Adventures in Running

Ahhhh, today was a good day!

Often, I get asked what I do all day as a stay at home Mom.  I have been asked this by more people then I can count.  Especially, since I seriously do not like to clean and like cooking even less!

We all know that "good Southern girls volunteer."  I mean that is what WE do!  I do tend to volunteer for pretty much everything, but what I spend the majority of my time doing is helping to run this little running club here in Jacksonville.

My favorite little running club....

For the past 8 weeks, I have has the privilege of helping to lead a group of special ladies in a Couch to 5k program.  Today was the graduation race.  It was AMAZING to see these ladies work so hard and do something they worked and trained for in the past few weeks.  I loved encouraging them on their journey and helping them realize just how strong they could be.  THIS is what I went to school to do.  As a physical education teacher by trade, I entered education to be a coach and to help teach kids, middle school students specifically, how to achieve a healthy lifestyle and learn to be active for a lifetime.  I think this is how most PE teachers feel, unfortunately the other "stuff" that goes along with being a teacher gets in the way.

Some of the C25K ladies...we are missing a few I think!

I am so incredibly proud of these women.  They come from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds and all have a different story.  The similarity is that each one of them made a decision many weeks ago that they were going to come to a workout at a park to RUN with a group of military spouses that they had never met before.  And then later when they wanted to quite they made the decision to get up, put their shoes on and make the drive to meet up with friends who would hold them accountable.  And even later when workouts got really tough, they made the decision to make attending the workouts and getting in a run a priority.  They made themselves a priority...even when the weather stunk, the kids were unruly, and they didn't feel very good, they made time for something that was going to change their life.  I am thankful they let me be a part of it!

They did it!

Today I was lucky enough to have my 5 year old side kick by my side the entire 3.1 miles.......well, I think technically it was 2.78, but whose counting.......it's an adventure either way ;)

Adventures in Guinea Pigs

To My Dearest Cha Cha,

I want you to know that this letter is very hard for me to write.  You have been in our home approximately 2 months and I will admit that I was hesitant, OK scratch that it was more like reluctant, to bring you into our circle of trust.  I knew I would be the one to clean your cage.  I would provide your food.  I would be basically bringing another helpless being into our lives and I already care for 3 helpless beings.  I did not want to add another.

However, I am ready to admit that I was wrong.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I am saying that I was wrong.  Now, I do most of the cage cleaning, but it is really easy and I have one really good 5 year old helper.  I also do most of the feeding, but again very easy and only needs to be done once a week.  But the holding, I never have to do.  I also do not have to worry about you not getting love because we have two tiny people who love you lots.

Let's talk about that love a little bit, because seriously this is why I am glad you are here.  No matter how much love a certain 3 year old gives you, you never show your love back with your teeth.  I have heard this is not necessarily common for GP like you.  In fact my Internet research says that sometimes three year old human child love is not always received well.  I am sorry that she was convinced you liked heights...especially falling from heights a few days ago. Yet you take it in stride, that is why you fit in so well here at the Harlow house.

I have also been impressed with your dexterity and your ability to make your way through the mazes a certain 5 year old boy makes for you out of random objects.  You are so patient as he creates these exercises for you.  You never run away, although I am not sure if this is because you are more scared of the unknown or because your large belly will not allow you to move fast enough to get away, but either way I appreciate your willingness to cooperate with him.


On the subject of food, I can tell that you enjoy it, so as long as you continue to be the good guinea pig I know you to be you will  never have to worry about running out of treats!

Much love to you my furry friend!