The Disney Difference

Tonight as I was leaving Epcot after Illuminations, I passed a street cleaner. She obviously would have a bit of work left for tonight, and was waiting for the crowds to clear out so she could get started. But as we all walked past, she cheerfully looked at us all and wished us a magical evening.

I think she was the magic. I'm sure she wanted to just get finished with her rather dirty job and go home. But she made an extra effort to say something special. Of all the cast members I probably passed, she is the one I will remember, just because she cared.

And that is why I love Disney World.

What Goes Around ...

I have previously listed the my Top Ten Disney World Questions I would like to ask the people I encounter while on vacation. While I was walking from the bus stop to our room today, I came up with a new list:

Top Ten Things Disney Worldians Would Like to Ask/Say to Me

10. "Lady, we saw you looking at that exact same Disney doodad at the Emporium on Main Street. Is it any more purchase-worthy five minutes later, here at Tinker Bell's Treasures?"

9. "Yes, I am quite proud of my new boobs, do want to show them to the world, and am quite happy with the lowness of my Mickey shirt."

8. (Same lady as #9). "Yes, my husband is quite proud of his man parts, and no, we couldn't find a tighter Speedo."

7. "So what if my only disability is Lazy Butt. The scooter rental people didn't care. And I will run over your foot if you get in my path on my way to the front of the line!"

6. "I am a teenager dressed in goth black. But my outfit is not nearly as embarrassing as that capri pants/Mickey shirt/socks-with-sandals ensemble you have on!"

5. "Madam, we don't have any Mickey ears that will fit that ginormous head of yours, so please stop trying them on!"

4. "So your food order is a double bacon cheeseburger, french fries covered in cheese, a funnel cake, and a Mickey Bar. And the point of the Diet Coke?"

3. "Your laser stare will not penetrate my obnoxious protective shield, so you can stop glaring. I am trying to find a new way to be boorish and a pain in the butt."

2. "Stop listening to us. We may have just arrived from Mars and think Dinoland USA is on Main Street USA, but we don't want your help. We will be perfectly happy to walk directly in front of you and stop dead in our tracks with no warning to study our map. Which will be of Universal Studios."

1. "Weren't you just here last week?"

Around the World

Today I spent going around the world. First, at 7:45 am, Sam, Lynnette, and I (and eight other people) took the Segway tour. This involved an hour of orientation and practice, then an hour of Segwaying around the World Showcase. It was a lot of fun, and I managed to conquer the machine without major mishap. The best part was that there was even a helmet to fit my big head!

Once our tour was over, we rode a few rides, then headed back to World Showcase for lunch. There are approximately 27 kiosks from different countries with three foods to sample (for a price). We started with Chile, and each of us picked a country, bought the three samples from that country, then met for a sampling party. We managed to get through about half of the countries before giving up due to complete stuffing of our stomachs. But it was really good. We each had our favorites and not-so-favorites, but the best part was sitting together and sharing.

I guess that's the part I like best about our Disney trips - it's a time to have fun with those you love.

Lilo, Stitch, and Everest

I am at Disneyworld. I know - I heard it is a good place to have fun. This weekend, the whole family is here. It is Steve's birthday and some of us were entered in the Expedition Everest Challenge, so it had all the earmarks for a fun Davidson weekend.

This morning we started with breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto at Ohana's. After breakfast, some went to the parks and some went to play golf.









This evening we trekkers headed to Animal Kingdom for the Expedition Everest Challenge. For those of you who didn't enter, this is a 5K. But when you finish the 5K, then you complete an obstacle course, which I think was taken from some old Disney army movie. First you are supposed to climb over hurdles (I went under), then you're supposed to climb a rope wall (which I did, but a woman my age and physical shape and condition shouldn't), then you're supposed to walk across some balance beams (I walked in between), then you get to crawl in the dirt underneath a net (and I have the dirty knees to prove it). But you're still not finished because then you get a "passport" in which are four clues that send you through the Animal Kingdom on a scavenger hunt for the answers. Once you have all the answers, then you head for the finish line and your medal. After we had all finished, Steve and I returned to the resort, while Molly, Maribeth, and Mathieu stayed for the after party. Meanwhile, Sam and Lynnette were enjoying dinner at the Magic Kingdom.












All in all, a typical Davidson family adventure!

Steven Thomas Davidson

When I was one month old, a baby boy was born about thirty miles from my hometown. Nineteen years later we met, and after thirty-one years, I can still see God's hand in it all. That boy's name is Steve, and today is his birthday.

He remembers memories I've forgotten, encourages my Disney World obsession, and pretty much supports me in whatever I choose to do. He waits as I attempt to hit the golf ball over the ditch, had learned to endure my driving, and believes that one day I will actually finish a half-marathon in 2 and a half hours.

Some things were just meant to be. For me, it was a boy named Steve. Happy Birthday!

A Friendly Blip

Today I was supposed to have lunch with my friend Dave. We've scheduled this for the past month, but have had to continually postpone due to prior commitments, travel, etc. Today I tried to arrange my day so I would be ready and at the restaurant at 12:30. However, things did not go as planned.

I had finished balancing the checkbook and paying bills. I was beginning to get ready when I heard the doorbell ring. Figuring it was the mailman with a package, I ignored it and continued cleaning up. When it rang again, I peeked around the corner, and saw Dave at my front door. Since my hair was sticking straight out and I still had on my "at least nobody will see me in this" morning bum-around clothes, I panicked. I ran to throw on something presentable, hoping for the best for the tangled mess on my head. Unfortunately, by the time I managed to reach the door, he was gone.

It was 11:45, so I figured he had some extra time and decided to come by. I had no idea where he went, and didn't have his phone number (don't ask me why - I thought I had it), so I tried to throw myself together and get to Rafferty's. I got there and waited until the hostess asked if I was Mrs. Davidson, and proceeded to tell me that Dave thought our lunch was at 11:30 and had an appointment at 12:30, so he wouldn't be able to meet me.

Of course, I was mad at myself because (a) I didn't pay attention to the detail when I penciled the lunch in, and (b) I didn't have a way to find out what happened. By the time I got home and composed an apology email, he had emailed me with the same. Eventually we will lunch - because we are eternal optimists.

Why do I tell you this story? Because I think it was a learning experience. I wanted to beat up on myself for messing up, but there was really no point. It was just a blip - nothing was permanently damaged. I probably should have followed up yesterday - which I will do from now on, since I do like to feed my anal-retentiveness. My day ended up just fine, with extra time to do some stuff I needed to do - I hope Dave's day turned out as well.

But I guess the main thing I learned is that a blip does not make a bad day, unless I allow it. This blip was just a funny story to tell and remember with a friend. After all, isn't that what friends are for?

I Didn't Come Up With These ...

... but I'm posting them anyway. I got this list in an email from my sister. Maybe you've already seen them or read them, but it's still a good list.

24 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
'My purpose is to________ today.'

4. Eat more foods that grow on plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts..

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. And people who are worth it .

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree..

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19.. GOD heals almost everything. . . and He can heal everything if it's in His plan. We just need to trust His bigger picture.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

'I am thankful for _____.'
'Today I accomplished______.'

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

The New Plan

There are few things I like better than a plan. I don't always have to be the one to initiate it or design it, but I like to be a part of one. Sometimes it may be a bad plan, but at least it was a plan. Today has brought a new plan to my life.

This morning started like most. My mind was full of things I needed to do or fix or change or learn or finish or start or clean or ... whatever. There were so many things crowding my little brain that it was overwhelming. I wanted to get out for a wog, but instead was incapacitated trying to figure out what to do and when. So I just sat on the couch.

I sat thinking, and God posed a question in my head. He asked me, "If you could only do one thing to make yourself happy, what would that be? If you could take a year doing this, what would you choose?"

I thought and responded, "I would really like to get this food/diet thing and training thing under control."

And God said, "Then do it. Take six months, really concentrate on it, and do it."

Immediately an angry voice popped into my head and said, "Well that must be nice. You have such a cushy life that you have time to sit around and worry about what you eat and exercise. You don't have to worry about working a job to feed the kids. Aren't you just something?!"

I turned to God who shrugged his shoulders and said, "That's not Me talking. That's somebody you've let get inside your head. That opinion doesn't mean anything, if you're really only listening to Me." And so I did.

So, my new plan is to really focus on eating healthy, which means good food and portion control. I also want to really work on training so that I might actually improve my time. But supposedly those have been my goals, so what's the difference?

The difference is that these are now first and foremost, instead of peripheral. Instead of trying to work these goals into my day, I hope to work the day around these goals.

So what do I hope to accomplish in six months? My goal is not to wake up tomorrow and be thin, healthy, and able to run 26.2 in 3 hours. My goal is to change my life, and that will take time. If in six months I've only lost a pound and only cut two minutes off my total time but I have worked hard, then I will have succeeded. I will have changed the way I live my life through hard work and determination.

I don't know exactly what this looks like in detail or exactly how it will unfold. But I've got the my thesis statement, plenty of support, and a goal in mind. Sounds like a plan to me.

Just Say No, Clo!

I watched "Dancing with the Stars" a few seasons ago. I enjoyed it and was entertained. However, tonight I happened to turn to it in time to see Cloris Leachman take her turn. Cloris is 82, and while she looks great for 82, it was painful to watch her dance. She was funny during the post-dance interview, but when she received her total score of 16, it was sort of sad.

I have liked Cloris Leachman since her Mary Tyler Moore days. But I don't enjoy seeing her plod across the dance floor. So the question remains, "Why did she do it?"

I guess she's just like the rest of us who say "Yes" when we should say "No." We think something is a good idea (like that bag of M&M's) and end up realizing it was a bad idea too late. Maybe I'll learn a lesson from Cloris - there comes a point where the obvious answer is No. I just have to say it.

Sundays and Gas Lines

This morning when my gas gauge said I had about 32 miles left, I decided a fill up was imminent. In Nashville, people are as concerned about gas as they are about milk when they hear they hear the word "snow", so gas has been pretty scarce. When a station has gas, the lines snake down the roads, and some have waited an hour just to fill up.

I had been riding the storm, since I really didn't have any faraway destinations. But with the empty signal looming, I knew the time at come. A local website listed all gas stations with available gas and I noticed one just down the street had some, so I decided to venture out.

I first took Maribeth's car. She was in town for her weekend job, but would need to return to Murfreesboro tonight for classes. She was low on fuel, so she was top priority.

I got to the gas station and was third in my line. I watched as the person at the pump topped it off, squeezing out drop after drop. The next person had to pull up, back up, and pull around because his gas cap was on the other side of the car. I politely moved my car around to accommodate him. Unfortunately, this meant our cars were facing each other, and a fellow decided to pull in behind the current gas-getter, as if this was the gas-getting line. CGG finished pumping and pulled his car out of line and of course the line breaker pulled right in. I let him go ahead - after all it was Sunday and I am basically a nice person. He put his credit card in and started pumping his gas. I gave him a stern teacher look that said, "You know you did wrong," but in a friendly way. He attempted to stare me down, but I am too good at it. He got all of his two gallons (seriously), and then it was my turn. I filled Maribeth's car and returned home to get my car for a fill up.

By the time I got back to the station, there were a few more cars, but I was still second in line. The lady ahead of me filled up and I pulled up. The lady across from me was having problems and went inside to talk to the attendant. My gas pump wouldn't operate, and yes, they were out of gas. The other would-be gassers took it all in stride and we left the now-empty gas station.

Later in the afternoon, Steve was online and said that a local Exxon had gas and no lines. Of course by the time I got there, there was no gas. I went to a Mapco near our house, and there was gas and accompanying car lines. Mapco had a few people helping direct the lines so after about a 15-minute wait, I filled my tank and was done.

All this to say that no matter how panicked people get over gas or a gallon of milk, it all goes much more smoothly if we remember that we're all human and in this together. There are still people who think they should get special treatment. But if we can overlook their faults, then maybe the next time we're at fault, someone will overlook ours. And if we can help each other out when times are a little frazzled, then we make life better for everyone, and maybe make a new friend in the process.

5K Bookends

Today I began and ended the day with local 5Ks. This morning we did the Christie Cookie 5K (and got free cookies). It ended up being a girl thing, minus Molly, who had to rescue the ice cream machine at Sonic. The rest of us sweated up and down the hills in excellent racing form, as you can see.

Tonight, Lynnette and I trotted around in the dark to complete the Chick-fil-A 5K (and got free chicken sandwiches). Lynnette made a friend, who is either very shy or has no personality. We both took minutes off our time from this morning, helped by the fact there were fewer hills tonight.

It was a good way to spend a Saturday - we'll see if I still believe this in the morning!

When Will I ...

... learn to eat intelligently and with restraint?

... consistently exercise on a schedule?

... catch up on daily Bible reading?

... mop my floors every day?

... do the stuff I want to do?

... discipline myself so I don't have to ask these same questions?

I don't know the answers, but I know I've got to start. I don't know why I keep putting things off. Is it laziness? Is it denial? Is it procrastination?

Everybody has stuff they want to do. Some want to lose weight, some want to quit smoking, some want to make a lot of money. But sometimes the idea of wanting it precludes us from doing it. "It" seems like such a good idea that we'd rather think about it rather than go about doing it. Thinking is easy - doing is what sucks.

So I've got to start doing. Thinking may have gotten me to this spot, but it's also keeping me here, and here's not where I want to be. It's time to crank it up and put it in gear.

Guess that means I'll go mop the floors ...

The Road Ahead

Today the running skirt I ordered was delivered. After trying it on, I decided to wait a few (or more) pounds before I actually take it out on the road. I'm still undecided on the whole running skirt issue, but I want to try it out - in due time.

Today I also managed a slow eight miles in the neighborhood. This was a "mental" training day - to get back into thinking of 8-mile days as "normal" mileage days. The hardest part of this route is the last half-mile - it's pretty much uphill. But it also signals the end of the route, which is always a good thing.

I guess today was all about my wogging future. There's a routine and a skirt to get in to - I just have to get to it and keep at it. I have to envision an eight-mile day as routine, an uphill battle as the end of the wog, and my hippage as belonging in that little skirt.

I guess that's the good thing about dreams. When they do come true, as they eventually can, you realize a dream is simply taking steps in the right direction.

I'm Just An Amateur

There are people more Disney than me. Guess that means I need to make more field trips!

A Lovely Afternoon Stroll

The weather in Nashville has been terrific. It's cooled off a bit, and a breeze wafts through every now and then. In other words, an excellent day for a walk.

Steve took his car in for routine maintenance this morning before heading for Detroit. I planned to pick it up when it was ready. The bright idea came to me - why not walk from my house to downtown and pick it up? After all, I pay money to walk for 13.1 miles for no apparent reason, so why not walk a few for a reason?

All in all, it went pretty well. The first part was on a busy two-lane street with no sidewalks. I'm sure I was called a few colorful names by the drivers I faced. But the next street provided safer sidewalks. I walked on streets that I only cover during Nashville's half marathon, and as I was walking through the Vandy campus, I came upon the scene of an 8-firetruck fire. After about 90 minutes, I was in Steve's car headed for home.

I enjoyed my walk. It was nice to get out and stroll, looking at the scenery that surrounded me. Usually when I wog, I have a training agenda (at least in theory). But today I just walked and enjoyed. It's something I need to do more often, because there's so much in this world to stop and enjoy.

Walking simply to breathe in the life around me. What an excellent idea!

Monday

Yes, it's been a slow word day. So, I am providing you with a video about my favorite thing - a cat, of course (it keeps me from getting a kitten). This one, though, is also about one obsessed turtle. Here's hoping that the words return tomorrow!

Rule? What Rule?

The Chicago Half Marathon was today. This is the half-marathon that I chose to skip because the pace requirement was more that I felt woggable for my current level of training. We canceled airline and hotel reservations, and made other plans for this weekend.

Chicago had around nine inches of rain today. According to the race website, the course was altered as a result of the weather. However, the thing I found most interesting was that according to the official results, many people posted a time well past the 2 hours, 50 minutes race officials were requiring. Some runners posted a time over 4 hours, way more time than I would have needed to finish.

I'm not sorry we canceled this race, especially considering the rough weather. Running in water and rain has never been a favorite. I'm just a little disgruntled that once again, I got caught up by a race rule that they said was going to be enforced, then wasn't.

I like fairness. I'm not much of a rule-breaker and like staying within the rules that are set. I usually don't mind if the rules are broken for other people, but I do mind if I don't get the same treatment for those that skirt past the rules.

I'm happy for the people who finished in the rain and received an official finish time and a medal. I sort of wish one of them had been me. But I made my choice based on what I was told. Sometimes following the rules sort of sucks, but it's honest, and the way I choose to participate.

Now - on to Baltimore, and its 5 1/2 time limit!!

My Last New Hairdo Post

Okay, so maybe my new 'do isn't so bad after all ...

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em!

As you can see, I've even converted Shaggy the Cat to the Disney way of life, although Fuzzy Donald
doesn't seem too excited about it. I wonder if Shaggy thinks this will get him a trip to the World!!

When There's Nothing To Say ...

... just post a picture with a few facts.

Fact 1. Steve is in Orlando and I am not (my choice - new hairdo is affecting my decision-making)

Fact 2. I have no future Disney cruise planned.

Fact 3. I did not get a tan in 2008 (but can probably purchase one like some people in this picture!).

Fact 4. I need to plan my next Disney cruise.

Fact 5. It sure is hard to resist a Navy man with big ears!

The Day After the Day After

After several shampoos, a curling iron, a variety of shampoos and conditioners, and a combination of fluffing, floofing, brushing, and shoulder shrugging, my hair is still what it is - my hair. I think George Carlin said it best:

George Carlins' Hair Poem:

I'm aware some stare at my hair.
In fact, to be fair,
Some really despair of my hair.
But I don't care,
Cause they're not aware,
Nor are they devonaire.
In fact, they're just square.

They see hair down to there,
Say, "Beware" and go off on a tear!
I say, "No fair!"
A head that's bare is really nowhere.
So be like a bear, be fair with your hair!
Show it you care.
Wear it to there.
Or to there.
Or to there, if you dare!

My wife bought some hair at a fair, to use as a spare.
Did I care?
Au contraire!
Spare hair is fair!
In fact, hair can be rare.
Fred Astair got no hair,
Nor does a chair,
Nor nor a chocolate eclair,
And where is the hair on a pear?
Nowhere, mon frere!

So now that I've shared this affair of the hair,
I'm going to repair to my lair and use Nair, do you care?

The Day After

Okay, so when I got up this morning, my hair was sticking straight out in every direction. After a shampoo, it's not that different. After reading a few obviously poorly-thought-out requests for a picture, I threw any residual common sense out the window and made one. This is the best I could do. And yes, it is that naturally curly. Hope it solidifies any thoughts some of you had about getting your hair cut!

So, the question remains - am I glad I did it? I know it was what I needed to do. I have wanted to cut it all off for quite a while, not knowing (or denying) what the results might be. I truly believe that all the "circumstances" that went on yesterday were just what I needed in order to do this. So, the decision was correct.

Am I happy with the results? At certain points, yes. At other points, no. It will take some getting used to, some manipulation, some trial and error, and a lot of acceptance. But it is what it is, and it's mine.

But I guess that's like any change in life that we know we need to make. After the change has been made, we wonder if it was the right thing. We're not altogether comfortable with the change, and we question whether life was better before. We may not have the change we were hoping for, and instead have the change we got. We have a choice - bemoan the fact that we may still have some work to do, agonize over our decision and beat ourselves up, or just say yippee-ye-haw and embark on our new adventure.

As for me, I have a new do. It's different, it's controversial, and it's mine. Yippee-ye-haw!

Time For A Change

So today went like this:

I was ready for a hair freshening. I hadn't had it cut or highlighted (darn those roots!) since April, and it was all really getting to be too much. I had ripped a new hairdo picture out of a magazine to take with me - a short do. I decided it was time to call the salon and get the ball rolling.

I called my regular place and asked if I could get an appointment with Allison, the girl who has been doing my hair for the past few years. The lady who answered said that Allison didn't work at that salon, but at the Brentwood branch, and gave me the phone number. I called, asked for an appointment, and got one in thirty minutes. I thought this was great, since I was ready for some hair-doin' action.

I got in my car and drove to my regular salon, thinking I just had called the wrong number. I walked in the door, told the receptionist my name, and she said, "So?" She then informed me that nobody works at that branch on Mondays, and there is no Allison that works there, but there is one that works at Brentwood. So I went to the Brentwood branch and met Allison who is not the Allison I was thinking of.

I showed her my magazine picture which she thought would look cute (just what I want to be at 51), she and the other hairstylist discussed color, and off we went. She colored and dried and washed and colored some more and dried and washed some more, and then got out the big scissors and cut it all off. We all voted that it looked good, and everybody was happy.

The point of this narrative is point out a few things. I was ready for a short haircut, which my usual hairstylist won't do. I was in the mood to get it cut immediately, and got one in thirty minutes. The new salon is much closer to my house. I think it was time for a change, so God once again made it clear for me. I got to meet Allison who is fun and sweet, and now has a new regular.

By the way, the original hair stylist? Her name is Emily, not Allison. Go figure.

I'm Not Stressed, But ...

... if I were, at least I have some ways of coping.

A Wog in the Park

This morning Steve and I completed another 5K. This one was in Centennial Park in downtown Nashville. Although I've been around and in the park many times, this was my first race there, and it was great. The weather was cloudy and cool, the goodie bag was sweet, and I actually had a decent finish time (for me, anyway). It was a great way to start a morning.

There were probably only a few hundred people in today's race. Most were serious runners. I've always steered clear of small races, because I didn't want to be the last person who is trailed only by the ambulance. But today I stretched myself and wogged on. I wasn't last, and I realized it shouldn't matter if I were - I was doing my best and participating.

That's pretty much the way I live a lot of my life - staying out of those things that might make me stand out for what I think are the wrong reasons. I've just got to realize that it can't be wrong if I'm out there doing something - because I will never be able to experience the joys in life if I don't get out there and try.

Nothing to Say ...

... but plenty to see. Here are 48 pages of my favorite animal. Enjoy!

Blessings in the Form of People

Just in one day, I have had the distinct gift of intersecting the lives of several people. Some I will see again soon, some in a few months, and some never again. For today though, I would like to thank those who made today a little better:

• Dude at Staples who cheerfully helped me locate a portable hard drive.
• Weigh-in lady at Weight Watchers who said all the right things, despite my rather dismal weigh-in.
• Curves ladies who are so encouraging and fun to be around.
• Starbucks dude at Target who "mixed a little too much" and gave me the next size up.
• Target clerk who opened a checkout just for me.
• Lawn mower man who makes my lawn look nice again.
• Rebekah, who always listens and knows what to say.
• Marilyn, who is always good for a giggle.
• Kay, who knows when to call and make plans.
  
• My family, who touches base from hither and yon on a daily basis

"I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again" William Penn

Even In A Car Radio

Today as I was driving about running errands, I was in a grumpy mood. Stressful thoughts and actions were bringing me down into a funk. Suddenly, I felt the presence of God in the car. The very next song on the radio was "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, and as I listened to it, I listened as if God was saying the words to me. Immediately I smiled and felt better because I knew I was not alone, and God was with me, speaking to me through a simple song on the radio. I leave the words with you, hoping you have someone who would sing them to you.

I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
More then anything, more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.
Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

It's Tuesday Already?

Today was one of those days where I stumbled about, getting little tasks complete, but not any of the big things like jogging, more exercising, meal planning, etc. I even took a nap on the couch after lunch. It just wasn't the day that I would have preferred to report.

But maybe it's the day I needed. After a quick weekend trip and a long half-marathon, maybe my body wanted a little break. At least that's my story.

I guess it's one of those days where I should celebrate all the things I did, and let it go at that. I would rather appreciate the day than regret it. As of this moment, I have clean clothes, an accurate bank balance, and dinner on the way. It's a good day.

CAN

This weekend, I had the chance to meet Team Hoyt at the half-marathon expo. I first heard of this father-son team a few years ago on the Ironman telecast. I knew who they were, but as I was walking among the booths at the expo, I was surprised to look up and see them at their own booth. Dick and Rick were both there with copies of their DVDs and book. I asked Dick which DVD to get (they had three), and he selected "Can" which is set to one of my favorite songs, "I Can Only Imagine". I purchased the DVD and book which Dick autographed for Sam (and which I then spent all of Saturday reading it before I gave it to him).

On the race on Sunday, as my Corral 21 woggers were head down the out-and-back at Mile 2, I heard someone say, "Here comes Team Hoyt," and I looked on the other side and saw Dick and Rick at Mile 10, running back to the finish. I can't help it - every time I read about them or see them, they capture a piece of my heart.

I think it's because they are really ordinary people doing something they love, but it seems extraordinary to me. They are doing something they know they CAN, and whenever they encounter a challenge, they find a way to overcome it. Their message is CAN, and I hear it loud and clear.

I CAN do a half-marathon - I CAN do it faster - I just have to train for it.

I CAN lose weight - I just have to get serious about it.

I CAN do everything I was created to do - I just have to realize it and find a way to do it.

I CAN - I just have to keep believing it.

I CAN - and just when I think maybe I can't - God sends two men and a wheelchair to remind me.