What summer is all about

Swimming at the pool,

Going to the beach,

Going to music concerts,

We saw The Newsboys, and Superchick

beating the heat with cold ice cream and popsicles,

Cooking and eating outside,

And generally just enjoying being together!

Smith Rock Sunrise Classic

This weekend I ran the Smith Rock Sunrise Classic 10k. We drove in late Friday night, and camped at Smith Rock State Park. I woke up with eager anticipation of the coming morning, wondering if it was time to get up yet.

I figured my 10k time would be about double my 5k time. It was hot, and the last two miles were uphill which was challenging, so I wasn't expecting a great time, but I made it exactly to the minute I predicted. I was happy with that. And I can't wait until my next race!


After my race we went camping at Lava Lake. It was wonderful. The perfect way to unwind after my first 10k. Saturday we napped, and set up camp and generally enjoyed ourselves. Sunday we hiked a few miles to nearby lakes.

As a side note I wore my comfy, sturdy, non plastic flip flops hiking, and got comments about how the (very flat) hike must have been hard wearing them... My wonderful husband pointed out that I had just run a 10k and could handle the terrain. Why is it some people believe only hiking boots are appropriate for hiking? I don't understand...

We are looking foward to the kids visit soon. I will keep you posted! They will get here the 19th.

Green Like God

I read this really interesting book yesterday. Its title is Green Like God. Another find of my husbands from the new release section of our Public Library. It is basically a Christian view point of the "green" movement. Its basic message is that Christians should be more environmentally conscious not because its cool or popular but because the earth is God's creating and he has given us stewardship of it. In disrespecting the environment with our American life style of over consumerism and wastefulness we are disrespecting Gods creation and in turn God himself. It was a very powerful message, and something that I strongly believe.

I have always felt close to God while in his creations whether it is mountains, oceans, rivers, marveling at plant and animal life, the starry sky or the full moon I have always felt his presence. I do not find it possible that it all happened by an evolutionary accident. I know there was a higher power overseeing the development of mankind. I am very grateful for the opportunities in my life to help others appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Take time to spend an extra minute outside enjoying nature today. Take time to appreciate the natural world. Even if you don't believe in a higher power there is something to be said about connecting with the Earth. Connecting with your place in the universe.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you had a enjoyable Independence Day. Joey helped me host the Independence Day Celebration for the residents at my work.

Then we met up with some friends and went camping for the weekend. It was very nice. We did some hiking, swiming, Joey did a little bit of kayaking, I even had veggie hot dogs. And a good amount of enjoying the company and relaxing

I found a good steep hill and used it for training for my upcoming 10k. I am getting very excited for it. I am feeling ready and feel I am running a lot stronger than before. I look forward to challenging myself.

What did you do for your weekend?