Summer Heat . . .

The days have been humid, hot and dry

And it’s only beginning the month of July

It’s hard to be outside . . . to feel comfortable and cool

Unless of course you are sitting or soaking in a pool!

Even the flowers and trees by the end of the day

Are begging for water . . . seem to be fading away

But 6 months from now we will be wishing for this heat

When we’re knee deep in snow, freezing cold and sleet!

I’ll choose this weather . . . this season . . . hands down

Cause I have time with family and friends to just hang around!

Loss of Power

Feeling the cool breeze of the fan . . .

Brushing over me . . . ever so gently

Thankful . . . for the relief from the heat 

POP . . .

The fan stops . . . all is silent . . . air is still

Feeling the coolness slowly disappear

No movement . . . air getting heavy  . . . and

WAITING . . .  WAITING . . . WAITING . . . 

Beads of sweat . . . slowly dripping from my brow 

Watching time pass and still nothing . . .

In the dark . . . I shower . . . savoring the cool water 

And again . . .

WAITING . . .  WONDERING . . . HOPING . . .

5 hours later . . . the click of the AC . . . the hum of the fan

Ever so thankful . . . ever so appreciative . . . ever so empathetic 

For all those who will be WAITING . . . not for hours but for days . . .

A First!!!

Last Wednesday morning I completed my first triathlon!  Ok it was considered a mini tri,  . . . 

3 events, a 13 mile bike, 1 1/2 mile kayak, and then a 5k walk/run.  We did this as part of an organization called “Wild Women”... What an experience!

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought I would

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought  I  could

Race day was hot and humid but we came prepared with our “gu”

That and water would keep our bodies hydrated and help to get us through

The bike . . . 13 miles over small hills and gravel . . . event number one

I knew this would be a challenge, but so rewarding when done

Pumping up the last hill, thighs burning just a bit

But feeling really good . . . I am happy to admit!

On to the kayak, event number two

Adrenaline taking over . . . ready to see this “tri” all the way through!

We begin the mile and a half . . . across the beautiful lake

I’m amazed at how in sync we are . . . never needing to take a break

The sun was getting stronger, the humidity beginning to peak

Yet we pushed on feeling strong not at all feeling weak

Our last event the 5k we chose to walk not run

The path was never shaded, dripping sweat from the sun 

We knew we had it in us . . . not a doubt that we’d make it to the end

At the finish line a hug and high five between . . . me and my friend

It was never about how long . . . just a challenge . . . self pride

3 hours and 15 was what we clocked at the end of our last stride

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought I would

A “mini” triathlon . . . always say . . . maybe  I could

Girls on the Run

For the last three years, I have participated in “Girls on the Run” a 5k running/walking mentor type program with 5^th grade girls from our school.  This year however was the best yet!  It’s not because our bus was one hour late picking us up which meant we didn’t have to stand around and wait until the 5k race began.  And it wasn’t because the temperature was just around 90 degrees and the beads of sweat didn’t provide much in the way of coolant. The reason why this was the best year ever was because of my running buddy S.  Yes, this delightful 5^th grade girl was the reason this year was the best year so far!  S is such a delight!  She is polite, well mannered and a joy to chat with.  She is rather quiet normally, but not during our jogging and power walking we had so much to talk about the time just flew by.  We chatted about what she was looking forward to most going on to 6^th grade.  What plans she had for the summer and she talked to me about her family. I could hear the love and respect she had for her parents as she spoke of them.  Her dad had even come down to cheer her on and show his support.   I shared some things as well which she really enjoyed hearing about.  We talked about how teachers have families and lives just like everyone else. I’m going to miss S because like I said she is moving on to 6^th grade, although she promises to come back and visit… I sure hope she does because I’m sure . . . all that I know is possible for her will come true!  “Girl Power” to S and all the other girls as they begin to find their way towards their futures!  

The Moon

Silvery ball glowing in the night

Casting shadows with its light

Peeking in . . . prodding me to see

All its beauty and its mystery

Many tales . . . many stories oh so many have been said

I wonder why I can’t sleep . . . with all this running through my head!