Stay true to yourself

This is advice that was given to me last week. It struck a chord with me. Last week I was feeling a lot of stress and was unable to fully focus on the things that count the most. I had to make a few decisions that were tough.
Over Thanksgiving weekend I was elected as President of a new Triathlon Club that we were planning to create. I was honored my friends would choose me for this role and I was very excited. I was prepared to devote whatever time was necessary to help create something for the Tri community in Maine. Unfortunately, a number of circumstances caused me to seriously reconsider. As much as I wanted to lead a group to see this goal to the end, it became more and more clear that it wasn't going to work for me. If I had stayed in that role at this time, I feared I would grow to resent the sport I have grown to love. A sport that has fulfilled something for me on a personal level. So, I had to stay true to myself. After I resigned, I felt a combination of peace and sadness. As the days have passed, I know I made the right move. I do hope a successful club is formed and I will be an enthusiastic member. For now, that is where I belong.

As I eluded to in my last post, I turn 40 soon. Two weeks from tomorrow actually. My husband turns 40 exactly 7 days after me. As strange as it sounds to me, it's really a pretty cool thing. I have accomplished great things in my life. And so has my husband. We are very happy with where we are and we have a lot more ahead. Most of all, I have my wondeful 3 little boys. We have a great family of 5 and for that I feel lucky. We both have our health and high levels of fitness. There is no way a number is going to slow us down.

I ran 4 miles today. For an endurance athlete who conquered two Ironmans this past season, it seems almost comical to talk about. But to the woman who has been sidelined with a stress fx since Halloween, it was one of the best things about my week. It was 20 degrees and sunny. My husband came home at noon to reprieve me for 30 minutes. Those of you with little ones at Christmas understand. My kids are Fired up!! I love it. I dread the day when they are Not. However, 3 boys = noise and running and sliding and hiting and some whining and some grabbing and lots of food and .....That run was Exactly what I needed. I attempted to make homemade rolls from scratch today. I spent from 11-7 trying to do this. When I say scratch I mean you start with yeast and sugar and warm milk and a lot of little steps that have to be done Just right or the dough doesn't rise properly. It has to rise 3 x during the day. It took foreeeeevrer and then they came out as heavy little balls of dough. Here's what Mark said when I took my first batch out, "it's ok. They dont' look like your Mom's but they're fine." FINE? I got on the phone and ordered two dozen from our local bakery. I tried. So yeah, that was about the best 4miles ever.
I had a busy start to the week too..but got a little Christmas gift in the process. On Monday, I was up early at 4:30 to swim. I got home by 7 and the boys and I did stuff around home all day. I drove them to swimming lessons at 4 that afternoon. After that, we continued on to my parent's house (an hour from my home) where I left them for the night. After that, I drove south another 30 min to my friend Heidi's house. I've been friends with Heidi since 2nd grade. There were 6 of us that became friends during grade school and remained friends through the years. We have lost touch here and there but have always been able to hook back up again and reconnect. I am very very lucky to have these beautiful women in my life. They are all true friends and I know we can all count on each other to be there for one another no matter what. Perhaps turning 40 is hitting us all a little bit. We are realizing what we have done in our lives and who we have in our lives. True friends are hard to find. These guys are the real deal. what a great night.
In the picture from left to right are Julie, Mary, Alina, Ange, Chris, and Heidi.

So while I sit and enjoy Christmas with my family and head into my final 2 weeks in my 30s, I will stay true to myself. I will continue to live my life the way I want to lead it. I will be honest to myself and do what I feel is right.
And maybe, just maybe, before my next big birthday I will finally learn to play the drums. And be in a band. And.......I have a lot left to do...