Today I ran...and as much as I hate them, I ran some hills. I loathe them and I know they are waiting for me, laughing. Waiting to suck the last bit of energy and breath from me. Today, I conquered them.
Training on hills is a must if you want to build strength, power and endurance. It's not easy - quite the contrary. Hills make your legs burn, your breathing heavy, your body exhausted. But, what a feeling of accomplishment when you've made it to the top.
As I was running, I was thinking. If you don't "run the hills" in life, you never really can know what you are truly made of.
I've had a lot of hills over the past several months, but I keep running. It's painful. It challenges my will-power. The burn sometimes gets the best of me and I slow my pace. But I keep going.
Funny how a bit of running advice from Runner's World translates into a real world application. I hope some motivational speaker out there has taken this nugget of wisdom and tucked it into a book or used it in a speech to inspire people.
Everyone should train on hills...at least once in a while.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April 6, 1920
Isn't it ironic that my Granddad, the most modest person I know, was born into what was arguably the most boisterous and richest decade of history. The roaring twenties. The era of the flappers. The rise of technology. The introduction of the Model T. A period of volatile politics.
Granddad, you just didn't fit that mold.
Today we observed your birthday...your 91st birthday. It seems hard to believe that only a year ago we gathered nearly one hundred of your family members and friends together to celebrate 90 years of your life. What a great celebration that was! The surprise on your face to watch each and every person enter the reception hall. Catching up with old friends, distant family members. They all came to celebrate one thing. You.
We miss you today. Oh how I wish that I could have called you today to say "Happy Birthday." To ask Grandie what time we would get together on Saturday and what I could bring. Wondering if you were going to have a fruit pie or a coconut cake and hoping there was whipped topping so we could pacify the kids who preferred a fruit-free dessert.
Instead of talking to you today, I walked with you. I went to the park over my lunch dressed in your Columbia pull-over and we walked. I needed some connection that was tangible, not just memories. Your cologne lingers on that fleece. If offers a piece of you, even if you aren't physically here. It was warm comfort on a cold, rainy day. On a fairly sad day. Just as your pictures scroll across my digital picture frame, so did the memories. They do everyday, but today especially. Your picture fills the April 6 box on my calendar. My reminder of your birthday...as if I could forget.
Tonight we had Grandie over for dinner, because we enjoy her company and because I can see the pain on her face every time we are together. She misses you dearly. We talked about you. We talked about family. We tried to fill the void. I miss you everyday and think of you at least ten times a day.
While we aren't having a party this weekend, you are close to our hearts and always on our minds.
I hope that today, on your 91st birthday, you get a slice of rhubarb pie and a steamy cup of coffee.
Granddad, you just didn't fit that mold.
Today we observed your birthday...your 91st birthday. It seems hard to believe that only a year ago we gathered nearly one hundred of your family members and friends together to celebrate 90 years of your life. What a great celebration that was! The surprise on your face to watch each and every person enter the reception hall. Catching up with old friends, distant family members. They all came to celebrate one thing. You.
We miss you today. Oh how I wish that I could have called you today to say "Happy Birthday." To ask Grandie what time we would get together on Saturday and what I could bring. Wondering if you were going to have a fruit pie or a coconut cake and hoping there was whipped topping so we could pacify the kids who preferred a fruit-free dessert.
Instead of talking to you today, I walked with you. I went to the park over my lunch dressed in your Columbia pull-over and we walked. I needed some connection that was tangible, not just memories. Your cologne lingers on that fleece. If offers a piece of you, even if you aren't physically here. It was warm comfort on a cold, rainy day. On a fairly sad day. Just as your pictures scroll across my digital picture frame, so did the memories. They do everyday, but today especially. Your picture fills the April 6 box on my calendar. My reminder of your birthday...as if I could forget.
Tonight we had Grandie over for dinner, because we enjoy her company and because I can see the pain on her face every time we are together. She misses you dearly. We talked about you. We talked about family. We tried to fill the void. I miss you everyday and think of you at least ten times a day.
While we aren't having a party this weekend, you are close to our hearts and always on our minds.
I hope that today, on your 91st birthday, you get a slice of rhubarb pie and a steamy cup of coffee.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Smarties
No, not the candy...my kids.
In my previous post I wrote about the game that I created on the fly to keep the kids from picking each other to pieces and from make us crazy! This game was quite a success.
We went back and forth with gaining and losing points. Only once did Ashton drop below the baseline of 10 points to 9 and after he stopped crying because he lost them, he listened intently to learn how to redeem more. All in all this point system worked well. There was only one catch. It was used against me.
After driving for several hours on the way home fatigue, boredom and general irritation set in. I am speaking for myself. Not the kids.
I loathe car rides. I would rather stick a fork in my eye then sit in a car for hours on end. I am not a person who enjoys the open road and taking in the scenery. I much prefer to take it all in from 30,000 feet at take off and descent.
My exhaustion got the better of me. That in combination with the chemical that Aaron's brain produces to block out my voice, caused the first series of car-ride arguments to erupt. Of course the argument was very important--all relating to the time change when we crossed the magical point in Indiana that divides Central Time from Eastern. Like I said, important stuff.
As we bantered, we were brought to a halt by a little voice in the back seat stating that we had lost points for fighting. What??? Lost points?
Miss Mini-Me was turning the tables on us. Of course, that stopped the fighting immediately. The "picking" was replaced with laughter, although she was quite serious. I am fairly certain that was the last adult argument of the trip.
In my previous post I wrote about the game that I created on the fly to keep the kids from picking each other to pieces and from make us crazy! This game was quite a success.
We went back and forth with gaining and losing points. Only once did Ashton drop below the baseline of 10 points to 9 and after he stopped crying because he lost them, he listened intently to learn how to redeem more. All in all this point system worked well. There was only one catch. It was used against me.
After driving for several hours on the way home fatigue, boredom and general irritation set in. I am speaking for myself. Not the kids.
I loathe car rides. I would rather stick a fork in my eye then sit in a car for hours on end. I am not a person who enjoys the open road and taking in the scenery. I much prefer to take it all in from 30,000 feet at take off and descent.
My exhaustion got the better of me. That in combination with the chemical that Aaron's brain produces to block out my voice, caused the first series of car-ride arguments to erupt. Of course the argument was very important--all relating to the time change when we crossed the magical point in Indiana that divides Central Time from Eastern. Like I said, important stuff.
As we bantered, we were brought to a halt by a little voice in the back seat stating that we had lost points for fighting. What??? Lost points?
Miss Mini-Me was turning the tables on us. Of course, that stopped the fighting immediately. The "picking" was replaced with laughter, although she was quite serious. I am fairly certain that was the last adult argument of the trip.
Touché, my little Smartie Pants... Touché!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Two Little Monkeys
My two little monkeys are bouncing off the walls. Really, the beds in the hotel room, but what's the difference? They are so excited to be on their way to the big city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin to visit their cousin. They cannot contain their excitement.
The modern technology of iPads, laptops, iPods and built in DVD players make road trips a little more tolerable. Your butt still gets numb from the vibration of the road, but the fighting and "don't cross this line" is reduced greatly by these distractions. A point system that I created this morning has also been highly successful. At least thus far.
The way the "game" is played is both kids start with 10 points. For each nice thing they do, they gain a point. Be a brat, and you lose one. If you end up with at least 10 points at the end of the trip then you get a reward at home. If you have less than ten points when we pull in the driveway, then prepare to be on chore duty for a few days. The real fun ones too...playroom clean up, bathroom sink cleaning, trash collecting. Every kid's dream!
Gotta love a good impromptu game to keep the troops on the straight and narrow. Stay tuned to see if Mom wins in the end.
The modern technology of iPads, laptops, iPods and built in DVD players make road trips a little more tolerable. Your butt still gets numb from the vibration of the road, but the fighting and "don't cross this line" is reduced greatly by these distractions. A point system that I created this morning has also been highly successful. At least thus far.
The way the "game" is played is both kids start with 10 points. For each nice thing they do, they gain a point. Be a brat, and you lose one. If you end up with at least 10 points at the end of the trip then you get a reward at home. If you have less than ten points when we pull in the driveway, then prepare to be on chore duty for a few days. The real fun ones too...playroom clean up, bathroom sink cleaning, trash collecting. Every kid's dream!
Gotta love a good impromptu game to keep the troops on the straight and narrow. Stay tuned to see if Mom wins in the end.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
My Baby
Some of you may have already ejected from this post after seeing the title, "My Baby." Yea, yea, you've heard me say it a thousand times..."my Baby." Ashton is my baby. He's the youngest, he's the baby. But, how he's growing up.
This weekend marks the very first sleep-over "my Baby" had. He went to his best friend, Anuj's house and had an absolutely incredible time. Pizza. Pop. Cake. Cookies. Grand Slam. Went to bed late. Got up early. A perfect time was had by all.
I have to admit, I was a little teary after I dropped him off.
This four year old of mine is ready to go hang out with his friend without his Momma. I barely got a "goodbye" at the door, and had to chase him down to get a hug and a kiss! "Buddy, get back here and tell Mommy goodbye!" ...did I really just have to say that??? Where did my Baby go?!
He had a grand time. In fact, he wasn't ready to leave this morning. He told me all about his adventure start to finish. But, what is funny about Ashton is he only tells a story once...if you aren't there to hear it while he's telling, don't expect to hear a first-hand account. I took everything in. All I could think to myself is, "He's getting to be so grown up."
Later in the day, I went into his room to put some things away. I just sat on the bed and looked around. My kid lives in a time-warp of a room! White shelves. Pictures and memorabilia on the walls of Ashton as a baby. A new born picture. Baby dedication. Ashton in one of his monogrammed onesies. Yikes! This poor kid probably just spent the night in a big boy room with super heroes and he came home to a baby picture room with a touch of Buzz Light Year for good measure.
I guess it's time for me to let go of the baby and embrace the little boy.
This weekend marks the very first sleep-over "my Baby" had. He went to his best friend, Anuj's house and had an absolutely incredible time. Pizza. Pop. Cake. Cookies. Grand Slam. Went to bed late. Got up early. A perfect time was had by all.
I have to admit, I was a little teary after I dropped him off.
This four year old of mine is ready to go hang out with his friend without his Momma. I barely got a "goodbye" at the door, and had to chase him down to get a hug and a kiss! "Buddy, get back here and tell Mommy goodbye!" ...did I really just have to say that??? Where did my Baby go?!
He had a grand time. In fact, he wasn't ready to leave this morning. He told me all about his adventure start to finish. But, what is funny about Ashton is he only tells a story once...if you aren't there to hear it while he's telling, don't expect to hear a first-hand account. I took everything in. All I could think to myself is, "He's getting to be so grown up."
Later in the day, I went into his room to put some things away. I just sat on the bed and looked around. My kid lives in a time-warp of a room! White shelves. Pictures and memorabilia on the walls of Ashton as a baby. A new born picture. Baby dedication. Ashton in one of his monogrammed onesies. Yikes! This poor kid probably just spent the night in a big boy room with super heroes and he came home to a baby picture room with a touch of Buzz Light Year for good measure.
I guess it's time for me to let go of the baby and embrace the little boy.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Closure
One phone call this afternoon and I am once again left to wonder what it is I am feeling. The phone call was to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. This is where Granddad was laid to rest on February 8th.
Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery
As with most burials, headstones are not typically on site the day that you say your final farewell to your loved one. And, certainly not in a military cemetery. We were told that it would be 30-60 days before his marker was set and that is rough timing. I am very familiar with what rough timing means...it means best case scenario. You can imagine my surprise when I called to check "the status" of his headstone placement and they responded by saying, "It was set on March 4th, Ma'am. You are free to come any time you would like during the cemetery hours. Again, our deepest condolences." I didn't expect to hear that. I was relatively speechless. Those who know me well know that speechless is not a part of my vocabulary. "Thank you." That's all I could say.
Quickly, I hopped online just to see if Granddad was now also listed in the registry of Veterans who were buried in this field of honor. ...there it was.
Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery
As with most burials, headstones are not typically on site the day that you say your final farewell to your loved one. And, certainly not in a military cemetery. We were told that it would be 30-60 days before his marker was set and that is rough timing. I am very familiar with what rough timing means...it means best case scenario. You can imagine my surprise when I called to check "the status" of his headstone placement and they responded by saying, "It was set on March 4th, Ma'am. You are free to come any time you would like during the cemetery hours. Again, our deepest condolences." I didn't expect to hear that. I was relatively speechless. Those who know me well know that speechless is not a part of my vocabulary. "Thank you." That's all I could say.
Quickly, I hopped online just to see if Granddad was now also listed in the registry of Veterans who were buried in this field of honor. ...there it was.
William Willard Chipps
MoMM1 US Navy
World War II
Date of Birth: April 6, 1920
Date of Death: February 3, 2011
I called my mother. I am certain this was the last thing she expected to hear today. "Mom, Granddad's stone has been set. Please let Grandie know." ...silence...
It's no surprise that this day was coming. In fact, nothing should have come as a surprise since November. While it's not surprising, it's uncharted waters. New territory. This headstone placement gives Granddad's life and death the final closure. It's the last item on the list that remained unchecked. And now it's finished.
Now what?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Kids Say the Darndest Things
Aaron: "Ashton, are you going to wear your new goggles in the bathtub?"
Ashton: "No, I don't want them to get wet."
Sidney: "My stomach hurts."
Me: "You better not have any ice cream then."
Sidney: "It's better now."
Me: "Ashton, Daddy is going to suck you up in his shop-vac."
Ashton: "My head is too big. It would never fit in there."
Ashton on Sidney's eating habits: "Sidney is a vacuum cleaner!"
Sidney: "Can I sign up to get a Wheel of Fortune ID number?"
Me: "No, you're not old enough. You have to be 18."
Sidney: "Is that in 11 months or 11 years?"
Ashton: "No, I don't want them to get wet."
Sidney: "My stomach hurts."
Me: "You better not have any ice cream then."
Sidney: "It's better now."
Me: "Ashton, Daddy is going to suck you up in his shop-vac."
Ashton: "My head is too big. It would never fit in there."
Ashton on Sidney's eating habits: "Sidney is a vacuum cleaner!"
Sidney: "Can I sign up to get a Wheel of Fortune ID number?"
Me: "No, you're not old enough. You have to be 18."
Sidney: "Is that in 11 months or 11 years?"
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