Word of the Day from Kye

As Kye was helping cook the evening meal last night he said, "Mom, what a stench coming from the compost bin!"


I asked him what the word stench meant and he said, "a bad smell".


I later asked both Quinn and Alea if they knew what the word meant and both replied, "no". Kye then informed them.

Gotta love it when the youngest teaches us.

Nick Vujicic

Inspiring Video:

DeStress

I am going to try to be more attentive to my blog. I went through a writer's block and life intervened.

Lately I have been scanning my life to determine where stress is originating. I then try to think of ways to eliminate the stress. This has made a significant difference in the quality of my life-- and surprisingly, it has been small changes that have had the most impact.

Here are some examples:

Sock sorting and matching:

I realized a few days ago that in the morning rush, that I am really stressed when it is time to find matching socks for all of us. We have so many different but similar socks, it drives me crazy! So I decided that this was a project worth investing in. We washed all dirty clothes and sat in front of the TV matching as many as possible.

We are sock rich! This little investment has yielded great results. Pure bliss I tell you! If sock sorting sounds like fun, you can play this game here.

Bath Tub Stop Up:

Another area of stress came from my bathtub being stopped up. I knew from experience that the drain was clogged with hair but the stopper would not unscrew to let me in there to pull the hair out. I was frustrated at my inability to fix the problem and avoided the situation -- for two months or so-- it seemed easier to take quick showers. But, each time I would take a shower, I felt a nagging about it. I would slosh through the water (knee deep) feeling a soap film remain on my legs as I left the tub. Ugh.

Recently, I decided that with all the tenacity I could muster, I would fix the problem --even if that meant I would break the stopper. Isn't it ironic that sometimes solving a problem requires us being willing to break something in the process. Anyway, using my trusty pliers, I used brute force and undid the stopper. This made it possible to remove that drain clogging hair.

At that moment, I experienced pure joy as I watched the water flow down the drain. I set about cleaning the tub, shower curtain and tiles and took a celebratory shower (even though I did not need one). Another stress gone. Yay! I celebrated for a week with glee on my face. It just doesn't take much.

I use these examples only to demonstrate the process I have decided to employ. I realize that there are many stressors little and big that I endure each day--some that I am not even be totally cognizant. So, I have made a commitment to myself to pay more attention and to take a stressor at a time and do something about it.

What is stressing you? Don't overlook the nagging little things. Ask yourself how you can take steps to change these. Sometimes I get stuck in auto pilot mode and lose sight of goals or lose awareness of stressors. These recent lessons have awakened me some and have gently guided me to pay attention.

Triathlon

One day I was having a lovely lunch with my friend Sarah. We were talking about the finer things in life like the debate of using baking soda as a deodorant alternative versus those salt rock deodorizers. My money is still on the baking soda. It is inexpensive and it has never let me down-but I digress.

Anyway, somehow we got on the subject of triathlons. I expressed that I have had a secret desire to participate in one. She asked, "why don't you do one?"

Crazy talk.

Later that week, she sent me a link to a race that was happening in Columbus. The race was considered a "mini"triathlon-- 250 meter swim, 7 mile bike and 2 mile run. I thought, "Is it possible? Can I actually get my body up to speed enough to survive?" Thinking it was a ways into the future, we pledged to work out together and signed up for the event that would take place in late September.

The race was on; so to speak.

The week before the race a series of occurrences happened that made me wonder if God was tempting me to not go. At the Night of 1000 Tacos, I rode for 20 miles on the bike and in the 19th mile, I toppled over my handlebars. Scraped and sore, I pondered whether my body would work at the race.

The Monday after, I took a swim at the YMCA. Breathless and slow I attempted to do 250 yards. My partner Sarah sailed past me--seemingly effortless, conversationally sharing she was just finishing up 800 yds (I was a few minutes late to the pool). My shoulder was hurting and my asthma was kicking in. This incident did not bode well.

I went to lunch with coworkers two days before the race. They were sniffling and coughing. Shortly after, I felt feverish and mucousy. At work we received an email warning us to go home if we had flu like symptoms, so I went home and slept a good while.

Meanwhile, caring individuals in my world were trying to encourage me to not go, worried that I may contract pneumonia. Emphatic may be describing their attitudes mildly. But, I had determined to go and at least try.

Sarah and I scoped out the race course the night before and dipped our toes in the cold water of the lake. Sarah kept saying, "The water is really warm..--...really." I looked at her with true doubt in my eyes. But, I gave her points for chipperness. They gave a race clinic so you can understand how to transition from one activity to another. It was exciting to hear and I secretly hoped that I would not come in last place.

We chattered all the way home, talking about what to eat, what to wear, how to prepare the bike etc. We got semi lost on the way home, but the company was good and we got directions to point us in the right direction. It was an advantage that we traveled there the night before--got our bearings. We did not have to worry about getting lost in the morning which was a helpful thing with all the excitement.

Race Day:

Sarah came over to my house and we loaded our bikes up. We ate an egg, toast and a banana ( I ended up with egg all over my leg since I was trying to drive and eat at the same time). The eggs came from my chickens and were delightfully runny --encased in an easy over pocket. Yum. Anyway, my leg was a little crunchy under my long johns from the yoke bleeding through. Speaking of bleeding through, my monthly visitor decided to arrive on this particular morning. What else could try to dissuade me?

We show up on the scene where women were gathered,-bikes and helmets in hand. Supporters were kissing their loved ones rooting them on as they prepared mentally for the task before them. Sarah and I looked at each other excitedly as we were greeted by race officials to get our chips that would track our times between events. Tagged like birds we walked around drinking in all the hype and energy.

It was 20 minutes before the race and we needed to make final preparations. We placed our bikes on the racks, put our clothes underneath and took a bite to eat before heading down to the lake. As we left the transition area a drizzle began. I was in a decorative swimsuit -you know the kind with flattering neckline, pokadots etc. and realized that everyone else (and I mean everyone) wore official athletic suits. Hmm, I wondered why I was getting looks. So, me in my girly suit and Sarah in her athletic suit headed down to the shore. Goose pimples protruded on my arms as the rain decided to come down in earnest.

I said a silent prayer of thanks to God, knowing that the water would warmer than my skin and I would easily welcome the opportunity to jump in. No toe dippin, inch forwarding for me, full throttle run!

We were asked to line up according to our speed times for the swim. Those who could swim in under 3 minutes up front and so on. I figured I definitely would need to be in back, but I did not want to be last. Even though I knew my time would start when I crossed the start line, I still believe their can be a psychologically negative funk that comes with the perception of being last. So I nestled comfortably in the middle back and found a partner. We were lined up 2x2 and pairs were released 5 seconds apart.

Sarah was in the 8th or so pair and did very well. It was fun to cheer her on and watch as she stroked passed others. That girl can swim!

My partner and I, after many pairs ahead of me, approached the start. The race official said the "Go" and I plunged into the water. It was warm! The objective was to pass 4 buoys to my left and exit the water. 250 yards is a lot farther than you may think. The water was over my head, so there was no stopping and to my surprise, I passed 2 people as I traveled the course. It was still slow going because my breathing was overactive and I was getting tired but I knew I would make it though and I reminded myself, "This is just a swim in the park". I was so happy.

The race official warned that going from horizontal to vertical after the swim can prove a challenge. As I exited the water I went slowly and took my time up the hill. My lungs were in overdrive and I needed the breather between. At the top of the hill, they had pans with water to wash your feet. One sand granule, can ruin your day, so you take the minute to wash.

In the transition area, I ate a bite, drank some water and put clothes on. Next I donned my helmet and walked my bike to the mount area. They do this so folks don't literally run into one another. I was off--second leg!

My breathing was still labored but it was a welcome thing that I was on the bike. It did not help that mucous seemed to be my friend. However, my legs were working well and the air was cool. I noticed Morning Glories intertwined with corn stalks along the road as I rode and happily welcomed each turn in the road that indicated I was successfully traversing the course. I was passed by other cyclists and found that I passed few as well. I wondered if I looked pitiful, everyone who passed me encouraged me-- you know things like, "Keep going, you can make it." I am not sure I liked the encouragement at that point. A simple wave or "hi" would have sufficed. But then I was faced with what to say when I passed others. I decided a smile and a "hi" was good. I hope they did not think I was being smug.

In the last stretch there was a steep decline and the bike and I were booking. The road was slick, so I felt the need to brake a bit, just to feel a sense of control. But, as I rounded the bend, there was an equally or maybe more drastically steep hill going up. (Oh, no!)I had to be in my last gear and I was worried that the bike might topple from lack of forward motion. I pressed on and was successful but my legs were burnt. It was then that I saw Sarah up on the ridge of the dam running her heart out. I waved and said, "You go girl!" She was sooo far ahead of me. I was beaming with pride. (Yep, that is my buddy up there!)

I dismounted the bike and hung it up on the rack and realized that I had to pee. Pee?? In the middle of a race??? Come on! By the way, if there was a race for peeing, I probably would be the winner --I'm just sayin'.

With that out of the way, it was time for the run. Now those of you out there who don't know me, I must confess that in all my years, I have not been able to run. My asthma has prohibited it. So, this is quite a feat for me. Since returning to Ohio, I have been on a new medicine (Advair) that has increased my lung capacity and has helped me to overcome physical hurtles like these. I never thought I could become a runner and here I was running.

Well, maybe I should admit-- fast walking/running. My legs after that last hill, felt like logs. Thankfully, my legs, after a 1/2 mile of robot walking, stretched and recovered and I was able to run in earnest. There were race supporters with water in cups and it was then that I realized that I am not capable of drinking water and walking. So, I pushed on. I saw Sarah again as she was returning and we did a high 5 in passing. She was almost home. I was headed to the dam. Once I made it to the dam, I would be halfway done with the run. As I approached, I saw 4 turkey vultures circling at eye level. They were not going to get the best of me. (Vultures eat carrion and I did not plan to change my status-- so I kept moving-- they kept circling).

Home stretch-- I was on the return trip--more water--passed others and could see the finish line in the distance. I decided to run hard. I lengthened my stride, picked up my pace and focused on crossing that line.

Sarah was on the sidelines screaming my name and the announcer welcomed "Erin Sprouse" to the finish. It was exhilarating. I really did it and of course, I cried. Sarah was ready with a hug and we went down to the pavilion to scarf down some pb&j.

What a great time! Thank you Sarah--for fostering crazy ideas!

Reunion Thoughts

Went to my high school class reunion- first one since I graduated not to long ago. It was a nice gathering. I hardly remembered anyone since my memories are very sparse from that time period. But, I was able to conjure up some memories including:

* Our class did not have a formal yearbook. We were somehow in trouble and bore that consequence. We did however decide to make our own memorybook and did so in rebellion. I was proud of our tenacity and willingness to make it happen.

* I was on the mime team- yeah, it is hard to believe that I can be quiet that long :-). I was actually good at it.

* Saw my math, language arts and choir teachers- all look healthy and had smiles on their faces-- life must be treating them good. Most of my teachers were nuns since I went to an all girls Catholic school. My favorite was Sr. Mary Sheila, my Latin teacher. When I shared this tidbit with others at the reunion they gave me funny looks. You see, she was strict! High expectations was a common thread at St. Joseph's Academy.

* St. Joe's was and is a great school. I took advanced chemistry and physics there, had an internship at NASA, and was prepared well for college. As I think about education for my children now, I am grateful for the experiences I had there.

Night of 1000 Tacos

On September 18th I participated in a wonderful evening of physical activity, friends and tacos! The Night of 1000 Tacos was well planned and fun was had by all. The event concept involves traveling from taco wagon to taco wagon by bike. Over the course of the evening we traveled a total of 20 miles.

I ate one taco at the taco wagon #1, drank a Mexican soda at #2, a sopas at taco wagon #3 and could eat no more by the time we got to taco wagon #4.

At the third taco wagon we were greeted by this poster and 65 cent tacos:


Here are the three amigos--Scott, myself and Sarah:



Also at the third taco wagon we had the privilege to eat cake interspersed with peaches that was especially made for us bikefarers. The cakes were adorned by miniature bikes as pictured below:

The food was fabulous and the ride enjoyable. We were able to chat the whole way. Folks waited for each other at intersections and made sure we all stayed together. It was so fun to have 30+ riders and take up whole lanes on busy roads. This form of travelling empowers the biker and the group. As seasoned bikers know, there are many times where driver have little tolerance for those who chose this method of travel.

In the 19th mile I had a bike accident. Sorry- no gruesome pictures. I have scrapes on my face, elbow and left leg. Unfortunately, I did not know that squeezing the front brake only, would propel my body over the handle bars and cause the bike to fall on top of me. Ok, I figured that one out.

All this in preparation for my mini triathlon on Saturday. Not only am I achey, but I am beautiful! (Wonder if I will be scarred?)

On October 9th there will be the Night of 1001 Tacos, followed by the movie: Three Amigos at Studio 35. I have spread the word far and wide and I expect several friends and family members will be joining me on this one. Come out and join in the fun!

Pictures taken by ride organizer: Ray George

The Olde Harbor Inn

A week after my birthday, I had the pleasure of eating and drinking with my sister Louie and her beau Brian in Akron. When asked where to eat, Brian suggested this gem. We sat at the upstairs bar, chatted in a relatively quiet room and covered topics like wine, anti-perspirants, t-rex, Young Frankenstein, and many other various interests.

The owners of the establishment were seated right next to me at the bar enjoying their delectable meal (made by chef Clayton). As I looked on with a bit of dribble on my mouth I secretly wished I had ordered food from upstairs instead of down--this restauraunt has several areas for eating. While pouring wine and eating their food, the owners and I had a nice conversation.

It is clear that these folks are down to earth and thoroughly enjoy living and working near the lake.

A couple of things that struck me, from a restaurant goer's perspective was their desire to have home grown foods like heirloom tomatoes, fresh eggs from a local farmer and creative menus that compliment their wine list.

Visiting them again, is definitely the plan, now what to have-- my favorite--scallops (they are the best seafood restaurant in North East Ohio) or the owner's choice of stuffed pork chops. I must admit, those pork chops were calling to me....yum!

6 ft. Submarine Sandwich

We were at Subway today trying to eat a healthy meal on the go. In line, we noticed a replica of a 6 ft. sub with all the fixins. Kye took one look at it and said, "There is no way you could eat THAT whole thing!!" Eyes wide.

A minute or so passed and he corrected himself by saying, "Nothing is impossible to God."

Quinn Runnin'

Here is Quinn, both feet off the ground running the race. Recently, he shaved 1 minute from his beginning race time. Putting his mind and body to the test; it is good to see him work on his goals.

My travel partner Russell, always ready with trivia, indicated that in the Olympic sport of speed walking, they have sensors to determine whether there are times when both of the athlete's feet are off the ground. If that is the case, the athlete is considered to be running and therefore, is disqualified. I did not realize until I captured this shot of Quinn that both feet end up off the ground when running. Hmmm....

Anyway, I am glad that Quinn is enjoying the sport of Cross Country and is able to focus and give his all.

River Runnin'

I took a day off from work to go play on the river. Quinn and Alea were in a canoe and Kye was my faithful partner. All of them did great, but I was most impressed with Kye's ability to paddle the whole way. It was his first chance to canoe since he turned 6 this year.

I was willing to give Quinn a few tips about steering, but he declined the opportunity.

The river was high so there were a few riffles that were swift and fun to navigate. We saw many turtles, fishing birds and water skimmers. We stopped for a snack and munched on cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, crackers and hummus. We chowed down!

All in all, we spent about 2 hours on the river. Fun stuff.