At The Finish Line

This is my husband and I at the 13th mile marker. We were a tenth of mile from finish line.

Stray Dogs

Since I am an animal lover,  I was observant of stray dogs that were along the race route yesterday.  There was one little dog that stood on the street corner and barked go,go,go.  He was not leashed and never moved from the corner, and we laughed as we passed by a cheer leading dog.  I bet he stood there for four hours and he is probably hoarse today.  At the Alamo there was a little dog limping across the street on three legs as he drug one of his hind legs behind him.  He was definitely out of the race. Then  along the last mile stretch, as I could see the finish line, I saw another stray dog who also saw me.  He was very thin and looked like he needed to eat.   As I was mentally pushing through the pain in my knees, I felt a wet nose on my leg.  I was in too much pain and too tired to run.  All I could think of was I have made it this far to be taken down by a dog.  Then,  by the grace of god a police woman appeared and told the dog to scram.  I did not look back as I thanked the officer.  That was the last burst of adrenalin as my heart was beating from fright.  And, there it was the finish line.  I wish Laney was there.  I missed her greeting.

Yesterday after my post I fell asleep and woke up several hours later with terrible right knee pain and a burning blister the size of a half dollar on the bottom of my left heel.  So much for celebrating as I had to have my hero husband help me out of the bed.  I was definitely wearing flip flops due to the pain of the blister.  My hero was gracious enough to help me into the car and take me out to eat.  He and the waitress enjoyed watching me slurp down a big milkshake. I chased it with Advil and laughter as the waitress stood there telling us jokes and congratulating us for walking a half marathon. I then returned to the hotel room where I iced down my knee and prayed I would be able to bear weight on it.  My knees are definitely reminding me of my age.  But, to my surprise I woke up this morning and the knee pain had subsided.  I have some sore muscles, but I am already looking for my next walk-a-thon.  There are no regrets despite all the pain.  After meeting and hearing stories of children going through gruelling  chemo treatments the pain I had seemed so minimal.  The money raised was well worth it. And, walking beside my survivor husband was worth every bit of the pain.

Today I am able to walk and my husband has flown back home to cold and snow.  He has left me in Houston to recuperate and enjoy a much needed vacation.  I am fortunate to have gracious friends that have opened their home to us each time we come to Houston for my husband's medical care. God Bless them !!!  Life is beautiful !!!

Victory

I am resting on the bed in a hotel room with a smile on my face, despite feeling exhausted from walking 13.1 miles.  My husband and walked hand in hand as we crossed the finish line at The Herothon for LLS.  It was exciting, as the crowd cheered us on.  It was great seeing people  all ages and from different places around the United States.  My husband said he is proud of me as I am of him.  I have my first medal now. As, I said before all things possible with love and determination.

It is now time to have some fun and party. I think I'll take the shuttle, as my feet are done walking today.  Here I go in my flip flops, because the sun is shinning and it is warm.  Life is beautiful!!

Life is too short not to believe in your dreams.  Much love and kisses to my husband and my hero!!!

I walked because someone's life depended on me. Thanks to my friends for believing in me and donating to LLS.

Sunshine And Smiles

Well my husband and I were smiling today as we finally arrived in Texas.  As we passed the state line I rolled down the car window to feel the warm air hit me in the face.  The farther south we went the warmer it got.  I was smiling as we drove towards sunshine and I was thinking of how just two days ago I was freezing.  Laughing to myself I thought of my children that  called to inform me that they had awaken this morning to five inches of snow. I told them I was sorry about their luck as I turned on the air conditioning in the car.  Life is beautiful !!

We are now resting comfortably with friends and tomorrow we are off to San Antonio.  It is now one day until the half marathon and I am ready to walk after riding in a car for two days.  We have raised some more money for LLS in the last couple of days and feeling very blessed from our dear friends. The only thing missing at this point is my sweet Laney.  She was hanging her head low as I said good bye to her. I reassured her that my children would continue to spoil her and I would return.  I'll have to look at pictures of her for now.

Well it is time to rest now, as tomorrow and Sunday the true test of our strength will become a reality. God Bless sunshine, warm weather, and life!

My Hero

It is  bitter cold today as an Arctic blast has descended upon us. The low last night was minus 15 degrees with the wind chills and the high is 13 degrees today. The blessing for the day is the sun is shinning.  I am definitely ready for warmer weather.  The wind was howling all day yesterday and Laney was curled up in a ball surrounded by blankets, as she is again today.  I am counting off the days until flip flop weather.

Speaking of flip flops, we have come a long way since running through the airport last August wearing flip flops. We were back on the indoor university track last eve as were a lot of people.  I almost did not venture out last eve due to the bitter cold, but I reminded myself that we have trained very long and diligently for this half marathon.  We are now five days out.  My husband and I are looking forward to escaping the Artic blast, as we will be heading to warmer weather. I am so proud of my hero husband for deciding to do this walk as he has fought for the last 15 years to stay healthy and be a survivor of Lymphoma. We would like to say once again thank you to all our family and friends who sent words of encouragement and generous donations to LLS.  I remind myself that all things are possible with love and determination.

I decided that my husband and I are now the flip flop duo.  So, if you are in San Antonio for the herothon you may see us in flip flops after we finish the half marathon.  Or, you may see my hero husband carrying me back to the hotel. Ha! Ha!  God Bless all who live with blood cancers.  You are all heroes!  Life is beautiful !!!

No Regrets

Today the sun was shinning and I had lunch with my beautiful daughter.  I was looking out over the dinning area where we met and I saw her smiling at me. I was filled with joy as she reminds me of how beautiful life is.  She has grown up to be an admired woman by family, friends,  and co-workers.  She reminds me there are no regrets in life.  We find the beauty in everyday and everything by finding something positive out of every situation.  God blessed her with a healthy dose of good humor and patience. She reminds me of what a lucky mom I am.

My daughter is cheering for us, as her dad and I get closer to the day of the half marathon.  She said with great confidence she knows we will be able to complete it.  I will keep her mentally in my mind while I am walking.  It is back to the track this eve for at least four miles.  Our training days are quickly coming to an end and the true test of our strength is almost here.

I was reminded also today that Laney fills my life with joy as she sat on my lap this morning.  She makes every morning special. She loves me unconditionally.  She wins the best four legged friend award from me.  Life is beautiful !!

A Day Of Gratitude

Today has been a beautiful day to celebrate.  My flower bouquet that I bought last week has bloomed and is beautiful.  A perfect ending to a day that was filled with gratitude.  It has been very cold the last two days and the flowers were a perfect way to chase away the winter blahs.  Laney didn't even want to go outside today because of the cold.  She is so spoiled  and a perfect house mate.

My husband and I were back on the track this eve with much enthusiasm.  I was so happy I felt like running, but I didn't want to over do it.  We are on the countdown to the half marathon and the mailbox was filled with donations today for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  We are smiling with gratitude and blessings.  Thank you to our family and friends for your generous donations.  It gave us a boost of adrenalin to keep us focused on the finish line.  Pray that we stay healthy and strong.  Blessings to everyone!  Life is beautiful !!

             

The Tease

Today was like a dream come true.  The temperature reached 62 degrees and the sun came out after an overcast morning.  We have never had this warm of a day in  January.  I kept pinching myself to be assured that I was not dreaming.  It is like a big tease as the weather man said the temperature will drop tomorrow as rain moves into the area and by Monday winter will be back.

My husband and I spent most of the afternoon outside walking and enjoying the sunshine.  The warm weather brought lots of people outdoors.  Some people were taking down Christmas decorations, others washing their car, and I even saw a man riding his bicycle.  This has been an awesome day.  It gives us hope that Spring is around the corner.

Laney has even enjoyed running around the backyard.  She has Spring fever also.  She and I are going to pray for early Spring or we may head south to warm weather.

We are now two weeks out from the half marathon.  We are praying to stay healthy and strong.  All things possible with determination, love and my husband. Life is beautiful !!

La vie est belle avec celui que vous aimez !

Flu Shot

It is amazing to me that people don't hesitate to vaccinate their dogs for animal viruses, but they won't take care of themselves and take a flu vaccine.  I know people that take better care of their pets than their self.  I think we should all take care of our pets as they are a lovable members of the family.  We should also make sure they get proper exercise and eat well.  They deserve to live a healthy life as we do.

I am not understanding why people refuse to take a flu vaccine.  In lieu of the flu epidemic I am amazed at the comments I have read.  The one that irks me the most is the vaccine gives you the flu.  Well, I have never gotten the flu from a vaccine and have probably had a flu vaccine for the last 20 plus years.  I took it to protect myself and my family members.  I would rather forfeit the cost of one dinner out and get vaccinated than to be laid up for a week and miss work. I find it irresponsible for people who refuse to be vaccinated and then go to work ill. Please keep your germs at home if you like getting the flu.  And lastly, the government is not forcing you to get a flu shot, but maybe your common sense should.  You vaccinate your pets so they won't die. Check the statistics of deaths from flu and that may prompt you to get a shot.  It is not too late.

I was back on the track last evening for another four miles.  Hoping that I might be able to walk outside tomorrow as we are going to have a record breaking high of 66 degrees.  We are getting a lot of rain, but the forecast calls for rain later in the day tomorrow.  I have a feeling this weather is a big tease as there is another snow storm coming out of northern plains.  I'll enjoy the tease while it last.  Life is beautiful !!

My Favorite Things

The last few days have been sunny and beautiful. I have spent the days outside as much as possible enjoying the mild winter weather.  The snow is melting and I actually saw some green peaking through the ground in my flower bed.  This is very unusual for this time of year.  It is as if spring is early and the temperature prediction for the weekend is 60.  I have looked at the calendar many times to make sure of the date.  The sun and warmth enticed me to buy a bouquet of flowers for my dining room table.  Flowers to me are absolutely beautiful and very visually pleasing to the eye. Sunshine and flowers together are a winning combination.  I can't wait to fill the yard with flowers.

Laney was not as enthused about the winter warm up.  She spent her day lounging on the couch.  I think she is still hibernating. The most activity she got was eating. She refused to share my love for the flowers as she rolled over and sighed as I displayed them in a vase.

Well, it was back on the indoor track this eve for a four mile walk.  Last couple of days I had to let my body rest as I had discovered some sore muscles that I didn't know I had. But, tonight the four miles passed quickly as it seems like a short walk in comparison to twelve. My husband is lucky as he had no pain from walking.  I think  I'll catch a piggy back ride on him next time. Ha! Ha!  I guess that will be a dream.  Life is beautiful!

La beaute est dans le ceil du spectateur.

All Things Possible

Did you know that there has been stories told about dogs that have walked thousand of miles to find their owners.  Sometimes when pets are abandoned they have been known to cross the U.S. to find their way back home. That is a true sign of love and determination. Maybe our pets can teach us never to give up.

 I wish that the doctor that told my parents many years ago that I would always struggle walking could have been at the track today.  As I rounded the last lap of a 12 mile walk I wanted to tell him that all things are possible with love and determination.  I am not going to lie and say I didn't hurt, because I was feeling the pain.  But, the greatest moment is when my husband gave me a high five and picked me up to hug me. He was excited that we had finished a goal together and happy for me that I had not given up. I wasn't sure if I could make it to the car, but I got my second wind as the cold air hit my face. We feel confident now that we can accomplish our half marathon. 

On our way home today my husband asked me what our next adventure is.  I am not sure, but I told him lets finish the half marathon first.  As for now, I'm going to rest my body and hopefully I can sweet talk my husband into a foot massage. 

In case your wondering it was 108 times around the track. My husband kept asking what's for dinner. All I could think about was the finish line and how lucky I was that he was there with me. Never give up chasing your dreams, because all things are possible. Life is beautiful!!!

Flez-y-et  vos reves se materiallseront.

Back On Track

Laney and I have started off the New Year cleaning up the holiday decorations and staying warm.  It is really cold and Laney spends very little time outside.  The sun has given us the pleasure of shinning the last couple of days and has us waiting in anticipation for spring. This is unusual for us to see this much sun during January, so I have opened up all the blinds and let the sunshine in. If the ground was not covered with snow and it was not bitter cold, Laney and I would be outside walking. Instead Laney is enjoying some new toys and racing around the house and daring me to try and catch her. Maybe I'll catch her before spring.

My husband and I were back on the track last night.  It felt good to walk and do a little jogging.  I am doing very little jogging as my knees are talking back to me. This coming weekend will be a trial run for us to see if we can do a least 12 miles. We are three weeks from the big day. Now our goal is to see how much we can fundraise for LLS.  Wish us luck as we continue to push forward and believe all things are possible.  Life is beautiful!
                                                                  
Toutes les choses sont possibles avec la determination et l'amour !

Happy New Year 2013 !!!

It has been a wonderful New Year Day! I woke up smiling this morning as I was feeling well.  My appetite returned just in time to enjoy New Year's Day food.  It is my favorite meal of the year and thank goodness I was able to cook it and not my husband. He is not the man when it comes to cooking. He is however always a man when it comes to eating, and Laney is always drooling for scrapes.

My husband read yesterday's blog and agreed there are no mistakes.  He laughed and said, "Yes I am the man."  He better be prepared to up hold this title as I have set the stakes high this year.  He may not be laughing, but in the kitchen cooking his own food.  Laney won't be begging for scrapes if that happens. Ha! Ha!

I am ready now to start new adventures, but first on the list is the half marathon for LLS.  It is back to the track tomorrow evening as we are now counting down the days and need to keep training.  We need to keep our mind focused on the finish line. So look out San Antonio here we come! Laney and I hope you follow us this year as we are going to see how much fun we can have. Life is good especially when you wake up!