Sunday, August 15, 2010

My Triathalon heros...






What was I thinking??? Participate in a Sprint Triathalon?? The challenge was laid out for whoever wanted to take it. I thought, prayed, started training and before I went on vacation in June I was committed. My two hero's for this would have to be Jennifer and April. Although I could not have done it without the support of my dear husband (who rode many miles with me on our bikes) these two ladies spurred me on. April kept me on track with the training schedules, answers to medical questions, what to eat and when it was okay to push through the pain and soreness. She never got tired of helping and encouraging. Thanks April, your help meant more than you will ever know.


Jennifer, my other hero. She too was an inspiration to me. Just to watch her train and take care of two children and keep her home running was a blessing to watch. And then on top of all that, she never let me quit (which I wanted to do at least once a week). She ran, swam, and rode bikes with me as often as was possible. She shared her clothes with me (which I still haven't returned):) and told me to take Advil. She even set up my new iShuffle with her Praise and Worship playlist because she knew it would help me get through the running portion of our training. But, even after all of these things she did for me I think the one aspect I respect her the most for is her words of love to me when she showed me a negative character trait that I had allowed to take root in my life. It was a brief but powerful comment that was relayed in love and I can say it was a turning point for me. Why? because she was right. The comment that she made is really not what is important, what is important is that it was said in love and God gave me the ears to hear and receive it as such.

God taught me so much in the past nine weeks. I look forward to the NEXT event with these lovely ladies and whoever else would like to join us. It's well worth the time and effort.


Love these ladies..........

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Good Day!

I had a fantastic day today and I just wanted to share it with whoever cares. Today started with going to the Aquatic Center and swimming 400 meters. I loved it. The first time I swam, a few weeks ago, I did so in a pool that was 25 meters. I did okay but it seemed like I was swimming forever and I also had a lot of let cramps which was not any fun. So today (a few weeks later) I swam in a 50 meter pool. It felt like it was easier and NO leg cramps. Yeah! Next, was back to home where I worked on my bible study I'm doing for the summer on Ruth. The story of Ruth is pretty amazing and I am really enjoying learning more about God through this study. For lunch I met my youngest at Chick-fil-A. I don't get to spend much time with him so I was grateful for the 45 minutes we had together. Back home to start some laundry. Then, outside to mow the back and front yard. I love mowing the yard. I know, this is probably weird but what can I say.... I remember working in the yard with my dad as a young girl. He pretty much taught me all that I know about yard work and somehow it's still a connecting point for me with him even though he has been with the Lord for quite some time now. After mowing, I washed my NEW car. Another thing I saw my dad do many, many times. Somewhere between mowing, washing the car and laundry, I started dinner. Dinner was amazing, if I do say so myself. :)
I cooked a recipe that I grew up on and also cooked for my family when they were all at home. This is where I connect with my mom. I learned by watching her cook for her family. The entree really doesn't have a name. It's thin sliced pork chops cooked with a "red sauce". The pork chops are salt and peppered, then a very, very thin slice of lemon is place on each one, sprinkle brown sugar over each one and cover with a sauce made from ketchup and a little water. They are baked in the oven at 350 for about 45 min. to an hour. Amazing!!! and yes we had rice, lima beans and corn muffins to go with it. Very comforting for all. (and nothing was left)
After dinner I was off to my in-laws house to gather some day lilies and visit for a short while. I was tempted to plant the day lilies when I got home but decided it was to dark :)
So, there you have it!!! This was a good day for me. I am so grateful to God for giving me the health to do the things I love. I am also most grateful for a husband who has provided for me, protected me, and allowed me to work part-time so I can have days like this again.
I shared my good day with you, what does a good day look like for you? I would love to hear......