Summer Bucket List

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin', into the future. I mean, just think about it. I have literally been singing that song for decades. Since Space Jam. Which feels like it was yesterday.

I am experiencing some mild yet persistent panic due to the fact that June is mostly over. What do I even have to show for the fact that so much summer has already gone by?! And so, without further ado, my summer bucket list. We better get crackin', that's all I can say!

What's on your summer list?

It's Time. Half Ironman Recap.

Well goodness, I haven't blogged in quite some time. I have had this race recap post looming, and I haven't quite wanted to write about it, because writing means it is over. And I just don't know if I can capture how difficult/scary/emotional/exhilarating the whole experience was in a blog post, and this is why I've really been avoiding it.

But here goes.

I was a jumble of nerves the entire week leading up to race day. I had my bike tuned up, stocked up on snacks, and practiced pulling my wetsuit on and off while running around the house. I felt pretty prepared, gear-wise (which is pretty important when it comes to feeling good on race day).

Chad and I drove the 3 hours to Richmond, IN the evening before the race. We picked up my swag (which, to be perfectly honest, was more like a sorry bunch of coupons), ate some pizza, and went to the hotel to crash.

Race morning, we woke up to POURING RAIN at the course. I didn't know whether to be horrified or relieved, but twenty minutes or so before the start time, the rain stopped. Fortunately, the weather was overcast the entire rest of the race (amazing!).

The swim was a little different than other races I've done, where everyone sort of stands in the water and takes off at the same time. The starting area was pretty narrow, so they lined us up and we went into the lake one at a time. I was one of the last 5 people. I did this intentionally--I didn't want the pressure of being with all the fast swimmers.

The swim is always the scariest part for me, but I got through it just fine, swimming mostly breaststroke. I always have some mantra that I repeat to myself while I race--something that just sort of comes to me in an effort to keep confident. This time, it was, "I could do this allll dayyyy." (Which is kind of lie, and that makes it kinda funny.) Fortunately, I didn't have to do it allll dayyyy, I only had to do it for about forty five minutes.

Next, the bike. 56 miles of hills, according to the race description. Lucky for me, it was NOT as hilly as described. Actually, it was kind of desolate and a little lonely. I was pretty much at the back of the pack, since I started and finished the swim at the back of the pack. Every now and then, I would hear something loud like a car coming up behind me, only to realize it was some super fast cyclist whizzing by.

Speaking of which, everyone was just really fast. Really fast and really intense. I would place myself at the absolute amateur end of the amateur-intense spectrum represented by the people participating in this race. Like, everyone had really nice gear, and people were asking each other things like, "Oh, you're from Louisville? So are you doing the Louisville Ironman then?" I have had the same bike helmet since I had the paper route in 8th grade (I should probably do something about that) and I don't wear cycling shoes or click into special pedals. I just swim, and then I ride a bike, and then I run. And I try to enjoy it.

Anyway, back to the bike. I had a pretty great time. One of the highlights was seeing Chad at the end of the 27 mile loop both times. He was the BEST spectator, ever. Really. He would yell things really loud like, "Lookin' good, Cammie! Kickin' trash and takin' names!!" (Which is a much more detailed yell than most people get, I think, so I felt pretty lucky.)

Another highlight on the bike was a few miles into the second loop (so, maybe mile 30 or so?), I rode past a guy who was walking his bike. My initial thought was, "Oh, poor guy, he must be having bike problems." Then all of a sudden, I remembered that I had bought these special single-use air cartridges in case of a flat. I knew that if he had a flat, I HAD to stop and help. So I yelled back to him to ask, and sure enough, he had a flat and had been walking for 20 minutes or so. I stopped and within 5 minutes, he was back on the road. I felt SO happy and just, I don't know, elevated. It really carried me through the rest of that bike, and I finished in about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Then finally, the run. I knew this would be tough. I found a mental focus that I have never really experienced before while running. Usually when I run, I think about how much I have left. Only 2 more miles. Or, half-way there. Or, one-fourth of the way there. Starting out, I realized I could NOT start out by thinking to myself, "Only 13 miles to go," or else I would never make it. My main goal in this race was to make it through without having to walk. I really, really didn't know if I would be able to do it. Somehow, I don't even know how, I did. Things that helped were: seeing Chad and him running the first mile or so with me, and then mile 6 or 7 with me when I ran into him after Loop 1; a guy named Keith, a marathoner, who ran with me for a while and kept me company; seeing that guy I had helped on his bike a couple of times; drinking looots of gatorade and water, and eating plenty of that nasty gel stuff. But what helped the most, I believe, was focusing ONLY on how I felt in the moment, and not letting myself think about how much was left. If I started to feel at all stressed or in pain, I would just slow down. My mantra for the run was, "Take it easy. Just pace yourself." Obviously, if I had been racing for time, I might have needed a different mantra. :)

Anyway, I started to become overwhelmed with emotion when I hit about mile 11. I almost started crying a couple of times, just realizing I was actually going to finish, and that somehow I had been strong enough to run the whole thing. I ran into Chad somewhere in mile 12, and he finished out most of the race with me until I got to the closing stretch. Crossing the finish line was so incredible! I really can't even put it into words. I was completely broken down physically (but not delirious, Mom & Dad...), and so utterly proud and grateful and amazed all at the same time. I just fell in Chad's arms and cried, I was so happy.

Sitting around after races is always fun. I got awarded first place in my age group (female 25-29). I should also mention that I was the only female in my age group. Haha. My goal, starting out, was to finish in less than 7 hours. I honestly wasn't even sure if this was a reasonable goal, just because I had never raced this distance before. I finished in 6 hours and 56 minutes, and some change. This is by NO MEANS a fast time, but my goal was to finish, and finish I did.

with a new friend, who was doing her first sprint race that day.

with my trainer Chad, before the race.

don't love this picture of me, but I must document the fact that I was standing atop a podium one time winning first place. So cool.

I REALLY dislike Google Plus right now.

Not to be weird or anything, but I am starting to feel like there is a Google Plus conspiracy preventing me from successfully finding the answers I need to the question, "How do I get rid of google plus comments in blogger?" I mean, a google search has never failed me before--and I KNOW I cannot be the only one out there wanting to get rid of the google plus comments.

Has anyone successfully switched to google plus and back to blogger, without any annoying remnants? I reverted my profile back to blogger (which is an option within 30 days of making the switch to google plus), but now I'm still stuck with the google plus comment form. Help me!

Update*** Fixed it. I had to connect the blog to my google plus profile, then uncheck the box enabling google plus comments, and then revert back to blogger profile. In case anyone ever needs to know.

Schooled by the Workplace, v. 3

I absolutely cannot wait for you to read this edition of Schooled by the Workplace. I laughed A LOT while reading this. Dear Maggie, you are hilarious and I'm sure Bones would be proud of the lady you are today. (You can read my edition here, or Suze's here. Email me if you'd like to contribute to a future edition of the Schooled series.)



by: Maggie Hansen

Background

I started my first job ever – besides babysitting – the day after I graduated from high school. In an effort to keep my siblings and me focused on school, my parents had enforced a strict “no working during high school” rule (I'm talking stricter-than-curfew strict). And in high school, I thought I was pretty hot stuff. Having received numerous accolades, knowing I had a scholarship to attend an in-state university in the fall, I was fairly positive any place of business would be honored to have me on their payroll. And I had passed AP tests, for crying out loud – a petty job that paid minimum wage was small potatoes in my book. This prima dona got hired at a local Gandolfo's for the 3 month interim between high school and college. What I didn't know was that I'd learn life lessons in that sandwich shop that were at least as important as the knowledge I'd gain by continuing my education. What follows are some truisms that have come in handy while workings as a professional in my chosen field, but that didn't show up on any final exams.

#1: There is always a bigger circle in the world that does not have you as its center

I thought I knew everyone in my hometown. More importantly, I was fairly certain everyone knew me. Imagine my surprise to find out that I had never seen the majority of my co-workers before in my life. Even the familiar ones had been the kids whose faces I knew, but whose names I'd never bothered to learn.

#2: Your co-workers don't automatically like you

I had to earn respect: it didn't come to me just because my last name was Hansen, or because I was going to college Respect came as I took shifts for other people, or when I made sure the mayonnaise jar was full (more on mayo later). It was lost when I had to ask for the 100^th time if someone could show me how to clean the soda machine spigots or when I fell for obvious practical jokes.

#3: Getting an A in English doesn't always translate into good work ethic and its sister truth: You are conspicuous when you watch TV while on the job

That big-screen TV with ESPN rolling non-stop turned out to be the bane of my employment. When business was slow, why bother looking for little jobs to do when I could watch Anna Kornikova smash the socks off of some hapless tennis opponent? I thought I was discreet, watching TV from the corner of the kitchen doorway Turns out I stuck out like a sore thumb when I failed to notice customer arrivals and no one was at the cash register.

#4 Everyone has to take a turn cleaning the toilet

I had thought I was only hired to run the cash register. Little did I know, I would be expected to make sandwiches, slice meat, mix the special mushroom sauce, take phone orders without forgetting about them, and, yes, clean restrooms. To make a business run, everyone has to do a little more than he or she was “hired to do”.

#5 Not everyone likes things the way you like them: or, How I learned not to put too much mayonnaise on sandwiches

Did you know that some people like mustard more than mayonnaise? I've always thought that was pretty messed up. So I interpreted loosely any customer instructions like “hold the mayo” or “extra mustard.” That was before I had really learned about calories or high cholesterol. And you know what? I couldn't force my love of mayo on people just by continuing to add it to their sandwiches; in fact, I got the privilege of re-making more than one sandwich that was made exactly to my specifications.

#6 You can always get fired

And I did. For not attending a mandatory meeting. And subsequently rehired, but not until I endured the shame of getting fired.

Can you imagine where I'd be if I hadn't gotten a job before beginning real life? Not only did this job take my ego down a notch or two, but it also helped me see what it takes to be a valued employee. And now, working at a hospital, I think of my manager, Bones(!) DeGraffenried, and I wonder if he would believe I ever survived in the real world. And I would say, “Bones, I owe it to you.” Thank you, workplace, for schooling me.

Morphit. And Birthday Weekend Stuff.

Why, hello! I have to say, I was honored and impressed and so touched by Chad's sweet post yesterday and your nice comments. I can't believe I have such a thoughtful husband and such wonderful friends. You all make 28 feel good. :)

Right now, I have to share this picture. It came from a dumb site called morphit.com, where you get to input photos of two people and expectantly wait for a generated image of the two people--morphed into one. Of course, I put in a picture of Chad and one of me, hoping to see some adorable little Chad & Cammie baby. Instead, I got. . .

Legolas, with bangs. Nasty, nasty, nasty. I was so disappointed.

But let's not let this moment take away from the greatness of this weekend, and my birthday yesterday. It was such a wonderful day. We went to Bardstown, KY for a little road trip and took lots of pretty pictures.

 And this weekend, we went camping! We went to Jefferson Memorial Forest, and ended up at the same campsite we had last year (my sentimental heart was just singing, I tell you!).

And to top it all off, Chad made strawberry pie and we celebrated. It was a wonderful day and it made the transition to 28 a very happy one, indeed.

Birthday HIJACKING!!!

Chad Smith here. I'm taking over this site to tell Cammie just a few (28 to be exact) of the many reasons why I am madly in love with her. Please add your reasons too! (mostly I'm just looking for why you love/like Cammie. I'm not really interested in hearing why you may be madly in love with her...that one is kind of reserved for me.) Happy Birthday Pookie!!!

1) Cammie has such strong faith. Some may wonder why I put this first, but beside the fact that this list in not in order of importance, I believe our faith gives meaning to everything else in life--especially our relationships. Because Cammie has such a strong testimony of God and Christ, and Their plan for us, I can always trust that she will make decisions that will allow us to be together forever.

2) Cammie is cute, hot, and everything in between. I just think Cammie is the most beautiful creature on earth. She has the most amazing eyes, really awesome dimples, a very pretty smile, beautiful curly hair with sassy bangs, and a super cute little body. I could look at her all day. For free.

3) Cammie is a hard worker. 40+ hour work weeks...and then she comes home and takes care of me. That aint no easy thing!

4) Cammie is smart. I am always really impressed with how well she knows her field. She is always  pulling facts from research articles, teachers, and the DSM!!!

5) Cammie is smart, but doesn't make me feel stupid. I'm not very good at a lot of things that Cammie is really good at. Like spelling. But she never makes me feel dumb.

6) Cammie is funny. She makes me laugh. A lot. I'm really grateful for that because it makes life more enjoyable now, and I can see that her sunny disposition will be a big blessing in our home for the rest of our lives.

7) Cammie is so nice to people. Cammie would do anything for anyone. She is just that kind of person.

8) [This comment was flagged as inappropriate by the community and has been removed]

9) Cammie has the most gorgeous voice. I honestly just melt every time I hear her sing. A few days after we met we played guitars together, and when I heard her start singing I got this pit in my stomach because I thought there was no chance I was ever going to get someone so talented! I was really intimidated.

10) Cammie makes our house a home. I lived in the house we are in for a couple of months before we got married and Cammie moved in. No pictures, no decorations, no fresh scents. Cammie moved in and the feel in our house changed immediately.

11) Cammie is a sugar momma. That's right--this girl brings home the bacon. Lots of it. I'm grateful that she provides so well for us while I in school.

12) Cammie can shred a guitar. Read #9, inserting "playing" in place of "singing." Most girls can play a few chords (really sexist comment, I know, but this has definitely been my experience), so when Cammie said she played guitar, that is about all I expected. She blew me away when she started playing very complicated songs--songs that she wrote!!! She is very talented.

13) Cammie is really good at just loving people for who they are. She says it was one of the big things she took away from her MFT training, but she is just a natural at empathizing with people and letting them know she cares.

14) Cammie is Top Chef. I love love love eating food she makes. When we were dating she was busy with school and always ate really simple things like yogurt, nuts, granola bars, ect. So that is about all I expected. But after we got married she started making all of these yummy things! I was pleasantly surprised.

15) Cammie is one fit momma. She is doing a Half-Ironman this Saturday!!!! That is impressive.

16) Cammie writes really awesome love notes.

17) Cammie plays the piano so beautifully. I could have written one comment that said "Cammie is incredibly musically talented" but then I would have had two less comments. I am so happy that beautiful music is never going to be in short supply in our home.

18) Cammie is chill. Yesterday I was taking Carla (a blind friend of ours) to church (which Cammie usually does) and she was telling me how nice it is to work with Cammie (she plays the piano for primary--Cammie is [actually...was] the primary chorister) because she is very laid back. That was good for me to hear and made me think about and appreciate the fact that Cammie balances me out so well (I have a tendency to be a bit high-strung)

19) Cammie likes the outdoors. I like this outdoors, so that is pretty convenient.

20) Cammie is has wonderful insight into the gospel. Early on Cammie impressed me with her above average grasp of the gospel as she shared a scripture she had recently read and her thoughts on it. This knowledge and understanding of the gospel has helped bring the spirit into our home so many times.

21) Cammie likes to wrestle. A lot of times she gets in the mood to demonstrate her strength to me. It usually ends in boughs of hysterical laughter from both of us.

22) Cammie is tough. She does a lot of hard things and never complains about them. Ever.

23) Cammie is patient. I know I do things that Cammie doesn't like, but she is really patient with me as I try to change.

24) Cammie loves her family. I am the youngest in my family....even the youngest of all my cousins. So don't really know what it is like to have little siblings. But Cammie does. She is the oldest in her family....even the oldest of all her cousins. And she loves all of them so much and makes time for them.

25) Cammie writes me the sweetest notes.

26) Cammie is determined. When Cammie gets it in her head that she is going to do something, it gets done. The classic example is being the top saleswoman in her fifth grade candy bar sales fund raiser, but is still just as much a part of her today as ever.

27) Cammie is humble. With this long of a list of outstanding virtues, one could get a big ego. But Cammie is so humble and quiet about her strengths and talents.

28) Cammie consented to marry me. One year and four months ago yesterday in fact. I thank the Lord everyday of my life that Cammie and I were able to meet and be sealed together for time and for all eternity. She is such a blessing in my life and makes me so so so soooo happy! I love her so much and hope I can do a better job each day showing her that.

Thanks. Oh, and Grandma & Emma's Visit.

First off, I would like to say that I really appreciated your comments on facebook and the blog in response to my post yesterday. I feel so encouraged by the things you had to say. My plan for the race next weekend is to take it easy, and just enjoy it. I won't be the fastest one out there, but I really think my body can do it. Hopefully a solid sleep schedule and good nutrition will help some, too. Aaaand, I will repeatedly listen to this song between now and June 1.

 

Okay, are you ready for some pictures? Emma and Grandma graced us with their presence last week, and I would be most ungracious if I didn't acknowledge that with some pictures. We had such a good time! I had a hard time choosing my favorite pictures, because there were lots of great moments.

Day 1. To the Races! Chad scored some surprise tickets to Churchill Downs, and we saw two horse races! It was my first time, even though we've spent the last 10 months living 5 minutes from the track.

Enjoying Cherokee Park. Cherokee Park will always be my favorite, no matter what, because Chad and I spent lots of time there before we were married and it's where we got engaged. We spent a looong time figuring out the LOVE shot (below), but I'd say it was worth it.

Favorite Shots from the Louisville Slugger Museum

Visiting the Louisville Temple

At Dinosaur World! (We didn't actually go in, but we still took pictures because we're cool like that.)

At Dairy Kastle! What kinds of hosts would we be if we didn't take our guests to Dairy Kastle at least twice?

At Cheesecake Factory (thanks, Grandma!)

At Mammoth Caves (no cool pictures of caves here, just the gang. the caves are quite impressive, if you were wondering.)

What a fun time we had! I'm so grateful they made the time to come visit. I love my family!