A Walk to Remember

I love my iPhone Starbucks app ... 5:30am last Saturday morning it was my saving grace. Less than one mile from our hotel was an open Starbucks (with a drive-thru no less)! Thank heavens! My friend, Tammie (warrior sister and all around awesome friend), had traveled with me to San Diego for a special event. The Gina Marie Dayton Guardian Angel Foundation kicked off 2013 with a 5k/10k Super Run held at Mission Bay. (A year ago the same weekend we were in San Diego mourning the loss of Gina and attended her memorial service. Thanks for your support, Tammie, then and now.)

Truthfully, I do not run. Never have, never will.* (Julia and I agree it is the Stupidest. Hobby. Ever. Yeah, have fun with that upcoming half-marathon, Julz.) But I'm super great at standing at the finish line, Starbucks in one hand, camera in the other, snapping away at those who were brave enough to tackle the course.

It was cold and dark as we huddled around the GAF's booth. We sipped our coffee and bundled up as best we could to keep warm. We met new people and reminisced with some old friends. We wore our GAF t-shirts and pink bracelets with pride and honor. We watched an incredibly beautiful sunrise (we attributed that to Gina, you know, her way of saying to us all "Hey, I'm here with you! Have an awesome day people!") ... and then the walk/race began. (That became obvious to us only after Tammie, Sarah and I looked around and realized we were just about the only people left in the parking lot. D'oh!)

Sarah was assigned the job of warning me as each person wearing the Guardian Angel Foundation long-sleeved, white t-shirt with the brilliantly colorful logo blazed across their chest, was approaching the finish line. (For the most part, Pup, you were right on it, that is, after you got your coffee! Credit is due to you for simply being willing to show up at that ridiculous hour on a Saturday morning and doing so with a smile. You rock! So very glad you were there!) I managed to snap several "okay" photos (I'm my worst critic) and just loved being there as Gina's family, friends, coworkers and others approached the finish line. As Gina's son, Christopher, came sprinting across the finish line with an enormous smile, I swear I saw Gina smiling along next to him. I saw her smile again as her daughter, Avery, walked over that finish line and again as Ty, Gina's husband, pumped his fists in victory as he crossed that line. I saw it as each person wearing that GAF t-shirt crossed the line smiling as big as they could.They weren't smiling because they had just completed a 5k or 10k. Rather, I believe those heart-felt smiles were present because Gina was there. We walked for her and she walked with us ... forever a walk to remember. 

GAF (Guardian Angel Foundation) banner at the start/finish line.

Tammie, me, Sarah

Christopher powers through the finish!

Smiling as she comes to the finish line, sweet Avery.

Ty's victory pose.

Gina's greatest legacy - her family (son, husband, daughter)

Patty (Gina's mom), Stacy (Gina's sister) and son David, me, Sarah

Just a handful of those who loved Gina ...

Helix '92 - represented!

Ty, Patty and Fred (Gina's dad)

We love you, Gina!

* Perhaps I have had a change of heart. Honestly, watching toddlers, kids, adults with disabilities and several eighty-something year old men and women walk and run this event was incredibly humbling to this non-runner who hid at the finish line behind her camera. I totally had the right shoes - hot pink and black, brand-spanking new running shoes. I bought them months ago when we first talked about the Super Run. As of Super Run Saturday morning at 5:29am, they'd never been worn before. But, mark my words, I will participate in the next walk/run. The odds of me running are slim to none, but I will walk it at the very least. Gina will walk it with me. We are, after all, lifetime teammates, forever and always.

 
  

Love Language - It's About Time!

It's said there are five love languages. I'm not talking about the French or Italian love languages. I'm talking about the five ways each of us recognizes, gives and most genuinely accepts love. The five are: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. One of my sisters loves Acts of Service; my other sister is Words of Affirmation. My niece is both Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch (she loves to cuddle). Yes, you can give love one way but embrace receiving it another way. I show love by Acts of Service and Quality Time. You want to show me you love me? It's all about Quality Time. Plain and simple. Always has been, always will be. 

Time is the most precious commodity we all have. How you choose to spend it and with whom you spend it tells a great deal about your priorities.  My favorite places are in the homes of my sisters, cuddled on the couch with the kids, a fire, a book, just "being" and having many of my most cherished people around me. A girls' day of shopping and lunch with my mom and sisters means the world to me as does someone who reserves time with me in their busy and chaotic life. We are all busy, we all have way too many things we need to get done. But to me, too many of those things are trivial and yet, to many people I know, often seem to take priority over the truly critical and necessary things in life. I often wonder why that is the case. 

There's a quote I came across not too long ago ... "Why should you feel honored for getting scraps of his time?" (Greg Behrendt) That quote comes from the movie/book "He's Just Not That Into You" (and frankly currently is appropriate in my life, but I digress). While yes, this quote speaks to a girl who isn't quite getting the hint that the guy really isn't all that into her, if you replace the word "his" with "their", the audience expands. This question could be posed to any of us that allow ourselves to become overly invested in people who really don't make us a priority in their lives. I guess if you're not a Quality Time person, none of this is relevant. But if you are, well, you know exactly what I'm saying.

Over the past sixteen years or so, I've spent almost every vacation traveling to see my sisters and nieces/nephews. (Okay, I've had a few other trips in there, but anyone who knows me at all knows I'm in either Phoenix or Montana when I'm on vacation.) My family is my priority and they know it because I make Quality Time for and with them. I do not miss special events like baptisms and graduations. I may be exhausted and going broke from traveling and living out of a suitcase, but my family, the kids especially, never question my love for and commitment to them. I've shown them repeatedly that they are of utmost importance in my life. 

Don't mistake me saying I'm a Quality Time person to mean I don't appreciate and/or accept graciously love in any of the other languages. (Really, c'mon now, who doesn't like to receive gifts or kind words or a hug?!) I'm only saying that to me, making time to spend with me does more to show you care than anything else. Those who truly matter in my life continue to understand what makes me feel their love for me and they find the time for me. It really comes down to this. For what do you make time? For whom? To me, therein lie your priorities. 

 

If Jodie Foster can say it ...

A friend of mine rates The Golden Globes annual awards show as her Super Bowl. If you are into awards shows, it would be the best one to watch, or so I've been told. It has movies AND television whereas the Oscars only address movies and, well, the Emmy's only reward those on the boob tube. I'm not one to spend hours watching these award shows; I'd rather read online the next morning (or five minutes after the show ends these days) the list of winners. Last night, though, I did watch the 70th Golden Globes show. I was on the couch trying to behave and rest to fight off this minor cold. So, I tuned in and caught some pretty funny remarks, some not so classy remarks and frankly, some just weird comments and thank you speeches. Admit it, Jodie Foster is a beautiful woman (I'd love to look like that at 50 or hell, even 38!), incredibly talented in her profession as actor/director, and she's very well spoken. I don't know much about her personal life, but heck, if she can say it on national television, I can say it here on my blog. Yes, I am ... single!

I was married once. It was a lifetime ago. At 21, I thought I had life all figured out. Marry my high school sweetheart, buy a house, have a few kids and live happily ever after. Yeah, that lasted all of about two years. The details of divorce and how all this fell apart are a story best left untold, for there is nothing to be gained by it all now. The experience rocked my world and shook me to my core. I had never experienced such heartache and uncertainty about my future. That being said, it was the greatest of blessings! Enduring that time in my life led me to today ... brought me new life ... showed me my own strength ... helped make me the strong, independent and caring woman I am today. I wouldn't change it for anything!

That being said, yes, I did close myself off from searching for new love. I had to figure out who I was and what I wanted from life. I focused my energy on my family/friends and my work and found what I never knew I always wanted ... to give more love than I received. I found true joy in being an aunt, sister, friend, leader. This is who I am. If you know me today, you know this about me. I'm happiest when I'm with my kids (biological and honorary nieces and nephews), my family or friends, or helping to serve someone else.

Dating at 38 sucks. Let's get that said right off. Where have all the gentlemen gone? Is chivalry really dead? I say bring it back! I don't need a guy to open a door for me, but it sure is sweet when they do. I know what I'm looking for in my future Mr. Right. First dates, ugh. So much pressure. I'm one of those women who knows five minutes into date one whether or not there will be a date number two. I have such little free time that I am very selective about how I spend that time. Being told you have breast cancer at 34 years young, having a double lumpectomy followed by double mastectomy, enduring chemo and baldness and the possibility of a much shortened life span and/or recurrence all help you really focus on how you want to spend that little free time! Dating around and too many first dates is not how I want to spend my time. But, I like to believe this quote: "When God knows you're ready for the responsibility of commitment, He'll reveal the right person under the right circumstances." (Joshua Harris)

Is now the right time for me? Who knows. Ask me tomorrow, next month, next year. All I do know is that today I am happy, loved, content...and okay, currently single. Cue the orchestra.






  

Warmth in Winter

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. There is something magical to me in the vibrant red, green and yellow leaves on the trees and the browning leaves falling to the ground. It's as if if Heaven is saying to me, "Look, see the beauty all around you!". Add in the brisk breeze, rumbling clouds, pumpkin spice anything (my new found passion), smells of apple cinnamon candles - I think in the Fall, Heaven is here on Earth.

Part of the joy of Fall is the excitement and anticipation of the Holidays on the horizon. Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities are trickling onto calendars, the stores are brimming with seasonal decor, and you start to hear a carol play. Christmas music is listed in the top ten of my most favorite things! The saddest day of the year for me is the day after Christmas. The carols stop, the decor is put away and the joy of anticipation disappears. I love the weeks leading up to Christmas! So yes, I do start listening to Christmas music right after Halloween. I want to savor the feelings of Christmas for as long as possible ... I start early, knowing that all too soon it will December 26th and the radio will return to playing the Billboard top 40. 

I've mentioned it time and time again, but I'm going to remind you once more. Jim Brickman is the King of Piano. My favorite musician is Jim Brickman and his Christmas albums are among some of my all-time favorites. Last Friday, my friend Tammie and I  (along with her niece) drove from Sacramento to Grass Valley, about an hour away, in the dark and rain. We had fourth row seats in the tiniest of venues! Other than the woman behind us singing along and tapping her foot, it was a perfect experience! Jim played a selection of Christmas carols/hymns that was magical ... gave me chills and touched my soul. 

Performing with Jim Brickman on this tour was Luke McMaster. I hadn't heard of him before, but he has a current single out with Jim called "Good Morning, Beautiful". Luke performed that song, along with the spin-off "Merry Christmas, Beautiful" and two of his own pieces. I was blown away by his talent! His voice and guitar talent perfectly vibed with Jim's talent on the ivory keys. I highly recommend they compose more music together. 

It was a perfect Fall evening, a prelude to the joy of Christmas nearing. I think I'll keep that night's concert memory close to my heart. 

Jim Brickman is always so patient as he mingles with his fans. Thanks, Jim, for taking the time to say hi!

Luke McMaster signed autographs and posed for photos. Incredibly talented and kind guy. Keep Tweeting me, Luke!

 

Random Coincidence?

I hit the button at the top of the page on my blog that says "next blog". I didn't know really where it would take me, perhaps to my last post. However, it took me to the blog of some people I do not know. BUT, they live in Aberdeen, Scotland and their blog is all about their life in Aberdeen. So interesting! 

I got to thinking about Aberdeen and the recent annual trips I've taken to visit my mother's homeland. Thought I'd share a few photos from some of my trips. Granted, I know I've posted these before but when it comes to anything Scottish, well, never enough! I am of Scottish blood and will forever be proud of my heritage.

Dunnottar Castle

My beautiful mother inside the ruins of Dunnottar Castle

Mom and I pose for a photo in Cullen, Scotland

Closest to a man in a kilt I seem to be able to find!

Bay of Nig ... mom would walk around this bay with her sister all the time.

Random Thoughts ...

The 2012 Election is over - finally! I appreciate the blessing of living in a country where I have a voice and have a right to have it heard. I know I had no part in creating this American right; our forefathers, ancestors, military, they are to be thanked for fighting for our rights and freedoms. I can honor them by fulfilling my right to vote. And I did.

I classify myself as a liberal-republican. Some of my personal stands fall in line with the liberals, while others are in line with the republican view points. I know enough to know I don't know enough. There is so much out there in the world of politics that I will never totally understand. I realize every American citizen will be touched in one way or another from the election results, whether positively or negatively. However, I voted according to what I believed to be best for my city, state, and country. That is my right. 

I'm thrilled the political ad season is over. The overwhelming negativity that has been screaming from our television sets, radios, social media forums and daily mail will (hopefully) cease (for now)! Debate and enthusiastic discussion on political topics can be helpful, and are often necessary, to help move our country's position forward. But what gets me really annoyed, is the negativity that people have created. How is trash-talking an opponent helpful? Foul language, constant negativity and bullying is just wrong. As I read and listened to some of the ads and comments on media forums over the past few months, I got to thinking about something ... hearing someone say such nasty things about someone else (especially someone whom they have never personally met) is simply a reflection of that person's character and is no reflection on the person being trashed. 

What have we taught our children by our actions during this campaign? It's okay to cuss out someone who has an opposing view point? It's okay to laugh at, publicly disgrace and criticize another human being simply because they are not the candidate you support? I wonder if our children would be proud of how we, as citizens of this United States of America, responded during this campaign. And, as I typed that sentence, I have to laugh. How truly "united" are we? So many men and women fought for us to become UNITED. And here we stand today, fighting amongst ourselves with such hostility. Why did we sacrifice so many lives in fighting for our rights and our country if we are not going to uphold the courage, respect and dignity for which they so bravely fought (and continue to fight)?

I did not vote for Mr. Obama. I admit it. I voted for Mr. Romney. I'm disappointed in the results, but I am no different a person today than I was yesterday. I support the office of the President of the United States, regardless of whether or not he/she had my vote. I am proud to be an American. And at least I can hold my head high knowing I did not let my personal opinions trickle into gossip, negativity and rudeness during this election season.

Inspiration

Saturday in Land Park was the Walk for Down Syndrome. A friend of mine has a daughter, Emma, who was born with Down Syndrome. I hadn't met Emma until Saturday morning and I fell in love with her the moment I saw her adorable face. Because of Emma and others with DS, hundreds of people came together to walk in their support. BJs Restaurant sponsored Team Emma and it was a complete honor to be a part of this team. Sutter Printing helped get special t-shirts made for Team Emma and it was obvious we had the best t-shirts and the team with the most members! One little girl, sweet Emma, brought us out ... some might say we are kind to have walked in her honor. No, we were honored to walk with and for Emma. 

Our inspiration, Emma, gets a lift from Daddy!

Emma and mommy are all smiles!

Here she is ... the most beautiful little gal!

It was all about the tutus. :)

My buds, Tracy, Michelle and Jonathan

Team BJs Restaurant ... TEAM EMMA!

We Step Up for Down Syndrome!