tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23367742286111938792024-03-12T22:37:30.341-04:00Just JulieJust Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-84566757046755299132011-07-09T01:06:00.000-04:002011-07-09T01:06:19.517-04:00I dreamed a dream.....I love my dreams. I have some kooky ones, some fun ones, visits from family and sometimes scary ones. It amazes me how our minds work and we can have these experiences while we slumber.<br />
<br />
Had an interesting dream last week...well to me. I am STILL thinking about it. <br />
<br />
A LITTLE DREAM BACKGROUND: I grew up going to the same church my dad grew up in...he was a boy when they were building it. When my mom moved to ATL it was her family's church and that is how they met. Our family went there also, so many moments there practicing our Catholic Faith and sacraments. Celebrating the joys of life and saying goodbye and praying for those who passed. When Andy and I bought our house, I decided to just go to a church closer to us. A couple years ago, the pastor of the church I grew up in passed away suddenly in his sleep - he had been a family friend of ours since he first came to Atlanta as a priest from Ireland. <br />
<br />
SO THE DREAM BEGINS.......<br />
I am with my deceased family members getting ready to go to Sunday Mass - my father, my mother, my brother, my sister, my Uncle Jim, and Grandparents. Andy was also there as was my sister and her family. We decided to go to the church in Buckhead to see how the new pastor was doing and because we missed it.<br />
<br />
We arrived to single file line outside the door. We were informed that we must follow the line in the church and sit where we ended up. The church was 3 sections - umm not as it REALLY is and we were told that to make the mass more intimate, they had 3 priests celebrating the mass at the same time - they didn't like the fact in the past that the church would be packed with people. I commented "This makes no sense. Why have 3 people do the job that one person could be doing". I was assured we would like this arrangement. I was happy to hear that Fr Lopez would be our celebratory priest for our section.<br />
<br />
As mass started it was impossible to hear Fr Lopez. We were in the very back of the section and next to the new pastor who was celebrating mass to people facing us in the middle section. The new pastor was very loud and was singing. My parents were not the most charismatic catholics in life so they were looking at him like he was nuts. We were very frustrated to be a church and all we heard was noise, not the familiar mass.<br />
<br />
When time for readings from the bible a comic got up and started to tell jokes. He then proceeded to do magic tricks. I yelled out loud in outrage "Where is this in the Old Testament?". My whole family looked at each other making crazy hand gestures. I was really getting mad.<br />
<br />
Time for communion came and the stepford like ushers lined us up with mostly people we did not know. They led us all to tables as if at a sit down dinner and told us it was communion time. They laid out bread and a jug of wine and instructed us to discuss the importance of communion with those at our table and that we had 30 minutes, then they left. My Uncle Jim looked at me and said "This is the worst mass I have ever been to - despite the fact we have Fr Lopez". I told everyone at my table we didn't need to have a "rap session" that we just needed to do what is normally done at communion. I picked up the bread thought "This is my body, do this in remembrance of me". As I said "The body of Christ" and a self proclaimed "Amen, I started to weep. I was completely sad - the mass in my mind was not right. The way communion was handled to me was crazy and lacked respect.<br />
<br />
I woke up.<br />
<br />
First I laughed, what a nutty dream. Then I cried, I was at mass with my family again. I miss them all so much. I think this is the best thing about dreams as that those who are in your heart that have left this life come back to hang with you and how cool is it we all went to church together!<br />
<br />
I realized in retrospect that one thing the dream emphasized was how much I love my Catholic faith. To be honest I have been in a bit of shall we say spiritual funk lately. Do I love God, yes. Do I believe His Son Jesus died on the cross for me, absolutely. Its the day to day and week to week stuff that I seem to be strugging with. But you know I realize its just not easy. "Narrow is the gate" as the good book says. If it were easy, that would be one huge wide gate to get into heaven. Our human nature and our culture certainly work against the principles of Christianity. I really value not just being a Christian, but being a Catholic.....a part of a family celebrating the mystery of the Church together. I really don't want to be someone who says "I am spiritual but not religious". I mean, Jesus preached to all and talked about love for each other. I am grateful to my parents for what they have given me. I truly believe in presence of Christ in or Eucharist and the reverence that goes with this. <br />
<br />
I don't think the dream was a slam to the new pastor. Certainly things at my old church are as fantastic as they have always been.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-81467887910340343622011-07-05T18:02:00.002-04:002011-07-09T00:39:49.718-04:00Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon - Post Race PAR-TAY<span style="font-size: large;">After I got back to the lovely Swan Hotel, this place is awesome, I took a very cold bath to soak my legs and feet. It felt great. I then took a shower and discovered the chafing on my back under my bra...OUCH, its a painful way to find it! But that and one blister on my foot were my only race injuries, not bad at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amy came back from her massage and we chilled for a bit. Jackie came in our room and we got ready to go to our celebration lunch with the princesses. We hopped a boat to Epcot's International Gateway and met Mary Poppins shortly after we got in the park. Of course we had our medals on so we were complemented by the best nanny in the world.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMTbQo-5ADQsr28rUx6dji0PjlRV7LMBDCawhE0kD5T2HoH4L56NcxSaIH4Wvl-oK4o9v422jIC3nZ85HItZ4xbCweSASmZVJfbG6CXLCTl2I-qwpZirdG_V9W106Vmcy14n8tCTeK5U/s1600/IMG_4584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMTbQo-5ADQsr28rUx6dji0PjlRV7LMBDCawhE0kD5T2HoH4L56NcxSaIH4Wvl-oK4o9v422jIC3nZ85HItZ4xbCweSASmZVJfbG6CXLCTl2I-qwpZirdG_V9W106Vmcy14n8tCTeK5U/s320/IMG_4584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We got a celebratory beer and just chilled out watching the world go by as we sat on a bench enjoying our drinks. We saw lots of princesses with their medals and their "I DID IT" Tshirt.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsFhpfxLLBBYPiL7jaXfzKLSZA13XtjNQyjztv4HU7vhNWWp4d_KJEll4gFwSsOyOYh-J5wEU2SwyLYRYcQAfkJPSNBLLwAomZlu9NyUUgbP1BtFJKAC6jWXT5m0yZUrxKBO2OEh94YU/s1600/IMG_4582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsFhpfxLLBBYPiL7jaXfzKLSZA13XtjNQyjztv4HU7vhNWWp4d_KJEll4gFwSsOyOYh-J5wEU2SwyLYRYcQAfkJPSNBLLwAomZlu9NyUUgbP1BtFJKAC6jWXT5m0yZUrxKBO2OEh94YU/s320/IMG_4582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went into Norway's Akerhus and got our picture made with Belle. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190258_10150145952665781_642130780_8565789_536160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190258_10150145952665781_642130780_8565789_536160_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then we were seated and taken care of by our cute as can be waiter Marcus. He was a doll! We ate - I had the house special meatloaf...I was SO hungry and it was SO good. As we ate, we were greeted by Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora and Ariel - who told us she couldn't run because you know she was just getting used to her legs and all but that Prince Eric who watched the race told her all about it. What better way to celebrate than with our fellow princesses!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8_kc4Xpg9mh0DoW4yc0bQAlN9M4nVcRicjHfd4udNSyTBqly6ayTNrxwTk33eEXrlYUb23r44lChfji9Tf_Ap9qwFYEob1ARfBYz94JeK2EQITZ0YcFmZmMYFMZSniqwPs4J3K3rGz8/s1600/IMG_4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8_kc4Xpg9mh0DoW4yc0bQAlN9M4nVcRicjHfd4udNSyTBqly6ayTNrxwTk33eEXrlYUb23r44lChfji9Tf_Ap9qwFYEob1ARfBYz94JeK2EQITZ0YcFmZmMYFMZSniqwPs4J3K3rGz8/s320/IMG_4586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1p8ijFLXZEVsHexjJSjA_Hx3WbQLzg3vy4w2bhKKHcFvnnYtmurqJXEwdGy8zSd-xiGBkpoDmz-u0QXIf12jQoCaz0svQKxlAELDJqyNmjATxIoOnTPQGCiSN7dGzZrnCGl3d11ET6o/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1p8ijFLXZEVsHexjJSjA_Hx3WbQLzg3vy4w2bhKKHcFvnnYtmurqJXEwdGy8zSd-xiGBkpoDmz-u0QXIf12jQoCaz0svQKxlAELDJqyNmjATxIoOnTPQGCiSN7dGzZrnCGl3d11ET6o/s320/IMG_4587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F0AILGeLsdHpVfU_iFaaPecN4pngzEzHIIaylOGL6YpuTc8SslATc7PdmLVFcF5IMIxl-pINJbO46hT6h_PTNX4OeQ16dh2EjJtBXmxHtsSyPlgNR51o9fGOPjV3zz9IFyGyUOjQCVg/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F0AILGeLsdHpVfU_iFaaPecN4pngzEzHIIaylOGL6YpuTc8SslATc7PdmLVFcF5IMIxl-pINJbO46hT6h_PTNX4OeQ16dh2EjJtBXmxHtsSyPlgNR51o9fGOPjV3zz9IFyGyUOjQCVg/s320/IMG_4589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1Pxd5COZ11VIp3-LzMP2g4i7E-GLsDThBAv7zmiKKbreTLvO0mW4rASKfehgYbq412COFw3GkMYsceHXAbW7CEri85O_mDHoz377_W62pt2qiTDsr8zyuarjLviLskphpeD6nhLiLac/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1Pxd5COZ11VIp3-LzMP2g4i7E-GLsDThBAv7zmiKKbreTLvO0mW4rASKfehgYbq412COFw3GkMYsceHXAbW7CEri85O_mDHoz377_W62pt2qiTDsr8zyuarjLviLskphpeD6nhLiLac/s320/IMG_4588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sadly after lunch we had to say goodbye to Jackie who had to catch a flight so she could get back to work the next day. Amy and I walked around Epcot a bit then hit the monorail over to Magic Kingdom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amy learned of my complete dorkiness as we walked in Move It Shake It Celebrate it was just starting down main street. I jumped right behind the roped at the end and was dancing down Main Street with the parade. I know I looked stupid, I think people on the sidewalk thought I was part of the parade. This lady next to also also joined our dance down main street to the hub - um yeah I danced ALL the way down. I had one of those magical Disney moments.....when they were starting up the songs and party this "announcer" asks the crowd "What are you celebrating". I held up my medal as I did a nerdy dance. Goofy looked at me from the float he was on and gave me a thumbs up, mimicking my motion of holding up my medal and running. I was so happy with the Goofy recognition LOL, then when the song was over and all the characters get off the floats for the street party he ran to me and gave me a hug...... I could have cried.... Goofy had no idea how hard I worked to get that medal. Thanks Disney for your fabulous characters!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2pEsXv9OAuY11uChtVEErgvja4GHNKUOoV6NtKsdwiSAtxQGrlGWU8PzP0OLeieccjH19ExnWpyR2b55BVq_LtbJUezP31HxPEWdxXTkOrgkAuHK4ma1vFyay1N_a741rSdzBKIw2Ho/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2pEsXv9OAuY11uChtVEErgvja4GHNKUOoV6NtKsdwiSAtxQGrlGWU8PzP0OLeieccjH19ExnWpyR2b55BVq_LtbJUezP31HxPEWdxXTkOrgkAuHK4ma1vFyay1N_a741rSdzBKIw2Ho/s320/IMG_4590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1E-uA_1lSZF9ZDNc0GZ_vKAd3fP4FNsoVk4eLgcILj2hkqFGaoJFVuxM_-FNKJp1_qm5ZRhRbxpj6jX-5nGQRxAvx71GOJzRcO0XtKD6Y9tYHilU4fUgtnqC8We9ACo8GpoeDl-hm_0/s1600/IMG_4596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1E-uA_1lSZF9ZDNc0GZ_vKAd3fP4FNsoVk4eLgcILj2hkqFGaoJFVuxM_-FNKJp1_qm5ZRhRbxpj6jX-5nGQRxAvx71GOJzRcO0XtKD6Y9tYHilU4fUgtnqC8We9ACo8GpoeDl-hm_0/s320/IMG_4596.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY14MaGIu0K09HOqEQfweMsT5GzycWiBXgSyVtaRmX6NsLtE_In9E902UDeGakUVJQWnLjITwtRSzs1nplIfr0Pu7QvTumzHn-ahgiOJHVwHdmRkcsz7uSlMNk9jD-Qd7qACCgWic9us/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY14MaGIu0K09HOqEQfweMsT5GzycWiBXgSyVtaRmX6NsLtE_In9E902UDeGakUVJQWnLjITwtRSzs1nplIfr0Pu7QvTumzHn-ahgiOJHVwHdmRkcsz7uSlMNk9jD-Qd7qACCgWic9us/s320/IMG_4598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRzvqqyLjNWF_Ef4TXzerGyUppVqjjsvxhhdhutlNnzFtkPxu9Bfnjae7SR33yGAhIvanLHd14IOUgs59dzv4o8Izx-4sYg5QfHgDEvIzMwPt59Lq6WalXCLwJNEt2c6YdDbZhht-2qc/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRzvqqyLjNWF_Ef4TXzerGyUppVqjjsvxhhdhutlNnzFtkPxu9Bfnjae7SR33yGAhIvanLHd14IOUgs59dzv4o8Izx-4sYg5QfHgDEvIzMwPt59Lq6WalXCLwJNEt2c6YdDbZhht-2qc/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After partying with the Move It Shake It peeps we headed towards Hall of Presidents since we hadn't seen that before. We were greeted by ye old colonial Mickey.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMnQbm-K6jQsnRY5KOwl9e0fC-lVB5pnKbCyAxptcDudyy-_EjvPvHqZGvB2vCCU6qTDnwNdWLBSnT3_3ZhCckcaRaNPbO8GbpZrMWKn1zjzBW_19IZOt_VfkfK3nuVjYt_YL8E7-hhs/s1600/IMG_4599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMnQbm-K6jQsnRY5KOwl9e0fC-lVB5pnKbCyAxptcDudyy-_EjvPvHqZGvB2vCCU6qTDnwNdWLBSnT3_3ZhCckcaRaNPbO8GbpZrMWKn1zjzBW_19IZOt_VfkfK3nuVjYt_YL8E7-hhs/s320/IMG_4599.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We then walked by our favorite bathroom of the trip - we were hydrating so much and all used that potty at the parks Amy took my photo...its in Tomorrowland.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189176_1740000934758_1080710810_1912424_5260034_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189176_1740000934758_1080710810_1912424_5260034_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We did Buzz Lightyear and I THINK its a Small World as there was no line for either. We might have done some other things, but to be honest, that was a while back and I have been slack in posting this update! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were SO tired and realized it was getting late as it was dark so started to head out of the park...then we realized the Fireworks were about to start so since both of us had never seen the fireworks we decided to stay. The Memories and You show on the Castle is just amazing! There were even some photos of the race. The fireworks were just amazing, it was a great way to finish off the day though I was so thankful it was just Amy and I getting out of the park afterwards - what a mad rush, glad to not have to worry about kids. Can you believe it, after getting up SO early for the race and no naps, we closed the Kingdom!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZCpXOstmUjBCK7s0YG7w40blhYGQEGcyNz3aqO0othfpi2YqdtY0Rzcx-Ru837SJzMxZH9b_HB1JqDzo79iYtpq5AaTF6G318At7ocbqQ8aCMISaW8rxMFahUrsQw_JHrEi0UiRNI2I/s1600/IMG_4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZCpXOstmUjBCK7s0YG7w40blhYGQEGcyNz3aqO0othfpi2YqdtY0Rzcx-Ru837SJzMxZH9b_HB1JqDzo79iYtpq5AaTF6G318At7ocbqQ8aCMISaW8rxMFahUrsQw_JHrEi0UiRNI2I/s320/IMG_4606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We got back to our room, crashed and then the next morning the magic was over time to come home. Couldn't wait to go back ..... in fact.....I just signed up today for the 2012 race. Hopefully I will be able to do it uninjured and I can tell you for sure....I am NOT forgetting my camera battery this time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have to say, a girls trip to Walt Disney World was the best thing ever. We all had a blast and it was nice being able to focus on what WE wanted to do without worrying about kids and husbands. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Can't wait for the race in 2012! See you there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-37408236833566683622011-03-23T20:38:00.004-04:002011-07-05T18:57:30.756-04:00Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon - Part 4 It's the End of the Race as I know it<span style="font-size: large;">After exiting the Castle tunnel I veered over to my left to wait in a line to get my pic taken....look how brilliant the light was...it was around 7 am at this point. THIS photo is what many do the race for! Yeah I get red in the face when I exercise...and I have to say, my legs have NEVER looked better! This is what running does for ya.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfaaba924ea00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfaaba924ea00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I ran off into the Liberty Square area I believe next. There was Tiana, Prince Naveen and Louis, look how cute Amy looked in her pic! It was so surreal running this course in the happiest place on earth.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183273_1738645860882_1080710810_1908542_1849268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183273_1738645860882_1080710810_1908542_1849268_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next to the Haunted Mansion were 2 Ghost ladies who were a RIOT. They sounded like Paula Deen - you think I was hungry or something with second thought of Savannah's first lady, in very sarcastic southern voices saying "Go Y'all. Run".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We headed through Frontier Land and Sarah Cate's FAVORITE Ride was going... Splash Mountain, though no riders. At some point by the shooting gallery I see Jessie from Toy Story AND a professional photographer...line was short may 6 people so I hopped in. Yeeeeee Haw! After this I decided it was a nice place to stop and stretch out the old calves, so I did the runners stretch up against a wall by the shooting gallery - some lucky princess has a picture of me in the background stretching like these ladies behind us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa285464ce00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa285464ce00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Somewhere we hit 6 miles just before we exited the park.....my time from mile 5 to 6 was 14:52 minutes, not bad for potty break, 2 pictures and some stretching! My total time for this leg 6 miles was an hour and 30 minutes. Next thing I know we are running down a hill an by all these floats that were in storage or garages between parades. Aladdin's Genie was down there as was Captain Hook with Smee and Pinocchio with Geppetto.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we ran past the train, over a little bridge I knew our time in the Magic Kingdom was over, it was a little sad. I could feel my heel more than before but I wouldn't say it hurt at this point. I told myself, make it mile 11 and you are home free! Between now and then no parks, but a run through Epcot awaited at the finish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a firetruck out with a DJ and some fireman dancing on top of the ladder truck. That make me laugh. We hit mile 7 and things started to hurt on my foot, I was DEFINITELY slowing down. Between now and the end of the race I know I stopped like 4 times to stretch out my calves, but not sure exactly when. The sun was up and it was hot, I couldn't believe all the people who passed me in polyester full costumes or long running tights - some ariels, some jasmines, the incredibles. But there was PLENTY of Powerade and Water stops which I took water EVERY time not being used to the heat and humidity. They also had a few Biofreeze stops which I BATHED my calves and ankles in..that stuff feels great!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While we weren't in a park, shortly after mile 7 we passed Belle, Gaston and the Beast; Cinderella's Carriage - glass pumpkin one they use for weddings; and Prince Phillip and Sleeping Beauty. I was looking to see if I could spot a professional photographer for pics, but decided I just needed to focus on finishing..the castle shot was my only MUST have. There were spectators on the side too cheering us on. We were by a golf course and Donald Duck decked out for Golf was there next to a Mickey golf cart. GREAT photo ops for those who remembered to put the charged battery IN the camera. We hit mile 8 and saw Meeko from Pochahontas.....and at some point we got our free Powerade Gel...I think I had chocolate...it def gave me some energy. Oh I had been eating my Cliff Blocks every 45 minutes, so its not like I was passing out, but what the heck, it was free.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was really starting to get hot at this point and the foot was hurting worse. I chatted with some friendly princesses to try to take my mind off of things as it seems this leg from my memory was boring and I knew we had that freeway ramp style hill coming up. Plus it was in my mind "the longest I made it training was 10.5"....oh that is ABOUT where that hill is located too. The whole mental part of running was kicking in full force. Just get to mile 11 I told myself, you see that is AFTER the ramp! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mile 9 to 10 was tiring as we had direct sun, but you know it was the familiar back side of the race, saw the Epcot big ball balloon again and the familiar sights from the beginning of the race....how different to run in the early morning dark and full sun! The pirates were still out for photos as were the princes....lines were ALOT shorter too...mental note for next year! I was still hopeful about finishing, but ready to be done.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We hit 10 and at some point I see princesses and a few princes going up the ramp which was shaped like the clover leaf. THANKFULLY I had read on the disboards that it was very banked and for anyone with any joint or feet issues to stay on the left as the inside - the right was the shortest distance and would be intuitively where you would want to run was really banked and hard on the joints. I think I walked the entire ramp on the side off the road as the ground was softer and relatively flat. I was shocked very few were on the ground. About half way up, they had a green army guy from Toy Story shouting "Move it move it civilians....Get to the top of the hill" in the army man fashion from the movie. I tried to take a pic with my phone but that sucker is small and I couldn't figure it out. I made it to the top of the hill and when on the overpass expected to look back and see a trickle of people, but it was still a sea of humanity, so felt good I wasn't last. Are we there yet in my mind.........ouch my foot really hurts. Then "Dig a Little Deeper" from Princess and the came on Frog came on the old IPOD Shuffle!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made it to mile 11 where they had guys on stilts from my favorite street party "Move It Shake It Celebrate It". I high fived the stilt guy and said "Move It Shake It - Best Parade at the Kingdom". He smiled and said "you know it girl". Yes, another giddy moment - see I have this weird thing about how much I love that parade! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's where the end of the race the mental highs and lows hit me like a ton of bricks. Mile 11 I thought - this is as farther than I made it on my training run. Cue the tears again, I am gonna finish...well I hope I can as my feet are KILLING ME. I would try to jog, but my jog was as slow as my walks. But I said, ONLY 2 more miles, then I thought gosh I hope I can finish them unlike that bad last long training run. I think I cried the whole mile. I was just overcome with so many emotions - pride in how far I had come, fear I wouldn't make it, loneliness like no on was going through what I was, I wished my family was going to see me finish AND I just was ready to be done with it all. I would say "You are going to do this" and that would bring on tears of how hard I had worked to get up to this distance, then the stupid foot problem that stopped my training and all those weeks of "Will I or won't I finish". I am telling you I was a bit of a hot mess I think but I kept plugging along. Literally THOUSANDS had passed me, but hey I wasn't last.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They did have some more characters to pass the time and distance...Jane from Tarzan, The Little Dragon from Mulan - I love that movie, Mrs Incredible and the chick from Hercules. Well we made it to mile 12 and I think the wave of emotion calmed a bit..... AND then the shuffle on my IPOD starts to play "I'm Almost There" from Princess and the Frog! "Trials and Tribulations, I've had my share...." Sing it Tiana!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the last mile is through Epcot and when I heard someone say "Welcome to Epcot" as we ran in, I now had tears of joy. There was a group of 2 next to me and the one girl was STRUGGLING and her friend was pushing her to finish....but I think it was making the girl having a hard time mad, her face was down as her friend said "Run, finish strong". I tried to help by saying, "not much further per my Garmin - You can do it, just finish your race". She looked a me a little weird and I decided,hmm,better back off. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With a little over 1/2 a mile left, I saw a girl limping along. I decided to try the encouragement thing again as I NEEDED IT TOO! She told me her foot her she had Plantar Faciitis....hey ME TOO! We chatted about our ailments and treatments. We discussed how we were happy we were going to finish but honestly disappointed in our times and that this was NOT the way we imagined it would be, we knew it would be hard, but never envisioned being in pain. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa4e2ee5b700000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa4e2ee5b700000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is around the time I met my finishing friend..she is next to me with red bandana. Could I look any happier? Um, yeah I could! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">The Gospel Choir singing before mile 13 turned all my emotions to SHEER JOY! They sounded great and looked so happy! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I told my new foot problem friend as was saw the finish "come on, we have worked too hard not to finish strong. Not only did we get up at 3 to do a half, we are doing it with an injury...we deserve 2 medals". She said OK and we started to jog tot he finish. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb6234c5f700000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb6234c5f700000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last bit of energy jog with a smile...SLOW but got it going on. Could I have more stuff on me...garmin, spibelt, Ipod Touch and the tiara bow hat . I had my Team Sparkle Skirt which if you look good you feel good! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">I saw Minnie and Donald and Daisy..and I cut over to high five them all just before I crossed the line. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb36f9442000000040O38AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=3/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb36f9442000000040O38AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=3/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I crossed that finish line I was SO happy I had my arms up high and a huge smile on my face. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb1a6744a800000030O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfb1a6744a800000030O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is me on the left, my last mile Plantar Faciitis finishing buddy is in the center in purple shirt with bandana.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfbe40dc58d00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfbe40dc58d00000060O08AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> Proud of my accomplishment, but SO happy to be done. I told my last mile buddy whose name I don't know, she was from Chicago...."Good job". She told me "thank you so much for talking to me and getting me through the last mile, you really helped me". She helped me too. Then it happened...I got my medal and some pixie dust for the heck of it and got my finisher picture taken...which by the way, this is a wake up call picture, I am now trying to lose my middle. Sheesh, stand up straight and suck in your gut would you. Oh, the medal is Princess Tiana Colors SO pretty with some diamonds and an emerald. Amy had someone take her pic and its below.... she had finished WAY ahead of me!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa883264f800000040O38AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=3/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" r6="true" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd02b3127ccefcfa883264f800000040O38AcNWzVs4ctAe3nwM/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=3/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183909_1738648180940_1080710810_1908554_2144852_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183909_1738648180940_1080710810_1908554_2144852_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">And on my high from finishing got a message Jackie was at the designated meeting place with ice...I had started to go to medical, but decided to just get back to Jackie. I called Andy and left a crying voice mail "I did it, it was so fun but so hard at the end, I love you thanks for your support in getting me here". He called me back and tears flowed as I briefly chatted with him and Sarah who asked me "did you win mommy?". Yes sweetie, I finished and they gave me a shiny medal with jewels....."OHHHHHH - Daddy mommy got a medal"! She was excited my sweet little 4 year old. My finish time is an embarrassing 3:29:51...but hey, I beat my 3:30 goal! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made it to Jackie and realized I had to go...Dear Disney, come on, the potties were quite a walk from the end and I was going SLOW! We made it our car...you know when you park in the dark, it sure looks different... I had memorized the row and section but there was no one out there to direct us back. When we found the car, getting out of the parking lot was a nightmare...but we made it. Iced my feet in the car with Jackie's leftover ice pack for her knee. I took a nice cold water bath to soak my legs and feet and rested up for our after the party...and party we did.</span><br />
<br />
(Disclaimer: This is from my memory and reviewing some of my training buddies trip reports and pictures. To be honest, the last 5 miles are kind of a blur, particularly mile 9-12.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to be continued.......afterparty is next. <a href="http://julienandy.blogspot.com/2011/07/disney-princess-12-marathon-post-race.html">Princess After Party</a></span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-55011669793621704552011-03-06T14:22:00.006-05:002011-07-05T17:41:59.997-04:00Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon - Part 3 "Have Fun Storming the Castle"<span style="font-size: large;">As we passed over the starting line I hit the old start button on my long lost friend my Garmin to keep up with my pace on demand, cool huh! Since I had been injured, I wasn't running outside and the old gal had not been used in over a month- I sure missed her. As Amy ran off to hit her pace I felt myself smiling despite the fact EVERYONE was passing me, but had to do my warm up walk for a few minutes. When the IPOD told me "RUN" I took off - it felt so good in the dark surrounded by the back of the pack of Corral B to run and I reminded myself I HAD to restrain myself to make it to the end - so I had to slow down a little. I felt great and just had a goofy smile on my face. I was moved to see so many spectators on the side of the road next to the Epcot Parking lot where we started. They were cheering us on, thanks for getting out so early peeps. I believe we next passed a high school band which again, I was moved that they came out so early to play for us. Somewhere along the line was a DJ. Now, I was going to take pics to document WHEN I saw what as far as the course, but alas....no camera for me so this is all from memory.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184949_1738634900608_1080710810_1908502_3946685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184949_1738634900608_1080710810_1908502_3946685_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>cute mile markers with a Disney theme...time indicates the start of the race...Amy took this picture but you know the clock read 20:57 when I ran by...he he only mile I beat her due to her potty stop.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At some point I passed the mile one marker and was pumped! I am doing this and WILL finish I told myself. I thought I heard someone yell "JULIE", then heard it again. It was Amy, she had stopped to wait in line at a porta potty and was coming up from behind. She snapped these pics of me on the course - see still dark out there!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183229_1738635300618_1080710810_1908504_4260086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183229_1738635300618_1080710810_1908504_4260086_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>hey who is that fast sparkly runner? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/181757_1738635660627_1080710810_1908507_8155278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/181757_1738635660627_1080710810_1908507_8155278_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after Amy ran ahead at her speedy pace I saw the pirate ship up in the distance and began to hear that great Pirates of the Caribbean movie theme. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184353_1738636260642_1080710810_1908509_2954894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184353_1738636260642_1080710810_1908509_2954894_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>pics courtesy of my weekend roomy Amy, these are just some random princesses. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a long line to get pics made with them - I yelled as I passed, "thanks for coming out pirates, hey Jack Sparrow". <strike>Johnny Depp</strike> um I mean Jack Sparrow pointed right at me and yelled 'GO PRINCESS'. I was giddy, how fun that the characters were totally into the race and cheering us on! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We also passed an Epcot hot air balloon that looked like the big ball and then the prince dudes - Tarzan, Aladdin, Eric, John Smith, and Flynn Rider from the newest Tangled movie. I yelled "Flynn Rider I love You", he turned between photos, gave me a thumbs up and said "Good luck Princess". It the little things you know that motivate me, I was smiling BIG time and having a blast. And that was my goal...to have fun AND to finish....and if possible do it under 3:30, but hey, I thought the first 2 were the most important.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is Amy at mile 3.... cute huh, love that Ariel and Prince Eric.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183629_1738637820681_1080710810_1908517_7214676_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183629_1738637820681_1080710810_1908517_7214676_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Somwhere shortly after either the princes or Epcot big ball balloon, can't remember which, I had my first YIKES THIS RACE IS HARD moment. I felt great and was holding myself back to between a 13-14 minute pace with my 2/1 run/walk intervals. I saw a girl on the side of the road doubled over and she didn't look good at all. Two friends were standing with her, this was around mile 3. I think I was in a WALK interval as I heard her friends say "Look if you need to rest, stay here and we will pick you up on the way back. If you want to go on, we will stay together". We were on one side of the divided highway and were coming back on the other side toward later. The girl was crying and saying "Just go without me". She looked like she was hurting....who knows, running on injury, running sick....it was a moment when I thought, CRAP that could be me later. AND this girl was young and in shape - unlike middle aged needs to lose some weight me! This was also way earlier than I had anticipated seeing this kind of scene. I had a moment of fear about not finishing and just told myself to say a quick prayer for her and for me to finish. Her friends were so supportive, they were standing with her, not pushing her and letting her tell them what to do. I jogged off and forced myself to remove ANY negative thoughts..</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to remember to thank any spectators as I passed, I gave them the princess one handed royal wave which some smiled and some looked at me like I was nuts. Being silly and just enjoying the moment and being back in the familiarity of my beloved run/walk interval groove really made me happy. And the sun was coming up!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After we passed into the Magic Kingdom Entrance under the big signs, Lilo and Elvis Stitch were dancing to some Elvis tunes. I guess we were by the Polynesian resort. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181903_1753125962171_1659593818_1694110_4560100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181903_1753125962171_1659593818_1694110_4560100_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after that we passed the Richard Petty Driving Experience and they had a car out and some cute drivers cheering us on and available for pics. When we went by the Ticket and Transportation center, the drumming band from Japan at Epcot was beating us on, they were AWESOME and all smiles as we ran by. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183009_1738639460722_1080710810_1908526_3261124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183009_1738639460722_1080710810_1908526_3261124_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Somewhere around this time, we hit the 5 mile marker and I was thinking, soon I will be running under the castle. There is a dip in the road that goes under a bridge by the Contemporary resort with a DJ up on top playing tunes - recognizing people by costume - I believe Captain America was around me at this time as was the four people dressed as the Incredibles. Loved this sign by the DJ!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184945_1738640020736_1080710810_1908530_5215134_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184945_1738640020736_1080710810_1908530_5215134_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He told us at the top of the hill....men on trampoline LOL. Surely enough, we got to the top and there was a guy doing stunts on a trampoline. I yelled "You Go Dude on trampoline" and I must have been loud as he gave me a thumbs up between tricks. It was so great to have all that entertainment, really fun. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185789_1738640140739_1080710810_1908531_5870180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185789_1738640140739_1080710810_1908531_5870180_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was thinking wow, soon I will be at the Magic Kindgom and felt the tug at my heartstrings. All my training was for THIS moment, its the highlight of the race I think. I really was getting excited as we approached space mountain....when I was little I thought the coolest thing ever would be to go to Disney and ride it, I rode it the day before for the first time!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183261_1738640700753_1080710810_1908534_801868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183261_1738640700753_1080710810_1908534_801868_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We rounded a corner through a castmember entrance - for those not into the Dis, Castmembers are Disney employees; I hear someone say "Good Morning Princesses, Welcome to the Magic Kindgom".....all of a sudden I was on Main Street. Yeah, some tears came out. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183373_1738640820756_1080710810_1908535_3880336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183373_1738640820756_1080710810_1908535_3880336_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They had let families in to cheer on their loved ones and they were on the left. Some cheering, some with noisemakers some just staring - I guess looking for their princesses. I decided I didn't want to walk, but DEF slowed down the pace to enjoy every second in the park. I felt some big tears roll down my cheek when I saw a sign that said "My mommy is my favorite princess", and for a minute I really missed my family...but it passed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is Amy - what a great pic!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185669_1738641140764_1080710810_1908537_7966923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185669_1738641140764_1080710810_1908537_7966923_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we headed to Tomorrow Land I said good morning to a castmember standing on the side and as sincere as could be he smiled a huge smile and said "Good Morning Princess!". OK, that made my morning! Chip and Dale were cheering on runners - and available for photos, as was Buzz Lightyear, he had a huge line but gave me a Thumbs up as I screamed something to him. Those Disney folks are the best! I felt invincible at this point though decided a stop in a REAL bathroom would be nice. Only had to wait behind 2 people at our favorite Tomorrow land ladies room and got to wash my hands and splash my face with water. How refreshing! We ran through Fantasy Land and the carousel and teacups were on, empty but on. Alice was there as were Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and the Queen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And now, time for the BIG moment - the castle. As we approached I saw Prince Charming and some royal folk, but no Cinderella. She must have been on a royal break. Royal Minnie and Mickey were also there, big lines for all these. The crowd in front of us were yelling as they ran under the castle. When I got in the tunnel I raised my hands.....hmm no one was screaming, so I did - I mean why run quietly in a tunnel you know? and others followed. What a cool feeling to come out in the early morning sun - the lighting at that time was GORGEOUS and you could see the specatators at the bottom. I went over to the left to wait in a line to get the money shot! See the next entry for the photo he he.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I ran jogged away from my photo, I noticed my calves were a tad tight.....I said "I WILL FINISH THIS RACE" just get me to the 11 mile marker. The Castle moment was indeed spectacular...what a rush!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to be continued............................... <a href="http://julienandy.blogspot.com/2011/03/disney-princess-12-marathon-part-4-its.html">Disney Princess 1/2 Part 4</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-58711106469351364542011-03-01T11:58:00.002-05:002011-07-05T17:38:50.430-04:00Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon - Part 2 Lets Get it started........Its race day!<span style="font-size: large;">Before the alarm went off at 3am, I woke up. Amy stirred as well and we turned off the alarm about 5 minutes before it was to go off. Time to get dressed, tape up the feet as if I am an elite runner and slather the Blue Emu cream on the calves and feet. This is what early and nervous looks like in my Snow White themed running attire - it ain't pretty that early!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183109_1738631740529_1080710810_1908489_424300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183109_1738631740529_1080710810_1908489_424300_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was so tired and nervous, I started to try to focus on being positive. "I will finish, I can do this, its going to be so much fun, think of all the cool pictures for the memory book" I said to myself.....Amy my roommate had a pre-race panic attack "can I do this kind of thing", but she calmed down before we left. We headed down to the lobby to meet up with Jennifer an online Disboards.com buddy that we were giving a ride to...never met her before, but figured doing a good deed for someone would be good karma for us all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jennifer was super nice - and told us her 10 year old son was like "Mom, you are riding with strangers you met on the internet?" ha ha. Poor thing had been diagnosed the day before at the doc in a box while on vacation with Bronchitis and was just hoping to finish. Me, well I had my Plantar Faciitis issue and was also hoping to finish without snapping a tendon! Eve had a hamstring issue she had been working through as well, and yep "hoping to finish". Jackie had been dealing with some funky knee thing and had a history if ITB so you guessed, she just wanted to finish. Amy was still nervous at this point too. What a car ride! We left the hotel around 4:10 with no set directions but did not need them, traffic was CRAZY....it was easy to see where to go because of the traffic and Disney had done a great job with the signs</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We made it to the Epcot parking lot and when we got out to make the trek to the start, I wanted to take a photo for posterity - here is Amy's picture right after I realized my mistake and why my camera wasn't working.... </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181745_1738632380545_1080710810_1908492_2973126_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181745_1738632380545_1080710810_1908492_2973126_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, I am about to cry in this picture and not because I need to lose my spare tire - but with more training and better diet, I will lose it because with this go round my butt and hips got smaller, time for the tummy to catch up....oops back to topic.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had my camera but when I took my charged battery out of the charger the night before, I put it back in my camera bag NOT in the camera, and I didn't have the bag with me. I had that face of about to cry and I remember Jennifer saying Oh No..... I cried because I wanted those pictures on the race, they were my safety. They would be my fun if my foot gave out and I had to stroll from character to character until the van picked me up. Race Plan B was a shambles and the lack of sleep and highly charged emotional state of "will I finish" came out as tears. I think it was Eve who said, "Its OK, now the bad thing has happened on the race, its all good from here on out, this just means you ARE finishing." The other girls rallied to get me back in a positive frame AND gave me my time to grieve the loss of Race Plan B.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We made the long walk to the starting Corrals....seriously, it was a 20 minute walk in a herd of princesses. By the time we got to the bathrooms at the Corrals, my grief period was over......I was starting to say, I am here, have fun and lets finish this thing! Plus there were so many fun costumes and men in Tutu's and tiaras as well. We all did the obligatory empty out in the potty before the start, took a group photo and headed to our corrals. Amy and I were in B, Jackie in D and Eve in E....Jackie hung back with Eve. As we departed from our foursome, we reminded each other, Pray for Me I will pray for you!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/185849_1738633060562_1080710810_1908494_4041788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/185849_1738633060562_1080710810_1908494_4041788_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184633_1738633300568_1080710810_1908495_8172002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184633_1738633300568_1080710810_1908495_8172002_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
A shout out to Amy for the pictures! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we got in the corral, again I felt like a herd I sat down and stretched out some. The president of Run Disney gave us a pep talk, Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasco from Survivor gave us a pep talk and thank you for running a race which supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma society - he is a Cancer survivor, we sang the national anthem and awaited the start. Cinderella's fairy godmother was up on the platform - she reminded me of Paula Deen for some reason, waiving her wand and giving us her magic fairy dust. As the first group went off, fireworks shot up in the sky. Holy cow, 8 more minutes and it was time for us to go.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181725_1738634020586_1080710810_1908498_8327296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181725_1738634020586_1080710810_1908498_8327296_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amy and I were happy at this point, "I can't believe we are finally here about to do this". I remembered the sage advice I got on disboards about the first mile setting the pace mentally....start out with your positive mantras and a smile on your face. Focus that first mile on how much FUN this is and is going to be. The fireworks went off and off we went running. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I HAD to keep it slow and the pace I would have to run to avoid injury was WAY slower than the people I was with. I told Amy to "Run your race" and off she went ahead of me. All I kept thinking was "I can't believe I am here and doing this half marathon". I appreciated all the training I had completed and thought "I am so glad I got up to 10 miles and that was a great run that day". I reminded myself I was so lucky to have a supportive Physical Therapist with the foot and she told me, "I think you ARE going to finish as your foot is SO much better than when we started". I thought of myself when I started couch to 5k back in July and those hot humid summer mornings when I was trying to just get into doing my cardio. I thought of the runs in the cold winter as I tried to figure out how to stay warm without overheating. The payoff was here! I worked hard, time to enjoy. It was going to be a beautiful sunny day, no worries about keeping warm here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I told myself I could have quit, but I didn't because I wanted to be exactly where I was right at that moment.....doing a half marathon, and lucky me was at Disney. The song playing on my ipod when we started was "Wanna Be Starting Something".....how appropriate! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Off into the early morning darkenss I jogged deciding to try my original 2minute jog, 1 minute walk intervals. If I got tired or my foot hurt I was prepared to switch my running interval to 1 minute or 30 seconds, or heck walk the darn thing! I had my sunglasses for when the sun came up, my garmin to help me stay in a pace to finish without getting swept up, my IPOD strapped on my arm to tell me when to switch from Running to walking and some inspirational tunage, and my new spibelt with my Cliff Blocks, lip stuff, glasses, and room key... Pack rat I was, all ready to attack the 13.1 miles ahead of me to the finish where my medal awaited me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was indeed smiling.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here we go</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183425_1738634420596_1080710810_1908500_4754624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183425_1738634420596_1080710810_1908500_4754624_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">to be continued......................... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://julienandy.blogspot.com/2011/03/disney-princess-part-3-have-fun.html">Disney 1/2 - Part 3</a> </span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-76281935010314202862011-02-28T21:42:00.003-05:002011-07-05T17:36:59.129-04:00Disney Princess Half Marathon - Part 1 Princess PaloozaThe half marathon weekend arrived......it was time to go to Orlando. I hadn't run over 10.5 miles in my training and that was on Jan 15th, 2 weeks later I attempted to do 11 and had to stop at 9 and walk to my car for .8 in PAIN. On Jan 15th, my Plantar Faciitis flared up BAD. I tried to run on gravel or packed dirt....ouch, even short distances. I planned on an active recovery as I saw a sports doc and began physical therapy...which helped, but when we make plans God laughs....I got sick with a flu like virus for a week in bed for 6 days. Best thing that happened as my foot felt better, though not fully, so I attacked the elliptical for 2 weeks to try to keep my legs moving and cardio in some kind of shape. I struggled for a month with "will I be able to finish it"? Both the PT and the sports doc told me to take it SLOW and just listen to my body. No reason while I could not try.....BUT to be prepared to stop if things didn't feel right. I began to periodically have visions of myself in the race and a tendon snapping. And visions of being picked up by the van for those who can't make the minimum pace. <br />
<br />
Eve from Boston, who is now teaching at Harvard and I arrived at MCO the same time and my buddy from preschool and church Amy picked us up and took us to the Swan where we were staying. We met Jackie another friend of mine from CT who was at the pool. She headed upstairs and we had a nice beer to relax and enjoy the resort atmosphere. Afterall...isn't beer carbs and we needed our carbs. Jackie came down to join us for a beverage then we headed over to the Princess Expo to pick up our numbers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181987_1737260866258_1080710810_1905739_6223280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181987_1737260866258_1080710810_1905739_6223280_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
The SWAN is a GREAT hotel! Very nice place. Next we headed over to the Wide World of Sports to pick up our race packets. We were greeted in style at the door... let the princess treatment begin!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181537_10150144075645781_642130780_8541710_3133427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181537_10150144075645781_642130780_8541710_3133427_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From the Left....Amy, Footman #1, Jackie, Eve, Footman #2, and me. I wonder if either of these guys ever mice - I mean for all we know its Jac and Gus under Fairy Godmother's spell.<br />
<br />
The expo was closing in less than an hour so we grabbed our bags....which are nice little mesh backpacks full of a bunch of ads, a tiny luna bar, some safety pins, our race # with timing chip, tshirt and final race instructions. The Tshirt is a technical one, and its very nice - white, the pic is yellow, but come on Disney, how about a little more swag! Your races are not cheap! I do LOVE how my race number had me as Princess Juliann! I was happy to see Amy and I would be starting together in the same group and I was up towards the front - which gave me more time as the during the race the minimum pace time starts when the last runner crosses the starting line. There were 16,000 women and 600 men running!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179867_10150144079440781_642130780_8541771_4858391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179867_10150144079440781_642130780_8541771_4858391_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We ate at Wolfgang Puck express in Downtown Disney, walked around a bit and headed back to the swan.<br />
<br />
On Saturday our plans were to hit Disney Hollywood studios early to do Tower of Terror - well me with my fear of heights and recurring free falling dreams passed on this one, The Rock N Roll Roller Coaster - now my favorite roller coaster, and Toy Story Mania -LOVED IT. With the help of a Fast Pass AND low crowds we knocked out all 3 by 10:45.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/182768_1737818880208_1080710810_1906685_1613775_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/182768_1737818880208_1080710810_1906685_1613775_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We headed over to the Magic Kingdom to do Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain and whatever else we fancied. We had a great lunch at the Mexican place by Pirates of the Carribean - really you get alot of food for your $$. I just got a taco salad and loaded up on the lettuce and tomato at the fixin's bar - kept it simple! We watched a parade and decided we needed ice cream. The girls got FREE ice cream from a nice Cast Member "just because" - now who would have thunk that?.... while I purchased my Dole Whip vanilla swirl...ummm, pineapple. It was a BEAUTIFUL day but OOPS we stayed til 7 later than expected. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184994_1737826080388_1080710810_1906734_3798260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184994_1737826080388_1080710810_1906734_3798260_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We headed back to the swan, just picked up some dinner at Picabu in the hotel, nothing too heavy with some protein and carbs. I charged my camera battery til full, plugged in my laptop to charge the Ipod and Garmin and layed out my Princess race attire. The nerves started to set in as we had to leave the hotel at 4am to get there by the ungodly hour they want you there before the start....start is at 5:45am for the first group, my group was starting at 5:53. I think we got in bed at like 10.....I had a very hard time falling asleep! My plan was to finish the race...but I had to listen to my body. So in the event I couldn't finish I had to be prepared to stop. I knew I had to take it slow and my plan B was to make it to the Castle and just go crazy with taking pics if things were bad. Then after the castle...it would be ok to stop as I had all those cute photos. We were giving someone a ride who had done 2 other races, so we would know where to go. Off to bed we went....................................................<br />
<br />
<a href="http://julienandy.blogspot.com/2011/03/disney-princess-12-marathon-part-2-lets.html">Disney Princess Part 2</a>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-30589435274765616302011-02-01T18:38:00.001-05:002011-02-01T18:38:49.163-05:00Perseverance<span style="font-size: large;">So I am 4 weeks away from the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cute outfit ..... CHECK , got it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Training....... Check...well lets review</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been following the Jeff Galloway plan from the Disney Princess site. Its all good but apparently I am not stretching enough as I have had shin splints and now am suffering Plantar Faciitis in the left foot. Its been pretty painful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thing is, on my 10.5 mile run Jan 15th, the heel pain kicked in bad. So bad I went to a sports med doc. He was happy with how in tune to my body I am and said "train away" with your current plan - though cut your run intervals down so you are running less and walking a little more...and go see a physical therapist. Oh and if i feel pain, stop!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So been seeing a PT with some super cool anti-inflammatory treatments including ionotopheresis and ultrasound. Seriously take away the swelling. She also has shown me some gentle stretching as apparently its my calves where all this started..yeah, remember the shin splints - its all related, they disappeared when my heel and foot started to hurt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So last Sunday on another "long training run" goal was 10 miles. First 8 miles, not easy, but totally doable. My feet had a little tingling, like they were asleep. Mile 9 kicks in and its pain more so when I walk than run. This cannot be good I think so I decide to just get to the car, which was 1 mile away.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was the hardest mile of my my life. Took me FOREVER to get there...I had to walk a mile on feet that hurt. I was scared something would snap. Then the realization hit, what if I am on the race and my feet can't make it. Total Bummer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped by the river and just chilled out...actually started crying. If this were the Princess 1/2 Marathon I would be done. I would have sought the medical attention and gotten to the end via the van. Good news is it wasn't the princess it was a training run. I have a few more weeks to loosen up the calves. Funny thing is I didn't turn off the Garmin, took me 27 minutes to go that last mile... which includes the phone call to the hubs and the cry it out moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I started running in July of last year with Couch to 5K. Its a great program, the app for your Ipod or Iphone makes it SO easy. After I completed that program, I decided to attempt another 1/2 marathon... did 2 10 years ago. I realized I love my running...OK, its Run a couple minutes, walk a minute and my run is a jog, so basically I am wogging. I love being outside, its a great way to see things. I love the sweating and trying to push myself to see if I can go faster or further. I am surprised that I haven't quit with my feet issues or even having to get up early to get my runs in before Andy goes to work, but I look forward to that time. Its my ME time, I am alone and clear my head. Since I am a part time working mom and spend most of my time caring for the little princess, this time alone is a JOY. I so look forward to it...especially the long runs!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I post my runs on dailymile.com to keep up with my mileage..for the shoes. I decided to share my runs with my Facebook friends...which I will say, at first I was thinking, um do people REALLY care about my pathetically slow runs. Apparently they do. A FB friend told me I don't need to be worried about being a princess as I have been the queen of perseverance. Also, a few others have told me they like seeing my progress and I have inspired them....me, the slow runner who perpetually needs to lose 20 pounds! Wow, that is great, who knew I could inspire?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Truth is I like running - this go round, so its not that hard. Hopefully my feet will hold out, I can keep my calves loose and the perseverance will pay off so I can finish that half marathon. BUT if not, there is always next year! I have totally been bitten by the "wogging" bug. I love it. Perseverance, sure, but its something I really look forward to.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hoping I don't screw things up by continuing!</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-12723961847048247882010-11-25T12:14:00.002-05:002010-11-25T21:12:05.552-05:00Gobble Jog 10K Race Report<span style="font-size: large;">Started off this Thanksgiving with a 6.2mile race. I am signed up for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon the end of February and my training called for 6 miles this week, so I decided to do this race since the timing miles wise was perfect. I realized if I could finish this race in 1:15 or less....I could possibly be moved up out of the last starting group for the Princess which started my stress about this race. Not that I hate the last group, but the Princess race has a lot of walkers and while I am no speedy runner, it would be nice to have fewer people to maneuver around at the race in February. So while I tried to focus on just finishing the distance and that the race was for MUST Ministries which feeds the homeless, I started to stress about my time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was nervous last night, my stomach was in knots. You would think this was my first race...it wasn't. Truth be told, I am slow and have accepted that. When I was perusing the results of this particular 10k from years past, seems like my recent run times would put me at the back - actually last in my age group. Its not about where you finish I know, but seriously when the thought of "I will probably be last" hit, its a bummer. This is why I stopped running 10 years ago, I was slow and compared myself to others.....which I HAVE gotten better about this go round, but still.......</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So with my IPOD loaded with some great tunes I set out this morning in the dark fog to the race. No one was on the roads and it was actually a creepy drive that 10 miles, but I made it easily. Parked the car, and went to get my race number. It was chilly and I had plenty of time. For some reason was I all emotional and felt like crying. Maybe it was the fear of making my time....or heck even finishing or memories of all the mornings in the hottest summer in Atlanta I got up early to start running again. Maybe I was wishing my husband and daughter had come with me to cheer me on...he did offer to come at the end, I told him to sleep in. I went back to sit in the car, eat a banana and put on my race shirt and number - and have a small cry - don't know what that was about! I had a time chip for my shoe, but forgot my reading glasses and had no idea how to put it on....it was my first race with one like this. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Got out of the car to walk around a little, found a nice lady to help me with the time chip and set off for the dreaded port o potties. I drank a 16oz bottle of propel water on my way over and well, I needed to go. I prayed I picked one without the remains of some other runner who had the nervous stomach deposit. Happily, it was clean, had sanitizer and was on my way again. I walked around warming up my legs looking at all the "runners"....people who looked like runners. Skinny people with muscle tone, but not so much they are bulked up. Short dudes with tiny shorts, young people who looked fit. WHERE WERE MY PEEPS I wondered? I realized I had no lip coverage so back to the car I went, vaselined up and was good to go. I started to look for my friend Amy who was also running. Guess what, hit the potties again....guess I drank too much propel water, but they were still relatively clean! Yay for the little things in life!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Walked out, and immediately saw Amy at the start. It was great to see a familiar face, especially the one who encouraged me to do this race. She is also training for the princess, so we try to keep each other motivated. While chatting with her, I heard a woman say "What I really can't stand, are the power walkers". Look lady, not all of us have a thin frame like you or are fast - just go up to the front - which is where we were - and quit your bellyaching. I decided to go further back in the pack since I didn't want to PO anyone who was fast. I run intervals, 2 minutes run then 1 minute walk....yeah, that lady would love me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Left Amy to go towards the back of the pack, turned on my music and as the race gun went off started my beloved IPOD Touch Interval App, that tells me when to run and when to walk...seriously, best thing ever. I have to say, the race start was awesome. It was kind of bunched up the first mile and you know what, I was passing tons of people. Not that I am about being best, but obviously I put myself in the wrong spot at the start. The course was a little hilly not bad, but so happy to hear Beasty Boys "Fight for your right to party" come on when I hit the first hill. Yeah, its thanksgiving and for me to eat guilt free, this 6 mile race is my fight!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At the next hill my power song came on....John Williams "Olympic Fanfare" came on. When I hear this one, I see myself like a Kenyan.....upright and FAST! It always makes me feel like a true athlete when I am running to this. About this time the race had thinned a bit and I noticed I was with the PWBLM group - that is People With a Butt Like Me....you don't see any tiny shorts among us. Heck we have to be careful the spandex pants don't spread out too much so you can see what's going on under there. Not that its a bad thing to be like me, but hey, I felt like I was among my peeps. Those of us new to running or naturally slower or just trying to stave off a heart attack with some cardio ..whatever, love the PWBLM.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This race is a 3.1 mile course you run twice. Before mile 3, when I was feeling the runner love...the leader of the race passed us. The girl next to me laughed shaking her head saying "yeah, he is about to win 6.2 miles and we aren't yet at mile 3". But hey we were out there and this dude was super skinny - totally looked like a runner and he had a huge strides as he passed us shufflers. We cheered the guy on and when the dude in second came by, same runners body with those tiny shorts, I told him, "go for it, you can catch him".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I rounded the half way point, I did the old Arsenial Hall arm move and declared to the cheering spectators "I am going around again!" They laughed and cheered me on more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have to say, around mile 4 I realized I was tired and ALMOST got a stitch. Based on the times yelled out at the miles, I realized I was doing better than planned. I was scared as still had to hit those hills again.....and thought I really want to beat my goal but if I am getting a stitch I need to slow it down. I pretty much did my 2/1 intervals the whole race - though this lap 2 times when I was supposed to be running - um uphill- I decided to walk to get my breath back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Around mile 5 there was a lady sitting on a chair in her driveway with her coffee...alone. She was cheering EVERYONE on, so me and my pace buddy thanked her for coming out. I was tired and it seemed like the end of the race was uphill. I started to walk, but Chris Tomlin's "how great is our God" came on the shuffle. This is the one "inspirational" in the religious way song in my run shuffle. Its actually my favorite Praise and Worship song. I sang to myself thanking God for my health and all he has given me and my family. Guess what, got emotional and started crying as I saw the finish line in the distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The crying ended as fast as it came when Run DMC Walk This Way came on. When I saw the clock said 1:11, I freaked out. I was so happy.....it was a ways off, but I could beat my goal. I picked up my pace and for the end of the race, I was doing HUGE strides to try to make it under 1:13. I crossed the line at 1:12:40 with my arms raised in victory yelling "I did it, I beat my goal". There were many people standing around as the 5k race was getting ready to start. Did anyone cheer me on or clap, um, NO! And a couple people looked at me like I was nuts and I saw an eye roll. GET OVER YOURSELF LADY! Whatever, she was not the champion I was. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I grabbed my banana and water my pace buddy whose name I don't know told me thanks for being so positive on the race. I tried to thank all the police who were blocking the roads for us as I ran and told many spectators "Happy Thanksgiving". I told her she was welcome and thanked her for being my pace buddy. She was running the whole race, so when I would walk, she would get ahead then when I ran I would run past her....happened the whole 6 miles. "You helped me as I wanted to keep up with you" I told her. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I downed my water and walked around for a while to get my heart rate down. I stretched out my foot and calves...walked some more and stretched at the van. Andy had sent me a message telling me he was proud of me and guess what, more tears....though short lived.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I drove home feeling good about getting up early and setting a goal...and beating that goal. Guess what, my time is good enough to get me out of the last start group for the half marathon in February AND is the fastest mile pace I have recorded since I started running this year. Of course I have many weeks of training left - and I will slowly build up to 13.1 miles, but its great to have set a new mile pace on a course that wasn't exactly flat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now its time to go eat! And while I know the running I did surely didn't burn enough calories to make up for the feast ahead, but hey, I did good today and am going to enjoy every bite.... I do have some tight jeans on though, so I will know when I am full. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving everyone.</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-12951119299341862962010-09-05T16:21:00.000-04:002010-09-05T16:21:05.058-04:0025 MinutesToday I hit week 6 of Couch to 5K. I actually completed a 5K this morning...just didn't run the whole thing - ran 25 minutes walked probably 15 more. I am excited, I ran straight for 25 minutes!!!! Slow, but still I wasn't walking...though seriously, I could probably walk faster.<br />
<br />
Felt great...fall is in the air. Its amazing 6 weeks ago the thought of running for 25 minutes straight scared me. I will be honest, I do like a walk brake if for nothing else to break up the monotony and to just do something different a few minutes. However, my goal is to RUN the entire thing. I am sure I can do it in 3 more weeks!<br />
<br />
Yay me.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-12588204557548483502010-09-02T17:40:00.000-04:002010-09-02T17:40:27.062-04:00Fit by Fall Results<span style="font-size: large;">I had a goal to be Fit by Fall. A rather unspecific goal, so I wouldn't be setting myself up to fail.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is where I am, you be the judge how successful I have been.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. I am 5lbs lighter than spring</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I could not do any crunches the beginning of the summer....full crunches that is with arms over chest. I can do them now, though sometimes at the end of a workout, I am tired and can't.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I was doing boot camp 2 times a week, pretty much all summer other than sick or vacation, think I missed 2 weeks. I am now exercising 4 times a week consistently. I started a running program and now run 3 days a week, boot camp is only one due to my work schedule. So exercising twice as much as I used to AND getting up early to get it done.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. I started a running program with a goal of running a 5k after 9 weeks. And I mean running...OK, jogging, who am I kidding, <u>the whole way</u>. I did a 5k last month and finished in 40 minutes plus some seconds. I did a combo run / walk, so I can finish one, now want to be able to run. Last weekend I did a 20 minute run on my program, this weekend it will be 25 minutes! When I finish my program, I would like to also beat the time from August just as a goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. I want to complete another 1/2 Marathon, specifically the Disney Princess 1/2....its flat down there and they have entertainment every 1/2 mile which helps pass the time and distance. I did completed 2 1/2 marathons 10 years ago and know it just takes the commitment to slowly building up the mileage. I will NOT be running the whole way, I am a huge fan of the Run/Walk interval training.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully, my Plantar Faciitis will not keep me from making my new goals. I am hoping to avoid injuries. Along with the Plantar Faciitis which is now better, but I have some heal issues, I developed Bursitis in my shoulder. I try not to overdo it with my foot or shoulder when I am exercising and Ice and stretching are now a part of my post exercise ritual. Getting old is hard!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There you go, I think I am doing great by my goals....... and getting more specific. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-50071423061488099692010-08-28T20:20:00.003-04:002010-08-28T22:37:18.713-04:00Run Julie Run.........<span style="font-size: large;">I have started running....and I do use that word rather loosely as I am SO slow. I decided I needed something to get me out of bed in the mornings and consistently exercise. Amidst the heat and humidity of one of the hottest summers on record here in the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-size: large;">ATL</span><span style="font-size: large;">....well the suburbs, I began the <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Couch to 5K</a> program in July.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am currently about to end week 5 of 9, and I am supposed to run a total of 20 minutes straight....the longest to date has been 8 minutes which I did fine no problems. It hasn't been bad actually the program is very easy to start as you do some walking and jogging in intervals, starting at like 60sec running and 90 sec walking. Each week gradually you add on a tiny bit more running. Its no more than 31 minutes so far a day, which is easy enough, but the hard part for me is that I decided to just do it in the mornings before it gets to hot which means I have to get up at sun up. Not easy for me as I am a night owl.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have discovered however a closeness to my dad quite the opposite of me who was an early riser in nature. He had gotten very large and had a mild stroke or heart attack many many years ago. The doctor put him on a strict diet and told him to walk everyday. Dad would get up when it was still dark, and walk for at least 30 minutes. He wouldn't do it in the rain, but other than that he was out there. He lost 100 lbs 1 year between his walks and an exercise bike from Sears. He told me as he got older he would pray the rosary while he was walking. In the quiet of the morning this summer I have felt my dad's presence and his love. I have realized the joy of being up and out before most - I love the quiet...though its still VERY hard for me to go to bed early and I dread getting up. I do think where I am in life with my preschooler, I am just happy to have 30 minutes to myself, so I do appreciate the runs more than I have in my single days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, its going well. My goal with Couch to 5K is to just RUN a 5K the whole way. I already did a 5K this program just to support a good cause, and I did it walking and running. I know I will never win as I am not fast, but to be able to jog for 3 miles is where I want to be. There is a race in October I am going to do and hopefully can run the whole way. Long term I want to go to the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon - 13.1 miles....which I would run and walk in February.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully I will stick with this. I am coming off of Plantar </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-size: large;">Faciitis</span><span style="font-size: large;"> which bothers me a little, but is much better. I just need to train smart. Off to get my princess in bed and to load some new music on the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="font-size: large;">IPOD</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for next weeks runs.</span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-84370083472335176922010-04-03T17:55:00.002-04:002010-04-03T18:28:29.790-04:00Things I learned this week..........Here's a recap of a couple things I learned this week, as you are never too old to learn.<br /><br />1. I do not close the cap on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">toothpaste</span> after brushing. I never realized I was doing this until I asked my darling husband to please remember to close up the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ziploc</span> bag we keep the almonds in. He agreed after I explained despite the fact we don't have a pest problem, I was concerned that critters could help <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">themselves</span> at night. He then asked me to please close the cap on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">toothpaste</span>....which I have been doing. Turns out, I totally would just leave it open, but not anymore.<br /><br />2. Think 2 times before randomly posting on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Facebook</span> friend's status you don't care about some political <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tshirt</span> about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">health care</span> reform. I was quoted "I don't condone it but it doesn't bother me" - meaning I thought the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tshirt</span> was on the tacky side but we do have freedom of speech in the USA last I checked, so yeah, a shirt with a message I think is tacky I don't care about. Turns out this attitude according to another of her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Facebook</span> friends has directly caused many ungodly things to happen in our country. OK, so indirectly I was accused of causing the moral decay of this country. Um get it over it dude its a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TSHIRT</span> and I am sure the are many out there that would be offensive and you wouldn't get your panties in such a wad. <br /><br />3. The Passion of the Christ in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Blu</span>-Ray - yeah, it was just as if not more disturbing than ever seeing high definition of the crucifixion of Jesus. That scourging YIKES. I do think this is a very important film for Christians to see the depth of the love that Christ has for us regarding all he endured for us. I realized, yet again, how I love Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Caveziel's</span> performance and would love to see him play a life of Jesus role as when he is shown with Mary as a Carpenter was one of my favorite scenes. His face totally transformed to joy in the flashback of the Sermon on the Mount scene. This is truly a great film to watch on Good Friday and reflect. Yes, Jesus loves me.<br /><br />4. Even preschoolers get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pre</span>-spring break craziness. Those kids were WILD, maybe its the return of nice spring weather who knows.<br /><br />5. Angels live among us. The week I had my podiatrist appointment for my sore foot. Two days before I had come to the realization that its official, I have let myself go. I have gained weight, all my pants are tight and I am so unhappy with myself. As my doctor told me I had Plantar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Faciitis</span> and I needed to scale back the exercise depression started to set in, which guess what I do when that happens, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">umm</span> eat. A asked how I was doing, I told her depressed about my foot and she offered me her spin bike in her basement. The weight gain I attribute to dealing with Dad's death, working everyday and well just laziness. Now its up to me. Thank you exercise angel for giving me no excuses.<br /><br />6. I am not the only one who has had a less than stellar Lent. I read a great article this week by Ga Bulletin (the catholic paper) columnist Lorraine Murray which basically stated what my experience was, started out with good intentions, but once again FAIL. Hopefully next year I can stick with my sacrifices. <br /><br />7. Roswell's Riverside Park Sprayground will charge admission this coming season. BOOOOOO!!!!!!! Why do I need to pay to sit and make sure my daughter is following the rules and safe, charge her if you must, but hey, think of me as a free safety patrol.<br /><br />I am sure there is much much more but these are the highlights and I need to go make dinner.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-66577076409641488342010-03-29T00:15:00.002-04:002010-03-29T00:47:18.105-04:00My kid at churchToday is Palm Sunday. For Catholics its the Sunday Mass with the real long Gospel reading....its the Passion reading. Sarah normally cannot make it through the whole mass without getting loud and wanting to run around so I was a little concerned about this week. I had my plan....<br /><br />1. Take Andy with me.... FAIL, I went alone.<br /><br />2. Go to the family mass - kids do the readings, sing in the choir, take up the gifts and the talk is usually directed at kids which is nice. .... We did it<br /><br />3. Sit in the front row to see everything and perhaps Sarah would be inspired by the other kids at mass..... We did sit in the front row with full view of everyone and all the action. My mistake was we were the only ones in the row. Sarah thought it was great she had all that extra room to run back and forth.<br /><br />4. Tell Sarah we might see some people from school...this was not the best idea as there were no kids in her class there and she kept asking for kids by name, out loud, during the Mass.<br /><br />5. Take a few simple items to keep preoccupied. My mistake, I had too much stuff.<br /> * I forgot about the Singing Princess Birthday Card from Grandma in the backpack. Yeah, that got opened up around the time during the Passion reading that the crowd was saying "Crucify Him"...so I guess a little song with the Disney Princesses singing lightened things up, though only one note played before I swiped it, said "NO CARD" and put it away. This was followed by a minute of fake crying, thankfully not loud.<br /> * The scarf in the bag provided some distraction, amusement and a real cute moment. Being alone in the pew, Sarah thought it was fun to run up and down on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kneeler</span> and she waved the scarf as if she were in the Rhythmic Gymnastics event at the Olympics. I told her to stop and she looked around and saw a woman behind us with a scarf on her head in prayer - this is not the practice in modern day American Catholic churches, so you don't see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span> of people with heads draped in scarves, though at my church, does happen. Sarah turned towards the altar, put draped the scarf on her head and folded her hands in prayer. She then smiled at me....now this was a cute moment I have to say. Of course she took off again and climbed up on the pew looking to jump down to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kneeler</span>. This was when I said "oh no, if you are going to act like a baby and not a big girl, then we are off to the baby room". I thought she would say, "no", but she just handed me the scarf and I packed our backpack and off we went.<br /><br />Of course as we did the mom's walk of shame, it was the point when Jesus dies and everyone in the church kneels, so yeah, we didn't exactly sneak to the back. We found the crying room empty, Sarah wanted to know what we were doing there. I told her if she couldn't act like a big girl - which her new thing is that she is a big girl, then we had to go to the babies room. Big girls could be quiet and still in mass. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Umm</span>, yeah, Sarah was happy to be in the room with Altar on the TV screen and the window to the church. <br /><br />No one ever gave me a bad look or shushed us in the church. Its so hard for me to focus on the mass when Sarah is so animated and full of life. I know its hard to pay attention for her, she is only three. She gets excited when the bells ring and always points out Jesus so I guess I am doing something right. Two people I didn't know told me how cute she was after mass which made me feel good. <br /><br />I looked around during mass and thought maybe I sat in the wrong section as there were NO kids in view. I was wondering if all the older people were thinking "Why isn't she disciplining her child better?" or "When my kids were that age.....insert how they behaved at church here". No one exactly smiled at us, but again, its the passion reading, some really sad stuff going on.<br /><br />Oh well, I will keep praying that Andy will come to Mass with me on Sundays. I will keep asking him. In the meantime, will keep working on a plan to have that perfect kid at church, which I know is setting myself up. Oh well, she IS one cute little girl.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-54598504531786909862010-03-21T00:12:00.004-04:002010-03-21T00:19:30.323-04:00Out of the mouth of babes and loved onesI would like to think of myself maintenance wise as low on the scale. I like hair cuts that you can just let dry and go, I don't wear hardly any makeup, my dress is simple, etc etc. While this is me...there are days I can feel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bleh</span>. My dad used to always tell me..." You look so pretty today". No matter what I was wearing how my hair was doing, he told me just about every time I saw him, to which I replied "oh dad." Truth is I have heard I look like mom sometimes and he loved her so very much, of course he thought I was pretty!<br /><br />I miss him and in my grief I eat, so I have gained some weight. My once loose pants are now tight. Finding something to wear can be a challenge. Today I had on some athletic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">capri</span> pants, sneakers, and a March of Dimes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tshirt</span> as i headed to an appointment with a podiatrist. Sarah came with me and as we walked out the door I asked her "how do I look".....which I thought was comical as not only did I look kind of blah, I have this muffin top thing going which to me is so unattractive so you can imagine how I feel.<br /><br />My beautiful 3 year old said "Amazing" as she smiled and grabbed her princess purse. And you know what, I felt Amazing after she said that.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-51479313436060118332010-02-11T23:28:00.002-05:002010-02-11T23:42:20.101-05:00My Brudda CalebTonight was the first time I heard Sarah mention her brother's name. She had picked up a prayer book that belonged to my dad. She wanted to "read it".... which at 3 with no pictures surprised me, but she was clutching that book for dear life. I told her that her books right now had pictures until she learned to read....and this was a very special book to me, that it belonged to my dad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pawpaw</span>. I asked her if she remembered him , that he lived in heaven. She told me, "he went night night" and asked me again where he went and who he was with. I told her he was in heaven with her brother Caleb. "You never met him I said, but he lives in heaven". She looked at me and said matter of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fact</span> "My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brudda</span> Caleb". First time I heard her say his name. I sure wish he was around to see how cute Sarah is...... OK he is around I truly believe his spirit is watching over us, I just miss him still. Forever in our hearts, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">brudda</span> Caleb.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-26879603598670923242009-09-03T15:30:00.002-04:002009-09-03T16:07:34.568-04:00Buy a Duck, Help the Poor.......I am a member of the St Andrew Conference of St Vincent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> Paul Society. The society is made of volunteers whose mission is to grow closer to Christ while serving the poor - you can read about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">national</span> St Vincent De Paul society <a href="http://www.svdpusa.org/">here. </a> The organization is divided into groups by location who serve the poor in their area, not just the parishioners or catholics, but EVERYONE. <br /><br />Our conference has been hit incredibly hard with requests. I volunteer on the Intake Line. I take messages off our voice mail which are requests for aid and call the people back to get pertinent information for our case workers. I have cried after hearing some people's stories, and it's hard speaking with someone knowing we may not be able to help them out financially - though our wonderful case workers do everything they can, and when there is no money they try to help direct clients to other resources. Our group is funded by the generosity of our parishioners - because the economy is not so great right now, like most other organizations we have been hit meaning we haven't been able to get all the funds needed. The volume of requests has skyrocketed and well, people don't have as much to give lately.<br /><br />WHAT CAN I DO YOU ASK?? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP.<br /><br />At the St Andrew picnic, we are having a Duck Float "Raffle". You can purchase a rubber duck for only $5 which will be assigned a number and set afloat in the pond between the church and the river. Our raffle win consist of someone - guessing Monsignor, pulling a duck out of the pond - wondering if they will get him in a rowboat since we have the St Andrews Rowing Club on our property. Whoever sponsor's the rescued duck will win a prize......top prize is $500 cash, and we will have some smaller prizes also. I am selling my lucky ducks through Sept 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, the picnic is October 3rd.<br /><br />After expenses - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">IE</span> cost of rubber ducks and prize monies are subtracted from all money collected, 100 percent of the balance will go in the St Vincent De Paul account to help serve the poor in our community. We answer all calls and will meet with any individual or not to try to assist - whether Catholic or not - and we need your help! <br /><br />Its truly a wonderful organization and makes a difference in people's lives who have been set back for a variety of reasons. The money raised will help provide rental assistance, food, diapers, utility bills, car repairs, and a host of other financial needs from those who have fallen on hard times. This money really makes a difference and even though you will probably never see the face it helps or hear the thank you, the clients we serve are incredibly grateful. <br /><br />SO WON'T YOU BUY A DUCK FROM ME? <br /><br />There are duck purchase volume discounts. Let me know if interested! I can tell you more specifically about it. I have been charged with selling a minimum of 30 ducks.....won't you please help out the poor and help out poor old me meet my quota? Hey, the odds are way better than <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mega millions</span> and though the financial payoff isn't as rich, the benefits come from the spirit of giving and helping out which have far greater reward. <br /><br />You can give me the $$, mail it to me or heck, I will do <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">paypal</span> and donate the cash in your name.<br /><br />" If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word and speech, but in deed and truth." - 1 John 3:17-18Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-55097701537830910582009-08-29T22:09:00.011-04:002009-08-29T22:48:45.143-04:00"She will yell to Hell with Georgia, Like her Mama Used to do....."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWEX6BJz-QF66wufndhuc-xQ2fjTy40yJKh175Pk77696oWMBI6-eQu-qvnyvoNSw6DWQEB8ywWGobT-7HHjvPylF_v88e0wXha9JdBsU2Y6yqbWMGkoBKAkAtdTda6YiQQCZk78QQdY/s1600-h/IMG_2050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375582185539296402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWEX6BJz-QF66wufndhuc-xQ2fjTy40yJKh175Pk77696oWMBI6-eQu-qvnyvoNSw6DWQEB8ywWGobT-7HHjvPylF_v88e0wXha9JdBsU2Y6yqbWMGkoBKAkAtdTda6YiQQCZk78QQdY/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">For those who don't recognize the title, its a line from the my Alma mater's song, Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech. Actually the REAL song has daddy but us gals at Tech would sing mama because we knew our daughters could do more than just dress in white and gold and walk around campus to cheer up the male students as the song suggests.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Being a Ga Tech grad, I do have my geeky side. I like sci fi and lets face it, I can be a dork. I pride myself on being able to relate to geeks and was always able to work with the most technical people in my previous professional life despite the fact I am NO engineer and would say I am NOT a math person - am clueless when it comes to technical stuff. NOTE: I was never an Engineering major at Tech, I went in and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Management.....which at the time was "the easy major"....um not so easy for me, I am just happy I graduated!<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">My darling husband is a web developer and yes, he is a geek also.....though a cool one from Cali. I have been wondering if Sarah Cate will become a geek with her genetics.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Despite the fact I have sworn in the past my daughter will not be a girly girl - which is now out the window as we are totally in a princess phase, I purchased the Rose Petal Cottage playhouse - hey it was marked down so cheap after Christmas they were practically giving them away! SC loves to take things in her cottage and just hang out sometimes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I noticed this week through the little door, it was packed with some books.......along with a few toys</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0LbQ4RaXW_WFf-FQCVQ_ZNvjdIMEb5k6Awmge8oS8w_BNdp2ZMlRnHmswju2KlmNrfMwgYnjXL3jd3O8a21RDoLA54F1Wrf7zLqjf0aYf2nZk3o0k_Zlg-wNNkKuKOxnhgZzWHvp_sM/s1600-h/IMG_2058.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375576757579353058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0LbQ4RaXW_WFf-FQCVQ_ZNvjdIMEb5k6Awmge8oS8w_BNdp2ZMlRnHmswju2KlmNrfMwgYnjXL3jd3O8a21RDoLA54F1Wrf7zLqjf0aYf2nZk3o0k_Zlg-wNNkKuKOxnhgZzWHvp_sM/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and on closer examination, realized she wants to be a developer like her dad. If you ask her about the said books, she will say "Animals", But I am sure she was brushing up her mad IT skills.<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuj37-NIBFkhaiKDr4l9ems2WZeAfg9lgqjAvMnFeSTvaQ6-8OA_pOliQjYQ6Two7nbY0o0Pf5SNtmXztJ7PAgxDndPnUOhviV2xy3amM60zOHQaZz4clx2vXLHSkorzffieCEVm8cCE/s1600-h/IMG_2057.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375577185675815186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuj37-NIBFkhaiKDr4l9ems2WZeAfg9lgqjAvMnFeSTvaQ6-8OA_pOliQjYQ6Two7nbY0o0Pf5SNtmXztJ7PAgxDndPnUOhviV2xy3amM60zOHQaZz4clx2vXLHSkorzffieCEVm8cCE/s320/IMG_2057.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I think she is also preparing for our kitchen renovation as I found her looking at this book yesterday and saying "House" aloud over and over again.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-rFewdrM5DWW7OdaQWMTptAFOfeD_Q7kyqwDu8xdBR-oKlXYQr4pgJNTkPHZyvOSeoAmL4LQZeXOc-vbMQo9SVvctN0ry0aSDak-1JwVFPOdTPnkEhtbs_6SNMyCQYya8ZbckzWdtsc/s1600-h/IMG_2059.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375578248157198898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-rFewdrM5DWW7OdaQWMTptAFOfeD_Q7kyqwDu8xdBR-oKlXYQr4pgJNTkPHZyvOSeoAmL4LQZeXOc-vbMQo9SVvctN0ry0aSDak-1JwVFPOdTPnkEhtbs_6SNMyCQYya8ZbckzWdtsc/s320/IMG_2059.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Oh the books she pulls off the shelf. All this from a cute little one who insists on wearing her Snow White costume once daily and sleeps with 10 various Disney Princess dolls. I think she is going to be one smart, technical, handy, and artisitic young lady! Mom is so proud of her book choices. Perhaps she is destined to yell "To Hell With Georgia" like her mama used to do.<br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">In order to honor my daughter and her geeky side and complex nature, my inner creative dork wrote this song...in 5 minutes. It is sung to the tune of the classic Rick James tune "Super Freak".</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>She's a very geeky girl,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The kind who likes to hang with Mother,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>She will never let your spirits down,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>Once you get her on her feet.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>She likes her princesses in hand,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>Snow White's her all time favorite,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>When she makes her Wiggles moves from the Sprout shows,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>Its such a happy scene.</strong></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The girl is pretty smart now,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The girl's a super geek.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The king of girl who reads about - Java, A -S -P.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The girl is pretty wild now,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>The girl's a super geek.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>I really love to hug her,</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>Everytime we greet.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;"><em><strong>She's all right, She's all right.</strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong><span style="color:#66cccc;">That girl's all right with me.....yeah yeah yeah.</span> </strong></em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I am pathetic, but I love my little princess geek. I wonder how soon I will be totally embarassing her in public.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div></div>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-83415736987695234452009-08-25T23:04:00.002-04:002009-08-25T23:34:47.353-04:00Eight is NOT Enough<span style="font-size:130%;">Five years ago today, on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eighth</span> day of his life, my son Caleb left us. He was born severely premature and the double brain bleed he had on day 3 of his life started a downward spiral. Well downward for us, because we would have to say goodbye to him. Every night, the doctors braced us for the worst and he exceeded their expectations hanging on longer than expected. He was just born too soon to stay with us. The good news is Jesus died for us, so he went to heaven.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am totally grateful for the fact I did get to see him and hold him, though I could only hold him once and it was pretty much the moment he passed away. Of course being the selfish person I am, I wanted more time - I felt and sometimes still do, I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gypped</span> in the parenting department as eight days was not enough time. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My mom died when she was 54 and I remember my grandmother saying, "No one should bury a child". Granny was gone when Caleb was born, but those words haunted me as if she was standing next to me talking to me. Eight days was not enough..... eight years would have not been enough. I had so much love to give him, so many wonderful things to share - so much we didn't get to do or say. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">But you know the entire 8 days of his life, all he got was my love....no nagging, no yelling. Lots of stories and songs, many many prayers. I sang to him praise and worship songs - my favorite being </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyDcC8gWaeE&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;">"I Love You Lord"</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> because it was all I could think of. I was worried and scared, but didn't want him to know. I wanted him to just feel my presence and love as a comfort in his little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span> bed. He had the prayers of many family and friends.....never any judgement or questioning of his opinion or disagreements with choices.....just prayers and support. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Yeah, I wanted to take him to the ocean and show him the mountains and lots of stuff I loved as a kid, but look where he ended up.....on the express to heaven. How can one top that, even a mother with all the best intentions and a heart full of love can't compete with eternal joy, peace and happiness. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I will try not to dwell on what I don't have, but its not easy. I am human and can be selfish - who doesn't want to get there way. Caleb would be 5 this year and in a perfect world, that is the time children are off to kindergarten....a rite of passage, the start of school. I think that is what I have been missing most this year, well that and a beautiful princess loving sister having a big brother to tease her and make her laugh. Sometimes the silence in our house is a reminder to me that something is missing.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In my loss support groups we refer to today as Caleb's Angel day...the day he got his wings and soared back up to heaven. Happy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Angelversary</span> My Sweet Baby Boy. I love you so much.....</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Goodnight stars, Goodnight Air, Goodnight Noises Everywhere.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">All good giving and every perfect gift, is from above coming from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">James 1:17</span></em></strong>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-79966958030384661402009-08-13T19:37:00.003-04:002009-08-13T23:00:26.509-04:00I will never................Its comical as an inexperienced female wanting to be a mom all the things you say you will "NEVER" do as a parent that completely go out the window when you are in the trenches.<br />I was thinking yesterday as I bought Sarah Cate some Princess Aurora pink sunglasses about my past vows and thought I would share.<br /><br />* I WILL NEVER PURCHASE OR SUPPORT DISNEY PRINCESSES IF I HAVE A GIRL<br />See 1st paragraph and the purchase of some new sunglasses. We have 6 little dolls I got at the checkout at Target, which I was careful to make sure I got all. For Halloween, I am thinking Snow White as this seems to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">SC's</span> favorite. Note: We have never seen any princess movies, though I did buy Sleeping Beauty this week at Costco!<br /><br />* I WILL NEVER HAVE A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">GIRLY</span> GIRL, PINK IS NOT A COLOR YOU WILL SEE ON MY DAUGHTER.<br />Color me beautiful, pink IS Sarah Cate's color. She looks fab in it. Plus little girl clothes are SO cute how can I not dress her up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> sometimes.<br /><br />* I WILL NEVER LET MY CHILD WATCH MORE THAN 1 HOUR OF TV.<br />As a stay at home mom, the TV is my savior some days. I do try to limit it and I justify saying we only watch PBS or Sprout - PBS shows with a little advertising, but shoot I am so guilty of caving to this on.<br /><br />* NO JUICE OR SUGARY DRINKS.<br />Well, I justified the juice as SC was having um, movement issues and Apple Juice helps keep things moving. I also give her V8 Fusion which is all juice from veggies and fruits, no added sugar - plus its loaded with vitamins and minerals, that's how I justify that one. Andy introduced SC to chocolate milk after she had that febrile seizure and there is no going back from that one, though she still drinks mainly white milk.<br /><br />* THE CRIB IS FOR SLEEP, NO TOYS.<br />You should see all the stuff SC sleeps with now. There are 3 pillows, 1 large Curious George, 1 medium and 1 small. 6 princess dolls as mentioned above, 3 baby blankets, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">penguin</span> stuffed animal, a rabbit, and 2 poohs of different size. Plus 3 or so books. BUT she does sleep 12 hours at night. We are about to go to a big girl bed, so soon all that junk will be gone.<br /><br />* NO JUNK FOOD.<br />Ok, I try to give SC her healthy food and I do limit the junk, but she LOVES her pringles. Also a fan of soft serve ice cream, cookies of any kind and of course Happy Meals and Chik Fil A. I am a chip junkie, I think she got the gene.<br /><br />So there you have a few.......I know there are others. Oh well, the thing is I am flexible and adapt to change. So what I said I wouldn't do, well now I just do what works. Hopefully I am not doing any damage as I love my little pink princess more than I can say!Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-10578937987623493092009-08-12T22:06:00.003-04:002009-08-12T22:30:59.388-04:00What a boy band man.......<span style="font-size:130%;">I am going young this week.....</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">You know I was in my 30's during the heyday of the boy band. I was a volunteer teen group leader at my church so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hangin</span>' with the girl I got to hear all about those cute boys and their songs. I found it quite amusing.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Flash forward a few years, our man of the week has leaped out alone in superstar status - the curly headed blond kid is now a man. He can sing, he can dance, he can flash Janet's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">boobie</span> on TV - although he did say he was sorry about the wardrobe malfunction and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apologized</span> to all who were offended. I used to think our man of the week was so overexposed that I didn't want to like him...... but darn it, I couldn't help but come around. His music is a bit pop for my taste, but its catchy and I have found myself singing the words after the song is over. I think I developed my admiration after his work on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">SNL</span>, the dude is funny! Really, he is a funny guy and can totally make fun of himself - check out the digital shorts on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hulu</span> - crude yes, but they totally make me laugh still - and my favorite dancing cup o soup in <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/4254/saturday-night-live-give-it-on-up-to-homelessville">Give it on up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Homelessville</span></a>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I give you - totally TOO young for me but what a man.......</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">JT</span> - Justin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Timberlake</span></em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH8lMxrt-xETLPq1K38mU6z6_2Jg73jMLa7h3f5IA5JN2oL9lsGxf0eGJY2bHZX7aVMQhnBBBks54Cfawra2ZYTdakh5r9_S7MuioM8GojcrWvN8zERKdimdxQCdWIeBvxNpT_k0I6Ac/s1600-h/a+justin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369266838513350434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH8lMxrt-xETLPq1K38mU6z6_2Jg73jMLa7h3f5IA5JN2oL9lsGxf0eGJY2bHZX7aVMQhnBBBks54Cfawra2ZYTdakh5r9_S7MuioM8GojcrWvN8zERKdimdxQCdWIeBvxNpT_k0I6Ac/s320/a+justin.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-88444706273070407852009-08-10T18:04:00.003-04:002009-08-10T18:12:20.606-04:00Wonderful WeekendLast weekend was one of those weekends you just dream of as a mom. Great family time, fun activities with family and friends.<br /><br />Friday Sarah Cate and I went to the zoo with my friend Myra and her daughter Geneva. It was hot, but a great day at the zoo. After Myra left, decided to swing back through really quickly....so we were there from 11 to 3! Sarah Cate loves riding the Carousel and the Train. She picked the Panda to ride this time.<br /><br />Saturday my friend Jean - sorority sister from my Ga Tech days, had a fantastic Birthday party on a party barge on Lake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lanier</span>. We shoved off at 3pm, so it wasn't too crazy hot or crowded. The weather was just glorious, perfect day to be in the lake. Sarah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cate </span>LOVED being able to be in the water with daddy. She also loved <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">running</span> in and out of the water on the island we parked on and watching the big kids go down the party barge slide. Sarah Cate was so worn out that she fell asleep on the way home at 7:30 and didn't wake up until 7am the next morning!<br /><br />Sunday I was able to enjoy a baby shower for my friend from St Andrew Jacki, who is due in 2 weeks, so it could be any day. It was so nice to get out of the house alone and visit with my "church friends". I can't wait to meet baby <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chaz</span> - he is so lucky to have 2 older siblings Lexi and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CJ</span> who both are really excited about the newest Webb family member. Poor Jacki has been on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">bedrest</span> well since the first trimester. She has had a hard pregnancy, but looked JOYOUS. <br /><br />Of course I have no pictures to share, but what a blessing to be able to enjoy life with family and friends. Moments like so many over the weekend I just stop and Thank God for my family - wonderful husband who is an incredible provider, fun friends and the ability to be able to enjoy so many things on this wonderful planet of ours - and conveniently local.<br /><br />Life is good.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-15774499576166100232009-08-08T00:02:00.005-04:002009-08-08T01:57:59.303-04:00A Woman's Work - thanks for the reminder John<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpBO5rCmlnETtVqKxl28LlYQ2gW-DqAtBz9JV1MjUrlz5s9AhBb790FmitAwPM-JbeTk-QjOM1pW9GZ5wB7NOR95JKoy3PJxvX4h7aPUEeZZAr_e1g2iXelqyuOVwBLPx4-4YQNCGS6Y/s1600-h/caleb-002.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367449555931512962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpBO5rCmlnETtVqKxl28LlYQ2gW-DqAtBz9JV1MjUrlz5s9AhBb790FmitAwPM-JbeTk-QjOM1pW9GZ5wB7NOR95JKoy3PJxvX4h7aPUEeZZAr_e1g2iXelqyuOVwBLPx4-4YQNCGS6Y/s320/caleb-002.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;">With the passing of John Hughes this week, I am reminded of many great films from the 80's. Really the man was a genius......Being the music lover I am, I started thinking of all the amazing soundtracks from these films....music from my generation. I think one of the most amazing sequences in his films if from She's Having a Baby in which the baby is breach, they have to do a an emergency c-section and Jake the dad, played by Kevin Bacon is sitting out in the waiting room. The movie is about newlyweds maturing into the roles of man and wife....and the wife who really wants to be a mom. In the c-section sequence, Jake is in the waiting room anxiously awaiting the outcome of the operation thinking back on his life with Kristy his wife portrayed by actress Elizabeth McGovern whom I completely envied in the looks department....seriously THIS was the look I wanted back in my youth. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">There is a song playing during this scene, A Woman's Work by Kate Bush. As the song plays, from Jakes perspective we see montage of flashbacks to happier times. This goes back and forth with shots of him in the waiting room and the anxiety of the moment....really brilliant filming that tugs on the emotions. From what I have read, Kate wrote the song for the film - the song is from the man's point of view. I have seen this movie several times. Tonight, as I was watching the scene - the first time I have seen it since losing Caleb, I couldn't help but think of Andy. I was completely overcome with emotion and wept.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Being that its August, I am thinking of my son Caleb who was born 5 years ago August 17<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. As I was watching the scene, I couldn't help but think about the birth of my son and its critical nature. I went into labor on August 12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> at 23 weeks pregnant - they couldn't not do anything but stop the contractions. Caleb's leg was in the birth canal and I was 4cm dilated. I was in the hospital for 6 days, Caleb had dropped further and there was no stopping the delivery. 24 weeks is the first week a premature baby will be given any chance of survival...meaning if you deliver before then most hospitals will let nature take its course, ie. the baby can't survive on its own and passes away.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Five nights into my hospital stay to try to keep the labor away, I felt what I thought was fluid leaking and pressure. I told the nurse and she told me a doctor would look at me first thing in the morning. Sure enough, he had dropped and I had to deliver. I had 2 options: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">1. Deliver naturally and let nature take its course or </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">2. an emergency c-section in which I would be knocked out completely - situation was critical at this point - and the baby would be taken to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">What I remember, true or not who knows based on my state of mind , there was a 50 percent chance the baby would make it, but an 80% chance something would be wrong down the road due to the extreme premature birth..... asthma, blindness, cerebral palsy.....the list of possibilities was scary - mild to severe possibilities , and yes the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Neonatologist</span> had gone over this with us several times . Despite the odds, we wanted to give our baby a chance. We desperately wanted our baby. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">So off they whisked me to the OR after filling out some forms - I acknowledge there is risk in this delivery including death.....CHECK. Andy held my hand down the hall as far as he could then we said goodbye - I told him if something happened and a choice had to be made, chose the baby which Andy told me later was not something he wanted to hear - a reminder I could be at risk as well I suppose. I made the sign of the cross and asked God to please give me my baby and let him live as they gave me my anesthetic and was wondering who the heck all the people in the room were. I was out fast and in hindsight know the procedure went VERY quickly . </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I now think of Andy in those few minutes it took to take our baby from my womb, so tiny and so early. My sister and her husband were with Andy in the waiting room and said he was pale and looked scared. Poor sweet Andy, his family on the other side of the country. Maybe in a small way from She's Having a Baby I can see the angst Andy was facing....of course our situation was much more dire than in the Hughes film as even if the delivery went smoothly, the odds were not with us. I wonder what went through Andy's mind as they whisked the incubator with our child past him from OR to the NICU. He had a brief glimpse, but had to wait until both the baby and I were stabilized after the delivery to see us. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I woke up to Andy holding my hand. I hurt and just laid there as the morphine kicked in to numb the pain of the surgery, literally moaning. I can still hear the emotion in Andy's voice and see the tears in his eyes as he told me we had a son.....we didn't want to know the sex until the baby was born. He said the baby was in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span> appeared to be good considering - doing as well as could be expected and was a good size - 1.5 lbs and 12.75 inches long. After the morphine kicked in, they wheeled me down to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span> in my post op gurney and Andy at my side.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I was amazed the first time I saw our son. He was just stretched out in his little bed. He looked like he was waving at us...the picture above is Andy holding his hand the first time we saw him. I remember in my drug enduced state Andy's smile and wonder at our tiny son. Our baby's eyes were fused shut and well it was moment by moment is what they told us. We saw him pee...which was a riot, as it went straight up in the air from his tiny little penis. We laughed and they told us that was a great sign. We picked the name Caleb, it was actually Andy's favorite name. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I got a fever and was afraid to go see Caleb the next day, I didn't want to compromise his health - I regret to this day not going to see him. Andy jumped into fatherhood like a natural. He bought a book on preemies and was spending every spare minute reading up. As often as he could, he went and spend time with Caleb. It was hard being the parent of a baby in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span>, we could go in any time EXCEPT when they were doing procedures, when they were moving babies in or when a family was saying goodbye to their baby. I can't tell you how frustrating it was to go down the hall to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span> or to call and ask if it was OK to come only to be turned away - of course it was for the safety of the babies and the privacy of the families. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">On the 3rd night of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caleb's</span> life, he had an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">intraventricular</span> hemorrhage - severe bleeding on both sides of the brain at the highest level. This is why I still wish I would have had that time on day 2....but Andy was there for him. He would go down and to him and talk to him telling him how much we loved him. Caleb knew Daddy's voice - and the nurses told me he turned to Andy when he was talking to him . They gave Caleb no chance of survival, but he was a fighter. Andy was looking forward to Kangaroo care - skin to skin contact with the baby which is a regime in the NICU. We had him for 5 more days...which really surprised the doctors, but in the end his tiny body couldn't fight off the inevitable.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Andy's mom flew in and got to meet her grandson they day before he died. Our family got to go say goodbye to Caleb and then Andy and I went in and were with him when he left this life. His passing was bittersweet as he was no longer suffering and I think he was on the express to Heaven. Before the very end, I got to finally hold him - he was in my arms looking at me with the one eye that opened when he left us. We spent some time with him bathing and dressing him. I sang to him and we read him many stories. Andy was such a wonderful father in those 8 days and told me as hard as it was for him, he would never be able to understand the depth of my loss since I had been carrying Caleb in my womb and he had been apart of my physical life those 24 weeks. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">While I would be a liar if I told you I fully accepted what happened, as I worked through my grief, I realized the 8 days we had as a family were a gift. Some people never get to see their child or hold their hand. I could have never realized what an amazing father Andy was without this experience. I honestly could not imagine how much he loved or loves me by how he was there for me in my grief and thinking how he looked when I told him "take the baby if it comes to me or him". </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">And so I sit and think about a filmmaker who created a montage of what its like to go through something incredibly frightening for the one you love - the one you have pledged your life to and your unborn child. I think about the words of a song from a father in anguish confronting a critical situation for his wife and unborn child. Its powerful. I knew it before - and tonight I realize what an amazing man I married. Wow, thanks for that John Hughes, as life moves on from one day to the next, often in a humdrum and unexciting way......its great to be reminded of what I have in my husband. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">If you haven't seen the film, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3dnFmwQy04"><span style="font-size:130%;">well here's the clip</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">.... and </span><a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kate+bush/this+womans+work_20077270.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">the lyrics </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Thanks again John - the amazing Kate Bush was a wise choice for this film and the montage is incredible. Rest in Peace.</span></div><div></div>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-52084626807972757242009-07-29T13:08:00.003-04:002009-07-29T17:31:44.269-04:00What a man wednesday....late night fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFnlAhbyVfutMN-Vushb9y5iEsw0XKhqacAdtcG5quYFnlmftbZJL8QNbSjPfQAJVK_YnmbckqW7KN8PS74-e8-EDet0jSoZXQ2xWiLfo16sS4h9dJBWPIGvSjl6XotwbjGLGVZ4KPHI/s1600-h/a+Jimmy-Fallon-Greens-Set.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363997879469009986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFnlAhbyVfutMN-Vushb9y5iEsw0XKhqacAdtcG5quYFnlmftbZJL8QNbSjPfQAJVK_YnmbckqW7KN8PS74-e8-EDet0jSoZXQ2xWiLfo16sS4h9dJBWPIGvSjl6XotwbjGLGVZ4KPHI/s320/a+Jimmy-Fallon-Greens-Set.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Back in the day, "my type" was your clean cut short haired <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">brunette</span> guy, kind of preppy with boyish face and charm. It dawned on me the other night that my man of the week totally fit this description. I love his sense of humor, he is bright and sometimes subtle. Great ability to make facial expressions also which crack me up. Former partner Tina Fey and him together seem like just 2 normal people when they are being interviewed.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So this week I give you...... <strong><em>Jimmy Fallon</em></strong>. </div><div> </div><div>Laughter is sexy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-40198287720346939942009-07-28T22:31:00.001-04:002009-07-28T22:32:51.902-04:00The candy with that extra sumpin......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7Gvk0IL6prXxwahBZinEMik6dbdu0yBU0_5HFKX9dgzJINhB-8ebt4nrPofSA0hchEVwfL9xQ7rPOjCJGTeLzLU9K38Vsijgd5PAtK1ilrhAGGTXzCHjV2gQe0fIJE1ux5MucJQBjXU/s1600-h/a+zotz.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363704214911911986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7Gvk0IL6prXxwahBZinEMik6dbdu0yBU0_5HFKX9dgzJINhB-8ebt4nrPofSA0hchEVwfL9xQ7rPOjCJGTeLzLU9K38Vsijgd5PAtK1ilrhAGGTXzCHjV2gQe0fIJE1ux5MucJQBjXU/s320/a+zotz.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Remember these? Good old Zotz! I loved the candy with the fizz. They took a little patience as if you bit into them it wasn't as much fun. Oh how I loved the little fizzing coming from these sour candies. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336774228611193879.post-7845873821305889862009-07-26T13:41:00.005-04:002009-07-26T21:42:18.813-04:0044 Reasons I love being Catholic.....# 9 Our ShepherdsWell I was supposed to list 44 reasons I love being Catholic by my birthday which is quickly approaching.....I have only done 8 this year. What a slacker....but I have had a request from a follower of my blog to keep on talking the Catholic stuff.....and she is NOT Catholic, go figure.<br /><br />I was raised as the daughter of the church receptionist. My mother worked in the church office from the time I was very small until she died when I was 20. Because of her working with the priests, our family came to know many wonderful men serving our church. We had them over for dinner, went to hockey games with them, played cards, doing "normal" things. I am blessed to have gotten to know these holy men in the everyday life as the vocation of a priest is a very hard life, they sacrifice so much. I know they can be intimidating in their vestments up on the altar and they stand out in their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Church</span> attire and collars, but really these are just men who have answered a call to serve Christ and the church.<br /><br />I thank God for these men. I found an <a href="http://www.usccb.org/yearforpriests/thorn_victoria.shtml">article by Vicki Thorn </a>which stated <strong>"</strong><em><strong>A priest is a man, clothed in tenderness, who speaks of God's mercy, who prophetically pronounces the truth, unpleasant though it might be and who reflects God's love to a hurting world. Sometimes he is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shoring</span> up souls and sometimes he is breaking up concrete. He is comforting the grieving and challenging the young. He is soothing the dying and blessing the newborn".</strong> </em><br /><br />SO this year, Pope Benedict has declared the year of the Priests in an effort to encourage "spiritual perfection" in our priests. Priest are men, humans with faults and temptations just like the rest of us. They have a very stressful job which can be lonely. They need our prayers now more than ever. We need to pray for those who have a calling to serve Christ. We are called this year to pray for our priests.<br /><br />I am so grateful for those who are called and answer that calling to serve us in bringing us closer to God.Just Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00690780376420039684noreply@blogger.com1