His Hands of Hope

Well- that big decision that was being discussed at our house. A couple weeks ago, the choice was made. I will be going to China with a group to volunteer at a Children's Orphange Camp.

It is a wonderful opportunity and one that I feel drawn to being a part of. I have never traveled outside the USA, well if you don't count a Canada day trip in my middle school years. (Which, really you shouldn't, you didnt even need a passport to cross the border for a day back then.)

So, here I am, starting a new chapter in my life, and this year, I will be traveling without the hubby. If you recall, he is graduating College in 51 days. (but who's counting?) Therefore, he will be back to the workforce thereafter. (three cheers for the Hubby!! and a large margarita for me.) So, as much as he wants to join me on this new experience, alas he must wait until another time.

Here are some wonderful details.... (but keep in mind that things are still being decided)

1. The group is looking at 3 locations to volunteer at.... but we are aiming for Xi'an.

(please don't ask me to say this word outloud)

2. We will be volunteering the week of July 18th-22nd. However, I don't know when we will actually fly out or home. The flight time is 24 hours total. With a flight change or two along the way.

(Do you think they allow running laps in the aisles on the planes??)

3. I have recruited a good friend on mine to take the Hubby out for "our" anniversary. Since I will be halfway around the world on July 19th. *Sorry babe :-(

4. I can't afford this "trip" on my own dime. I am going to be looking for any donation to aide me on this journey. The stay at the camp is $750 for the week. And the flight is looking to be around $2000-$2500 round trip. Any assistance I can gain is a blessing.

If you would like to help me get to the camp, and pass on love to the Orphans there, Please email me at kirstendyan@yahoo.com I would be happy to answer any questions further and to the best of my ability.

I am only "running" the path at was laid out for me to follow.

***Learn more about the cause here***

Keep Running.

A sad day for me

My Tahoe got to return home from it's long long LONG stay at the Vehicle hospital today. But apparently, it missed it's friends. So, this afternoon it went back for a check up. We are awaiting the results.

My "critter", no this is not an animal, but a softball girl that I have spoken of before on past blogs (recall the "death student" photos) well, **deep breaths here** she quit the team today. I thought she was kidding for about 10 seconds, until the tears started flowing down her face. I still don't know what to say, except, I already miss her. She was part of my first freshmen class, my first year of coaching, and we is welcome to return if she ever wants too.

For now- that is my day. Tonight, I am AGAIN being an Professional for the Seniors Exit Interviews tonight. (Why do I agree to this again? Am I not stressed and busy enough? -- insert "duh" smack in the forehead here)

Run on.

Somedays I wish.....

It is Sunday night- my kids are in bed (half hour early since we are time adjusting), the hubby and I just folded and pick away 3 loads of laundry (there in one more left), the dogs are relaxing inside, the basement is clean from another weekend of playtime, the backyard is clean of doggie doo-doo, the house is "phicked up" (no- I did NOT say clean), I have 4 new books by the bed and one from the library (5 total but only 4 left to read).... do you see where this is going yet?
We are 2 weeks into Softball season, the BigGirl has 12(?) weeks before summer break, the Hubby has 10(?) weeks before college graduation (and hopefully a J.O.B. again), LittleMan is being SO DIFFICULT with potty training (he will be 3 yrs in June), we are getting closer a a Big Wonderful decision (more to come soon!!), and Oh yeah- It is RACING SEASON TOO!!

Oh the brain (but not registered yet) are Emma Creek Womens 5K in April, Easter Sun Run in April (10K), OKC Memorial in May (half), Wichita RiverRun in June (10K), Warrior Dash KC in July ("3.1 HELLISH MILES"), what is missing...... MORE HALF's and a Tri Sprint! That is what my goal list says right?! What is standing in my way.... oh STRESS and LIFE.

So here I am on a Sunday night- wondering "what happened to my weekend?", "What happened to my sanity?", "What happened to my life?". I want MORE, I want serenity! I WANT is more like I NEED!!

So, looking around at everything I need to do/say/try- life would be easier as a "house mommy". But then my sanity might be the only problem-- oh that is where the hubby and my running comes in!!!
I have 1 year and 3 months before my 20s are gone.....

The neverending story took a turn....

....A BAD TURN.

We got some ice 13 days ago. I was headed out with BigGirl to church for her game practice.

We never got there.

We were maybe 1/2 mile from church and were getting off the 360 degree on ramp to Highway 50 and once we were on the Highway, we never had control. I was going MAYBE 25 mph. I moved onto the Highway and we started fish tailing IMMEDIATELY. After I dont know how many slipes across the long bridge in both lanes. I prepared my daughter calmly for the impact that we were going to have.

In the end, we were heading east and we came to a stop heading southwest. In the middle of a bridge.

I remembering seeing a large truck coming at us and I realized it would hit BigGirls side of the Tahoe. I was frantic in my head how I could switch her places. But that truck never hit us. (GOD BLESSED MIRACLE)

We ended up hitting the bridge side with the passengers front then it slammed us around for the passengers rear. Tahoe sounds worse than it looks.

In the end, BigGirl bumped her head on the window after last hit. (SHE IS 100% FINE!- BLESSING! Not even a bruise.) We were both in our seatbelts and her in her booster.

So 13 days later- I am still driving the rental (VERY NICE rental- thank you insurance) I really miss my Tahoe. I am hoping it is ANY DAY NOW.

Softball season has started- so I am NEVER home and REALLY busy getting the kids covered for pick ups and care until hubby or I can get to them.

LIFE: CRAZY!!!
Kids: WONDERFUL
Hubby: 67 days until GRADUATION!!
Tahoe: Still at the Doctor
Dogs: handling the crazy well
Folks: BEING WONDERFUL HELP
BigGirls BFF's dad: ANOTHER GREAT HELPER

On another note-- I think the Motherhood of the Traveling book (aka TMTB) is M.I.A If any news comes, I will be sure to post it here.

Also, Flat BigGirl seems to be M.I.A as well. Actual BigGirl is quite sad about this and if anyone knows anything about this please message me.

In todays conclusion- Hubby and I have been talking and praying about a mission of possibility this week. When that decision has been made, I will tell you all about it here. I will be looking for help from you all if that time comes.

KEEP RUNNING!

The Never-ending Story

Running? What is that?
The weather can't decide if it is a wicked winter or the beginning of spring.
So, running outside is not happening much.
Then since the weather is wacky, the health in my house is wacky.
My poor LittleMan has spent more time this year sick than healthy. Today, I am sitting on the couch awaiting the results for him to either have Strep throat, Influenza or BOTH.

Then there is my BigGirl would is my little busy bee. She goes to Awana at church once a week. But this week, she goes twice because she is going to compete in a competition on saturday. AND indoor soccer started this week, and it happens to be the SAME night at Awana. So 25 minutes at soccer practice and a race to church for Awana. But will I take away anything from her growth? NO WAY!

I start my High School softball season on MONDAY. Which means I am a crazy ass wacky mom for 90 days. And my sanity will be border lined as well.

The hubby is 88 days from GRADUATION!!!!! He is AWESOME!!! He started his 2, YES TWO, Internships this week. (ROCK OUT HUBBY!!!)

So, thanks to my dad (retired Popa) and BigGirls BFF's parents... my kids are covered for being picked up and cared for until either hubby or myself is home. I actually have calendars set up for them for make it easier (and keep my mind at ease that they aren't missed or forgotten)

So- Sanity- my neverending story. Family illnesses- also my neverending story. But HOPE- I am trying to keep HOPE to the future. I am proud of my hubby. And I am proud of my kids. They keep ME HAPPY.

But, running, I am missing my running, and I having races on the mind. So running, next week, I will be adding you to my INSANITY!

Extreme Makeover!! Home Edition!

YES!
THAT IS RIGHT!!!

ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition is in the area! And I decided to lend a hand, and arm, a leg, whatever!

Here I am at 530am, after a fast breakfast, a large coffee and it is COLD. But I am READY!!!

Here is my first sighting of Paige, Jillian, Paul and Ty!!

 Paul and Ty (doing the acting thing)

 There is a scene that we "send the family off" and "fake a demo" (since this family rents a condo currently. They needed a WSU spoof. And that is where this I come in! CHECK OUT WHAT GOT ME AN INSTANT HIGH FIVE FROM TY!!!!!!

I am just the SHIT! LOL!!

 And of course, who can say "no" to a photo op with me now?! THANKS PAUL!!!!!!

 AND JILLIAN!!!!

 I had such a great time on my first 12 hour shift, that after coming home and watching my BigGirl shake her thing at the high school dance clinic varsity basketball game, I slept and went back for MORE!!!!!

Paige wasn't big on photo ops with fans- so I got this.

 And I got this photo of house on day 3! FREAKING AMAZING!!!

 So after moving lots of wood, cleaning up after workers, doing a little acting (without pay of course) and building a floating floor from the VIP viewing section, and MUCH MUCH MORE. I had a great time. If it is ever near you- JUST DO IT!!!

Condolences

Today is a sad day.
A day that dreams are shattered. (at least my dreams)
A day that the average runner is pushed down on the asphalt.
A day that I will HATE the rest of my mobile life.

"FEBRUARY 16th, 2011: I HATE YOU!"

Yes sir bob- B.O.S.T.O.N.

I will never run your race. I will forever find it untouchable.

Not only is qualifying not in my reach, but now you are making it 5 minutes harder to do so.

Not only will I never get to register if I ever did qualify, I better beat that extra 5 minutes with 20 minutes faster so guarantee a registry.

Yes my runner friends.

A sad SAD day for us average folk.

SO- whats your thoughts?

**btw- exciting news coming by the end of the week. Stay Tuned!!