Great Quote

I read this quote the other day. I have no idea who said it but I really like it.

Rosa sat so that Martin could walk. Martin walked so that Barack could run. Barack ran so that our children could fly.

Regardless of your political affiliation, that's a great quote.

Don't 'Cha Hate that?

I got gas on my way home from work yesterday. I paid $2.23 a gallon for regular. I know. I about did a dance next to the pump.

On my drive to work this morning, a mere 13 hours after I filled my tank, the very same gas station now has gas for $2.13 a gallon. Don't 'cha just hate that?

I was pretty bummed that I didn't wait a day. Until I realized it would have been about $.80 that I saved if I waited. I think I can deal with that 80 cents.

But still....don't 'cha just hate that?

The Story's Last Chapter?

If you live in the Philly area you know it POURED on Saturday. If you don't live in this area but tried to watch the World Series game 3 at 8:30pm you know it was pouring in Philly. Rain was blowing every which way. For hours. Guess what did not make its way into my apartment? That very same rain. It seems the leak has really, actually, officially been fixed.

[insert hallelujah chorus and happy dance here]

The Story Continues.....

Last month I wrote about the leak in my apartment. It has since been 'resolved'. I use that term loosely because it hasn't really rained any significant amount since the day it rained into my apartment.

When that happened, I wrote a letter to the apartment complex letting them know that my leak was very much not fixed as they previously stated. I casually reminded them of the health risks and asked that this be resolved quickly. They did move quickly, I will give them credit for that. However, they had to call a roofer, wait for him to come, wait for his proposal, approve his proposal, wait for the roofer to complete the work and wait for the painter to show up to repaint the wall (a.k.a. paint over the wet spots). All of that took two weeks.

My leak, however, was fixed. Do you know how I know it was fixed? Because the front office has a bill for the work from the roofer. Seriously, that's how the front office told me they know the roof is fixed. It took all I had not to laugh or make some smart alec comment when she told me that.

I still have no idea if there is mold growing behind the wall. The painter did come to paint the wall but you can absolutely still see the water stains through the new paint. Do you know how I know I can still see the stains? Because I can see them. (sorry, couldn't resist)

I do have a bookshelf that has sustained water damage. The entire bottom of the bookshelf is warped. Perhaps another letter to the apartment complex requesting a new bookshelf is in order.

Stay tuned for that.....

Seriously Wrong

It is really, really wrong that there are Christmas decorations for sale in stores already. The Halloween candy is barely on sale and stores are lining their shelves with items for Christmas. It used to be sad when we couldn't get through Thanksgiving without Christmas decorations on sale but this is a bit ridiculous. Pretty soon there just might be Christmas in July. It's seriously wrong people.

One night I was driving home with two friends. One of those friends had left her car at the train station and so we drove there to pick up her car. It was around 11pm. As she got out of my vehicle, I rolled down the window and joked that I’d wait to make sure her car started. We all chuckled, I rolled up the window and her car wouldn’t start. The chuckling stopped.

Being my father’s daughter, I have jumper cables in my trunk. The spot she was parked in was on a slight incline. I suggested she put her car in neutral and see if she could coast backward. I wanted to make room to pull my car up in front of hers. We popped the hoods and I unloaded the cables from the trunk. And I looked at them. I could not remember which car to start with and which anode to attach first. I remembered something about grounding. So my other friend called her husband and he was going to walk us through what to do.

Meanwhile, it had been raining. In our attempt to untangle the cables, two of them hit each other. Oh say can you see. The sparks that flew from those cables put on quite the show. Me, being the rational, sane and non-dramatic woman that I am, started freaking out. Luckily a stronger and braver woman than I pulled them apart. I’m grateful for my friends.

We did manage to hook up my vehicle to hers. We turned on my vehicle, turned on her vehicle and nothing. We tried again. Nothing. We followed ‘the husband’s’ directions but we couldn’t get her car to start. Being the mechanics that we are, we self-diagnosed a faulty starter. Or spark plugs. It was a toss up.

My friend called her insurance company and got a tow truck (or a wrecker for you southerners; that’s a story for another time). It’s now nearly midnight. Obviously no one was there to receive her vehicle. The next morning we drove over to let them know why the car was there and give them the key. What happened there is also a story for another day but suffice it to say, they found nothing wrong with it. The car started for them immediately and every time thereafter. That’s always helpful. It’s like having weeks of bad hair days until the day of your hair appointment or days of feeling horrible but your color returns on the day of the doctor appointment.

She ended up bringing her car to a different mechanic who diagnosed a problem, fixed it and her car has been starting since. Should there be a next time, I won’t let the clamps on the cables touch each other; and if I once again can not remember which vehicle and/or anode to start with, I’ll follow the nice drawing in my owner’s manual.

I'm going to tell you a story.....

Once upon a time there appeared to be a leak coming in through the ceiling in my apartment. I called the front office and called the front office and one day someone showed up. The leak was "repaired" and the wall was painted and I was told all was well.

As I expected, the water stains reappeared. Seems paint doesn't cover everything. In addition, the rug in that corner of the apartment is damp and the book shelf in that area is warped from water. So, I wrote a formal letter requesting the issue be taking care of. I wasn't messing around.

A roofer was sent out to investigate. Red tape and politics translates into the roofer writes a proposal, the complex attempts to get approval, the work is completed (however long that takes) and then who knows what happens next. I am still awaiting approval.

Meanwhile, it rained for four days straight here. On Sunday it poured. I mean poured. And so did the water, into my apartment. I stood by the wall watching the water run down in streaks. Good times. There is now quite the pattern of water stains on that wall. Who needs a picture or print when you have lovely brownish splotches?

This story currently has no ending. Seems I am waiting and waiting and waiting.....

I can only hope there isn't mold growing on that wall or under the rug or under the bookshelf. I can only hope they actually fix the leak and repair the damage. I can only hope they replace the bookshelf. I can only hope they either dry or replace the carpet. I can only hope I am not displaced for the repairs but if I am, I can only hope they pay for my hotel. I can only hope.....

To be continued.....

The Duchess

A few weeks ago I got free tickets to attend a premier of the new movie The Duchess. No, this was not one of those fancy Hollywood premiers with a red carpet but it was a free movie.

It's not that this movie is poorly done. The acting is impeccable. Ralph Fiennes does a great job of making you hate him. Kiera Knightley does a great job portraying The Duchess. The scenery and costuming are beautiful. But I hated this movie.

It's the content that bothered me. It's okay for a married man to share his bed with whomever he chooses. His wife is expected to look the other way; to support his decision even. It reminded me a lot of The Other Boleyn Girl if you've seen that. I just makes (made) me mad.

It also made me really glad I was born when I was. Really glad.

It's Not Jeopardy....It's Love

Right now I'm loving Sugarland's new album Love on the Inside. It's good. I mean really good. It's... roll the windows down, crank up the volume, sing as loud as you want and dance in the car without caring what the person next to you at the stop light thinks... good.

There is a song on the album titled Love. The premise of the song is this. If the answer is love, then what is the question. The song attempts to answer that with potential questions whose answer is love.

So I ask. If the answer is love, what would you say is the question?

Up, Up & Away

For years now I have wanted to parasail. Why, I don't know. I'm not the daredevil, seek out adventure kind of person. But something about parasailing intrigued me. So, when I went on my mini vacation, I decided to give it a shot.

Lucky for me I have two friends who were kind enough to come on the boat with me. Cindy started out strictly as a passenger but somewhere along the way decided to sail with me. Mandy stuck to her guns as an observer and took some truly spectacular pictures as our on board photographer.I knew I didn't want to go first. I wanted to see what I was in for. The 'captain' asked who wanted to go first and this little kid raised his hand. So the captain sent up the only couple on the outing first instead. So glad he asked who was going first. Seems we didn't have a choice for our order and Cindy and I ended up last.

The other guy on the boat got us both strapped into this swing type seat. As he was tying the swing seat to my life jacket he proceeded to calmly tell me to be aware of sharks. Just yesterday, he said, there was a whole school of them following the boat. Uh huh. And one of them was named Jaws right? Nice try dude.

It was our turn. We made our way to the back of the boat, got hooked up to the parasail itself and there was no turning back from there. Once attached we were suddenly flying and I do mean flying backward into the air. Seriously, that thing just shoots you up there. You can tell by my face that I'm not exaggerating.It's a very odd feeling. Once you get up to a certain height (I'm not even going to begin to guess how high up we were) you just kind of float in the air. You can hear the wind in the sail. You can also hear the quiet, except for Cindy and I questioning our sanity.
We were looking around and below at the boats, jet skis, beach, buildings etc. All of a sudden we are leaping tall buildings in a single bound. Or just lifted even higher into the air. Seriously, we were high up there. I looked down and our boat was so small. It looked like a toy.After what felt like days being left up there, we were suddenly being reeled in like giant fish. Slowly we crept out of the sky. In order to land we were told to keep our legs out straight and we would be gently place on the back of the boat. Obedient little bees that we are, we did as we were told and landed safely on the back of the boat.
I haven't been that happy to see land since I got off the plane on my way back from Turkey in 2004.

We did it. Another adventure under my belt. Although I'm not ready to sign up and go again this weekend, I am glad that I did it. And I am especially glad that Cindy went with me and Mandy was on the boat and taking pictures. Especially glad.

This, after all, is the great adventure and I'm glad that I've been given adventurers to travel with.

Operation Mini Vacation

I spent this past long weekend down in Virginia Beach visiting with some friends from college. It was so good to be with them. We have known each other for 16 years now, considering we met during freshman year. Actually Cindy and I met our first day arriving on campus since we were suitemates. I met Mandy shortly there after.

There is something to be said for spending time with people with whom you have a history. Although we have drifted in and out of each other’s lives over the years, I can’t help but think of them often. They each played an integral part in both my spiritual and life journeys. They come up in stories I tell about college life.

And now, after this weekend, they’ll come up again in stories I tell about crazy adventures I’ve been privileged to take. Who knows how many more they may be in in the future. After all, friends are friends forever……

Is It Me?

It's summer. It's vacation season. People are going places. Or having a 'staycation' instead. I get it.

What I don't get is people who write on their Facebook account that they are 'having a blast at [insert place here]' or 'loving being on vacation in [insert place here].' I can't help but wonder, if you are having such a blast and loving being wherever it is that you are, what in the world are you doing on Facebook? Maybe it's just me.

do you think this is true?

Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best. God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best and man will not take it. -George Macdonald

Now that is going to take some time to sink in.

Timber!

So there I am in CVS, innocently looking at their beach chairs (that are 25% off this week, by the way). For some reason they are all stacked on top of the shelves. Maybe they had no where else to put them? I don't know. I pulled a couple off the shelf to make sure they opened and closed. I took them for a test drive, aka sat in them. I decided on the one I wanted.

Rather than leave the ones I pulled off the shelf on the floor (as some people are in the habit of doing) I decided I would put them back up on top of the shelf. I placed one back up. I folded the next and put that on top of it, which is how I found it. In my effort to make sure it wouldn't fall off the top shelf and knock someone in the head, apparently I pushed a tad too hard. On the shelf behind the one I was re-stacking there was a row of ugly Igloo coolers. My attempt to return the chair resulted in several Igloo coolers becoming one with the floor. With great flair from what I could hear. (Hey, if you're going to do it might as well do it well.)

So I did what anyone else would have done. I pretended like it wasn't me and went about my business. Oh come on; you would have done the same thing.

*Note: no people or ugly Igloo coolers were harmed in the telling of this tale.

Too Much Profit?

With a show of hands, who likes to make a profit? Yup, my hand is raised too. That's how most of us get paid. I wonder, however; Is there such thing as too much profit?

I read the following on cnn.com this morning:

"Exxon Mobil once again reported the largest quarterly profit in U.S. history Thursday, posting net income of $11.68 billion on revenue of $138 billion in the second quarter. That profit works out to $1,485.55 a second."

What? This just really feels wrong to me. Nearly every business has reported losses. Gas and food prices are through the roof. The economy, whether the government will admit it or not, is in a recession. But Exxon is making billions.

Meanwhile families have to choose between buying milk and eggs for the refrigerator or gas for the car. The budget doesn't quite go as far as it used to. But Exxon is making billions.

Again, I get that everyone needs to make a profit. I'm not faulting Exxon for making money. It's just I have a problem with that much money. In a three month time period.

So I ask the question again. Is there such thing as too much profit? My empty wallet thinks so.

You're Out!

This past weekend I went to see the Phillies play the Braves. What an absolutely insane game. The first 4 innings flew by. Then the game, and the fans, took a turn for the worse.

The Phillies were leading 3-0 in the top of the 5^th inning. Run after run the Braves began scoring. So much for ace Cole Hamels. That scoring led to some taunting by a few Braves fans sitting in the section next to ours. Taunting and their team losing do NOT sit well with Philly fans of any kind. A Phillies fan took it upon himself to let those Braves fans know it. Punches were nearly thrown and the CBP security and police came running in to save the day. They threw out the Phillies fan but allowed the Braves fans to stay. If the Philly fans were upset before, they were livid now. Chants of not so nice words were permeating the ballpark. Apparently the Braves fans couldn't let bygones be bygones and they started their taunting again.

Now meanwhile the game is still going on and the Braves are still scoring. It's now 6-3, the Braves having taken the lead. Security came back in and finally (after much yelling from surrounding Phillies fans) threw out those tomahawk choppers. You should have heard the cheering and roaring of the crowd when those guys were removed. The only problem, the cheers came at exactly the same time as one of the Braves hit a 3-run homer. If you were elsewhere in the ballpark or certainly a player on the field you would have thought there were a lot of Braves fans in attendance. Not good timing.

In total the Braves scored 9 runs that inning. That's a deficit not easily overcome. But don't count the Phillies out; just ask last year's Mets team. The very next inning the Phils scored 7 runs and managed to hold on. The final – 10-9 Phillies. That sold out crowd went ballistic when Chase Utley threw out the last batter.

Twists, turns, fights, near punches, taunts, highs, lows; it was like an episode of the Soprano's, minus the guns and the cannoli. I loved it. Batter up!

Is This Normal?

I went for a run this past weekend. Since it was the weekend I went several hours later than 5am. I was not getting up that early on a weekend. It's a lot sunnier and warmer a few hours later than 5am. That makes the run a bit harder. Well, at least for me it did. I came away from that run with one thought going through my mind – I hate running.

I hated it this weekend. I got no joy out of it at all. I kept wondering why am I doing this. I kept thinking I get up at 5am for this.

Runners, is that normal? Are there days when you absolutely hate running?

I just hope I can put this in the 'this too shall pass' category.

I set my alarm for 5am this morning and my alarm went off along with some pretty serious lightning and thunder. So I did what anyone else would have done. I rolled right over. Heck if I was getting up to run in lightning and thunder. You've got to be kidding me. I like to curl up in a ball during thunderstorms not be out in them.

Truth be told, I was actually sad about it. I've gotten into a semi-routine and I'm really trying to stick with it. Good thing tomorrow is another day.

things that make you go....huh?

I was driving home from work tonight and I saw this woman pushing one of those jogging strollers. You know, the ones with the three wheels. She had her workout clothes on; her earbuds in. She was either ready to go or ready to go home. I looked over and there was absolutely nothing in the stroller. No baby, no kid, no water bottle even. Not sure what possesses someone to go for a walk or jog pushing a stroller with no one and nothing in it. Not sure what that was all about.

Thou Shall Not Walk

I am about to enter week 7 of my 9 week running program. (I would be in week 8 if it weren't for my falling off the wagon that one week.) This whole program has been a combination of walking and running for various lengths of time. This morning I entered into the world of all running and no walking (except for the brief warm-up walk at the beginning).

This morning I was tasked with running for 25 minutes with no waking. 25 minutes. Do you know long 25 minutes is? That's 1,500 seconds. That's longer than a 30 minute sitcom on TiVo when you skip through the commercials. It's a long time.

I'm so glad for my ipod. At one point Eye of the Tiger came on and I channeled my inner Rocky for a few minutes. Another point a dance song came on and I was suddenly dancing on Dancing with the Stars. Hey, you gotta pass the time somehow.

I kept telling myself I could walk if I needed to. I figured it's a mind game anyway so if I told myself I could then I probably wouldn't want to. I played the 'just run to that corner and then you can walk' game once or twice. I never did walk. I ran the whole way. I felt invigorated; sweaty and really gross but invigorated.

I need to figure out my breathing. Anyone have any tips about that?

In the meantime, from here on out, I'll take it one stride, one song at a time. It's a good thing because walking is no longer an option.

Amazing Grace

I recently watched the movie titled Amazing Grace. It's a film based on the true story of a man, William Wilberforce, who sets out to end the British transatlantic slave trade during the 1800s. Sounds like it could be a bore. This film is anything but. This is a great movie, a powerful movie. The dialogue is thought provoking. The storyline is challenging. You should rent it, watch it On Demand, get it at your library; just watch it.

When the movie is over, don't be quick to turn off the DVD or walk away from the TV. The version of Amazing Grace that bellows from your speakers in between the credits is so…well…amazing that you won't want to miss it.

God sometimes does His work with gentle drizzle, not storms. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Boot Scootin'

This past weekend it was girls night out for some country line dancing. The husbands were left at home (that was easy for me) and we headed over to Jersey to Prospectors. Now, yes, on the surface it does seem like an oxymoron to say Jersey and country in the same sentence. But this place was not hurting for business. And no, they didn't play club music in between sets of country. It was straight up country all night. Yee haw!

Now I don't know if it's due to the wedding ring on each of my friends or what but no young cowboys (urban or otherwise) asked any of us to dance. The only ones who did were these old men. No, not the sleazy old bar hopping going through a mid-life crisis need to dance with younger women type of old men but old men nevertheless. I was boot scootin' around with this guy but I was missing by boogey. Dancing with an old man can do that to ya!

That is, until they finally played a line dance that I knew. Once that Tush Push came on my inner country cowgirl came out and I got my boogey back. I lost it again after that song was over but whatever; I relished it while I had it.

We did dance other line dances but it's not the same when you are trying not to run the person over next to you or step on someone's toes as you are trying to learn a dance. We tried to spot the people in the crowd who knew what they were doing and follow them. At times it worked and at times, let's just say not so much.

Although I didn't meet a cowboy (or any guy for that matter) we did have a fun girls night out. We got to party 'til the cows c[a]me home, boot scootin' all the way.

That Girl

Some friends and I went out to dinner this past weekend. The waiter took our order. For me - Cobb Salad, dressing on the side please. No crazy ordering a la Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. Just a salad. Our five entrees came out and a salad was placed in front of me. The dressing was so not on the side. I didn't want to be that girl; you know, the one who sends back her salad because the dressing wasn't on the side. So I started to eat it. I was hungry. Several bites in I started thinking. I know I wouldn't order a salad with crispy chicken. Where's the avocado? Or hard boiled egg? Or cheese? Okay, this is not my salad. So, after being convinced by everyone to get the right salad, I became that girl; the one who sends back her salad because it's the wrong one.

Ever see the movie Waiting? Yeah, me neither. People at the table were telling stories about this movie. Apparently wait staff spit in people's food (and a whole lot worse). Oh but don't worry, that won't happen here. Nice try for assurance guys.

The waiter brought me the right salad and after taking a quick glance around the plate for any 'extras', I ate the grilled chicken, avocado, cheese, hard boiled egg etc with a smile.

A little while later the manager came over and told us that my salad was on the house. After another reference to Waiting in his presence, he assured me that no one spit in my food. They don't do that kind of thing there. That's what they all say.

So, I then became that girl; the one who only has to pay for her drink because someone else screwed up her order. Now I like that girl. I really don't mind someone else picking up the dinner tab.

Today Makes Two

I did it again. That's twice now. I'm on a roll; albeit a small one. I heard the blaring at 5am again this morning. I resisted tossing the thing across the room and just got up. I got ready, with next to no grumbling, and headed out the door. Although the air was still wet (hey, it's July on the east coast; humidity happens) it was cooler out this morning than last time. Dare I say, I kind of like my run this morning. I think I'll stop there before I say something else that I might later regret or have to be held accountable to.

**On a side note, I think I just came up with a new t-shirt slogan: Humidity Happens. I'll wear that sucker on days in the summer when my bad hair day can easily be blamed on the humidity. It'll be my way of saying - yes I know my hair is so huge that I can barely fit in the doorway or the frizz is so bad it looks like a halo around my head with this ponytail. Hey, humidity happens. Come to think of it, I should get a couple, in different colors. And wash them often for I'll be wearing them often. Again, it's July on the east coast.

Gas War Update

Today on my way home from work I noticed that both gas stations have regular gas for $4.11 a gallon. Do I hear $4.09? This is a war I can get behind.

Local Gas War

There is an intersection near my apartment that has a gas station on three out of the four corners. No joke. One of those stations has recently re-opened after being closed for a short time. On my way to work I noticed that one gas station had regular gas for $4.17 a gallon. The newly re-opened station was selling it for $4.13 a gallon. I couldn't help but think that even though there was only a 4 cent difference the one selling cheaper gas would certainly gain more business. I'd have lower prices too, especially if I am competing for gas patrons on an already saturated corner.



On my way home from work the station with the $4.17 per gallon gas had lowered it's price to $4.13. I guess the competition proved too steep. Here's hoping the originally lower station will lower their prices again. I am not counting on it happening but I would defenitely be happy if they did.

Never Say Never

Not too long ago I said there was no way I would get up at 5am to go for a run. Nope, never gonna happen. Well, I should know by now to never say never.

The obnoxious beeping woke me at 5 am. After toying with the idea of throwing the alarm clock across the room I hit the off button and got up. I knew if I laid there I'd be right back to sleep quicker than you can say what the heck are you doing. I peeked through the mini blinds in my room and saw that it was dark. And wet. I came this close to climbing back in bed but I knew I'd never really fall back asleep at that point. I got ready, grumbling at times, grabbed my ipod, chugged some water and was out the door.

It's really humid here right now. The kind of humid that makes you wave your hands in front of your face thinking you can move some of the air in order to see more clearly. Good times.

Once I got into the run, though, it was okay. It was actually kind of serene since the typical sounds of the day were not yet there. It was also kind of peaceful watching the day arrive and the sun begin to rise.

Truth? Getting up at 5 am wasn't all that bad. Now I'm not saying I'm going to get up at 5 am every time I go for a run. But, never say never. I just might do it again.

Grow basil, grow!

I have a little herb garden on my patio. Growing outside my apartment is a pot of basil and a pot with a mix of flat leaf parsley and rosemary. No sage. Or Thyme. Sorry Simon and Garfunkel.

My basil had been growing out of control. It was time for a trim. I hacked at it (a.k.a. snipped nicely with kitchen scissors) and cut enough to make a pesto sauce. My very first pesto sauce ever. I do have to say, I make a mean pesto.

A little pesto sauce; a little whole wheat penne; a little warm bread. Molto bene! [if only hand gestures like kissing your fingertips like an Italian could come across on a blog]

Molto bene indeed!

I went running a couple of times so far this week. I'm back in the saddle...er...groove again. For now at least.

While I was running one night this week after work I realized two things.

1. There is nothing like running in a new pair of sneakers. Apparently the elusive 'they' is right. New shoes do make a difference. They certainly don't help my need for oxygen but they certainly do put a spring in my step. Plus my feet stand out since the sneakers are so white.

2. I seriously do NOT like running after work. You'd think it would be a great idea. Sort of run that stress right out of my body. I've been sitting at a computer all day; running will be good. Not so much. I feel sluggish; I feel rundown; I just don't like it.

You know what this means right? I'm going to become one of them who buys a new pair of sneakers every 3 months. After all that's what 'they' recommend. And not only that but I may have to get up at 5 am and go for a run before I get ready for work. Ew! The sun isn't even up at that time. It's even smart enough to stay hidden for a little while longer.

We'll see though. First I need a habit. Then I'll go from there.

I will rise

You know the phrase 'old habits die hard'? Well I have a new one. New habits can fizzle. So much for a habit. I was this close. My confession; I have only run once this week. I didn't quite make it to the 'habit day.' I have my reasons:

It was hot outside. We broke records left and right. As a matter of fact my section of Philly was on the news due to an electric cable breaking and us losing power. It was way to hot to pound the pavement.

I am lazy. There is no way on God's green earth I was getting up at 5am to run before the crazy heat started and before getting ready to go to work. It's not happening. Not even on the morning I woke up at 5am on my own. No siree. (What was that about anyway?)

I hate the gym. Sure I could have run on a treadmill in a 'nice' 'air conditioned' place (I use both words loosely. Nice and gym do not go together.) But then again no. See first sentence.

So for all of the ways I boasted about maybe being a runner I have to take that back now. A real runner would not have let any of that list get in the way. Okay so maybe I'm not a "real runner." Not yet anyway. Oh but I'll get there. A real runner I will be. The habit mark I will pass.

Like Confucius said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." So, I've fallen. But unlike that old lady in the life alert commercial I can get up. I'll rise. I'll suck wind again, that's for sure (especially since I'm now a week behind schedule). But I will rise. And I will run.

You know gas prices are out of control when the gas station doesn't have enough number 4 cards to use on all of its signs so it has to resort to spray paint.

I *heart* Country Music

Believe it or not there is a country radio station in Philadelphia. Hard to believe I know. It’s been here for 24 years actually. The station is so cool that it threw itself an anniversary party. And I got to go. For free.

This wasn’t just any kind of party. It was an all day, outdoor country music fest. The lineup was fantastic. I saw Chuck Wicks, Keith Anderson, Pat Green, Billy Ray Cyrus (yes it’s true), Terri Clark and my current favorite Sugarland.

I had two tickets so my friend Anita from college flew up to hang out this weekend and go with me. Little did she (or I) know what we’d be in store for. All week ‘they’ were calling for thunderstorms on Saturday. I wasn’t sure if we’d even get to go. Well, thunderstorms turned into excessive heat instead. The temperatures hit around 96. Add the humidity to that and the heat index was nearly 110. Now imagine yourself sitting on a giant field in those conditions with no shade and several thousand other people. It was crazy. I think I sweat my full body weight. And that was before 1pm. I applied and reapplied sunscreen and still managed to burn in places. In fact I’m radiating heat as I type.

In spite of that heat it was such a great time. The artists were so good and I loved every minute of it. Seriously, if you have the chance to see Sugarland take it. They are great in concert. I was reminded how much I love country music. Seriously, I *heart* country music. I was also reminded of how good it is to spend time with ‘old’ friends.

Anniversary Show tickets, $0. Parking $20. Water and food $18. Making memories with an ‘old’ friend while rockin’ out to country music and sweating like no other – priceless!

Running to Habit

I am now in my 3^rd week of this running program. “They” say that 21 days builds a habit. So I’m nearly at the habit stage. This week the task is to jog for 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, jog 3 minutes, and walk 3 minutes. Repeat. Um, excuse me? Jog for how long? Just last week, a mere 2 days ago, I was jogging for 90 seconds and now you want me to double that? You’ve got to be kidding me.

I did it though. I realized a few things while I was running tonight. And these are in no particular order. A mere 2 weeks and a few days ago I would have come up with any excuse not to run. Like tonight. It’s windy and a storm is on the way. I would have talked myself out of it 2+ weeks ago. Tonight, I wanted to go as soon as I got home to get the run in before the rain came. Does that make me an official runner now? Well, maybe I have to wait a few more days until I officially pass the habit day.

I also realized maybe I should change my goal. My goal was to run 3 miles without needing an oxygen tank. After my run today I think that goal should be changed to one mile. Perhaps I should start smaller. That 3 minutes nearly sent me over the edge.

Seriously, the first one wasn’t so bad but when that second 3 minute run rolled around again I wanted to use some not so nice words. I tried to break it down into 30 second increments thinking that would ease the pain. I know. It’s only 3 minutes. Seems like nothing. Until you start running. But then once minute 2 passed I seem to get a second wind. That last 60 seconds wasn’t so bad.

I’m so hoping this gets easier.

Here’s to habits. And nearly habits. And becoming a runner.

Fairness & God

Our pastor is currently preaching a series on the lies that we tend to buy into. The sermon at church this past week was titled Life is Fair. That certainly is a lie. For life is anything but fair. Then again our sense of fairness usually means things are going our way or we are getting what we want. When we don't, we tend to scream it's not fair. (those sentences are my own take on the sermon, not words my pastor used)

The sermon reminded me of a conversation I had with some dear friends a while back in Arizona. My friend Kim was commenting how it's easy for us to say 'God is good' or use some other phrase with the same meaning when things are going our way and when we get what it is that we want. She then posed an insightful question. Do we say the same phrase; do we feel the same way when things are seemingly not going our way or when we aren't getting what we want? Kim asked that question that day and it came out of a painful place she was in at the time. It's a powerful question. The answer, at least for me I'm afraid, isn't always yes. In fact, it's seldom yes. I tend to let my circumstances be my barometer for far too many things.

The truth is God is God regardless of my circumstances. It doesn't have to feel true to be true.

It's probably a good thing that life isn't fair. Otherwise, every time we broke the law and went over the speed limit we'd get a ticket. Every time we used the copier at work for personal copies or grabbed something from the printer tray that we got online for personal use we'd be charged a fee. On and on it goes.

"God is God and I am not. I can only see a part of the picture he's painting. God is God and I am man, so I'll never understand it all for only God is God." Steven Curtis Chapman

Happy Anniversary to me!

Three years ago this past weekend I arrived on the East Coast (or the 'right coast' as my mother commonly referred to it), completing my move from Arizona. It's hard to believe that three years have gone by already. Time certainly flies. I moved back, among other reasons, to be closer to my family. I've seen them a lot over the past three years. I've been able to attend graduations, anniversaries, confirmations, parties and dinners. Most of which I would have missed if I still lived in the land of cacti and warmth. For that, and so much more, I am grateful.

Happy 3^rd Anniversary to me!

Internet Blues

My internet at home has been out all week. So today I am catching up on the posts that I wrote. It's been quite the week.

I called the internet provider earlier in the week. I talked to two different people who ran my computer through all of these diagnostic type tests. I get that many people are computer clueless. The one guy asked me to turn the modem off and turn it back on again. Really? Now why didn't I think to do that earlier? Seriously. Tried that already. Then it was to unplug it from the wall and wait exactly 2 minutes before plugging it back in. The magical 2 minutes passed and nothing. So glad I moved the queen bed complete the headboard attached by myself for nothing. Many failed diagnostic tests and a long time on the phone later, they scheduled a technician to come by.

The internet technician guy came to my apartment this morning. I told him the internet had been out since last Saturday. A light bulb went off in his head. In short, last Saturday he came to our complex to connect someone to their services. While connecting them in the main box, he 'accidentally' disconnected me. Good times.

At the technician's suggestion, I called the main number and requested a credit for the missed week of service. Would you believe she gave me a hard time about that? She wasn't going to budge. So, I asked that she call the technician and have him verify that he, in fact, did inadvertently disconnect me from my service. I don't even know where the box is. I certainly could not have done it myself.

So I now wait to hear if I will get the full credit or not. If not, my phone conversation may be taped and used at their next training for what to do when people who grew up in Jersey call and want a refund.

The Rainbow Connection

This week we've had several days we've had the kind of weather where half the sky is sunshine half rain clouds. That's ripe sky for a rainbow. To know me is to know my craziness for the 'bow. It's been a long time since I've seen one. Seriously, can't remember the last time.

So, at least twice this week, when the sky seemed ripe, I asked Jesus for a rainbow. I seriously felt I needed one. No rainbow when I got out of my car after work. No rainbow when I got back from my run/walk. Both times I was sure I would see one. Since I didn't immediately, I went inside and looked out my window just knowing that when I moved the blinds I'd be blinded by a 'bow. Both times not so much. I admit I was disappointed. Twice.

Thursday night my Bible study/book club was meeting at my apartment. A small storm rolled its way in while we were starting our discussion. After the rain stopped, out of the corner of my eye I saw sun shinning on some really dark rain clouds. In the middle of my sharing I felt this overwhelming need to run to the sliding glass door to my tiny balcony. Still speaking (yet not acknowledging what I was doing), I jumped up, drew back the blinds and there, in all its glory, was a rainbow.

Apparently I must have said something because everyone was up and racing for the doors. We all squeezed onto my balcony and there, directly in front of us was a glorious site. Not only did Jesus answer my request for a rainbow he answered with brilliance. There was no tiny rainbow before us. There was a giant, sweeping across the entire sky, bright double rainbow. I didn't just get one. I got two. Yea, Jesus loves me that much.

Sometimes when we bring our desires to God he appears to be silent. Sometimes his answer to our request is no. Sometimes his answer is wait. The two times I asked for a 'bow and didn't get one I was disappointed. All I wanted was to see a little rainbow. I mean how hard could that be for him?

When I wasn't really looking, the answer I got was more than I had even asked for. I asked for a little 'bow and I got giant, double brilliance. God is like that. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine. And sometimes, he does just that.

Tales from the I.C.U.

A friend of mine was rushed to the hospital this week. She had a seizure at work and after multiple tests, including a CAT scan and a brain MRI, it seemed she had a blood vessel burst and there was bleeding on her brain. When I got to the hospital the day after the seizure we learned that there were two doctors that differed on treatment options. One said brain surgery and the other medication. I liked the medication guy even though I had no idea who he was or what his credentials were. He got my vote. Kick the other one off the island.

When I heard the phrase brain surgery the first thing that popped into my mind was Dr. McDreamy. I told another friend we could fly him out to perform the surgery. Perhaps that was an emotional and/or verbal tic of sorts. Fear and a sense of uncomfortableness can often be disguised with humor.

We went into the cafeteria with our friend's sister so she could grab something to eat. We couldn't help but look around for the table of interns and/or residents sitting around. Perhaps I've watched Grey's Anatomy a bit too much. No such interns or residents. TV doesn't always emulate life. And sometimes it's just bad timing (maybe they ate earlier).

Long 'I hate hospitals, especially the ICU' story later, the latest is she is home. She will not be having brain surgery anytime soon. The medication doctor won out. See, I told you I liked him. Wait. Maybe that doctor is a she. That might explain it.

Thank you Jesus!

Some time I'll have to share all of the "I saw God here" moments from that day/night. Oh he was certainly there. How else would you explain having enough money in coins to pay for the ridiculous charge of parking at the hospital? Like we wanted to be there. It's not like we were shopping for bed pans. That's just one of many stories.

We love you BG! Praise God for you my friend. I'm glad that for you, it's all gravy. Here's to many more years of this warrior princess life we live. I look forward to journeying it with you.

I went for another walk/run combination last night. I think this might be a record. I admit that I liked the 30 "extra" seconds of walking that I missed out on the other day. Why is it that the runs always seemed to be on the uphill? I couldn't time it differently even if I tried. I'm lucky that I can determine 60 and 90 seconds (thanks ipod) let alone timing a run to walk uphill and run down. It might be strange to say but I felt accomplished, invigorated when I got home. That's motivation right there. Plus my legs don't ache nearly as much today as they have over the past two days. It's the little things, people; little victories. I'll take whatever ones I can get.

Running is real and relatively simple…but it ain't easy.
--Mark Will-Weber

Narnia and Me

I'm reading the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge with some friends of mine. Last week we read the chapter titled Warrior Princess about how as women we do want to play an irreplaceable role. Although part of us does want the knight to ride in on a white horse to rescue us the other part wants to fight in the battle. We need to fight in the battle.

This weekend I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This is a great movie. A must see. Seriously, put it on your to-do list and into your budget. This movie is that chapter in Captivating come to life and then some. There is some great dialogue. There is humor. There is fun. And there is battle. There are so many beautiful on-screen images of the battle we face on a daily basis. And I loved all 2 hours and 20 minutes of it.

I love that CS Lewis got that warrior princess aspect of women. He got that there are both sides to us. He got that there is more to us than staying behind. He got that need to be a part of something bigger and the irreplaceable role that each of us plays. He got it and I thank him for it. Oh how I wish other people would.

A lot of the film reminded me of Lord of the Rings actually. I don't know if they ever met but I think Tolkein and Lewis would have made great friends. Can you imagine their conversations?

When you see the movie let me know. I'd love to have a conversation about the imagery, the symbolism, the battle, the questions etc. and get your take on it. Until then armor up. There's a battle out there and you'll need it.

I started a running program this morning. Hopefully it will be more than a phase. I have a goal though so maybe that will help. I want to be able to run 3 continuous miles without needing an oxygen tank. I put it out there so now I actually have to do it.

The first week is one of those run then walk combinations. I gotta tell ya, that 60 second walk was the shortest minute ever while the run portion seemed to last forever. I should sleep well tonight. I got home and checked the running schedule to see how long this breakdown lasts and I realized that I was supposed to walk for 90 seconds and not 60. Thank God I get to extend the walk portion just a bit longer. Those extra 30 seconds had better last.

Part way through the combination this morning I walked/ran by these 3 teenage boys. Modern day T-Birds is what I labeled them. The 3 were walking together and got to the point in their journey where departing was inevitable. They did their own combination near the corner. There was this hand slapping, shoe touching, shoulder crashing ritual that took place in front of me. See, modern day T-Birds. Minus the leather jacket. It is spring after all.

According to C.S. Lewis, "we are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be."

I think sometimes we think the best must equal a state of being pain free, and/or happiness (in the worldly/circumstances sense) etc. And when life doesn't look or feel like that we naturally think God must be holding out on us. Obviously this can not be his best.

But sometimes the best is painful. Sometimes the best is a process. Sometimes the process is painful. But it's still the best.

Boy is that hard to believe/remember on a daily 'in the midst of' basis.

A New Mantra?

This past weekend my church had its annual Ladies Tea at a local hotel. The Ladies Tea is a chance for the woman to dress up, eat as much dessert as desired, listen to a speaker, fellowship, did I mention eat lots of dessert and drink…well…tea together. The men in our church were all gussied up in their jackets and ties and were the servers for the night. The guys valeted our cars, refilled our tea cups and served in other ways. It was truly a beautiful night and a great event.

Each table had a host who personally decorated the table in their choosing. There were some creative and fun theme tables as well as some elegant and beautiful ones. Each hostess had parting gifts for us and some people, not yours truly, won door prizes. Although I think I won anyway not only with my favors but also with my beautiful tablemates and hostess. I'm a lucky girl.

It was fun to be dressed up and look pretty. I kept singing, 'I feel pretty; oh so pretty.' Considering that is the only line in that song that I know, that is all I kept singing for a while. There are worse things I could have been singing, I suppose. But now, after typing this guess what is once again being knocked around between my ears. 'I feel pretty; oh so pretty…." A new mantra perhaps?

Since the weather has turned nice I've started getting off the train at an earlier stop than normal and walking to work. My ipod, trench coat, sneakers and I have loved the opportunity to be outside. It's truly a glorious time.

Today was Bring Your Kid to Work Day (or whatever they are calling the 'holiday' these days). So, on my walk this morning I saw quite a few kids walking with their dads. Yup, I only saw dads taking their kiddos to work today. Some kids walked with little backpacks on, some were in shorts, some dressed up for the day, some were holding dad's hand and others were content to walk beside or in front of their fathers. It truly was a beautiful site. One dad was walking with his three daughters all varying in age, one young enough that she wanted to hold dad's hand. Another father was walking holding his young son's hand (they were dressed alike by the way – it was adorable) and when they got closer to the buildings the boy was jumping up and down pointing at buildings asking, 'is that it?' Although I was touched by them all, boys and girls and some proud looking dad's alike, there was one little girl that caught my attention.

She was walking just in front of her father. She had on a cute little outfit with a denim jacket. She walked as if there was no where else she'd rather be. Her confident, proud, excited walk struck me, even from a short distance away. As they got closer our eyes met and she had the biggest smile on her face. Her little face lit up. She knew she was all that and a bag of chips. Her smile, her walk and her eyes said it all. Her dad was taking her to work. She was clearly proud of that and clearly excited for the adventure she'd already had on the train into the city and walking the streets of Philadelphia, and the adventure of the office that was yet to come.

I couldn't help but both smile and tear up as I continued my walk to my office. Oh to look at life through the eyes of a child. No wonder Jesus wanted the little children to come to him. There is something about life through a child's eyes. This little girl felt valued, felt proud to be her father's daughter, and felt excited for a trip to work. Perhaps I should view my walk to the office in that light from here on out. Then someone else may say about me, I saw this woman that caught my attention…..

I Stand Corrected

In my post below, To Bow is to be Sued, I kind of ranted about a court case in New Jersey involving a coach, his team and prayer. I admit that I got my information from an article I read on-line (that was actually from a newspaper). I also admit that I did not read a lot of background information, particularly the court documents themselves. I fell into the media trap.

Luckily I have a friend who is about to graduate law school (congratulations Erin, I'm proud of you) who commented on that post and set me straight. Or at least it gave me some nuggets to chew on. She did read the court opinions, took all that legalese and translated it into English that we non-lawyers can understand. I encourage you to read her comments under that post.

In addition, my friend Katie is a high school teacher. She posted a comment from the perspective of an educator. I encourage you to read her comments as well.

I actually support the separation of church and state as a protector of both the church and the state. It's the personal interpretations and the 'how do we live that out on a daily basis' that I have a hard time with. The lines can become so blurry; freedoms can be interpreted in many ways. Someone's "freedom" to take up two seats on the train violates my "right" for a seat, especially when we each paid for one seat. That's a funny and unrelated example but I think the point is there (and not to mention it's something we commuters face on a near daily basis).

I'm grateful to have friends in law places that can set the record straight. Something tells me though, this won't be the last time it'll happen.

They're baaaaack!

All new episodes of my favorite shows return this week: Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and Brothers and Sisters. It's like welcoming an old friend. I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted. How long we'll have them back is another story. My guess is they'll be gone by the week of Memorial Day for the summer hiatus. I'll enjoy their time back for as long as I have it.

To Bow is to be Sued

Let me pose a scenario:

A group of high school athletes desires to pray before games. They take it upon themselves to gather those who desire to participate, bow their heads, close their eyes and pray together as a group. Their coach, being in the locker room with these athletes prior to the game, decides to silently join these students. He walks over near their prayer circle, bows his head and listens or perhaps prays with his students silently. The coach does not utter a word out loud. He simply bows his head in unity with his players. Sometimes, if his players had the posture, he would kneel on one knee along with them while they prayed.

Has that coach broken a law? Has he violated his students' constitutional right to separation of church and state? What do you think?

A federal appeals court in New Jersey seems to think he has. A lawsuit was brought against the coach by the East Brunswick Board of Education. And they won. The court ruled that the coach's decision to bow his head and get down on one knee endorsed religion, even though he never uttered a word out loud. He didn't push religion, he wasn't Bible thumping, and he wasn't leading the prayer or forcing students to be a part of it.

The court had the following to say about their ruling. "We find that based on the history of [the coach's] conduct with the team's players, his acts cross the line and constitute an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. Although [the coach] believes that he must continue to engage in these actions to demonstrate solidarity with his team ... we must consider whether a reasonable observer would perceive his actions as endorsing religion, not whether [the coach] intends to endorse religion."

Although the superintendent of the district was quick to point out that students themselves have the freedom to pray voluntarily whenever they like. Thanks for clearing that up.

Here is the part that really gets me. There was a three judge panel in this case. Two out of the three judges (which is the majority) had this to say, "If a football coach, who had never engaged in prayer with his team, were to bow his head and take a knee while his team engaged in a moment of reflection or prayer, we would likely reach a different conclusion because the same history and context of endorsing religion would not be present." Basically, do it once and that's okay; but bow that head twice and you'll be sued.

What about a moment of silence that often occurs at sporting events to honor an event or person(s)? What does a coach do if that happens more than once in a season? During those times some people bow their heads, some people pray, some stand silently. Since it's a moment of silence no one knows what each individual is thinking or why they've taken that posture. If his players happen to bow their heads and he does too, will he be sued?

Now I'm not a judge nor am I a lawyer. I certainly have my own interpretations of the Constitution which many would probably never hold up in court. I tried to view this lawsuit from the point of the players, the school board, the judges etc. I tried. But I still don't fully see the value in the suit. And mainly for one reason.

With all the negativity in this world; with all the stories of coaches berating and beating players; with all the stories of parents and coaches fist-fighting over games; with all the bullying, guns and other school violence that occurs. With all of that, the school board spends money for this kind of lawsuit? No student (that's been reported) has ever come forward and complained about the coach's abilities, practices or character over his 22+ career coaching this very team. Some parents complained about him bowing his head and joining his players when they kneel (which, by the way, is a huge football tradition whether or not the player is considered religious). They ought to be thankful that this coach has taught their kids about their sport, about character and about the freedom to be who they are (even if that means they want to pray together). We should all be so lucky that the worst thing our coach ever did was bow his head along with ours.

Wisdom in the Rings

This weekend I did something I've always wanted to do but never thought I'd actually take the time to do. I watched all three movies in the Lord of the Rings trilogy back to back to back. The extended versions. Approximately twelve hours of adventure, intrigue and fun. All in one very long but very fulfilling day.

Two friends ditched…I mean graciously excused themselves from their husbands… for a girls day of Rings. We settled in with snacks, food and drinks galore to watch on the big flat screen (we were obviously not at my apartment). Now I'm not a LOTR junkie. As a matter of fact, until Saturday (and early Sunday) I had only seen each movie once and I've never read the books. But there is something about these movies; something that stirs in your soul and awakens your heart.

Previously I had felt a connection with different characters in each movie for different reasons. Frodo, Legolas, Arwen, Eowyn, Gimli, Pippin, Galdalf, they all have spoken to me in some way. In some I've seen who I was, who I am and even who I hope to become. Others speak wisdom, beauty or humor that resonates with me. Of course there is Aragorn in all his denial and in all his kingly glory; as a woman he speaks to me and my heart. But this time, seeing the movies one right after the other and seeing how the story lines fit together and following them through to the end, this time I was touched by a different character. I think I have found my favorite character of all. Samwise Gamgee. Sam the Brave. Sam.

Sam delivers some of the greatest lines in the movies. He's the optimist, the loyal friend. The one who jumps in the water to catch Frodo even though he can't swim. The one who won't take no for an answer. At one point one of my friends commented that everyone needs a Sam. That friend who sticks closer than a brother. The one who will support you in all that you do even if it means saying what you don't want to hear or doing that which is beyond their natural abilities or finite understanding. I realized on Saturday that Sam is Jesus.

I believe that many characters represent a part of God's character. God is complex with many characteristics. It's fun to see them displayed on the big screen. But there was something about Sam that touched me on Saturday. He reminded me that I am not alone. Just when I think I can not move another inch, Jesus is there to lift me the rest of the way. When I try to do things on my own, God gently reminds me that he is near and I do not have to go alone. A friend who sticks closer than a brother.

I needed that reminder. But I also needed the reminders that came with the other characters as well as with the story itself. It was a good twelve hours of reminding.

Frodo: Go back, Sam. I'm going to Mordor alone.

Sam: Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.

Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.