Disconnected...and tribute tuesday

I have been very very disconnected in blog land lately (as in the last month) and it's bled over into twitter, fb and all other forms of social media I once perused with diligence and excitement...but lately getting on a computer to type, or read, or interact has been more of "a thing on my to do list" rather than something I've wanted to do or even had the energy to do.

I tweeted a while ago that I lost my groove..... I was speaking to my "wanna be triathlon" groove - but my "groove" has now taken on the definition of anything outside of work. 

I've been exceptionally busy at work; which is a GREAT thing - more responsibility = more pay but that also means earlier/later hours - more events - less time to train - less time for laundry - less time for general housekeeping -less Bill time - and less time all together.... this typically means blogging, FB, and Twitter gets pushed to the back burner; which makes me sad b/c I loose track with all my virtual friends.

I feel like a BAD BAD blogger but my blogging funk has got to pass - right?

Until then - I may be a little sparse...... hold tight - this to shall pass.........

Tribute Tuesday Week 8 - (I kinda stole this one from my 30 day challenge too - but updated it a little)
(not sure what TT is... click HERE...)
My sisters.....

I am the baby of three girls.  (all of us are blonde) :)  Paige, Anna and Allison....
Paige:
We all share the same dad but Paige has a different mom.  We are technically half sisters - but our relationship is anything but half..... Anna and I grew up with Paige at family events etc but she was raised by her maternal grandparents .  They adopted her when my Dad and her mom divorced. 

As we got older the separation grew and eventually the relationship was non-existent.  I remember the first time I saw her after being an adult, at our Aunt's wedding a few years before our dad died.  It was awkward but I longed to get to know her.  The last time I remember seeing her before that was at her wedding when I was in the 8th grade.  She is 10 years older than me.

Of course when our dad died we were thrown together like strangers in a locked room.  What do you talk about...what do you say?  We had two totally different (yet totally similar) relationships with our deceased father...talk about a loss for words. and I rarely have those....like EVER!

I remember walking up to the front door holding hands with Bill to our "family" meeting regarding services for my dad and I looked at Bill and said "Oh by the way I have another sister" - we had been dating 12 months and I never told him about my sister!  He was so freaked out.... Is there a need that early in a relationship to air all of your families laundry?  We laugh about it now and more times than not when going to any family function, even 6 years later, he asks "So, are there any other sisters I don't know about" - at least we keep it humours.

From that moment my relationship with Paige has never been the same.  We are so close.  I was in the delivery room with her and my brother in love when my precious baby girl Shelby was born.  A little over a year prior we hadn't spoken and now I was helping her deliver a baby!!!! It was THE most surreal moment of my life.  Paige and I have become more than sisters...we are friends and I'm super proud to call her both.  I love her and her family so much and am thankful everyday that with such a hard situation of loosing a parent brought me a sister.  She is my silver lining.......
Anna:
Anna and I are more "typical" - we are separated by 3 years and 10 months.  We had the typical sibling rivalry growing up. She hated me for a period of about 6 years when I wanted to do everything she did.  I was always a round bugging her and annoying her and she hated loved every minute of it.  She is outspoken, opinionated and fiercely loyal.  She is 6'0 - strong and every ounce of dedicated.  When she puts her mind to it she can WILL accomplish ANYTHING!  She has two great kids, Kaylee and Cooper that I am so proud of. 

When we were kids she was so mischievous.... I on the other hand was by the book (more times than not).  She was 16 (maybe 17) and had her own phone line...that puts me around 12/13....

I had an old school radio (that played REAL actual vinyl records) - it was plugged into the same wall that her phone line was on.  If you tuned the radio to the right station you could tune in her conversation...I'm totally serious - not exaggerating AT ALL.  I would listen - get some good juicy gossip and then use it against her when she would try and call me out on something I had done wrong.  It took her FOREVER to figure out what was going on - It was golden for me :) Until my parents found out - then I got in trouble.

Anna loved to see me get in trouble... I think it was satisfaction for her in some form.... She is my biggest cheerleader and the best advice giver.  You can ask her anything and she will have good advice for you.

My sisters are my best friends... each of them are independent, loving, and special to me in their own ways.  Without either of them I would be lost on a daily basis (and not be an aunt -which would s.u.c.k.).  I love them more than chocolate cake - and that's a whole freakin' lot.

To my sisters - I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!

Tribute Tuesday - Mother's Day edition

Tribute Tuesday – Week 7 – Sorry I missed last week; things just got away from me…..Not sure what we are doing? Click HERE

In honor of Mother’s Day I thought I would tribute my Mom (my mommy, mother, patti, meme, and so much more!)

I wrote this below – a while ago during my 30 day challenge about my parents and thought it was perfect to repost today with pics!

My Mom:

The youngest of two children, the only girl.  She grew up riding horses and was more than once the rodeo queen.  She raced barrels competitively and loved being around her horses.  She was a cheerleader as well and was every young man's dream.

She went to college for a short time and decided it wasn't for her.  She ended up graduating from secretarial school at the advice of my grandfather who said "you don't have to go to college, but you have to do something".  She was employed shortly after graduation at Southwest Airlines where she continues to work today.

My mom is the prime example of hard work, dedication, unconditional love and acceptance.  She had a strong disciplinarian hand but a soft heart.  There was always more love than you could imagine, even when she was exceptionally pissed off.  She can put anyone in their place...from jackasses to CEO's and attorneys.  She is completely fearless, a pillar of strength, and every ounce of what I hope to be as a mother.

She is timeless, the perfect MeMe(grandmother), the perfect and BEST mom I could ever ask for.  She gave me my determination, drive, and every strand of my blonde hair.  She can't deny me - we look way too similar.  She is my mother, my best friend, and mentor.  I am lucky to call her MOM and I hope she feels like she won with me!

Me and Mom

Our family

At my first half Marathon!

Christmas Eve - wine is ALWAYS included!

At Jess' wedding

Always there to support me!

And have a few coldies....

And then do a little jig....

I love you MOM!!!!

Tribute Tuesday - Week 4 - NOLA Edition

There is a saying in triathlon that goes like this:

The swim is all about focus, The bike is all about patience, The run is all about heart......

At least for me - this holds true.  Open water swimming is my least favorite thing EVER - behind mushrooms and mayonnaise.  If I can get through the swim I know I will be OK! More on my plans for each discipline later this week....

Tribute Tuesday Time again and this one is special. Not that ALL of them haven't been special but this one is really special because it's NOLA time.  29 weeks of training - 1 day - 3 disciplines and 1 very pretty medal at the end. (I actually have no idea what the medal looks like, but it could be the shape of a cow turd and I would be happy)

Not sure what Tribute Tuesday is? Click Here....

Tribute Tuesday - Week 4 - The New Orleans Edition

This week I thought I would pay tribute to all of you who have helped me in this process of training for NOLA.  It hasn't been easy all of the time, it hasn't always been fun, but it's always worth it and I am proud to compete and have all of you Angels/Ninja's with me on Sunday. 

I wanted to pay special tribute to some very special people so I broke up the race into the split times and dedicated each segment to a person.  So while I'm on that part of the course I will be thinking of that person (along with many many other things/people I'm sure).

So here we go.....

Swim - 1.2 miles - Coach Lea.  Lea has been integral in my training.  Without her I'm not sure I would have done this.  She was a God send to me the day I called Run On! asking for someone to speak at my work for our wellness initiative.  God knew what he was doing when he sent Lea to my office.  She has pushed my limits and coached me to places I never thought I would go.  She has celebrated with me, encouraged me and continues to push me beyond what I think I am capable of.  She is an amazing woman, wife, and triathlete.  Her heart is made of pure gold.  I dedicate the swim to her because she has helped me immensely with my swim.  She had me go to Master's swim a few days a week and through her coaching and others at Masters I improved my form and time (and a flip turn here and there).  Lea’s voice will be with me as I swim in NOLA – stay focused, don’t push it to hard, breath and HAVE FUN!

Bike – Split 1;28 miles (1-28)  - Cayla.  Need I say anymore than this post? She is the reason I am a triathlete today.  Without her diving into this crazy sport 2 years ago with me, I wouldn’t be here.  She is the best friend a girl could ask for.  I know you will be with me as I hop on my bike and head out into NOLA – I maybe thinking about the crazy times we’ve had in New Orleans on girl’s trips (which will make me crave a hurricane) or the wonderful conversations we’ve had on our bikes or a host of many other things we’ve been through during the last 10 years.  But you will be with me silently motivating me and pushing me to the end.  Thank you for your unwavering friendship.

Bike – Split 2 – 28 miles (29-56) - Jason.  You probably know Jason – he’s like an Internet sensation with his super amazing blog Cook Train Eat Race.  He is an inspiration and if you don’t know him you are surely missing out.  His blog is full of healthy food, tips, reviews, and generally everything you need to know about everything…seriously – he’s like an encyclopedia!  Jason has been an inspiration to me since the day I found him on the world wide web.  I can’t remember what led me to his old site but I read his profile, realized he lived in the town I grew up in and VOILA!  We met for the first time at our blogger meet up before White Rock. I also met his adorable wife, Karen (WHO NEEDS TO GET A BLOG), Lesley (Racing It Off), John (Emergence) and Jason’s coach – Claudia (IrunItri).  Jason has been a constant go-to source for all things triathlon, food, etc related.  He is full of knowledge, motivation, inspiration and laughs.  We’ve had two enjoyable rides together and our last ride on Saturday was just what I needed for that final boost of confidence heading into NOLA.  Jason constantly drives me to become the best me I can be – whether that is through comments on my blog, twitter, fb, text, conversation – whatever the mode – he makes me better at what I love to do.  Jason, thank you for all your support, your help, and your friendship.  You will never know the great strides I have made that I can attribute directly to you.  You are the best and I am so thankful I met you and Karen.  You two are wonderful examples of marriage, family and healthy living.  Thank you for all you have done for me.

Run – Split 1 – 3.275 miles (1-3.275) – Cassie.  Cassie doesn’t have a blog so I can’t link to her….but hopefully she will soon enough!  Cassie just finished her first half ironman in Galveston last weekend and I am so proud of her it is overflowing!  Cassie and I have known each other since college.  We were in an organization together, Aggie Orientation Leaders.  She is truly a wonderful person.  Her heart is full of compassion, determination, self discipline and true grit.  She knows how to get into the trenches and do the work.  She is an inspiration to me every day and another driving force behind why I started triathlon.  While on FB one day (over 2 years ago) I saw that Cassie had completed her first Sprint Distance Triathlon in 2008 and had posted pictures.  This was coinciding with the time my girlfriends and I started our weight loss challenge.  I thought – man that is interesting and impressive.  Because I had seen that she had competed in a tri – it sparked my interest.  Cassandra – if it wasn’t for you I don’t know if triathlon would have ever crossed my mind.  Because of you I found the sport I love.  I watch you and your accomplishments and you drive me to do more.  I know we don’t talk that often, or train together that often (which should change!) but you should know that you are always with me, motivating, inspiring me and helping me become the best I can be!

Run – Split 2 - 3.275 miles (3.276 – 6.55) – Amber – At this point in the race there is a good possibility I will see you, Bill and my mom with hurricane in hand chasing me through the streets of New Orleans.  I am so thankful you are going to be there to cheer me on and support me.  You are such an important part of my life and I am so thankful over the last 2 years we have reconnected and developed the friendship we have today.  You are my daily blessing.  Thank you for coming to NOLA to be part of my support team – because of you I ran my first ever 8 miler (remember dancing down Avenue I?) and my second half marathon.  You are the best friend, a loving wife and a wonderful mother.  I am lucky to call you my friend and am so lucky I have you in my life

Run – Split 3 - 3.275 miles (6.55 – 9.84) – Bill- OH Bill…what can I say about my love!  Without him I KNOW this wouldn’t be possible.  Because of him THIS IS POSSIBLE!  His commitment to me and my lifestyle is more than any one girl deserves.  He is continually pushing me beyond my brink in regards to this journey.  He believes in me MORE than I believe in myself and knowing that you have that kind of support behind you is what keeps me going.  (That and his amazing hugs).  I do this for me – but inevitably it makes OUR life better.  You are the love of my life and I thank you for all you do to make this possible.  The days when I feel like crying you are there to push me out the door on my bike.  The days it hurts to run – you run with me.  The days I don’t want to swim – you go to the gym with me to make sure I get my work out in.  You are the absolute best thing that has happened to me and without your support this would all be for nothing.  You make sacrifices so I can get my training in – you stand for hours watching me run in races, you are always there with a camera and a smile at the end.  The feeling I get when you say “I’m proud of you Al” is the best feeling in the world (next to I love you) Knowing that I have done something to make you proud makes me smile. You are an amazing man Bill and I love every little last piece of you.  Thank you for all you do for me – the dinners, the laundry, all of it… without you this wouldn’t be possible.  Through the last few miles of this race I will run faster knowing that you are at the end waiting for me.

Run – Split 4 - 3.275 miles (9.85 – 13.1) – Jessica.  If you are new to the blog you may have searched through the posts to learn about Jess.  Here’s a quick few links if you want to learn more ( TTwk1, Letters to my BFF, another letter, tri for a cure )
I dedicated the last part of my run to Jess, although I know she will be with me the entire race.  My angel – she is with me all of the time.  But I have a hankering feeling I will need her most at the end…when it hurts, when I will more than likely be in tears, I will need her to carry me on her angel wings to the finish.  She would be so proud and no doubt would be standing at the end waiting for me to finish.  I miss you Jess but know that you are with me everyday.  Watch out for me on Sunday while I tackle this course as you tackled your disease.  Be with me through every splash, turn of the pedal and stride on the run; carry me on your wings to the finish and know that through this all I think of you every day.  You are my inspiration.

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Race Week...

Holy Crap - 29 weeks of training culminate this week in New Orleans... I can't believe it's here.  I woke up this morning so super excited...also with a cough and runny nose.  I need a doctor STAT to shoot me up with some B12 - I will be calling around.

I can't believe it's here.... I've been thinking and mulling and agonizing over this week.  It's going to be the longest 4 days of work EVER...EVER!!!!!

So this weekend was packed full of training and fun...it was my last long ride/run before NOLA and the sun was out and shining.

Jason and I headed out for a 2 hour on Saturday.... I came home with this...



OUCH!!!

 Sunday - I ran a lazy 5 miles (I was supposed to do 7).  Bill was running in the Original Mud Run in Ft. Worth so I trailed behind them taking pictures...it was a great way to log some miles..... I didn't kill myself but wasn't really "running" either.....ah well....it is what it is and I felt great afterwards!

So I've been thinking about all I've learned/accomplished over the last 29 weeks.... Here's a few...this week more than likely will be dedicated to all things triathlon (NOLA especially) so hang in there...then I'm sure I'll have more stories similar to brownie batter and hummus :)

Things I've learned while training for a half ironman....

1.  It is possible to train for a long distance triathlon and maintain a decent pedicure.  Ask me...I routinely got pedicures during my training :)

2.  Wear sunscreen - always wear sunscreen....don't believe me?  Look up....

3.  You can train alone - although it's more fun with friends.  Thank you to everyone who has logged miles with me be it on a bike, in the pool, or on the pavement.  You have each inspired me more than you know.

4.  Sometimes a long run by yourself is just what you need to shake "that kind of day"

5.  Working out (training for something in particular) makes me a better person. I feel better knowing I'm working towards something.

6.  I take TERRIBLE Race pictures.... what an example?


  

Why can't I look "cool" on the bike - maybe it's because I'm so pale I look pink-ish in color

 

Amber looks cute! I look like I'm in PAIN!



I actually like this one :) Gratuitous shot!

7.  Having a blog to categorize every inch of my life, my training, has been a remarkable asset for me.  Having a bad day? I can blast it to all of you and immediately feel better!  More than that I can recap my entire experience through my posts and that makes me smile.

8.  You don't have to give up your life to train for something you want.  You will make sacrifices.  You will cry sometimes, you smile sometimes, but it's always worth it.

9.  People think I am WAY cooler than I really am when you tell them "I'm training for a half ironman" - I am a nerd at heart and at no point up until the last 29 weeks did I ever consider my self an "athlete"

10.  I know that I have a lifestyle that is healthy which will eventually provide my children a healthy life, give them a mom who will be alive for a long time to nag them, love them, hug them and guide them through life.

Don't forget tomorrow is Tribute Tuesday...... Click the page up top to see what it is all about!! And head over to Janette's blog and wish her Congratulations!!!!!!! Exciting things happening over there!

Tribute Tuesday - Week Three.... Grab a C.A.B.

Sorry for the delay in getting this posted today - no excuse other than I've been busy at work. 

Not sure what this post is about... click HERE... I added a page dedicated to our linky party! Or you can access it from up there at the top of the blog!

Tribute Tuesday - 4/5/2011

I've decided that this post is not meant only to pay tribute to the sweet sweet people in my life who I love and adore or who motivate me, or who put up with my neurotic, borderline straight jacket, ways but to let YOU into my life.  MY REAL LIFE...not my fake, I have a blog and I'm going to pretend like everything is hunky-dory, sunshine and roses, unicorns and candy life.....I mean my REAL it sometimes sucks, most of the time is pretty awesome (you only have one), bad things happen but you can over come them with a smile and a vodka, LIFE - L.I.F.E.  Live It Full Everyday!

"Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans"

So this week...you get to meet C.A.B. Cayla, Quayla, Queef-la (don't ask Bill named her that), Cay Cay, the peanut butter to my jelly, the salt to my pepper, the "pay day" to my "skittles" (more on that later), she's been there through just about every life changing event in my life (including this triathlon stuff)...
Cayla and I met the summer before my junior year of college.  I had decided to go to A&M and her roommate, Kristin, had decided to move home to Houston.  I needed a place to live and through our mutual friend, Karen, we met, sub leased and VOILA – roommate we were!

It was a rough two years when Cayla and I lived together…. We didn’t like each other very much.  In fact, we didn’t talk all that much, except in passing… you wouldn’t know that now considering we talk everyday, usually 2 or 3 times.

I won’t bore you with the details – but we became close in 2003 when Cayla’s fiancée (at the time) was stationed in Killeen.  They were going to a military ball one weekend and a friend needed a date, enter me, the rest is history….

When Cayla’s ex-husband was deployed to Iraq I spent many many days and nights on the road between College Station and Killeen, as did Cayla.  The 12 months that he was deployed was probably when Cayla and I became close.  We spent the summer of 2004 floating the river and trying to kill time until he came home.  It ended up being the best 12 months b/c we grew so close.  It was miserable at times, what she went through while he was away, but I’m thankful we had that time to grow close and develop the friendship we have today.

Cayla is my partner in crime.  Period.  Pretty much any crazy idea either of us have we go with it.  For example, triathlon.

In 2008, after Bill and I had broken up, I was laid off, and absolutely miserable…..I knew I had to do something.  I had to get up off the couch…I had to stop literally lying in my misery day after day …. I couldn’t continue to do laundry, search for jobs, and drink wine during the day…people frown on that.

I decided to start working out.  About this time all my girlfriends from college had decided to start a “biggest loser” type contest.  We had all packed on a few L.B.’s and loosing a few wouldn’t hurt.  The contest started in November 2008.  By the end of November I was job-less, boyfriend-less and fat…. Not a good combination.

While I was searching on the internet one day, and probably a few glasses of wine in I found a link to an event titled “My First Tri” – I immediately called Cayla.  This is how I remember our conversation…

Me: “I found an event – My First Tri”

Cayla” WHAT!” (laughing)

Me: “You know My First Triathlon…swim, bike, run, I think”

Cayla: “and….”

Me: “I want to do it”

Cayla: “I’ll do it with you”

Me: “OK – I’ll sign up”

This tells a lot about us…. She is ALWAYS there for me…no matter what.  Just this weekend she rode with me for 30 miles around downtown Dallas after being in Odessa until like midnight the day before.

She is selfless.

She is loyal.  She is beautiful. She is strong.  She is determined.  She is smart.  She is successful. She is someone to look up to and gives great advice.  I am so proud to call her my friend – and more like a sister.

Cayla – I love you to pieces and just don’t know what I do with out you. You have inspired and motivated me in ways I never thought possible. I remember one day (back in like 2009) we were riding our and I said to her... "Did you ever think 1 year ago we would be riding our bikes around Grapevine lake?" and she said "No, but I love it" and I said "me too"

Something’s are better shared with other people!

And now for your viewing pleasure….. PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!

The weekend before we started our weight loss challenge in 2008.  Me, Jess, Cay

Buying our first tri outfits....mandatory dressing room pic!

last weekend at Tour Dallas

One of my favorite pics of Cayla doing her best Sarah Palin impression

Girls Weekend 2007ish... lots of beer, lots lots of beer!

Cayla's Graduation party when she graduated with her Master's

Being Silly....

One year after our weight loss/active life style beginning

Finishers! My Frist Tri April 2009

In Kona HI for vacay!

She took care of me when I had surgery

Silly girls....

Weekend trip to L.A.

Many o' Ranger's games!

Urban Dare Dallas 2010

White Rock 1/2 - She is always there to support me!

And makes really good birthday cakes!

Tri #2 - Las Colinas, Texas June 2009

I have no idea... I just think this pic is funny

Two peas in a pod - um - I mean photo booth

Pay Day and Skittles....... our rapper names

Tribute Tuesday - Week Two - The Athlete's Edition

Not sure what we are doing?  Click HERE to find out and link up to our Tribute Tuesday posts!

Tribute Tuesday - Week Two - The Athlete's Edition

I haven't always been an "athlete" - I use the term loosely.  If you remember from last week I talked about how uncoordinated and awkward I was during seventh grade volleyball.  In 8th grade I ran track....I am not a sprinter, nor was I long distance runner (why did I run track again? It got me out of off season basketball) So the track coach thought I may be a good hurdle-er.... umm.....I'm a small skinny white girl with the ups of an elephant (did you know that elephants are the only land based mammal that can't jump? See you are learning things here at triandfinish.)  She put me in the 300m hurdles.... I tripped and fell in front of the stands at our district meet, in front of the boy I had a crush on and all the other spectators (they didn't really matter - the boy was the only one that mattered) Since then my "athlete" status has been in question.

When I found triathlon I was reluctant, not only because I was a terrible swimmer, hadn't been on a bike since I was 12, and ran at the pace of slug - but because I didn't know ANYONE who had done this before.  No one to ask advice to, no one to bounce ideas off of, and no one understood why on earth I wanted to attempt to swim, bike and run individually much less in one day.  I found a training program online and began training for my first triathlon.  Thank GOD Cayla is an awesome friend and jumped on board with me.  We began this journey - geared towards weight loss - and that Sunday, April 19, 2009 my life changed....

I couldn't do what I do without the love and support from some very special people in my life.  (Don't worry Bill is going to have his own Tribute Tuesday post soon enough) Between my family, my friends, my coach, and the blog world (that means you reading this right now) there are plenty of days that I wanted to quit and you kept me going.

But this post is not meant to be generic in nature - it is meant to highlight someone special...so....who will it be this week?  She is probably not expecting this - and probably would never think that I would feature her on this installment....but her inspiration to me is so motivating and moving it deserves recognition. (Not too mention she is about to pop any day now and maybe some extra emotion will help that baby come out quicker)

Christy - of Christy's Catastrophes

Christy and I have known each other for quite sometime. However, we always attended different schools and had different friends - we still knew each other (does that make sense?) We did go to college together but again had different circles of friends but ran into each other occasionally. I found her blog a long time ago and started reading.  She cracks me up - seriously - you should follow her - HILARIOUS.  But beyond that she inspires me every day.  Just the other day I was feeling anxious about NOLA and I went back and read her posts leading up to her IMCOZ debut.  I thought - if she can hammer out a freakin' Ironman - I can hammer out half of it.

(she's in the lime green)

Christy always leaves me sweet comments on my blog and super sweet FB messages and I know she is always there for a quick email advice on different things be it a bike, bike shoes, gear, gadgets, etc. I remember when I first was thinking about buying clip in pedals and wanted to buy used ones off of Craig's List..... she sent me a super informative email on what to look for, the different types of pedals, etc etc.

She really was my only resource for all things triathlon for quite sometime.

Christy - your hard work, dedication and love of triathlon over flows and inspires me each day.  You will never know the role you have played in me becoming a triathlete and the continued progress I make toward my goal.  You are a dedicated wife, a loving future mother (I would love to be your kid FYI), and a triathlete that I strive to be like.  Your dedication to the sport you love is admirable and I only hope to compete with the grace that you show each and every race.

Thank you for continuing to motivate and inspire me and helping me become the best triathlete I can be.  You are truly the best! I wish we lived closer so we could swim.bike.run together!

Just a couple of reminders about "the particulars"

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Two Quick Things...

1.  Don't forget to enter my favorite things giveaway HERE - it ends Thursday, March 31!

2.  Tomorrow is Tribute Tuesday!  Who do you want to tell that they inspire you, that you love them, that you think they pretty much rock your socks off???  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Click HERE and join the linky party tomorrow!!!!

Now - off to work - oh yes and to ice :)  Massage at 6pm can't come fast enough!!!!

P.S. Here's the link to my latest race report.....Rock and Roll Half

Tribute Tuesday - Week One

Tribute Tuesdays is a new weekly installment that will be jointly hosted here at TriandFinish as well as over at my friend Janette’s blog, Johanson Journey. 

Janette was inspired by my letters to BFF post(s) and contacted me to jointly host Tribute Tuesdays.  We often times forget to tell the people in our lives how special they are and what they mean to us.  Every day I tell Bill I love him, but how often do I tell him WHY I love him or recognize the little things he does?  Similar to my relationships with all of my girlfriends; they know I love them but do they really know how special they are to me?

I realized this when Jess got sick; so when Janette came to me with this idea I absolutely could not pass it up.  I think telling the people who inspire you and make your life better how they enrich your life is very important.  So without further a due, I debut (see how that rhymes)…….

Tribute Tuesday Week One.

We will start off with the particulars …… (Everything has rules right?)

1. Be or become a follower of this blog
2. Be or become a follower of Janette’s blog
3. Grab our button and put it on your page (you grab the code in the top left corner of my blog)
4. Once you create your Tuesday post – link up via the Simply Linked Widget below!

Each week we will pick one blog that has linked up to be the SHOWCASE BLOG OF THE WEEK (Sounds exciting huh?) We ask that you follow that blog as well….pretty soon we will have blogged hopped all over and can read each other posts.
You can tribute a friend, a relative, a co-worker, a training buddy, a teacher, a doctor, get the point? You can tribute anyone……

Some things to think about when compiling your post….if you need a jumping off point – if not go ahead and start writing....

*         How/Where you met
*         First thoughts and impressions
*         What made you two compatible
*         What you like most about that person
*         First Special Moment
*         How you are alike yet different
*         Things you love
*         Things you hate
*         Photos (I LOVE photos)

*            Silly moments

*            Traveling

Again, these are just ideas – roll with this how you want – I think that is the great part of our blog-o-sphere we can be creative and say what we want, when we want – right?

Tribute Tuesday – Week One – Jessica Ashley Gage Bonesio (BFF)

Jessica and I met the summer before seventh grade at Forestwood Middle School in Flower Mound, Texas .  She was the “new” girl and we all knew that the “new” girl was the high school football coaches daughter.  She was skinny with long legs and braces…. A little awkward but so was I so I knew we would be instant friends.  We instantly gravitated towards each other during that volleyball practice.  Neither of us were really good with coordination so as the other girls either excelled or miserably failed; we were somewhere in the middle together.
That was August 1993. 

By September we were inseparable. 

We were so glued to each other’s hips, in fact, we often spent many school nights at each other’s houses.  My parents didn’t mind if I spent the night there b/c her mom was the high school nurse and her dad the football coach, so it was highly unlikely we would stay up too late and miss school the next day.  She lived in the neighborhood across the street from our middle school so we were able to walk but nine times out of ten her mom dropped us off.

Jess’ family quickly became my family.  Her mom was my mom and I was a staple at their house for chicken enchilada night and crescent chicken night.  (Those are my two favorite dishes of her mothers.)  Her dad was just as protective of me as my own father; even more so since he knew all the boys in school (and heard them talk in the locker room) and her siblings became my little sister and brother too.  I tormented them like she did, played with them like Jess did, and overall loved her family as if they were my own; blood doesn’t necessarily make you family.

Over the years we formed to be one unit.  Jess and Al.  It wasn’t likely through the high school years that we did anything without each other.  She was a cheerleader and I was a basketball player (not a good one at that) but by our senior year I quit basketball.  With a coaching change and my reality that playing beyond high school was unlikely – I opted to quit the team and have a relaxing senior year with my friends. Both, SBJ and Jess were cheerleaders and Amber was the mascot… inevitably it made sense for me to DO SOMETHING with the cheer squad.  I can’t tumble, I’m not very good at cheering and the mascot places were taken…so I was the manager.
Allison…the cheerleader manager.  I got a lot of shit for that one.

It ended up being the best thing I did. I earned a free trip to Disney senior year with the squad to compete at nationals; I spent the summer at cheer camp with my three best friends, and countless Friday nights cheering on our high school football team.   I would easily say I had one of the best high school experiences any 14-17 year old kid could have.  Most of that was attributed to my friendship with Jess.

After high school we went to the University of North Texas together; where, after first semester we convinced our parents we would do better if we lived on campus.  (They seriously believed this) We moved into the dorm together on campus at UNT and proceeded to have one of the most fun yet most unproductive college semesters anyone could have … EVER. 

Living together proved it’s difficulties – when are you THAT close to someone; their idiosyncrasies that used to be “oh that’s just her”  become somewhat annoying….but we tolerated it and had a fun semester living together.
When I moved to A&M a year later Jess and I hadn’t talked in a few months.  We had a large falling out (over a boy – silly I know) and our relationship became strained because of it.  It didn’t take long after I moved to realize that her not being in my life was not something I wanted (or could take for that matter)

She was the one person who, literally, knew every inch of my soul.  I didn’t have one secret from her.  Not one.  She was the one person; no matter what, you could have a conversation with, the topic didn't matter, and her big green eyes would never pass judgment.  She was the kindest, dearest, truest soul and was much wiser than her years.

When I found out that she was diagnosed with brain cancer my world was forever altered.  Saying this out loud makes it sound silly compared to the way her life and her families life was altered, but the world as I knew it with my best friend changed.

We would soon be having lunch over long hours of chemo or after a session of radiation.  We would now talk about her medications rather than what bar we were going to that weekend or what double-date nights we had planned with her husband and my Bill.  It forever altered our conversations, the underlying importance of our friendship and it shook me to the core.

It never really hit that my best friend had a terminal illness.  Jess was sick, but she carried her self in a way that never led you to believe she was sick. She was strong, steadfast in her beliefs, and completely unwavering in her Christianity.  She had to have internally questioned why God would stricken her with this illness, who wouldn't; but she never led her family and friends believe that she questioned it.  She always said “God would never give me anything I can’t handle”

She not only was my best friend, my biggest supporter and the person who knew, literally everything about me – she was someone I looked up to.

I loved her because she was funny, I loved her because she was smart, I loved her because she was exactly how I would want to carry myself if something so devastating happened to me. 

I want people to know Jess through her legacy of grace, resolute understanding of life and God’s plan for her, her selflessness and above all a wonderful testament to her parents of what a fantastic human being she truly was. 
She wrote in a journal as she studied “The Purpose Driven Life” series when she was sick.  After she passed one of her quotes her parents found in her journal, that has remained so important to me and gives you, who don’t know her a window to look into what an AWESOME person she was, was this:

“God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people – because that’s what life is all about. I don’t want to waste this day.”

She loved her family, her friends, her God and above all else she made sure we knew it.

To my best friend, Jessica Ashley Gage Bonesio, I love you and will forever treasure you.  You are gone but never forgotten.  I think of you constantly and wish you were here to share in such a wonderful life you were destined to have.  But until we meet again in the house of our Lord – I will continue to strive to carry on your legacy, your kind heart and fight to find a cure to this terrible disease that took you away too soon.  You are now my angel; as well as so many others.

I love you forever and always – BFFASSFAEAEAEAEAE!

Hump Day = Suck Day

Yesterday was probably the toughest mental and physical training day since I started this epic journey 25 weeks ago.  Over the course of the last few weeks I have been becoming increasingly burnt out.  It’s been awhile since I have enjoyed a workout, although I find the ways to push through them (and occasionally skip one or two – I know, I know) I just haven’t been having fun.  I used to LOVE working out.  I loved pushing myself as I reached higher and higher mileage.  I loved being able to watch my speed on my bike increase as the weeks progressed.  With the winter we’ve had and my ever increasing lack of motivation my bike fitness has decreased I feel and as I’ve said a hundred times before; I’m just feeling like I’m totally unprepared for NOLA.

Enter yesterday:

The last two days at work have been crazy.  I’ve been out of the office all day both days visiting different accounts around town with my Regional Executive as well as my boss.  It’s tiring.  The same speech account after account…. The same depressing talk about our losses in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the US.  Send me business, blah, blah, blah.  I’m sure you know the drill.  But yesterday I was looking forward to ending early, around 3:45, heading to the gym to swim 2600 yds (straight) and then hop on my bike for an hour.  (I love that it is lighter later now!)

Everything was shaping up nicely at work.  Meetings in the morning, a sushi lunch, afternoon meetings went well and then the gym.  Around my second afternoon appt. I started feeling queasy.  Light headed, a little loopy and felt like I was coming down with something.  Bad sushi? Perhaps.  I pushed through my last meeting and headed to the gym. I felt better after a couple of chomps and some water and hopped in the pool.  And off I went.  A straight 2600 yd swim; no break; no warm up; just go.

I got to around 850 yds and my toes started cramping on my right foot.  No biggie – push through it – you can’t stop in NOLA.  It eventually subsided – but decided to reenter on my left foot.  Push through it – you can’t stop in NOLA.  By 950 yds both toes were cramping so bad I could barely kick.  I stopped. (I guess that’s what those kayak’s are for).  I attempted to rub them out in the water.  It wasn’t working… but it felt ok enough to continue swimming.  I got to 1100 and had to stop again.  This time I lifted my left leg onto the side of the pool (bad idea) – My quad felt like it ripped in half.  Literally.  It hurt so bad I thought I was going to vomit in the pool.  Vomit is not good in any pool.

I lifted myself out of the pool and limped to grab my bag.  I cried all the way to the locker room – where again thought I was going to vomit as a woman walked around completely naked.  COMPLETELY NAKED……

I changed out of my suit – and headed home.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to ride my bike b/c of my quad – but I thought what the hell – it’s an hour – it’s light outside and I can do it.  I WILL NOT QUIT.  As I walked in the door; I plopped on the couch next to Bill and proceeded to cry for an hour.  After I was done I loaded my bike and headed out for an hour ride.  I got a good 45 minutes in but the wind was crazy, the trails were super crowded and my toes were cramping again.  I had been beat down just about as low as I have ever been during training.

Needless to say it was a rough day. 

When I got back home Bill and I chilled the rest of the night.  We even got dessert to make me feel better (dessert will ALWAYS make me feel better – and vodka…which we had too)

Something has to change over the next 30 days.  I need to find that passion, that desire, that motivation that I had.  It is all gone.  I’m depleted; I’m empty and the thought of triathlon makes me want to vomit.  What happened to the love (lust) that I once had for the sport has pushed me beyond any limit I ever thought I would reach? 

I decided to change things up – I signed up for the tour Dallas bike rally the first weekend in April to get 30 miles in that weekend with a group of peeps.  Next weekend is the Rock N’ Roll half which will be super fun with friends that are running it.  And then before we know it NOLA will be here.  I’ve never been ready for a race to be over as I am right now.  I hope that the weeks after NOLA I find my passion for this sport that I have grown to love.  Maybe smaller distances are for me?  Maybe I will love the 70.3 so much it becomes my favorite distance? Who knows what the future holds for this AG’er triathlete…. But all I can hope is that something changes between now and April 17.

In happier news: (PINK SCREAMS HAPPY!)

• I totally won The Happy Runner’s Compression sock giveaway which I’m totally stoked about!! I just bought calf sleeves but I haven’t had socks!  VERY EXCITED!!!  (If you don’t follow her you should!)

• We are almost at 100 followers at triandfinish.  Once we get to 100 a super fun giveaway (2 prizes) will be up for grabs in honor of hitting such an awesome milestone!

• Also, my friend Janette and I will be hosting a weekly installment starting next Tuesday titled “Tribute Tuesday’s”.  Janette was inspired by my “Letters to BFF” post(s) and came up with an awesome idea that we have partnered on.  You can grab that button up at the top of the left hand column and on Tuesday link up with us to participate.  It’s going to take the blog world by storm so you should totally participate

• One more thing – do any of you read Jack Sh*t Getting’ Fit?  Go check it out – it’s a very inspiring blog and he does a fun installment of W.I.D.T.H. (Why I Do This Here)…. I submitted my sticky note…. Will you?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Peeps – hope you are wearing green and are not getting pinched!

Now back to work, a 7 mile run and then it’s on to green beer and Irish food……….