Okay I "try" to stay away from political issues because its just not a good idea... especially since most of the people I know are at different ends of the political spectrum. That being said... I have to share this idea.
I LOVE drive time radio. I'm one of "those" people that you will usually find jamming to the radio, full volume while singing at the top of my lungs... but when it's drive time radio - I am all about it. So here there has been a lot of debate in Tennessee about the right to carry your firearm into a bar. I honestly don't have an opinion on that matter. But, people here are all torn up about it and what it means to them personally.
Well, I was listening to the radio on my drive home Friday and the two afternoon hosts are safe gun enthusiasts and were discussing the mayors veto of the right to carry a registered fire arm into a bar and they were fielding calls. Well, this one women - lets call her Buffy (it's easy to remember) called in and stated her opinion that not only is it everyone's right to carry a gun it is also everyone's "duty" to carry a gun to protect their home, city and nation... and that to not do so is simply lazy and unpatriotic. Further more Buffy believes that when something happens and we have to rely on the police it's hypocritical of us "non gun owners" to utilize the local police force...
Really? Really? I don't carry a gun Buffy. But I don't mind if you do and you take your family to the shooting range for family time (I'm not being sarcastic here, she mentioned that). I think it's fantastic that you do that, a lot of families now don't get to spend much time together - get it in where you can. However, I think you have the right to have a registered firearm just as much as I have the right to not have a firearm. I have the right to utilize the services, such as police services because I pay TAXES, not because I also know how to shoot a gun. You used the word Hypocrite easily to describe me.. but please don't call me that... Also, don't refer to me as a hippie, I respect your rights and I would appreciate the same generosity. Seriously.
The end...(step off soap box)
I'm a twitter fiend. I have a problem, but I think it's a good thing and has generated some positives in my life. ie - working out and completing my first 5k.
A few weeks ago my sister stated that she would be happy with an rei giftcard on twitter - just an innocent comment... but she recieved it soon after and stated so. A few other friends mentioned that twitter had become a wishing well of sorts and playfully listed their wishes. And thus a pay it forward strain was started.
So perhaps this Friday you can think about someone whom you can pass on some positivity.
I love this song, I remember being captured by this turn while watching Donnie Darko. I think this video is beautiful and for some reason haunting and I wish there were more new ideas like this. But that's just me...
The earlier post is not for the faint of heart... but I needed it. so I thought I would give you the cliffnote version. Expect pics soon.... I hope
6:30 - drove
7:45ish - bathroom - yes!
8:30 - walked
8:45 - Didn't hurl - sweet!!!!!
9..... ummmm.....seriously....
9:30ish - Donita!!!!!!
9:45ish -DONE!
cracker barrel? anyone? sweet!
Yesterday I completed my first 5k. Completed - cause I did all of it. In probably the worlds longest time. My time was so long that it wasn't even posted on the website. But I finished, I did something that I wanted to accomplish and I didn't die, I didn't peter out and I didn't look too pretty.
The day started out early - our little caravan met at my apt at 6:30 and with banana's and sunscreen we hit the road. I had a new walking buddy this time - my accomplished little sister (twin sister) Deidre. She was going to walk with me and we were going to have a blast. I was nervous... to say the least. When we pulled up to the location in Hendersonville I could tell this was a bigger event than had been in Portland. There were cops directing traffic and absolutely no close parking. People were stretching and jogging all over the place. There was music and laughter and I was a ball of nerves who needed to find a bathroom.
The first group started out at 8am - they were the brave souls who did the 10k.... yea I know. I don't like them either. Then at 8:30 we lined up and hudled together to hear the instructions muffled at us. Basically I heard "stay to the left...the left...water.....mumble mumble mumble." Deidre put her ear buds in and I felt excited and basically nervous - upside no longer needed to use the bathroom. The shot was fired and we were off...not so much like bullets more like molasses. Before the first bend Deidre looked at me and said very sweetly and loudly (because remember she had earbuds in) "we're last" yea... we were. Even the 6 year old and Grandma were up way ahead.
By the first bend Deidre and I were a pretty good deal behind but she was just going. Now here was the wrong assumption on my part. I thought De and I would be great to walk together, I thought she would just go my speed - was I wrong or what?!?!?! That girl rocked it out. She was sweet and kept checking on me - but I think if she had just started with the group her time would have been better. At each intersection there were very kind volunteers who cheered and rang bells and encouraged us to go...keep going... and to especially go in the right direction.
We finally made it the the bend where the water stop was... as De and I started to go down the street the majority of the group was passing us to continue on their way.... it was nice though we saw our wonderful sis super Donita and Amelia jogging and she told us we were doing great... and that we could cut through if we needed to... By this time I'm looking for a way out. I have already thought longingly of thunder storms that would have kept us from walking and of short cuts that I know we can take... but with one foot in front of the other we go down the slope and to the water station... the volunters there were very kind and I hear them tell one another "well give them water bottles as well...lets make sure they have water" so with water bottle and thanks we head back the direction we just came... no shortcuts not today...
De and I come back to the main road and really can't see anyone else any longer they have all already turned for the home stretch... thats okay. I know the way and we are half way there. I remember breathing - it was a nice feeling back in the day... I have also made a new song... "one step in front of the other, one step in front of the other, for the love of god. one freaking step in front of the other"
At this point I tell Deidre my sweet buddy to go for it. She asks if I'm sure and I tell her yep - just go for it. She was doing great those legs and arms were just pumping. I am so proud of her determination. Before she leaves though she asks why the lady emt on the bike keeps circling around to which I respond " to make sure niether of us has passed out kiddo" she understands...
Finally we are over half way done and have passed the 2mile mark... yea I know you can probably walk 3 miles daily - but remember some of us need to start somewhere. I have 2 volunteers join me, Darla and Steve a nice married couple who plan to walk the rest of the way with me.
The best surprise was Donita coming back to join me. She finished her time better than last time and dropped off Amelia with Dad - our photographer and came to finish the last leg with us. Super Sisters Super Rock.
Deidre and Steve - the nice volunteer jog the last little stretch together and I think she is hooked on 5k's as am I... I finished... it wasn't pretty... it wasn't quick... but it was. period. And this is a start, like so many new things in my life right now. This is a beginning point that I am going to work hard to improve on. I am going to work hard to continue to push myself on. I felt emotional as I walked across the finish line, sure I was last... but I did it... with the help of so many others and the encouragement of so many others - I did it.
Life is so much better as an in shape person - One day I will be there... Promise.
I hate the humidity of the summer here in middle Tennessee... but I thought I would instead focus on the things I love about summer and the happenings...
New sunglasses! - I'm spoiled by my father and I get great ones that double as headbands and good accessories
No school zones - since we don't have year round school here - I get a needed break where I will enjoy taking the main road and switching up my morning commute.
The first pair of flip flops - and of course the obligitory first pedicure.
That great summer song - there is always some song that requires down windows and of course singing at the top of your lungs.
Shakespear in the Park - Period
Summer Blockbusters with buttered popcorn
Summer Festivals - hot and crafty - all kinds of fun.
First participation in CSA - Community Supported Agriculture
On the same part - fresh fresh fresh fruits and veggies
Pools and swimming - I may not look pretty in a swimsuit - but I sure do enjoy getting out there.
The cool snap after a crazy summer storm - the brief reprieve from the humidity when everything looks fresh and the air smells clean
My hands down favorite scent - HONEYSUCKLE - for some reason I LOVE the smell of honeysuckle - it brings me back to playtime at Cheatam Park Elementary and sharing blossoms with friends.
Okay... so now I think I'm ready.... here it comes!
Had to buy some cheap sunglasses - sorry dad - the other day... so I grabbed the biggest pair I could find... I think I look like some crazy lady or a wanna be rock star... I think that look works for me...
Grab and piece of paper and a pen and draw a self-portrait in under 2 minutes. Then share it with us!
haha.
Just found this and had to share. LOVE it.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Submitted by BeautifullyBroken.
Laughter, awkward situations, pain, crying -myself- cause I think I just need to calm down. When people laugh at me or I feel as though I'm particularly humerous. Stupid commercials. Grumpy drivers. My dad.
I laughed whole-heartedly the other day and it was so freeing. I laughed until the tears came and it felt like I was excersing my soul. I love to be happy - you would think everyone does - but some people love to make others miserable or love to be given attention no matter how it happens. I love to laugh.
Oh yea, and this picuture makes me laugh, cause like I posted recently, I'm learning to not take myself too seriously.
