Some may argue that our environments create our personalities and our characters, I think, more though, that our childhood and our nurtured habits tend to be the sole proprietor in the person we eventually become. I am fortunate to have the parents I do, who have taught my sisters and I the values of compassion, hard work, tolerance and perseverance. I remind myself, even more so now than I have in the past, how important these qualities or traits are. I don’t like to give up, and I certainly don’t like having to rely on those that do.

Before I left home a complete stranger told me to stay true to myself. That is oh-SO true. I think I lost hope for reality, the realities of the world so far removed from the Western world are different, slighted and incredibly misunderstood. I can’t say that I understand it myself. I hoped to accomplish more than I have here both on personal and professional levels. I have the future to look forward to and that is all. It is grey, dark and hazy. I cannot see much else other than the finish line. Right now I can only hope for the best, and thank goodness I am alive and well.

I try to remember there’s a purpose, an end-state, and a round about date for when I will be home. The latter is the most important…obviously! That day cannot come soon enough. My future is open, it is away from this place. I will be free. Free from here, free from strangers, and free from the mountainous desert. I cannot be surrounded by careless people, there is no hope for them either. I am disappointed, I am over this. I have my conscience telling me to stay true to myself and a cheering committee waiting for my return.

A constant smile is not always as it seems, we live in fear for things gone wrong and wondering what possibly could be done to make things right. A plastered smile gets me through the days, and I like to think it helps others too. I piece of helpful cheer goes a long way, I love those moments when friends go out of their way to crack a smile. Thank heaven for them. I like to think I help them smile too from time to time, it is them who make the time pass by.

Stay true to yourself no matter how hard it is. Don’t forget the passion that got you started on your route in the first place. And ALWAYS believe in yourself…

Other than the dust and smog I can say that the living conditions and scenery aren’t too bad, it’s awfully congested here with over 30,000 people roaming around. However, I don’t mind living in a room of 6 rather than a room tent of over 100 women. Needless to say that was quite an experience, may I never have to relive an event like that any time soon! It was so packed full of people and gear that I couldn’t walk around without stumbling on gear, chords, or random things that took up space. That tent was dangerous in and of itself! I’m very fortunate to have the location I live in now, I understand that, not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars!

My comms for the past two months have been in and out, I’ve seen places that, I can honestly say, I hope never to see again (*cough *cough Louisiana) in my lifetime. It’s just been one more thing that I can say is over and I got through it despite all the negativity I had, and I can look back and remind myself how difficult it was to be without those who I needed most: my family.I know I am young, and I know I have a lot to learn. If I have an open mind about the world, in general, I am much more likely to gain something from all the experiences I have. I am always surprised by those who could care less, those who would rather have their conveniences, comforts, and connections to the world they are already so familiar with. I love stepping outside the box sometimes, I have found that the Western world is much less empathetic than any other people. It’s always been difficult for me to understand that, I don’t think I ever will. I cannot expect everyone to have the same open mind as the next, but I don’t like to see those that live their life with patches over their eyes.

Life is new here, every day I learn something new, I just hope it stays that way…

This was during the AF half-marathon. I PR'd @ 1:39. I was excited, I took off over 3 mins from my previous time and this was a tough race!

Whew, now that my tangent is over with let me get back to my pro/con checklist! I was actually thinking about my checklist during my run (when I do my BEST brainstorming), and I think it’s quite useful for me to have it put out there as a visual. This gal is a visual responder, I see things and I usually follow through with doing them! Here it goes:

Running allows me to feel:

Rejuvenated

Relieved

Energized

Fearless

Strong

Confident

Boundless

Rewarded

Running helps me to:

Think Clearly

Recognize my strengths and weaknesses

Appreciate my body for what it can do

Be part of a community

Be part of races

See the world in a different light

Learn new areas by way of running

Expand my comfort zone

Run with my sisters

Manage my time wisely

Eat better for my body and its performance

Maintain my weight and body composition (this somehow ended up on the bottom of my list, my mind is either playing tricks or it’s transforming into a more positive machine…yep, I like that idea!

I push my limits when:

It’s rainy

When I run a route foreign to me

I am beyond exhaustion and my inner voice challenges me to go further

I’m hungry and I go out for a run instead

It’s below 20 degrees and I go out for a run

It’s pitch black outside and all I have is myself and the darkness unknown

I run with strangers

I am overly confident in my running abilities to others despite my inner weaknesses

I lose my modesty

Wow,  I don’t know about your list but I know my list is pretty lengthy in terms of positives. Now let’s look at the negatives of running:

Negatifs de ne running (I think I like my slang/ebonics language!):

Possible bone loss (Note** running has been proven to increase one’s bone density, I’ll take my chances)

Time dedication

Costliness (I don’t really spend my money on anything else, it’s a healthy habit and it could be worse…

Ummm I couldn’t really think of anything else. It seems to me that I’ve talked myself down quite a bit…I know I am capable of running the distance. I truly believe it’s our minds getting into the way of things. If we all took a moment to talk ourselves through the temptation of quitting we wouldn’t get anywhere. We would all be a part of the Wall-E world. Who wants that? Hopefully no one! So…

Stomp the laziness and get-a-movin’! Take care friends, I’ll post when I can!

Here is the beautiful boy-Pardon me, I’m not wearing makeup…I was running short on time! I wish I had taken more, but I wasn’t really thinking too much about my camera as I was enjoying the moment. I can only imagine how big he will be once I get home…I can’t wait to have him over for the weekend…Shhhh don’t tell my sister!He’s a pretty cool little guy! I can already tell he’s going to cause so many problems, he’s going to be an energetic one. I only know this because my sister and brother law are always in 8 locations at any one time (exagerration? maybe, good guess…YES!)

I love that he fits perfectly in my arms, and he only cries when he’s getting his diaper changed. Such a good baby! We’ve already said he’s going to be so spoiled…I mean, really, he is the FIRST BOY in our immediate family! Woot-woot! This is kinda an exciting time for the fam!

That’s all I got for now! I hope to get a few more chances to write here soon!

I want to start first by thanking those of you who prepared me for what I am about to see and do, I haven’t left yet (I soon will) and I feel like all the advice I have been given provided me with a foundation for what to- and – not do. Luckily, I took the advice and reminded myself (when necessary) that it could be worse. It’s so true, maybe that’s a bad way to look at life but it’s always helpful for me. It always helps to have a different perspective, and it always helps to look through someone else’s eyes. So, thank you newfound friends, friends and otherwise strangers. I look forward to writing more, updating runninginger, and posting my workouts. I haven’t been fortunate enough to run like I’ve wanted, but I’ve made sure to get in some time…I do know that I’m happy to be a runner!

I’ve decided I’m not a fan of the state of Louisiana, I hope to never EVER go back. I don’t think I’ve missed home that much for a long time, and I knew I was in for a treat the moment I saw shrimp in an old rusty freezer/refrigerator type box that was filled with water and shrimp…GROSS! I wish I took a picture just as a souvenir, unfortunately I didn’t! I knew the three weeks that followed would be something I would never forget…so true!

I can appreciate living in crappy conditions, really! I mean, who gets excited about stepping into a clean porter pottie? Not too many, right? Or who gets REALLY excited when they can use a public restroom after using a porter for weeks on end…I know I DO! I love my friend’s faces when they see something that is gross, socially unacceptable or disgusting. In my mind all I can think revert to is the idea that it’s really NOT THAT BAD, but then again they don’t really know what bad is…or so I think. I feel like I’ve been able to toughin’ up, but maybe that’s just me!

Now, let me talk about the food/workout situation. Louisiana was probably every vegetarian and/or healthy eater’s worst nightmare! I have never seen food this awful, really! We had the same meal at least 4 nights out of the week and it was never good, I ended up eating whole fruits and bread…oh, I also ate oatmeal and lots and lots o’ PB! Holy-ish…Heinz makes PB, who would have thought? It’s tasty, but I love my Maranatha PB and I found a new-old PB (JIF Natural PB)…you should all check it out! For the price the Jif is amazing, it tastes like it’s super expensive. Yum num num

I have come to find that I like running with people, for the longest time I’ve been fearful of running with people because I never thought I was good enough. I enjoy the conversation, and I enjoy running at different speeds sometimes regardless if they run significantly slower than I am used to. I like helping people and encouraging people to run harder and faster, someone recently told me I inspired them…that made me feel really good. Thank you even if you’re not reading! Running is and has always has been on my mind. If I don’t do it I’m not the happiest girl on the block, but I’ve also learned that not doing it is okay too so long as I get back into the swing of things the next day or soon after.

I’ve come to learn a few things about myself, I truly believe that each day provides a new set of struggles. The struggles may not be big or really all that significant but each one begins a little differently and all of them require perseverance. Through perseverance comes strength and with strength comes determination. It’s good that I like a challenge from time to time, I’ve come to appreciate myself, my body, and strangers more than I ever thought possible within a month’s time. I have been dealt a lucky hand among the challenges I face today and in the coming days, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

I found myself alone shortly after I mobed. Not only did I find myself surrounded by a group of strangers, but I had selected my destiny for myself so complaining about it was of no use to me or anyone else. I grew a chip on my shoulder for a few days before I realized that I was of no help to anyone moping around like a girl who just heard bad news. I picked myself up and dusted myself off…that’s all it took. Now it sounds a lot easier written down than it really is or was but that’s what it comes down to. I had a friend from back in the day that told me I needed to let things go, he didn’t put it in as kind of words as those but he certainly got his point across. I should take a moment and let him no his advice has been useful-hmmm I’ll get on that! I keep telling myself to stay open minded and FLEXIBLE…ask me how I’m doing in a few months, things might change in terms of how much flexibility I can stand.

I will do my best to post what I can…stay tuned for updates and anything else I can muster! Take care, friends!

I love the idea of teamwork, it’s so important to make sure work environments, work-like projects, and time at work is well spent. Teamwork truly makes the workplace more exciting, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about what it would have been like to be at work on any given day back at home. I think of them often, and to tell all of you the truth I miss them. I know they’re reading

One of the first days I met my team, we did a little hub workshop that broke the ice. Not only did we talk about our personal goals, expectations, and ourselves but we also spoke about what the idea teamwork meant. Often times we take for granted what makes our lives complete. I think what I have learned in the past year or so is how much the people in my life affect me. It’s better to get along than to quarrel with those you have to see day in and day out.

I like change, I tend to embrace it better than most. Of course there’s this fear I have of breaking routine but I’ve found that I tend to get over that rather quickly. There are things in our lives that we cannot control; however, if you are unhappy in the lifestyle you live there’s always the one underlying factor people are afraid to consider: change. I think it was Muhatma Gandhi that said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Why can’t we all live like that? Why must we live in the shoes of someone else? Why wait?

I’ve made some personal choices in my life I wasn’t always sure of, we can’t expect to make all the right choices all the time. Sometimes we don’t consider those in our lives who become directly effected by our actions, but we must not wait around in the event a horrific accident occurs. We can’t predict the future. We make our futures, and I love that! Life is about living and learning, and loving what you’ve learned along the way.  Our experiences make us who we are, and often lead us to where we end up (eventually). Maybe I’ll try floating for a bit…how can I work that one?

I hope everyone has an empowering day, week, month or moment!

Is there anything you would like to change in the next year, five, or ten years for yourself?

Some people have said that I eat bird food, and nothing that I eat looks appetizing. So not true! I know it tastes good so there must be something in there that others like, right? Don’t get me wrong, I can get all the free veggies I want now, but it’s not the same. It’s SOOO not the same, anyone that has occupied a military post for long periods of time knows this. I think it is for this reason that military installations have BK’s, DQ’s, Subways, coffee shops, and whatever else is abroad. What better way to make a soldier feel at home than to bring “home” to them? In this case, “home” is the convenience of a fast food joint! So, even though I am somewhat jealous of the women who post their diet/meal plans/food concoctions all over the wonderful world wide web, I am going to frequent them as often, if not more often, than I have been to pretend that I am doing the same! I will have to make note of the recipes I want to try, I’m thinking this is going to be a VERY long list! Ladies, post away! I will be watching!

Let me get back to associating happiness with food and vice versa. People often create mind games for themselves, I like to call it trickery. Our minds play games with us to see how strong we really are, we deprive ourselves of foods we love and, in turn, our bodies become an unforgivable mold of what we thought we wanted. We give up to get. It then becomes a relentless cycle of self defeat, we obsess about getting what we want and straying away from any part of that goal would mean failure. At times we make these extravagant, unrealistic goals for ourselves. Sometimes making smaller goals allows us to reach the goal we wanted all along-the extravagant one. Having an all or nothing attitude prevents us from enjoying what it is that makes us happy. We become so obsessed that we make sacrifices in our lives: going out for a drink with friends, being spontaneous, or going on a trip. I know I’ve done it, I’ve given up on events that I regret now (and may possibly have then), but then I thought it was the best for my training, workout, or lifestyle (to include dietary needs)…aka obsession! I look back now and wonder how much different my life would have been if I wasn’t so obsessed with this pound or that, a missed long work out or a training run. Perhaps my life would have been different, but I may never know. I’m making slow strides on improving my philosophy on life, diet, and personal goals. I also understand that goals take time, and I can make slow progressions toward achieving those goals, but forcing myself to accomplish all of them right now is a very hard task for anyone…even if you’re Super Woman!

This is me making myself happy, I’ve made my own choices and I’m living through them. I cannot control everything that happens in my life, schedules are not absolute, and I go through life living with and loving those who surround me! Food, diet, and exercise are important but realism is a must. We cannot live happy if we’re bound to restrictions that keep us from living happily and fully, right? I cannot stop the world revolving, so why should you?

Live in the moment, friends! Don’t get stuck in the trap! Enjoy your family and friends while you can, you never know what fate has in store!

What would be the hardest thing for you to give up if you absolutely had to?

We had so much fun last night! I guess I can only speak for myself, but I am really glad I went out. It was my first time going out, out since I’ve been 21. These are the girls I’ve spent most of my New Year’s with, and every year I have such a fun time! Most of us wanted to go out and dance, and that’s what we did! We didn’t get too crazy, but we all got our dance on! I will admit, there was this one creepy guy that kept following us…he was bothering me the most. I couldn’t help but laugh, it was probably a rude thing but I guess my shuffle AWAY from him didn’t give him any hints. Maybe it was the alcohol…;)

This was such an eventful year, I’m going to recap for you just a little bit so you have a rough idea of what life has been like. My dad went back to work in the beginning of 2009, he had a horrific, traumatic accident in July 2008 and was unable to work because of it. With hard work (and plenty of relaxation, too) he was able to return. My grandfather passed away in early 2009 after cancer took his life, that was hard for all of us. I was supposed to deploy in ‘09, but 60 + days before the deployment I was taken off, I graduated college (woot-woot), I got a job working with a great group of folks, I took a leap at a relationship (a long distance one, ouch!), my friend came back from Iraq, I volunteered for a deployment, my older sister is pregnant {I’m going to miss the birth of my first nephew }, I applied to grad school and got in, and now I’m just living! I must admit, my life since college has been a lot less stressful, but I want to go back…call me crazy!

As you can see, a lot has happened…both good and bad. I just hope that this year is on a more positive path…I can hope, can’t I?  I could begin to write down a bunch of resolutions about what I hope for the future. I really don’t like the idea of resolutions because it’s almost like we’re saying we’re all defeatists, and we have failed at something. I don’t think that is always the case. I think, more often than not, that we live through our mistakes and learn to adapt to them. So, if we have goals and we steer off the narrow path it’s our minds telling us to go about it a different way. Perhaps we set very difficult goals, or goals that are not as attainable as we would like. My running mantra tells me one step at a time, so why not take a life like that? I guess what I’m trying to say is that rather than making resolutions for myself I would rather set realistic goals!

To accomplish these goals, I will most definitely require a positive attitude. Through the good times and the bad I’ve learned that my attitude sets the tone for how I come out alive! Aside from that, my friends and family will also play a huge part in my success, happiness, and sanity.

Here’s my New Year’s Wish List that I’ve drafted:

Start a consistent running schedule to include half-marathon training (it’s been a year since I’ve trained for anything…so sad!)

Find the motivation to work on stellar abs (find a workout plan to work on said abs)

Take advantage of extra time available after work to: 1) Talk with family via Skype 2) read books off my long reading list! (it’s growing larger and larger) and 3) make time for new acquaintences

Apply to Grad School…did it once, I know I can do it again!

Work toward making my site better for my viewers, and make it so discussion is readily flowing

Drink tea (I got some great teas for Christmas, I’m planning on taking those in my tough box!)

Go to local bazaars (this one won’t be hard, I’m a woman who loves to shop!)

Use my inner strength to keep myself motivated, always look at the upside, and don’t let the things I can’t control overwhelm my spirit and attitude

Enjoy life!

Number Wish for the Upcoming Year: Come Home Safe!

That’s all I got! This year will bring plenty of new experiences, I will hope for the best! I will keep y’all posted on new events occuring as often as I can. I hope to motivate, inspire, and keep viewers at my fingertips!

Do you have any New Year’s wishes? Is there anything you would like to change in 2010 for yourself or family?

Happy New Year, Friends!

]]> http://runninginger.com/2010/01/a-tribute-to-my-friends/feed/ 3 http://runninginger.com/2009/12/the-snow-came-falling-down/ http://runninginger.com/2009/12/the-snow-came-falling-down/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:51:47 +0000 Sarah http://runninginger.com/?p=116 Disclaimer: This post was written over two days ago, but I still think it’s a fun one to share with y’all!

Today was such a great day! I think I really needed a day just like this one too, I feel rejuvenated and I also feel relieved. I feel rejuvenated because I ran farther than my normal runs (9 miles, woot-woot!), and my body feels great! I feel relieved because I did fear that I wouldn’t have been able to do it, a nine mile run was a typical one day a week thing for me a year ago. I was always training for something, so I wanted to be in tip-top shape!  For a while my runs were minimum 7 miles and I didn’t even feel complete then, but over time I’ve learned that it’s quality not quantity. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post where I discuss my past eating, exercise, and lifestyle.

Back to today! It was snowing all morning, after I had breakfast I decided to read a little bit. Obviously I’m getting closer and closer to the end, I enjoy this book but it’s a downer. I sometimes wish I didn’t like non-fiction so much, my imagination leads me to become part of the story. I’m currently reading Standard Operating Procedure by Philip Gourevitch. It’s a very insightful read, but it’s one moment in our country’s history I wish never happened. Anywho, after reading for a bit I went on my merry way to the gym. I had intentions of running a long one, but I just kept going, and going, and going…

During my run I was watching True Life: I’m Deaf…whoa, that was amazing! It’s amazing how determined people are to hurdle obstacles. As I was thinking about how difficult it was for someone who is hearing impaired, I thought about how much importance we give to things we CAN control, but can’t seem to find it’s niche to counter it. Take, for example, the deaf community. They want so badly to be able to hear feet on the ground, the sound of chatter, or a door bell ring but they cannot. People of all kinds worry so much about this pound or that pound, the newest video game, player trade, or who’s dating who in the celebrity world. Take a second to think about that…do any of those things really matter? No, they are wonderful things to have but they’re not necessities.  What I’m trying to say is that we can control our pleasures and temptations much more than a different hand at life. We don’t appreciate what we should, and we should feel privileged because our able bodies do so much for us to keep us running. Sometimes it’s important for us to take a step back, appreciate what we have rather than not, and enjoy our bodies/lives/and those who are in our lives for what they are! I realized all of this while running!

Well, blog lovers…I suppose I better get going. I have quite a few things to accomplish before I head to bed.

First, though, what do you appreciate? Have you ever had an epiphany and had a moment of self reflection? Lata tatas!

Well, I can’t exactly say that our dinner was a disaster. I can, however, say that no one planned for sides, we didn’t have an apple pie (my favorite), and the rolls weren’t rising- not once or twice, but 3 times! Luckily, we managed to throw some things together and it all worked out, the rolls were good but slightly different from the normal, fluffy ones, and I chose chocolate. Oh yes, I reached for the chocolate. I don’t know what came over me, was it the Wilbur buds or the homemade fudge (courtesy of my cousin Tina…woot-woot!) that threw me through a loop? I’m not sure, all I know is that I ate more chocolate tonight than I do in an entire year. That’s the truth! I’m more of a sweet, candy type person. Gimme a bag o’ jelly beans and I’m a happy gal, but I threw tradition out the window and reached for a much more palatable treat! So, thank you Wilbur Bud Chocolate Co and thank you Tina!

It began to snow tonight, it’s beautiful! I’ve been waiting for the snow to reach the sticking point, being from NWI I am able to identify sticking snow and non-sticking snow. I’m sure anyone who comes from the Midwest can tell the difference, I like to think that those of us near lakefronts REALLY experience winter effects. Jeesh…we often wonder if winter ever ends…I like to think that I can handle any weather condition. I honestly think I can experience warm, cold, rain, shine, sleet, and a blizzard in a 24 hour period. Kinda crazy…that’s how I know I’m close to home! It’s funny, people from the Midwest are obsessed with the weather. People (often strangers) start a conversation asking about the weather, or commenting about how the weather has been…boring, right? It’s the Midwestern way, we never know what to expect. It’s almost like the lottery…only not nearly as exciting as winning free money. But…we can still wake up and say SURPRISE!

I’m planning a long run tomorrow…actually, I’m planning on running a mini! I’m in the process of convincing the mancandy (yep, my boy) to run a race. Which race you ask? The Indy mini-marathon! We will actually be in the same country at the same time! It’s great, actually, for those of you who don’t know. There are certain races that coordinate with a liaison (that’s what I’m going to call them, but they’re really a coordinator) at Army posts, so they can participate while abroad. I think it’s such a great opportunity for those who are deployed to stay motivated, fit, and to feel connected to family and friends at home. My sister, Jennifer, and I don’t live in the same town. Luckily we live in the same state, but we’ve always lived a distance away. Well, Jennifer is my running partner. She’s been my training buddy ever since I began running races. We went through the tough runs together, the de-motivating runs, the fun runs, long bike rides, and I can’t forget our rewarding treat nights! Ice cream…nom nom nom! Let me tell you, a support system is the greatest thing you can have….wherever you get it! Support, support, support! Well, this time I might have to work a little harder to make sure he follows through with runnin’! I, really, just want him to appreciate the fact that he can do it! That’s the best part…well, that and knowing that I can have an amazing dessert afterwards!

So, that’s my newest motivation…thing to look forward to…and thing to work for. I would definitely like to train for a triathalon in the future. If you must know, I think a half-Ironman would be really stellar! It’s a mind over matter mission, though. I’ll stick with the half for now!

Well, I must know. What was your Christmas like? Did you have any new memories? Dishes you definitely have to have again? Things you wish didn’t find themselves on the table?

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas! Oooo, Oooo, Oooo….I forgot to mention I got a really neat LED headlight! Haha, YEP! It’s a headband with a light so I can run in the dark, be hands free and work out in the dark, or be my cool self and rock the light! It’s great! I’ll have to let you know how it works out!

Merry Christmas!