One Hundred Forty-Nine - Done - Breathe!

Friday night we went to Capitol Theatre and watched Les Miserables with our older kids.  As we were waiting for the show to start we opted to go outside and enjoy the brisk Spring air.  There was an attraction/interactive modern art display nearby.  It consisted of a field of approximately 150 10 feet high bendable dark grey poles that if you would bend on way or the other and let got would "whap" the other poles or any unfortunate people who happen to be around.  The kids couldn't resist and started "whaping" and running around through them.  I began taking pictures and turned around to look for good photo opts at the Capitol Theatre marque when I caught a glimpse of someone I knew.  I took a double take and sure enough it was my old college roomate from BYU and she is an even older friend of CW's (they were babies together when their mothers were in the RS Presidency of their ward).  We hugged, talked and found out that she had just finished running a marathon.  I had to check myself because she looked a little overweight (like me) and I didn't want to be rude with my facial expressions (if you understand what I mean).  But the more I have thought about it the more the question has popped into my head:  Why can't someone who is considered "overweight" run a marathon?  The people on the Biggest Loser do it all the time.  Why is it always the stereotypical skinny runner image that everyone assumes to be running marathons?  Why can't that be the new normal?  Her heart is probably every bit as "good looking" was the really skinny marathon runners. 

It gave me hope.  I was encouraged thinking I don't need to succomb to some image.  I just need to keep my goal.  And keep it I have.  This past week especially.  I have walked 8 miles in two days posting flyers for a Summer Music Camp that we are interested in starting.  The week before I was able to run/walk 3 miles at the rec center and the week before that 6 walking.  I will definately be doing more flyers this week.  I will let you know.

I believe in doing "hard things"

2e

PS.  I am done with schooling and this year has been phenomenal.  I will have to blog about it on tewie.com, but I needed to mention it here because I entitled this entry "Done - Breathe!"  - this is what I am refering to.

Day One Hundred Thirty-One - The Intro to Blogging

Today was the day I have been preparing for since I began this blog.  I originally began blogging to be an example and learn from first hand experience for my writing class.  Well, since the beginning of the year, and through research papers, descriptive essays and persuasive essays we have finally made it to the day when I needed to inspire them with making themselves and the world around them better through their own efforts by starting a service/humanitarian/self-improvement blog.  I was not nervous because I felt very directed and I had been prepared for several months.  I had been gathering inspirational ideas since late December:  2010's top 10 humanitarian blogs, reading "Do Hard Things" by:  Alex and Brett Harris, and watching the videos of inspirational LDS youth performing service in everyday ways and projects.  I was glad that I had already seen these touching videos, because I didn't want to have my emotions be too out of control.  It's hard to inspire with words through tears (although other inspiration takes place with tears.) 

Although the only thing I have to report this week is that I have worn my exercise clothing everyday in hopes of getting in my Daily Mile, I have yet to walk/run those steps.  But, I feel much more accomplished today about the purposes of this blog than any other day.  Also, CW and I have started counting calories and that always makes me happy to try to control what I eat.  There is something so satisfying about practicing self-control.  I can't describe it right now, but when I do I'll let you know when I find the words.

So, no miles yet this week, but two of my students have new blog addresses (you can find them on tewie.com).

Here are the stats for the past two weeks...

April 24th - 30th -- 6 miles walked outside
May 1st - 7th -- 6 miles outside (neighborhood, TP, & up in Boise where we saw Wicked!!)