Camp!

Alright friends -- tomorrow morning I am heading off to Wyldlife camp with 25 middle schoolers.  My camp box is packed and ready to go.  But I have yet to pack my own bag...I know generally what I want/need to pack.  It's just a matter of getting my stuff together & jamming it in one bag.  Yes I will only be gone for 5 days, but there are so many random things we need to pack for and consider -- espcially when you're a leader.
I have to pack an all white outfit, an outfit for a Hawaiian dinner, an outfit for a "mining/outdoorsy" themed dinner....oh yeah, and an outfit that is ultimately going to get TRASHED. Yes trashed.  That's right...trashed.  We're talking mud pit, probably shaving cream, and other gross things that are likely going to get thrown at me.  Ahh - the life of a leader!

So, it is not 6pm and I have to be at our departure location tomorrow at 7:45am which means I better get to packing & STAT. 

I'll be back Tuesday night - so returning to the beautiful blogging world come Wednesday.
Adios amigos!
<3

Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon - Seattle Edition

I must first confess that I am not a photog by any means.  I thoroughly intended to snap more photos (even photos on my phone) of our adventure to Seattle.  Photos like the architecture, the race, etc.  But in reality I only ended up snapping a couple of photos of the restaurant we had dinner at on Friday, the damage we did, and our post-race dinner.  I apologize blog friends.  I will share those photos though with you.....starting....now

 Monique & her cousin Rachel - 2/3 of our running trio!

 The cutie restaurant we ate at -- Mioposto

 Carne Calzone, Marghertita Pizza & a Personal Pizza...DELISH!

Cleaned our plates!

Happy campers!

Post race celebratory dinner -- Turkey Taco Salad

Rachel & her husband Casey's dog Blaze -- the most chill golden retriever EVER! So cute!

All in all, a GREAT weekend with friends.  Only thing missing was hubby of course.

Ran my race - pretty much solo, but it was good, first time I've really done that.  Didn't finish too terribly well, but I hadn't really trained, so I was happy to finish & still be walking! :)

Next time I want to train and get well under my latest finishing time -- we'll see how that goes!

<3

Fill In The Blank Friday + Random Thoughts

Thanks to Lauren for the blanks!

Play along & link up!

1. The last thing I ate was... double fiber maple/brown sugar oatmeal. it's yummy

2. The next thing I'd like to eat is... a teri beef plate lunch with mac salad & rice from Rainbow's Drive-In

3. The best things... are the small, surprises, adventures, & memories that stay forever in your heart

4. Something that makes me supremely and utterly happy is... naps with hubby, looking at old family photos, family vacations, my wedding video, & a new pair of shoes

5. Sports are... one aspect of life; sports has become more of a focus in our household since I got married but it is not the end all and be all of life

6. I miss... my grandmas....I miss the warmth & comfort of my Gran.  I miss the quiet strength & un-wavering support of my Grandma Jewell.  Two women who played incredibly strong roles in my life....

7. Right now I am... passing the time til I head up to Seattle for my half marathon tomorrow!! 

Had a random thought/idea pop in to my head this morning while drying my hair...it was oddly enough a book idea.  And it was so clear and focused, that I felt maybe as if I could actually sit down and write it.  But that thought alone is a little scary.  I'm a fan of writing - but who would want to read a book written by me, could I even write a book, do I even know what it takes to write a book....like I said, very random.

Pray for my legs tomorrow during the race.  Wonderful husband rubbed my legs last night (my calves have been ridiculously tight and sore the last week or so..) which was heaven.

Have a GREAT weekend friend -- I'll snap some photos of half-marathon adventures! :)

<3

Laundry Fairy

The Parker household is in DESPERATE need of a laundry fairy...one who will simply come in, start the load, turn it over, and most of all....FOLD it!

I've been slacking on the folding of laundry as of late, which is not good....considering I'll be gone to Seattle this weekend for a 1/2 marathon & then leave again next Thursday for camp!  Needless to say, I'm going to be in need of clothing here pretty quick & someone is going to have to hunker down & do it!  And I have a funny feeling that someone is more than likely going to be me!

How do you get thru the monotony of laundry?!
<3

I Don't Do Drama...

Or at least that's what I try to live like...  But to be honest there are times when that twinge comes on, and my inner drama queen wants to make a grand entrance.  Some times she does....other times I'm able to squelch her at the door.  

Not something I'm super proud of - and it's really tough to battle against that inner drama queen, to not just surrender and be completely over whelmed by it.  To not succumb to a bratty disposition simply because I'm not getting my way or things are not turning out exactly how I have thought they should.  Blah - reading that back sounds so incredibly childish.  And here I am at 25, not a child.   Will this battle ever subside?  Will I ever be able to fully conquer this area and banish that drama queen forever?  Lord knows I'm trying.

And as we all know, and likely have experienced, right when we say "I want to practice...*insert character trait*"....along come a wave of situations and people who directly challenge that new goal/mindset.  I am not exempt.  In the past 5 days there seems to have been situation after situation that is testing my ability to ignore and dismiss that D.Q.  For some of the situations I have had the upper hand  -- and others not so much.  Work in progress right?   How do you handle these types of situations?  Have any tips for me?  Because to be honest, it's terribly demoralizing in the really tough situations and that just fuels the little voice that whispers "give up...you can't win...it's not worth it."  Any thoughts are welcomed :)

In other news, work outs have continued at a fairly regular pace & weight loss is continuing as well.  Slowly....but to me that feels better.  I don't feel deprived.  I'm not ravenous, I'm trying to eat normally and allow myself little things that would be considered "bad" - so as not to starve my brain of those things so much so that I completely cave in a weak moment.  And that has me feeling pretty dang good about myself.  
Half marathon is this weekend; I'm a little nervous because I haven't exactly had time to do many long runs in the recent weeks....so we'll see how it goes.  Especially given the fact that my calves have been unusually tight the last week or so.  Pray for health & endurance friends!  That aside - I am looking forward to completing another half marathon.  I always feel a great sense of accomplishment at the finish line...it's a challenge, but one I know I can tackle!
Hope that your week is going well friends!
<3

A Wee Bit Late...Whoops!

Whoops....I am behind the times this week!

Sooooo sorry!

But as always, thanks to Leigh Ashley for her lovely series!

{one}  what color best describes you + why?

hmm..tough, purple? can be cool and relaxed, but also deep & pensive

{two} how have you changed in the past year?

i've decided to take my health in to my own hands - stop whining about it, and just make it a party of my regular life. no more bailing, but actively participating in the every day behaviors, so i can actively celebrate the outcomes!

{three} have you ever had any surgeries?

only to get my wisdom teeth pulled

{four} why did you start your blog?

to have a place to put my thoughts i thought no one else wanted to hear.  a place where i had the option to be brutally honest with out fear of being looked at like a crazy B-face

{five} what are you looking forward to this summer?

hmm...i think camping trips with hubby & friends and a potential trip to hawaii in aug.

{six} do you have any family traditions for the 4th of July?

we used to go up to Ocean Shores every year and either camp at my cousins property or stay at my Gran's cabin....but this year i'll be at camp.  otherwise we'd all be at Gran's cabin to remember her....the first 4th without her...

{seven} what's something new that you've tried in the past few months?

couponing! it's a little overwhelming...but i'm slowly starting to feel more comfortable!

{eight} what is the perfect a/c temperature?

70 degrees

{nine} what was the last movie you saw in the theater?

Bridesmaids -- for the 2nd time.  saw it first w/ my mom & aunt (who oddly enough, loved it) and then again with hubby, he was almost crying from laughing

{ten} what song do you think everyone should hear at least once?

"Goodnight" by The Beatles - it will instantly become the #1 lullaby...planning on singing it to my kids.  such a simple but sweet song - i love how The Beatles mixed strings in to their songs in the later years, music genius.

OR

"Lei Pikake" by the Hawaiian band HAPA...incredibly beautiful, a bit haunting in the beginning, then gently rolls in to the fluid, welcoming feel that Hawaii is known for.

It was the perfect song -- used it in our wedding

<3

Just Go With It

And no I'm not talking about the Adam Sandler movie!

I'm gearing up for camp and yesterday felt an overwhelming wave of fear/anxiety thinking about everything I still had left to do to get ready for camp, check off the list with Isaac, or finish up at my every day job.  Ahh!  It's two weeks away and I feel like I may be close to running on empty!

How do you help yourself "just go with it" and not stress out? 
Any and ALL suggestions welcome! :)

PS -- must get caught up on my blog reading, I'm a bad blog friend as of late :(
<3

Spergi Family

My entire life my father has always been one of those quirky guys, that all my friends loved, the guy who would drive us to games & make up his own words to our songs.  He was the guy who would bend over backwards for our pets and could figure out any mechanical issue no matter what.  He was never super touchy, huggy kind of guy - unless I forced him or pushed him.  And there were times when it seemed like my dad went from zero to sixty with his temper - and then it would be like nothing happened.
There were times when I just didn't understand my dad - as I grew up and learned more about his history, his family story & what not, that it started to make some sense as to how he acted and why he responded the way he did in certain situations.  So then it was just that my dad was quirky.

An added element -- about 15 years ago my eldest sister had a son.  When my nephew was about 5 years old he was diagnosed with Aspergers.  Aspergers is on the austim spectrum, and is typically a fairly high functioning form of autism.  There's been a lot of study as of late on Aspergers.  Those with Aspergers can often times display inability to maintain eye contact, atypical social skills, abnormal application of emotions to various situations, repetitive behaviors, and limited abilities to express empathy.   My nephew was put in to speech therapies and special classes early on - and our family all jumped on board to help Anthony continue to learn & grow.  There have been some studies that have linked Aspergers to being genetic.  And honestly, when I look at my sister and compare her behavior to that of my nephew I think I could fall in that camp.  I imagine that my sister is what my nephew would be like had he not had the intervention, therapy, and care that he has received.  She definitely lacks the ability express and have empathy for others, she isn't able to process appropriate emotions for varying situations.
About a month ago, a friend of my mother's encouraged her to read a book about an adult male who shared his story, a memoir of his life experiences and how at the age of about 50 a therapist friend helped come to the conclusion that he had been living with Aspergers.  My mom apparently read it in about 2 days - and tried to push it on me.  At first I didn't want anything to do with it, my dad didn't/doesn't have Aspergers -- he's just quirky, a product of his not so normal or steady child hood, a product of 25 years in the Marine Corps, a product of working with mechanical things day in and day out for 30+ years.  He just had his quirks!  I don't know why I was pushing off the book, pushing off the thought that perhaps my dad did have some tendencies.  Maybe I was scared.  Maybe I was nervous about the fact that my dad might have been living with a mild form of Aspergers his entire life and didn't realize/know it.  Don't mis-understand me, there is nothing wrong with anyone with Aspergers, they aren't damaged, they aren't useless or troublesome.  Those with Aspergers simple process situations differently, their brains function at a different pace & focus on much different focal points than others. 


And so while on a 4 hour drive to my Gran's cabin over Memorial Day I picked up mom's Kindle and started reading...and right off the bat there were things that popped up that echoed some behaviors I had always noticed in my dad (*Disclaimer -- this in no way is to come across that these particular behaviors mean you have Aspergers, I can't diagnose any one...this is simply a recognition of similarities between this man & my father).  This man seemed to give different unique names for everyone & everything around him -- my dad always had nicknames for people; ex: my mom = The Blonde Bomb, me = Pahnootsan (Pahnooty, Pahnoots, etc), brother = Alli-Babah.  This man was incredibly mechanically inclined and could focus & problem solve -- my dad can look at a motor, a traffic signal, anything really and figure out how to fix it & fix it quickly.  And it was interesting to see how this man's social interactions with those around him mirrored my father's social interactions.  It was so intriguing and it helped to put things in to perspective for me and help me understand my father, how he likely processes situations, and how I can help strengthen & support my dad.  


So now when my dad is in his quirks that don't quite fit, mom & I lovingly tell him he's having a "Spergi" moment.  The author of the book calls others with Aspergers "Spergians."  So now I am coming to terms with the fact that I likely have been living with a pretty high functioning Spergi my entire life.  And rather than be upset or distraught about the fact that I likely have a "different" dad - it's cool to think that my dad approaches life in an entirely unique way, and try to see what I can learn from him & his experiences & how he views the world.
Definitely recommend you to check out the book - it might change your view of those living and thriving with Aspergers.  

via

Thoughts??

<3

Duty over Desire

Have you ever been in the place where you have a list of things to do or an even to go to that you just simply do not want to do or be at?  Ever "have" to be around people that you normally would not share your life with in any way?  If not...let me just tell you, it is incredibly challenging, particularly for me.  
I like to think that I stand up for myself, have high standards when it comes to the people I share my life with, and don't participate in nonsense drama that simply sucks the joy right out of life.  However -- there are times when that little concept of "duty over desire" pops up.  Calling someone back even though I can't stand talking with them.  Going to an event filled with people I know do not like me because it is for the benefit of my husband/family.  And even sharing my husband with people I know do not want the absolute best for him/our family.  This is difficult for me to swallow and participate & be present in these situations.    Despite the fact that in the end doing these things, going to those events, and giving of our lives is beneficial and often the "right" thing to do, it still is very difficult for me.  Obviously an area in my life/heart to be examined and to grow.  But it's so hard - at least for me - to battle against that voice that says "that's not fair...why aren't they held to the same standard...they never have to do/be responsible."  

While driving the other day I heard an interesting thought...that when we are deeply rooted in the forgiveness & love of Christ, and devoted to the constant growth the Lord wants for us we have no reason to look to the side of us and compare our situation with the one next to us.  We are only focused on the relationship that goes up & down - between us and our Father in Heaven.  Praying for continued growth in that area of my life.  That the "duty over desire" thought process would morph in to more of a "duty is my desire and my desire is to share and express His love/compassion."  A constant battle, and we all know how growing pains are...
<3

Early Morning

Alright - this morning I got myself out of bed at 4:55am to go to my local athletic club to go to a Group Power weight lifting class.  Normally I do this class in the afternoon at another of the club's locations with two of my good buddies.  But I wanted to challenge myself, and start doing my work outs in the mornings so more of my evenings could be open to spend it with Isaac or friends.  Try to keep the evenings as flexible as possible, ya know?

Well I showed up to class, got all set up - even saw a girl from one of my old small groups.  Then it started and let me just tell you I haven't felt that weak in a LONG time! And I don't think it's because I've missed 2 weeks of my afternoon class.  I honestly think it had to do with the time of day I was doing the class.  I could barely do the weight that I normally do every other time.  Boy was that a hit to the ego! And while it was nice to be there, to get it out of the way and then start the rest of my day...I think I've decided that I want to stick with running the mornings and keeping my Group Power experiences to my afternoon class.  Plus it's nice to do that type of class with a friend, who will encourage & push you to go harder.  And that's what my buddy Monique does.  She is such an amazing encouragement and friend -- I hope that I do the same for her.
So moral of the story - I do not recommend doing a weight lifting class in the wee hours of the morning unless you are ENTIRELY awake!  Bad things could happen....or you'll end up just feeling like a weak loser. ;)
<3

First Sunny Weekend!

The heavens opened up and blessed Oregon (in particular the Willamette Valley) with beautiful weather this weekend!  It was the first officially nice weekend - the entire weekend!  I could not complain at one point during the weekend, because it was too nice to be in a punky mood.
Thankfully got to hang out with a couple kids who will be going to camp this summer - to Washington Family Ranch Creekside (an all middle school Wyldlife camp! Brand SPANKIN' new!).  For the first time I was actually kind of excited to get out there  -- recently I've been nervous and just kind of ho-hum about going.  But kids are getting excited which makes it easier to get excited too.
Here's a quick picture of some of the water slides they built at the camp!

I can't believe that in 24 days I'll be riding that water slide with kids! SO fun!!

In other news - happy to have my best bud Mo-Mo back in town! I've missed that girl - but glad to have her back in good ol' OR! :)

Hope you're having a great start to the week friends!  Still looking for those mini-vacay ideas!

<3

Summer Mini Vacation??

Husband & I are trying to decide if we should try and make a quick trip to Hawaii this summer during dead week in August.  A part of me wants to go - because I know we could do it for fairly cheap (benefit of flying standby & staying with family).  But then a part of me isn't quite sure because we'll be there at Christmas again....and I kind of want to go to Disneyland...stupid?

Who am I kidding, we'll probably end up in Hawaii or nothing....
That is unless you my friends offer some good suggestions for us.  We want to camp a little bit too this summer....so we'll see.  What are your thoughts...weigh in friends!!

<3

Wee Bit Wednesday!

Post #2 for the day....

A Wednesday wouldn't be complete with out the Wee Bit!

Thanks Leigh Ashley!

{one}  do you believe in ghosts?

not really per se

{two} are you more of a talker or more of a listener?

talker for sure...sometimes i have to give my friends permission to tell me to shut up!

{three} would you rather get up early or sleep late?

honestly depends on what i have to do that day.  if i'm at camp, i seem to always wake up early with no problem at all.  every day though i'd much rather sleep late!

{four} if you could instantly become an expert at one type of dance, what type would you choose?

ballroom -- like the waltz, foxtrot, etc

{five} what's your favorite drink?

alcoholic: dirty arnold palmer (aka John Daly) non-alcoholic: peach iced tea

{six} if your house caught fire and you could only grab three things, what would they be?

wedding album/photos of our grandpas, the water color photo isaac's great-grandma painted, and the blue heart necklace from my gran i used in our wedding.  i would make isaac grab his Nana's ukulele, our computers, and the cranes hanging in our living room. am i cheating because i laid out what i would make isaac grab??

{seven} if you could only visit one restaurant for the next five years, which would it be?

Momiji's or Best Little Roadhouse...both are SOO yummy!

{eight} who inspires you the most?

my parents...corny?

dad = incredible, sometimes un-famthomable challenges but succeeded despite them; one of the most caring, gentle people i know

mom = extremely independent & focused, so smart; has a crazy 6th sense about life

{nine} if you had your own talk show, who would be your first three guests?

Dave Ramsey, Condelezza Rice, Laura Bush

{ten} sneakers or sandals?

depends on where i'm going...day to day, probably sneakers

<3 

Mother

I know I've shared before how often my mother frustrates me - or how we get on each other's nerves (due to working with one another every day...).  But this past weekend I went to my grandmother's cabin with her and I had a revelation.  I'm not always going to have my mom around, I'm not always going to get to hug her whenever I want, I'm not always going to be able to travel with my mom.  She's one of my best friends, one of the few people in the world I can be completely honest with, and one of the few people I know will constantly support me in whatever path I choose.  How many people can say that?

It was good to be at my Gran's cabin for the weekend & be with my Aunt.  It was the first time I had been back since the day Gran passed away.  Honestly, it was nice & actually comforting to be there, smelling the musty beach air and seeing things still in their proper places.  I only had to move one greeting card that was blocking a photo of my Poppy, but other than that all was well.  I'd missed being there - and hadn't quite realized how much til I got there.  And while many may not believe it - Gran knew I was there too.  While reading on the couch Saturday morning, both Mom & I heard a single, loud thump on glass of the doll case situated near by.  Right away - we looked at each other & smiled, Gran knew I was there.  That is one of my first memories of Gran....a shared love of dolls, and up until like my 21st birthday she always got me a doll of some sort for my birthday.   The only hard moment came when it was time to leave...I ran upstairs to make sure I hadn't left anything (a game Gran used to play with us...to make sure we didn't leave our belongings), and in her room I found her favorite perfume, Oscar by Oscar De La Renta.  Definitely an old lady perfume, but the smell of it brought me to tears & reminded me how much I missed her.  
Though not perfect - she was the woman who raised the woman that became my mother.  A legacy of strong, independent, sometimes overly stubborn women.  Part of those traits seem to be linked to our Norwegian heritage, and part of them are the traditions passed down thru many generations of the strong women in our family.   Honestly I think with each passing generation of mothers & daughters in our family, the bond & friendship grows stronger.  And I hope I can continue that legacy & trajectory.

So despite my common frustrations with my mom I can't say I would trade her for anything.  I wouldn't take any mother over my own.  And I think I can safely say she wouldn't trade me either! Phew! 
Give your mom, or mother-figure, a hug, call, or text today.  They deserve it.
<3