In a blink of an eye

In makes me think. One second someone can be happy, healthy and full of life, and in a blink of an eye it can all change. Currently I'm following the progress of Jerry Ekkelkamp. On October 27 @ 3:00 he was on a 7 foot ladder, he went one way the the ladder went the other . . . ICU, fractured skull, fractured sternum, bleeding in the brain . . . after 3 weeks moved to a rehabilitation to relearn to walk, talk, swallow . . . One second someone can be happy, health and full of life and in a blink of an eye it can all change. It makes me think.

Expectations

I don't care what people think of me anymore.

I no longer believe it is important to keep up with others expectations of me, it is their expectations not mine.

Things to Remember for Next Race

1. Pack charger for GPS/Pace- so when it gets turned on somehow in the suitcase and it reads low battery you can charge it before the race starts.

2. Leave 30 minutes earlier than you think so you won't be adding those extra miles when you bail out of the car on the freeway due to stopped traffic and run some extra mileage to the start line.

3. When checking out the course the day ahead, check out the whole course or you might be surprised with a half amile to go with a nice hill at the end.

4. 37 degrees is really not that cold . . . do not overdress

5. Always be prepared for your running partner not to show up at the desinated corral . . .

6. The day after the race do not overschedule yourself leaving absolutely no time to stretch out.

7. Just remember stairs and curbs are not your best friend after a race.

8. Do those people running those clothing optional races get chaffing, not that this is an optin for me I'm just curious?

Trying to Say Good-bye to the Pin Ball Machine

Last week my brain was compared to that of a Pin Ball Machine. The linear thinkers aka rifle brains are clearly frustrated trying to even follow my thought process. I can understand their frustration my oldest sister's brain in a Pin Ball Machine on steroids, father and sister 3 Pin Ball Machine brains. Sister 2 linear thinker.

For the most part I enjoy my brain most of the time, I can be very self entertaining. Maybe it is time I start to embrace some linear thinking and say good-bye tot he Pin Ball Machine . . . Can this be done? Do I want this to be done?

The Process

As a friend of mine just lost her father, we had both compared notes when our mother's died. I cannot imagine what it would be like losing my father.

My mother passed away, died, went to the other side 262 days ago. I have learned so much about my mother since she died. Why she did some of the things she did or did not do. I may not agree with everything she did and said but at least now I understand.

The Wait is Over

Between classes this morning a few of us went to coffee or for some a bottle of H2O. We are of the age when our parents are getting a bit older. Today we needed Debbie to download her brain to give us the update on what Pam is going through, her father had just passed away yesterday. The doctors had given them hope of a long transplant and as the lungs became available their hope had been taken away by the anestheologist who said he would not be strong enough for the surgery. By the afternoon he was gone.

Waiting for a Transplant

A friend of mine flew up north to be with her father as he is in dire health. He was on the top of the list for a lung transplant, but when the lungs became available last night he was determined to be too weak and would not survive the surgery. So now what do they just sit and wait?

I Love the Airport Calls

My son is travelling to Washington DC for a job interview. He called me when he left OKC to tell me he had to pay $15 to check his bag. He called me in Detroit as he was dashing through the airport to catch his next flight. He told me he was hungry because he hadn't eaten since the morning. I ask him didn't he get a snack on his last flight? He said the airlines offered to sell him a bag of trail mix for $3 he turned it down. I did not ask him to call, but he did, and I'm glad he did.

Back in Time

Today was my Thursday run, one of the gals I run with was heading out of town so I was on my own. Though I enjoy running with people I do cherish those times when I'm solo. Today instead of doing the standard "Moni Loop" I decided to head down to East End Park trusting not to get too lost, my mind was clear and calm. I noted the guys finishing "Ike" repairs, and yes I did chat with them but only for a few seconds . . . and all the trails had been cleared of fallen trees.

I was taken back to my childhood . . . we lived in a house surrounded by "The Woods", we would spend hours hiking around, building forst, seeing wooden wagons from years before. Today was the day I did not care what my pace was, I just wanted to take it all in and so I did.

I get a bit nostolgic

This evening I went out looking for people, and ended up at an athletic club. It felt like a time warp. It had been years since I had taken a spin class at this place with this particular instructor. I just love this guy he trained me for my first marathon. I get a bit nostagic thinking about running, it has gotten me through alot. I am definately not the fastest runner nor am I the slowest. I have found do not talk to people about running that do not share the same compassion, they just don't get it.

The Human Touch

My husband took a travelling job 3 years ago, he cleared it with me before he accepted the postion. I was thinking I can handle this I'm pretty independent. The piece I did not add into the equation was the lack of human touch. Now, by no means am I an extremely affectionate person.

I soon learned how important the simple human touch was, it is extremely painful without it. I remember one night vividly lying in bed with my arms wrapped around myself asking God to just take me into his arms and just hug me and he did.

I do a bit of volunteer work up at the church I chatted with some of the gals about my situation and they understood. Yesterday I went by the church during lunch to find Terri to get my hug (her husband also is a traveller). I not only got a hug from Terri I also got one from Lynn. Now I am good to go until I see my husband on Friday. Life is Good, Life is Very Good!