40 by 40

To keep life interesting and focused, I have creating my list of 40 things I hope to do before I turn 40. I will update list as items are completed.

Family Life

Adopt a child

Adopt a dog

Pay off graduate school
     2017

Buy a house
     2016

Buy a new couch

Buy a new vehicle
     2018 Chrysler Pacifica

Buy a hammock

Splurge dinner date night ($100+/person and not a fundraiser),
     2018 El Goucho for 10th anniversary

Write a living will

Renew vows

Physical Feats

Complete another marathon, this time with a friend

Run a half marathon in California

Ride the STP

Hold a balancing yoga pose for at least 5 seconds

Try stand-up paddle boarding
     February 2018. On the Caribbean Sea while staying at Sandals royal Caribbean. Very breezy. 

Ski on a real mountain

Ride a century (organized or not)

Run a sub 30-minute 5K

Walk a 10K with my mom
     April 27, 2014. Hy-Vee Road Races at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Trips and Travel

Volunteer in India

Global Village trip to South American country
    April, 2019 to Santiago Chile

Visit Iguazu Falls

Wine tasting in Napa Valley with Mike

Explore Vancouver, BC with Mike
     February 18-20, 2014. Stayed at Rosedale on Robson and enjoyed exploring the waterfront, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and Granville Island. Mike tried local brews at Steamworks Brewing Company and Granville Island Brewery. We watched the Olympics and felt the joy of the Canadians as both the women and men took out the US in hockey for gold and the chance to play for gold, respectively.

Weekend trip to Lake Chelan with Mike/family

Visit Redwood Forest and drive through the big tree

Travel to a vacation by train (ie: Rocky Mountains, Leavenworth),
    Wine Train with Nicole, Megan, Chelsea. Mt Rainier Railroad

Cheer for the Cubs at Wrigley Field
Ride in a hydro-plane 

Personal

Maintain a blog

Apply for ‘The Amazing Race’ with Sarah

Read at least 30 of the ‘100 books to read before you die’ See List Here

Begin playing piano again

Learn to can vegetables and sauces

Learn to make my own baby food
     March, 2015. Carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, beets, apples, pears are just a few of the purees that have been made.

T.ry Zumba at least once
40 Acts of Kindness in the 40 days leading up to my 40th birthday (begin 7/31/22)

The Book List

100 Books to Read Before You Die
(as determined by compiling several lists and appearing on at least 3 of those lists)

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
1984 by George Orwell
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokor
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Ulysses by James Joyce
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Middlemarch by George Eliot
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Warn and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Anna Karenia by Leo Tolstoy
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Little Women by Louisa M Alcott
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Watership Down by Richard Adams
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Emma by Jane Austen
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Native Son by Richard Wright
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandrew Dumas
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Stranger by Albert Camus
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl
Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
I, Claudius by Robert Graves
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitmans
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Nostromo by Joseph Conrad
Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
The Odyssey by Homer
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Tale of Genji by Shikibu
The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenengger
The Trial by Franz Kafka
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Things Fall Apart by Chinua
Under Volcano by Malcolm Lowry
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackerey
The Bible

Marathon: Mile by Mile

Four days have gone by since I completed my first full marathon. On the front-side of the race I thought I would have so much to brag about upon crossing the finish line. And while I would not say the experience was anti-climatic, the experience wasn't as gut-wrenching as I thought it would be. I don't feel like I need to scream from the mountaintops: "Hey, I just ran 26.2 miles."

Arriving to the start area, I felt such pride in wearing a yellow-colored bib this year (as opposed to the blue bib of the half-marathoners). I felt good about my training and I made my way to the starting corrals feeling confident: although the past month had not been ideal runs and I had battled various ailments, I felt that I had balanced the training and resting well enough to get me across the finish line."You got this!" read a text message from a friend and my ultimate supporter in running. Knowing that others were thinking of me and sending positive vibes my way was a definite boost.

I was slated to be in starting corral 32--the last of the marathon corrals. I know I'm a slow runner, but my anxiety of finishing the race within the time-frame was not helped by the fact that I would be among the last of the marathoners to even start. I decided that if I could sneak into an earlier corral that I would--plus it was going to be a warm day, if I could start a few minutes earlier and get a couple miles in while it was still early in the day, I definitely wanted to do that. Around 7:40 my Garmin had fully loaded the satellites and was ready to track my running; I entered the starting chute among the runners of corral 21. I took in my surroundings realizing this was the moment of truth...this was the culmination of the past several months of training. Before I knew it, the air horn blew signaling the start for my corral...

I began moving and as I crossed the start line I became emotional thinking about what lay ahead of me: 26.2 miles of physical willpower and sheer determination. I got into stride and settled in with the pack. I was reminded I started with a faster corral when I hit the marker for Mile 1 in 10:44...nearly a minute faster than my half-marathon pace! (And nearly 2 minutes faster than my anticipated full-marathon pace.) I willed myself to slow down into my own pace and hoped the rabbit start wouldn't come back to haunt me later.

No time to dwell on the start, it was time to trudge up the first incline: a nice, gradual climb over 3 city blocks. And this was a case of 'what goes up, must come down' and we were rewarded with a speedy descent as we eased our way through Mile 2. As we turned onto Dearborn and then made our way down Rainier for the next 3 miles I noticed a pain in my ankles..both of them! What?! My knees? Yes. My hips? Yes. But my ankles? They have been my strong and faithful joints throughout this process! I guess their pain was overdue!

Right around Mile 4 there's a Starbucks along the course. As I ran by, two marathoners were coming out with cake-pops in their hands! They "cheers-ed" them together and hopped back on the course. This made me smile..because life is really about the little things! :)

Just beyond Mile 5, the course turned east. In my mind I knew we were headed for the water, which got me excited for the next several miles along Lake Washington. Just beyond mile 6 was the first split point in the race. Again, I became emotional as I veered to the right to follow the course for the marathoners. Somewhere between Mile 7 and 8 I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into--my ankles were still hurting and I was drenched in sweat--and it was still early in the morning (and early in the race). Just beyond Mile 8, we were treated to the most beautiful view of the radiant Mount Rainier across Lake Washington: it was breathtaking and inspiring and kept me moving. I pulled out my phone to take a picture and had received another text: "Keep movin'! Keep drinkin'! Keep smilin'!" Just what I needed. I also realized my ankles were no longer hurting--success!

At Mile 9 I caught up to two gals carrying American Flags for Wear Blue to Remember. I was chatting with them and stayed with them until Mile 10 when they stopped to walk. Just before Mile 11, we completed the loop around Seward Park and rejoined the street for the long march up Lake Washington Boulevard to the I-90 bridge.

Just beyond Mile 12 the marathon course rejoined the half marathon course and I again felt emotional. It was also great to be reunited with other runners! From Mile 13 to 14 was the Memory Mile and was filled with pictures of fallen soldiers. Although I was expecting it, it didn't make things easier--I wasn't able to completely harden my emotions and I did choke up a little bit, especially near the end of the mile when the road was lined with American flags. Luckily, the mile ended with a photo op from the sky, so I embraced the chance to throw my arms up and be goofy and lighten my heart a little.

Mile 15: the horrible hill up to the I-90 bridge. I stopped to walk for the first time. But as soon as I got onto the bridge, I began running again--it was a slight downhill, afterall! Weather wise, the I-90 bridge was what I was dreading the most: completely exposed pavement in the middle of the water with not even a light breeze. A nice respite from the sun came at Mile 17 when we entered a tunnel: nice and cool! Mile 18 was the turn-around point and a time of more emotions--I felt like I was in the home stretch. Back through the tunnel at Mile 19 and then back across the water where I hit Mile 20 on the midspan on the bridge. More emotions--this was officially the longest run of my life!

Somewhere between Mile 21 and 22 is where things really became a mind-over-matter issue. But I also knew that Mike was waiting for me just ahead beyond Mile 23, so I pushed on, excited to see him. At Mile 23 began a long descent down into the city and it felt so good! And then I tweaked my knee--I'm not sure exactly what happened, just that it hurt if I ran and felt okay if I walked. Giving in to defeat, I knew I would probably have to walk it out. Up ahead, I saw Mike. When I reached him, I grabbed him off the sidewalk and made him walk with me until the course split and we each took our own path to the finish line. Down a steep hill and then right back up onto the viaduct for me. But the sunshine of the day made a gorgeous waterfront view! When I reach mile 25 I knew I had it made. I felt good and I felt strong (as long as I didn't try to run!).

With a smile on my face, I walked the final mile and saw another familiar friendly face at Mile 26. He encouraged me and told me I was looking good. With the finish line in site, I really just wanted to run to the end, but I continued to walk, thinking it would be better to walk to the end and feel good than to run and feel awful. I made it! I crossed the finish line with no emotions. I guess the emotions had drained from me throughout the many miles of the course. I felt good and I felt proud, but I also felt slight disappointment knowing I could have 'done better.'

Perhaps a redemption run is in store. Or perhaps this is where my marathon career ends: not knowing the sheer pain other runners feel by pushing themselves too hard or too far.

65 days; 52.4 miles

In the next 65 days, I am scheduled to run 2 half-marathons and 1 full-marathon:
3 races
3 cities
2 countries
52.4 race miles 

I have been looking forward to these three events for months, and each for its own reasons:
   One race is a fairly flat course that benefits military support organizations. I have been looking forward to running this in honor of my brother, who is currently deployed, and I have been training for and hoping for a personal record on this race course.
   One race is in the mountains. I am not even considering a PR on this course, but I have long been looking forward to the beauty of the course and the friendliness of the Canadians whose neighborhoods the course explores. And upon completion of this race, I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend getaway with my husband nestled in the beauty of the Canadian mountains.
   One race is a check mark--my first marathon. To be run with tens of thousands of other runners through the streets of endless cheering fans. When I first began training for this bucket list item, I had the "now or never" mentality; as I have immersed myself into training for this event and have befriended other runners, I am hoping this won't be a "once and done" event for me.

I have made friends within the running community. I have volunteered at running events. I have celebrated with others as they have accomplished a personal running goal. I have mourned with some as an injury has prevented them from training and event participation. I have been inspired by those who travel the world and plan their vacations around running events and by those who have run so many marathons and half-marathons they have lost count. (Although we all know that somewhere they have kept track!) And I have inspired others to get off the couch and lace up. We all start somewhere. We all celebrate each other's victories and accomplishments. For an individual sport, there is an undeniable sense of unity--there truly is a running community, a running family.

Nothing or no one can take that away. So even though these races now have a whole new meaning, I will press on. I will run to show that my spirit is not broken. I will run to show that we are united. I will run for those who are not able to run. 52.4 race miles...it's not just me and the road...it's me and the spirit of thousands...

Lucky Thirteen

2013. A new year. A new beginning. A fresh start at old goals. A time to make new goals. 2012 was the year of "operation baby prep" as I focused on getting my body 'baby-ready' by cutting out the caffeine and junk food and cutting back on alcohol. I started meal planning and tried to check things off the 'bucket list' that will be easier done prior to having a child. I've read books on pregnancy and sought advice from mothers. 2013 is go-time. Next month, I will embark on what may be my final Global Village trip. Sometime this year Mike and I will take what may be our last vacation as a family of two. I have races planned the first half of the year, and even hope to sneak in my first marathon before 'pregnancy belly' prevents running. If things go as planned, I will spend at least part of this calendar year with a child growing inside me. It is complete craziness. I spent most of my life appalled at the idea of growing a child: the entire process freaked me out. And now here I am, aged 30, anxiously awaiting to embark on this journey: a journey no man can ever take, a journey that separates the women from the girls, a journey that transforms women into mothers, a journey that creates a new identity. I don't know if I'm ready for the reality of it all, but ready or not, here it comes... Twenty-thirteen...hoping you're a year of change...

Today...

Today I put shoes on my feet, last week I wore work boots. Today I applied makeup to my face, last week I applied sunscreen. Today I wore a light jacket, last week I wore a coat of sweat. Today I drank water from a faucet, last week I had to drink from a bottle. Today I drove my own car to work (on the right side of the road), last week I rode on the floor of a full maxi (on the left side of the road). Today I put my clothes in a washing machine, last week I washed them by hand. Today I put my clothes in a dryer, last week they semi-dried in the humid air by hanging on a line. Today I am the same person I was just one week ago, and yet I am completely different. I am forever changed. My heart is forever softened. I will forever have the memories of an incredible experience ingrained in my heart and in my mind.

Twenty-nine

I always thought that by age 30, I would basically have my life figured out: I would have a career, have a family, have a house. Last week I turned 29, and I'm suddenly not as sure about this 30-theory. Will I really have things 'figured out' in less than 12 months? Magic 8 Ball says: "Outlook not so good."

Career: I love my job! But is it a career? I'm not completely certain. But I do love what I do: I love the people I work with, the people I work for, and the people I serve. I love the flexibility and the non-monotonous job-description. I love that what I do matters. I love that someday, a kid may grow into a teen who makes the right choice because of a conversation I have had with her. I love that someday, the generation of youth whom I serve may have a positive influence on this world and the generation behind them because of something I have taught them. So, is this a career? The degrees listed on my diplomas may not necessarily be required for this job, but they certainly have helped me along the way. If I consider the synonyms for career -- vocation, calling, work, lifework, livelihood -- then I could confidently say that, yes, perhaps this is a career after all.
Career: Check.

Family: What is a family? Is it a husband, 2.5 kids, and a dog? Well I have a husband....and a cat! I'm a few years out on the kids though...and a dog. Although, half the battle has been won just by finding my Mr. Right. The rest will come in due time.
Family: No check.

House: I have a roof over my head and heat in the winter, but that's not quite what I envisioned for my 'home.' I have one over-sized bedroom with a small walk-in closet. I have a kitchen with no counter space nor cupboards. I have a coat closet that serves as my pantry and chairs that serve as a coat-rack. I have dreams for a house someday, as soon as we can pay off my school loans...at least I have a career!
House: No check.

One-out-of-three. Not great. Luckily, the year ahead is a leap year so I have an extra day before the big 3-0 when I have to have my life figured out. Or I could always become one of those women who turn 29 year after year, in which case I've got the rest of my time of earth to figure things out...I like that idea! ;)