The sun was shining this morning, it was about 80 degrees with relatively low humidity comparable to the sweltering temps we had earlier this week. Today called for an 8 miler on the Valley Forge loop which is about 5 miles - so we did an extra 1.5 on the loop and turned around to head back. I'd say approximately 70% of this loop are hills (both up and down). So not only was I about to embark on the longest run i've done since the marathon 8 months ago - it was going to be 8 miles of hills.
Jim, the guy I ran the 21 mile training run with last year, rejoined the group today. So we started out together. For about the first 20 minutes, we chatted, catching up and talking about our running goals this year. Then, we got into our silent groove - him pulling me along ever slow slightly. 4 miles in, I started telling him that I picked up the book about "The Secret". Several of my friends are reading it and have encouraged me to pick up a copy. So I did this week and have only read a chapter so far.
What i've read so far is what i've always heard and known - to think positively - throw positive thoughts out into the universe and let it come back to you. It makes sense and it doesn't hurt anyone to try it. And those who have been following this blog for the past year know that I battle several mental demons when it comes to running (as well as other things).
So today was the time to put this into practice. Hills are brutal - my shins hurt and my achilles flare up and my lungs burn. But I couldn't think about that, otherwise this was going to be a long 8 miles. So I shared my thoughts with Jim, telling him I needed to think positively about hills to get me to the top. It worked for a little while. Telling myself "I love hills" and "I'm feeling great" and the like. This lasted until we neared the end of the loop and I looked at the trail that disappeared off in the distance going up to the right. This hill just kept going and going - I estimate it was a good 3/4 mile climb or so. I couldn't ignore my shin flare up anymore, so I slowed to a walk - telling Jim to go ahead.
Once I got to the top of the hill, I started to run again and vowed not to stop - it was now just out and back and I knew the terrain i'd be going over now - only 2 more significant but shorter hills. I could handle that. Practicing the secret is going to take some time and i'm sure i'll understand more after completing more chapters. I'm still happy with how my run went this morning - i'm working my way back to being me again.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
My First Triathlon - I Did It!!
Remember how I woke up before my alarm the morning of my first marathon? Yeah, well that didn't happen this time. My alarm went off at 4 am and I was snooze happy for 15 minutes. I was half asleep driving in the dark to fairmount park. In the 10 minute walk from where I parked my car to the transition area, the sun started to rise. Before I could enter the transition area, I had to be marked on my arms with my race number and on the back of my right calf with my age.
As I find my rack in the transition area, I was happy to discover that Beth (we have another Beth as a mutual friend) was assigned to the same rack as I was. She has done a few sprint triathlons before - this was her first Olympic distance. So after setting up our spots in the transition area and pumping more air into our bike tires, we grabbed our wetsuits and headed to the shuttle bus that would take us to the start of the swim wave.
Everything happened so fast this morning. But I was relatively calm the whole time - until the moment my swim wave was called to the dock. Then, I wanted to vomit. I couldn't believe this day was here. So we jumped into the 74 degree waters of the schukyll river, and I swam out to the center and hung out towards the back until they sounded the horn.
The Swim
I wait a few moments for the swimmers in front of me to go, then I try to kick myself to level out and start my freestyle stroke. Every time I tried, I got a foot in my face or arms and felt arms on the back of my legs. I put my face in the water and could only see a cloudy mess - it made me clausterphobic. I couldn't get my swim going and had an incredibly hard time catching my breath. Basically, I was just freaking out. So I turned over onto my back and started kicking, hoping I could catch my breath, let the field spread out a bit so I had more space, then i'd get into my swim rhythm.
It took me a few hundred yards to finally get into my freestyle rhythm and in the time I had dropped pretty far behind my field of female swimmers ages 25 - 34. Five minutes after my wave started was the male 35-39 age group - they are terrifying! In these few hundred yards that I was losing ground, they were gaining on me. Somehow, I pulled myself together and started swimming like I knew I could.
I was in the third wave after the pros. The 1st wave was men over 55, women over 45, and athenas (women of any age over 150 lbs.) They wore red swim caps. The second wave were men 30-34 in the orange cap, and my wave were green caps. The wave behind mine wore light blue swim caps. More than halfway through the almost mile long swim, I found I had caught up to quite a few green cappers in the back of my wave. A few red and orange caps were still swimming around as well - and some of the faster light blue caps had made it to this group. There were two red capped women somewhat floating in the center. It sounded like one of them wanted to give up and the other was there to make sure she was ok. I slowed down as I swam by and tried to offer some words of encouragement - saying they were more than halfway there and even if they just floated the current would eventually take them to the end.
I purposefully didn't wear a watch this race so I had no idea how long the swim took me - but it felt like it was much longer than it should had been given my ability. Didn't matter - I now had to focus on a quick transition and clean bike start.
The Bike
As I was taking off my wetsuit and trying to get my gear on for the bike, my body was shaking. Not out of nerves, just shaking maybe from the adrenaline and from being in a horizontal position for probably more than a half hour then all of the sudden running. Nevermind that, I just needed to focus on the next portion of the Tri. As I came to the rack, Beth was already there, finishing up getting her stuff on to start the bike - so I wished her luck.
All of the sudden, I hear my name called from the group of people standing just outside the transition area watching - and I saw my mother. Then I saw Beth and Jenna cheering for me with their signs. I couldn't help but smile and that got me pumped and ready to tackle this bike course.
I came out of transition and was about to mount my bike when I heard Ricardo scream my name as well. What a difference it makes having people who know you there, cheering you on. So with that, off I went. I didn't turn on my computer - I didn't want to know my cadence or my rpms. I stayed in the small ring and mostly in the middle of the cassette in the back. I had to last 25 miles and I didn't want to risk my chain popping off or my legs fatiguing too early. I still had a 10K to run afterwards as well as 8 climbs during this race.
About a half mile into the bike course was the first climb. I shifted to an easy gear and just pedaled as fast I could. It was tiring, but still, I managed to pass quite a few people during this climb and didn't have to get off to walk the bike up like a few people had to do. After surviving this first climb and then enjoying a nice descent that would help my legs recover, I vowed to make sure I rode up every climb - I was NOT going to get off my bike at any point and walk - no matter what it took.
The field was pretty spread out on the bike portion so I never felt too crowded. I stayed mostly to the right to let people pass me. I just wanted to finish cleanly. Towards the end of the first loop, rode past Craig Alexander, the world champion who eventually won this race, while he was halfway through his run. Knowing that the pros were now on their run, I slowly down a bit to see where my coach (who is also a professional) was. I spotted him and screamed his name as I rode by.
The pushed myself a little bit more on the second loop but not too much. It was just easier knowing what to expect the time around - how long the climbs and descents were and where the sharp turns would be. I finished in one piece - and now was time for the homestretch. The 10K run - this should be a piece of cake.
The Run
The second transition was much faster for me. All I had to do was rack my bike and change my shoes. Just as I run out, Beth and Jenna were there, holding there signs and cheering - so I high fived them as I passed. After getting off the grass and hitting the pavement, it hit me again. My shins and achilles started to flare up. Not Again!!! "There is no way you are going to walk any portion of these 6 miles" I told myself. I was shuffling along - I honestly probably could have speed walked faster. The pain was almost to the point of unbearable - but this was it - this was the homestretch - I had to finish and finish on a high note.
Just before the two mile mark, someone ran past me grunting, and I realized it was my friend John-Paul who I shouted too. We ran a few steps together - both in pain - gave a few words of encouragement, and he went ahead. Just past the 2 mile mark my legs started to flush out the pain and I felt like I could pick up the pace a bit. I ran past Beth and Jenna again who told me I looked great. I told them "I think i'll run a marathon now" jokingly. But honestly, I was feeling pretty good at that point.
A little bit further along, around the 3 mile mark I passed Jessi, my goddaughter Kate, and Dave, walking towards the finish line (there were two turnarounds on the run course). Also around that time my mother and Harvey rode up on there bikes on the outside of the run lane. They rode by me while I was running for probably close to two miles. I was feeling good and started picking up the pace a bit. I was able to have a conversation with my mother and harvey while running, which means I was running too slowly for a race effort. But, I really didn't care. My goal was just to finish and gain the confidence of having a Tri like this under my belt. So about a half mile before the finish, I told them to ride ahead and i'd see them at the finish line.
Then, I went into high gear, sprinting to the end. It was such an awesome feeling to cross that finish line and getting to see Jessi, Beth, Jenna, and my mom. I had so much energy, I felt like I could've kept going. Nothing was really in pain. It ended up taking me 3 and a half hours - and honestly, with putting such little effort into it, I could have done it closer to 3 hours with my ability level at this point in time. But it doesn't matter. That was the purpose of this. Now I know what to expect. Now I know I can do it. And now i'll be able to put together more of a race strategy for the 3 sprint triathlons i'm doing this summer (the next one is back in fairmount park in 2 weeks - yes, I know i'm a bit of a glutton for punishment. I blame Ricardo for this one - he convinced me to do it).
Words can't describe how grateful and appreciative I am of the support my friends have given me - especially Beth and Jenna for yet again waking up early on a Sunday morning to give me support during another one of my "First" endurance races as well as the sound advice and encouragement Ricardo had given me in the weeks leading up to the race. And for those of you out there who questioned my decision and my ability to complete an Olympic Distance triathlon on my first pass - Ha! I told you I could do it!
As I find my rack in the transition area, I was happy to discover that Beth (we have another Beth as a mutual friend) was assigned to the same rack as I was. She has done a few sprint triathlons before - this was her first Olympic distance. So after setting up our spots in the transition area and pumping more air into our bike tires, we grabbed our wetsuits and headed to the shuttle bus that would take us to the start of the swim wave.
Everything happened so fast this morning. But I was relatively calm the whole time - until the moment my swim wave was called to the dock. Then, I wanted to vomit. I couldn't believe this day was here. So we jumped into the 74 degree waters of the schukyll river, and I swam out to the center and hung out towards the back until they sounded the horn.
The Swim
I wait a few moments for the swimmers in front of me to go, then I try to kick myself to level out and start my freestyle stroke. Every time I tried, I got a foot in my face or arms and felt arms on the back of my legs. I put my face in the water and could only see a cloudy mess - it made me clausterphobic. I couldn't get my swim going and had an incredibly hard time catching my breath. Basically, I was just freaking out. So I turned over onto my back and started kicking, hoping I could catch my breath, let the field spread out a bit so I had more space, then i'd get into my swim rhythm.
It took me a few hundred yards to finally get into my freestyle rhythm and in the time I had dropped pretty far behind my field of female swimmers ages 25 - 34. Five minutes after my wave started was the male 35-39 age group - they are terrifying! In these few hundred yards that I was losing ground, they were gaining on me. Somehow, I pulled myself together and started swimming like I knew I could.
I was in the third wave after the pros. The 1st wave was men over 55, women over 45, and athenas (women of any age over 150 lbs.) They wore red swim caps. The second wave were men 30-34 in the orange cap, and my wave were green caps. The wave behind mine wore light blue swim caps. More than halfway through the almost mile long swim, I found I had caught up to quite a few green cappers in the back of my wave. A few red and orange caps were still swimming around as well - and some of the faster light blue caps had made it to this group. There were two red capped women somewhat floating in the center. It sounded like one of them wanted to give up and the other was there to make sure she was ok. I slowed down as I swam by and tried to offer some words of encouragement - saying they were more than halfway there and even if they just floated the current would eventually take them to the end.
I purposefully didn't wear a watch this race so I had no idea how long the swim took me - but it felt like it was much longer than it should had been given my ability. Didn't matter - I now had to focus on a quick transition and clean bike start.
The Bike
As I was taking off my wetsuit and trying to get my gear on for the bike, my body was shaking. Not out of nerves, just shaking maybe from the adrenaline and from being in a horizontal position for probably more than a half hour then all of the sudden running. Nevermind that, I just needed to focus on the next portion of the Tri. As I came to the rack, Beth was already there, finishing up getting her stuff on to start the bike - so I wished her luck.
All of the sudden, I hear my name called from the group of people standing just outside the transition area watching - and I saw my mother. Then I saw Beth and Jenna cheering for me with their signs. I couldn't help but smile and that got me pumped and ready to tackle this bike course.
I came out of transition and was about to mount my bike when I heard Ricardo scream my name as well. What a difference it makes having people who know you there, cheering you on. So with that, off I went. I didn't turn on my computer - I didn't want to know my cadence or my rpms. I stayed in the small ring and mostly in the middle of the cassette in the back. I had to last 25 miles and I didn't want to risk my chain popping off or my legs fatiguing too early. I still had a 10K to run afterwards as well as 8 climbs during this race.
About a half mile into the bike course was the first climb. I shifted to an easy gear and just pedaled as fast I could. It was tiring, but still, I managed to pass quite a few people during this climb and didn't have to get off to walk the bike up like a few people had to do. After surviving this first climb and then enjoying a nice descent that would help my legs recover, I vowed to make sure I rode up every climb - I was NOT going to get off my bike at any point and walk - no matter what it took.
The field was pretty spread out on the bike portion so I never felt too crowded. I stayed mostly to the right to let people pass me. I just wanted to finish cleanly. Towards the end of the first loop, rode past Craig Alexander, the world champion who eventually won this race, while he was halfway through his run. Knowing that the pros were now on their run, I slowly down a bit to see where my coach (who is also a professional) was. I spotted him and screamed his name as I rode by.
The pushed myself a little bit more on the second loop but not too much. It was just easier knowing what to expect the time around - how long the climbs and descents were and where the sharp turns would be. I finished in one piece - and now was time for the homestretch. The 10K run - this should be a piece of cake.
The Run
The second transition was much faster for me. All I had to do was rack my bike and change my shoes. Just as I run out, Beth and Jenna were there, holding there signs and cheering - so I high fived them as I passed. After getting off the grass and hitting the pavement, it hit me again. My shins and achilles started to flare up. Not Again!!! "There is no way you are going to walk any portion of these 6 miles" I told myself. I was shuffling along - I honestly probably could have speed walked faster. The pain was almost to the point of unbearable - but this was it - this was the homestretch - I had to finish and finish on a high note.
Just before the two mile mark, someone ran past me grunting, and I realized it was my friend John-Paul who I shouted too. We ran a few steps together - both in pain - gave a few words of encouragement, and he went ahead. Just past the 2 mile mark my legs started to flush out the pain and I felt like I could pick up the pace a bit. I ran past Beth and Jenna again who told me I looked great. I told them "I think i'll run a marathon now" jokingly. But honestly, I was feeling pretty good at that point.
A little bit further along, around the 3 mile mark I passed Jessi, my goddaughter Kate, and Dave, walking towards the finish line (there were two turnarounds on the run course). Also around that time my mother and Harvey rode up on there bikes on the outside of the run lane. They rode by me while I was running for probably close to two miles. I was feeling good and started picking up the pace a bit. I was able to have a conversation with my mother and harvey while running, which means I was running too slowly for a race effort. But, I really didn't care. My goal was just to finish and gain the confidence of having a Tri like this under my belt. So about a half mile before the finish, I told them to ride ahead and i'd see them at the finish line.
Then, I went into high gear, sprinting to the end. It was such an awesome feeling to cross that finish line and getting to see Jessi, Beth, Jenna, and my mom. I had so much energy, I felt like I could've kept going. Nothing was really in pain. It ended up taking me 3 and a half hours - and honestly, with putting such little effort into it, I could have done it closer to 3 hours with my ability level at this point in time. But it doesn't matter. That was the purpose of this. Now I know what to expect. Now I know I can do it. And now i'll be able to put together more of a race strategy for the 3 sprint triathlons i'm doing this summer (the next one is back in fairmount park in 2 weeks - yes, I know i'm a bit of a glutton for punishment. I blame Ricardo for this one - he convinced me to do it).
Words can't describe how grateful and appreciative I am of the support my friends have given me - especially Beth and Jenna for yet again waking up early on a Sunday morning to give me support during another one of my "First" endurance races as well as the sound advice and encouragement Ricardo had given me in the weeks leading up to the race. And for those of you out there who questioned my decision and my ability to complete an Olympic Distance triathlon on my first pass - Ha! I told you I could do it!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Nervous Energy
24 hours from now, I should be celebrating in the post-race tent after finishing my first triathlon. I'm in disbelief that this time has actually come. When I started training back in February, completely out of shape and still very much injured, the only thing that comforted me was knowing I had alot of time on my hands to get there.
Training in the beginning was emotionally tough on me. Even though I biked as a child and have always known how to swim, I haven't done it on this kind of level before. I was (still am) a novice at those two sports. I felt confident in my running ability yet wasn't able to really run because of my injury. But in the past five months, I found I had a talent for swimming, learned that I have alot more work to do with cycling, and have come away injury free and able to handle a 10K run again.
I've also lost 15 pounds in the last 2 months - I was going for 20 and i'll reach that goal - maybe in time for my 2nd or 3rd Tri this summer.
I watched the Sprint race this morning to learn more about what to expect tomorrow. I also knew and trained with a few people who decided to enter this race instead of the Olympic one i'm doing tomorrow. I watched the first few triathletes come out of the water. Observed how they set up their spot in the transition area. Saw how they mounted and dismounted their bikes to start and end the bike portion and ran back into the transition area for the run. I followed the leaders in the beginning. Overall, the athletes seemed to be fairly spread out thanks to the different wave starts and ability levels. I can only hope it is the same tomorrow, although, there will be at least 3 times as many triathletes participating in the olympic distance race.
Talking with coaches and others who have participated in tris before has helped calm my nerves. There is one person in particular who has given me tremendous support through encouraging words and workouts. Again, just as with the marathon, this is something I couldn't have done alone.
So i'm nervous - but i'm excited. I'm not going to wear a watch. I don't want to get caught up in my time. I just want to enjoy the experience and run (and swim and bike) my race. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Training in the beginning was emotionally tough on me. Even though I biked as a child and have always known how to swim, I haven't done it on this kind of level before. I was (still am) a novice at those two sports. I felt confident in my running ability yet wasn't able to really run because of my injury. But in the past five months, I found I had a talent for swimming, learned that I have alot more work to do with cycling, and have come away injury free and able to handle a 10K run again.
I've also lost 15 pounds in the last 2 months - I was going for 20 and i'll reach that goal - maybe in time for my 2nd or 3rd Tri this summer.
I watched the Sprint race this morning to learn more about what to expect tomorrow. I also knew and trained with a few people who decided to enter this race instead of the Olympic one i'm doing tomorrow. I watched the first few triathletes come out of the water. Observed how they set up their spot in the transition area. Saw how they mounted and dismounted their bikes to start and end the bike portion and ran back into the transition area for the run. I followed the leaders in the beginning. Overall, the athletes seemed to be fairly spread out thanks to the different wave starts and ability levels. I can only hope it is the same tomorrow, although, there will be at least 3 times as many triathletes participating in the olympic distance race.
Talking with coaches and others who have participated in tris before has helped calm my nerves. There is one person in particular who has given me tremendous support through encouraging words and workouts. Again, just as with the marathon, this is something I couldn't have done alone.
So i'm nervous - but i'm excited. I'm not going to wear a watch. I don't want to get caught up in my time. I just want to enjoy the experience and run (and swim and bike) my race. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Summer of Nicole Kickoff Weekend
When I was a young single women in my early 20s, living in NYC, I had quite the social life. I was always out (or in with 10 or so of my closest friends), never a dull moment - didn't care about what I ate or drank, or what time I went to bed or woke up in the morning. I was my own little rockstar.
All that changed when I became a homeowner and a full-time professional with responsibilities as well as a graduate student. Well, for the next few weeks, I can try to recapture some of the old glory of my somewhat younger years as I take this time off between jobs. So at 5 pm on June 8th, when I left my office on South Broad Street for the last time, I hit the bar around the corner with some co-workers and friends.
After 5 malibu bay breezes and 1 bacardi and coke at 3 bars, It was 11 pm and I was a bit on the tipsy side. This is when it hit me - i'm old. I can't hang like this anymore, especially on a Friday when i'd been up since 6 that morning. So those of us that were left called it a night.
Saturday morning I went out to breakfast with mom and we went on some home improvement shopping. The afternoon I lounged by the pool, working on that golden tan i'm determined to get during my time off. It took me awhile to get my act together and I made it Beth's house in time to then hit The Wall in Manayunk for the Suicide Run at midnight.
For those who aren't familiar, The Wall is a 17% grade climb that lasts about a half mile or so that is part of the 156 mile bike race in Philadelphia each June. The pros tackle the Wall 10 times throughout the six hours they are racing. The night before the race, drunk coeds ride down the wall in makeshift vehicles with wheels. This year, however, the cops shut it down. I had never witnessed the Suicide Run first hand so I was disappointed. After hanging out for a bit, with the crowds and the cops, Beth and I retired for the night.
First thing the next morning, I was on a train back to Manayunk (parking was not going to be an option) to meet up with my friend Coleen and some of her other friends for breakfast - then a walk over to a party at someone's house along the course. If you're going to drink before noon (which apparently, I was this Bike Race Sunday), you have to go with a mimosa or bloody mary - so Col whipped up a mean bloody mary for me...and the day commenced.
I met so many random, friendly people - ran into others I knew from my high school days. Got to see the pros ride by me and tried to observe their technique (riding on the saddle, off the saddle, hands in the drops, hands on the hoods - pedaling at high cadence or just gliding). By the time I got home that evening, I felt like I had been hit by a mack truck. I had probably consumed more alcohol this weekend than I have in the entire past 2 years or so of my life. So what do you do when you've tortured your body the way I had this weekend?
You run of course. I set out on an easy paced hour long run in my neighborhood. I started so slowly that I gradually picked up the pace throughout the run - which is ideal. It eventually leads to a negative split. I felt amazing by the end - it was one of the best runs i've had in the past few months.
This was the perfect weekend to kick off my break between jobs - and a much needed one. I don't think I could keep up with the drinking and honestly, I don't want to. Not the best thing to due two weeks out from a race. Nonetheless, I had a great time - thanks to all my friends who helped celebrate my freedom.
All that changed when I became a homeowner and a full-time professional with responsibilities as well as a graduate student. Well, for the next few weeks, I can try to recapture some of the old glory of my somewhat younger years as I take this time off between jobs. So at 5 pm on June 8th, when I left my office on South Broad Street for the last time, I hit the bar around the corner with some co-workers and friends.
After 5 malibu bay breezes and 1 bacardi and coke at 3 bars, It was 11 pm and I was a bit on the tipsy side. This is when it hit me - i'm old. I can't hang like this anymore, especially on a Friday when i'd been up since 6 that morning. So those of us that were left called it a night.
Saturday morning I went out to breakfast with mom and we went on some home improvement shopping. The afternoon I lounged by the pool, working on that golden tan i'm determined to get during my time off. It took me awhile to get my act together and I made it Beth's house in time to then hit The Wall in Manayunk for the Suicide Run at midnight.
For those who aren't familiar, The Wall is a 17% grade climb that lasts about a half mile or so that is part of the 156 mile bike race in Philadelphia each June. The pros tackle the Wall 10 times throughout the six hours they are racing. The night before the race, drunk coeds ride down the wall in makeshift vehicles with wheels. This year, however, the cops shut it down. I had never witnessed the Suicide Run first hand so I was disappointed. After hanging out for a bit, with the crowds and the cops, Beth and I retired for the night.
First thing the next morning, I was on a train back to Manayunk (parking was not going to be an option) to meet up with my friend Coleen and some of her other friends for breakfast - then a walk over to a party at someone's house along the course. If you're going to drink before noon (which apparently, I was this Bike Race Sunday), you have to go with a mimosa or bloody mary - so Col whipped up a mean bloody mary for me...and the day commenced.
I met so many random, friendly people - ran into others I knew from my high school days. Got to see the pros ride by me and tried to observe their technique (riding on the saddle, off the saddle, hands in the drops, hands on the hoods - pedaling at high cadence or just gliding). By the time I got home that evening, I felt like I had been hit by a mack truck. I had probably consumed more alcohol this weekend than I have in the entire past 2 years or so of my life. So what do you do when you've tortured your body the way I had this weekend?
You run of course. I set out on an easy paced hour long run in my neighborhood. I started so slowly that I gradually picked up the pace throughout the run - which is ideal. It eventually leads to a negative split. I felt amazing by the end - it was one of the best runs i've had in the past few months.
This was the perfect weekend to kick off my break between jobs - and a much needed one. I don't think I could keep up with the drinking and honestly, I don't want to. Not the best thing to due two weeks out from a race. Nonetheless, I had a great time - thanks to all my friends who helped celebrate my freedom.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Thanks Nina!
My friend Nina has shared with me the following:
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body
changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts.
They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest
woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life
does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she
handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas
tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll
miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a
life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually
make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what
you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body
changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts.
They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest
woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life
does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she
handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas
tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll
miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a
life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually
make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what
you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Phew..That was a close one!!
It was the end of the work day on Friday and I would be kidding myself if I thought I would actually get anything work-related accomplished. So I logged onto Philly.com to see what was happening in our little world. The first pictured story's headline was something to the effect of "4,000 years for season tickets". I clicked on the story which was about the 60,000 people on the Eagles season ticket waiting list and considering the fact about 15 (give or take a few) new people each year get a season ticket plan, it could take close to 4,000 years for your name to come up.
This sent me into a panic. My first payment was due sometime back in March and the balance for my season tickets was due sometime the beginning of June. I had gotten a statement but had plenty of time to pay it, so I didn't make payment right away. It was now June 1st, and I had totally forgotten that this was due at this time.
The fact that I even have Eagles season tickets is due to divine intervention as far as i'm concerned. The story goes like so:
My father had season tickets dating back to the 60s when the Eagles were still playing at Franklin Field. I have such fond memories of going to see the Birds kick some cowgirls butts with my father growing up at the Vet. In 1994, my father passed away and I moved to New York for college. My mother, who is the farthest thing from being a sports fan, decided it was OK not to renew our Eagles season tickets. (I still yell at her to this day for this decision.) This was the late 90s, just before McNabb came on board. When I graduated college and actually made enough money to buy tickets to the games, the Eagles started showing some life, and I would have to go to great lengths to try to get game tickets. Often, I spent more time seeing them on the road because the tickets were easier to get.
Then, one day in early 2004, as I was sitting at my desk as the General Manager of an off-broadway theater in New York, I got a bizarre phone call. It was from a person who claimed to be a big shot in the Philadelphia Eagles Office and was calling on behalf of the owners. Ha - clearly, someone is playing a joke on me because they know that I bleed Eagles green. Our conversation continues and this guy isn't faltering in his story. His purpose of the call was to see if he could get tickets for a sold-out hit that was running at my theater for Christina Lurie - the wife of Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie. It turns out she's a huge theater buff. Who knew?
This person had no idea that I happened to be one of the biggest Eagles fans of all time. I excitedly told him my story - about my father, and the road trips and he shared his stories (he's been with the organization since 1960!). We totally hit it off and by the end of the phone call he said "I like you - i'm going to see what I could do for you." He just thought it was so cool that he called this random theater in NY and got this huge Eagles fan on the other line that doesn't quite fit the stereotypical mold. After a few more phone calls that day, I had season tickets again!
I still have his email and his cell phone - he still works with the Eagles and we keep in touch. We still haven't met in person but someday, I hope we will! So this will be my third season with these season tickets - and I was so close to losing them because of my stupid procrastination! Luckily, the deadline is Monday, June 4th and I was able to make instant payment over the internet. Phew! That really was a close one!
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