HOPE

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

What happens when one loses the confidence in what you have hoped for your entire life? The dreams, asperations, trust that you've been putting into something to turn out a certain way only to have it all turn out to be nothing like you ever imagined it to be....painful.

Again and again returning to the drawing board figuring surely this time things won't repeat... surely this time there will be a different outcome. It has been said that insanity is repeating the same action over and over again expecting a different result. Why should I believe that this time will be any different than any time before.

At a certain point I believe Hope can be lost... and if that hope is lost, there is nothing there to have faith in.

It's just where I am today...

I'm in Love with a Tool!

I've been training for the Tom King Classic for about 8 weeks now. I have been a very good girl and sticking with my training plan quite well. With the exception of a few Friday night runs (darn grocery trips to Wal Mart)... I wonder why one feels compelled to torture one's self by continually repeating the same event that only leads to major frustration... ?  different story for a different day... Back to training..

As far as training goes, I have probably followed this plan more closely than I have any other. Not perfect, but a great deal of effort has been made logging miles, pushing limits on strength training and learning to embrace running slow, and listening to my body.

Every time I have trained for a Half it seems at some point my right IT band knots up and causes me issues. The past month I have been nursing my right arch/heel and the last week or so I've noticed my IT band starting to tighten up. Grrr... massage therapy is wonderful!!! But can't do that every day..

Yesterday I found a foam roller by chance at Wal Mart of all places... ha! I have been keeping up on my stretching and things haven't gotten as bad as they have before, but I had absolutely no idea how awesome the foam roller is!! REALLY..

 No.... Not this kind of foam roller! hee hee... saw this pic and couldn't resist! Sexy huh?

This is my new favorite Tool!!!! It works out all the kinks in my legs and feels oooooooh so good! I did see one at the gym the other day, but it was up too high, and too many people were there for me to climb up on the shelving to reach it... I suppose I could have asked a dude to help. But it is probably a good thing because the way I was moaning and groaning someone may have thought I was using it incorrectly.. if ya know what I mean.. *wink

So I completely understand this girl's affection for the roller! I just figured I would use her pic instead of puttin my own mug out on the internet  (SMILE!)

Happy Running!! Go out and find yourself a tool to love too! ha!

~later

Long Weekends Rock!!

I am really not a morning person. Actually, I rather enjoy mornings...IF it's spent sleeping in and drifting in and out as I snuggle under the covers and wake up to the smell of coffee roasting and better yet pancakes, or even better, breakfast in bed! Now that's what I'm talkin' bout! Truth~ I've never been motivated enough to program the coffee maker, have occasionally been awakened by the smell of pancakes (yummo!), and haven't had breakfast in bed since I was a little girl for my birthday...I <3 MOM! ...Getting up before 7AM and running 11 miles takes a bit of motivation for this girl! Not generally the way I would prefer to start the day.  So having a group of people that are crazy enough to get up and run in the cold with ya sure does help!

 Me and my cuz Courtney... see, it looks like we are having fun! right? I am trying to let my "competitive nature" not get the best of me on training runs and just take it easy like I'm supposed to on long runs. Which in this case paid off because 11 miles felt reasonable.

Even the next day... I did finally find a pair of compression socks that fit my Big-O calves (15inches of pure muscle I tell ya!) Wore these babies to church (under my jeans) then headed out for a recovery run.

I noticed this a while ago, but it still irritates me that they have changed the distance of the track... Apparently it took a year, maybe two for someone to realize that it is really 9 times around the track instead of 8.... Why does this bother me? People should just get it right the first time! AND the last five laps of my five mile runs seem a bit longer.... Sunday's run was just 3 miles, so not that big of a deal. I do appreciate the warm, dry place to run, and have become a bit of a cold weather weenie as of late since I have this indoor track to dart around. ;)

 Came home and took my boys for a walk. Zach and Gus.

 Thank you Road Runners for the core work station! I get a kick outa watching my Zach-Zach tough it out!

 He said he saw a prince in a Disney movie draw out his sword like this.... Isn't he cute! He will be some girl's prince charming some day....... A loooooooooong time from now of course. He came home this week saying he and his friends were talking about who they were going to marry when they turned 18.... Ummmmm I don't think so mister!!! Try 35! Ha!

And finally, my family enjoys when I have extra time to actually prepare a meal! At least I think they do.... with the day off today (Thank you Mr. Presidents!) I grilled out some chicken legs added a little BBQ sauce and Mmmmmm mmmmm gooood!!

I heart February

I have a thing for February. I can remember when I was in elementary school every February decorating Valentine's Day cards and designing my Valentine's Day Box to receive the cards from all my friends and hoping to get a good card from the cute boy in class. You know, the anticipation, the nervousness, the hope of having someone else want YOU to be THEIR Valentine!


I often refer to myself as not being very sentimental. However, I am a bit of a romantic if you will.... Can you be one without the other? I think so. Hmmmm that's really beside the point as far as this post goes.  I digress... I was not the girl that chased the boy down and give 'em a kiss.

I like to ease into things... Measure the angles, read the directions, get advice, ponder and weigh before taking action. Ohhhhh okay! Yes, procrastination.... ha! The early bird may get the worm....but it's a worm, right! ....I'd rather eat steak! :) And, not to mention, the early worm gets eaten. (*wink)

So as far as taking a Polar Bear Plunge goes it would take the encouragement of others. On my own, I am usually the one that eases into the water. Yes, toes, knees, then everything else. But sometimes with the help of others we can be pushed outside of our comfort zones. Good friends are good for that! Glad I have some good friends! ...and no, this is not me and my buddy.. generic Google images pic. ha!

So naturally I spend my birthday month (January) pondering the previous year, setting goals for the year ahead...taking my time enjoying my birthday (it takes a month to celebrate a life as long as I've had~hey don't hate! By the time I'm 50 I plan to celebrate all year long - now that's a party!!)

And yes, I have gone from Valentine's Day to Goal setting. But when considering either situation thoughtful planning is needed and attention to details is desired. Nothing ventured nothing gained.. so I will not just sit on my rear and "plan" my life away, I plan to live it....

But don't forget like a good boyscout, I was a brownie ;) ~Always be prepared!  

Pay It Forward...

This last week has been one of the more challenging weeks that I can remember having in a long time... Honestly, I have found myself quite exhausted..in every since of the word. I am a determined soul and will not give in or give up! That Greek/Chalos family stubbornness is good for something....sometimes (smile). However,  I could use a break to catch my breath...

 *Among other things...my youngest (Gus- my 9mo old lab) I believe has hit the terrible twos chewing  everything within reach including my new boots, an iron, extension cord, phone charger (still plugged in-ha!) and is no longer satisfied with only destroying his chew toys like Mr. Sock Monkey

*Last week was the last week before a two-week break for the Holidays for school. I'm sure you know from your own experiences how fun that can be...

*Sometimes the holidays bring out the best in people and sometimes they bring out the worst in people. I have seen and experienced both extremes of that statement in the past week. I wish I could say that I reacted appropriately in each situation. Although, that has not always been the case... I digress... what's done is done, and with forgiveness, compassion, and a little Christmas spirit moving forward I will try to pay good things forward.  Even when one is on the receiving end of  "a bunch of crap"...they can choose to look for the positive, and most of the time there is some positive to be found. And when there isn't anything right then...look to the future...it is what you make it.



*Friday night we were doing our regular thing and shopping for groceries...always a treat with the whole family in tow (yes, sarcasm) and I had really just tuned out at the register and decided to do what anyone else would do, of course...and scroll through facebook. When it was time to go, I stuck my phone in my pocket and we headed out to the car. When we got home, NO PHONE!! Somewhere between the checkout line and my car my phone fell out of my pocket. So my wee-one and I head back to the store to search the parking lot, store and check with customer service to see if anyone returned it... The Mr. (who wasn't too amused, or pleased with me) went to a game at a local high school with Syd.

No phone in the lot. No phone on the floor. No phone at customer service.

I immediately headed to the Sprint store to report it lost or stolen and see what my options were. They were very nice, but I am not due for an upgrade til September and since I didn't want to pay retail I sadly went back home.

I get home and the Mr. had called and said someone turned in my phone to customer service!!! Truly a Christmas Miracle!! I was sooooo shocked that 1. it wasn't run over and ruined in the parking lot, and 2. that someone turned it in to customer service! It is too easy to just walk by and not do anything, or take something for your own, especially right before Christmas!  So off we went (me and Zach-Zach) back to the store (for the third time now) and got my phone back!The next day I was able to call Sprint and they activated it again with no extra charges, and I was one happy girl!  So for this, YES I will try and pay some good deeds forward this Christmas!! ....and beyond

*The picture above was taken (with my blackberry-thank you Wal*Mart Angel!) at Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland Indiana (near Indianapolis). We went to their Sunday evening production of The Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular. It was terrific!!! My kids were on the edge of their seats the whole time, and asking if we could go again even before it was over....a great way to end the weekend.

~ I do hope for a less eventful week this week!

Running was my "only" option today...

 Today I set out with my not so "wee one" on a mission to swim. Yes, it is the middle of December...in Indiana. However, if I'm ever going to put into reality my goal of completing a triathlon anytime in the near future I have to get back in the water.

We weren't quite this festive today. This was last weekend before a local "Jingle Bell" 5k. We both came home with some hardware...I think it was the socks! (*wink)

I was very fortunate to have received a stipend check this year. Really nice this time of year...feels like a Christmas bonus. I went to a local "Do it yourself" kind of store yesterday in hopes to plan a new bathroom with my "bonus". I found some nice stuff, and have a plan. However, I believe it's going to take quite a bit more than what I have to make my plan come to fruition. Since I will have to dip into savings to complete my project anyway, I might as well use part of my new found $$ for some fun, right?

I spent part of today looking up membership costs to local gyms. Yes! not a typical move for me...I am getting a jump start on the "new year" goals....or if you want to look at it in a "negative" light, I am still working on 2011 goals?? What can I say? I am a work in progress!!! (SMILE)

I narrowed it down to 2 places. One has a pool, the other doesn't. hmmmm.... Let's go swimming! So we gathered all our gear and headed out. When we got there, this very nice kid...(yes, I am old! Ha!) told me that we couldn't stay and play today, but had to come back tomorrow during regular business hours. What the heck? Boo! I was more than a little disappointed. Ever get all geared up and excited about something...and then not be able to ...well, you get the idea... Disappointment!

So, this left me alone for my exercise session today. The weather was a bit cold, but nice and sunny. Since my bike currently has a flat tire (different story for a different day..) my only other options were be a slacker or go for a run. Sydney opted for slacker...momma went for a run!

This is not a pic of me...found it via google images, but I have these shoes and love them!

I got in a very nice 7 miler in just under an hour!!! Felt great!! It has been a while since I've been out for that long of a run...just me, my music, and the pavement = good day!

Holidays....caution looooong post ahead!

I love holidays!! Yes, one of the reasons I like them is that usually I don't have to work on holidays! One of the perks of being a teacher. I look forward to Valentine's Day (great chocolate!), Presidents' Day (great sales!), Easter (salvation!), Memorial Day (Indy 500 and family picnics), July 4th (fireworks!), Labor Day (parade/family picnic), Columbus Day (covered bridge festival), Veterans' Day (Pride in being a WWII vet's daughter...YES my dad had me late in life!~go dad!) and of course there are others that aren't celebrated as much..Flag Day, Arbor Day...and the reasons I listed are not the only reasons I enjoy the ones that I did list.

But there are two holidays that seem to be "the mother" of all holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas...and there is something about these two holidays that tend to stir a bit of emotion for me. I probably don't spend nearly the appropriate amount of time that one should reflecting. Personal reflection can be a great tool in learning and growing. However, I find myself soooooooo extremely busy and "stressed to the max" a little more often than I would like...which then leads to a flood of emotions when things slow down this time of year.

I am a self proclaimed "Daddy's Girl", but this time of year really makes me miss my mom! Three years ago, she passed away the Tuesday before Thanksgiving....I have always assumed God new what a terrific cook she was and new she would enjoy being healthy again for the celebration in heaven. The Lord, family, and cooking along with gardening were just some of her passions....so this time of year was one of the special seasons that she shined. As a matter of fact I think she would start baking shortly before Thanksgiving and not stop 'til Christmas. We had to make sure EVERYONE got their box of baklava for the holidays. :)

I learned what true selflessness was from my mom. She always put others first. She was the first to serve and the last one cleaning up... her mom died from cancer when she was 9 years old and she continued to take care of her dad and brothers, and the household jobs that needed taken care of, and continued taking care of others until she was too ill and needed others to take care of her. She was beautiful, and strong a true reflection of the God's goodness. Man, I fall so short compared to my mom....I can tend to be a little selfish. well...maybe more than a little.. sigh* So the rest of this post will be all about Mom....love you~

 My parents were married in Greece. I really think they both look pretty good! ...thanks for the good genes :)

 My dad was my mom's whole world...today's society would frown on that...but she wouldn't have had it any other way.

Just some of my Big Fat Greek family. This is my aunt's front porch...in the evening time the family would gather around under the grape vines and the stars and visit until the early hours...occasionally even til the roosters and donkeys started to stir in the morning. We Greeks now how to have a good time!

see! good times! I love, love, love this pic of my mom! She is with her brother and her best friends...

My mom also loved the beach...if we couldn't vacation in Greece we were heading to the beach...I definitely get this from her too!

 She loved to take pictures....even when nobody was looking...this was the year dad got her a new camera and I finally stopped paying attention to all the flashes...it was a strobe flash at that! ha! I was so irritated...had I only known then what I know now, I would have embraced it instead of thought I was beyond it. Dumb teenage years...

When mom wasn't able to prepare the lamb, pastichio, salad, turkey, etc. etc. etc family chipped in and made sure there was plenty for everyone! Oh yeah! We know how to eat too!!!

                                      Christmas 2005

This was my split of the cookies that we made. I went to my cousin's (previous pic with food) house and took my mom and Sydney and made all of the traditional cookies that we used to make together...and video taped of course....such a great time!

 Christmas 2007, Mom's last Christmas with us...at my house.  She was unusually clear this night, and talkative and giggly... (frontal lobe dementia sucks!) But I was so grateful for every minute!!!!

Some days I wish I could rewind...but really and truly when I think about it...through it all I am so thankful for every part of the last 30...ISH * years because good and bad...I would not be who I am today without those experiences.  And hopefully all of my experiences will make me a better person, wife, parent and friend enjoying every minute along the way.  ....or at least learn to appreciate them in retrospect.