We had a pretty big series of storms role through this evening right as the sun was going down. It was really amazing, the storm clouds and the sun setting in the west.

A Post for You Runners

When I mention to people that I am running a marathon, I usually get one of three responses.



1. Oh, you are just plain crazy...

2. Why would you want to do that?

3. Totally ignore what I just stated.



HUH?? Doesn't anyone care!? Maybe it is the fact that so many people nowadays run in races and that there are 800 marathons a year. Or maybe if Oprah can do one it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. Who knows? All I know is that one year ago I was freaking out about a 4 mile run in Laurel, Montana and now 4 miles is like my warmup! It is amazing how far training will take you.



I really don't know that many runners in this area, so I'm thankful several of my family members are runners (or support us runners). It is nice to know that when you talk about having a good or bad run, trying out Sport Beans, pace per mile, or even chafing that someone knows what you are talking about and can relate. So thank you family runners for caring and being "crazy" with me!

Thoughts on parenting...

Friday I went to lunch with some old work friends (1 guy and 2 gals). We usually get together once or twice a year to have Chicken Thai Pizza (the Friday lunch special) at a local downtown restaurant. Oh, it is very good!

Anyway, we try to update each other on our families and our work life. Two of those friends have children who are in high school now. It is quite amazing because when I met them their kids were between the ages of 5 and 10! So it is neat to hear how they've matured and grown. After hearing stories about these kids' jobs, dating, peer pressure, busy schedules, prepping for college, etc. I was freaking out! Sounds like it gets exponentially harder when your kids become teenagers. And I thought it was a challenge to raise two young toddlers.

I guess what surprises me the most as a parent is that nobody tells you that it is going to be hard for 18 years (or even more). The challenges just never stop, they only change. Being a parent is one of the hardest things I've ever done. (Yes, even harder than my engineering calculations). There's just something about those crazy moments - like when your 18 month year old is rolling on the floor in a tantrum, your almost 3 year old is coloring on the walls and table, you are trying to make a dinner that at least one person will like, and your boss is calling on the phone to confirm the next day's schedule. But you know what....I wouldn't trade it for anything in the WORLD!

Well, it is SO great to have Kurt back from his business trip to China - he had a good time. He went to the market on his last day in Beijing and brought home some great gifts for the girls. Here are the girls modeling their cute new pajamas and dresses. They were very excited. And the last photo is Katherine's reaction when it was time to change for bedtime!

Just snapped these photos tonight in our garden. It was a beautiful evening - clear, calm, and perfect temperature - about 75 degrees. Our sunflowers are about 9 feet tall now and still growing!

Dear Lord,

So far today I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self indulgent. I have not whined, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. However, I am going to get out of bed in a few minutes and I will need a lot more help after that! Amen.

(Author Unknown)

OK, I think I've just a had a "Eureka" moment these past few days. You see I think I spend my whole life thinking about the things I am NOT doing. Sometimes I think my life is so crazy busy and my to do list is 100 items long and I'm always thinking I need to do more. For example, this is just a sampling of the things I think on a regular basis:

-My house is too cluttered
-My closets are messy
-I'm not eating healthy enough
-My office is unorganized
-My photos are unorganized
-My scrapbooking is way behind
-My letter writing is behind
-I missed so and so's birthday
-My recipes are unorganized
-I haven't called so and so in awhile
-Such and such project at work is behind
-I need to shop for new shoes and clothes and get a haircut

And on and on....you get the idea. Isn't that exhausting? But you know what? I say WHO CARES! I am realizing that everyone is busy, everyone has messy closets (hopefully), and everyone has a to do list that keeps going and going. I think the more you focus on the negatives in your life, the less productive you become. So my goal from now on is to manage those things that MUST get done, love my family, and be a happier person. And I'm hoping everything else will just fall into place.

THIS PAST MONTH

I've probably alienated a few people from even checking my blog since I haven't posted in so long. Sorry about that. Here's what I've been up to....

We had a great time going over to Montana in the middle of July. We made stops in Helena, Bozeman and, of course, Billings. We had fun spending time with our parents and taking the girls swimming and to some parks. My favorite part though was getting to spend the day with Kurt hiking in the Beartooth Mountains. We hiked about 8 miles total up to Glacier Lake. (high point elev. on the hike was 10, 200 feet) We also saw 5 other lakes in addition to Glacier. It was absolutely spectacular. You should have seen part of the hike (very steep boulder climbing) but it was well worth it! We discovered leg muscles we didn't even know you could get sore.

On our way to and from Billings we made a stop in Helena to see Kurt's grandparents. We are so grateful we did as Kurt's grandmother passed away a week later on July 29. In fact, we just returned today from a trip to Helena for the funeral. It was a good trip considering the circumstances. I think the hardest part for me was seeing his grandpa now all alone. They were married for 66 years! She was such a wonderful woman and had the funniest sense of humor. I always thought of her as one of my own grandmothers since I've spent so much time in their home. I'm going to miss her so much...

Beside two trips over to Montana, I've been really busy at work. We just hired a new engineer (a gal I used to work with), and she will start at the end of August. I have a lot to get ready as I'm going to be training her. It will be fun to finally work again with another woman (hopefully we'll be able to get some work done!)

I've also been pretty consistent on my marathon training. I missed one long run during vacation, but got back on track when I returned (14 miles has been my farthest run so far). I even ran in Helena yesterday around the Capitol area. Boy, it was smoky though as one of the largest fires in the country is burning near there. I've taken a liking to listening to podcasts or audiobooks while I run. It makes the time go by a lot faster. Last one I listened to was "Today Matters" by John Maxwell. A very good book to get you motivated about life and your goals.

Here are some photos from our trips...

Glacier Lake

Having Fun at Chuck E. Cheese (The best part was the strobe lights, just ask my grandpa!)

At a park in East Helena

Triangle Lake in the Beartooth Mountains