Saddle Sore

As a kid, I had a ton of different bikes.  My brothers and I were so tough on them.  I have so many wonderful stories of making ramps, jumps, crashes, and so much more.  On one particular crash, I had to walk home with my bike because I had literally bent the handle bars into a non-maneuverable position.  Craziness.  It is amazing how I no longer remember the pain from the numerous accidents.

My bike riding of prior to my tri training was a lazy ride here and there with the kids.  It wasn’t always an easy ride to keep up with them, and many times was more of a workout then I expected.

Well, my tri training has brought bike riding to a new level.  My bike has this wonderful granny seat with these wonderful gel cushions.  One big problem, my bike is really heavy.  I quickly learned what a road bike was, and amazingly, I was able to buy a really nice one super cheap from a family who is fully of cyclist and triathletes.  It doesn’t come with a granny seat and gel cushions.  It isn’t called a seat.  It is called a saddle.  After my first 45 minute ride on it, I quickly realized why it was called so.  It, the saddle, alters the way one will sit, stand, and walk for numerous days. No fears, many cyclist I know have been so kind to inform me that it will take about a year for me to not remember the saddle.  OH YAY!

My new motto continues: Pain is weakness leaving the body.  I have lots of weakness!

Lessons from Ignorance

My daughter and I were recently labeled.  The labeling was done in a joking fashion.  The problem was that the person had waxed so eloquently and vehemently on those that this label included that the joke was really on them.  It really made me think about me.  My hubby is so great at being objective.  He is much slower then I am to throw all my chips into one way of thinking.  I am trying to learn from this gift. 

How many times have I generalized comments and waxed eloquently on my opinion as a group as a whole?  Wow, it is quite humbling.  For the past year, I have really prayerfully sought to be a meeker person.  I find that there is so much harshness in Christianity.  I am Baptist in denomination, and I know the reputation for beating up your own.  Before I would ever call myself a Baptist, I would claim to be a Biblicist.  YES, THERE IS A VERY BIG DIFFERENCE.  We tend to lump people into groups and then rank them accordingly.  It is extremely unBiblical.  This practice isn’t just limited to Baptist. I know people who won’t talk to me anymore because they saw me wear an outfit they didn’t approve of or read a facebook status that mentioned some taboo.  I do not want to be one of those people.  I don’t care what music you listen to, if you wear pants, whether you swim in a public pool (that would be mixed bathing), or much more, but what I do care about is that you know my Jesus, and if you do, that you are constantly growing in Him.

I say all that because it seems that my recent labeling by my “Christian” friends comes from my conservative views.  Seriously!!!  I mean really, you are going to harshly condemn me for the music I listen to when it is only Christian, but you listen to whatever you want.  I am some how the stumbling block.  I never criticized, never hinted for change, but somehow I am an offence?!  This is just one random example.  We are all different.  I am finding that if  I am different in a more conservative way it is less accepted then if it was in a looser way.  I don’t understand it.  I have been labeled a traditionalist.  You know, I am just blindly following what they did years ago.   Really? You know that how?  Oh…that’s right, it was just assumed.  I have been called ignorant because I believe that every area of my life ought to be rooted and grounded in the Word of God.  Is a claim to take the Word of God more lightly in life something to really be proud of?  Wow! It is in those moments I am learning to guard my response.  I get the, “Well, we would have invited you but you would have probably been offended!” comments.  How big and mature is that statement.  Might I add, it is so totally the opposite of how Christ expects us to act.

So, yesterday when my twelve year old daughter asked me why we had been called such a label.  My explanation came from Acts.  In Chapters 13 and 14, Paul and Baranabas were teaching in the synagogues, and they were having amazing results.  People were searching the Scriptures and coming to a saving knowledge of Christ.  The unbelieving Jews stirred up the emotions of the Gentiles against them over and over.  The unbelieving Jews acted in ignorance.   Paul and Barnabas had to escape for their lives. Unfortunately people who decide to be ignorant about belief and why someone might believe that way, only spread more ignorance.  It was great lesson to share with my daughter on why we accept people for who they are and to remember that it is God’s job to change each of our hearts and lives on an individual basis and relationship with Him.

Think before you speak.  The person who is standing before you might have a reason or a thought you haven’t had.  It might change your perspective on a few things.

Swim Days

Oh, I dread swim days, and I love them at the same time.  The most inspiring thing about my swim days is my kids.  With my hubby off to training at his new post at Young, the kids have no choice but to join me in my triathlon training.  The girls are most excited about swim days.  They love to swim.  I dreaded them joining me not from a nuisance or problem aspect but simply because they swim soooo much better then  I do. 

My oldest daughter, Abby, has taken swimming by the storm.  She wants to compete at the highest level she can achieve, and thus, she pushes herself as hard as she can.  Today, she gloated.  Abby joined me at the gym for a few weeks.  I used the term “weanie” when she complained about lifting some weights.  Today, she got payback.  As she swam her 100 yards in the time it took me to swim my 50 yards, she looked at me and said, “You weanie!”  I asked her about my stroke, and she willingly gave me a few pointers.  I began to try to practice them.  As I was approaching the wall on one of my fifties, I was shocked to see Abby five feet below me giving me a thumb’s up.  I almost drowned because it isn't wise to laugh while your face is planted in water.  It did feel good to make my daughter proud.   I especially loved it when she swam a fifty with me side by side at my pace.  What an unexpected encourager!

Rebekah and Sarah are equally motivating.  Sarah today helped me work on my stamina as she decided to grab my ankle half way down the lane.  I literally drug her for the rest of my lap.  What great preparation.  Of course the highlight of my day was when Sarah chose to race me!  I actually won.  OK, so I have three extra feet and longer arms.  It is the little victories!

A New Chapter in the Midst of a New Journey!

Why does it seem that as soon as I begin to find my routine, that it seems the rug gets pulled out from under me?  Phew!  I am so glad this is a new year.  We left 2011 in the dust with all of its twists and turns and major life changes.  Seriously, I went from secretary and teacher to a stay at home mom (which I love) and homeschooling family!  Wait, the best part was that my hubby was also able to work from home.  Sure there were a trips to the office, but on the whole our life truly revolved around each other and our kids.  I don’t think I even saw my hubby as much when we dated as I have the past few months.  That equals up to me being severely spoiled.

Unfortunately, our finances didn’t agree to this change of pace.  We knew that it would be tight, but it just isn’t currently possible.  Our church does an awesome job of supporting us, but with our family needs growing and no ability for an adjusted income, we began praying about alternatives.  My dear hubs loves to drive.  He loves to go anywhere and explore and see and learn new places.  His dream job (if he ever needed something other than preaching) was a tour bus.  Seriously, we had a friend that got a part time job doing this several years ago, and I think my hubby was jealous.  After some serious prayer, Dan began looking.  He interviewed at a tour company near our home.  After a great interview, we heard nothing.  He researched companies within an hour of home, and he chose to contact Young Transportation in Ashville, NC.  We began to pray, and the Lord began to open doors.  Dan interviewed for the first time in November, just after Thanksgiving.  He was told he was the 29th interview out of 67.  Wow!  His interview went great, and he was asked to come back for a second.  Now, he is in training.  It is amazing to see God work, but my oh my, I am struggling with this whole schedule change thing.  I told you I was spoiled, but I am so used to having my hubby home.  I am in the midst of revamping all the schedule adjustments that I have to do alone.  Wow, what a difference it makes.

We are all excited about Dan’s new opportunities, and we can’t wait to hear about all his new adventures.  Oh, how I dread the change of pace.

Pain is weakness leaving the body…

This phrase has been circulating through many areas of my recent travel.  I have seen it on billboards for military recruiters, signs in front of gyms, and tshirts.  This week, I am truly beginning to feel as though I am living that statement.

My 13 week training calendar for my triathlon begin this Monday.  Oh my! Our training coach said that this would be a hate him week, but I thought that I would really not be that bad since I do hit the gym hard five days of the week.  Adding some swimming and jogs to my norm has really put me in some pain.  I am relieved to be at Thursday.  I truly do understand that I am weak!  I guess that means there is much more pain to be had! Oh joy!

In preparation for my triathlon, I had to get myself my very own swim cap.  I was so pleased at the many designs.  I decided that if I had to endure pain, I might as well have something to laugh at to encourage me.  I found this awesomely cute cap, and I am sure it has been that motivating factor as I try not to choke to death as  I glide through the water….

My Journey: Part 3

While I am not happy with where I am in my weight loss, my husband seems to be of the opinion that I am having great success.  I guess I just know where I want to be, and I want it to come more quickly then it is. 

I am so happy to report that I have lost over six  inches around on my waist.  It is amazing really for me to comprehend.  I remember measuring a jumper that was becoming rather tight around the middle and being amazed at the length. Ok, shocked would really be the better word.  Now, I wear it with ease.  I am even hopefully going to find some new slimmer looks at Goodwill.  My husband has informed me that my shirts are just a little too baggy.  It was a true revelation for me. As I began to pay attention, I realized the shoulder seam on a few was quite low.  Some of my short sleeves were more three quarter sleeves. It is odd too that my pants seemed to be getting a little longer as well.  I didn’t realize this fact until I was walking through the kitchen, and well, after the thud, everyone wanted to know what happened.  I slipped on my pants leg!  OOOPS!

It’s is New Year’s!  Everyone seems to be so excited about losing weight and becoming physically fit.  UGH!  I don’t say that because I don’t want to be fit myself or deprive others of that gift, but people at my gym are coming out of the woodwork literally!

Ok, I love meeting new people.  I love the little support group that we regulars have together.  We know when to encourage the other when it is just one of those tough days.  We have all bonded.  I literally felt as though I needed a badge as some new coming male counterparts joined the gym this week.  We all have our routines.  Those of us that work out together could tell you what the next step each of us are going to take.  This new guy the other day just seemed to flitter back and forth and no one could predict where he would land next.  We all were in our work out mode.  I was on the lat pulldowns.  I was half way through my first set when I felt that feeling you get when someone is watching you.  Someone was.  This guy was standing just off to the left of me, and it was clear he expected me to get off my machine for him!  I was like what… So much so that when I stood to set the weights down in between sets, he acted as though he was going to sit on top of me.  I hate that feeling.  I just went to the weight rack and finished there.  One of my gym friends came over and patter me on the back. She said,”Don’t worry, they all disappear by February!”  I told her we all needed a badge that read, “This is not my New Year’s Resolution.  This isn’t my first week, and all the front desk workers can vouch for that!”  Apparently, my badge suggestion has been discussed throughout the regulars.  They have all enjoyed the laugh provided.

While the others will come and go, it takes dedication and recognition that it will be a long journey.  It is so true what they say about it taking time.  I didn’t gain it all at one meal.  For me, my journey is a life style change.  It is a process of reprogramming old habits with new ones.  It isn’t easy when my hubby can eat what he wants, when he wants, and how much he wants, and it seems to not affect him.  All of our lifestyles have been affected for the positive!  It is amazing the choices we make because that is what we have been programmed, but when we discover how that choice affects us or what it involves, we are eager for a change.

Now, I just have to stay motivated for the other half of my goal!

Am I crazy?

It seems that some think I have lost my mind!  Maybe I have, but I am truly thankful for the support of my dear hubby.  He doesn’t completely understand, but he does to an extent, but regardless he will do his best to cheer me on every step of the way of this new chapter in my journey.
You see, I have been working very hard to get this totally out of shape body of mine into shape.  In six months I have lost over 35 pounds, and I feel so much better.  I am half way to my weight goal, but I find myself very very dissatisfied.  I know, I know, nothing comes easy, and I really don’t mind the work.  I really kind of enjoy being a gym rat. Thus, my new chapter!
Every year our town sponsors a triathlon, and in its hope to inspire all the locals to get fit and join the gym/aquatics center, they offer a try a tri program.  I have seen it advertised since early November.  My gym buddies and life guard friends have all been encouraging it.  It is supposed to be about fitness more than competition, they say!  So, I have thought long and hard, and I have thought even harder and longer.  I talked to my dear hubby, and I am now officially registered for the program and the triathlon.

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At signup, we got this really cool workout calendar for the next fifteen weeks leading up to the tri.  It is quite overwhelming the volume of information.  It is a three tier workout program.  Since the tri is geared at beginners as well as though continuing to stay in shape, there is a workout for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.  So, for now I am a beginning in the swimming part, but Woo Hoo for being intermediate for all the others, and a few I feel I can handle the advanced.
My hope is that this will really give me the boost I need in my training to carve off some more inches and lose some more weight.  I cannot complain since I am continuously losing, and I am still living on eating good food.  It has been a fun journey, and I cannot wait to see where it will lead!

Entering Double Digits!

It is amazing to me to think that my little Rebekah just turned ten!  I do not know where the time went. She was so graceful to enter the world on New Year’s Eve.  Ok, Ok, so there wasn’t much that was graceful about her arrival.  It is amazing to me my memory of the births of my children, but when Rebekah came, I just wanted to go back in time to do it all over again.  It was by far one of the first real trials Dan and I had to meet head on as parents.

Rebekah was not due until mid January.  We all expected her to arrive a little early since Abby did.  My midwife had us come in on New Year’s Eve just to check me before the holiday began.  I think she knew after my before Christmas checkup  that it would be soon.  She later told me she was surprised I made it through Christmas.  We got there in the morning, and she was pleased to inform us that I was in the beginning stages of labor.  She sent us out to walk some to help speed things up, and we all met for lunch before she checked my status again.  Around four that afternoon, we all left to meet at the hospital in Hendersonville.  I remember checking in and the lady asking questions as waves of contractions were hitting.  She was quite comical since I had to answer and Dan couldn’t answer for me.  I think she said, “I’m sorry,” a hundred times.

Once we got to the room my midwife broke my water and then the fun began.  Rebekah’s labor was so different than with Abby’s.   It was so much faster.  I felt so much more in my back then I remembered with Abby.  Come to find out, Rebekah was coming face down.  I think there is an official medical term for that, but she literally had rubbed her tiny little face down my spine throughout labor.  While we didn’t seem to get a picture of it, she was literally bruised on both sides of her face from her forehead down through her cheeks.  Poor thing!! I didn’t know that it was difficult on her to come that way, but apparently it is.  At 8:37 pm our precious Rebekah Grace was born.

Dan was so eager and proud to cut the cord and begin the bathing process.  Both sets of our parents were there, and Abby got to come in just after the birth to see all the excitement.  She was such a proud big sister.  Here are a few photos from way back!

Shortly after we got to the room, we began to notice that her lips were a little hue of blue. So being the great parents we were, we added another blanket and kept watch.  The nurse came in to check my vitals, and Dan asked her.  I guess we never thought to look at her hands, feet, and gums cause if we had we would have noticed those were turning shades of blue too!  The nurse asked Dan if she could borrow her for a minute to have the doctor look at her.  A minute turned into two, two turned into ten, and ten turned into an hour.  My midwife finally came and got us.  Bek had been placed under an oxygen tent, and an xray showed a tiny spot in her lungs.  I was trying to be brave, but I didn’t know what any of this meant.

My midwife explained that the way Rebekah came out was really hard on her.  At some point in the birth canal, she became a little distressed causing her to open her mouth.  This resulted in her swallowing something during birth.  Whatever it was, instead of entering the esophagus it instead went down her windpipe.  This was causing her body to respond as it would in a case of pneumonia.  The pediatric doctor had been paged and would be there soon.  My midwife brought me a rocking chair and told me I could stay with her.

I felt relief to know a doctor was coming to deal specifically with my daughter until she arrived.  She was new to the job, and she was not pleased that I was allowed to be there.  She recommended that I go back to my room.  I kindly informed her that I been told I could stay and did not plan to leave.  This was my kid and I planned to stay with her for as long as I could.  She read the xrays, and she decided that she needed antibiotics and nicu treatment.  A neonatal team from Mission in Asheville was called and was en route.   In order to administer the antibiotics needed Rebekah had to have an IV.  I watched her try four times, and I cried as she couldn’t manage to get the IV needle in place.  I was then told I had to return to my room.  I could give her a kiss goodbye was her act of kindness.  Dan had been there with me, and he helped me back to my room.  He went back and watched from the window.  I was so shocked to see him return soon with a smile.  The neonatal team brought Rebekah in to see me.  It was so special.  Here was my little baby in a this little incubator hooked up to an IV and oxygen being pumped in to the incubator, and all of this was on this huge stretcher.  They brought her to my bedside and opened the cubicle windows.  He patted me on the arm and said, “ Take as long as you need ma’am.  She is in the best hands possible, and I promise to take great care of her.”  I was so touched, and I will forever remember those moments.

Rebekah was diagnosed the next morning with tachypnea.  It is common in infants, and she probably would have been fine to stay where we were, but since she had been administered antibiotics to be treated for a chemical pneumonia, she had to stay at the NICU for the duration of treatment.  She was hooked up to every monitor known to mankind.  Her IV changed locations daily.  It went from her two hands, to her two feet, and finally finished in her head.  We saw God meet our needs for lodging, food, and so much more.  We learned a lot during our stay, and we were so thankful for their constant care.  The doctors were so amazing in their time and explanations.  They all did an awesome job!  Here are some pictures of our adventure.

I did get tickled at her name tag.  It read, “Qurollo, B.G”.  We mentioned to a nurse that her initials were actually R. G. for Rebekah not Bekah… The nurse laughed when she told us it was B.G. for Baby Girl because only her last name and mother’s info came in with her.  The hospital in Hendersonville hadn’t even had time to put her in the system.  One of the nurses made her a little sign so they could call her something other than Baby Girl.