Bikers

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday. I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall. I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant. But you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief. I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. But you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window. I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless. I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love. I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none. I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart. I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family. I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane. I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me. I saw you reading the map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn. I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date. I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me trying to turn right. I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road. I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there. I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off. I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me....

I have a lot of friends who ride. My dad rode. I hope to learn to ride soon. It always amazes me how people react to someone who rides. Personally, I am thankful for loud pipes and love the thunder as they come rolling down the highway. I try really hard to be aware of any bikes around me and give them adequate space. Occassionally, I do roll my eyes at what a biker is wearing but it usually because they lack appropriate leathers. I have been lucky enough to have never lost anyone to a bike accident and I continue to pray that I never do.

Good Morning....

Sometimes, it is worth getting up at 6am.....

I just really like this picture.

Hospital HIll Run 5k

This was my third year doing the Hospital Hill Run. I chose to do the 5k. I was able to run some of it this year and beat last year's time by a full 2 minutes.

A nurse's nutrition definitions

“100 Calorie Pack” — Whatever can fit in one hand.

“Breakfast” – the most important meal of the day, even if it comes at 1 pm and you started work at 7 am.

“Lunch” — will probably be your “dinner” as well, if you are lucky. Hope you brought something that is calorie packed. Think Ensure mixed with peanut butter mixed with bananas. Actually, that might be kinda tasty.

“Delicious” – any food that is free. Usually left over from some meeting upstairs. Somehow chow mein, cantaloupe, and spaghetti sounds like a totally logical meal.

“Dessert” — chewable antacid tablets from eating above combination of food.

Get Healthy Update

Unfortunately, I lost a whole week , last week. I had minor surgery on 1/28. The surgery went fine but the after effects of the anesthesia had me in pain for almost a week. Apparently, the gases get into the joints and take awhile to dissipate. Although, I didn't work out I did stick to my healthier eating plan.

So this week it is back to working out!

Weigh In: 233.8

Goal weight by 3/10: 225lbs

Ring around the Lili...

I laid Lili on a blanket, on the floor, tonight while I took care of something in the kitchen. I come back into the living room to find Rosie and Cati skipping in a circle around her. And Lili kicking and laughing in pure joy at her own personal human mobile.

End of Week One - GF

So far this gluten free diet hasn't been to bad. This is what I had for dinner Friday night.

First good snow of 2011

Written by my friend, John

This was written by my friend, John, when Chad passed away. I just read it for the first time today.

We have all lost someone close to us and we all deal with the pain differently.

Some fall and can not get up, for those we must pick them up.

Some fall and ask for help to get up,for those we must be there without hesitation.

Some stand strong and pray they don't fall,for them we must let them know that that if they fall we will be there to help pick them up.

Others fall then pick themselves up and dust themselves off only to fall again yet they continue to dust themselves off, for those we must let them know we are there to help

Then there are those who look to others for strength, for them we must show that it is okay to fall but we must get back up and continue for that is the best way I know to honor those who have gone before us.

Last but no less important those who hide that they have fallen, for those we must show them there is no shame in falling nor does it make them less in the eyes of others for we all fall at one time or another and friends and family will always be there even when you don't want them there.

And I believe that Chad was someone who always had his hand out to help those who needed it and as long as we are there to do the same for each other and those around us I believe he would be proud to call us family and friends.

yours truly with everlasting thoughts,

John Gegg

08-13-2010

New Beginnings...

This week I started two things...working out and a gluten free diet.

So far they are both going well. Being a self proclaimed bread and pasta addict, I thought the diet change would be really hard. I haven't had any problems but I also found a pretty good GF bread (Udi's). Tonight I tried my hand at baking a GF bread. It turned out ok. It was gummier than I wanted but I think with some tweaking it will work. The taste was great though. I ate a good chunk of it.

As for the working out, I managed 4 workouts this week. One walking, One Yoga, One Salsa Dancing and One walking/running interval. I was surprised that I wasn't more sore. My goal is three work out a week minimum. I am working up to running again. I want to run on the beach when I go out to CA in March and then run the Hospital Hill 5K in June.

As of today, I am down 1 lb.

New Years Resolutions...not

I have decided that this year, instead of a New Years resolution, I am making a list of things I want to do this year.

I want to take dance lessons.

I want to RUN a 5k.

I want to take a vacation.

2010

In 2010...

I lost my dear brother in law Chad. He and I had known each other since high school. We shared alot of stories. He was a good friend to me. Mostly because he was one person I could always count on. He always accepted me faults and all. He used to tease me about being "old" because i was a month older than him. And he jokingly teased that it was my fault for introducing him to Lisa, then he would thank me for it. I miss being able to ask him for advice. He never pulled any punches with me and I was grateful for that, although not always at that moment. He was the kind of man I hope my boys grow up to be.

I also lost my Dad, after a 2 1/2 year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was diagnosed in 2008 and we were told he was terminal. It was hard for me. As a nurse I knew the prognosis, as his daughter I hoped it was wrong. I fought to find a balance between the two. It was really hard for me to watch him go thru the chemo trials. I knew he was trying to take every opportunity to fight, but I also knew that the chemo was doing more damage than good. I seriously questioned the quality vs quantity issue of his life. Every time I saw him, I saw that battle, and it hurt. He was my rock and my strength. He loved me faults and all too. I love him.

I was blessed with a brand new baby girl. Lilianna Marie. She is a real joy to me and her big sister. Rosie is excited to have a little sister but a little disappointed that she can't play yet. Ian wants to help and hold her all the time. Lili shares her birthday with her big brother Nic and seems to share his love of music.

Then, I was hit with the reality that my boys are now adults. Tim turned 20 and Nic turned 18 this year. I am still not sure how I feel about this. Tim moved out and finished his EMT program. Nic has recieved multiple acceptance letters for college.

Ian has started Cub Scouts and Rosie is amazing me daily.

Comments from Dad's guest book...

Tandy Gabbert

Lisa - we just want you to know we are thinking of you on 9-HSP. Your dad was a great man and he is in a better place, although I know that only softens the grief a little.
Take care
Tandy

12/28/2010

Peggy Miller

We will miss Our Computer GOD! You are a piece now we Love You Man!

12/25/2010

Sylvia Heinzle

It was a pleasure knowing you. I enjoyed sharing mutual grandchildren. Enjoy your new life.

12/24/2010

Dustin Draper

Thank you Hays for treating me like one of your own kids. You have left a great legacy that you should be very proud of. Your kids reflect the person that you are. Thank you for everything. Dustin

12/23/2010

Lisa

Dad,
I will miss you greatly, but I know that you are watching over me just as you always have. Give Chad a hug for me.

12/23/2010

Kristin E (Mayo) Smith

Dad,
You are missed and loved greatly!

12/23/2010

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Comments from Facebook.........

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    Trevor Pyle Kristin: I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was one of the kindest men I've ever known. My thoughts are with you and your family.

    December 20, 2010 at 8:00am ·
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    Sherry Kaske I'm so sorry Kristin. You and your family are in my prayers.

    December 20, 2010 at 8:00am ·
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    Jason Rhiannon Robinson Sorry to hear about your loss let me know if you need anything

    December 20, 2010 at 8:01am ·
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    Beckie Seaman Tyrone Kris, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was kind-hearted, loving and strong...traits he passed on to all his children. If we can do anything to help, please let me know. I love you all and will put you in prayers.

    December 20, 2010 at 8:09am via Facebook Mobile ·
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    Dedra Clark-Allen I am so sorry to hear that, Kristin. Prayers for peace going up right now...

    December 20, 2010 at 8:09am via Facebook Mobile ·
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    Kimborly Ditto-Ehlert So sorry to hear this! Our condolences and hugs...

    December 20, 2010 at 8:48am ·
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    Robin Shepherd Tarr Sending you a big hug! You and your family will be in my prayers.

    December 20, 2010 at 8:57am ·
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    Margie Kovac-Ohl We are so sorry, Kris

    December 20, 2010 at 9:29am ·
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    Rachel Paul Harris So sorry for your loss Kristin! We send prayers your way.

    December 20, 2010 at 9:58am ·
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    Ursula Palmer omg im so sorry.... guess i need to call my daddy now and see how he is. that was his bestest friend ever. im so sad ...

    December 20, 2010 at 10:04am ·
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    Sharadee Wright I'm so sorry. He was (is) a good man... I have good memories of him from forever ago :)

    December 20, 2010 at 10:30am ·
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    Hannah Hurey I am so sorry Kristin...you and your family will be in our prayers

    December 20, 2010 at 10:33am ·
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    Kathy Rogers Ohh Kristin, I am so very sorry. He was a good man. I know he was a good husband and a good father. He will be missed by many.

    December 20, 2010 at 10:48am ·
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    Rachel Carlson Woodring You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

    December 20, 2010 at 1:17pm via Facebook Mobile ·
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    Kristen Hragyil Beckley Yes Kristin.....he was a VERY good man indeed. I know that no matter how much warning you have, it is still very painful.

    December 20, 2010 at 8:06pm ·

Please don't ask if I'm ok....

The conversation goes like this "Are you ok?"...."Yes, I'm ok" .... "Are you sure?"....

I hate this conversation. Most people don't really want an honest answer to that question. When people ask if I am ok, I feel obligated to say Yes.... no matter how I actually feel. In most cases, I want to say "I am grieving, thanks for asking".

I would much prefer someone to ask me..."have you laughed today?" and then tell me a joke.