turned around.    I have to keep remindng myself this is not a race.....it is a ride that is suppose to be enjoyable and fun.

Knitting is taking a back seat as it usually does this time of year, much to my dismay.  I really love to knit it is relaxing and just fun to make something.  I especially like to make things for other people.  Right now I'm working on a bunny for my niece, Lia.  I have not made her or sent her anything since she was born and I am feeling pretty bad about that.  I hope the bunny and the two books I got her will go over well.  Here is a picture of the bunny, it is a Susan B. Anderson pattern.  I love how she writes her patterns so you put it together as you go, saves the assembly later and it is fun to watch the progress.  I am finished with the arms, need to attach them and have started the legs.   I am pretty happy with it so far. 

Birthday Weekend

Ahhh the big three-eight.  The day came and went.  I relaxed, spent time with good friends and of course my love.  I got the food scale (for weighing yarn of course) that I asked for and got to splurge on some ice cream.  And got in a 45 mile training ride with the man (he is faster and stronger - I am going to attribute it to my fantastic spin classes he has been attending).

I am blessed in so many ways.  I may not have thought this is where I would be 10 years ago, but it is not a bad place to be.  I have great friends that are always there for me, I have someone in my life that loves me, and I'm in good shape.  I am gainfully employed and get to enjoy the things in life I truly love to do, knitting, cycling, listen to music, traveling, etc.

It is really easy to get sad or feel down about the things I have not accomplished, but that really does not help out.   So for the rest of 2011 and hopefully beyond it is my personal goal to really focus on those things that are positive and make me happy.  Clean my life out of the things that bring me down and facilitate focus on the negative.

So cheers to year 38 of my life.  Life truly does keep getting better.

And thank you to all who remembered and took the time to send me happy wishes, I hope it is returned to you 100 fold.

Bike Ride #1 planned for 2011

So far for this year we are planning to do a bike ride called TOMRV, Tour of the Mississippi River Valley.  This bike ride goes from Bettendorf to Dubuque (or Preston to Dubuque).  Of course we are doing the longer ride and starting in Bettendorf.  The first day will be 106 miles.  The second day we ride from Dubuque back to Bettendorf for another 90 miles, so in two days we will almost have ridden two century rides.  In Dubuque we will be staying at Loras college, I'm bummed we did not get into Clarke College where all of the activities will be, but there will be a shuttle.  And we are used to waiting in lines for shuttles from RAGBRAI.

I did part of this ride about 5 years ago.  The first day I had the flu, so I missed out on the hill called the Wall that goes into Galena. 

I'm super excited to be putting on a compact crank on my bike that I just purchased off of eBay, I think it will give me the extra gears I need to get through this rather hilly terrain and enjoy it.  I will miss my standard crank, but I am not as young as I used to be.  And honestly I am more for riding for the fun and exercise rather than to  break any records.

I will be going out there with Dan and his brother and dad.  All the other guys I used to ride with will be there too, but I am sure we won't seem them much of the ride as they are going to hammer it out.

Dan is really strong on the bike and we have fun riding together.  However, I do predict he will be riding up those hills better than me with his new awesome bike.  I'm okay with that.  I just have to keep the blood sugar even so I stay okay with that.  I really really really wish I could have talked a girlfriend into doing the ride.  The guys are okay but it would be nice to have someone else along, but alas I could not talk anyone into doing 196 miles of hill after hill after hill for two days.

I am hoping that the weather is nice, however, it is known to rain a lot of years on this ride, so I will be prepared for any type of weather.  The scenery will be nice so that will definitely help.

By the end of the month we need to be riding outside at least 3 days a week with a long ride 50+ on the weekends.

Had an awesome ride this past Saturday, the wind was strong but by sticking to the trails the ride was not a bad one.  22 miles down on the way to this awesome ride.

Friends

I wanted to dedicate a post to all my great friends.  I wish I had a picture of all of them to put here.  Over the years I have been very blessed with lots of great people in my life.  Right now I'm so very thankful for my knitting friends.  They are great shoulders when one needs a shoulder, they don't judge when one is having a rather difficult day, and they always make me laugh and help me to laugh at myself. 

And a shout out to one of my oldest friends here in Des Moines, Ms. Tallulah.  She is about the only person who tells it to me as it is and not as I want to hear it and although I may not always love it, in the end it is appreciated!

So thank you to all my great friends!

If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.   -Marcel Proust

Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
Elbert Hubbard

Time flies....

Dan and I celebrated our one year anniversary on the 20th of November.  We had a really nice time.  We went to the playhouse to see Duck Hunter Shoots Angel by Mitch Albom.  It was really funny and a really nice thing to do.  We also went to the first restaurant we ever ate at which was Pagliai's in Johnston.  We originally met at GoodSons martini and panini bar in Beaverdale.  Then we topped off the night with jazz music down at the Des Moines Social Club.

All in all a really great night to celebrate our first year together.

Of course he has all the pictures on his phone so I don't have any to post right now, but will when I get one.

UNI Homecoming Weekend

Dan and I went to Cedar Falls for UNI's Homecoming game a few weeks ago.  Dan and all his friends from his dorm at college stay in touch and get together periodically.  So, I got to meet all of them.  We had a great time.  We decided to take Friday off and relax and go up to Waterloo and hang out for the day.  We wandered around downtown Cedar Falls.  I got to go into Crazy Girl yarn shop.  I got a skein of purple and gold for some socks later, much later.  After that we went to a museum in Waterloo and then met my folks for dinner at the Hickory House.  The ribs were delicious and I recommend the baked potato if you ever make it there.

The next day we met up with the college friends had lunch, did the book store thing, and wandered around campus before the game. Below is a picture we took while wandering the campus.

After watching UNI win the game we went back and hung out with the friends and kids until only the child-less people were left.  We then ended up back in downtown Cedar Falls where we enjoyed some adult beverages and some really good music, of course I cannot remember the name of the band.

All in all a great weekend!!  Much needed after the craziness of marching band season.