My 49th year

You all have heard me talk about my Aunt Mary.  She live two blocks from my house.  Growing up I spent a lot of time with her.  Most Saturdays she would press my hair and I would help her snap beans and prepare for Sunday dinner.  I would ride my bike over to visit and I even drove over to rescue my Cousin Rose on her wedding day, because my Aunt Mary called and said come and get her.  You see my Aunt Mary is the best.  She is the most kind, loving, generous and God loving person you would ever meet.  She always called me "little one".  Tonight we celebrated her 80th birthday.  It was a wonderful celebration of love, family and friends.  I got to see most my village.  My day care provider, who taught us that we are special and unique, Mrs. Slaughter.  Mrs. Shelton who taught me how to skate and who made the best cakes ever.  Mrs. Wilson, who let us cut through her yard to get to my Aunta house.  The McDaniels who worr...

It been 34 years since I have been to LA.  The last time is was there was in 1984.  I was 15 years old.  I was a rising sophomore and just started to wear glasses.  I was starting really become who I am today.  I had just spent several weeks in the big horn mountains of Wyoming at girl scouts of America national center west.  It was an awesome experience of survival, leadership and learning.  I admit I was totally in my feelings as we landed.  Most of my LA relatives have gone home to God.  But I have fond memories of the times I was in LA.

Had a dream last night that the country was divided again .   In some states people of color were able to move freely, able to speak their mind and fight for what was right.  In other states, it was segregation  all over again, we couldn't even walk on the same side of the street as "white " person.  I was educating a group of tourist before we traveled the US on what to expect.  And how to stay safe and make it back alive.  I woke up feeling frustrated by the racial hatred, the sin of  institutional racism, and all the ills that still plague the US.  I don't understand those leaders that continue to call themselves Catholic / christian/or religious, but their actions and legislation completely go against Social Justice teaching.  That will be an interesting pearly gates conversation.

Had a Sunday off and visited Westminster Presbyterian church.  The music was a wonderful mix of traditional anthems and Swedish folk music.  The sermon was very thought provoking.  It was center's around the fact the Sarah laughed when the messenger told Abraham that she would bare a son.  It was  a mix of joy yet sadness because she had waited so long.  God will do things in God's time.  I kept thinking how many time I have told people my name is not Sarah.  Anyway, did 9.2 miles today.  I really felt it.  My feet hurt.  I really need to get new shoes.  But I made it. 

Yeah, my body is saying what the hell.  I think the trainer though I was crazy at first, but she got all into.  By the second lap, I was hurting and thinking what the hell did I get myself into.  There are parts of my body never hurt before.  Quite frankly, it the feeling of accomplishment that keeps me going, when I know I want to quit. 

Well, the day has come.  Happy 49th birthday.  I had a blast at happy hour.  I have a feeling 49 will be great. 

Who knew that if you are a Caribou perks member you get a free birthday drink.  Just found out when I stopped by after doing 7 miles on the in door track today.  Although we were inside, it was still brutal.  That equals to walking for 2.4 hours straight.  My feet hurt and at different points in time my legs, butt, and toes hurt; but the enforcer kept me going with words of encouragement even when I was grouchy.  And boy was I grouchy during the last hour or so.  Note to self, can't really eat a full meal less than an hour to walking.  Yep,  burping up bacon the entire walk.  Now, I'm sitting on the patio enjoying the breeze listening to my chimes, enjoying the hot weather.  Almost like my own personal sauna.  I am thankful for all God, my Parents, family and friends have done for me and continue to do for me.  Lift is good and this year will be even better.