My first 13.1...Done!

Today is a day that will go down in my record book. I completed my first half marathon! 13.1 miles and all in honor of the OKC Memorial. "April 19, 1995. 9:02am. A bomb was detonated in the street in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK, destroying the Federal Building and killing 168 people. Hundreds more had their lives altered forever. The entire nation was changed by this worst act of terrorism by an American toward other Americans." - Thomas A. Hill III

I had three goals for today's race.

1. Finish
2. Finish in under 2 and 1/2 hours
3. Finish without having to walk

And I was successful in achieving all 3. I can honestly say that this is one of my greatest achievements and is certainly my greatest physical achievement outside of birthing my two beautiful children. And I can also honestly say that I never would have thought it would be possible. I realize that people do it all the time. Those people aren't me. I'm a fast twitch muscle girl. Endurance was never my thing. But I did it and I am proud. The body and Faith can go a long way.

I was so grateful to have my husband and children standing near the finish line rooting me on. I blew them kisses as I went by. Their smiles and my own made it entirely worth while.

During the run I was inspired but the spectators, their hospitality, signage, cheering, etc. My favorite was a sign that said "Run This Bitch". I literally laughed out loud and kept on going. I also so a woman with a Nike tattoo and thought to myself "JUST DO IT". And then took on the mantra, "I got this, I can do this".

I also realized that all runners are not fit or fit looking. One woman's running skirt hiked up her backside so much that she was showing her built-in panty and saggy hiney the entire time. There is also a lot of litter the results from the race. My "Save The Earth" sentiments were high.

I've marked 13.1 off my bucket list. I'll consider another at another time. For now, I'm icing my knees.

Thanks to all of you who supported me and cheered me on during my training and during the race. I'm glad to have done it with your love in mind.

My Cat Eats Kleenex

Granted, Buster is going to be 15 years old in just a few months. However, he ate cat food this morning, promptly threw it up, then went to the Kleenex on my desk to have a few after dinner shreds of paper dessert. I suppose it tempers his tummy? I have a bulimic, binge eating feline on my hands and I'm quite perplexed over it!

Mornings with my son.

It's pretty rare that I have Dakota all to myself. Elle is spending the night at a friend's house and Doc just left for the gym. Dakota and I snuggled in bed while I watched a movie on my laptop and he watched another on his PSP. We shared time over cereal at the breakfast table and now I'm enjoying the quiet that exists in the home whenever it's only him and me. Serenity with my boy...I love it.

Buster

I've had Buster for almost 15 years and I realized, not long ago, that I had such few recent pictures of him. I suppose that having children does that to people. They quickly turn the lens on the kids and forget to capture the emotions of their cat. Anyhow, the photo above was taken just today and the one below was taken during the Christmas holiday week. I think he looks so regal and just couldn't not share this with you all! I do love him dearly...even when he walks all over my keyboard, gets in my face while I'm laying down to read. He's my snuggle buddy.

All My Children

Christmas this year was better than I could have imagined. And even better than the holiday itself was the time we got to share with those we love. My kiddos got to spend some time with my godson, Kai Tindall over the holiday. It's always nice when he can come for a visit and although our time together was shorter than I would have liked, we definitely made the best of it. In this photo Kai is enjoying a sausage biscuit breakfast while Dakota shows him a fart video no doubt...and then there is Elle wearing her Easter ears. Well...at least it's in the spirit of Jesus.

A Year of Healing has launched

http://12monthsofhealing.blogspot.com/

Inspired by "A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart", Amanda and Candice have committed to sharing images, on a daily basis, of the things in their lives that bring them happiness.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Elle's Winter Recital

Here is Elle in her fall studio recital. It went pretty well despite her shy moments. Her lips are chapped from all the tongue action though! I must admit, I'm impressed with her attentativeness. She definitely wants to get it right. We're so proud of our little dancer.

Workout Playlist Recommendations

A few weeks ago I asked my Facebook friends to help me get more creative with my exercise playlist by providing three recommendations from their repertoire. I got some good ones so I thought that I would share them with you. Enjoy the sweat!


Angela Godwin
One of my favorites on my running playlist is The Who's "Who Are You". For me, the BPM matches my stride and really gets me going. I also really like "American Girl", Tom Petty. :) If you really want something different, though, try some Japanese techno. Seriously! e.g., Anything from the Dance Dance Revolution soundtrack is great!

Erin Burkholder Leaman
Fergilicious by Fergie, I know you want me by Pitbull, and Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John (i was getting desparate for the 3rd one, but it's a good song)

Cathy Schmitt
Lose yourself by eminem, its awesome..weapon of choice by fatboy slim..and definetly anything by prodigy!!!!

Nicolle Carter Warren
Vertigo by U2. American Woman by The Guess Who. Get UR Freak on by Missy Elliott. :-)

Krystal Williams
It takes two- rob base and dj ez, don't stop the music- rhianna, and I told you so- Keith urban. Pass your playlist on when you're done, sounds like a good one!

Jason Doctor
Some of KJ's favorite workout/ running tunes- It's Raining Men, Karma Chameleon, Ladies Night, Sex You Up, I Got You Babe (he likes to sing Cher's part), Copa Kabana, Wake Me Up Before you Go, Half Breed (really most anything by Cher)
October 1 at 8:31am · Delete

Bill Langenheim
Praise you by Fat Boyslim. The Verve's Bitter Sweet Symphony. Those start slow but build fast. For the best intro in the history of Rock, it's Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell.

KJ Little
True, "If I could turn back time" is a motivator. Never can go wrong with Color Me Badd, N.K.O.T.B., or Milli Vanilli. Really hitting the road hard recently with anything from "Glee".

Jennifer Lindsey
I've got some INXS that I love to use.

Kathleen Cahill Wackowski
"Dancing in the Streets" by Martha and the Vandellas (aging myself) "Shipping up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys and for something completely different "Christmas Eve Sarajevo" by Trans Siberian Orchestra, great driving rhythms for running and maybe it will inspire you to get your Christmas Shopping done early :~)

Angie Cox McAfee
You gotta have some Top Gun Danger Zone! :) Little Rocky Eye of the Tiger... topped off with Vacation's chariots of fire! Ha!

Mindi Murphy Johnson
The Mama Mia Soundrack is the best at least for walking as the tunes are a mixture of quick and not so quick. Perhaps there might be something of interest for those who can run.

Chris Caughern Fisher
nickelback has some good fast, crazy possessive, hip hop police, all the above,megamix by 2 unlimited,turn it up by autograph , flo rida is fun need more? I have a bundle

Chris Caughern Fisher
throw in bon jovi too

Beth Akins
Pump Up the Volume by MARRS
also...Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson

Tom Leibrandt
Lit Up- Buck Cherry , Thunder Struck AC/DC, Wild Side- Motley Crue, Unchain my heart- Motley Crue, Eat the rich-Aerosmith

Elle's First Day of Kindergarten

Her first day of Kindergarten was August 12th and I almost cannot believe that both my children are school aged now. I must say, she was more ready to make this transition in life than most five year old kids that I know. She's quite the social butterfly.

She was fortunate enough to be assigned to Mrs. Grant's class. Mrs. Grant was Dakota's Kindergarten teacher also and we love her. Elle is enjoying school and her new social setting very much. Her only complaint is the cafeteria food so we've been packing a lunch most days.

We couldn't be more proud of our strong little girl.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Kelly, Jen, Amanda, Jill and I arrived yesterday afternoon at the Keystone Resort in Keystone, CO. It's now 4:45 a.m. And I cannot sleep due to the anticapation for what awaits me. In one hour we will head to the opening ceremony where more than 1500 people will start their walk to fight breast cancer.

I'm excited and worried (mostly about blisters) but I know it will be amazing. And fortunately, I will have a beautiful view of God's creation of this part of our country to occupy my thoughts.

This photo was taken from the back proch of our condo, Key Condo.

Wish me luck!

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Garage Sale

Yesterday's fundraising efforts were a success! We raised over $600 that is going to off-set travel expenses and/or is being donated to the cause. We are less than 1 week away from the 39 mile walk in Keystone, CO.

I'm looking forward to this amazing opportunity to spend time with my friends, see the beautiful countryside and donate more than $7,000 in the name of Team J.A.C.K.

A heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters!

Cousins

Cousins

We just returned from an awesome family vacation to DisneyWorld. But before I get into a recap of that, I wanted to share some memories that were made as we passed through OKC.

As many you know, Mandi and I grew up together. Although she lived in Muskogee and I was in Tulsa, there was rarely a summer that went by when we didn't spend some time visiting one another and sharing many a memory. As we became adolescents, we spent even more time together and over the years we have been fortunate enough to strengthen our friendship as adult women. Before we were born, our moms were similarly close and as far as we know, our grandmothers were loving sisters. And so now we offer the same to a fourth generation. Dakota and Elle spent some quality time with their cousin Hal while Doc and I caught up with Mandi and K.J. We were especially glad to spend the evening with cousin Scott whom we see far less of but thoroughly enjoy each encounter we have with him. Although our visit was short, I'm grateful for the time we had. I hope we're able to continue finding time for our families to be close and I hope that our kids do the same for their children and their cousins.

The Kids

The Boys

And The Girls

Dakota's Tiger Cub Graduation

Congratulations to Dakota! He graduated from a Tiger Scout to a Wolf Scout just this past weekend. He seems to be enjoying this program so far. We had to try something different since soccer didn't seem to interest him much anymore. He's a little timid of other sports activities so we're taking a break and doing Scouts for now. Hopefully we can add another activity into the mix come fall. He's going to be a 2nd grader in August and I cannot believe it. Time really does fly!

Dakota's TV Appearance

BAPS District Art Show

Dakota was one of only several 1st graders from Westwood Elementary to have a copy of work on display at the 2009 Broken Arrow District Art Show. He told us that this was his "Fall Drawing". You might notice that he colored a brown person inside the house and he told us that his dad inside. And he's the "peach" colored person driving the car! He even decorated the lawn with a few harvest gourds.

We're so proud of our little artist!

One Lucky Guy

We went to Lucia's 6th birthday party at Leapin' Louies. At first, Dakota didn't want to swim without a shirt because he didn't want any girls he knew to see his boobies. I guess he got over it because the demands for the shirt were short lived.

As it turns out, he was the life of the party, being the only boy and all. They chased and dunked him and his only escape was the hottub which the girls thought was too hot.

I think this may have been his favorite party in a while and even though he pretended not to like all the attention, he sure was telling his daddy all about it.

Standing the Test of Time

It's really nice to have friends who have stood the test of time. On the far left is Kathy Jones, Krystal's mother. Kathy spent a fair amount of time grounding Krystal from spending time with both Camden and me. And yet, here we all are again, spending time together as thirty-something women who are celebrating the pending arrival of baby Reece.

We gathered this evening for good food and some good fun and conversation at El Guapo's restaurant. How great it is to have love like this! Here sister in law joined us as did her friend Amanda. We were all very grateful for a girl's night out and for a reason to celebrate. We're very much looking forward to the arrival of Reece Joseph Williams! Buenos Noches!

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Why? Just a few days ago I went for a haircut and was reminded about why I'm walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. My hairdresser, Angela, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is without health insurance and as if living with the knowledge that she has cancer isn't enough, she's living with the loss of her mother and one sister who lost the fight against breast cancer. Tulsa Project Woman gave her some complimentary testing and now she's receiving treatment with the help of governmental aid. But it's organizations like Avon and this walk that continue to support women who cannot pay. For that, I am grateful.

If you have any interest in supporting this cause and my fundraising efforts, you can visit www.avonwalk.org/goto/candicewalksforacure. And thank you to Jen for inviting me, to Kelly for inviting her and for Amanda and Jill who were brave enough to join in on the fun!

11 Years of Togetherness

Doc and I recently celebrated our 11 year anniversary. In some ways, it's hard to believe it's been so long and then again, it sort of feels like just the beginning. He says it feels like 52 years...I think he's counting in dog years.

We went back to the same restaurant where we celebrated our 1 year anniversary and spent the evening at the same hotel. We spent the morning taking a nice walk at LaFortune park. It was sort of like we weren't even in our own home town. I'm not really sure what's happened to the Warren Duck Club. That restaurant used to be the place to be but we ended up being at only one of a few occupied tables. Well it was the thought that counts...

So, here's to his parents and mine who have successfully mastered many decades of matrimony!