Birthday boy

This weekend was a celebration of Dad!

We got together Saturday for pizza dinner, a card game, gifts and dessert at Shari's.

Dad and Brad ordered pie shakes. Total indulgence :)

Happy birthday, Dad!! So glad you're on the mend :)

Autism Awareness 5K

The THS Autism Awareness 5K - what a great way to spend my workday lunch break!

Eryn and I changed into running stuff and made the short walk to Cook Park. A ton of students, staff and some community members also showed up for this middle-of-the-day run/walk hosted by our student leadership team.

It was casual but still very well organized! The course was well marked, and several water stations were available over the not-quite-3-mile course around the park.

Because I have a race tomorrow morning, I took this one easy. Eryn just began her 26-week training for the Portland Marathon (is that public knowledge yet??), and did a slow run/walk.

I finished and then walked back to run the end with Eryn. Then we did a little extra to finish off the 5K.

The fliers promised a sandwich bar after the run, and boy, did they ever put on a spread! Several kinds of bread, peanut butter, jelly, three kinds of cheese, several meats, condiments, lettuce, tomato, chips, cookies, granola bars, yogurts and a cake. 

We split the chips and cookie :)

I'm so proud of the THS students and staff who want to help others and do great things! You guys are awesome :)

:)

Adventure Thursday: Cook Park

Adventure Thursday was predictably low-key this time around.

Dad is just one week out from his spinal stenosis back surgery and doing so very good! He's cleared to walk as much as he wants, but no big downhills and no exertion to the point of sweating.

Dad's been walking in his neighborhood as his energy level allows, so I thought he might like a change of scenery. At lunch, Mom and I took him to nearby Cook Park to explore the ADA-approved trail in the butterfly garden.

We didn't go far, as Dad's energy level is still low. But it was nice to get out in the sun for a little adventure!

We also spotted the new bench to honor Sabrina, my student who died in August of an unknown heart condition:

Very cool!

:)

I can't believe it's been a whole year!

Nearly one year ago, I took a chance that kinda changed my life.

A graduating senior offered a donation-based kickboxing class to THS staff, hoping to raise money for an educational trip to Italy. I fumbled my way through the first class... well, the first many classes. I'm not very coordinated. But the workout was terrific, the comradery was fun, instructor Brittany was very supportive, and I got hooked.

But Brittany soon graduated, and the class ended.

Fierce Fitness, her parents' gym in Multnomah Village, offers free trail classes, and I eventually worked up the nerve to try it out - thanks to Lindsey for going with my chicken-poop self! We both fell in love and signed up for memberships.

I try to go at least once per week, in addition to all the running, hiking, biking and other fun stuff I do. I've also done a couple technique classes to improve my skill. Brad joins me when not neck-deep in marathon training :) When schedules allow, Lindsey and I turn it into a mini date night with dinner after class.

Sometimes my motivation wanes... I'm tired, it's yucky outside, I'm having a bad day, I don't want to drive across town to get there. But there's honestly only been one time when I put on my gloves and my bad day didn't disappear. Sometimes exhaustion can't be overcome, no matter how many endorphins you throw at it.

I was driving home from class last night, high from a great workout, and I just couldn't stop smiling. Kickboxing with Brittany and Candice (her mom, the other instructor I usually work with) is so empowering. It makes my body and mind feel so good. Brittany and Candice take me to the point where I don't think I can do any more... and then I do. Their encouragement is so motivational and seems so genuine. I believe they truly want us to do our best and be as in love with kickboxing as they are.

I often struggle with sadness around my tummy condition. No matter now strong I am, no matter how many miles I can run, no matter what I eat, I can't control this thing. I feel yucky much of the time. My clothes don't fit. It's embarrassing. It's uncomfortable. But kickboxing makes me feel confident and strong, despite this strange condition. Yesterday was a "bad tummy day" - but I came out of class knowing that I was strong, even though my body was rebelling.

I love running and hiking and biking and being outside. But I also love kickboxing. The sweat, the sucking wind, the temporary pain, the friendships, the endorphins, the satisfaction.

 

I'm not good at trying new things - stepping out of my comfort zone. But I'm so happy that I gave this a go. Thanks to everyone who's supported me along the way :)

No. 16

"Another culinary mystery???", Eryn asked while waiting for Dad. Yep. Can't stay away.

I have three of these, from the THS band garage sale, I think.

No. 16 is Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson:

I finished it up Saturday while at the beach for a quick get away with Brad.

Nothing deep, but a good mystery. I love the female heroines - a much different vibe from some of the other testosterone-driven detective books I read.

:)

Easter sunrise run

This guy greeted me after my run this morning:

Brad and I started our Easter with a sunrise service run on the Fanno Creek Trail. We went out 5 beautiful miles and then turned around for home. I finished with 10.22 while Brad went a little farther to get 12 for the day.

Of course,  I wore my Easter colors:

A couple guys on the trail wished us a Happy Easter!

We ran past a field and spotted a bunny rabbit sitting in the grass. At the same time, we both said, "THE EASTER BUNNY!!!!" Ha :)

It was a wonderful way to start our holiday. Then to church for second service and family dinner at Mike and Aj's house. As always, the food was excellent - and it was great to visit with cousin Jordan and Allison. Too busy eating and chatting to get another picture:

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter :)

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Matthew 28: 5-7