What A Difference A 5K Race Makes

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006

Remember an earlier blog posting where I referenced my sister inspiring me to run in the Fox Cities Marathon 5K race? Well, here are a few pics after I had completed my first official 5K race! The day dawned a bit foggy and humid, but the sun shone through as we began the run. What a glorious experience; music played and the crowds shouted or clapped as they supported the racers going by along the whole course. I was especially rewarded when I crossed the finish line as I was hugged by a race official who I had spoke with when picking up my race packet the afternoon before. He had told me that I should smile and raise my arms in celebration as I finished the race; after all I had taken initiative to sign up and participate in an event that the greater population between Milwaukee and Appleton had not. I bet you're wondering... how did she do in the race? OK, I am going to "toot" my horn a bit. Of 28 women in my age group, I placed 7th!

I am thankful for god blessing me with good health, and self motivation.

What A Difference A New Friend Makes

I am thankful for new friendships !

I met Shanen in July of 2005; our introduction came while rooming together when attending the Stampin Up! Convention in Salt Lake City Utah. Little did I know then, that we would become such close friends. There is a 20 year age difference between us, although you would never guess this by listening to our conversations. We share many parallel life experiences and enjoy similar interests. One of my favorite things to do is join Shanen, Emma, and Cody for a "walk". We recently walked together, opened our hearts to each other and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I thank God for the blessing of new friends!

What A Difference A Day Makes...

Remembering 9/11

5 years ago today I had taken the day off from work; I had a very important appointment scheduled with an attorney to begin exploring the necessary process of filing for divorce. You see, my husband had an extramarital "affair" with another woman; I didn't think I could ever forgive him. The appointment with the attorney never took place, she was called into court that day and had to cancel our meeting. Eventhough the appointment was cancelled, I took the day off as a "mental health day". I was at Hobby Lobby when the clerk said to me "Isn't it awful about the plane crashing into the World Trade Center in New York"? I hadn't heard anything about it; I quickly drove over to Best Buy and stood in front of the TV's mezmerized in disbelief.

During the painful days following 9/11, I watched our nation go into a state of shock and I began my own agonizing internal soul searching process. Most of us felt an instinctive need to reach out to loved ones and hold them close. I decided to give my husband another chance, an opportunity for him to turn his life around. Five years later I feel more connected than ever to my soul, to others, and to God. I found the strength to move on, I am now divorced. My life has begun to reflect what I value the most. I found the courage to forgive my ex-husband. I'm not sure I will ever be able to forget the pain and suffering. I imagine many survivors of 9/11 struggle to forget their trauma as well; in that I feel a sense of kinship.

I am thankful for the reason to question priorities I don't need another crisis to take the state of my life seriously. I work daily to honor the priorities I have set:

• I have forgiven those I need to forgive
• I spend time with the people who matter most in my life
• I listen to the voice of my soul so that I make real, honest choices based on what I most want
• If today were my last day on earth, I would feel good about what I am leaving behind
• I am working toward sharing my God-given gifts and talents with others

How about you???

What A Difference A Sleep Over Makes

I am thankful for the enthusiasm of my niece & nephew for doing sleep overs: I recently celebrated my 52nd birthday; my day started out watching my niece and nephew wake up! What a wonderful way to begin a day of celebration. It amazes me that at the ages of 11 and 14 they still want to sleep over at my house. Thank you Jake and Emily for loving me ~ I hope that you never out grow your enthusiasm for spending time with me.