Runner's High

Since I committed to running (and raising money for) the Miracle Miles for Kids 10k, I've managed to run consistently throughout the month of January so far.  As the month draws to a close, I am giving myself a big pat on the back - I've stuck with this so far with a minimum of pain and a good amount of progress.  I started back at the beginning (able to run about 3/4 of a mile) due to taking time off and general unhealthiness, but I'm already back in 5k shape!  Since the 10k isn't till May, I am confident that I will be ready.

I've discovered some new spots (the Bluff Trail at Montana de Oro is absolutely AMAZING) and have discovered I prefer running off-road than on.  I ran the Bluff Trail yesterday and ended the day totally blissed out on my "runner's high", the sight and sound of the waves crashing, the ocean smell in the air, and some great music on the drive home.  I am checking out a new trail tomorrow.... 

And to top it all off, I feel fantastic!  Can't wait for tomorrow!

Today I strapped Caitlin in the stroller and ran here.  Gorgeous and peaceful little path tucked away in a park.  Lucky me!

100th Post!

Whoop-dee-do.

In other news, the NAMM show was a huge success!  Everyone loved the guitars and Ryan, and the company got an amazing amount of exposure -Ryan did five interviews during the four-day show, Dave Reffett demo'd the guitar at the Esoterik booth and at Eminence, and the foot traffic was steady.  We gave out many business cards, stickers, and picks, and many people stopped to play the guitars and tell us how awesome they are.  Quite a few people said they want one and will be in touch!  All in all, a great show!

Great job, Ryan!  I'm so proud of you!

The amazing Dave Reffett and his DR-1 Signature Esoterik Guitar

Check out Dave's band Shredding the Envelope here.

If I Were Any More Proud, I'd Burst

This is Dave Reffett, the artist that Esoterik Guitars is proudly endorsing, demoing his Esoterik DR-1 Signature model. 

My husband designed this guitar and built it with his bare hands - completely handmade!  He is on his way to the NAMM Show right now to set up the first-ever Esoterik Guitars booth to propel this business into the music world.  I am amazed by the drive and dedication that has taken him this far in such a short amount of time.  Great things are on the horizon. 

Watch out - bursting imminent!

1/1/11

My only New Year's Resolution this year is this:  take the parts of my life that are unsatisfying and make them better.  Every single thing that bothers me I have the capability to change - and I will. 

The first thing I am doing for this resolution is to start my training to run the Miracle Miles for Kids 10k in May.  I'm so excited to work towards this goal and hopefully raise some money for a really good cause!  Setting this goal for myself will address my dissatisfaction with my current fitness level and general health and well-being, as well as setting an excellent example for my kids.    Good stuff all around. 

Happy New Year everyone!

The Journey

I can almost grasp it.

The things that I saw, the experience that I had, and the way that I felt as I left an emotionally abusive marriage and took off on my own for the first time...

It was September 19, 2002.   My 23rd birthday.  I loaded up everything I was willing to fight for into my truck and started driving at six in the morning.  I headed through New Mexico into Arizona.  I spent three nights in Phoenix, then headed into California - back home.   I waved goodbye to the mountains with a cocky hand.  I exulted in the mesas and red dirt that I drove towards.  It was raining as I drove into Phoenix.  I cried jubilantly when I crossed the state line into California.  I almost wrecked multiple times staring out the window at the ocean.

I saw and felt so much on that journey - the beginning of my journey - that I think I relegated it to the back of my mind to be dealt with later.  It was too much.  Now, eight years later, it's beginning to resurface.  I think I will be lucky if I am ever able to put that experience into words.  I know that I will have to revisit this again. 

I was brave and confident and terrified and clueless.... and I did it.  On my own.    

Holiday Tradition Revisited

Yesterday Caitlin, Gavin, and I went to visit my sister and her husband at their house.  My sister really wanted to revive one of our holiday traditions from when we were kids - baking and decorating sugar cookies!  We used to do this every year with our mom and all the kids - it was always a blast, and yesterday was no exception.  We were joined by a couple of friends and another super fun kiddo. 

I love having family nearby to have experiences like this with.  Next year I think we'll expand and do even more Christmas-y stuff together - like making construction paper chains!

Another Caitlin Tidbit (and a Gavin tidbit)

Right now, Caitlin's favorite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and her favorite movie is The Incredibles. She still loves to play with her princess toys.  Also, she is going to be "a real firegirl" when she grows up.

Gavin is obsessed with the old-school Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo, anything Star Wars, and Monopoly.  He has decided he is going to design video games when he grows up.

These kids are just too cool.