Thursday, July 24, 2008

Lately I have. . .

- spent a lot of time pestering my parents over the telephone and with impromptu visits. This morning Dad asked me why I was calling already for the 2nd time (it wasn't noon yet). This reminded me of a time I was asked why I called my mom most every night before bedtime. I simply replied, "Because I never know when the day will come that I can't." Every day with someone you love is a blessing.

- been going to the market on Saturdays with Christie and her boys. A good friend, coffee and fresh veggies is the perfect start to a day!

- been helping a friend through a tough time. I once said that good friends carry a roll of tape in their pocket. I don't think I'll need the whole roll. . . but I'll use it if I have to!

- begun having conversations with a young lady when she answers the phone rather than immediately asking for her mother. She's growing into a beautiful person.

- been planning an event to celebrate a friend taken too soon from our lives. I'm gonna need a bigger red cooler!

- kicked some bad habits.

- begun boycotting Starbucks. It's far past time to support the local business. $10.37 got me 4 different 1/4lb. bags of delicious goodness from the Lexington Coffee & Tea Co.

- begun swinging the ole tennis racket again! Oh how I've missed the sound of that fuzzy yellow ball popping off my strings!

- soaking up the sun (yes, Mel. . . with sunscreen!)

- growing fresh herbs in my window. (I have always wanted to do this.) It took three weeks for me to bring myself to actually pick and use them. They are just soooo pretty - but they TASTE waaaaaaaay better!

- been thinking how on earth I'm going to get back into shape. Not the "Oh I ran a mile today" in shape. . . I'm talking the "holy crap, I just kicked asss for 5 miles and now I'm going to play some tennis" kinda in shape. I miss miss miss my health. (And my size 6's) I have been letting it slide; blaming my lack of motivation on work, environment and time. No more.

- been laying in the floor instead of sitting in the chair while at my parent's house on Sunday mornings. My puppy loves it. He snuggles his little self into the pit of my belly and I can reach the top of his little head with my kisses.

- been happy. . .happy. . . happy.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Dirt, trees and birds OH MY!

This morning as I drove to work I looked in the rear view mirror.
I like the way my hair was parted; it NEVER parts the way I want it to.
It was mild outside so I rolled my windows down and breathed the fresh air.
They’re reconstructing 68 (which is the south side of Harrodsburg Rd).
The road (for now) narrowed to two lanes. The air smelled of fresh soil.
Its rich, clay red color lie like a splash of paint against the green grass.
This is my way of ignoring the destruction of such a beautiful, scenic road.
The tops of the trees touched the blue sky and I thought about how lucky the birds were to have such a view.
Turning to the east, the sun burst into my car, warming my face.
I wished I didn’t have to be inside today. I wished I could throw on my swimsuit, grab a book and a towel and head to the pool.
It smelled so good. The cows and the horses were grazing. There was a man atop his tractor, moving bails of hay.
Most every day I go through this drive, this thought process.
I love the beauty of this earth.
But every once in a while; it means something more.
Yesterday, I received good news.
Today, I am 8 years cancer free.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

NEED VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS FOR A DAY OF FUN!


Hi everyone!

We are hosting the 2nd Annual Fenton Dawson Volleyball Tournament.

For those unfamiliar with this event; Fenton was unfortunately aboard flight 5191 when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Lexington Bluegrass Airport on August 27, 2006. Fenton enjoyed playing volleyball and a great number of us were fortunate enough to have played with him. We have so have many fond memories of Fenton on the volleyball court and when we begin to reminisce, inevitably stories about volleyball always seem to work their way into the discussion.

We can think of no better way to remember, honor and CELEBRATE Fenton than by bringing a group of people together as friends and family for a day of being together, laughing, competing and havin fun playin a little volleyball!
After all, it is how so many of us made so many wonderful memories!

WHEN: Sunday, August 10, 2008

WHERE: KBA has graciously donated their facility for the 2nd year!
http://www. playkba. com/

TIME: Pool play begins promptly at 10:00 AM
Doors will open at 9:00 AM

COST: $100/ Team

DIVISIONS: B & C CoRec 6's (at least 2 females per team please)
D/FUN!!!

Please visit www. fdmvt. org for more details, registration forms and contact information.

ALSO – I will be posting FUN pictures and blogs for and from the tournament at:
http://fdmvt. blogspot. com/

Please send an e-mail to me at SNClark12@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!

Thank you!
Stephanie

Friday, July 4, 2008

"I go good with cilantro."

It is the 4th of July, my favorite holiday of all! It is not the mark of a new year, or one created by Hallmark, or one you dress like anyone but yourself, nor one where many try to prove their faith by the stretching the depth of their pocketbooks.(yes, Christmas)
The 4th is something real. It means something.
Just ask your great grandfather, grandfather, father, mother, sister, brother. . .
Soldiers who have taken the position of defense, pride, honor and belief in something so much bigger than all the rest.
The 4th celebrates our independence and our freedom. It comes from the hearts and souls of the persons who believe so strongly in this country that they sacrifice everything.
I know that in this time where the economy is severely struggling, oil prices soar, our environment suffers and some people have lost common courtesy - I have to trust, believe and above all hope that this country and it's people will persevere. We can be, after all, a class act above the rest. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, epidemics, poverty and ruin have seen the grace of this country. Even as we face our own struggles, this country still finds ways to dig in and mend those in need.

6:50 am this morning I lay in my warm bed listening to the soft rain tap against the window. I strongly considered tucking the covers under my chin and catching a few more hours of slumber but in 15 minutes Christie and her 10 year old son, Kadir, would be arriving and I was in charge of coffee.
By 7:32 we were parked and out of the car. BANG!!!! The starting gun sounded 7:35 am - THEY'RE OFF!!! Our steps quickened.
Despite the rain the turnout for the Bluegrass 10,000 (10K - 6.2 mile race) was astounding. We sat, perched on my favorite wall at Kentucky Ave. & Main and cheered, yelled, clapped and said "hello!" to familiar and new faces!
They ranged from stroller age to those far into their years.
Through the rain there were friends laughing, dads running with sons, teams in training, goals being achieved and struggles being overcome. One man carried the American flag in one hand and a POW & MIA flag in the other. (He does this every year) I can't imagine how tired his arms are, the amount of strength (both mentally and physically) it takes for him to carry TWO full size flags for 6 miles. I imagine to him, it is a small burden to bare.
I am amazed, every year at the people I see.
I am touched at their mission and perseverance.

Kadir was THE cheerleader! "Way to go! Keep it up! You're almost there! You're not first but you sure aren't last! Hurray hurray hurray! You've made it this far! You came to finish and that is what you're gonna do! If you finish the race. . . You're a winner!" He was inspiring. His voice drew so many smiles! All of us clapped until our hands were red and sore.

It was a grand morning! It was a good analogy to cultivate. It may not be perfect conditions but the best was being made of it. There was sunshine in the rain.

Christie (with pride)to her cheering son: "Boy! I could just eat you up!"
Kadir: "I go good with cilantro."