Walk the Talk

This is an email I just recently wrote to a friend:

"Know that I'm thinking about you a lot and am always here for you. I wanted to send you this song. It's called "One Day You Will" by Lady Antebellum. This song has gotten me through a lot, a lot of hard times. It inspires me to move one foot in front of the other and fight for another day, because it is worth it. There is a silver lining, it will make us stronger and we just have to whole heartedly believe in that. I'm pretty sure I ran to this song for 2 weeks straight. It hits me in running AND life, which really are two very different things, to me. Running is it's own separate entity. Anyway, I hope it can help you like it has and continues to help me. I find a lot of comfort in music and lyrics, because sometimes that's the only place we can fall, the only place to get the perfect advice with out having to speak one word, and the only place we don't get judged."

These are song lyrics that I have fallen to the past 48 hours:

"But down the road the sun is shining, In every cloud there's a silver lining, Just keep holding on (just keep holding on), And every heartache makes you stronger, But it won't be much longer, You'll find love, you'll find peace, And the you you're meant to be, I know right now that's not the way you feel, But one day you will"

"Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable, And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table. No one can find the rewind button, boys, So cradle your head in your hands, And breathe... just breathe, Oh breathe, just breathe
There's a light at each end of this tunnel, You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again If you only try turning around."

"Just gonna stand there and watch me burn, But that's all right, because I like the way it hurts. Just gonna stand there and hear me cry, But that's all right, because I love the way you lie, I love the way you lie."

"You and I walk a fragile line, I have known it all this time, Never ever thought I'd see it break, Never thought I'd see it"

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever, He is my strength and He's my song, His love endures forever, i will proclaim what He has done, His love endures forever, i will enter and give thanks to Him, this holy gate the righteous may enter, i will give You thanks, You answered me, You are my salvation, this is the day the Lord has made, i will rejoice and be glad in it, this is the day the Lord has made"

It's a random collection, I know. But that's what is so great about music and lyrics, that's what is so therapeutic, it's always there for you any way you need it. Whether praise, anger, hopeful... it's there for just you and just the right time.

Now I get the opportunity to live out what I say to others. I can't be someone who gives advice but will never follow it herself. "It starts with the man in the mirror" :)

Beautiful Day

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you."

On my walk this afternoon. Beautiful day. I'm starting to feel like myself again :)

Courage

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

Rest in Peace, Porter

We lost a part of the family on Friday, January 21, 2011 - Porter.

Porter had more personality and charisma than any dog, animal, creature I've ever come in contact with. He was the dog you absolutely loved to hate to love. With his tail hitting every breakable object around, his wet nose sniffing everywhere you want dry, his sad face when he knew had done something wrong and the love that he always presented wether you wanted it or not. He was one incredible dog.

His life was cut short due to that lovable energy he always had. The energy you knew would really get him in trouble someday. The energy that led him the busy streets of Salem where he was hit.

Porter was never alone. He has a sister, Ruby. They did everything together, including running back the frisbee or stick. Inseparable. My heart goes out to her. And I'm so thankful we still have her around.

Love to my dad and Sue. It's their one anniversary today from when they got married. Sue had got Ruby and Porter as pups just before my dad and her met, and so we got the incredible opportunity to join their family when they got married. So a piece of the family is gone, but will live in our hearts for ever :) Love you Porter!

Porter - September 27, 2007 to January 21, 2011

2008 Olympic Trials 800m

If this is not inspirational, I don't know what is. This is why I love running, love Eugene and love the fight.

It's these moments I dream of.

They lived it.

What Keeps Me Going

So much has happened in the past 6 months, but the past couple months have been especially heavy on me. I was hurt by a number of people, some more than others, but along with that I was lifted by a number of people, some more than others. So instead of writing paragraph upon paragraph trying to update you on the last several months, and instead of delving into the those dark times, I'm going to follow my blog title and give the reasons why I "rejoice always" no matter the obstacle:

Districts, one of my many girls, Allie.

Nike Team Nations. The kids I coach. Absolute mud bath, absolute joy.

More of my XC family. This boy, Matt Melancon, won state for the first time ever in Sheldon history. I cried, multiple times. Watch out for his name.

Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffer/Spinney v Spinney Battle. I may have lost by 5 seconds to my father, but I ran 17:46 which is a LIFETIME PR and got 1st place for women. That day yet again proved to me it's worth the fight.

My trip to California. Six Flags with the Six Best Friends... (my brother is missing, their was 6 of us)

There he is! My brother.

Grabbing hot chocolate and catching the meteor shower at the beach in Carlsbad! Beautiful.

My beautiful family (and that includes Casey)

Casey Masterson. I have not laughed, cried or danced more with anyone else in a 2 week period. It was everything I needed. "Oh nah nah"...

The boys I babysit. I was told by the one on the right that Ireland is not a part of Great Britain. I am not smarter than a 5 year old.

New Years Day. If only I could explain our relationship to other people... We match in so much more than just our outfits. And it's perfect.

Before the most anticipated game EVER, the BCS championship game. Oregon v Auburn. We lost by 3 points, but I have never enjoyed watching a game more. Very inspirational game. These are our Darron Thomas jersey's who is #1, but also, Kelli and I are each others #1 :)

It's time.

I'm coming back.