Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend has become the kickoff for family BBQs, beach parties, and the opening of summer. Even though these things are very characteristic of American society, I wonder how many Americans really stop to remember why we get this 3 day weekend in May every year. So here is a little history lesson (hey, it's what I do! :) )

Memorial day was first called "Decoration Day" because it was a day for Americans to decorate the graves of the Civil War dead. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Although many cities both in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of the holiday, in 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, celebrations also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Check out this video from YouTube about Memorial Day, and have a WONDERFUL Memorial Day!

Now go hug a Sailor (or Marine, Soldier, or Airman)- I know one you can hug haha! :)

Things I wish I knew when I was 18 - for my brother, Mike

My little brother is graduating High School in a couple of days and it has me thinking about my own High School graduation and the years that followed. Like all 18 year olds, I made mistakes and didn't listen to those who were "old" and "didn't understand." In fact, I probably would have rolled my eyes, put my hand up ("talk to the hand") and walked away. After all, I was an adult, and I knew everything, right?

Mike, I know I'm just your crazy older sister, but I love you very much and I am proud of who you have become. I've seen you make mistakes and I've seen you accomplish some amazing things as well. I have no doubt that you will grow to be an amazing man, and a proud US Sailor. Not all of these tid bits of advice are directly aimed at you, they are just musings of my past, but I hope you can find some wisdom in them somewhere and know that I am always here for you no matter what this crazy world brings you. I love you!
~Love, Sis

Things I wish I had known when I was 18

1. A credit card is not free money! I got my first American Express right before I turned 19 and I think I am still working on paying off that $2 hairbrush I bought! Interest adds up and the bills don't go away if you ignore the bill you get in the mail (and the phone calls). It only gets worse and more expensive. If you can't pay for it with cash, don't get it. If it is worth having, it is worth saving for! Also, paying the minimum amount due isn't good either. It's better than not paying it at all, but if you don't want to pay 3 X's as much in interest, pay more than the minimum and pay it off as soon as you can.

2. Travel now! Don't think that because you are young you can't travel. Now is the time to travel while you aren't tied down to a house payment, kids, loans, etc. Not that having a house and a family is bad, just that you can't up and leave on an awesome trip without a lot of preplanning and getting things ready. Instead of packing a bag and heading out the door, you will have to arrange for bills to be paid, mail to be forwarded, kids/pets to be cared for, leases and contracts canceled, and convincing people that you haven't lost your mind.

3. Follow your dreams! Follow what your heart tells you, not what other people expect you to do with your life. Take that photography class, take up the drums, or train to run a marathon (trust me; doing it later in life is rough!). Sure, only one in a million starving artist ever become more than starving, but it's better to be a happy starving artist than a miserable corporate working stiff if an artist is what you want to try. The worst thing that can happen is that you realize your dreams aren't all they are cracked up to be and you start having new dreams. Knowing that you tried for your dream is better than living the rest of your life wondering "what if..."

4. Lose the safety net. As much as you love your parents, they won't always be there to hold your hand and clean up after you. You need to start taking your responsibilities seriously and learn how to do things and take care of things for yourself. Yes, the thought of being out there on your own, in the wild blue yonder without something to catch you if it all goes wrong may make you feel like your stomach is doing somersaults, but trust me, it will be OK.

5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are how people learn the best lessons about life. You live, you learn, you get on with your life and are better for the lesson you learned. Just be careful not to repeat your mistakes.

6. Don't worry about finding Mr./Ms. Perfect. Instead of trying to find someone who is amazing, BE amazing. Do things to better yourself that makes you feel good. Don't try to be someone you aren't to make someone fall for you because it won't work. You always end up being yourself and if the person you are with didn't fall in love with the "real" you, the relationship isn't worth it anyway.

7. Sometimes life isn't fair – get over it! Yeah at 18 I thought "I'm an adult, no one can make me do anything I don't want to do." Yes, at 18 in the eyes of the government, you are an adult. But with the freedoms of being an adult come responsibilities too. You aren't a child anymore so don't act like one if you don't want to be treated like one.

8. Make your own path. Don't take the road someone else wants to take if it doesn't seem right for you, even if it is going to the same place. You may wish to take a longer, more scenic route instead of rushing straight to your destination on the highway. Make a few pit stops along the way if you want!

9. Don't stop swimming (or running or doing whatever activity you love to do). In High School, swimming was my life. I never felt freer than when I was in the pool. College came and I slowly found other things to do that filled up my time and I slowly stopped swimming. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really got back in the pool again and I have again found the thing that makes me happy, peaceful, and centered. Not to mention the health benefits of staying in shape!

10. My parents are not controlling, stupid old people. In fact they are all loving, caring, wonderful (although a little wacky) people. I am lucky enough to have not only one set of parents, but two. One set who gave birth to me and made the most difficult choice in their life for me, and my adopted parents who chose me and took me into their home when they didn't have to do so. They seemed controlling to me only because they were scared for me and wanted to see me on the right path. They may have been ignorant of a lot of things that was going on in my life, but that was only because I didn't tell them what was going on, and they are by no means stupid. And...uh...they weren't that old when I was 18! haha :)

PS...Tequila is bad bad bad haha :) I'll leave it at that! ;)

10 places I want to go before I die

Ten Places I want to go before I die (which better not be anytime soon! haha) ...

1) Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mt Vesuvius have always had a special hold on me. I'm not quite sure why but from the first time I ever heard about these Italian cities that were destroyed and frozen in time, I have wanted to go there and see them. I can imagine the wonder, thinking that the Gods were talking, and then the fear as a dark cloud covered the sky then hot gas and ash covered the town and anyone who was left.


2) Athens, Greece
Ancient Greek city-state of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. Birthplace of democracy and higher learning. Why wouldn't I, a teacher, want to go?


3) Rome, Italy
Again, Ancient Romans, gladiators, history...sign me up!


4) Alaska (to see the Aurora Borealis)
The beauty of these lights just amaze me. Being a native Floridian, the idea of Alaska seems like going to a foreign country anyway, but then you tell me that lights dance in the sky? That I have to see!


5)The Great Wall of China
From my (all too short) time in Japan, I have decided I definitely want to go back to Asia. I can imagine that the Great Wall, like the Grand Canyon, is one of those things that you can't really appreciate how large it is until you are standing on it.

6) Victoria Falls (Africa)
One of the reading fluency tests I have to give my students includes a passage about Victoria Falls. It got me interested and being the nerd I am, I had to look it up. It is HUGE! Plus, in certain times of the year there is a place called the Devil's Pool where you can actually swim on the edge of the falls. The flow of the falls is slower and the "pool" has a ledge where you can actually swim in the deeper water of the pool and look over the falls! How cool is that!?!


7) The Tower of London
OK, this one just stems from my love of all things King Henry VIII! He was constantly throwing people in the Tower (mainly his wives haha) and the stories of the ghosts that roam the area.... it's just too much for me to resist!



8) The Pyramids of Giza
Like the Great Wall, this is one of those things I can imagine makes you feel very small. Just to imagine how much work was involved in the planning and building of these ancient burials is mind-boggling. Without the technology of today it is hard to imagine how they did it...oh, I know...slave labor.

9) Paris
Yes, Paris, the city of LOVE :) Just looking at the Eiffel Tower makes my heart flutter a little haha! A friend of mine went to Paris last summer, again over Spring Break, and is planning to go again this summer...I am so jealous! Her pictures and stories have convinced me that this is one of the places I just have to see. It wasn't really on my list until talking with her about her travels.


10) Mad King Ludwig's Castle (Neuschwanstein Castle), Germany
It's Cinderella's Castle! OK, so the jury is still out about if Ludwig really was mad or if he was just the product of a royal framing...but either way he was an interesting guy, and had great taste in architechure!

Why I'm a Daddy's Girl

While spending a couple of days with Daddy, I needed to take him to the hospital for his blood work. While we were there, a "hospital friend" of his showed up. These two, who met here at the Cancer Center, have similar diagnosis and are both disabled vets. Apparently, my dad has helped this man by doing a little research and then giving him some financial advice that has helped him to pay his high medical bills. I've always said that my dad would talk to anyone and make friends with a brick wall, but he likes helping people out too. I'm proud to say that my dad is the kind of guy who will go out of his way to help a stranger, even when he has his own troubles. That's some pretty big shoes to fill, hope I'm up to it!

I can't find my Wagon

I fell off my wagon and I can’t seem to find it now :( If you see it please let me know so I can climb back on.

It’s a cute little wagon, purple of course, and it is filled with "good-for-me" foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, my running shoes were in there along with my pink heart Speedo, swim cap, goggles, bike helmet and gloves, and a few other workout-related items. I believe it even had a set of free weights in it and probably a thing of Biofreeze too. I’m not real sure but I think I once saw a tae-bo DVD in there somewhere.

I thought I saw it rolling down the street not too long ago so I put down my 3rd slice of extra cheese and pepperoni pizza to chase after it, but found there was a quarter pounder with cheese tied to each leg slowing me down. I then got a cramp because I tried to use muscles I hadn’t used in a while - the running ones. I was quite upset that I couldn’t get to my wagon, but luckily Ben and Jerry were there to comfort me.

I planned to look for it yesterday, but then I didn’t want to run late for my friend’s son’s 12th birthday. I mean...the kid’s only going to turn 12 once right? And it would be rude not to eat the ice cream and cake that this adorable new 12 year old handed me. By then it was too dark to look for that wagon (It doesn’t come equip with lights after all).

Please, if you see my wagon, hold it down so that I can climb back on. I bought some seat belts to install on it this time to prevent this slippage next time!

Smiles

Things that make me smile:

• 
  My daddy's laugh.
• 
  My nephews' laugh.
• 
  Finishing a good long run (or swim or bike…)
• 
  Getting flowers for no reason.
• 
  Hearing "Faithfully" by Journey
• 
  The Princess Bride
• 
  The last day of school
• 
  Looking through my travel photos
• 
  "Buttercup"
• 
  Getting a great new outfit that fits perfect and makes my ass look good!
• 
  A good movie on TV with no commercials.
• 
  Chocolate milk
• 
  Roller coasters
• 
  A good book and a bubble bath
• 
  The first shallow dive into the water
• 
  Feeling loved
• 
  Banana peppers, cheese, and crackers

Memories that make me smile:

• 
  Eating icicles off of the orange trees after a freeze.
• 
  Hanging with the Boogiemen at Harpoon's.
• 
  Hitting Toxic Hell after a swim meet.
• 
  My wedding.
• 
  Bruchetta.
• 
  The day before my 26th birthday.
• 
  Road Trip!
• 
  Japan
• 
  Crossing the finish line for the first time, and the second, third, fourth…
• 
  Fairies on the bathroom wall.
• 
  "I tied Nicole up last night" (NOT how it sounds lmao)
• 
  Making cookies with Grandma
• 
  The kid's table at Christmas/Thanksgiving (I finally had to graduate to the adults table this year)
• 
  Busch Gardens/Ybor weekends
• 
  The eclipse
• 
  Big, sweeping me off my feet and spinning me around hugs
• 
  My bachelorette party
• 
  Walking out of sucky movies
• 
  "Molly killed the cat!"
• 
  Victory parties…all of them
• 
  Horseback riding
• 
  Sitting in the back corner of Mr. McCormack's class in HIgh School w/Megan and Sara passing notes under the door
• 
  All my friends that I miss…

Deployments

It's hard when you're gone,
but I know we will always make it
as long as where ever you are
and whatever you're doing
I know that you'll always love me.

Thankful

I sit here tonight curled in a blanket in front of my laptop, trying to hold back the tears. Those of you who know me know why, those of you who don't, suffice it to say that something is missing. Because I am in such a sad mood I thought, even though Thanksgiving was several weeks ago, I should make a list of things that I am thankful for, so here goes:

• I have a strong, loving husband who does everything he can to provide.
• The most wonderful person is donating life-saving bone marrow to my father, and there is a really good probability that he/she doesn't even know my father.
• I have extended family who is only a phone call away and will be there just as fast as my immediate family.
• I am thankful for my biological mother for doing the hardest thing she probably ever had to do in giving me up for adoption when she knew she was too young to take care of me. I had wonderful parents and an amazing life that I might not have been able to have otherwise.
• I have a beautiful house that is probably bigger than we need.
• I always have food in the fridge or cupboard.
• I am strong and healthy.
• I have friends and co-workers who really do have the best of intentions.
• I have clothes in my closet and shoes to wear.
• I have a steady job.
• I live in a free country where I am allowed to go to church, blog :) and attend school among many other things.
• We survived four really bad hurricanes several years ago and escaped with only material damage to the house and belongings, but we were OK.
• I am still, and will probably always remain, very thankful for all of those who flocked to help my neighbors and I after those horrible hurricanes with supplies and support.
• I am thankful for my education. I know that many people are not as lucky as I was in being able to afford college.
• I am thankful to God for making all of this possible.

Dreams

A few days ago I had a dream, possibly a nightmare. I don't really remember it all that well except that right before I woke up, I was freaking out and crying/screaming while a woman I work with was holding me and trying to comfort me.

In real life, I know this woman, but I wouldn't say that we are necessarily close friends. I work with her and for the most part like her, but found it strange that in my dream I would seek her out for comfort. The next morning at work I found her and told her about it. She laughed, first saying that it is my subconscious saying that I know I can always come to her if I need anything (she knows I am about to go through another rough time in my life). But then she tells me that she recently got a dream book. In he dream book it says that bad dreams mean something good is about to happen.

I've never really believed in deep meaning behind dreams, I have always felt that it is just your conscious mind shutting down and all of the thoughts and dreams of the day mingling together and running wild.

I didn't think much about it anymore until later that evening when I was on my way to see my in-laws for dinner. They will be gone for Thanksgiving so we thought we would meet 1/2 way and have dinner together at a restaurant, little did I know that it was going to be a TRUE Thanksgiving dinner. As I was driving down the interstate I get a phone call telling me that they have finally found a bone marrow donor for my Dad! Daddy has Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a terminal blood cancer and a bone marrow transplant was our last plan of action but until now we couldn't find anyone who was a match. While this won't kill the cancer or cure my dad, it can possibly give him many more happy years with us.

I started crying, happy tears of course, and had to pull over since it was a very busy and dangerous interstate I was driving on. I called my husband, who is out of state with the Navy, who at first thought I'd been in an accident because I was crying so much I could hardly get the words out. He of course was thrilled as well.

I finally made it back on the road and to the restaurant to meet my husband's parents where I started crying again! I think I cried all night long. I didn't even have this amount of happy tears on my wedding day. I'm still tearing and shaking up as I'm typing, I'm just so happy!

I am Triathlete...Hear me Roar!

Now you guys can not only say that you know a marathoner, but a marathoner/triathlete! WHOOO HOOOOOOOO

Yesterday I completed the Disney Triathlon at Fort Wilderness. It was a .9 mile swim, a 36 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile run and I did it in 5 hours haha :)

I was never TOO concerned about the swim portion. My only issue with the swim was people all around me as I'm trying to swim. I'm used to swimming in a pool with lanes...or with my team, even when we did open water swims in the river I would pull out in front of everyone but like 1 other person, so there was no one around me. I had a mini panic attack to begin with with everyone so close, being kicked in the stomach and nearly swam over (seriously, the one chick nearly swam on top of me!) before I was able to kick my way out (literally) and get my own spot and into a stride. Once I did get going, I was OK. I ran into one of the buoys though haha!!! It was the last one before the finish and I literally hit it with my head, knocked my already-starting-to-come-off swim cap off (my goggles were under my cap to prevent them from being kicked off - a tip I got from another triathlete). So I swam the last 75 yards or so with my swim cap in my hand!

Transition from Swim to Bike was : Run up the beach (sand) onto the road (concrete) and for about 200 yards to the transition area...all barefoot! Good thing I'm a country girl and ran around barefoot my entire life!

The bike was BRUTAL! In the interest of safety, the bike was upped from the normal 24 mile ride to a freaking 36 mile ride. 12 extra miles that were hilly! YUCK! Every time I thought "this has to be the last hill" I was wrong! For some reason I really hit a wall on the bike. I knew going in that the the cycle part was going to be my worst leg but for some reason I couldn't seem to get into that "runners high" (which yes happens on the bike too) and was just stuck in the "bite me zone" for most of it. By the time I hit mile 20 I was ready to cry, throw my bike, and curse out the next person who zoomed by me saying "On the left" lol but I got over it and was never so happy in my life to get off of a bike!

Transitioning from bike to run was funny. Can you say JELLY LEGS!?!?! I nearly fell when I did get off the bike! haha But I ran my bike up to the transition area (probably an extra 100 yds that you weren't allowed to ride, you had to be off your bike). Since I'm too chicken to clip into my bike, I didn't have to change shoes for the run so my 2nd transition was pretty fast to start the run...ok...in my case the slow jog/walk.

The run was a loop that you had to do twice, and part of it, probably about 1/2 to 3/4 miles were in ankle length grass with holes and ditches and crap. It started raining also so the grass was wet...great excuse for me to not run (didn't want to risk twisting my ankle after all) but now my shoes/socks/feet are wet and squishing. I somehow managed not to get a blister, although I do have a sore spot where I keep expecting a blister to pop up but it hasn't.

Finishing was great! My coaches were there as well as the teammates who finished before me to cheer me in the last little bit. It wasn't as big as the marathon finish but it was just as sweet!

Lessons learned for my next (yes there will be another) Triathlon:
Sunblock is my friend! I have the most hysterical tan lines from my shorts now as well as my shoulders and down my arms. We were body marked so the number "904" can clearly be seen on my arm as well as the square where my Team in Training tattoo was.

Wet and tired is not the time to be fiddling with safety pins and attempting to pin a number on your chest! I definitely want a race belt. No one told me anything about them and I never thought about how I was going to put my race number on after the swim.

I need an aero bar. My shoulders are still killing me!

Don't fear clipping in! If I ever plan to do a century ride, in addition to aero bars, I have to bite the bullet, get the pedals and shoes, and learn how to clip into my bike.

Bring real food. I had plenty of water, sports drinks, gu, and sport beans but I was so hungry for some reason near the end of the bike. I would have killed for a granola bar! And yes...I did eat breakfast!