Grateful.

Grateful for family and friends rich in human connection.

Here A.J. and Levi discuss whether this truck that is being pulled out of ashes is, indeed, dirty.

Meanwhile..uncles discuss politics. My parents catch up with the boys...and Brian and Angee share this link
 http://www.day7photography.com/2012/11/brian-angee-engaged-lady-bird-lake-engagement-session-austin-engagement-photographer/

with all of us..which I then shared on facebook...and here..you know..just in case you didn't catch it on facebook..because..well..I'm a tad excitable that way.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

From Couch to 1/2 Marathon?

Okay. I admit it. Sometimes I hear things coming out of my face and think...What?! Did an alien just invade my body and say that?

So it should come as no surprise to myself (or anyone who has seen this phenomenon happen around me) that I made a bet with my Odyssey of the Mind teams. A very stupid one.

I was with a group of Teens from the Teen Center (many of whom happened to be on our OM teams) at the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon registration. As we spent the day registering one runner after another, I became greatly inspired by all these women who were registering. Some were long time runners...others this was there first marathon. Me? I was filling their forms and drinking my Dr. Pepper while a Babe Ruth in my face.

During our down times the teens and I would discuss these women. We discussed the importance of setting goals and leaving our comfort zones..and then, of course, came the inevitable well how about you ms. nicole? When was the last time you did that?. I mean really?! They are (gasp) not supposed to hold me accountable. Dang kids.

And then it happened..the alien invasion thing. I heard myself saying..I'll tell you what...if BOTH O.M. teams make it to state finals...I'll run the 1/2...1/2 did you hear me 1/2 not whole ..marathon next year.

Fabien..one of our highschool teens offered to up the anty himself with It's a deal! I'll run with you. ..(he's a runner)and I tell you what. If we make it to Worlds 1 team..not 2....I'll run the whole thing! I assured him I would NOT run the whole thing with him. We shook on it..publicly..in front of the whole darn world..or actually..the Colosseum full of runners...and even worse? One of the teens filmed it on his phone.

When I returned home..I thought. No biggie. I've got time. I'll just start practicing now. I ran 1/2 a mile and walked 1/2 a mile. I could not breathe. Big B called me Forest Gump..I made unpleasant gestures to him..and continued huffing and puffing. It is now a week later..and I still. can't. breathe.

So instead I went on facebook and asked if anyone wanted to join me in the Dirty Girls Mud Run in Austin in March (I figured I should start small). And you know what? Some of my college friends from a gazillion (that's the academician in me speaking) years ago are coming to join me. How cool is that?

Now..there is the little problem of breathing. My friend Christy suggested looking at Couch to 5 K. I..think I am going to follow her footsteps and start this on December 1st. Why? Because I like my couch..thankyou very much. I have spent a lot of time on the couch this past weekend...watching Star Trek, and School of Rock..and The Proposal...and Date Night. It's nice and cozy there and I don't want to leave it! Also? I like the frozen pizza and the Dr. Pepper that come with it. Dang aliens..what were they thinking letting my face make such a ridiculous promise!

I checked out the sight...and one of the first things I saw was an article on 8 ways to overcome embarassment of running in public. I thought...wow..how did they know? So...I think if this site is starting with such helpful hints as this? There might be hope after all.

So here I am..holding my breath (what's left of it anyways) and mentally gearing myself to do this couch to 5 K thing. Then..are you ready for it? The 5K to 1/2 marathon thing. I think it can happen. I really do.

And just for the record, that's Nicole talking, not the alien.

November Already?

November has arrived in stealth mode. How did this happen? Big B lit the fireplace this a.m. What are you doing? I asked him. It's going to get hot later.

It's November, he answered. As if that was an explanation in itself. I was about to argue that it wasn't...and then it hit me. Holy Moly..it's November already. October came and went in a blur of business..and now we are settling into Fall/Winter...and the holidays that come with it.

 Tomorrow I drag the Austen boy to work with me to help prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for 300+ people. Next week we get to celebrate Thanksgiving here at home with a handful of family and friends.

I am really looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

I have decided to take a little reprieve from Kairos and most other outside commitments. I way over-committed last month and hit near insanity. I am continuing as a chapel volunteer at the prison every other week. Other than that? Work and home. I am looking forward to the freedom of really engaging in work and family life, not feel pulled in a zillion directions. I want to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

That said. We are bringing Odyssey of the Mind ( i know..not a simple pleasure..only organized chaos) to the Teen Center. Which reminds me.. I saw this short film today. The Adventures of a Box.

http://vimeo.com/25239728

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.