Ready for 2012!

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

 

And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,
And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.
~Thomas Hood



People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas ~Anonymous



Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

2011 Mileage Report

I finished 2011 with a 10 mile bike ride this morning!  We have been having Spring like weather this week - highs in the upper 70s, lows in the 50s.  Here are my totals for this year, my highest mileage ever:

Running: 1209.72
Cycling: 1557.10
Total: 2766.82

I burned 208,947 calories over the course of these 12 months and weigh the same as I did a year ago!

It's been a great year in so many ways.  There have been lots of wildlife encounters (deer, bobcats and bears, oh my!)  We've been dusty and muddy.  There have been hard, hot climbs and fast, refreshing descents.  But more than anything, we've been healthy and blessed.

I've already told you my activity goal for next year (O2O Marathon).  What's yours?

Friday Foodie

My brother, Rick, asked me to bring an appetizer to his house on Christmas. I really wanted to try something different so I Googled "Philly Cream Cheese Recipes." That took me to the Kraft website. There were dozens of recipes. I knew I needed to make it in advance, so I chose "Cold Appetizers" and there I found Antipasto Wreath. It was a hit!

(Picture taken from Kraft website)

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup chopped OSCAR MAYER Pepperoni
1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Three Cheese Blend
1/4 cup chopped black olives
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
6 Tbsp. chopped roasted red peppers, divided
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Fresh basil leaves
RITZ Crackers

1 MIX cream cheese, pepperoni, grated cheese blend, olives, chopped basil and 2 Tbsp. peppers until well blended. Shape into 16-inch log; wrap in plastic wrap.
2 REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm enough to handle. Form into wreath shape on large plate.
3 TOP with remaining peppers and parsley. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with crackers.

This was really easy and very good!

I also used my new pasta machine ~ it is awesome!  I had thin cut linguine noodles in no time and the taste was incredible!  I bought Semolina flour from my local Fresh and Easy store and used it in place of All Purpose flour.  Sorry no pictures, we were too busy eating!

Introducing McMarathon Moments

As a mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I am registered for the Ojai to Ocean Marathon in June. I am fully aware of the commitment it is going to take - weekly long runs that START at 9 miles and work up to 22. Daily runs with focus, not just lollygagging to get the miles in. Hill repeats. Strides. Pacing. Tempo.

I want to write about because it is a new experience. But I don't want it to take over this blog. 2012 will have more going on than just running - we start revival next Tuesday, there are Bible studies to teach, prayer and fasting, Bible reading, new recipes to try, jokes and funny stories to share, life will go on. So I present to you:

McMarathon Moments

If you don't care one bit about running, just go ahead and ignore that blog completely! I don't know how often I will post, but I'm sure it will be at least weekly. Expect pictures come June!

Because Cycling and Pasta Go Hand in Hand

Mary wanted to know what Les and I exchanged as gifts this year. I will tell you up front - he spoiled me big time and enjoyed himself along the way! He has been telling me, "you're getting something for Christmas" since early November. All my gifts fall under two categories - cycling or pasta making!

On the cycling side, he got me clip-in cycling shoes and pedals, which means I'm a real cyclist now. At least I will be once I learn to ride with these! He also bought me a new Dressing for His Glory skort made out of super lightweight fabric! Les called the owner of DFHG and asked if she could make a lightweight garment, I've already worn it running and riding and it's going to be great this summer when the temps heat up!

You might remember my pasta making adventure a while back. I think my muscles were sore for about a week! Les got me the Marcato pasta maker with a ravioli attachment! I can't wait to try it out. I said, "I'll need to do lots of cycling so I can enjoy the pasta." Les said, "You need to make lots of pasta so you can ride more!" He also called the pasta maker "the gift that keeps on giving." Definitely a gift for both of us.

Les bought a new bike back in July and has been saying it was his Christmas present. I didn't let that stop me from buying him a few things! Like a shirt, some Old Testament study books (I & II Kings, Ruth and Joshua), and a cycling wind vest.

And finally, I picked up this picture frame in Santa Barbara last week. It is made from a bicycle chain and the picture says, "I want to ride bikes with you." Could not pass it up!


Cycling and pasta really do go hand in hand, just like Les and Kathy!

How Many Kings

While we were traveling to Fresno, we picked up the local Christian radio station. They were playing continuous Christmas music and I heard "How Many Kings" by Downhere for the first time. It's my favorite "new" music. I can't add a thing, the words are perfect! If you haven't heard it, you can listen to it here.

How Many Kings

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

~ by Marc Martel

Christmas 2011 and A Drive Down Memory Lane

Les and I had a great Christmas in Fresno this weekend. We went up Friday and came back last night. We squeezed in a lot in those two days in spite of Dad getting sick and Kim recovering from gallbladder surgery. We ate a lot and laughed even more... and that's saying a lot because we ate A LOT!!

Friday night Les took me on a trip down memory lane as we went down Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno. Christmas Tree Lane started in 1920 with the decoration of a single tree in memory of a child who died that year. Every year more trees were lit and it is now two miles long with nearly 300 cedar trees and 140 homes decorated. It has been lit every year with the exception of two - 1941 because of wartime restrictions and 1973 due to the energy crisis.

It had been years since I had been down Christmas Tree Lane and it brought back so many special memories. We loved going through there when I was a kid. I remember all of us being bundled up in our winter coats because we would drive down the lane with our windows open. This was for two reasons - music is played and we fogged up the windows and couldn't see otherwise! The old homes don't seem quite as large, but it's still a beautiful neighborhood.

I was able to share one other memory with Les - that of a bicycle crash on Van Ness Blvd! There is an underpass that goes below train tracks. Our family would ride our bikes around the neighborhood - Dad and Rod on the tandem, Kim, Rick, and I on our own bikes and Mom at home making dinner. I had a crash while going down the underpass one time and I was shocked to see how short and relatively flat it was! In my memory it was a very steep and long hill! Les wondered how I could have even crashed on it.

We also enjoyed a great church service at Truth Tabernacle yesterday morning. We got there about two minutes before 10:00 and everyone was just standing around visiting. Elder Morton got in the mic and said, "Let's visit a while, we'll start service a little late today." It was great being able to spend time with so many of my friends. I had a fun conversation with two year old Rory Barnes - or Rory Mac as he is called by many. He asked me my name and I said, "Kathy Mac." He had the funniest look on his face! When I said, "It's Kathy McElhaney, but you can call me Kathy Mac" he seemed to really like that! He's a cutie for sure.

After lots of great singing, Elder Morton preached briefly from Isaiah 9:6. I'm so thankful for the Child Who was born Who is Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

I did start today off with a 15 mile bike ride - after all the feasting I needed it. I wasn't the only one as I saw dozens of folks out walking, running, and riding this morning. It's a beautiful day - probably going to hit about 75, clear and sunny with no wind. I could probably work on my tan today if I wanted to!

Christmas isn't over for us - Les and I will be exchanging our gifts to each other this evening. We like to stretch things out as long as we can! Hope your Christmas has been great and you're stretching it out as long as you can too.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you're having a great Christmas. Spend time with family. Eat something fattening. Get your favorite gift. Give something special. But most of all, don't forget the One Who made it all possible. Visit His house and wish Him a happy birthday today!

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas 2011

Tuesday night Les and I enjoyed the Dave Koz Christmas concert in Santa Barbara. It was fantastic! We made it a date night with dinner at Ca' Dario, followed by Spoon gelato. The concert was held at the Granada Theatre. It was built in 1924 and recently underwent a monumental restoration and re-opened in March 2008. This massive chandelier was part of the original decor.


It only seats about 1500 people, so it seemed quite intimate. There are eight side boxes that made me think of the Count of Monte Cristo...


And the music itself? Simply amazing! The show started with a number of traditional Christmas songs - Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, and Jingle Bells. I had heard Dave Koz and Rick Braun, but the other two guests were new to me. Candy Dulfer is an amazing saxophonist and Jonathan Butler is a singer/guitarist. There were quite a few pieces with all the musicians playing together, and of course they featured music off their latest projects.


Immediately following intermission, they featured four songs from the 40s and 50s. Each musician chose their favorite, told why, then the song was started by the original artist. For instance, Rick chose "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby. They played Bing singing the first verse, then Rick took over with his trumpet and sang. It was a really cool part of the evening.


A couple other highlights included "Little Drummer Boy" with a South African twist. Jonathan Butler sat on and played an unusual drum, with Rick Braun accompanying him on the trumpet. They got the audience involved on the pa rum pum pum pums, too. There was a very cool version of "Grazing in the Grass" ~ Rick Braun came down in the audience for part of it and I know Les was loving that! We learned Jonathan Butler's "Brand New Day" and sang along to "Forget all your problems, Forget all your worries, God will make a way."

(This tree is in the middle of State Street in Santa Barbara!)

My absolute favorite was Jonathan Butler's "O Holy Night." It is one of my favorite Christmas carols and his soulful twist was simply amazing. The room was silent as he played and sang. At the end of the song he did about a two minute improvisation that can only be described as worship. He sang "Holy, You are holy. You are worthy to be praised. Holy is the Lamb of God. I love You, Jesus." On and on it went. It was very moving and a great reminder of what Christmas is truly about ~ the Lamb of God, Who is holy.

Liberian Church Dedication

Two years ago our church presented Pastor White with a very special gift. We raised money to have a church built in Liberia, Africa. Last night Bro. B.J. Wilmoth was with us in service to talk about the dedication of that building. The Gloria J. White Memorial Building is in the village of Marshall Town. It is the only building in the entire village ~ all others are mud huts. It looks something like this:


I wish I had all the pictures that Bro. Wilmoth showed us - these few are from the website of Missionary Albert Stewart. Liberia is a country of extreme poverty. After 14 years of civil war, the country is still trying to recover. The unemployment is 88%. Yet the church members give. They are faithful.

(Repairing a bridge)

Six new church buildings were dedicated while Bro. Wilmoth was there. He also had pictures of a health clinic that is owned and operated by the Pentecostal Church of Liberia. There is only ONE hospital in the entire country, so a clinic like this is invaluable.

(A Liberian "road")

My heart ached for the people who live on 50 Liberian dollars a month ~ that is about 69 US cents. A MONTH! During the most commercialized time of the year, we Americans think we are having difficult economic times, but we live as kings and queens. Bro. Wilmoth told that they were always fed first. When they were finished, whatever food was left on their plates was scraped onto another plate and given to someone else. Not the family pet, but another human being. We have so much!


The most moving story was one he told about a church near Monrovia. It took place during the civil war. Rebels had captured the village and there was no food. The church members would gather, but they were too weak to even sit up for a service. The pastor would preach lying down. The people were starving to death, but they would pray and praise and trust God.


At the end of the service, Bro. Wilmoth reminded us that we can't all go to Africa. But we CAN reach our own city. When we reach our neighbors, the church grows and is able to help more people around the world... and build more churches in Liberia!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater! Voting starts today ~ go here!!

In case you forgot how lovely mine is...


Funny and true story ~ after I posted my sweaters on Thursday, the mother of two of my piano students wanted to know if I had any ugly Christmas sweaters! Of course I showed her my blog and she borrowed my "winner" for a party she was going to on Friday night. I haven't heard if she won or not...

Toys for Tots 2011

We had our fourth annual Toys for Tots giveaway at church yesterday and it was a huge success! Approximately 150 children with their parents, grandparents or guardians were in attendance. You can see the many gifts just waiting to be distributed...


But first, the Kids Choir sang! Including many of the visiting children...



Two U.S. Marines were in attendance to hand out each gift...


As each child's name was called, they came to the front to receive their gift...


Then they had to WAIT! And wait until everyone had a gift...


After a count to three the ripping began...


The only sounds were laughter and paper ripping!



We followed the service up with a free Christmas dinner for everyone. This year we had ham, potatoes, veggies, rolls and dessert. One little girl told me, "This is my best Christmas ever!" I'm so glad we get to be a part of this great event!

Breaking News!!!

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I am a runner. I started running about 15 years ago and actually started calling myself a runner about 3 years ago. For several months now I've been unable to get away from the thought, "I want to run a marathon." I've thought it many times and said it to Les as well. Well today, I put my money where my mouth is... and... drum roll please...

I registered for the Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon!!

June 3, 2012 is the big day and I am Excited.Nervous.Determined!!!
26.2 Miles. O2O here I come!!

This is the finisher's medal. I love it! It is suppose to be mountains and waves, but I think it looks like a girl with curly hair.



Training begins January 1st. My longest run was 22 miles several years ago. I couldn't find any stats on it but I did find stats on a 20 miler that I did in 3:15. Add another six miles and I'm looking at about 4 1/2 hours. My first half marathon was under 2 hours, and the O2O is considered one of the fastest marathons around because it is mostly flat or downhill. So with a lot of training, I hope to finish in about 4 hours.

I plan to start a separate blog for my marathon training (McMarathon Moments, maybe?) Just as I can't let running be the only thing in my life, I won't let it be the only thing I blog about. But I had to share it with all my blogging buds!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

A few days ago I received this comment from Mary:

You have been given a Christmas blogger challenge by Mary and Destiny! Go to the link for the details!!! :) http://classicmarymoments.blogspot.com/2011/12/ugly-sweater-challenge.html

As I read the list of contestants I realized I may have an advantage here - I am the only one who is over the age of 30, which means I've had many more years to collect Ugly Christmas Sweaters! And let me tell you, I've got some. Would you like to see what I pulled out of my spare bedroom closet this morning??

Since I live in Southern California, many of my Christmas sweaters are not sweaters at all. Like this nice denim shirt that says, "Let it Snow." Please notice the snowman buttons...


Here's a lovely, albeit very wrinkled, gingerbread man sweatshirt. Ignore my hair and "I just woke up" face, please...


You can't see all the texture on this beauty, but trust me, it's there...


Another gingerbread man. Are you noticing how each of these make me look at least 15 pounds heavier than I am? UGLY!!


The finalists.

I had a really hard time choosing between the next two. They are not technically sweaters but sweater vests which I believe ups the ugly factor by 3. I got these babies in an after Christmas sale for $2.50 each.

The runner up is this lovely snowman vest. Pom poms on each snowman's hat, plus two attached to the zipper. And one on the back.



The winner.

Gaudy felt stockings. Fake jewels. Jingle bells that jingle with each move. There is an additional stocking on the back. Believe it or not, this is a size Medium. It is ridiculously huge. Its beauty increases in direct proportion to the number of days I've been rained out from running/cycling and the number of treats in which I've overindulged. Just pull on a stretchy black skirt, throw this vest over it and I'm good to go until December 26th! No one will ever know...


Now for my dilemma. Is this a contest I really want to win? What does it say about me that I actually own these sweaters when some of the other contestants need to go buy one? The voting begins next Tuesday, December 20th.

Wordless Wednesday

Because I'm a little busy...

Christmas Recital 2011

Sunday night was our annual Music Department Christmas Recital. This year we had a number of budding guitarists that added a new dimension to the program. Steve Garcia, from a neighboring church, has been teaching quite a few of our young people and they did great!


It was also great to see Gary playing. He started taking piano lessons this year and did a great job!


Our Musician of the Year was Jasmine Benavente. She has been a great help to me in the choir and also started directing the Kids Choir this year.


One of my students, Caitlin Flores, continues to improve. She played "Away in a Manger" and did better in the performance than any other time I heard her! She just completed Alfred's Basic Piano Level 1B and is ready to start Level 2.


Sis. Blatto played and sang "Old Friends."


While looking for music last week, I found that Shannon Wexelberg has sheet music available for many of her songs. I accompanied Veronica and Rachel on "This Child." It was in the key of A! Three flats (Eb) I'm cool with, but three sharps (A) is a different story! Thankfully Steve played the guitar and filled in a lot!


As always, it's a lot of work getting ready, but the evening is very enjoyable. If you're in charge of the music department at your church, I encourage you to give it a try some year - you never know the talent you'll uncover.