"The power of laughter is an amazing thing!" --- I say this all the time and I truly believe it! I'm most amazed when people are able to find their laughter in sad or difficult times. I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's the only thing that gets us through these situations. As you can guess, being a believer of this, I try to find the humor in most things. Mostly I'm successful - on occasion, I'm not. And sometimes, it's just delayed.
I was driving home on Easter Sunday after a long, worrisome, relieving, fun, tiring and happy weekend. I stopped at a stoplight and instead of waiting for the light to turn green, I looked both ways and then drove through it. I didn't do it on purpose. Clearly the weekend had caught up to me and all I could think about was that I would be home in under five minutes. The nice policeman behind me had a different idea.
I can't mock him - he was one of the nicest guys I've met in a while. Of course he asked for my license, registration and insurance (I couldn't find my insurance card - great!). Luckily for me, he was "fresh out of tickets" and was going to let me off with a warning. He went back to his car and when he came back, he said to me, "I'm afraid we hit a little snag. Your license has been revoked." WHAT??? "I don't know why yet, but we're going to be here a while."
After calling in back up (because he now had to give me a ticket for driving with an invalid license), he left and I met nice cop number two. After another long wait, he tells me that it's because of a ticket that I paid late --- in 2005!!! Yes, it's true, my license was revoked SIX years ago and I had no idea! He asked me to pull into the park and ride and call someone to come get me, because I'm not allowed to drive without a valid license. And if I do, and I get caught, I'll get arrested. Lovely! I asked if there was any way he could just follow me home - because, again - I live FIVE minutes away. He took a look at my girlies in the back seat and agreed - love him!
Monday morning I called the DMV and the good news is that I can go to reinstate my license as soon as I want. The bad news is that it's not going to be cheap and I have to retake the test. I'll be honest - this sort of freaked me out. I mean, I haven't "reviewed" the driver's handbook since I was sixteen! I found it online and spent the night studying.
Up to this point, I've had friends say, "That's such a great story, I want a great story." "That's a lot of drama, but it's funny drama." and "Don't you feel good that you didn't have a meltdown?" No, no and NO! I kept my composure, but I just wanted to scream! It's true that I didn't have a meltdown, but I wasn't feeling "good" about any of this. Like I don't have enough to do - now I have to jump through hoops, pay more money and figure out how to get my kids from point A to point B? "It's not a great story! It's not funny! I want someone else to fix it!!!" (Have you noticed the lack of laughter?)
On to Tuesday. My neighbor took me to the DMV this morning. Time was ticking and I was getting more and more nervous about picking up Isabelle on time. My number finally gets called. (whew) She takes my money and hands me the test. I only got one wrong - woohoo! Then she tells me the good news ..... I also have to re-take the driving test. I have to make an appointment and the wait is 1 1/2 - 2 weeks out. Here's the deal: if your license is invalid for more than a year, then you have to retake ALL parts of the test.
So I say to her, "So I can't drive until I take the driving test?" And she says (in her "I've said this a million times" voice), "You do have a permit now, you can drive as long as there is a licensed driver 21 years of age or older in your vehicle. It's like you're sixteen again." And there it was - my inability to keep a straight face. And just like that, I finally found the humor in this story.
I have to say, I'm glad I did. I spent the rest of the day laughing every time I thought of it. And today was a much more pleasant day than yesterday was. So, if I may be preachy - try to find the funny side of your setbacks. It's much more enjoyable than stewing about them. And if you see me walking through the neighborhood between now and next Wednesday - it may not be just because I'm training for Grays Peak!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Motivation
I re-read my post from yesterday and couldn't help doing a follow-up. I have to say more about "the weakest link". One of the other things I pondered as Chrissy and I talked was why is it that all of the people that I've invited are more fit than I am? I can't be THE most unfit person of all the people that I know. And the answer can't just be that non-fit people don't want to climb 14ers. I think there must be something in my psyche that finds these people motivating.
I do know from other areas of my life that I am most likely to succeed when someone tells me that I won't. I don't know if I just soooo like proving people wrong or if there's something awesome about doing "the impossible". (I'm hoping it's the latter - the former just makes me sound like an awful person.) I noticed it even in my self-speak on the hike on Wednesday. There were a particular set of rock stairs that we were about to go up. There were two or three landings on the way up. Chrissy was hoping to go all the way up without stopping and I said to her, "Wait for a few, then come up. I'll get a head start because I know I'm not going to make it all the way up." To be perfectly honest, my thought was that I would stop at each landing. Yet, that's not what I did. I started climbing those steps and when I made it to the first landing, I just kept on climbing - and climbing. I made it all the way to the third landing - where both of us stopped for a little break.
Ok, so someone telling me that I can't - be it myself or someone else - is a huge motivator for me. The weird thing is that none of the friends that are going on this journey with me would ever say that to me. They are all amazingly supportive women, who are not only my friends, but some of my biggest cheerleaders. They will encourage me, root me on, praise my efforts and accomplishments and if necessary, they will go slow with me. I am so blessed!!!!
So how does this all tie in together? I have no idea. These supportive friends don't exactly fit in with the "you can't do it" group. Maybe it's just me - saying "I can't keep up with any of them." to myself - so I can prove myself wrong. Ok. But I'm still going to try to phrase it better!
I do know from other areas of my life that I am most likely to succeed when someone tells me that I won't. I don't know if I just soooo like proving people wrong or if there's something awesome about doing "the impossible". (I'm hoping it's the latter - the former just makes me sound like an awful person.) I noticed it even in my self-speak on the hike on Wednesday. There were a particular set of rock stairs that we were about to go up. There were two or three landings on the way up. Chrissy was hoping to go all the way up without stopping and I said to her, "Wait for a few, then come up. I'll get a head start because I know I'm not going to make it all the way up." To be perfectly honest, my thought was that I would stop at each landing. Yet, that's not what I did. I started climbing those steps and when I made it to the first landing, I just kept on climbing - and climbing. I made it all the way to the third landing - where both of us stopped for a little break.
Ok, so someone telling me that I can't - be it myself or someone else - is a huge motivator for me. The weird thing is that none of the friends that are going on this journey with me would ever say that to me. They are all amazingly supportive women, who are not only my friends, but some of my biggest cheerleaders. They will encourage me, root me on, praise my efforts and accomplishments and if necessary, they will go slow with me. I am so blessed!!!!
So how does this all tie in together? I have no idea. These supportive friends don't exactly fit in with the "you can't do it" group. Maybe it's just me - saying "I can't keep up with any of them." to myself - so I can prove myself wrong. Ok. But I'm still going to try to phrase it better!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Variations and Accomplishments
Ahhh - what a fabulous day!
After I got the girls off to school, Chrissy and I were off to our hike. Emily couldn't meet us so early, so we were going to meet her up there. She's so much speedier than we are, we figured she could catch up to us and we could all go back down together. Today was interesting because we didn't push ourselves as hard. We were actually able to carry on a conversation and we weren't heaving! We also didn't stop as often or for as long as we had been. My goal for today was positive thoughts and words. I've realized that almost everyone that we've invited on this journey is more fit than I am. I've been joking that "I'm the weakest link." Although this is probably a true statement (least in shape, slowest, etc.) I think I should be verbalizing it differently. Chrissy suggested "I'm NOT the weakest link" or "I WON'T BE the weakest link". They're both good, but I'm looking for something else - I just can't figure out what.
The second thing I wanted to be more positive about was what I call a "can do" attitude. I preach it all the time to my daughter, so it was surprising that I don't do it myself. My problem is that I have a very sarcastic sense of humor. Therefore when I see what seems to be a huge, steep group of rock stairs, I think, "You've GOT to be kidding me. I can't do this. This is crazy! Who was the idiot that thought up this idea?" Oh yeah - oops - that was me! Last Saturday, I had several different times when my legs had had enough and I felt, thought and said out loud, "I don't think I can do this". Today I was taking a different approach and although I haven't figured out the perfect words for "the weakest link", I did manage to take charge of my legs.
There were only two times that they felt like I was hiking up quicksand, but this time instead of saying, "Holy Cow!" I said, "I got this! I got this! I got this!" Yes, I heard a little bit of George Lopez in my head. Yes, I could hear Erica saying, "I can do this, I can do this, I can do this" - like she does when she's trying to be brave. And yes, maybe it wasn't too bad because we weren't pushing as hard. But I gotta tell ya - it worked. Instead of the "trudging" lasting minutes on end, it almost immediately went away.
Now in order to make good time on Grays in July, I am going to have to push myself a bit and improve my time some, but it was really nice today going a bit slower - a bit steadier. We both enjoyed the view. We both wondered which takes longer. Is it true that slow and steady wins the race? In general, I do believe that the journey is the reward. But I also don't want to get caught in a rainstorm on Grays if we take to long. So some days I will push and some I'll take it a bit slower. Variety really is the spice of life!
By the way - we did meet up with Emily, but she was making such good time that she wanted to keep going and see if she could improve on her time it takes her to get to the top. She did it!!! Her record was 55 minutes and she got it down to 49! Woo-Hoo!!! You go girl!
As for the rest of my day, I'm certainly making progress. First of all, I wasn't completely wiped out from the hike. Yes, I'm sure if I had laid down I would've fallen asleep. The good news is that I didn't lay down! I kept moving. I worked, I got some of the storage room reorganized, some of the basement cleaned up (with help) and some work done in my office. There are so many days that I feel like I just want (or need) to crawl back in bed because I'm so tired or overwhelmed. Then again, there are days like today. Days when you don't lay down, you push through and at the end of the day, you can see your accomplishments and be proud of yourself for what you have done. I need to hold onto this feeling - and tap into it when the desire to curl up in the cherry chair and do nothing!
And if you're lucky, you get to end your day with a little treat for yourself --- like watching old episodes of Happy Days, the latest Harry Potter flick and a hysterical bit on Who's Line is it Anyway with Richard Simmons. Life is good, people. Let's see what I can accomplish tomorrow.....
After I got the girls off to school, Chrissy and I were off to our hike. Emily couldn't meet us so early, so we were going to meet her up there. She's so much speedier than we are, we figured she could catch up to us and we could all go back down together. Today was interesting because we didn't push ourselves as hard. We were actually able to carry on a conversation and we weren't heaving! We also didn't stop as often or for as long as we had been. My goal for today was positive thoughts and words. I've realized that almost everyone that we've invited on this journey is more fit than I am. I've been joking that "I'm the weakest link." Although this is probably a true statement (least in shape, slowest, etc.) I think I should be verbalizing it differently. Chrissy suggested "I'm NOT the weakest link" or "I WON'T BE the weakest link". They're both good, but I'm looking for something else - I just can't figure out what.
The second thing I wanted to be more positive about was what I call a "can do" attitude. I preach it all the time to my daughter, so it was surprising that I don't do it myself. My problem is that I have a very sarcastic sense of humor. Therefore when I see what seems to be a huge, steep group of rock stairs, I think, "You've GOT to be kidding me. I can't do this. This is crazy! Who was the idiot that thought up this idea?" Oh yeah - oops - that was me! Last Saturday, I had several different times when my legs had had enough and I felt, thought and said out loud, "I don't think I can do this". Today I was taking a different approach and although I haven't figured out the perfect words for "the weakest link", I did manage to take charge of my legs.
There were only two times that they felt like I was hiking up quicksand, but this time instead of saying, "Holy Cow!" I said, "I got this! I got this! I got this!" Yes, I heard a little bit of George Lopez in my head. Yes, I could hear Erica saying, "I can do this, I can do this, I can do this" - like she does when she's trying to be brave. And yes, maybe it wasn't too bad because we weren't pushing as hard. But I gotta tell ya - it worked. Instead of the "trudging" lasting minutes on end, it almost immediately went away.
Now in order to make good time on Grays in July, I am going to have to push myself a bit and improve my time some, but it was really nice today going a bit slower - a bit steadier. We both enjoyed the view. We both wondered which takes longer. Is it true that slow and steady wins the race? In general, I do believe that the journey is the reward. But I also don't want to get caught in a rainstorm on Grays if we take to long. So some days I will push and some I'll take it a bit slower. Variety really is the spice of life!
By the way - we did meet up with Emily, but she was making such good time that she wanted to keep going and see if she could improve on her time it takes her to get to the top. She did it!!! Her record was 55 minutes and she got it down to 49! Woo-Hoo!!! You go girl!
As for the rest of my day, I'm certainly making progress. First of all, I wasn't completely wiped out from the hike. Yes, I'm sure if I had laid down I would've fallen asleep. The good news is that I didn't lay down! I kept moving. I worked, I got some of the storage room reorganized, some of the basement cleaned up (with help) and some work done in my office. There are so many days that I feel like I just want (or need) to crawl back in bed because I'm so tired or overwhelmed. Then again, there are days like today. Days when you don't lay down, you push through and at the end of the day, you can see your accomplishments and be proud of yourself for what you have done. I need to hold onto this feeling - and tap into it when the desire to curl up in the cherry chair and do nothing!
And if you're lucky, you get to end your day with a little treat for yourself --- like watching old episodes of Happy Days, the latest Harry Potter flick and a hysterical bit on Who's Line is it Anyway with Richard Simmons. Life is good, people. Let's see what I can accomplish tomorrow.....
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My Inspiration...
Well, I have stayed up way too late tonight and I'm going hiking in the morning, so I need my beauty sleep. But I did promise myself that I would blog everyday, so ..... I've decided that on nights when I can barely keep my eyes open I will either post something I've written a while back or post a favorite quote.
Tonight's quote is:
Each of us can be sure that if God sends us on stony paths, He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well.
Tonight's quote is:
Each of us can be sure that if God sends us on stony paths, He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well.
Monday, April 18, 2011
There's a Party on Grays Peak!
I am so excited about climbing Grays Peak this summer! I have wanted to climb a 14er for a few years, but hadn't found a climbing partner. For those of you who don't know me, I have grand plans of doing such things on my own accord, but it never really happens. I do soooo much better if I have someone to walk along side me on a journey (or in this case, pushing or pulling me). Well it started out with my friend, Emily. She made a plan and I show up whenever she tells me to. We walk or hike - depending on our time restraints, the weather and how many kiddos we have with us. She said one of her other friends might want to join us - cool. Then my friend Chrissy came on a hike with us. Her goal is to walk the Bolder Boulder with one of her friends. She told me that I should come along. I told her that I'd walk the Bolder Boulder with her if she climbs a 14er with me. I think she got the short end of the stick, but she agreed.
Soon, we added her sister, and my friends Stephanie and Polli. I think today we might have added Kathy and Karen. There may be some other people that she works with, but right now, I think we're up to nine. I love a party, so I'm thrilled that so many of my friends want to take this journey with me. I keep saying we're having a party on Grays Peak. Of course whenever I say that, someone always asks if we're going to have champagne when we reach the top. Obviously these people aren't thinking of my current fitness level. I mean, I'm working really hard so that it's not the worst idea I've ever had, but if I drink at 14,000' I'll have to be carried home.
The most recent milestone is that I climbed to the top of Mt. Sanitas on Saturday! Can I get a "Woot! Woot!" Of course, there were times that I didn't think I was going to make it. There were times that if my legs could talk, they would've said, "Are you crazy??? I'm not going any further. I don't want to and you can't make me!" But Chrissy and Stephanie were very patient and very supportive and just about the time I really was ready to give up, we were way too close to the top. As I looked up at the final incline, Stephanie said, "I'm at the top, you can do it." All I could think was, "It's Maui all over again!" (but that's a different post) And most importantly, it worked. It was my idea to climb a 14er, it was my idea for Chrissy and I to hike today, I'm the one who invited Stephanie to join us and there's no way that the two of them were going to reach the top while I looked up at them and waited. So I pushed through. I reached the top. (thanks, girls)
The views were stunning! The other hikers didn't look nearly as tired as I felt, but I didn't care. I sat on a rock and heaved while I took it all in. Mt. Sanitas is only a fifth of Grays, so I have my work cut out for me. But it was still breath taking. I was still glad to be there with my friends. I was soooo thankful that they both love me enough to not get mad at me when I said, "I don't like either of you right now." on the way up. I resolve to try to stop doing that!!!! I was still proud of myself and my accomplishment. I took a moment to thank God for good friends and the beauty that surrounded us. I took a few photos and then we headed back down.
The round trip took us three hours. Chrissy is determined that we'll get faster and faster and I can't be completely outdone, so I'm sure she's right. I did feel like an old woman for the rest of the day. Every time I stood up, it took me so much longer than it normally does. And I walked hunched over for a few minutes. And holy cow, my knees hurt. And I discovered a new fitness goal. It's not to lose a certain number of pounds, or to get to a certain size - it's to be able to get up from a low couch or to get out of a car without grunting. I think it's a good goal and I'll be adding it to my happiness project next month. The good news - Sunday I got out of bed easily (which surprised me) and when I came down the stairs, I didn't wimper even once. I felt great all day and even completed a huge project Sunday afternoon. So there's hope for me yet.
I won't be drinking at the top of Grays, but whether I'm heaving or not, I will be sparkling!!! Let me know if you want to join the party!!!
Soon, we added her sister, and my friends Stephanie and Polli. I think today we might have added Kathy and Karen. There may be some other people that she works with, but right now, I think we're up to nine. I love a party, so I'm thrilled that so many of my friends want to take this journey with me. I keep saying we're having a party on Grays Peak. Of course whenever I say that, someone always asks if we're going to have champagne when we reach the top. Obviously these people aren't thinking of my current fitness level. I mean, I'm working really hard so that it's not the worst idea I've ever had, but if I drink at 14,000' I'll have to be carried home.
The most recent milestone is that I climbed to the top of Mt. Sanitas on Saturday! Can I get a "Woot! Woot!" Of course, there were times that I didn't think I was going to make it. There were times that if my legs could talk, they would've said, "Are you crazy??? I'm not going any further. I don't want to and you can't make me!" But Chrissy and Stephanie were very patient and very supportive and just about the time I really was ready to give up, we were way too close to the top. As I looked up at the final incline, Stephanie said, "I'm at the top, you can do it." All I could think was, "It's Maui all over again!" (but that's a different post) And most importantly, it worked. It was my idea to climb a 14er, it was my idea for Chrissy and I to hike today, I'm the one who invited Stephanie to join us and there's no way that the two of them were going to reach the top while I looked up at them and waited. So I pushed through. I reached the top. (thanks, girls)
The views were stunning! The other hikers didn't look nearly as tired as I felt, but I didn't care. I sat on a rock and heaved while I took it all in. Mt. Sanitas is only a fifth of Grays, so I have my work cut out for me. But it was still breath taking. I was still glad to be there with my friends. I was soooo thankful that they both love me enough to not get mad at me when I said, "I don't like either of you right now." on the way up. I resolve to try to stop doing that!!!! I was still proud of myself and my accomplishment. I took a moment to thank God for good friends and the beauty that surrounded us. I took a few photos and then we headed back down.
The round trip took us three hours. Chrissy is determined that we'll get faster and faster and I can't be completely outdone, so I'm sure she's right. I did feel like an old woman for the rest of the day. Every time I stood up, it took me so much longer than it normally does. And I walked hunched over for a few minutes. And holy cow, my knees hurt. And I discovered a new fitness goal. It's not to lose a certain number of pounds, or to get to a certain size - it's to be able to get up from a low couch or to get out of a car without grunting. I think it's a good goal and I'll be adding it to my happiness project next month. The good news - Sunday I got out of bed easily (which surprised me) and when I came down the stairs, I didn't wimper even once. I felt great all day and even completed a huge project Sunday afternoon. So there's hope for me yet.
I won't be drinking at the top of Grays, but whether I'm heaving or not, I will be sparkling!!! Let me know if you want to join the party!!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
So Many Thoughts...
.....and no discipline to blog about them all. That's how I feel right now. I find myself thinking of things to write about all day long. Of course, these thoughts come to me when I'm nowhere near my computer and have no time to stop to make a note of it, let alone get all of my thoughts down on paper. So I make a mental note that I'll do it before I go to bed - at which point I'm - you guessed it - tired! So I opt for sleep.
When I started this blog, I had no intent of blogging every day. I thought I'd be happy with a couple of times per week. That was before I started reading "The Happiness Project". Now I'm thinking I need to stretch myself just a bit and find the time each day to blog. Of course, I've been thinking about that for about a week. I'm getting there, I'm getting there! Anyway, I bought this book quite a while ago. I took it to Sedona with me because Louise and I were going to work on our bucket lists and I thought this might help us along our way. Well it was in Louise's sight for about a minute before she delved into it. Almost immediately she asked, "Have you already read this?" (I haven't.) "Are you sure you haven't read this yet? You're already doing some of this. She had always loved writing too. She started with a blog." Of course I was intrigued and for the rest of the weekend, Louise gave me tidbits of what she was reading. On the plane ride home, I dove into this book myself.
Here's what I love about this book - it's not the typical self-help book because there's nothing wrong with her. Of course, she's not perfect - but there's no major life crisis. She just realized one day that maybe she could be happier and she was the only one who could do anything about it, so she started a happiness project. Thinking more and more about how I want to live my life, what's important to me and how I never want to stop growing - I immediately LOVED this book. Why wait for something major to happen to you before you take charge of your emotions and resolve to be happy?
I'm about half way through it and - you guessed it - starting in May, I'll be doing my own happiness project. If you're so inclined to get it yourself, I'd love to know what you think. Maybe I'll start a "happiness" book club for the next year....hmmm...
Well that's it for now. I did finally get a few minutes to make some notes about the topics I'd like to write about or the events (big or small) that I'd like to share. I'm not getting into them right now, because one of the biggest reasons I don't write everyday is because some days I can't figure out what to write about. Now I have a list. Now I have a plan. And now - since I've told the world - I have to be accountable and blog every day. It's time to sparkle!
When I started this blog, I had no intent of blogging every day. I thought I'd be happy with a couple of times per week. That was before I started reading "The Happiness Project". Now I'm thinking I need to stretch myself just a bit and find the time each day to blog. Of course, I've been thinking about that for about a week. I'm getting there, I'm getting there! Anyway, I bought this book quite a while ago. I took it to Sedona with me because Louise and I were going to work on our bucket lists and I thought this might help us along our way. Well it was in Louise's sight for about a minute before she delved into it. Almost immediately she asked, "Have you already read this?" (I haven't.) "Are you sure you haven't read this yet? You're already doing some of this. She had always loved writing too. She started with a blog." Of course I was intrigued and for the rest of the weekend, Louise gave me tidbits of what she was reading. On the plane ride home, I dove into this book myself.
Here's what I love about this book - it's not the typical self-help book because there's nothing wrong with her. Of course, she's not perfect - but there's no major life crisis. She just realized one day that maybe she could be happier and she was the only one who could do anything about it, so she started a happiness project. Thinking more and more about how I want to live my life, what's important to me and how I never want to stop growing - I immediately LOVED this book. Why wait for something major to happen to you before you take charge of your emotions and resolve to be happy?
I'm about half way through it and - you guessed it - starting in May, I'll be doing my own happiness project. If you're so inclined to get it yourself, I'd love to know what you think. Maybe I'll start a "happiness" book club for the next year....hmmm...
Well that's it for now. I did finally get a few minutes to make some notes about the topics I'd like to write about or the events (big or small) that I'd like to share. I'm not getting into them right now, because one of the biggest reasons I don't write everyday is because some days I can't figure out what to write about. Now I have a list. Now I have a plan. And now - since I've told the world - I have to be accountable and blog every day. It's time to sparkle!
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Vastness
Wow – what a day!!! I’m in Arizona with Louise. We started the day as we always do when we’re vacationing together – lounging around, chatting. When we finally made it out to find the visitor’s center and breakfast, it was lightly snowing. Ok – not ideal for a day in the Grand Canyon, but I did my best to get her to agree that this is a great opportunity.
Yesterday, the guy sitting next to me on the plane told me that seeing the Grand Canyon covered in snow is “a real treat”. While we were mapping out our day, I told Louise, “This could be the most amazing day! Would you ever plan to come to the Grand Canyon when it’s snowing? How many people get this opportunity? I bet it’s going to be gorgeous!” And I believed it! I really thought we were about to have a completely unique experience (and I was right).
We got there around noon. It had begun to snow a bit harder, but we were determined to walk the rim. We headed out, we got to the first overlook and we saw….nothing! That’s right, nothing! A vast expanse of clouds was preventing us not only from seeing across the canyon, but from seeing to the bottom and in some cases, from seeing anything at all. The first picture I took of Louise “at the Grand Canyon” could have been taken almost anywhere. She said repeatedly throughout the day that she felt like she was in the mountains in Colorado.
We took off walking anyway. I mean, we’re here – what else are we going to do? So off we went, all bundled up (as best as we could, since neither of us packed for snow), walking the rim, hoping that the clouds would clear and we’d see something amazing. And we did (or at least I did). I have been to the Grand Canyon before. Granted, I was only a kid, but I remember it was big. I remember it was beautiful. I remember it was there! So as I looked over the edge and saw nothing but white, all I could think of was how vast it was.
I pulled Louise to one of the railings and said, “Isn’t this amazing?” (Insert Louise’s look of “are you nuts?”) But I went on, “Ok, I know you’ve never been here, but there’s nothing out there for a long way. Then across the canyon and as far as you can see, there’s beauty, and this cloud is covering it all up! God has created this amazing world, including this huge canyon, including you and I. And we’re important to Him. But out there is this … vastness … and you and I – however small - are part of something so much bigger than what we’re aware of.” I stood there in awe, because I only realized the enormity of it as I was explaining it to her.
We walked on, stopping at some of the overlooks we did get to see some beautiful scenes, but nothing like the postcards. Not as red, not as majestic, not all the way across the canyon. But to me, they were even more beautiful. Not everyone gets to see something like this. Even if you plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, even if you’re in awe of how amazingly beautiful it is, you may not get to see the snow covering the rocks. You may not get to see the edge of the mountain fade into the cloud like someone drew it and then softened the edges to make it look like it blurred into the clouds. I was in awe of the falling snow, the mountains and trees that we could see, the long drops that were occasionally visible, the vastness!
I kept saying that, “Aren’t you amazed by the vastness?” Louise was. She wasn’t as intrigued quite as long as I was, but that could’ve been the blowing snow. You see, it just snowed more and more. The wind blew harder and harder. I have one picture when there was a snowflake IN my eye. Yet we continued to walk. At times when I went out on a ledge (literally) to see if there was anything to see, I would stay there for an extra minute or two. I looked out at the “vastness” and said a prayer. I sent up a few private prayers and I thanked God for the good in my life, for the wonderful people in my life, for creating such amazing miracles (like the Grand Canyon) and for giving me the insight to be able to see the beauty even when it was covered in snow and clouds.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
World's Largest Crop
This weekend was crazy cool! It was super busy AND completely satisfying. The big event of the weekend was attending the World's Largest Crop. For you non-scrapbookers, the World's Largest Crop is an all day scrapbooking event held at the Merchandise Mart. There were over 1,000 people there, a ton of cute ideas, classes and of course some of my closest friends. I'm always busier than I expect to be. I don't think I sat down for more than ten minutes until mid-afternoon. Now, a lot of people would hate that, but I loved it. I loved connecting with my friends - that's how I spend most of the morning. I track down all of my consultant friends, all of my ex-consultant friends and connect with my customers (most of which are my friends). I guess my only complaint is that I can't be everywhere at once. I would love to spend the day just hanging out with Tina. Crops are also normally good times to connect with my mom. I hadn't seen my other three customers in a couple of years, so I would've loved to spend the entire day catching up. And that's just my small group of customers. Five. That doesn't include the other friends I have spread through out the thousand. But it's ok - it all worked out. I didn't get to spend a huge chunk of time with anyone, but I got to spend a little chunks of time with a lot of very special someones.
I also learned a lot at the digital class I went to. I would've learned it all eventually from my super-cool digital diva friend (and let's be honest, I probably won't remember most of it) but it was cool none-the-less. The funniest part about it for me was that I went to the advanced class (yay me - I understand enough of it to be able to go to the advanced class), there were probably ten or so ideas that she went over - all very quickly. About half way through the second item, the woman across from me told her friend, "This is really A LOT!" It took everything I had not to say to her, "That's because it's advanced!" By the time the instructor got to the fifth item, the poor woman had her head in her hands. Again - advanced!
My funny experience of the day was when I got a mysterious text that said, "Did you get my text?" from a number that I didn't recognize. I figured it was a wrong number until I read the text that referenced me climbing a 14er. Hmmm....someone I know. Then they said they could see me - I sat up straight and looked around to immediately find Stephanie and Polli watching me closely. (Steph is one of my BFFs and Polli easily could be.) I jumped up to go give them a good talking to - but instead, ended up telling Polli all about my 14er plan and guess what? They want to come too!!! Woo-Hoo! It started out with Emily, but I'm dragging Chrissy along and maybe her sister. One of Emily's friends wants to come and now Steph and Polli. Party on Grays Peak! Woot! Woot!
The other highlights of the day was that Tina won a prize (funny because it was a Cricut cartridge and she's a digi gal) and I got to help Staci celebrate her birthday in the parking lot with some of my new friends and some yummy cake. Oh yeah - and at about 5:00 I finally started cropping and I stuck down six pages - that's five more than I did on my last retreat, so yay!
To add to this great event, I got in a walk along Boulder Creek on Friday with Emily and our two littlest girlies (including squats and triceps dips). I rearranged my family room (did you know that I love the paint?), went to church, got to take a nap and watched Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love - and (of course) bits of Ocean's 11. (sigh of contentment) Life is good! Yes, it's also confusing and overwhelming and difficult and... and ... and... but right now, at this moment, life is good. So I'm just going to bask in this moment for a bit.
I also learned a lot at the digital class I went to. I would've learned it all eventually from my super-cool digital diva friend (and let's be honest, I probably won't remember most of it) but it was cool none-the-less. The funniest part about it for me was that I went to the advanced class (yay me - I understand enough of it to be able to go to the advanced class), there were probably ten or so ideas that she went over - all very quickly. About half way through the second item, the woman across from me told her friend, "This is really A LOT!" It took everything I had not to say to her, "That's because it's advanced!" By the time the instructor got to the fifth item, the poor woman had her head in her hands. Again - advanced!
My funny experience of the day was when I got a mysterious text that said, "Did you get my text?" from a number that I didn't recognize. I figured it was a wrong number until I read the text that referenced me climbing a 14er. Hmmm....someone I know. Then they said they could see me - I sat up straight and looked around to immediately find Stephanie and Polli watching me closely. (Steph is one of my BFFs and Polli easily could be.) I jumped up to go give them a good talking to - but instead, ended up telling Polli all about my 14er plan and guess what? They want to come too!!! Woo-Hoo! It started out with Emily, but I'm dragging Chrissy along and maybe her sister. One of Emily's friends wants to come and now Steph and Polli. Party on Grays Peak! Woot! Woot!
The other highlights of the day was that Tina won a prize (funny because it was a Cricut cartridge and she's a digi gal) and I got to help Staci celebrate her birthday in the parking lot with some of my new friends and some yummy cake. Oh yeah - and at about 5:00 I finally started cropping and I stuck down six pages - that's five more than I did on my last retreat, so yay!
To add to this great event, I got in a walk along Boulder Creek on Friday with Emily and our two littlest girlies (including squats and triceps dips). I rearranged my family room (did you know that I love the paint?), went to church, got to take a nap and watched Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love - and (of course) bits of Ocean's 11. (sigh of contentment) Life is good! Yes, it's also confusing and overwhelming and difficult and... and ... and... but right now, at this moment, life is good. So I'm just going to bask in this moment for a bit.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I Love Color
It is complete! The painters left yesterday having painted my family room, foyer, upper and lower hallways. It looks awesome! I have definitely had my moments over the past few weeks questioning myself, but I'm thrilled to say that I made all good choices. When Val and I painted the kitchen, I had a few moments when I thought it was "a bit more orange than I had planned on" (it's a golden yellow). The main color I painted the hallways and three walls in the family room is "Safari" - a beige, neutral color. Or so I thought. When the guys got done with the first wall all I could think was, "I love it!!! I mean, it's darker than I had planned on, certainly not subtle, but I do love it." However, as they moved onto the wall that leads into the kitchen, I thought, "uh-oh...it's more yellow than I had planned on." When he put a (tiny) bit of the "green sprout" on what will forever be known as the "green wall", I thought, "That's not sage. I picked wrong. It's too bright, not warm enough - and it's a huge wall! It's not dark enough and since the beige is - there's won't be enough of a contrast. What have I done?"
Well, thank goodness, I trusted my instincts!!! As they put on the finishing touches, I couldn't stop smiling! It looks great. Yes, it's true, the beige is not subtle - not even one tiny bit - but it is perfect. Just walking through the main level of my house makes me happy. Finally, the white walls are gone. Finally, even the super bright family room feels warmer. Finally! And I'm reminded of one of the traits that I like about myself. Go with the flow - trust myself. I could have completely freaked out when I saw that tiny patch of green on the wall. I could've stopped the painters and double guessed myself. But I didn't. I walked back down the hallway and (after some of those negative questions popped into my head) I said to myself, "Well, it's too late now. Just trust your gut. I did well picking the other colors - it'll be fine. Just trust myself." I could be obsessing right now about how it isn't "just as I envisioned it" - or I could do what I'm doing - and be thankful that it wasn't. It's even better! Have I mentioned that I love it???
For the first time in weeks, I'm motivated to work on my house. Now that's not saying that I haven't cleaned my house in weeks - I just didn't want to. Well, I have a very busy weekend and it's killing me that I can't just put my house back together. Since I packed away everything before Christmas (some for Mike's storage unit and some just out of the way until Christmas was over and the painting were done), I don't even know what I have. Maybe it'll be too bare and I'll need to go shopping!?! So I guess that old saying about how a "fresh coat of paint" really changes things isn't just talking about the walls?
The moral for the day? Go with the flow - sometimes things aren't the way you plan them for a reason. Sometimes it's because it looks even better than you had planned. (I feel an a-ha moment coming on - some way I can apply this to relationships not working the way you plan them - you see where I'm going here.) Trust your gut - don't second guess yourself. And do whatever it takes to refresh - even if it's different colored paint!
I feel my sparkle getting stronger!!!
Well, thank goodness, I trusted my instincts!!! As they put on the finishing touches, I couldn't stop smiling! It looks great. Yes, it's true, the beige is not subtle - not even one tiny bit - but it is perfect. Just walking through the main level of my house makes me happy. Finally, the white walls are gone. Finally, even the super bright family room feels warmer. Finally! And I'm reminded of one of the traits that I like about myself. Go with the flow - trust myself. I could have completely freaked out when I saw that tiny patch of green on the wall. I could've stopped the painters and double guessed myself. But I didn't. I walked back down the hallway and (after some of those negative questions popped into my head) I said to myself, "Well, it's too late now. Just trust your gut. I did well picking the other colors - it'll be fine. Just trust myself." I could be obsessing right now about how it isn't "just as I envisioned it" - or I could do what I'm doing - and be thankful that it wasn't. It's even better! Have I mentioned that I love it???
For the first time in weeks, I'm motivated to work on my house. Now that's not saying that I haven't cleaned my house in weeks - I just didn't want to. Well, I have a very busy weekend and it's killing me that I can't just put my house back together. Since I packed away everything before Christmas (some for Mike's storage unit and some just out of the way until Christmas was over and the painting were done), I don't even know what I have. Maybe it'll be too bare and I'll need to go shopping!?! So I guess that old saying about how a "fresh coat of paint" really changes things isn't just talking about the walls?
The moral for the day? Go with the flow - sometimes things aren't the way you plan them for a reason. Sometimes it's because it looks even better than you had planned. (I feel an a-ha moment coming on - some way I can apply this to relationships not working the way you plan them - you see where I'm going here.) Trust your gut - don't second guess yourself. And do whatever it takes to refresh - even if it's different colored paint!
I feel my sparkle getting stronger!!!
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