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Loyal friends
I was out jogging one morning. I know, you’re shocked to read this. But I’m going to shock you even more and post a picture that ISN’T a sunrise that I saw while out running.
I know, I’m getting a little wild and crazy with the shock factors.
Check this picture out:
Now, you might be wondering what the heck I’m thinking with this picture. But I’ll tell ya, sometimes, like ideas for books, thoughts just slam right into my brain when I see something interesting.
And this particular morning, this really struck me. Me and my dog out running. His little shadow next to mine. He runs with me all the time (unless it’s too hot in the desert here). He’s always excited to go. Anxious to keep running when I’m heading to the garage to call it quits. When I’m tired, he kind of tugs me along. He’s even known to bite at the leash and pull, urging me forward.
He’s just my loyal running buddy and it hit home when I saw this shadow from the rising sun behind us.
So here’s to you sweet Maddux. Thanks for all the runs you’ve taken with me and will take with me in the future!
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Inspiration
I have quite a few things that inspire me–and not just inspiring me to write either. Sure, I have a lot of those, and I mention them weekly in my This Writer’s Journey segments.
But, today, I’m mentioning someone who inspires me on a whole different level. Someone who inspires me to be a better person. A better wife. A better athlete. And yes, even a better writer.
My husband, Charlie.
Here are a couple pictures of a triathlon he did recently.
He works so hard at his sport. Without fail, he trains daily. He watches what he eats–and boy do I wish I had the dedication he does. The way that man can turn away chocolate when it’s readily available is unnatural!
I joke, but truly, he inspires me. He shows me by example what it means to be dedicated to something. To work hard for it. Earn it. Yet, he’s quick to smile and give God the credit for any success he has. He’s right, too. God has truly blessed him with a strong mind, heart and soul.
And a triathlete training for the full Ironman needs that. To make it in a 2-mile swim, 110+ mile bike ride, and 26-mile run—YIKES!
So, I thank you, Charlie, for being such a good example to me and those around you. I’m blessed to call you husband.
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Who inspires you?
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Top Five. . .
Thanks for sharing a bit of your lives with me this past week as we looked back at 2010. To narrow 365 days of living into the top five memorable things is difficult. I’m looking over this past year with a smile and looking forward with hope. Here’s to a great 2011, everyone.
But there’s one more day of this year left, and I’m dedicating it to the NUMBER one thing about 2010. . . ..
Charlie Boeyink
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I know. You’re probably thinking I dipped into the New Year’s Eve punch bowl a bit early. . . but really, I didn’t.Most of you know Charlie & I have been married for fourteen years now, so you might be wondering how can I say he’s been the most memorable thing that happened to me this year since he’s with me every year. . .*smile*
Well, there are a few reasons:1. It’s my blog, I can say whatever I want. *wink*
2. We got to travel to England and France together this past year. *Totally awesome experience!*
3. He’s been rock-solid through my stints of unemployment, encouraging me to “find a job that made me happy.” *Thanks honey!*
4. No one supports me more when it comes to my writing. *Tolerating all the late nights writing.*
5. He’s found a passion of his own that rivals my passion for writing: Triathlons. *His dedication is inspiring.*
So there, I can say my hubby has been the best thing about 2010, because it’s true!
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What’s the best thing about your year?
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Catch the Rush in Tempe, AZ
This weekend is THE weekend!!
Months of running and training…and I still don’t look like this:
As a matter of fact. I look more like this:
But that’s okay, because I’m gonna have a BLAST at theAflac Iron Girl 10-mile run Sunday. My BFF, Michele, is running the 5k race and gonna cheer me on as I attempt to finish–hopefully not last–the 10 mile run. Nothing like 2,000 chicks getting together and doing a little exercise. This’ll be the third year I do this run–it’s just so fun.
So, if you’re in the Tempe, AZ area Sunday, stop on by.
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Yum
HI. Rachel here again.
So, remember yesterday when I asked the question, “What song gets your blood pumpin’?”
Yeah, the song, You’ve got the Power, by Snap does it for me when it comes to biking and exercising, but I’ll tell ya, my guy, Brandon helps with that, too.
The first time I saw him, I was screaming up Headland Hill on my seventy-five-mile bike ride.
So, I was tired, having ridden sixty-some miles already, then with this hill, a killer hill, my legs were pooped out.
But then this guy zooms by me like we’re just on flatland or something.
First, I was pretty ticked off that he passed me so easily, but then when I got a good look at him . . .Yummy.
Tight, black biker shorts. Equally as snug racing jersey hugging the curves of his lean muscles. Oh, and not to mention his chocolate brown eyes.
I mean, who doesn’t LOVE chocolate, right?A close second to eyes, is humor. I love to laugh and have fun, that’s a must! If those two are in sync, I’m toast. And I sure found those two things with Brandon. I’m so lucky.
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So, what things sealed the deal with your significant other?
If you’re still single, what are the two main things that would seal the deal when it comes to dating?
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Musical Monday
HI! Rachel here. Lynn asked me to start off the week. She’s on her way to England right now. First a flight to Philadelphia, then a zillion hour layover until they leave for England on an overnight flight.
But hey, she’s going to England right? So no complaining.
Now, Lynn wrote about my funky story in Tainted Cadence and you can pretty much guess it’s one that is near and dear to her heart because it’s about biking-with a little supernatural twist, of course.
Lynn’s known to do a lot of biking if you follow her on Twitter or Facebook at all, so it was just a matter of time before she wrote my story because of that.
Anyway, so I get to pick the song today, and I just had to pick one of my favorites.
This song has gotten me up some mega hills when I thought my legs would fail me.
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BRv9wGf5pk]
I’ve Got the Power, by Snap
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I know, I’m only, like twenty-one, but I heard this song on an oldies station and fell in love. I mean, it takes a lot of power climbing Headland Hill. It’s at a ten percent grade, you know?
But this song pumps me up enough to get the power in my legs to get up the monster!
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What song gets your blood pumpin’?
