This week consisted different kinds of working out (more strength training and calisthenics) along with marathon training. Besides that, nothing too substantial. That almost sounds terribly boring, which I suppose it was at times, but I had fun w my workouts and running.
My stress level is at an all time low, although I've been fighting a headache for about 3 days now. There is something big going on, but until it's definite, we'll simply call it 'something big.' We shall see what God has for me.
Tomorrow I'm heading for the Delaware Water Gap w my uncle, his family and friends for a rafting excursion! I'm pretty excited, to be honest, at the thought of doing something different! I don't spend much time w my uncle and his family, so this is actually going to be special. I'm not looking forward to the early morning and long drive, but the company will be amazing, and it's bound to be a lasting memory. I'm hoping the water won't be freezing, and that our canoe doesn't tip over, but I'm prepared for what the experience brings! I'm just looking forward to the day. I'll give an update after the day is done.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Summer Vacation 2012, Week 1
This time last year, being off with nothing specific to do felt awkward and stressful. I'm not used to having a free schedule. Thankfully, Natalie came and stayed with me for a few days and not only did my days have purpose again, she and I were able to spend time together.
This summer, since camp has finished, I truthfully have felt nothing except relief. My first 6 weeks of summer were busy, stressful and exhausting. Ever since camp ended, well,these past 5 days, I have felt significantly less stressed and have honestly enjoyed each day. Most days I've had nothing to do except work out, run and clean the apartment. When I stop to think about it, that's not a bad gig. However, that kind of living can only last so long, and eventually I will grow bored of it. Thankfully, work will begin in about 3 weeks. I am hoping to have everything here in order by then.
I have to say, my first week off ended on a few high notes. Natalie got a job, I spent a good amount of time w someone I care for, and apartment searching may soon be over. God is good ... Even when I'm less than great.
Let's see what the next three and a half weeks hold ... I'm praying for all good things, but I pray no matter what, I hope God will be with me.
This summer, since camp has finished, I truthfully have felt nothing except relief. My first 6 weeks of summer were busy, stressful and exhausting. Ever since camp ended, well,these past 5 days, I have felt significantly less stressed and have honestly enjoyed each day. Most days I've had nothing to do except work out, run and clean the apartment. When I stop to think about it, that's not a bad gig. However, that kind of living can only last so long, and eventually I will grow bored of it. Thankfully, work will begin in about 3 weeks. I am hoping to have everything here in order by then.
I have to say, my first week off ended on a few high notes. Natalie got a job, I spent a good amount of time w someone I care for, and apartment searching may soon be over. God is good ... Even when I'm less than great.
Let's see what the next three and a half weeks hold ... I'm praying for all good things, but I pray no matter what, I hope God will be with me.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Iron Girl, Kristi Stewart
Our girl got it done!! Not only did Kristi complete her triathlon, but she did so in under 2:30, which was her goal!! We were so happy to cheer Kristi on along the race route at transition areas, and even happier when we found out her finish time: 2:29:02! Finishing, alone, is respectable and admirable! Doing so under your predicted time is amazing!
The weather was iffy for a while. We weren't sure if we were going to get poured on, if Kristi's bike route would become slick during her ride, etc. Thankfully, the STORM held up till our ride back. It was WILD, though. Between the traffic and the rain, I'm not sure which was worse. Thankfully, we had a mostly comedic bunch in the car, and that helped it to be an enjoyable drive.
Kristi's accomplishment is one (of many) that I admire about her. I can't say I will ever complete a tri, however, her training and dedication have motivated me to step up my own training. I enjoyed watching her complete each leg of the race with a smile, and I now feel motivated to do the same in races I complete from this point forward. She is my hero. :)
The weather was iffy for a while. We weren't sure if we were going to get poured on, if Kristi's bike route would become slick during her ride, etc. Thankfully, the STORM held up till our ride back. It was WILD, though. Between the traffic and the rain, I'm not sure which was worse. Thankfully, we had a mostly comedic bunch in the car, and that helped it to be an enjoyable drive.
Kristi's accomplishment is one (of many) that I admire about her. I can't say I will ever complete a tri, however, her training and dedication have motivated me to step up my own training. I enjoyed watching her complete each leg of the race with a smile, and I now feel motivated to do the same in races I complete from this point forward. She is my hero. :)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Iron Girl Triathlon
Here I am in Cicero, NY, to cheer Kristi on in tomorrow's triathlon. She has diligently been training for months and I'd say she is definitely PREPARED! I know the nerves are kicking in, but hopefully she'll get a good night rest for the morning. I'm so very proud of her.
Our drive up here was over 4 hours (YIKES), but it really wasn't bothersome at all. Conversation was good, and no one seemed to realize that we didn't even listen to music; we just chatted away.
Kristi and I became friends over a year ago ... In reality, not that long ago. However, our friendship is strong and she and I support each other. She is a blessing in my life, and I couldn't be happier to be part of her special day!!
Opportunities like this don't come along that often. Supporting friends and seeing the smiles that come to their faces are what make times like this more worth it than I can express with words. Let's see what fun tomorrow brings ... More triathlon news to come!!
Our drive up here was over 4 hours (YIKES), but it really wasn't bothersome at all. Conversation was good, and no one seemed to realize that we didn't even listen to music; we just chatted away.
Kristi and I became friends over a year ago ... In reality, not that long ago. However, our friendship is strong and she and I support each other. She is a blessing in my life, and I couldn't be happier to be part of her special day!!
Opportunities like this don't come along that often. Supporting friends and seeing the smiles that come to their faces are what make times like this more worth it than I can express with words. Let's see what fun tomorrow brings ... More triathlon news to come!!
Got Jim?
I've always wanted to have my own 'Got Milk?' advertisement, (yes, honestly) but the opportunity never quite presented itself. A close second was the 'Got Jim?' shirts Hedrick ordered for a select few camp staff members. I must admit, I loved wearing it, and there was much meaning, emotion and respect that went along with it. The kids were so cute to notice that 'Jess is wearing a shirt that isn't like the others today.'
Jim is, by far, the best boss I have ever worked for/with. There is no comparison. Fair, witty, patient, intelligent, caring... Those are just a few of many words I am choosing to describe him. He has been directing the Scarsdale Rec Camp for 36 years, and I've been working with/for him for 16. While they haven't been easy years, (simply because of the demands of the job) they have been educational. I've learned not to take every 'bump' at camp so seriously, and I've leaned it's okay to ask for help. I've learned to laugh at myself and with others, and I've learned how to just enjoy the little things that life presents to us daily.
I must say we were a tad bit concerned about his reaction to the shirts, but Jim being Jim, he laughed and even smiled for some photos.
Not sure what next year holds for me at camp, but I do know that the year I say good bye to him will be a very difficult one. For now, I can smile at the memory of each moment we laughed or dealt with a difficult situation together, and smile to myself as I remember him ... Just being him.
Jim is, by far, the best boss I have ever worked for/with. There is no comparison. Fair, witty, patient, intelligent, caring... Those are just a few of many words I am choosing to describe him. He has been directing the Scarsdale Rec Camp for 36 years, and I've been working with/for him for 16. While they haven't been easy years, (simply because of the demands of the job) they have been educational. I've learned not to take every 'bump' at camp so seriously, and I've leaned it's okay to ask for help. I've learned to laugh at myself and with others, and I've learned how to just enjoy the little things that life presents to us daily.
I must say we were a tad bit concerned about his reaction to the shirts, but Jim being Jim, he laughed and even smiled for some photos.
Not sure what next year holds for me at camp, but I do know that the year I say good bye to him will be a very difficult one. For now, I can smile at the memory of each moment we laughed or dealt with a difficult situation together, and smile to myself as I remember him ... Just being him.
Another Camp Season Behind Me
Yesterday was the official end to the Camp Sagamore summer of 2012. After everything was said and done, we had a successful year. Yes, there were glitches and of course bumps, but at the end of the day, everyone was safe and the kids went home smiling.
I wish I had taken part in the festivities of our final day. We had Camp Olympics in the morning, and everyone came in READY TO PLAY!! The odd number groups wore RED and the even number groups wore BLUE. The children participated in relay races and obstacles that were coordinated (mostly) by our sports staff. It was truly an exciting sight to witness. After lunch pool, some weepiness and poor behavior, the day ended with an awesome DJ and emcee. The kids danced, sang and seemed to forget about the heat, and silly drama, for a short while. I spent most of the day cleaning up and preparing for our final day (sans kids) on Monday. Thankfully, most of our belongings were already taken. Hopefully, Monday will go smoothly and we can be dismissed by noon. *Fingers crossed!*
This summer at camp had its higher and lows, just like anything else. I don't regret one moment, and feel like I did the best I could. Yes, of course even I have things I can improve upon if I had the chance to do it over, but I think I will take it all in and relive each pleasant memory. I'll also take these next few weeks to just enjoy what's left of my summer however I can.
I wish I had taken part in the festivities of our final day. We had Camp Olympics in the morning, and everyone came in READY TO PLAY!! The odd number groups wore RED and the even number groups wore BLUE. The children participated in relay races and obstacles that were coordinated (mostly) by our sports staff. It was truly an exciting sight to witness. After lunch pool, some weepiness and poor behavior, the day ended with an awesome DJ and emcee. The kids danced, sang and seemed to forget about the heat, and silly drama, for a short while. I spent most of the day cleaning up and preparing for our final day (sans kids) on Monday. Thankfully, most of our belongings were already taken. Hopefully, Monday will go smoothly and we can be dismissed by noon. *Fingers crossed!*
This summer at camp had its higher and lows, just like anything else. I don't regret one moment, and feel like I did the best I could. Yes, of course even I have things I can improve upon if I had the chance to do it over, but I think I will take it all in and relive each pleasant memory. I'll also take these next few weeks to just enjoy what's left of my summer however I can.
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