When Two Roads Converge

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~Robert Frost

If you’ve known me for more than a hot minute, you know that I tend to choose the less traveled road. I enjoy trying new things, taking on a challenge, going to new and unusual places. If I travel, I want to go the opposite direction of the tourists. I want to be ME. Not what, or who, someone else thinks I ought to be. Conformity is not my thing. The great thing I’ve found is that, no matter the path I’ve chosen, someone else has chosen a path that converges with mine at some point along the way.

WOW! I love the people who I meet. Sometimes we are able to travel together for a long while. At other times we share the path for only a few steps before we continue on our respective ways. No matter the distance, every individual has left a mark of their own on MY path. From time to time I pause and look back down the path to see how far I have come and, it is then, I see their mark and remember. Remember the impact they have had.

Looking forward I know that there are many who will cross ways with me. There will be new people and I will discover the impact they will have on my path. I will be blessed to cross ways, once again, with those I have traveled with in the past. I look forward to what is in store.

I know that there are those who will not travel with me again; those taken far too early from this world. For them I will carry a token of what they have left behind and continue forward; taking the road less traveled.

photo credited to Vortech on Flickr

Revitalize, Refresh, Renew

So it's been a LONG time since I wrote anything for my blog. A seriously LONG time...3 years qualifies as a LONG time doesn't it? (I had sort of thought that it had gone the way of this Scottish tombstone. "And about this spot lies another dead blog") I have to wonder why it is still even on the web. Apparently it goes to show there is truth to the saying that once it is out there in the web-o-sphere it is out there forever! So why decide to bring it back now... Well, while I was driving up to Wisconsin this week for work, I had a little time to process and download some events of the past few weeks. I had lots of things I wanted to say about those events. You know, the things that you wish had been said at the time; not AFTER the event? Crazy me had the thought "You have so much time on your hands why not revitalize the lost blog?" Yeah, right! Time...what's that? Actually, while time is something I am chronically short on, random thoughts and soapboxes are not. What better way to have the opportunity to voice those all-to-late comments than to put them out into the web-o-sphere? So here goes. A little revitalization to bring the old blog back to life. A little refreshing coat of digital paint to the wall. A renewed focus of thought. I think it will last awhile. I have plenty of topics to choose from; the problem is finding where to start.

My 3-Day Experience

So I am finally getting around to updating this blog and writing the much sought after report on my 3-Day walk. Quite honestly, I think maybe I was supposed to write it now as it will bring back great memories and pleasant feelings for humanity of which I am desperately in need of this week. Enough negativity aside....on with the greatness!

Here is Mission Pink 2009 as we get ready to set out on our adventure...bright (well, not so bright as the sun had not risen yet) and early in the morning. Energizer is one of the key sponsors of the event so they had handed out bunny ears (Keeps on going!). Yes, we did keep them on all day, but only for day one:) Shortly after this picture everyone did some group stretching, there was a wonderful opening ceremony and we were off! 20 miles here we come!

The energy was high and we were all set to go but had no idea what to expect along the way. It was proven, once again, what a small world we live in. Not 5 minutes into the walk I met the mother of one the boys I grew up with (okay, he would be a man now!) and I had never met her before! Who would have 'thunk' it?! 

As we are coming out of the opening area, we were greeted by a biker cheering us on. Turns out he was a part of the group "Bikers for Boobs" who takes care of the safety issues for the course. Harley men from all over the country come together to support each of the events and provide high energy and traffic patrol as the participants are on the streets. Wonderful men all. And they are not afraid to wear pink!! Or put bras on their bikes!

There are so many wonderful stories that I could share but will keep it to just a couple...well, maybe more than a couple! The first is the people who lived along the course. They would set up little tables with drinks, treats and popsicles for the walkers who were passing by. Totally unnecessary but done out of the goodness of their heart. They would cheer us on, tell us thank you for walking and generally just encourage us because of what they were doing. Cars would honk while they were passing us by and cheer. The energy was amazing every step of the way. Literally.

The official pit stops were run beautifully by equally beautiful people. There to ensure that we were drinking, eating and getting medical care, they always had a smile on their face. Each stop was theme related and it was fun each day to see what little things would change. The photo booth at the Dr. Seuss stop was very fun!

The sweep vans ran along the route always prepared to pick up a walker in need. Each one had a theme and it was always great to see them. Each and every person who served the walkers had a smile on their face the entire time. Not once did I hear a complaint from anyone and I was amazed. As someone who has run large crowd events, it is impossible to make everyone happy. I believe this organization has it down!

There was the Air Force guy (and yes, we had Go Army shout-outs each time we saw him) who came down to support his wife who was walking with the "Rams for Racks" group. (Yes, for you CSU fans, another hometown group!) On the first day he was dressed in his flight suit and his little boys were dressed in camo gear. They cheered EVERYONE along with "Win the war in UR-aq"...pretty clever! The second day they were all dressed in baseball uniforms. "Save Second Base". Loved it!

At the end of each day, the last walker was cheered in by everyone. It was so amazing to see the people who were out there walking through pain. Some pain was from their blisters, some of the pain was from issues they had before the walk. But they did it. It didn't matter how long it took them, they walked it. 60 miles is a long way to travel!

Blisters were the main source of discomfort but there was also the Funky Denver Rash that, while I had never heard of it, became very prevalent by the end of the 2nd day. Apparently, the high altitude and the walking causes the capillaries in the leg to burst causing a red "rash" to appear. Thankfully, I didn't get it....but I did get a MONSTER blister!

So the memories are so wonderful and dear to each team members heart. By the end of the second day we had pretty much decided that we were going to do this again and looked into the 2010 schedule. It was decided that November in San Diego was the one we were going to shoot for and, after approval from the hubbies, we are a go for next year. Mission Pink II! We would love to have anyone and everyone join us. K and I will be traveling from our far-away land once again (perhaps we will book the same flight this time!) and look forward to expanding the team.

Where have I been?

So, apparently it has been way too many months since I posted anything. After reading Adventure Mom's blog and noticing on her site that my site was last updated 4 months ago, I decided that I'd best get back on the ball! Lots to catch up on.

I'll begin with Better Half and that he assumed command today. Great ceremony with lots of wonderful friends in attendance. We wish that family could have been there. Now we start a new leg of our journey.

Anniversary of Sorts

Sunday, March 22, was the one year anniversary of the day I learned a lesson.  Actually, several lessons. 

1. Knives are not tools.  Do not, under any circumstance, no matter how convenient, use a knife to pry something open.  Take a couple of extra seconds to acquire an appropriate tool!
2. When being admitted to a German hospital, be prepared to stay for a week.  No matter the procedure, they will want you to stick around. 
3. Make sure that you are surrounded by the most amazing people in the world.  Those are the people who will do whatever it takes to make sure that you are driven an hour away to have surgery in the middle of the night, step in to take care of the children, and bring you goodies while you wander around in the glorious hospital gown.

I now realize that even a little finger can provide one of the greatest opportunities for revelations.

What's this 3-Day thing all about?

Several people have asked me exactly what it is I am doing and what the Susan G Komen 3-Day is all about.  Well, here it is.

The 3-Day is a 60-mile walk, over the course of 3 days, that raises funds in support of the Susan G Komen for the Cure.  This organization plays a huge part in supporting breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.

Why is is important to me?  My family.  My mother is a two-time survivor.  My friends.  I currently have 5 friends who are at various stages of fighting the disease.  I wanted to do this for them.  I wanted to do this for their daughters and my nieces.  My desire is that they could grow up in a world where they didn't have to worry about breast cancer.

So what is it that we are doing?  I have put together a team of women from all over.  We will be coming from Washington State, Colorado, Illinois and Germany to meet in Denver, CO, joining hundreds of other teams to tackle this journey.  We are in a fundraising effort as each individual is tasked with raising a minimum of $2300.  Over the course of the 3 days, there will be a miniature city that travels and sets up at each point along the route.  We will eat, sleep, shower, laugh and, I'm sure, cry together along the way.  This opportunity that we are endeavoring to pursue will have a mighty impact on each of us. 

What can you do?  I would love to have you join our team!  If you are unable to do that, you can assist in the fundraising effort.  The 3-Day widget on the right will lead you to my personal page where you can donate.

What's the news?

So I haven't been doing very well at keeping updated on information.  Go figure!  It is my after all.  Pardon the brevity, but it wouldn't get done otherwise! :)

• Logan ran his car in the pinewood derby on Saturday March 7.  He did very well, placing 3rd overall in the Bear bracket (his den).  He was so excited to win his races that, once he started losing, he didn't care too much about getting knocked out.  He will race his car again this Saturday at the District Derby.

Receiving his medal.

Logan also participated in Alaska Days in January.  Since he went sans parents, I have only just gotten the pictures from that.  Here are a few.

 

Here he is doing the snowshoe race.  Hard to run in those things!  A little sledding....

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm back to running consistently again after a recurrence of my shin splints.  Gutsy Mom and I are cutting our time down each time out....it is great to run together again and have someone to celebrate the minor accomplishments.

B has already made his big plans for his birthday weekend.  Dad is working on the logistics of putting it together.  I had to remind both of them that I was going to be out of town that weekend.  Dad will be on his own for the craziness! 

Speaking of birthdays, Gutsy Mom and I (who share a birthday!) have to put together a bash of our own:)  We are missing our other birthday sharer, Adventure Mom, this year.

Better half has started his new job.  This job should carry him through until he takes over a battery....can't say exactly when that will be as the date changes.  Often.

The Weather

It's snowing. Again. Normally, I'd be thrilled because I love the snow. I love how a blanket of snow (not a dusting mind you, but a blanket!) makes the world look clean and fresh. I enjoy seeing the evidence of all the random animals that live around us, but are rarely seen, by their tracks that are left behind when they walk across the fields. And, honestly, I do not mind driving in it.
That being said, I'm a little put off by the snow today. I'm just tired of it. Yesterday the sun was out (finally) and the snow was melting! There were streams of water flowing from the mountains (I am not exaggerating) of snow left by the snowplows. Hope was in the air that we might be done with the cold, snow and ice. Guess not. After 2 months of consistent 30-ish degrees or below, snow in random phases of freshness, and running paths covered in ice, I'm a little bored with the snow now. I'm ready for the crocus, the green grass and the budding trees.
The boys aren't!

Adventure Family

Really, we are not the adventure family, but we went on a great adventure this weekend. (I miss the TRUE Adventure Fam greatly already! We had to say our good-byes on Friday and there were lots of tears shed. I didn't stop crying until we were well on our way on the autobahn. John was going a little crazy;) I miss my Battle Buddy and snuggles from little M!)
Here are some pictures from our weekend. Bryan was unbelievable with all the great things he got to do. I was able to get one rapel run in...but only after storming the tower! The weekend was at a castle a couple hours from home.

Exciting!

Something exciting is going on in the Smith house! After many (and I won't say HOW many!) years, this mom is going back to school! I just filled out my admissions paperwork. Well, not paperwork really. Computer fill-in the blank screens. It's amazing the amount of information required to apply to take classes. You know the drill, last name of the second cousin of the carpenter who put in the cabinets of the house down the road from where you grew up. Most I can understand, maiden name, name of the high school I graduated from, other institutions of higher learning that I have attended, and (important) my address. But, seriously, do they really verify who put the cabinets in?!
All that being said, I am thrilled (and a bit terrified) to finally be working towards something again. Thrilled to find a school that will allow me to stay on track with my lifelong dream and the ability to do it via distance/online learning. I'm pouring over course catalogs and schedules trying to decide just how get it all in, which classes should I take first, last. Sort of like having a food that I'm not so keen about. "Do I eat it first and get it over with or take in all the good stuff and keep the other until last?" Lots of choices and decisions to be made. No matter. All I can say is
Hooray!

Good-byes

Same old story, told once again. We live a great life with wonderful opportunities to meet new people. We create friendships and make memories. Those experiences come with the regrettable downside of, eventually, saying good-bye. It's unusual to see more than one person off in a short period of time. To say good-bye to three people in one day....CRAZY! That was my day. Tears shed, hugs given, good-byes said. And it's a scene that will replay several more times in the months to come. There are many dear friends who will be making their way back across the pond during a sort of mass exodus. The reverse of our mass arrival! Gonna miss 'em all! Truly blessed to have them as friends. I'm already scheming for reunions:)

New Obsession

I have a lot of addictions. Coffee, chocolate, good books, laughter. Some I have learned to control. Like, I don't buy Sudoku books (unless I'm traveling) anymore as I can't put them down until all the puzzles are done. Instead, I have found a great website that has a new daily puzzle so I do it in the morning and get my little "fix". I try really, really hard to only make cookies when I can take the majority of them somewhere away from my house to keep me from eating every last one. Now, how to curb the latest obsession.
Facebook! The addiction has slowly been growing since September when an old HS friend "found" me. You see, I started an account last spring when a friend moved and sent out pictures of her new home via her FB account. The only way to view them was, you guessed it, to start an account of my own. So I did, saw the pictures, and then forgot about it! Enter aforementioned friend and, after reconnecting, I was directed to our 20-year reunion group. It's been a wild ride since then.
I love reconnecting with people I haven't seen in years! I love "chatting" with my friends next door. I really don't know exactly what it is, but I am slowly becoming more and more obsessed. I even come back to check any updates every 5 minutes or so when I'm online doing other things! There is something to be said about a friend request showing up that lifts your spirits. Oh, what is a girl to do?!!
Step One: admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion.....

Another Incredible Loss

We've just received word that baby Sarah Abigail, born 16 weeks early, passed away today in her parents arms. I cannot even begin to imagine what our dear friends are going through. I know that in the week she was in this world, she brought people together from all over the world to pray for her and her parents. The power of prayer is an amazing thing. There is faith in trusting that, even if the answer is not what we wanted, the Lord is still in control.
My heart is broken for them and for the fact that we will never get to hold this sweet baby girl. All I know to do is lift her parents up in prayer. Praying for strength to get through the coming days, peace in their hearts and comfort from the Lord. I ask that you join me in lifting this family up in prayer.

Chinese Laundry

So my dryer is, as the technician said, total gebrochen (oder Kaput!). Now, those who know the story, know that I've had dryer issues since nearly day one in this house. The fact that the current said kaput dryer is the third one since we've lived here proves that.
They've replaced the dryer (yes, twice so far), cleaned the air ducts (although I am convinced that there is where the problem lies, so I don't trust the thoroughness of their job), and still I am left with another gebrochen machine.
Those close to me have heard my sob stories far too many times. How I've only been able to do 2 loads a day because each load took 6 hours to dry. How the laundry never actually got caught up....how could it at that rate?
Anyhow, since it doesn't dry any longer at all, I've given up. I'll get another machine one day next week (or the week after, it depends on their overly busy schedule!) but in the meantime, I'm left with mountains of clothing, linens and all manner of material that needs cleaning. What's a girl to do? Wash....and find somewhere to hang all of the wet laundry. I've done (not kidding here) 20 loads over the last two days. Can't hang anything outside (where would I do that?!) so it is all over the laundry room, door jams and staircase! Hubby announced this afternoon that he was glad that my inventive Chinese laundry theme was working so well. Out of necessity.....
One thing I have found, everything dries incredibly FAST! True, I have a bit of a warped perspective since I typically wait 6 hours, but it is fast. I strung a line on the third floor staircase and hooked up Log's fan to blow. I am nearly done...woohoo! I have even become incredibly in tune to the washer as I am diligently adding fabric softener to the rinse cycle. Something I have never done in nearly 19 years of marriage. (Can we say fabric sheets!)
One day soon I'll have my fourth dryer to burn-up. One day further down the road, I'll have my own dryer back. The one that takes huge loads of laundry and dries them lickety-split. I'll dream of that day. Until then, I'll duck going through the doorways to avoid the gauntlet of wet clothing.

Calling All Prayer Warriors

A dear friend has just had her baby. We rejoice that Rach has a beautiful baby girl. There is need for much prayer on her behalf though. You see, Flippy (in utero nickname) came a little early. 16 weeks early to be exact. While Flippy is holding her own so far, this week is crucial for her. Please be praying for this family as they face this unexpected turn of events. Pray for comfort, peace and rest so that the parents will be able to maintain their health...both physical and mental. Pray that this sweet baby develops normally and strong from this point forward.
We rejoice in this tiny 1.5lb baby. We all just want the opportunity to kiss her and love on her!

The Weekend

We made it to Friday. Whew! What a crazy week. There were meetings and dinners. Errands and errant schedules. The weekend, however, isn't going to be much slower.
We got L off this morning for his adventure to Garmisch and the Cub Scout Alaska Days. He headed off with our friends for the next couple of days since we are unable to take him. We have a ball to go to tomorrow evening. That sort of hampers play time in the snow 3 hours from here. True to form, L didn't have any problem saying goodbye to me. I couldn't even get a kiss out of him. My little man is 'all growed up'!
We have a couple of extra boys here spending the night with us though so the house isn't exactly quiet:) Other friends of ours have their ball tonight. It's a bit like a child swap weekend the more I think about it! B and Dad have some Boy Scout stuff in the morning and then we will all be off for the ball later tomorrow afternoon. We will be staying the night at the hotel. A little away time. B is going to act as sitter for our extended "family" as we all will be attending the same function.
I made a horrible boo-boo this evening. I was trying to steam out some wrinkles in my dress and I put a big hole in the side with the iron. (I was almost done, having successfully substituted the steam from my iron for a real steamer, when I touched the iron to the dress.) Ouch! I believe I have a fix that will get me through tomorrow but I may have to retire it after this. This will be the 4th time I've worn it. Pretty good life for a gown!

The Future is Unknown to Us

Even when we have the best intentions, everything planned out and ready to execute, it all changes in a moment. One moment everything is wonderful, a future of promise and opportunity and in the blink of an eye, it changes.
We had our share of witnessing futures change over the RLBT. Young men, engaged to be married, who were excited about what was ahead of them, were taken from this world. Husbands with wives, fathers with small children were taken. Little ones will grow up with only dreams of what might have been. It's the world this family lives in. We chose this path and come to expect tragedy when it comes to the job. It doesn't make it any easier but it doesn't come as such a shock either.
Then tragedy strikes close to home and the air around you gets sucked away. There are no words to say when something completely unexpected happens. When sorrow replaces the promise of a future. Of happiness. Of life.
I've been a bit introspective today as a friend has had tragedy hit their home. The loss of their unborn child who was due to be born any day. I don't know what to say or what to do. All I can do is pray and hope that peace finds them quickly. That the Lord will reveal to them His plan and purpose for this situation.
I've also been reminded, again, with the fact that there are no moments in this life that should be taken for granted. Each moment is a gift to cherish. Rejoice in the smallest things.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009! A year of promise, change, challenges, family and friends. We had an exceptional leave in December enjoying being together as a family. We were able to even get a few days of staying in our PJ's for the entire day. At first I felt guilty about it, thinking that we should be traveling or doing something "exciting". Once I started looking at the calendar for the new year, that feeling very quickly went away. There won't be much down time between now and, oh lets say, July :)
As we get settled back into a routine, I thought I would get back into my blog. I've slacked off a bit as of late. I will also get the photos from our trip, Christmas, etc on here soon. Promise!
We hold you close to our hearts and cherish the memories we've made the past year. Here is to many more memories to come. Cheers!

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful time of year. A time to be with family and friends. A time to remember the true meaning of Christmas as we reflect on the birth of our Saviour Jesus.
We are so thankful that there is no deployment this holiday for us. That, although we won't be with our family this year, we are surrounded by our adopted family. That we are all well, have a roof over our heads and food in our pantry. Thankful for memories of those we love who are no longer with us. Thankful for the daily blessings.
May your Christmas be filled with love and joy. As you take part in the festivities be sure to remember the reason for celebration!
Much love to you all!

What's Up?

Good question for the Smith Family! We've been traveling and just plain busy when we are here at home. There are some things that never change:)
We just returned from our trip to Italy. More to follow (along with the pics once I put them on the computer) about that adventure. It was wonderful and we were able to do part of it with great friends.
The boys want to get in a couple of days of skiing so they will probably head out this week or next. I don't ski so it's not on my agenda.
Now here we are in the final approach to Christmas. Still no tree up. The attempt to do so yesterday failed so I think that the boys will be working that issue today. All of the presents are here however, wrapped and piled up in the middle of the room.
Each of the boys got an advent calendar this year. One is a Playmobil theme and the other is Lego. They have had a great time opening it each day and finding a new part to the collection.
I've started back into a running routine. Going for a half-marathon in March in Praque and then I will attempt another marathon later in the year. Don't know exactly when yet, trying to figure that one out with the other things scheduled!
That's it in a nutshell and at least bringing everyone up to speed a bit. I'll get back to writing more.......