Just B

Quick note

2010-08-28T16:02:00.001-05:00

I know I don't write much. Sometimes I want to. Maybe I'll catch up on some memories I want to put in writing. Maybe. For now the focus is conquering September in amazing fashion.

Update

2010-06-19T15:43:00.002-05:00

Wow, it has been awhile since I have posted anything. There has been a lot going on, as usual. Work, slow pitch softball, sand volleyball, YPN, Water. Next weekend YPN will be hosting a big music event at the Missipi Brew - Revelry by the River. I will be there after my one coaching appearance of the season with the Wilton Fresh-Soph team. It will be a busy day, but I will love it. And Sunday I will be tired, and I know it will be a busy day, too. But I have a week to prepare for that, right?

Counting calories...

2010-04-27T21:39:00.002-05:00

Is not fun. And can be hard. Like when I was cooking last night and didn't know exactly how many calories were in what I was going to eat. Or when I go out to eat. I was able to go online and figure out how many calories I consumed, but that took more time than I really want to put into it. But I'm determined to keep up the work. I think I will have days, though, where I throw the calorie counting out the window and eat what I want. Then I'll jump right back on track. That's my plan. Fun or not.

I will say that it is crazy to me how quickly calories add up. I had no idea. This is an eye opener. A not-so-fun but worth it eye opener.

Focus on the goal

2010-04-24T19:47:00.003-05:00

"The reason most people fail instead of succeed is that they trade in what they want most for what they want at the moment."

The head coach for the softball team I work with has this quote on his office door. It's a reminder for his players and students, but it's not just for them. It's for all of us. It reminds me to keep my eye on the prize.

Reminders

2010-04-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

A friend had these quotes on her blog recently. It's a nice reminder. And nice reminders are good.

"The truth, even though I cannot feel it right now, is that I am the chosen child of God, precious in God’s eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity and held safe in an everlasting embrace… We must dare to opt consciously for our chosenness and not allow our emotions, feelings, or passions to seduce us into self-rejection." (Nouwen)

"You can deal with an enormous amount of success as well as an enormous amount of failure without losing your identity, because your identity is that you are the beloved. Long before your father and mother, your brothers and sisters, your teachers, your church, or any people touched you in a loving as well as in a wounding way-long before you were rejected by some person or praised by somebody else-that voice has been there always. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” That love is there before you were born and will be there after you die." (Nouwen)

Smile

2010-04-18T21:34:00.002-05:00

I remember being an 8th grader playing pitcher on the Varsity softball team. I have always been very hard on myself, and at that age I didn't quite understand how to control that in the midst of a game. The first baseman would tell me to smile during the game. She would say something about having a beautiful smile and that I needed to smile. I know she wanted me to keep my head up and keep moving forward and working hard regardless of what just happened. I think that's true for me in life in general...keep my head up and keep smiling. I have a beautiful smile, so I should show it. I know me...I won't always smile, I wear my emotions fairly visibly most of the time, and I'm not always happy. But I need to remind myself sometimes to keep smiling. It's a good lesson, and this post is my reminder today. :)

Death and funerals

2010-04-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

I don't handle death and funerals very well. Shocking, I know, since most people would probably say the same thing. But that is what was on my plate this week. After a battle with cancer, my Grandpa Grage passed away on Sunday, March 28, which happened to be Palm Sunday this year. The week where we prepare to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection, which is an amazing and wonderful thing (which is very much an understatement), is filled with pain and grieving this year. My heart hurts and hurts worse to see my family hurt.

Today we laid Grandpa to rest. And while I believe he is in a far better place at home with our Lord, it still hurts here. I feel like I've cried for far too much of the week, but I know that's how I handle it. And it will get better, this I know. We love him, and we will miss him. And I hope to grow up to be like him...always helping others and smiling until the end of his life here.

And now...

2010-03-23T20:38:00.003-05:00

I have a lot running through my head and heart right, yet I think that is the best thing for me. A little inner turmoil, a little trying to figure things out, and a lot of working on the person I am intended to be. Focusing on Truth has helped so much. I need it, and I want it. Hoping to bring honor to the One who knows me and loves me best through it all and beyond.

Right now

2010-03-06T12:13:00.003-06:00

So it's been quite awhile since I have written anything. Life has been busy, which is nothing out of the norm for me. My weeks are spent busy with work, working out, volleyball, YPN, and spending time with some of my favorite people. Throw in there a little bit of Water and coaching on the weekends, and my life is even more jam-packed. And I love it. I contemplated an opportunity this week, an opportunity that would shake things up. I quickly turned away from it because I realized that right now I am right where I need to be. I have great things going on...helping coach the sport I love most, continuing to play sports, spending time with very important people, commitment to things in this community, and a job that is helping me develop and grow. So here I am. And here I go...off to the next task that makes my life what it is. :)

Today

2010-01-16T17:47:00.002-06:00

Today I am kind of crabby. And my heart hurts. And it's probably only just begun. So let me cry and let me hurt. Because there is no way but through this. I am strong during the week, probably because I am more distracted. Weekends have been tough. It will get better, and I believe in the hope of greater things. But it still hurts.

Not going away

2009-12-28T17:52:00.004-06:00

The slide below explains why I (and many others I know) won't stop talking about Water.

Thinking about Water

2009-12-28T13:53:00.003-06:00

I am thinking about Water this afternoon. I'm not yet to the point of thinking ahead about projects to come...although, I do need to be thinking that way by Sunday. Instead, I'm thinking about what was accomplished recently. Like First Gift, which raised over $10,000 online in 24 hours through gifts of $10. Like a huge weekend in the Muscatine and the Quad Cities with charity: water president Scott Harrison, bringing awareness to the issue of clean water and raising $30,000+ in 3 days. Like a church who chose to take an offering on Christmas Eve that would be used to give clean water to the people of Liberia...and the people gave $65,000!

I'm thinking about the people who have chosen to give to something greater than themselves. I'm thinking about the people I care about who have chosen to care about this cause. I'm thinking about the people who will have clean water because others have decided that it is not okay that people are living without clean water and suffer from diseases and death from unclean water. Lives are being changed across the ocean and here, including mine.

What we can control

2009-12-28T09:58:00.004-06:00

"...we can't control whether we win or lose, but we can control ourselves..."
-Lisa Fernandez

I have gotten so much better at this in the last few months. It's easy for me to teach this when I coach, but it wasn't so easy for me to put into practice. My highly competitive nature is good to a point. It was all very clear to me this summer when a teammate and I got into a fight during a game. Not good. Not good to the point that I cried on the way home. I'm not embarrassed about that...I should have been in tears because the whole thing was quite ridiculous and it was my fault. Everything was fine soon after. The best part is that I've changed. I'm still competitive, but I'm much calmer (generally). I just do the best I can and whatever happens, happens. I'm sure it helps that I am on a really good team, but I'm pleased with how I respond.

How to stand tall

2009-12-27T14:27:00.000-06:00

"You can stand tall without standing on someone..."
-Harriet Woods

Water video

2009-12-09T21:46:00.002-06:00

A local high school student, Steven Bieber, followed our water efforts this fall. He started taping at the Run/Walk 4 Water and continued all the way through Water Weekend with Scott Harrison. Thanks for caring about the cause, Steven, and thanks for being a part of the team!

Water 4 Christmas Fall 2009 from Steven Bieber on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T16:39:00.005-06:00

This year we had Thanksgiving at my mom's house. My sister's family, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and one cousin were there. It was a full house, but it was great to all be together. I wanted some good pictures to hold the day in time. Here are a couple...

My grandparents and me

My sister, mom, and me with my mom's parents

My sister's family with our grandparents

Where's my focus?

2009-11-23T21:43:00.002-06:00

This is going to be honest. Today was a melancholy day for me as I came off of a very busy and emotionally tiring weekend. It was all worth it, so that is not the point. As I was cooling down after my run tonight, I realized something. I realized that sometimes I lose sight of heaven. I forget that there is something far better than this waiting. Instead I can get caught up in the pain and frustrations and busyness and stuff of this life. And then I sometimes spend my time dwelling on things I can't change instead of moving on. That was part of my deal today, too.

So when I got frustrated tonight at volleyball, I reminded myself that it's not really that big of a deal. Life went on. I know that seems silly, but I do believe change starts in small things. Tomorrow will be a new day, a day that's never been used before. And a day to have the right attitude and focus.

Essential

2009-11-22T21:28:00.001-06:00

"Water is essential to life. Without water there is no life."

Water Weekend - Day 1

2009-11-22T09:08:00.003-06:00

Day 1 of Water Weekend was a huge success! We are so excited about the impact this can have. Scott Harrison tells the story well. People are rising to the occasion and making a difference. I can't wait to see what today has in store!

On the brain

2009-11-20T18:45:00.003-06:00

I have water on the brain. All I can think about is Water Weekend. The events. The people who will be at the events. The people who will have clean water because of the events. All of the work and energy is 100% worth it. All of it. Because clean water matters.

Scott Harrison is coming to town!

2009-11-18T18:20:00.003-06:00

This weekend, the founder and president of charity: water, Scott Harrison, will be in Muscatine and Davenport. He will have a very full schedule, speaking at multiple events between two cities. I cannot even wait to meet him and hear what he has to say! Click here for a full list of events. I think everyone should consider attending at least one of the events; it will definitely be worth your time.

The first gift was a big one.

2009-11-18T18:14:00.002-06:00

The results from $10 Friday came in earlier this week, and...over $10,000 was raised in 24 hours! Absolutely amazing! That's the equivalent of 1,000 people in Liberia getting access to clean water for 10 years. 1,000 lives that will change because many people let the first gift they gave this holiday season be the gift of clean water. Thank you to all who participated!

Do something

2009-11-14T17:25:00.002-06:00

I borrowed this from Amy's blog because I like it...

“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.” -Sydney Smith

Waiting

2009-11-14T09:27:00.003-06:00

And now we wait. We wait for the total from $10 Friday, where people from all over donated $10 online so that people in Liberia can have access to clean water. $10 can give 1 African clean water for 10 years, and that's a very big deal. People were generous and passionate about the cause and spread the word so others could participate in this big day. So it is okay that we wait because we know that there are people in Africa who won't have to wait much longer for clean, safe water.

Africa

2009-11-06T21:23:00.002-06:00

Jody is in Africa right now with charity: water. They are witnessing why water is so important, meeting the people, seeing the projects that are already done. She has been posting on her blog some details of the trip. Can't wait until they get home to hear the stories and see the pictures. And not gonna lie, I wish I was in Liberia with them.

Water for Christmas Team collage

2009-11-02T21:04:00.001-06:00

And because I just really like this...

The Water Team

2009-11-01T22:24:00.005-06:00

Here we are. The Water for Christmas Team. Well, most of us. A few of the team members could not attend the meeting tonight, so they aren't in the photo. Plus, there are the family members that sacrifice time with their spouses and parents so that the work can be done. And then there are people like me who volunteer their family members to help with projects (Thanks, Mom!). All of these people and their families are fabulous, pouring their time, energy, and talents into something greater than themselves.

There is big stuff coming up this month for Water. Check out water4christmas.com for details.

100

2009-10-29T20:50:00.003-05:00

As in dollars. Life-changing dollars. Thanks to Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Sheryl and family, and Kelly (plus my part), 5 Africans will have access to safe, clean drinking water for 20 years. That's what my birthday was worth this year. I've never given someone else something for my birthday, but with others' help accomplished that this year. Very cool. Very grateful for the people who honored my request. And hopeful that 5 people in Liberia know that their life matters so much to people in the middle of America.

Run/Walk 4 Water photos

2009-10-25T10:34:00.002-05:00

Over 300 photos from the Run/Walk 4 Water are on Flickr. View them here.

2009 Run/Walk 4 Water

2009-10-25T09:17:00.010-05:00

A couple of months ago, the planning began. And yesterday it happened. The first ever Run/Walk 4 Water occurred along the riverfront in a town in the middle of America. People gathered for a cause, to run or walk or donate or volunteer for something greater than themselves. To give life-changing clean water to the people of Liberia. They gave something that we don't know what it is like to go without.

Businesses provided financial and in-kind support, allowing 100% of the registration money to support Water.

168 people signed up for the cause.

Add to that another 25-30 volunteers. Media coverage in 3 local newspapers promoted the event, and 2 of those papers told a bigger story of what Water for Christmas is doing.

Perhaps I see the whole event in a little different light since Jodi and I worked on it from the beginning. But in the end we see the same thing. Clean water.

Destruction

2009-10-11T12:35:00.003-05:00

I had a procedure done on my left foot late Friday afternoon, leaving numerous open wounds that I must take care of. And I do because I am supposed to and I'm afraid of infection. The sheet the doctor gave me that tells me how to take care of them calls it 'destruction.' That sounds pleasant; although, I do hope that is exactly what happened because then I will be done dealing with this in approximately 3 weeks. Three weeks isn't that long, right? That's what I'm telling myself as I think about how I really don't enjoy this. And yet I know I have nothing to complain about.

I see water.

2009-10-07T20:36:00.003-05:00

I am taking a class at church called The Truth Project. It's about worldview and is really very good. During the class tonight, a short video was shown about some terrible, evil things that have happened - murders by serial killers, bombings, etc. One of the clips was from the genocide in Rwanda. At the front of the picture was a yellow jerry can. I immediately thought, "They don't have clean water." Granted, that was not the biggest issue at the time for them since the country was experiencing genocide. It is just very clear to me that my eyes have been opened to something. I see the need for people to have clean water. No turning back.

What I should be interested in.

2009-10-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

"...God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy." - Rick Warren

Birthday weekend 2009

2009-10-04T18:47:00.008-05:00

I spent my birthday at one of the best places on Earth. No, not Disney World...Wrigley Field. Four friends and I went to see the Cubs play the Arizona Diamondbacks, and they won! (Birthday present from Chicago #1)

High fives all around after the win

We then went to a couple of spots in Wrigleyville. At the first stop, I ordered a piece of cake since I wanted birthday cake. It was huge, and I brought most of it home. The best part...they gave it to me for free since they found out it was my birthday. (Birthday gift from Chicago #2)

After spending some time in Wrigleyville, we went back to the hotel. We stayed at Hotel Allegro in the theater district. It was amazing, and I was only able to stay there because I got a great deal. I had called a few weeks ago, and during our conversation they found out we would be in the city for my birthday. When we got back to the hotel, a bottle of merlot was waiting for us with a note from the staff. (Birthday gift from Chicago #3)

Today we went to Millennium Park and saw some very cool sculptures. We then walked a few more blocks to Lake Michigan and saw the many boats at the Yacht Club. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful weekend!

"The Bean"

Another sculpture in Millennium Park

Looking up from inside "another sculpture"

Iowa vs. Iowa State

2009-09-29T20:03:00.005-05:00

This month I got to attend my first Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. Although the outcome was not in Iowa State's favor, it was still quite an experience. I could not believe how loud it was for the whole first quarter. Very cool. I love all of the red and gold and the atmosphere in Ames. And I got my 'Not a Hawkeye' shirt. I wore it proudly the next day even though ISU lost the game. I will forever and always be a Cyclone!

QC Marathon 2009

2009-09-28T21:12:00.003-05:00

Four friends and I took to the roads of the Quad Cities yesterday when we ran the QC Marathon Relay. The team ran the marathon in 3:49:48, placing 47th out of 122 relays. I'm very proud of my team!

I ran the last leg, which was 4.3 miles. I tried to encourage some of the marathon runners with a "good job" as I passed some of them. They had run so much farther than I was going to, and I had just gotten started running. I applaud them, and it is safe to say that I have no desire to ever run that far.

Side note: Before I left for my relay exchange, I waited at the start/finish line to watch the 5K runners finish their race. While waiting, I was interviewed by one of the local news stations. And they aired it on the news last night. It makes me laugh to see myself on TV. It's such a strange thing, but kind of neat at the same time. Definitely not something I seek out.

Driveways

2009-09-24T19:47:00.003-05:00

We think a lot about Water in our little part of the world. But we don't just think about it. We bring awareness to the fact that 1 in 6 people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water. And we are trying to change that by raising funds that will be used to help supply clean water to the billion people who don't have it.

And we are creative. Tom is painting driveways with the H2O (Africa) symbol that Water for Christmas uses as a logo. $20 can get you the symbol on your driveway. (Tips can also be given to help cover the supply cost.) Did you know that $20 can give one African clean water for 20 years??

Watch the promo ad here...

If you would like your driveway painted, email Tom to get on the schedule. We are hoping he stays busy with this.

This is good stuff, and there is more to come.

run(or walk)4water

2009-09-20T12:07:00.003-05:00

Water for Christmas is proud to present the first run4water event. This will be a 4-mile run/walk along the riverfront path in Muscatine on October 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The registration fee is $20, and all of the money will go towards providing fresh, clean water to people in Liberia. Your $20 is significant - $20 can provide 1 African with clean drinking water for 20 years. It's that easy to make a big difference for 1 person!

T-shirts (with the design below) are guaranteed to the first 1oo registrants, so sign up soon! Go here to register, and then send me your form and donation.

We are very excited about this and hope to see...and your family and friends...there!

My thoughts on being busy

2009-09-05T12:54:00.003-05:00

I wonder if people who always say, "I'm busy," in response to a request assume that others are not as busy as they are. That is sometimes the feeling I get when people say that to me. If you are busy, I appreciate that and resemble that comment. I do believe that we need to say "no" to things because it is impossible to do everything. But maybe follow up the "I'm busy" comment with a small explanation. Or if "I'm busy" is just an excuse, being honest about why you can't/won't help with something works too.

I'm not even sure if that makes sense in written words, but it's something I think about occasionally. Take it for whatever you will.

Not a Hawkeye!

2009-09-05T12:22:00.001-05:00

I like this a lot!

Water for Christmas/charity: water

2009-08-20T21:54:00.007-05:00

I have caught the vision in a way that I hadn't caught it before. Water can change everything. I'm on board. 100%. My mind rolls with ways I/we can help.

The story of charity: water - The 2009 September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

Learn more about how you can help give clean water to people who don't have access to it:

http://water4christmas.com/

charity: water

From the Inside Out

2009-07-26T15:35:00.002-05:00

Below is the song "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United. It could be just a song, but at this time for me it is a prayer, a cry, a reminder. So here it is to help with the reminding.

"A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

(Chorus 2x)
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out"

Slow Down!

2009-07-17T19:36:00.001-05:00

"It is important from time to time to slow down, to go away by yourself, and simply be." --Eileen Caddy

I'm not good at this. I guess this is some advice I should listen to, especially since friends have told me basically the same thing.

Why it's good to be a woman

2009-07-17T19:20:00.000-05:00

“I’d much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they are the first to be rescued off of sinking ships.” – Gilda Radner

Ah, yes...the perks. :)

Be pleasant

2009-07-17T18:43:00.002-05:00

“It is easy enough to be pleasant
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worthwhile is the one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.”
– Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Something for me to keep in mind. And perhaps something to share with others. :)

Baseball (and I'll say softball) quotes

2009-07-11T17:15:00.003-05:00

"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."--Babe Ruth

"Any time you think you have the game conquered the game will turn around and punch you right in the nose." --Mike Schmidt

"This game is really crazy. Nobody can understand it, and there a lot of things that happen that you can't control." --Albert Pujols

"If you're going to play at all, you're out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose." --Derek Jeter

"You gotta have fun. Regardless of how you look at it, we're playing a game. It's a business, it's our job, but I don't think you can do well unless you're having fun." --Derek Jeter

"I am more valuable to my team hitting .330 than swinging for home runs." --Roberto Clemente

"Speed is a great asset; but it's greater when it's combined with quickness - and there's a big difference." --Ty Cobb

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." --Ted Williams

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." --Ted Williams

"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." --Bill Veeck

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

An unfortunate record

2009-07-11T10:38:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately I went about 40 hours straight without sleep this week. I know why and am not writing about it because it really doesn't matter. All that matters is that I am sleeping well now. Even making up for it, I think. That is one record I hope not to break.

I'm moved

2009-06-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have been staying at my new place for over a week now. It is fully furnished, and I like it a lot. It's not organized yet, but it will be eventually. Needless to say, I'm happy with the move.

I'm moving!

2009-06-01T18:56:00.002-05:00

I start moving tomorrow, as in June 2, 2009. I'm staying in my nice little city, just moving across town. Walking distance to work, and I will definitely walk to work on nice days. So, I'm stressed with the packing and moving and logistics, but it will all be fine. I'm mostly excited; I just need to breathe.

Cubs game #1 of 2009

2009-05-24T20:45:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday, three friends and I went to Chicago for the Cubs game. They played Houston and unfortunately could not pull out a win, but we did get to see a couple of homeruns. We had bleacher seats - left center field, 10 rows up. It was a beautiful day, and I can't wait for the next time I will be at Wrigley...October 3, 2009!

Join the club

2009-05-13T18:33:00.004-05:00

That is what I am going to say when I hear, "I am busy" or "Well, their busy" is used. Join the club. I'm not sure if people are assuming that I am not busy, but they clearly don't know me very well if that is the assumption. Or maybe they aren't busy people. I have heard that if you want something done you should give it to a busy person and it will get done. Generally it does. So maybe "I am busy" is just an excuse. If you can't handle the responsibilities you have taken on, admit it so the tasks can be redistributed. Not a big deal.

Allergies

2009-05-06T23:09:00.002-05:00

I got allergies for the first time 2 years ago, so for 2 years I have dealt with them in the late summer and fall. Now I think I have developed spring allergies. Pollen, maybe? All I know is I feel much the same as I do in the fall, but this time my eyes burn and water, too. For the second time this week my eyes have really bothered me, so I bought some eye drops tonight that are supposed to help the symptoms. I'll try them tomorrow morning and see if it helps. I'm happy that I haven't had to deal with allergies for my whole life, but I could have held out, oh I don't know...forever...to get them.

Chase the dream

2009-05-03T20:24:00.002-05:00

From the movie Miracle:

Lou Nanne: "Pretty lofty goal, Herb."
Herb Brooks: "Well, Lou, that's why I want to pursue it."

Dream big and go after it. That's how I want to live.

Expectations

2009-05-03T18:55:00.002-05:00

It should be no surprise to most people that I have high expectations. At work. On the field or court. In life. I occasionally remind myself that not everyone sets the bar as high as I do. I don't always live up to the expectations. In fact, I have failed numerous times. But with failure has come the opportunity to learn and grow and try again. I will continue to set the bar high, knowing that disappointment may follow. But if I aim, I am going to aim high.

Rock and Worship Road Show

2009-04-19T19:34:00.013-05:00

Last night a group of friends and acquaintances and I went to the Rock and Worship Road Show in Cedar Rapids. John Reuben, Tenth Avenue North, Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, and MercyMe put on a great show with the best message in the world. There was a seating section at the front on the main floor, and there was a standing section behind that. I was 2-4 rows back (We moved back a little as the evening went on.) in the standing section. Not bad at all. And when Hawk Nelson's lead singer came into the crowd, I was only a few feet from him. Very cool.

Busy and busier

2009-04-15T21:30:00.004-05:00

Lately I have been coming home and spending the majority of my time working on things that need to be tackled. Some are projects or tasks that I have waited too long to start. Others are just housework items (which is not my favorite but never goes away). The next few weeks will be even busier. I will be coaching multiple days over the next few weeks and will participate and help coordinate an event for YPN. And then there is work and exercise. I already get up to go to a class at the Y 2 days per week, but I should get up each morning to run before work. (Ok, so 'each' is a stretch.) The Bix will be here before I know it, and I need to get some miles in. And if I tell myself I will run at night, I am fooling myself. I am too busy at night for that.

Note: I am not complaining. I love all the things I do. I'm hoping that writing all of this down will help clear my head.

Swamped

2009-04-01T18:34:00.000-05:00

That's what I am.

Softball and healing

2009-03-24T22:17:00.003-05:00

I got to pitch tonight!!! I didn't throw all out by any means, but I got to pitch to the 14U softball team I help coach so that they could have live bunting practice. I loved it!

And I am clearly on the mend since I pitched tonight. I led softball practice last Tuesday, which involved a lot of hitting on my part. And I got to play volleyball last night. I did alright. I was sore today, especially my thumb. But I will be fine. And I will continue to play. Because that is what I do. And I love it.

Therapy

2009-03-12T21:11:00.002-05:00

Physical therapy that is. I am working on strengthening my left wrist. The goal is to have me playing volleyball again on March 23. My physical therapist thinks that is doable for my wrist, but he said the issue will be my right thumb. I haven't worn the brace on my right hand since Tuesday morning, but there are still motions my thumb doesn't like to do. I have seen improvement, though, which is encouraging.

Since I haven't been able to do push ups at my class at the Y for 2 weeks, I have done extra leg or core exercises while everyone else did push ups. At least I haven't lost strength there. But I'm not looking forward to having to work extra hard to regain some upper body strength. Looking forward to it or not, I will do it.

Injured

2009-03-06T20:25:00.002-06:00

A week and a half ago, I subbed for my friend's volleyball team. I walked away injured...in two places. I was convinced to go to the doctor, so I finally went on Monday. I have a sprained right thumb, so I have to wear a spica brace and take ibuprofen until the pain goes away. I also injured my left wrist, which is the third injury to that wrist in the last 2 years. An MRI showed that I have a ganglion cyst (also the third in that wrist in my life) and minus ulnar variance. I read up on it before I agreed to a treatment plan. I will be doing physical therapy to strenghten that wrist.

I hate that I can't play sports right now, but I want to heal well so that I can hopefully avoid future injuries or other issues. And it's kind of a big deal for me not to rush back into playing. Maybe I am getting wiser with age...

Lack of writing

2009-02-28T10:49:00.003-06:00

I clearly don't blog very often. I mean to; it just doesn't happen. I have plenty to say and stories that I want to write down so that I don't forget them. And then there are times that I am too fired up about something that the best decision is to not write anything, the times when it is just better to keep my mouth shut. Perhaps I will write more, sometime when I have less on my plate and more energy at the end of the day. In other words, don't hold your breath.

No fear because I fear a bad summary?

2009-02-15T16:34:00.002-06:00

This quote was displayed at church a couple of weekends ago. I like it, and I most certainly don't want to have a sad life summary.

"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life is: could have, might have, and should have."
-Louis E. Boone

Live life

2009-02-12T21:29:00.000-06:00

“The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live.”
– Elbert Hubbard

Perseverance

2009-01-29T22:10:00.002-06:00

I stole this quote from Jody's blog because I like it. And I hope it spurs me on when I get tired.

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” (Newt Gingrich)

Done for today

2009-01-18T21:34:00.002-06:00

I should have more to say, but I just want to unwind. It's time for me to relax and prepare myself for a better week. It will be better as far as I can control it.

Daily choice

2009-01-04T09:28:00.003-06:00

My heart and mind are racing today, racing for the change I desire to see and with things that need to be done. I'm listening to church on the radio this morning (I went to church last night.), and these lyrics by Beth and Matt Redman are affecting me:

"You give and take away.
You give and take away.
My heart will choose to say,
Lord blessed be Your name."

It's easy to think about those words, perhaps even easy to sing them. But I'm not so sure how easy it is to live it out on a regular basis. Or at least immediately in the pain of life. Choosing to say, "Lord blessed be Your name" isn't always the first thing on my mind or lips when things are hard. It should be. At the end of the day, God is always on His throne regardless of the circumstances in my life and regardless of whether I caused the circumstances in my life or if they are beyond my control. God is worthy and deserves for my heart to choose to say this. But I believe that it will be a daily battle. A battle I must choose to fight and win. So here I go heading into battle...

Peace

2008-12-27T01:15:00.003-06:00

Apparently saying "peace" and making the peace sign is one of my niece's new things. So I thought a picture would be fun. Not that I need an excuse to take a picture with my niece or nephew.

Good times

2008-12-24T11:49:00.004-06:00

I have two weeks off over the holidays, and so far I have had a great time. Some time to myself, some time with friends, sports, a massage. Monday night I went to a Monday Night Football party at a friend's house. We watched the game and played pool and Wii. Last night I went to another friend's house for supper and more Wii. That was the first time I broke out my Wii, but I will definitely get it set up at home soon. I'm enjoying my time and already feeling refreshed. And I'm very much looking forward to time with family and more friends over the next week and a half. Good times.

Slow feet

2008-12-17T20:54:00.002-06:00

Who knew I could get so frustrated by slow feet?! And for once they are not mine.

Today is the day

2008-12-14T21:15:00.003-06:00

Today is the day that things will change. I am not happy with some things in my life, so today is the day that I will be different. It is not okay to be feeling the way I have been. It is not okay to not be the person I am meant to be. It is not okay to know the good I should do and not do it. It's just not okay, and I'm done with that. I'm tired of chasing the world, especially since I know that there is so much more than what this world offers.

I have decided that the necklace I won at the Water for Christmas fundraiser will hold another meaning for me. It will be my symbol of being refreshed and full of the life that I am meant to live. Clean water is necessary for life. I have been given an abundant life by the giver of all life. Living it out is necessary.

A necklace that can change 3 lives

2008-12-14T21:07:00.002-06:00

Tonight I attended a fundraiser for Water for Christmas. I bid on a necklace and won it. The proceeds go to giving clean water to people in Africa. For the price I paid for the necklace, 3 people can have access to clean water for 20 years. That is the best money I have spent in a very long time.

A first?

2008-12-14T20:48:00.003-06:00

It is really no secret that I am not friends with my ex-boyfriends. For the first time, though, I am friends with an ex. It was rocky for awhile, mostly due to me. I didn't handle it well that I never really got any space from him after things ended. I was hostile and eventually told him that I couldn't talk to him for awhile. But now things are great. We get along great, talk, hang out occasionally, and play on the same sports teams. He is the one who approached me after we had met once, and I am glad he did because now I have a great friend. Today I am so thankful for our friendship.

Mad

2008-12-08T22:38:00.002-06:00

I'm angry. My facebook status currently says that I'm being honest, so there. I'm angry.

I think I need to work out more. It won't take the reason(s) I'm angry go away, but it will help for awhile.

What if's

2008-12-08T21:55:00.003-06:00

What if I actually got what I deserved? Thank God that grace and forgiveness abound. (No, nothing terrible. If we were honest, everyone could say that about the sin we all have in our lives.)
What if people get upset and offended about things that have nothing to do with them? (And then it kind of does become about them because they won't believe you when you say that it's not personal.)
What if I know part of the solution but won't make the step to change?

I'll stop there. Just laying out what is on my head and heart. Just trying not to forget where I am at, even though forgetting could be easier yet unhealthy.

I know I sound like a downer right now, and I kind of am. And if you are someone that may read this and are the type to take things personally, it's not about you.

Opening up

2008-12-01T22:08:00.002-06:00

I've been very apathetic lately. And not really wanting to be very social. Not very talkative with most people. Not as smiley. All of this is not like me.

Maybe I'm stuck in a rut. Maybe I know that life has more for me, but it seems hard and inconvenient. Maybe I know that is true. Maybe I'm being selfish. Maybe I don't know exactly how to get where I want to go. Maybe I should drop the 'maybe' from all of this.

This is my attempt at being honest with myself, at making sure this stares me in the face and makes me think about it more than I want to, hoping it spurs me on to be better. This is not fun, but it is good.

"New" Stuff

2008-12-01T22:03:00.003-06:00

I got new stuff this weekend...new for me anyway. My sister and brother-in-law gave me my first set of golf clubs and a ladder golf set. Both were theirs, and now they are mine. I'm super excited about these gifts; I just need it to be spring so I can use them. Getting free stuff is the only perk I have found when family is moving away.

Changes

2008-11-14T21:18:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure I have a lot I want to say tonight, but I don't want the word "Herky" to be the first thing on my blog. So, I'm changing it up.

Another change in my life...I got glasses this week. I found out that I am near-sighted, so I am now wearing glasses for things like watching tv and movies, driving, going to big sporting events. Getting glasses wasn't a must, but I decided to get them since I have been slightly frustrated at times with seeing certain things at a distance. I'm not convinced I like them yet, though. I will give it a couple of more days.

Herky story

2008-11-09T22:16:00.002-06:00

It pains me to even write the title. Herky means Hawkeyes, and I do NOT like the Hawkeyes. But here is my story.

I went to the Iowa vs. Illinois volleyball game on Friday. My friend and I were cheering for Illinois, who, by the way, won. I was sitting a couple of seats in from the end of the row but was the last person in the row. Herky came up to me and patted me on the head and kept standing there. I looked at him and said, "I'm a Cyclone." Then he really wouldn't leave. He took my nachos (there were only 3 left) and pretended to eat them. When he handed them back to me, I said, "I don't want them. A Hawkeye touched them." My friend thought it was hilarious. And it is pretty funny. I am so happy I got to tell Herky that I am for the best team in the state. :)

I am a tired, frustrated Cyclone.

2008-11-08T12:05:00.002-06:00

The tired and frustrated has nothing to do with being a Cyclone. (It's game day, so I had to throw the Cyclone part in there.) The last couple of days have been hard on me because of what some people have said about me, to my face no less. There is likely some truth to something one of them said, which will require some work on my part. But overall I am just hurt by it all. Not to mention that the last 3-4 weeks have been hard for me to watch life around me. While I have nothing to complain about for many reasons, it has still been hard to watch, and even endure at moments. So, I am tired and frustrated. And a bit emotional at times. Just needed to vent in my very vague way.

I am a Cyclone.

2008-10-26T21:22:00.002-05:00

I went to my first Iowa State football game yesterday. It won't be my last. I will post more about that later. My sister got me an Iowa State football shirt for my birthday, and I love it! On the back it says:

"I am a Cyclone. I am a warrior. A member of a team. I am physically and mentally tough. I never quit."

I love it! Although, they could have stopped at, "I am a Cyclone" and that would have been fine with me.

Feeling old

2008-10-19T21:38:00.003-05:00

My body feels old tonight. I was scheduled to play one softball game today; I ended up playing 4. Oops. Two other teams asked me to sub, so I played 4 games back to back. My legs hate me for it. But I just really wanted to play because I love the game so much. It's just a part of living the dream...

Still here

2008-10-14T21:45:00.002-05:00

Just very busy. For instance, it is 9:45 pm and I just ate supper. I worked late and then had a softball game. I have things to accomplish yet tonight, so I will try to get to some of them. We'll see how long my motivation sticks with me.

Updates

2008-09-24T21:16:00.004-05:00

The 12U fastpitch softball team that I help coach got 2nd place at their tournament this weekend. It was a great championship game. I am very proud of them.

I have been working, getting ready for a conference, coaching, and playing softball.

My hair is short, shorter than it has been since sometime in high school. I like it, a lot actually. I'm sure there will eventually be a picture.

My Cubbies

2008-09-21T17:53:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend to be a Cubs fan! We beat the Cardinals in 2 out of 3 games and clinched a post-season playoff spot for the 2nd year in row. I love it!

GO STATE!

2008-09-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

That's all that really needs to be said.

Cards...a different kind

2008-08-27T07:28:00.002-05:00

Like the ones from St. Louis. The ones who got beat last night just after my Cubs made a comeback to win their game. I really want a W flag to hang up in celebration on days like today. I suppose it would get pretty obnoxious, though, since it would be hanging almost all the time this year. :)

Cards

2008-08-26T07:13:00.004-05:00

I have a little bit of inner turmoil today about something I said that I can't take back. (Get ready for me to be vague...but so what else is new.) What I said last night was true, and I believe in being honest. What I said is not bad at all, but it puts me in a little bit more vulnerable position. Part of me thinks I shouldn't have laid my cards down to be seen. The other part of me thinks that the cards I laid down shouldn't have to be hidden. And actually they were pretty obvious before I laid them down, but now the truth is definitely known. So here is to facing the day with my cards on the table.

"The Perfect Guy"

2008-08-03T19:13:00.003-05:00

My friend got me a day-by-day calendar at the beginning of the year called, "A Year of Bad Dates." It seemed fitting at the time, and the calendar is really quite funny. It "names" a guy (the bad boy, the momma's boy, etc.) and usually spends about a week going through what dating that type of guy is like. I have to admit that I can name the guys that I have dated that match certain descriptions. There are some guys described in the calendar that I have not dated, which is good. One day the calendar read "The Perfect Guy." It read:

"He's funny, charming, handsome, kind, thoughtful, athletic and engaging. He loves talking, cuddling, and walks on the beach. He loves your friends and they love him. He's not married, not gay, and he...doesn't exist! April Fools!"

The whole 'April Fools' thing really doesn't make sense since the day was actually July 15, but that is beside the point. I know better than to call someone "The Perfect Guy." No one is perfect, myself included. I am not cynical and know that great guys exist. I am hopeful and believe that I will find the guy that is right for me. I'm not a fan of bad dates (who is?), but this calendar cracks me up.

(To give credit where credit is due, the calendar is published by Sellers Publishing, Inc., and is copyrighted in 2007 by Jo Renfro.)

Next best thing?

2008-08-02T20:52:00.002-05:00

When I can't spend time with someone, I guess a picture of me on the phone with them will have to do.Mostly it's just silliness, but that's okay too.

No house

2008-07-24T19:54:00.002-05:00

Well, I did put an offer on a house on Friday, July 18, 2008. I am that specific because that's the first offer I have ever made on a house. Kind of a big deal. But I really didn't like the counter-offer and didn't want to get close to that yet, so I chose to wait it out a bit. My realtor called and said that another offer was put on the house yesterday, but I said I wasn't ready to put another one out there yet. If that one doesn't go through for some reason, I will move on it again if and when I think the time is right. Not a huge deal if I do not get a house anytime soon. I have a roof over my head and don't have to move yet, so the ball is pretty much in my court. Plus, I tend to half-heartedly look for houses. I will work hard at it for awhile, and then not look at all for awhile. Luckily I have friends that keep me posted on some good possibilities.

Buying a house?

2008-07-17T23:15:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm going to try. More on that later. :)

4th of July

2008-07-12T14:42:00.003-05:00

I celebrated the 4th of July two nights in a row. On Thursday my cousin and 2 friends went to the fireworks in Milan. They were great. We then hung out for a while afterwards. I wish I had some pictures because we had a good time.

On Friday, I went to my friends' house because they live on the parade route. We watched the parade, ate some great food, and hung out until it was time to go to watch fireworks. After fireworks, we continued to hang out. This is a picture of Hannah and I celebrating the 4th.

Pictures

2008-07-07T22:13:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I did get my camera on June 27. Yes, I have pictures. I will post some soon. But I am going to sleep asap since I just found out I need to be at work at 5:30 in the morning!

Seven

2008-07-06T14:48:00.002-05:00

Seven...that's how many Cubs are going to the All Star game this year. Three Cubs are starters, three are pitchers, and one is in reserve. One AL team has that many players on their All Star team, but no one else. Pretty impressive. Go NL, and go Cubs!

Good weekend

2008-06-29T20:06:00.002-05:00

I had a good 3-day weekend. Some moments this weekend could be described as intriguing. Here is what I know:

Some things need to be taken with a grain of salt.

People see me differently than I see myself, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some days I believe what I am told. Other days it is still a struggle.

What I want is not necessarily what I need or what is right.

None of this is mind-boggling, just something I wanted to write down.

Big spender

2008-06-27T19:42:00.002-05:00

Today I was a big spender. I finally bought a digital camera. I have spent some time learning how to use it and think I am ready to take lots of photos. Well, probably not a lot. But now I may actually put pictures on my blog. Yay!

Knocked on my...well, you know.

2008-06-24T21:44:00.005-05:00

I collided with a teammate tonight for the first time I can remember in my long softball career. I was playing left center field and was running over to back up what I thought was a fly ball to left field. When I was running I realized I was in line with the ball, so I stopped and quietly said, "I got it." And I did. I caught the ball, but as I was catching it I saw the left fielder out of the corner of my eye. Since I saw him, I knew he was going to run into me. At least I wasn't surprised at impact. We both hit the ground. I landed right on my rear and then continued to go backwards onto my back. He ended up on the ground a few feet to the right of me. We both looked at each other, asked if we were okay, and stood up quickly so that everyone else knew we were okay. We are both lucky that we are fine. Bad things can happen when people collide like that.

The best part, besides the fact that we are both okay, is that I held onto the ball for out number 2. What can I say...I take sports seriously.

Hi!

2008-06-10T22:13:00.001-05:00

For anyone new checking out my blog. Because I'm silly like that. :)

Reason for the pain

2008-06-04T19:52:00.003-05:00

Shin splints. That's it. I haven't felt like this before, and haven't had the pain keep getting worse. There is no way to treat it, so I was given a way to deal with the pain...ibuprofen, ice, and stretching. I think I feel a little silly that I saw a doctor for shin splints. Oh, well...too late now. I will just keep running through the pain.

Ouch

2008-06-01T16:58:00.003-05:00

That's what I think about my lower right leg. My lower legs have been a problem when I began running a lot. They have gotten better as I have kept running, with the exception of my right shin. I did get hit by a softball on my shin about a month ago, but running seems to irritate the problem. It is sore to the touch as well, even around the side towards the back of my leg. It hasn't been getting better, so I am going to the doctor to get it checked on Wednesday. I need to keep running if I intend to race in July. I want to keep running so that I can race and stay in shape. But for now I will resort to biking until I know more.