Mileage Update

I'm updating my miles today because it is the end of September. Also, I have plans tomorrow that do not include running or cycling so the number won't change.

It was a so-so week:

Totals for Week ending September 30:
Running: 13.77
Cycling: 41.37
Total: 55.14

But September was a great month! I've never gone over 300 miles in one month:

September
Running: 99.77
Cycling: 208.24
Total: 308.01

I will have to repeat that 300 miles a month (plus a little more) for the next 3 months if I want to hit 3000 for the year:

Year-to-Date:
Running: 970.10
Cycling: 1097.44
Total: 2067.54

Making a Joyful Noise... Or at Least Trying

After I posted on Saturday about playing the piano, I received a comment from Mary that said, "Didn't know you could play the piano..." I guess I've never written about that. Before I tell you how it came to be, I will tell you that I in no way considered myself an accomplished or talented musician. This is not a post to brag ~ believe me, I know my shortcomings when it comes to playing and they are many. I love to sing and am happiest when I'm in the pew doing just that, but sometimes there is a need...

When Les and I were first married, Sis. White was the organist for our church. She did, and still does, a great job playing and keeping the service flowing. I wasn't the least bit concerned about the music in Burbank since she had it covered. Until one Sunday morning in August when Pastor and Sister White were gone to Senior Camp. There wasn't anyone else who stepped onto the platform that Sunday to fill in...


You have to realize that I grew up in Truth Tabernacle in Fresno. There have always been several piano and organ players. When I was a little girl, the Layne family was there and they could all play. Hermon Lindley, Bekki Cantu, Pam Gregg, and many others, filled that role while I was in Truth Tabernacle. I never felt the need to learn to play. I was completely happy just singing in the soprano section of the choir, singing an occasional solo or in a trio.


So back to that Sunday morning... On the way home I asked Les, "Doesn't anyone else play?" "No." "Doesn't anyone else want to play?" "I guess not." That Fall found me enrolled at Moorpark Community College taking Class Piano on Monday nights ~ at the age of 27. Flats, sharps, middle C, scales, whole steps, half steps, or many other new terms were filling my brain.


At this point, Sis. White did not know I was taking piano. I didn't want her to know. I wanted to learn how to play first! Eventually she found out and before I knew what was going on, I found myself sitting at a little keyboard trying to play in church! How in the world did I get here? I was terrified. I wasn't ready. Fortunately, I wasn't plugged into the house system, I just had a little monitor next to me. A monitor that I kept turned down so low I couldn't even hear it myself!!


I kept at it and slowly (VERY slowly) saw improvement. I have had a lot of help along the way from some very kind people. I still have a long way to go, but here I am 20 years later still playing. There have been plenty of mistakes, wrong chords, flat notes that should have been sharp, but God has somehow used the little I have. During these 20 years, Victory Tabernacle has been blessed with many musicians that have started at a young age and have progressed to the point that there are many that play much better than me! Since I am now the choir director, I am very appreciative of all their work and talent.

One of the most rewarding things about learning to play is helping others. I have students from a neighboring church. At some point, I hope they'll need another teacher because that will mean I have taught them all I can and they are going to be better than me, too! My favorite times to play aren't on Sunday night or during a special service, but at home, when it's just me and God.

I am glad I learned to play. Through the mishaps and embarrassing moments aplenty, I've learned that God still wants me to give Him my best. When I have a really bad night and can't seem to play anything correctly, I go back to the reason why I started playing in the first place ~ to be a help to our church. I give it all back to God and ask Him to help me do better next time.

Be careful when you sing, "If you can use anything Lord, You can use me... take my hands, Lord, take my feet..." He might take you up on it.

Money Matters

Les and I have been giving a Bible study to a young couple in our church. A few weeks ago we took a break from the Exploring God's Word study to talk about finances. Their first child is on the way, so they asked us to help them with budgeting, offerings, etc.


One of the things we shared with them is how we handled "fun" expenses when Les and I were first married. You know, the fun stuff that you want, not needs like groceries, gas and utilities. We were both working full time to make ends meet, plus trying to save for a new car. That new car that we still drive 19 years later!


At that time Les was into skiing instead of cycling. I wasn't into either. Very early in our marriage we decided that when one of us spent money on something fun, that was just for them, the other could do the same. In other words, if Les took a ski trip, I got to spend what his lift ticket, gas, lodging, food, etc. cost on something I wanted. Of course this didn't apply to things we did together - trips, eating out, etc.


This worked great for many reasons. One, the person wanting to spend couldn't just think of themselves. "These shoes are on sale for $25!" No, those shoes will cost $50 if you decide to buy 'em. Lift ticket $60? Nope, $120. It also kept the person who hadn't spent from being resentful. "Oh, you spent $100 on a new suit jacket? Great! I can buy that new dress and purse I've been eyeing!"


It's always been "our" money - not his and mine. He's always made more than me. The current income from my four piano students certainly doesn't cover my shoe habit! But I've never felt the need to hide any expenses from Les either. We were also able to weather the storm of two months of unemployment last year because we have stayed on the same page when it comes to spending. At that point all fun spending was on hold.

It's worked for us. How do you handle "fun" purchases?

Choosing Heroes

Bro. May's title on Sunday night ~ "From Bad to Worse" ~ brought back a time when I said, "things can't get any worse" and they did. 1994 was a year of trouble on every side. It started with an earthquake in January, followed by Rod's passing in June. Just a few weeks after that, I said, "this year can't get any worse..." Two months later Mom's cancer was back. As I recalled that painful time, I remembered some words of wisdom from Rod...

On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered. Nicole's former husband, O.J. Simpson, was charged with the murders. On Friday, June 17th, instead of turning himself in, O.J. became the object of a low-speed pursuit in a white Ford Bronco SUV.

The next day, Rod and I talked about this on the phone. It seemed many were in shock that someone "so great" could commit such a horrible crime. Rod told me, "Kathy, that's why you have to be careful who you make your heroes. You can't choose athletes as heroes. They might do great things on the field, but that doesn't make them great people. True heroes are people of God."

That was the last conversation we had, as Rod passed away the following Wednesday. Those words resonate in me still. We have to be so careful whom we choose to admire. That grey haired saint might not have the flashiest clothes, but if they've lived a life of consecration, they deserve our admiration.

It's actually not too difficult to find heroes if you look in the right direction:

Pastors and pastors' wives ~ heroes.
Foreign missionaries ~ heroes.
Home missionaries ~ heroes.
Sunday school teachers ~ heroes.
Parents trying to raise their kids in the things of God ~ heroes.
Young people who stand for what's right in high school and college ~ heroes.

I'm thankful for the many heroes in my life.

Storm Survival

Les preached a great message yesterday morning called "Storm Survival." His text was from Matthew chapter 14. It is the story of the disciples in a storm when Jesus comes to them walking on the water.

Les made many great points, but the one that stood out to me was from verse 22: "and straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship..." The disciples were exactly where Jesus wanted them and they still faced a storm!

It's so easy to question when we're in a storm. "Lord, I thought this is what you wanted me to do..." Just because a storm comes doesn't mean you're out of the will of God or that you've done something wrong. God knows exactly where you are. The same story is told in Mark chapter 6, verse 48 says that Jesus "saw them toiling in rowing."

Pastor Julio May from Memphis, Tennessee was in service with us last night. His message was "From Bad to Worse." Amos 5:19 says, "As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him."

Bro. May talked about how sometimes life can go from bad to worse, but then he made this statement: "When you're living for God, a bad day just means a better day is coming!"

As I played the piano for both altar services, I watched people who are going through storms. Unemployment. Sickness. Financial Strain. Things I don't even know about ~ but God was at work yesterday! They're still in their storms this morning, but I believe they woke up with hope instead of despair.

I know that there are people reading this blog who are in storms. Storms are part of life. While the disciples were still in the storm, Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." So remember, God knows exactly where you are in your storm today and a better day IS coming!

Maple Bar, Anyone?

A year ago I wrote Fall Favorites - Candles. I still don't know why I burn them more during this time of year, but I do. I also like the little wax tarts that Yankee Candle makes. I have an electric warmer that I use ~ just plug it in and go, no need to worry if you forget to blow your candle out.

I picked up a few new fragrances last month ~ 50% off so I wasn't afraid to try a few new ones. Burning right now is "Maple Pancakes" and I am ready to run off to the nearest donut store for a maple bar! It smells incredible... I don't know if a maple bar would taste as good as this smells! It's really a good thing I'm too lazy to go anywhere right now...

Saturday Morning Restart

I took a rare Saturday off from exercise this morning. I didn't sleep well last night - I was awake much of the night with someone on my mind. "Did I say too much? Did I say enough? Should I have said anything at all?" On and on the questions swirled in my brain. Finally, "Lord, please touch them and send someone smarter than me their way." I had this conversation with myself and the Lord just about every hour.

Les got up around 5:15 to get ready for a bike ride. I stayed awake until he left around 6:00, thinking I'd get up in a few more minutes and go for a ride myself. Next thing I knew it was 7:25. That is sleeping in for me. I still don't feel rested, but I got up and maybe I'll catch a nap later.

I spent some time in prayer and playing my piano. I love going from chorus to chorus, worshiping and feeling God's presence. Being reminded that He is in control, He loves me, His grace is enough.

I was then sitting here reading blogs, finishing off a pumpkin muffin and sipping on hot chocolate. Hot chocolate that I SPILLED ALL OVER myself, my desk, my chair, and the floor! Ow!! It was hot and hurt. At least I hadn't showered yet! I cleaned up the mess and made my way upstairs for my shower wondering if I should just go on back to bed.

Lamentations chapter 3 comes to mind this morning. Specifically verses 21-23:

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Great is His faithfulness - even when I'm a mess. It's a new morning filled with His compassion. Lord, thank You for hope!

I Have Hope

Chorus:

I have hope, when trouble comes my way

I have hope, since Jesus has come to stay

I have hope, oh yeah, when things are not well with me

I have hope, it's a beautiful hope that sets me free

Verse 1:

Now, when in distress, He said, "Come unto me."

If you're oppressed, I know, He'll give you liberty

Times may find you, at the end of your line

Just keep the faith, don't ever doubt, the Lord'll be on time

Verse 2:

The darkest night is just before the dawn

But, the hardest fight, I know, is just to keep holding on

When you get weary and each hill seems hard to climb

Keep looking up, don't ever doubt, the Lord'll be on time

Think I'll go back to the piano ~ I've got another song to sing!

Happy Fall, Y'All!

This year has flown at lightning speed! It's hard to believe that today is the first day of Fall. I was looking at sayings and poems about Fall and found this:

In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
the grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all,
Flowers in the summer
Fires in the fall!
~ Robert Louis Stevenson, Autumn Fires

The last line really grabbed my attention. I don't think of cozy bonfires and roasting marshmallows. "Fires in the Fall" look like this in my neighborhood:


Obviously, I'm praying that we don't have any fires this Fall!

I still like the idea of Fall. In fact, I made Pumpkin Muffins this morning. I made one slight change and they are delicious!

1 spice cake mix
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1/2 cup soy milk*

1. Mix all ingredients together
2. Pour into greased muffin tins
3. Bake at 350 for 23 minutes

* For years I have made these muffins with just the cake mix, pumpkin and about 1/4 cup of water. They are good, but very dense. I decided to add 1/2 cup of milk and they really turned out good. The taste is the same, but they are a little lighter. And my house smells wonderful!

Nutritional info: 116 calories / 1.9 g protein / 24.3 g carbs / 1.1 g fat / 1 g fiber / 3 WW Points plus per muffin. Makes 18 muffins

Two Thousand

I hit the 2000 mile mark today! I've run 948.88 miles and ridden 1056.07 miles for a total of 2004.95 miles as of this morning.


Last year I hit 2000 miles on November 4th. In 2009, my highest mileage year to date, I hit that mark on October 20th. This is actually my fifth year to cross the 2000 mile mark.


The real question is what will be my final mileage? 2600 is my highest ever. I'm confident, barring any serious injury, that I can beat that. But can I reach 3000? It took me 126 days to hit the 1000 mile mark, another 139 days (with a 2 week vacation and one week at camp in the mix) to hit 2000. There are now 100 days left in the year. Stay tuned...

Wet Wednesday

I snapped this picture just as I came in from my run this morning. There really is a hill behind our house ~ you just can't see it this morning!


Summer is saying goodbye in a very gracious manner. It makes me hopeful. Hopeful that we'll have a calm Fall without the numerous fires we have had the past few years. But for the next few weeks I'll still pray for rain.

Into the Teeth of Nature

Just before going to bed last night, I received this quote from Runner's World:

I run mostly to see things, to explore places I don't know. And the places I do know, like around here, then I get a sense of the weather, the shifting light, the seasonal changes; it can be pleasurable even when you hurl yourself into the teeth of nature.
~ Edward Koren, Artist/New Yorker cartoonist

Of course I immediately thought of our beautiful trail. I guess it's no surprise that I got up this morning determined to ride higher up the trail by myself then I ever have before...

For more than a year I've been riding to the Y, then up to the equipment. From there, Les and I consider the trail in two parts ~ the first half goes to "Sunshine Mountain" and the second half is to "The Top." I've ridden to Sunshine Mountain several times and to the Top twice, but never by myself. Until today ~ today I rode to Sunshine Mountain by myself! I took this picture and sent it to Les with the caption "Good Morning from Sunshine Mountain!!"


Here is a glimpse of the trail I had just come up... and would soon be descending. It was a glorious morning! 54 degrees, sunny and clear!


I ask on a regular basis "What are you doing for fitness?" but let me tell you about my new friend Vicky. I've seen Vicky on the trail on a regular basis for several months. We've exchanged good mornings and bear stories. Today, we were both on our way down the trail and chatted a while. This is when I learned that Vicky has fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain. People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness. Vicky said it is hard to get up, but she has learned that activity helps her manage the pain and stiffness. She walks approximately 6-7 miles on the trail everyday.

So if you're thinking, "I'm not a fanatic like Kathy, I can't be that active," well try being as active as my friend Vicky. And if you have a nature trail near you ~ check it out sometime. Being in the "teeth of nature" is a beautiful way to start the day.

Mileage Update

I started the week off strong and just kept going! On Tuesday I rode 20 miles ~ my longest solo ride to date. I finished the week with just over 100 miles! No bear sightings this week, but the trees are starting to change colors, so the trail is getting more colorful with each ride.

Totals for Week ending September 17:
Running: 36.21
Cycling: 64.12
Total: 100.38

Year-to-Date:
Running: 938.97
Cycling: 1013.58
Total: 1952.58

Friday Foodie

We have been having wonderful weather this week. Lows in the 50s, highs in the low 80s. Cool enough that I needed a jacket for my ride yesterday. This makes me want to bake! Shall I make pumpkin or sweet potato muffins?

Earlier this week I made Pizza Soup. The original recipe can be found here. I made a few changes this time and calculated the Points Plus value. Bonus ~ the house smells wonderful while this is cooking!



1 jar (14 oz) of pizza sauce
3 empty jars full of water
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup baby tomatoes, cut in quarters (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
2 Italian sausage (I used turkey Italian sausage)
2/3 cup sliced pepperoni, sliced in quarters (Hormel turkey pepperoni)
Italian spices such as basil, garlic, and oregano to taste
1 cup of dried whole wheat pasta
shredded WW mozzarella cheese (to add later)


1. Wash and prepare veggies. Dump them into the crockpot.
2. Cook and cut up the sausage into small pieces--I sliced, then cut the pieces in fourths. Add to crockpot.
3. Cut up the pepperoni, add it, too.
4. Add spices. Pour in the pizza sauce, and follow with three empty jars of water.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Everything in this is already cooked, so you are really only heating through and allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Thirty minutes before serving, add the dry pasta, and turn to high.
7. Garnish/top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Nutritional data: 173 calories, 11 g protein, 10.7 g carbs, 6 g fat, 1.5 g fiber, 4 WW Points Plus. Makes 6 servings.

An Extraordinary Trip

I receive a Quote of the Day from Runner's World everyday. It is usually one or two sentences. I received this one earlier this week. It says so much and it can be applied to more than just running:

Most people never get there. They're afraid or unwilling to demand enough of themselves and take the easy road, the path of least resistance.

But struggling and suffering, as I now saw it, were the essence of a life worth living.

If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not constantly demanding more from yourself—expanding and learning as you go—you're choosing a numb existence.

You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip.

~ Dean Karnazes

Is your life a numb existence or an extraordinary trip? What's keeping you back?

Bella Vita and a Blonde Moment

I ordered a pair of shoes a couple of weeks ago. They are my favorite color ~ purple! I needed new purple shoes. I was hoping they would arrive by last Friday, but they were delivered to one of my neighbors instead. They arrived on Monday in this cute box:


I immediately thought of Italy ~ especially Venice with its many bridges. The brand is called Bella Vita, so I went to Google Translate and enter Bella Vita, Translate from Italian to English. Bella Vita = Good Life! Getting new shoes is the good life! How many of you ladies can say amen to that??

I don't have frequent blonde moments, but when I do...

Last Thursday I was curling my hair for Youth Alive. I was planning on wearing my hair up, but my hair was "too clean" ~ I knew it wouldn't hold the curl I wanted. So I thought, "I'll put some mousse in it." I grabbed a can of mousse, sprayed some in my hand, rubbed it in my hair and proceeded to curl my hair.

Repeat the same scenario on Friday. But this time I decided to read the instructions on the can...

"How-to-Use: Shake well before use.
Holding can upright, dispense a small amount into hand
and smooth over skin."

Umm, what?? Oh, it was Olay Body Quench Mousse! It looks just like a regular can of mousse. And when it sprays out, it is just like hair mousse. No wonder my hair was so moist!


I did have some Aussie Instant Freeze Mousse (sitting right next to the Olay Body Mousse) that I used on Friday. I must say, I couldn't tell much difference in how my hair felt!!


Bella Vita!!

Written In Stone or Sand?

I read an interesting article in the most recent Weight Watchers magazine. The topic was social media and how it affects us. The main focus was on Facebook, but blogs and tweets were also mentioned. One quote that really caught my attention was:

Beware of Boast Posts
Too many chirpy status updates from a virtual friend can hurt your self-esteem, says Alex Jordan, PhD, a psychologist at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business in Hanover, NH. If your friend's posts prove more demoralizing than motivating, unfriend her fast.

This made me question my blog. Am I hurting someone's self-esteem with my posts? That is the last thing I want to do. Part of my profile says, "my hope for this blog is to be an encouragement and a blessing, or maybe just bring a smile on a dreary day."

I don't post when I'm having a bad day. This isn't my "venting place." Some may think I am sugar-coating my life or not keeping it real. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams, but let me just clarify:

• I am human.
• I am a Female human.
• I have bad days.
• I don't always want to run or ride my bike or eat healthy.
• I need to pray and read my Bible more than I do.
• I need to mop my kitchen floor (really bad!)
• I have piles of laundry every week.
• At least one load will be full of smelly running and cycling clothes.
• If you cut me I will bleed.
• If you say something mean to me, I will (hopefully) bite my tongue and walk away.
• And hurt, and possibly cry about it later.

Every single text message, email, Facebook update, blog post, tweet, etc., can be retrieved. You can delete it from your phone or your computer, but it is never gone. Police departments, insurance companies, future employers, and lawyers, can all get to electronic information. It is written in stone...

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything,wrote in the sand:

"Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

"Today my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
~ Author Unknown

This blog is my stone. When someone hurts me, I won't be writing it here. My hope is not to make others unhappy with their own lives, but to be an encouragement. If you know me, you know I've buried my dear brother and my godly mother. My life is not, nor has ever been, perfect. I want to learn from hurts and mistakes, but not dwell on them.

One of my greatest possessions is Mom's Bible. She received it on her 47th birthday ~ my current age. She carried it until her death. It was this Bible that she carried during an 8 year battle with cancer and the loss of Rod. I know of some very hurtful things that were said to her during those years. I know she was very sick. At times she was discouraged. But I counted the many sayings and quotations written inside the covers of her Bible. There are nearly 100 of them. There are only a few that mention her cancer. Written in the stone of Mom's Bible are:

• A smile can brighten someone's day.
• Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its strength.
• HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.
• I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry (from Sis. Mary Coursey)
• I'm a Happy Camper
• Lately I've got Leavin' on my mind.
• Prayer is the Christian's mightiest weapon.
• Gratitude is a seasoning for all seasons.
• Not the greatness of our troubles, but the littleness of our spirit makes us complain.
• Every miracle begins with an impossibility.
• One who uses the Bible as his guide never loses his sense of direction.
  

On and on it goes. Faith. Trust. Hope. Prayer. Even the ones about her cancer show her faith in God:

• 4-27-90 - Black day for me - but God is in charge. Cancer is not too hard for my God.
• Dec. 3, 1996 - Bone cancer - arms, legs, spine, pelvis - I need God.

Since this is my blog, I'll share my blond moments, but not my bad moments. I want to make you think, laugh, and hope ~ because the God I serve came to bring life and that more abundantly. He's certainly given it to me.

I'll close this post with one more quote from Mom's Bible:

Repeat to yourself and store in memory some good thought everyday.
Look for something beautiful everyday, no matter where you are.
Do something kind and helpful for someone everyday.

What are you writing in stone?

Youth Alive 2011

Another great Youth Alive has come and gone. Both services were outstanding! Bro. Jason Calhoun preached anointed messages both nights. Young people worshiping during song service and flooding the altars at the conclusion of preaching is a sight that never grows old!

Both messages were somewhat connected. Thursday night was about the Brook Kidron ~ where the people of Judah would take their false gods. The brook would then wash the false gods away into the Dead Sea ~ buried and forgotten. That's how God views our repented of sins.

Friday night was about choosing what lives and what dies. Best of all, one of the boys from our church got the Holy Ghost that night! I think Ricky is about 10. He's been praying earnestly and it was with great joy that our church learned about him receiving the Holy Ghost.

My one and only picture is of the wonderful Sis. Mary Ginty! If you haven't read her blog ~ you need to! (Sis. Meagan Rowell, you were just a minute too late, I didn't get you with my camera!)

Remembering 9/11 ~ 10 Years Later

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the terrorist attacks. Growing up, I remember hearing people say, "I remember exactly where I was when I heard that JFK was shot" and I didn't understand. Unfortunately, now I do. The flood of emotions will not be forgotten.


I was working at Amgen at the time and was on my way to work when I first heard the news. Both Towers had been hit, along with the Pentagon. What in the world was going on? What an eerie feeling, so sobering and frightening. I looked into the shocked faces of my co-workers and knew that's what I looked like as well. I don't remember getting any work done that day. Just staring at the images on my computer, reading over and over reports of the attacks.


We in California were blessed that none of the attacks occurred in our state, but the impact was still felt. As the day progressed, word spread that an Amgen Clinical Development team had been in Washington, D.C. The team was there for meetings with the FDA regarding approval for a new drug. Later in the day, team members checked in, reporting they were okay, but stranded in D.C. for the time being. They had been scheduled for a Tuesday afternoon flight. Then we got word that Dora Menchaca, the team leader, had changed her flight to Tuesday morning. She was on American flight 77 that flew into the Pentagon.


I remember the first time we flew after 9/11. We flew from the Burbank airport and I was a nervous wreck. The sight of guardsmen did not give me comfort, it just reminded me of all that was lost on the day.


I'm sure there will be more eloquent posts on other blogs, because this is a tough one. My nature is to look for the good, the joyous, write encouraging things. But some days we just need to pause and remember the pain and pray for those who are hurting.

Mileage Update

I had a fantastic week! It started with a 10 mile run on Sunday, a bear sighting on Monday, and a climb all the way to the top of Las Llajas yesterday!

(Taken at the TOP!)

I've been riding a little higher up the trail lately, but not going all the way to the top. Les rode with me yesterday and I knew it was time to do it again. This is only the second time I've made it all the way to the top ~ you can read about the first time here, it occurred way back in March. I couldn't do it without the encouragement of this guy:


The view is amazing at the top... except for the scrub bushes...


Yes, my face was this red! It's a hard, hot climb. Some portions have an 18-20% grade ~ STEEP, but so worth it! And that is NOT a bushy pony tail coming out of my helmet ~ it's a real bush ~ not connected to my head!

Totals for Week ending September 10:
Running: 25.91
Cycling: 49.07
Total: 74.98

Year-to-Date:
Running: 902.76
Cycling: 949.46
Total: 1852.22

Are you thinking about a Fall exercise plan? Cooler temps mean longer walks. Don't just think about it ~ get to it!

Friday Foodie In a Hurry

Last night we needed to be at church at 6:30 for musicians' practice prior to our Youth Alive service. It's been very hot this week. These two elements combined made me not want to cook! So what did I do? Made a trip to our local Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market. They have some of the best salads, ready made meals, and even a few frozen meals that we enjoy.

Last night we had Butternut Squash Ravioli ~ "served with a vegetable medley, in a creamy carrot sauce." This is a frozen dish that can be fixed in the microwave, but I prefer heating it in the oven. I know I said it is hot, but I my oven doesn't seem to heat the house up, so I use it. I can't stand mushy microwaved food.


Quick and easy, clean up is a snap and it is really good! I don't usually go for frozen meals, but this is an exception. We had this with salad and garlic rolls.

Nutritional info: 260 calories / 7 g protein / 7 g fat / 41 g carbs / 6 g fiber / 6.5 WW Points Plus.

Great Times Ahead!

Youth Alive starts tonight! Once again, it's going to be so exciting to see our church packed with young people who love God. I'm sure God is looking forward to hearing praise coming from your lips. Come expecting something from God and you won't leave disappointed!

While all you young ladies are getting ready, making sure your hair and clothes are just right, here's a memory verse to work on:

"Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Luke 5:10

These are the words of Jesus ~ it worked for me!

Book Review - The Four Feathers

Upon Les' recommendation, I recently read "The Four Feathers." Here is the description from Amazon:

Written by A. E. W. Mason, “The Four Feathers” is a riveting tale of redemption woven in the complex interrelationships between love, friendships, trust, and courage.

Harry Feversham, a young man who finds himself born into a historic family of proud British military men, wants nothing more than to be free of such a heritage. Whereas his forefathers fought and died with great courage, Harry is petrified of risking his life for his country and mentally labels himself a coward. Nevertheless, he has little choice but to follow in his father's footsteps. When Harry's regiment is finally summoned to go to war in the Sudan, Harry's fear of his own cowardice overcomes his fear of his father, and he accordingly resigns his commission.

Once three of Harry's closest companions uncover the reason for his decision to resign, they decide to each send him a single white feather to signify his cowardice. What ensues is a story of Harry's heroic attempts at redemption, not only from his friends and from his father, but also from the girl of Harry's dreams, who, being present at the time Harry receives the feathers, adds her own to the original three.

Throughout the exciting events and plot twists of The Four Feathers, Mason presents to readers a reality of human emotions and impulses which cannot draw comparison. As one of the masterpieces of 20th century literature, Mason’s novel is highly recommended.

This was such a great book! I enjoyed every chapter. Harry's decision to redeem himself through acts of courage is courageous in itself. He doesn't rejoin his regiment, but goes on his own. The book is fast paced, with likeable characters.

Harry's fiance, Ethne, is a fascinating character. She doesn't even know that she has pushed Harry to be courageous. She feels terrible for giving him the fourth feather, but once the deed is done can't take it back. As she is later contemplating marriage to someone else, she uses the phrase "Two lives must not be spoilt because of me."

I don't want to give too much away, but I highly recommend this book. As with most literature of that era, the book is morally clean and never uses vulgar language of any kind. It's free for the Kindle or you can probably get it at your local library.

Math Class Resumes

My Runner's World magazine arrived in the mail since last Monday's math class. There is an article about gaining weight while training for a marathon. How timely. Not that I'm training for a marathon, or gaining weight, but it does go along with last week's lesson. I think it's helpful for anyone wanting to exercise and find a healthy weight. Here are some key points:

You're Hungrier!

Marathon training almost always requires more mileage, which boosts the number of calories you burn as well as your appetite. Your body is trying to help fuel your increased activity. One of the ways it does this is by making you hungry. It's worse for women: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts discovered this heightened sense of hunger is stronger in women than men because exercise accelerates the production of appetite-regulating hormones, prompting them to eat more.

Yes, ladies, hormones get the blame ~ even in marathon training!

You're Overeating!

You go for a 10-mile run, come home starving, and inhale a stack of whole-grain pancakes, a smoothie, eggs, bacon, toast, and a few well-earned cookies. Oops, you've eaten 1200 calories - a few hundred more than you burned on the run.

I ran 10 miles on Sunday morning and burned 1,000 calories. I came home and had my typical smoothie of soy milk, frozen strawberries and Recoverite. Just over 400 calories. I had nothing else until we got home from church at about 1:00. And I was not starving. I could have eaten more, but didn't need to.

You're Retaining Fluid!

Not only do runners typically drink more in the days leading up to a race, but they also eat more carbs. And carbohydrates attract water, leading to possible fluid retention.

I have definitely experienced this, even when running half marathons. My weight will be up 1-3 pounds the day after a long run, but return to normal the day after that.


The article goes on to give these tips for avoiding extra pounds:

Pay Attention
Are you increasing your mileage but taking the elevator? Ordering cheesy fries because you "deserve" it? These behaviors offset calories burned logging miles and can lead to weight gain.

Fuel Up... Within Reason
Of course you should eat before a long run, but chances are you probably have enough stored energy to fuel you for an easy three-miler, so skip the snack and just run.

Drink Fluids
Optimal hydration can improve performance and reduce hunger. Remember to hydrate before and after a workout and sip on calorie-free fluids throughout the day.

Fiber Up Postrun
High-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits, grains) are often low in calories but filling, making them great for weight control. But they also keep your digestive system moving, so avoid eating too much fiber right before you run.

Choose Your Carbs Wisely
Don't fill up on carbs from processed grains and sweets. Instead, carb-load with whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, which are more filling and nutrient-dense.

Cut Back
A study in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society found that when people decrease their activity after intense training, they often don't reduce their food intake, setting them up for weight gain.

That's it for this week. Next week we'll take a look at what Bicycling magazine has to say about Halloween candy.

It's Labor Day ~ Trying to Take it Easy!

I started my holiday with a 15 mile ride that included a bear sighting and eating the dust of a horse trailer! Really! I saw tracks, then thought I saw the bear on my way up the trail. On my way down, one of my friends said she definitely saw it. Apparently there is a mama bear who the ranchers call "Big Mama" and she had four cubs last year. We think we're seeing one of those as he appears young.

I followed a horse trailer for about a mile down the trail. Shew! I have never been so dusty in all my life. The trailer was going so slow I had to ride my breaks the entire time. I gave up on that and turned around to go back up the trail for a while. If I'm going to do the work of going up, I want to enjoy the fun of going down.

I've already been to the grocery store ~ think I'll take it easy for the rest of the day.

What are YOU doing today?

Mileage Update

Oh what a beautiful morning! A crisp 54 degrees at 6:15. I can pretend that Fall is a season we actually experience when we have mornings like this. But I won't be pulling out my sweaters anytime soon ~ our seven day forecast shows highs in the 90s all week.

I woke up with a beautiful song on my heart this morning. I couldn't actually sing it while I was riding, but the words just kept rolling through my mind. Such a simple chorus, but words that mean so much:

There is power in the name of Jesus.
There is hope, there is strength, and victory to claim.
There is healing in his holy presence.
There is power in his name.

The only tracks on the trail this morning were a single pair of running shoes. So unless our bear got an order from Road Runner, I guess he hasn't been active this week. I think Les gave our Adult Sunday School class quite a scare last week talking about our wildlife encounters this summer ~ deer, rattlesnakes, and bears, oh my!

We finished another month... 8 down, 4 to go!

Totals for the month of August
Running: 118.02
Cycling: 135.37
Total: 253.39

Totals for Week ending September 3:
Running: 19.30
Cycling: 35.82
Total: 45.12

Year-to-Date:
Running: 876.85
Cycling: 900.39
Total: 1777.24

Friday Foodie

When Les and I went to Buca di Beppo for his birthday we ordered "Quattro al Forno" ~ "Four in the Oven." It's our favorite. The "quattro" are Cheese Manicotti, Chicken Cannelloni, Baked Ravioli and Stuffed Shells.

My favorite is the stuffed shells ~ "Pasta shells stuffed with spicy Italian sausage, spinach, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, crowned with creamy Alfredo sauce on a bed of marinara sauce." Doesn't that sound wonderful? I enjoy the rest of the quartet, but I always leave wanting more of those shells! So I decided to make some of my own. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any shells in my grocery store, so I went with manicotti. There was a recipe on the box for Spinach and Mushroom Manicotti, I tweaked it a little to make Sausage Manicotti.


Sausage Manicotti

10 Manicotti shells
8 oz. spicy sausage
1 bell pepper
1 egg
15 oz. ricotta cheese
2 cups Marinara sauce
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Cook manicotti 7 minutes; drain and rinse in cool water. Set aside.
3. Cook sausage. Add pepper and cook 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
4. Beat egg lightly in medium bowl. Stir in ricotta. Stir in sausage and pepper.
5. Spread 3/4 cup marinara sauce over bottom of baking dish. Fill manicotti with sausage mixture; place in dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over filled shells; sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover; continue baking 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I sent Les this picture with the caption "Ready to go into the oven now"


His response ~ "On my way!"

This was just what I was hoping for! All the flavors blended together and tasted wonderful. This held up well as leftovers, too.

Nutritional info: Serving size 2 stuffed manicotti. 350 calories / 18 g protein / 35 g carbs / 15 g fat / 2 g fiber / 9 WW Points Plus per serving. Using spinach and mushrooms instead of sausage would have lowered the fat on this dish ~ but it was the spicy sausage taste I was looking for!

A Reason to Continue

I received this Quote of the Day from Runner's World this week:

Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.
~ Tim Noakes, author of Lore of Running

At least once a week, my body and I argue. My body wants to stay in bed and snatch a few more minutes of sleep. But I know, if I will just get up anyway, I'll feel better. Whether it's a run or a ride, I usually come home feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the day.

Most days I don't see a significant change. I might be a little faster on Wednesday, but slower on Thursday. But I know that good things are happening when I exercise. My heart is getting stronger. Hopefully, I'm fighting off diabetes and obesity and osteoporosis. That's a reason to continue.

The same can be said of a daily prayer life. We may not feel like praying. There are days that we may not feel a whole lot better when we're finished. But on the spiritual level, on a level we cannot see, things are happening. Battles are being fought. Disasters are being avoided.

The prophet Daniel is an example of continuing in prayer. In Daniel chapter 9 verses 20 and 21 we see, "And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation." His answer came immediately.

The following chapter is a different story. Verse 2 says, "In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks." Then verses 12 and 13, "Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

Three full weeks of prayer on Daniel's part and silence on heaven's part could not have been easy. But Daniel continued. Things were happening in the heavens while Daniel continued.

I've mentioned before that I always pray for Les when he's out on a bike ride. Most of the time, I don't see any results of those prayers. Les comes home fine, he rides without incident. But those prayers were needed last Saturday as he pedaled past a rattlesnake that was ready to strike. About 18 inches separated Les' ankle and the snake's venom. It was coiled with it's tail rattling, but my prayers were answered.

So when your flesh rebels and Satan whispers "what's the use?" ~ there IS a reason to continue! Your prayers are being heard. Every one. Every time.