So I started this once before and left it before it took flight. My original idea was to blog on something specific, but now I think I am just going to let it be as it is...and go from there. I am not a literary scholar, nor even someone who loves to write. I am just someone who likes to ramble...as you already know.
We went to Lake Placid, NY this past weekend to pick up some nifty chairs I purchased for my porch. I bought 4 chairs in April, but could only fit 2 in the car as my parents and Sadie were with me. So-- back we went-- this time in July. We crossed on the ferry at Charlotte--my first time doing that. It was beautiful. We ate pb&j sandwiches on a metal bench on the deck above the cars. Sat in the glorious sunshine watching all 3 kids munch happily while slipping across Lake Champlain-- doesn't get much better than that. This weekend was the Lake Placid Ironman-- so everyone in town was much fitter than me. lol. Reminded me of the shape I used to be in and how I desperately want to be there again.
We grabbed a loading zone spot, rescued the chairs and headed for Pirate's Cove minigolf-- what a blast. The manager was dressed as a pirate (*gasp*) and was awesome to the kids. Offered up a 'pirate's earring' to Lydia, who snuggled in closer and said "no thank you." lol. It was great to watch Eli get a hole in one-- unassisted. Fun too to watch Lydia game the system by taking her first shot off the tee and her second from 2" from the hole-- everytime. Picking up her bright pink ball, she would set it by the cup, give me a big grin and a thumbs up and nail a hole-in-2 every time.
I hit the gym this morning- in an effort to resemble (somewhat) more the athletes I saw in Lake Placid than I currently do. After overdoing it last week in my training session with Ramsey (the great), I knew I wasn't up for running at all. My ankle just isn't having it. Before I even set foot in the gym, I readjusted my attitude. I forced myself to be thankful-- for the ability to get to the gym. For the power cord to charge my mp3 player and resurrect my favorite music. For the money to pay for the gym membership itself. For the strength to get on the (despised) elliptical trainer and move for 30 min. I prayed my way through my workout- for( http://www.mycharmingkids.net/) Stellan and Jennifer (visit and pray will you?) and for all my church family who are struggling. Amazing what that will do for you. Before long, Mary, my gymmate with MS, shuffled into the gym pushing her walker. I smiled at her and she grinned back- "Happy Monday!" I said. She replied "It's always a little tougher to get in here on Monday, but I did it!" Yes Kris, perspective is a valuable thing.
I realize people hate, no despise, running. I love it. I can pray, process my thoughts, get into a great rhythm and feel my body do what I tell it to do. As a mom and full-time employee, it has been one of the only consistent activities where my thoughts and my time are truly mine alone. Nothing else really comes close for me...surely not the elliptical. At least not until today. The 2.25 miles I did on the elliptical today were a small breakthrough for me. For the first time, I didn't hate the thing...and for me that is a major milestone. I didn't kiss it when I was done, but I did leave fulfilled. Must have been something to do with the attitude readjustment---and the God-given perspective. Amazing what counting your blessings will do for you...the ones that show you a hole-in-two and the ones that leave you sore but happy. Both took my breath away.
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