Effervescently Ebullient!

Look at Our Puppy Grow

2009-03-29T16:46:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is puppy class graduation! Lucky has been working hard at all her new commands and tricks. Her favorite is 'high five' (my personal favorite too after a long run).

She is also getting really good at picking up trash. My mom came to visit this weekend and we went on lot's of walks with Lucky. My mom commented, 'Lucky is a garbage dog. She picks up every piece of garbage on a walk and carries it in her mouth for a little bit.' Nothing like walking down Milledge Street with a beautiful chocolate lab and an random plastic bottle in her mouth.

Lucky is also very proud of her ability to roll over. Lot's of praise and high fives after strong performances!

Here are some of Lucky's photos:

Though she may look curled up in a ball she weighs just under 25 lbs!

Lucky the Ghost

Lucky and her Best Buddy Bailey

What motivates you?

2009-02-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

The first weekend of March I successfully finished my second marathon, the Gasparilla Marathon. 26.2 miles have a uniqueness of their own.... It all started on Friday as I traveled to my old stomping ground in Tampa, Florida. I was able to catch up with my mom there. It was nice being able to spend time with the women that inspires me daily to be a good person and work hard to achieve my goals. We spent the weekend together as I prepared for my marathon.
Race morning finally rolled around and it was my time to shine! I woke up before the sun and started the journey. It was 70 degrees and humid at the start.

The marathon started and the large mass of individuals began to stroll down Bayshore Blvd. to Davis Island. The first 6 miles were on the small island, running pass the channel, the airport and the large homes that line Davis Island. Those miles were perfect!

After leaving Davis Island we ran passed my old University where all the memories started flood my brain....I honestly can't remember miles 7 to 11 because of all the thoughts that were coming in out. I was in a happy little running world :o)

At about mile 13 is when it started to turn. Not my running but rather the weather... I looked up and the sky was black I was thinking what am I suppose to do at a time like this. Just keep running I guess, no one else was stopping. So I continued on through the 20 mph gusts of wind, the 10 degree temperature drop and the down pour of rain.

So the question was asked, "What motivates you in a time like this?"

Perhaps the fact that the fans were still out cheering, my inspiring play list on my ipod, seeing my mom at the many mile markers cheering, maybe the fact I was so happy to be in Tampa, or perhaps the simple fact that I love tackling challenges and 26.2 miles in crazy weather was just that!

While out on the course I learned a lot about myself. I learned that in tough situations we have two choices. Give up and go home or stand up and challenge it. Face the challenge, preserver and go after what you came out to do.

I was proud when I finished, unlike my last marathon where I struggled the last few miles this time was different as I negative split my final 6 miles.

When I crossed the finish line I smiled... I was proud of myself, I set out to go after a goal and accomplished it stronger than I thought I could. So what motivates me?

Perhaps that day it was the smile of satisfaction!

keep on runnin' -Kim

Inspirational

2009-02-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

I find inspiration in my boyfriend.... Nick (my boyfriend) races for Jelly Belly Professional Cycling Team. He is currently in rainy California racing in the biggest US Tour there is. They are starting stage 3 tomorrow of 4 days of racing. Check out the tour site to know more http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/about.html.

The weather out in California has been pretty rotten 40 degrees and raining. These men are racing 100 + miles a day and racing for the one and only title of the Yellow Jersey of the 2009 Tour of California. Last night I watch the battle on VS. and got to talk to Nick after the race. Despite the weather conditions and the tough terrain Nick keeps a positive spirit and races hard day in and out. I admire his passion and determination in the sport. His eagerness to strive and succeed is commendable.

I wish I could be there to cheer him on but look forward to being updated on cyclingnews and hearing his voice on his phone calls.

Nick, your biggest fans are cheering you on here (me and Lucky).

-Kim

Washing your bike is like washing your dog...

2009-02-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

So I have come to find out that every time I take the time to wash my bike and make it all shiny it just so happens to rain the next time I go to ride. Then my shiny bicycle turns into a spotted dirt mess from wet roads.

Well today I learned the same lesson. This morning when I woke up with my stinky Lucky (puppy) laying next to me I decided, "Puppy you need a bath!" So this morning I turned the tub on and it was bath time for Lucky. Yes she is a lab so she is a water dog, at first she spends most her time drinking the bath water. Then it is scrubbing time. After a fun bath time (which I find my self laughing out loud at the personality she has)I let her hang out around the house. That is when I made the mistake, I gave her a new bone for her to chew, well, now the bone is crusted all over her paws and legs. So now I have a dirty puppy again!

Life's Lessons: Newly washed bikes will turn dirty fast. Newly washed puppies will never stay clean! :o)

-Kim

Lucky

2009-02-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

Our Puppy has a name!

Lucky

Take the High Road

2009-02-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Learning about yourself is a life long process. How you deal with situations as they present themselves, how you react to them, and what comes of it are all character building. This week I was challenged quite a bit and learned a great deal about myself. When things feel like they are crumbling and you feel alone you have to reach deeper than that. You have to believe in you and in the people that care about you.

Here are a few of the strengths I received this week that I thought were worth sharing for others to use too.

You have to be bigger than that and "Take the High Road". Treat people the way you want to be treated and you will succeed. - from my Dad

Be strong, and whenever you are feeling a moment of doubt, look within yourself, close your eyes, and see all the lives that you have changed for the better. -Nick, my boyfriend

No one is in charge of your happiness except you. -Steph, my best friend

Move forward with high confidence, raw determination and a well founded knowledge of your uniqueness. -Michael M, a great athlete and role model.

I am so appreciative of the support!

The Lotus Flower, is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.

Puppy update

2009-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been overdue since my last entry.... I have been in puppy world!

It has been exactly one week since we have gotten our puppy. She still is looking for a name but the name of Monkey has been sticking.
Notes on the Pup:
*She likes to chew on things, mainly fingers so watch your prize possessions if she comes within range of your phalanges.
*Peeing on the carpet seems to be WAY cooler than the grass.
*She is unsure of what to think of the mirror, perhaps another chocolate lab of her size wanting to play.
*And note to self the smallest pup of the liter is not necessarily the shyest personality!

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." -Gene Hill

It's Official

2009-01-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

We are proud puppy owners!!
She is a chocolate lab and needs a name, help us!

An addition to the house...

2009-01-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

We are on the quest for an addition to the household. I finally convinced Nick that I was ready for a puppy! I have wanted a dog for a while but have been hesitent due to our busy travel lives. But I have finally came to terms that I am ready. Ideally we are looking for a lab, Nick likes chocolate and I am in different. We are looking at girls but if we see the right puppy girl or boy we will know. I am so excited to have a little bundle of energy around :o) Most of all I am excited to chase Nick around the house with the new puppy and tease him!

Tonight over dinner we were discussing dog names.We have a few ground rules when deciding a name. It can't be over three syllables and it can't be a human name. So Nick came up with Spike, Killer, and Ninja(Nick is very creative). Yes they are all great names, however, I am really not sold on Spike or Killer as a girl name. I am up for Luna, Hana (yes it is a human name) or Roxy.

This is where I need your help! If you have any ideas for girl dog names blog me!! I need your help :o) Wish us luck!
-Kim

It all clicked this morning...

2009-01-23T05:36:00.001-08:00

This morning I went for my 7 mile run, the goal of the run was just to get some turn over and loosen them up for tomorrows long run. To give you a brief background the past couple months have been up and down with my running. I finished last Tri season with some Achilles issues, got some physical therapy treatment and thought I was back to 110%. Then this winter when I started marathon training I started to get a few Achilles issues back and hip things going on. Despite my frustrations I continued to go through with my training but paying particular attention to icing,heating, stretching....etc. Last weekend I had a successful 20 miler and this week I had a dynamite track workout. However, mid week I found my legs tired, trashed and well...achy. Make a long story short I went to get a massage this week from a buddy of mine, Marvin. The entire massage I was in the what we call a 'hurt box'. My legs were a wreck as Marvin would say. After the 60 minute intense massage I felt like someone used my legs as there punching bag. I immediately guzzled 2 liters of water, thinking I have got to recover from this! The next morning I was sore, I spent time stretching, swimming and practice yoga. Today, well let's just say my legs rocked!! Like I said, "it all clicked this morning!"

After an extremely satisfying run I can hold my head high with confidence today!

Happy Friday,
Kim

My passion for Red Eye coffee!

2009-01-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

We have a new local coffee shop in town that is located perfectly near my house and my place of employment. On days I have to work at Dree & Co. http://www.dreeandco.com/pages/wellnesspa.html I build in extra time to get to the coffee shop in order to get my quick jolt of caffeinated juice. Red Eye is an unique coffee shop in that they use the chemist process to brew a cup so here I am getting: a.) fresh cup of joe. b.) a perfectly poured cup of joe.

Well I have become very addicted this type of process because it tastes that much better and I swear it has more caffeine. After my perfectly brewed cup of joe at Red Eye I am ready to tackle the world.

The Proof in the cup: After this mornings 4:45am alarm wake up, a 3000yd swim workout, a 5 mile run and weight session I am still going at 2:00pm when I usually get my mid day crash. I am wide awake, I have reorganized my cabinets at work, and well my hands are shaking.

Now I am back to work.... giving deep tissue massages.... but I will be back with some more Red Eye experiences. www.redeyeathens.com.