Runner's Challenge...

Chasing the "P" to the "Lew"

Attached is a snapshot of the online running challenge I signed up for back in October.  It's called Chasing the "P" to the "Lew" and don't ask me what it means because I joined late.  The rules:  see who can run the most miles in 1 year (from 1 September 2010 - 31 October 2011... I started on 1 October 2010).  There are 22 challengers; 4 of whom have never completed registration and another 4 who have completed registration but have yet to submit any runs.  Of the 14 remaining, I have worked through the 14th, 13th, 12fth (this reads funny but it IS correct), 11th, and 10th place slots and am now in 9th place.

D.A.D. (Dave Davis) is my friend/neighbor who lives just down the street and he is the one who invited me to join.  His wife is a personal trainer on base and they are both big time runners.  He has a wall FULL of medals from marathons.  When I saw his wall, and for the first time realized you can get "bling-bling" from these events, I was sold on marathons!  Signing up for my first 1/2 marathon due to occur in February.  Then, a 180-mile, 12-man relay in the summer.

It's the dad in me wanting to have those medals to serve as a visible example for the kids to see that it is possible to remain fit, even as an old man.  ;)  Logan's smack talkin' (and he is a HUGE smack talker at that!) is getting old and I need to set the standard... NOT the other way around!  He AND Briana already have shelves full of trophies, ribbons and necklace charms from competitions (e.g., basketball, baseball, soccer, track, etc.)!

You can see MY smack talkin' on the right. ;) And I don't even know who the other competitors are!  I'm SURE they are like "who the heck does this guy think he is?!"  To them I say, "move over bacon... time for new Sizzlin" - from an old 80's commercial). ;)

My goals:

#1:  pass Dave Davis! (move into 8th) (Dave... sorry bud, no hard feelings!)

#2:  pass "ajanehere" (move into 7th)

#3:  pass 'MadCammer08" (move into 6th)

Once I am settled comfortably into 6th, I will re-evaluate my goals, take a step back, assess the overall situation (running style, shoes, gear, form/technique, diet, daily workout and eating routine, etc.).  Then, make adjustments, as necessary.  There is ALWAYS room for improvement.

If you look closely at 3rd, 4th and 5th place runners, they are all neck-in-neck AND there is about a hundred mile spread between 5th and 6th, so this is how I see it.  I will have to do something dramatic to catch them.  Right now, I'm looking at my short-term goal of getting into that 6th place slot.  Then, as I re-evaluate my goals, I will start over with a NEW set of top 3 goals (don't like to roll onto goals #4, #5, etc... 1, 2 & 3 sound MUCH more inspiring, achievable and closer-range, realistic objectives).

Then, this IS what will happen... (saying this with conVICtion!)

NEW GOAL:

#1:  Kick it into gear and make HUGE strides in catching that 5th place runner.  Goal is to catch them by surprise.  They, currently, do not see the 6th place runner as a threat... YET.  But, as I prepare for "combat," I will THEN catch them TOTALLY off guard and then it will REALLY be "game on!"  I will NOT mess around with "neck-in-neck."  I'm shooting straight for passing them and gaining at least a good 50-mile cushion (figure I'll make it a good 2 marathon distance to get into their heads... psychological warfare). ;)

Then, if the ranges remain as they currently stand, I do not expect to move up into 1st or even 2nd.  "orthoclydesdale" and "BigBri16" can duke it out since they are obviously more motivated than I am... but... B U T... I'm not firm on my decision, yet.  I may shoot for #1.  EVEN IF IT MEANS I TAKE TIME OFF TO CATCH THEM.  Ha!

"Wish me luck!"

Spain { Palma de Mallorca } . . . 2001

I figure it is time to start talking about my overseas experiences.  Where to begin...

Palma de Mallorca, Spain - An island to the east of Spain's mainland. Much to see. Much to do. All I knew at the time was that I had just been onboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) for quite some time (months) and I was ready for a break from 7,000 of my best friends. From the grueling and intense 20+ hours a day, 7-day work weeks. Luckily, I had enough sense to bring along my mountain bike... a Trek 930 single-track, hard tail. I started out biking a few years earlier with a Trek820 and had just recently upgraded to this one. It was a nice improvement and the best part was the front shocks. Made for a much more pleasant ride on those bumpy cobblestone streets.

Getting off the ship for the first time in Palma, I felt a great sense of liberation. From, not only the ship, but from the typical cab rides/fares, trains and buses that everyone else had to take. We were Freeeeeeeeeee! FINALLY. From our ship's Commanding Officer: "Liberty Buddy" rule in effect. This called for us to always have at least one other Shipmate with us - at all times. Oftentimes in overseas ports, Sailors (along with civilian tourists) were easy targets for local criminals. Especially at night. Can't tell you how many times I have been a target myself. But remind me to tell you about it later... (kids picking my pockets, knife up to my throat, being shot at, fight... for my life, etc.).

But back to Palma...

There was so much to see and so much to do and I had at least 3-5 days to squeeze it all in. We bungee jumped, swam in the Mediterranean, rode all sorts of carnival rides, ate fantastic, exotic food, met people from all over the world and the best part... rode the countryside and just absorbed the natural beauty of Spain, itself. As the days went on, I found other Shipmates who had also brought their mountain bike and we would meet up and ride for a few hours then roll on and meet up with our original friends. We each brought a backpack which contained some clothes and hygiene kits; sleeping anywhere we wanted to. In a hotel. On a beach. Under the stars. Then, in the morning, we'd simply go to the beach for a swim, then shower on the boardwalk. We were always very good about looking out for one another. The great thing about having a bicycle, a MOUNTAIN bike, was that we could not only ride the neighborhood streets, but we were constantly veering off the main roads and riding across parks, dirt fields, rocky terrain, through heavy traffic and it was crazy. The drivers overseas are so nonchalant that we were not used to it. We were always very vigilant yet I clearly remember at least two times that someone either brushed up against me (with their vehicle) or I'd slammed into their bumper. "Peace! See ya!" (You think I want to be responsible for creating an "international incident?!" Um. NO.)

Forgive my ramblings... it has been so many years that I wish I would have documented everything as it happened. So, for now, ramblings is the best you will get. Here are some more. In random thoughts...

- eating a huge Burger King Whopper with Cheese and thinking "I wonder if they have portion limitations over here because this is GOOOOD! LOVE the extra cheese, mayo, pickles and bigger buns!"

- ordering a chicken plate at an outdoor cafe and expecting a plate with maybe some potatoes, greens and a chicken breast but instead... getting a FULL SIZE CHICKEN with the head and all! Looked like a Thanksgiving Turkey but much smaller and we finished it (we EACH had one full one)!

- getting sky-rocketed in one of those slingshot type balls at the carnival. Wishing I would have opted for the video. I had a great time but the super chubby (okay, he was FAT), British, tourist kid (around 12) lost his cookies and luckily I gave him this look in that millisecond of time that told him "I don't care HOW young you are or how much cushion you've got under those poor, poor clothes... Look Away NOWWWW or I WILL HIT you!" This, all as we were at the peak of the free-falling ride - suspended at the top - and were about to make our descent. Poor kid. He looked at me with a mouth full, eyes bulging, then looked away and released. NASTY. We pressed on. My buddies laughing at me! We got a kick out of that kid but I felt bad for him. Looking back. Wanted to tell him "thanks" but didn't want to risk losing it myself. Weak stomach. OH! You know who he reminded me of? Augustus Gloop! From Willy Wonka.

This is only the beginning of my ventures in Palma, but I wanted to at least give you something to look at for now. I'll be jumping all over the place as time goes on so I will be sure to revisit with you.

What you see in these next few shots are, unfortunately, very low quality pictures that I took with my digital camcorder. At the time, it was state of the art. Ha! Way to go J. Should have just bought a camera because now, I have a drawer full of mini-DV tapes and I have NEVER watched them. They just sit. Collecting dust. I'll have to get them converted to 8-track sometime... er, I mean cassette... no, CD... DVD? Point is, by the time I get to it, i GUARANTEE they will need to be converted to some type of holographic imagery that it might not even be worth it. For now, we have these pics. Enjoy! Oh, the chalkboard was just to fancy them up some. Does it help? ;)

A Trip Home (Texas, Colorado & Wyoming)

My last post... showed my travels to San Antonio.

Here are a few pictures from that trip.

And a few more as I ended up flying to Denver, CO for a few days then driving to Gillette, WY for one night.

Can't believe how much can happen in just a short amount of time.

I'll say this much...

There is a lot going on in my life.

Lots of moving pieces... lots of love, sorrow, happiness, pain, and...


Definitely an emotional roller coaster.


But. I am trusting in God. Trusting that he will take care of me and my loved ones (you know who you are).


I am blessed that I am still here. Walking on this earth. The same land that He walked on just a couple thousand years ago. Think about things like "Why am I here? Why have you saved me so many times in my life. What purpose do you have for me?" And I anxiously await the answer.


I have taken advice from so many people throughout the years but there are a few people in the entire world that I can say I LISTEN to. My advisers, so to speak, of sound, sage guidance. This trip, I was reacquainted with a few of those people. And, know this... I trust you. Completely.


What you see...


Me, cousins, cousins, and MORE cousins, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, niece, nephews... view of Wyoming hillside... .. Tamales in the making. ;)


What I see... many other family members missing from my life.  ~ Someday.


{ confusing, this one... i know }

A day of travel...

30 November 2010

~ San Antonio, TX ~

(Navy Conference)

 

Baby steps...

baby steps... one step at a time

Where shall I start... how about this summer? July 2010, to be exact. I weighed 180 lbs. Doesn't seem like much, but it is when my ideal target weight for years was 155. I had been at a constant 172 for many years then, all of a sudden, my weight starting dropping. As I look back, the ONLY thing I had changed in my life was my junk food intake; specifically, McDonald's and Burger King). AND I cut back on my soda intake to about two per week (from about two per day!). I did not think too much about it until I weighed myself one day around August and I was back down to the mid 170s. Then, I finally got back down to 172 (thinking it would stop, since this was the norm for so many years). Not even. 171... 170... ("hey, Melissa... I think I'm losing more weight than normal.") She thought it was nothing major to worry about. So I pressed on. A while later, I figured I'd check since I had just returned from a trip to Hawaii and the USS Abraham Lincoln. Sure enough, I was up around 170 but figured I should weigh more (not sure why since I actually ate very well). Then, by October, I was down to around 165. Okay, I finally decided it was time to go in and get a full physical. Luckily, at the same time, I met our new flight surgeon (doctor) and he and I clicked. He really hooked me up with all the extra's (blood tests, etc.). Thyroid looked good. Cholesterol great. And I continued with a fitness assessment called Micro-Fit which the Navy offers for free. Bottom line; my health was "way above average" and I was in top, peak performance. So, let the games begin...

As I got checked out (praying that it was nothing serious) I decided to continue on with my exercise routine. Cardio was my complete workout. LOVE to mountain bike and I was riding in the mountains every Saturday and Sunday (when I was home). Then, one day, a friend introduced me to running and as I looked around, there were quite a few runners around me (neighbors, co-workers, friends). So I picked it up. I started running seriously around 1 October. Got a new pair of shoes. Got a Nike+ chip (tracks mileage, pace, etc.) and linked it to Nike+'s website which in turn sync's to my facebook account. Now, I have a visible, measurable tool to help keep me motivated. Little did I know the impact it would have on others. Friends drop me lines every now and then with how it helps to keep THEM motivated. So that's a HUGE PLUS! Love, love, love inspiring others. LOVE it.

Well, since then, I've maintained my 155 target. I also visited with a dietitian for two hours last week and he opened my eyes to just how HORRIBLE my diet really is. Although I am not eating junk food, I am not eating. My food journal showed I was eating an average of only 500-700 calories TOTAL per day. So. Now, I have to up my caloric intake to at least 2,000 calories per day BUT I am going to ensure it is healthy, well-balanced and in line with my workout routine (starting some type of resistance training very soon). Wish me luck!


Baby steps. It took me nearly 38 years to finally "get it." And now, I won't let it go. EVER.

Wondering if the child who will step into this tiny pair of shoes will also take so long to "get it." I hope not. THIS. Running. Is SO exhilarating. Good luck, little one.

A Note to the Children...

November 27, 2010

Hello Briana and Logan,

I only got to meet and speak with you both briefly about ten days ago. The occasion was my retirement from the Navy after 30 years of service.

Retiring from anything is a big deal. Friends, family and co-workers both current and from the past participate.

Retiring from the Navy too is a big deal but even more so as it has traditions that have been around for well over 200 years. These traditions are maintained as a sign of continuity with our shared past, respect for those who came before us, and reflect upon us who serve today and in the future. There are few organizations who adhere to this mindset during your time in it or as you exit its ranks after your service is completed. Hopefully, your own association with the Navy thus far in your lives has shown you some of what I speak of here.

But my retirement ceremony could not have happened or have been as well done if it wasn't for your father's efforts on my behalf.

First of all, he is a responsible person. Sure, there are many in the Navy, but he "took charge" of my event after only being in our shared unit here a short time.

And how he took charge! You could think this was easy, but it wasn't. These events are full of those traditions I mentioned above. But more importantly, is keeping those traditions and keeping the faith with them. It has to be in your heart and mind because it shows if it isn't.

That wasn't even close to being a problem for me with your father as he has it in his heart and mind. Similarly, we in the Navy call those who do well by all of us "Shipmates". The implication there is we share a special experience, not just the uniforms, but with usually sharing our professional responsibilities in close quarters or circumstances, often times quite difficult, that bond it's members tightly together. Even calling someone "Shipmate" is an open recognition of that bond and responsibility to each other.

Second, when you get a chance, take a closer look at you Dad and his own relationship with the Navy. You will determiner he himself has continued to grow within the Navy. This is not only evident via his moving up the ranks due to his hard work and work ethic, but by how his Shipmates view him too.

No matter what you do in life, if your peers appreciate you, you are doing it right and probably enjoying life yourself.

Thirdly, as I mentioned earlier, I only met you both briefly. But I do need to share an observation that I made and some of my guests made concerning the both of you, and that is that you comported yourselves in a way that belies your actual ages. Adults usually say that kids are "well behaved" when they see this. But in your cases, it is more, like you are ahead of your age group peers and more responsibly "adult" I guess.

The pride your Father has when he mentions your accomplishments is further proof of that. You are both doing well in school, athletics and in socializing with your fellow human beings, especially for at the age you are currently at.

Obviously, both your Mother and Father are shaping you well for your own futures. With your Father's responsibilities to our country and the Navy, your Mother had to take up a lot of additional responsibilities to you both that most families outside the military know nothing about. This reflects great credit upon her too.

In closing, I wanted to mention how much I appreciated your Father, my Shipmate's help recently. Through that interaction I got to see someone who is not only raising great kids, but is taking pride in it and enjoying it too. That is an awesome goal and achievement that someday you will understand even more and will want to emulate.

Briana and Logan, my best regards and wishes for your futures,

Charles B. Gillman
Captain, USN (Retired)

the big screen...

I remember I had my laptop on a flight - ONCE.
It's a behemoth!
21" screen.
SO, I figured, why not?
I brought Garfield, the movie, with me.
Got all settled in.
It was a FULL flight.

Flight attendants go through the standard flight procedures.
As I am pulling my laptop out...
The pull down tray is not allowed to be down yet so...
It sits on my lap.
(I'm thinking... "oh boy... it's tight in here... Nahhh, it'll work.")

So we finally get the thumbs up.
I pull my tray down.
Pop in my headphones.
And set my laptop down on the tray.

. . .

The leading edge of the laptop was pressing into my stomach!!!

("oh boy... how embarassing J. NOW what?! Play it cooool. Getting hot in here.")

People were watching me...

(chumps! I know EXACTLY what they were thinking... "okay, Mr. Cool with super huge DVD player... NOW what?!  HA!")

So, of course, he watched the entire movie...
From a very HARD-to-see angle.

Felt STUPID looking DOWN at my screen!

Left with a stomach ache.

writer's block...

 n e e d . . .  m o t i v a t i o n  ~ and ~  i n s p i r a t i o n

Okay. So, I have been slacking.

Realized today that if I don't post SOMETHING, then I'll lose my motivation and THAT is not something that sits well with me.

J + lack of motivation

=

miserable, little man who gets discouraged then feels he has to make up for it by over-posting.

          But... that can be a good thing. Always good to purge my brain and make room for more experiences, memories and stories. So... stand by for a few miscellaneous thoughts.

 Inbound...

On My Daily Drive to the Office...

Today, on my way back to the office, I decided to stop and take pictures of what I see every day on my drive in.

Cotton... everywhere.

So many times I have driven right past the machines,

the people, the vast, dusty fields. And...

I don't think much of it.  Usually think about things like...

"What are the kids doing right this moment?"

"I'm hungry... need to eat more protein."

"What is on the agenda for this week?"

"Where can I slide my next workout in?"

Things that really do not matter since it is irrelevant at the moment or, until I am IN the moment.

Well, I am SO glad I did stop today because it made me realize that Life... in my coffee shop... is still evolving all around me.  Totally unaware of it at times because I get caught up in my own world, but it is nice to go of course every now and then... JUST to mix things up.

 

I watched as...

1. tractors somehow picked the cotton off the shrubs, leaving the framework virtually untouched (still don't fully understand it).  And, how each piece of machinery had a specific function ultimately leading to a stack of compacted cotton in a bale as large as, what seemed like, a semi truck trailer.

2. cotton was actually growing out of little buds.  And it was neat to watch them blossom before my eyes.  Some fully open.  Some partially.

3. migrant field workers worked diligently as their tattered clothing, sun-bleached hats and weathered skin served as a reminder of the long, grueling hours they put in - daily.

Without exchanging any dialogue, one of the equipment operators gave me a welcoming smile so I climbed aboard his compacting machines and stood next to him, briefly, until his foreman urged me to climb down (liability issues of course... but I played dumb).  During my brief moment, I gave him my unopened bottle of water and he seemed touched. More than I had expected. I also watched as he operated the levers with such expertise after years of experience, I'm sure. VERY cool watching the soft, white fluffiness get compacted into tight, blocks of cotton; ready to be turned into clothing, sheets, Q-tips, and so much more that we all take for granted.

The best part of my visit... remembering that my dad, himself, was a migrant field worker in this same San Joaquin Valley during his teen years.  Gave me a profound sense of respect for him. Yet, again.

"Thank you, Dad. I Love you."

In the Holiday Spirit...

"Brrrrrrr......!"

Growing up in a place like Wyoming,

one gets SOMEwhat used to the harsh, cold, bitter * winters. *

So why is it that today,

on a day when

the snow is falling everywhere else..

BUT here.

It was only down to the mid-40's and I was freezing?

I got acclimated to the Cali weather.

How weak is that?

 "Very."

And Now.

We have our palm trees in our yard.

Roses in full bloom.

Hummingbirds and...

half a dozen types of other birds

to wake up to each morning.

But...

All I can think about, is...

Hot cocoa.

Candy Canes.

Santa.

Happy children opening presents.

Scent of Pine.

Candles burning in a log cabin.

Logs crackling and couples, cozy on the couch.

Christmas Caroling...

*   *   *

Old Christmas Classics on TV.

(Frosty the Snowman)

(Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer)

(A Christmas Story)

And yet...

Nothing.

Absolutely... Nothing.

Can ever take away...

My.

Warm.

Winter.

Weather.

Warmth, from welcoming...

The Holiday Spirit.

Oh... and my favorite?

Pink Cheeks... and Rosey... Red Noses.

why B's school needs a beverage machine...

Beverage Machine

Yes, I think there should be a beverage machine.
I think that because students get thirsty for something other than water during recess.
Students just wanna spend their money on stuff to make them look cool.
Plus, it would make a lot of money for our school.

You most likely won't agree with me, but we need a beverage machine.
We need one because students get thirsty for something other than water during recess.
When we play outside, we get dehydrated and need something like a Gatorade to fill us up.
The problem with that is we don't have Gatorades or any other drinks to help fill us up.

You should agree with me that students just wanna spend money on stuff to make them look cool.
When your a kid in 5th grade all the way up to high school,
all you care about is the popularity.
If students bring lots of money to school and buy a bunch of drinks for their friends,
then they would be considered cool.
It would also make a lot of money for our school.
Which brings me to my next reason.

It would make a lot of money for our school.
Our school is low on money right now and we need a boosting.
This beverage machine could be our boosting.
If we had one, think of how much money we would make in a year!
We would most likely have enough for a couple more field trips a year.
You should really think this through carefully.

Students get thirsty for something other than water during recess.
Students just wanna spend money on stuff to make them look cool.
Plus, it would make a lot of money for our school.
Those are the three reasons why we need a beverage machine.
Please think this through.
I hope you think this through carefully and make the right choice.

better than my dad

Life Lesson...

Hi.

Sometimes,

I like to share

~ Life Lessons ~

that I have learned throughout the years.

* * *

I wrote this one not too long ago.

In hopes that it reaches.

You.

"In Christian Love..."

J.

Soft... is Okay

Yesterday, I am outside.
Methodically going through my 'Simple day.'

"Riiiiight."

Melissa. On the phone with Jenny.
Finds this beautiful, pink flower.
As she carries on her conversation.

My mind.
Going a mile a minute...
Compartmentalizes, just long enough to...
1. Grab my camera
2. Walk across our front yard
3. Bend down to get the right angle
4. Pressed the button as quickly as I Pressed on with my day.
A Man on a Mission...

Today,
I walk inside the house.
This flower.
Just one small reminder of God's Gift.
To us.
Sitting on the kitchen counter.
Made me smile.
I remembered to pull up my picture.

Unedited.
Untouched.
Unbelievably...
Amazing.

What I see...
Pink.
Bright.
Very Soft.
Not used to the...
Lighter shades of color.

What I am USED to seeing...
Darkness.
Rigid lifestyle.
Black. Blue. Darker shades.

The smile I get when I see this picture...
Reminder of how "soft" is okay.
I can live with pink.
I need soft.

~ Don't we all? ~

Keeping it simple...

(listening to Lifehouse... on my couch... contemplating going for a run)

"Keep it Simple, J."

Of course.

What started this morning,

Actually, started weeks ago.

* Weeks *

The planning.

The coordinating.

Carrying out the proper execution.

What other way is there?

Right? "...sure, J."

0600-0700:  Reveille/hygiene/(fast for Labs)
            - checked night before to ensure I was fully stocked on all hygiene items
            - "it's colder out. you'll be sleeping heavier. add 30 minutes to account for hitting snooze (a few times)"
            - "fast = don't eat, J. don't throw a wrench in your day for a simple mistake."
0700-0730:  Pick up med refills
            - called ahead and they don't open up until 0730 but "work your magic"
            * (worked. "Thanks, person sitting behind the counter feeling guilty for watching me stare!")
0730-0800:  Lab (Blood work); checked:
            - glucose levels
            - cholesterol
            - thyroid
            * ensured nothing else should be checked. maintained high state of efficiency to avoid counter-productivity.
0800-1000:  Fitness Test; checked:
            - metabolism
            - heart rate
            - flexibility
            - strength & conditioning
            - cardio
            - body mass index
            - and about 20 other things I really didn't care to have checked
            * confirmed appointment w/dietitian later this month (to ensure that day is AS efficient... of course.)
1000-1100:  Ultrasound
            - abnormality... more to follow
1100-1200:  Lowe's/Home Project
            - Shasta (Husky)... a.k.a. "the escape artist" needed a new tie-out
            - after several store-bought ones; it was time to go "Tim the Tool Man Taylor" on him and rig my own
            * so far so good
            * happy I stayed within my allotted time
1200-1300:  Cleaners/Chow
            - goal: get in & get out... failed (but stayed within my time-frame... chow came later)
            - plan was to drop off uniforms to take waist in 2 sizes
            - pants were too big. need to buy totally new size. new shirts too.
            - big smile! smile faded when realized plan was going askew. "...get back on track, J." ;)
1300-1400:  Mtg. at Base NOSC
            - sat facing clock to avoid having to glance at my watch (don't want to be rude... of course.)
1400-1800:  Office
            - knocked out in box
            - responded to e-mails
            - tied up all loose ends
            * planning yesterday paid dividends
1800-1900:  Home/Regroup/Chow
            - wishing I had more time with family tonight
1900-2100:  Small Group
            - GREAT Christian fellowship... my "decompress time"
2100-2330:  Personal Time (blog/PT/hygiene)/Taps

Items taken into consideration:

* transit times to include:
- extra 10 minutes taking alternate route via main gate in case closer housing gate is closed
- driving times to and from each location
- walking times from main hospital to dental clinic and back to main side parking lot
- maintaining speed at 65 on Hwy 198 to do better at "following the rules" (slower speed surely reduced my blood pressure, right? ...sure, J.)

* 1 stop at Starbucks in case I get hungry before noon meal due to lab fasting

And all this?

Necessary?

Really?!

Sure it is...

Because each day.

Every day.

Takes... SOME planning.

To keep it simple.

Of course. ;)

Oh... and yes (going for a run... now).

Green Goblin...

1st Grade.
What a time.
Just starting out in life.
As a student.
As a new friend.
As a stranger...
In a place that smells like new...
New books. New supplies. New people.

Just getting settled into the first few months.
Just getting into his "comfort" zone.
"I can do this."
"Last year was so hard."
"I didn't know how to speak this new English language."
But he learned. Very quickly, too.
Not knowing phrases like "comfort zone."
All he knew was that "it feels REALLY good to be here now."
"I'm not as scared as I was.... I can DO this."

And as with anything else that was new to his life,
It wouldn't be too long before things would change.
Halloween was upon him now and so was...
The School Play... "Ghosts and Goblins."

"How did I get myself to agree to play the Green Goblin?!"
"Of ALL characters... I had to choose the MAIN character!"
Well, since he was still in a very reserved shell,
It just worked out that way.
Ironic how you sit back and let the more assertive kids pick the parts...
"Let THEM go first. I surely am NOT going there."
... only to be left with the one part no one else had the guts to pick. Ugh.
No... double UGH.

My mom.
Oh, how I love her.
Last night. Staying up late.
Working on my costume.
I mean, doesn't everyone's mom sew their own?
Of course they do.
Not because we are poor.
I don't even know what poor means.
I mean... don't all parents work in the corn fields?
Hmmm...
Yup. Of course they do...
(mental note... get a patent for this field work concept... farm work... for 30 years down the road when fb comes out)
Loved watching her sew.
The green fuzzy material.
Yellow thread on the stitching.
Big, black buttons.
(NOT looking forward to wearing that pointy hat, though! And those SHOES?!)

The whirring of the sewing machine.
Looks so heavy!
But I love the black, cast iron look.
(reminds me of my train set that dad let's us play with on special occasions)
My favorite part, when she steps on the pedal (like a car... my mom can't even drive!)
And I watch as the chain of events unfold before my eyes.
Gears churning.
Wheels moving.
Needle poking.
Amazing.
Singer... must be the ones who make my train set.
Best part...
Of this entire process...
Watching the operator.
Studious. Concentrating. Determined to meet her timeline. Oh how she loves me.
My mom.

And after all that hard work....
I stand quietly.
Behind the large, red curtain.
On stage.
NERVOUS.
"Jose! GO!"
(oh, I am going to... how do you say... puke?)
My teacher... never seen her this way before.
Kind of funny. Yet, intimidating.
The way she is quietly yelling at us all.
Oh! At ME now!
Here I go... (gulp).

Look.
At.
All.
Those.
People.
(my face is red... stop thinking about it... making it worse)
They are chuckling.
AT ME!

Stepping out of my shell...

I go on to read my lines at this point.
For the life of me, I can never remember what those few, short lines were.
But, the feeling I felt when I was reciting them, reaching up with my hands and wiggling my ears on cue.
Hearing the roar of the audience. They are laughing WITH me!
I can do this. I LIKE this.

World.
Watch out.
Green Goblin...
Taking center stage.

{ stimulate the senses }

Hi! Come on in...

(step into MY world)

Relax...

Take it in.

Take a deep breath.

Exhale....

My Coffee Shop.

I asked myself.

What makes a good one?

The aromatic beans roasting in the background.

Warmth of the fire and crackling logs.

The people.

Unfamiliar faces.

Conversations within close proximity yet,

Drowned out by the aura.

Aura, of all of the above?

Yes. Definitely.

And...

A safe feeling.

Very homely.

Comforting.

A place to relax.

And. Just. BE.

Makes me realize that my life...

As I experience it,

IS my own, unique coffee shop.

A place where I can. Just Be.

Reflect. Ponder. Rest. Experience. Laugh. Love. Live.

And, as Seasons change.

So goes my coffee shop.

My life. Everchanging.

Full of details too important NOT to capture.

Always a place you can step into and see the changing of the leaves.

Changing.  Resting. Yet...

Preparing for the Spring.

For bigger and better.

Continuously.

Come on in...

Grab a cup...

Take off your coat and enjoy Life. Through Me.

As I, only, know how to tell it.

From the heart.

Passionately...

And "Smiling...

...With my eyes."

Oh...

and the thing with the beans roasting in the background?

Certain aromatic smells Stimulate The Senses...

Helps us relax and enjoy life more.

So. Yes.

Relaxing Is Authorized. ;)