Here it is, my official list for the New Year:
1. Run the New York Marathon, November 2009.
2. Qualify for the 2010 Boston Marathon.
3. Complete the Imogene Pass Race in September 2009.
4. Visit the Grand Canyon - backpack/camp on the North Rim (reservations pending) - this is my substitution for the AT until I can realistically take 3-4 months of time off.
5. Run a 5K in less than 24 minutes
6. Get a 300 on the Army APFT by October 2009.
7. Get promoted a rank or finally get my commission
8. Put $3000 away for "Just-in-case"
9. Take the Foreign Service Exam again in February
10. Apply for PhD programs to begin classes Fall 2010
As the year progresses, I'm sure there will be many additions. Of course, you'll be among the first to know when I accomplish any one of these. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Someone Great
Every so often you run across someone who surprises you, in a good way. Everyone says it happens when you're not looking for it, but I find that good things happen when you ARE looking. Not in a desperate, searching way, but in a "keeping an eye open for opportunities" way. Not sure where this is all going, but I have a hunch it's something great.
. . . and a Happy New Year
As we all look forward to a new year and a new start, I think even the greatest cynic hopes, just a little, that things will be better in 2009. That's the whole point of New Years Resolutions! I know that the standard shelf life of a Resolution is about 2 weeks, but for some reason there's such great appeal in making that list.
For me, 2008 was a year that I actually reached a lot of the goals I set for myself in January. The self efficacy I gained by being able to check things off my list feels really good. I learned that I AM capable of changing my circumstances, overcoming disappointment, achieving great things, becoming more like the woman I hope to be. With that arsenal behind me, I really hope that in 2009 I can move further along that path. There will always be bumps in the road, but getting over them is something I know I can do.
This really feeds my sense of adventure; to know that I can do just about anything I set out to do. I already have great plans for 2009. Having a job that allows for some vacation time will be really advantageous in my attempts to see more of the world. In the last couple years I've felt pretty stuck. I had time to do things but no money, and really not much drive to make things happen for myself. Now I have a little money, a little time, and a lot of ambition. I'm excited to see what happens. I hope you all stick around for the ride! Thanks for reading in 2008, I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures and mishaps with you again in 2009.
For me, 2008 was a year that I actually reached a lot of the goals I set for myself in January. The self efficacy I gained by being able to check things off my list feels really good. I learned that I AM capable of changing my circumstances, overcoming disappointment, achieving great things, becoming more like the woman I hope to be. With that arsenal behind me, I really hope that in 2009 I can move further along that path. There will always be bumps in the road, but getting over them is something I know I can do.
This really feeds my sense of adventure; to know that I can do just about anything I set out to do. I already have great plans for 2009. Having a job that allows for some vacation time will be really advantageous in my attempts to see more of the world. In the last couple years I've felt pretty stuck. I had time to do things but no money, and really not much drive to make things happen for myself. Now I have a little money, a little time, and a lot of ambition. I'm excited to see what happens. I hope you all stick around for the ride! Thanks for reading in 2008, I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures and mishaps with you again in 2009.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tis the Season . . .
This time of year I always myself reminiscing about the past year. It's easy to use the holidays as a reference point for where/who I was this same time last year - or most any previous year.
While the days seem to fly by, when I look back to a year ago, it feels so far away. So many things have changed - most for the better.
As I review the events, people, and places from 2008, a few items stand out:
1. Rock 'n Roll Marathon, San Diego California, June 1 - My First Marathon: Like all "firsts" this race was significant beyond the actual event itself. The preparation and anticipation were unmatched by the race. I discovered a new little part of myself through the process - always a good outcome from any "First." It was also my first trip, as an adult, to sunny San Diego - a place I hope to visit again and again.
2. Ivy Castleman - My New Favorite Person: Every woman needs a friend like Ivy. We make plans for great adventures, talk often about our misadventures, genuinely agree on our fabulousness, and have a wonderful time together. I don't think I've grown so close to anyone so quickly. I attribute it to our shared love for three important things: 1) men, 2) wine/food, and 3) Radiohead/good music. Some might say we're crazy, and we'd probably agree, but we sure know how to have fun!
3. Fast Forward Sports - My New Team: I've never enjoyed getting to know a group of perfect strangers as much as I have enjoyed my time with my running team. The coaches are knowledgeable and experienced, but never prideful, and always encouraging. We all look forward to our group training sessions, and thoroughly enjoy each others' company. I'm really excited to make them a big part of 2009!
4. 1010 Emerson Street, Denver CO - My First Apartment: Another "First" for the year. Once again, the anticipation, preparation, etc. of its "firstness" are greater than the actual thing. But it's my place, I've made it home. I don't plan on giving up my own space any time soon.
5. Wild West Relay, Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, August 21-22 - My Big Challenge: As if running marathons wasn't enough for my first year as a "runner," I joined up with a(nother) group of perfect strangers to run 195 miles through mountain wilderness, at altitudes where trees hardly grow. I'd like to think of this as my introduction to endurance racing as God intended it. Road races are all well and good, but until you trudge along side elk at 12,000 feet and you can barely see the trail for the undergrowth in the middle of the night or in 102 degree temperatures (within the same 32 hour period), you don't know running. Again, I hope to make this a part of 2009, as well as tackling the Imogene Pass Run.
6. Dill, Dill, Carr, Stonbraker & Hutchings, PC - My New Job (Saving the World One Drinking Establishment at a Time): Any place you spend 40+ hours/week becomes a significant part of your life. If you're a regular blog reader, you know that this job has brought both joy and consternation on my part. I'm thankful to be employed and working with someone who appreciates what I do. It's not exactly what I dreamed I'd be doing right now, but that's in process.
I think I've come a long way this year. I'm a more confident woman; more comfortable in my own skin. I have developed some great new friendships, and lost contact with a few people who I dreamed would be a significant part of my life for, well, for my whole life. That's the funny thing about time and space - they have contradictory effects. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," but separation changes the relationship between people so that they hardly know each other any more. Maybe the heart has to overcompensate for the chasm between people? Perhaps it's because you forget the negative aspects of a relationship over time, but the good memories stick with you?
Either way, this time last year I was singing "I love yous" across miles, today I'm trying my best to believe that it was real and not just some naive creation by my romantic heart and wild imagination. I know that sounds worse than what I mean to say. I'm not "giving up on love," but I hope that in 2009 I can take a more measured approach. I've been fairly careless with my heart this year, and I'd like to put the pieces back together and make it work again.
While the days seem to fly by, when I look back to a year ago, it feels so far away. So many things have changed - most for the better.
As I review the events, people, and places from 2008, a few items stand out:
1. Rock 'n Roll Marathon, San Diego California, June 1 - My First Marathon: Like all "firsts" this race was significant beyond the actual event itself. The preparation and anticipation were unmatched by the race. I discovered a new little part of myself through the process - always a good outcome from any "First." It was also my first trip, as an adult, to sunny San Diego - a place I hope to visit again and again.
2. Ivy Castleman - My New Favorite Person: Every woman needs a friend like Ivy. We make plans for great adventures, talk often about our misadventures, genuinely agree on our fabulousness, and have a wonderful time together. I don't think I've grown so close to anyone so quickly. I attribute it to our shared love for three important things: 1) men, 2) wine/food, and 3) Radiohead/good music. Some might say we're crazy, and we'd probably agree, but we sure know how to have fun!
3. Fast Forward Sports - My New Team: I've never enjoyed getting to know a group of perfect strangers as much as I have enjoyed my time with my running team. The coaches are knowledgeable and experienced, but never prideful, and always encouraging. We all look forward to our group training sessions, and thoroughly enjoy each others' company. I'm really excited to make them a big part of 2009!
4. 1010 Emerson Street, Denver CO - My First Apartment: Another "First" for the year. Once again, the anticipation, preparation, etc. of its "firstness" are greater than the actual thing. But it's my place, I've made it home. I don't plan on giving up my own space any time soon.
5. Wild West Relay, Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, August 21-22 - My Big Challenge: As if running marathons wasn't enough for my first year as a "runner," I joined up with a(nother) group of perfect strangers to run 195 miles through mountain wilderness, at altitudes where trees hardly grow. I'd like to think of this as my introduction to endurance racing as God intended it. Road races are all well and good, but until you trudge along side elk at 12,000 feet and you can barely see the trail for the undergrowth in the middle of the night or in 102 degree temperatures (within the same 32 hour period), you don't know running. Again, I hope to make this a part of 2009, as well as tackling the Imogene Pass Run.
6. Dill, Dill, Carr, Stonbraker & Hutchings, PC - My New Job (Saving the World One Drinking Establishment at a Time): Any place you spend 40+ hours/week becomes a significant part of your life. If you're a regular blog reader, you know that this job has brought both joy and consternation on my part. I'm thankful to be employed and working with someone who appreciates what I do. It's not exactly what I dreamed I'd be doing right now, but that's in process.
I think I've come a long way this year. I'm a more confident woman; more comfortable in my own skin. I have developed some great new friendships, and lost contact with a few people who I dreamed would be a significant part of my life for, well, for my whole life. That's the funny thing about time and space - they have contradictory effects. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," but separation changes the relationship between people so that they hardly know each other any more. Maybe the heart has to overcompensate for the chasm between people? Perhaps it's because you forget the negative aspects of a relationship over time, but the good memories stick with you?
Either way, this time last year I was singing "I love yous" across miles, today I'm trying my best to believe that it was real and not just some naive creation by my romantic heart and wild imagination. I know that sounds worse than what I mean to say. I'm not "giving up on love," but I hope that in 2009 I can take a more measured approach. I've been fairly careless with my heart this year, and I'd like to put the pieces back together and make it work again.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Decisions
Today I'm faced with a choice about my future. I've thought for a while that I would like to pursue advancement in one of my careers. Essentially the choice is whether I take a sizable bonus for a position that I don't particularly want, or do I pursue the option that I believe will be more interesting that doesn't carry a bonus? Either choice requires a 6 year commitment. However, once I've made the choice, I can't reasonably go the other direction, even after the 6 years are up.
When I pare it down to those terms it seems like a pretty easy choice - the money will run out long before my commitment to the job ends.
However, the bonus could go a long way in the meantime. I could pay off all my debt (with the exception of my student loan). That would be quite a relief. Or I could use it as a down-payment on a condo, which would also be really nice (as nice as incurring additional debt can be).
I guess the more important issue is determining which option will serve me better in the long run?
Really, I think I've made my decision. Money has never really had much value for me, beyond what it can do to provide the freedom to do things that really matter to me. Money comes and goes. Not to be flippant about it, but I am far from letting it make my decisions for me. For me, the concern with finding a job is not so much finding one that pays well, but finding one that's fulfilling - where I feel like I'm making a contribution, doing something that matters. The only reason I'm still at the law firm is because I believe the attorney I work for really values me. While I may not feel like the work I'm doing is very significant - to him, it is.
I also know, however, that having enough money to support my lifestyle (which is by no means extravagant) brings a certain amount of peace and security. I'm much more relaxed when I'm not trying to make a dollar out of two nickles.
I'm not in a hurry to make the decision today. I'll probably wait until I get the final word from the State Dept in April before I actually take any real action.
When I pare it down to those terms it seems like a pretty easy choice - the money will run out long before my commitment to the job ends.
However, the bonus could go a long way in the meantime. I could pay off all my debt (with the exception of my student loan). That would be quite a relief. Or I could use it as a down-payment on a condo, which would also be really nice (as nice as incurring additional debt can be).
I guess the more important issue is determining which option will serve me better in the long run?
Really, I think I've made my decision. Money has never really had much value for me, beyond what it can do to provide the freedom to do things that really matter to me. Money comes and goes. Not to be flippant about it, but I am far from letting it make my decisions for me. For me, the concern with finding a job is not so much finding one that pays well, but finding one that's fulfilling - where I feel like I'm making a contribution, doing something that matters. The only reason I'm still at the law firm is because I believe the attorney I work for really values me. While I may not feel like the work I'm doing is very significant - to him, it is.
I also know, however, that having enough money to support my lifestyle (which is by no means extravagant) brings a certain amount of peace and security. I'm much more relaxed when I'm not trying to make a dollar out of two nickles.
I'm not in a hurry to make the decision today. I'll probably wait until I get the final word from the State Dept in April before I actually take any real action.
Monday, December 08, 2008
4:18:51
I finished my third marathon yesterday. It was a little slower than Denver, but I felt a lot better during and after. The oxygen level in the air due to a 4000 foot elevation drop had something to do with that, I'm sure. Plus, it was nice and cool and very dry. Essentially it mimicked my training conditions but with more air to breathe and shorter, less intimidating hills. I had been told that the course was a bit hilly, so Christine and I (former TnT teammate and current running buddy) took that to heart and pushed ourselves up ridiculous inclines in preparation. We were delighted when the "hill" between miles 10 and 11 of which we had been forwarned felt like nothing more than a speed bump on our way to an easy 4:05 finish. By mile 21 I was still feeling great (thanks in part to the full-body Biofreeze spray at mile 19 - it tingles!). By mile 23 I had slowed my roll - we were a little behind after a serious drop in blood sugar for Christine that led to a fainting scare and resulted in a four-minute walk. She recovered, I couldn't seem to get going again. The pain and fatigue of the race (and the long, hard training season for back-to-back marathons) was setting in. She trotted on ahead and finished in 4:15. I began to dream of how lovely it's going to be when the longest distance I have to think about running for at least 3 months is 10 miles.
I'm putting the marathoning on the back burner for now - do not be alarmed, however! I have my racing calendar full in 2009, to include two full marathons and two half marathons. I just need a short break from the long distances. I'll be back faster, fitter, and fresher.
After discussing my training plans for 2009 with my coach, we decided it's best for me to focus on strength and speed for the Winter/Spring. Qualifying for Boston will require more than just logging miles. Also, I'd like to get a little more creative with my running plan/training calendar next year. The Wild West Relay was an experience I'm longing to replicate. The Imogene Pass Run in September is one of the top priorities (other than NY in November) for the year. Next up though is the Canyonlands Half marathon in March. Between now and then I have a 5K, a 5 Mile and a 10 Mile race to ease back in to training, speed up and tune up.
Also, I really want to start swimming this winter; just to give my joints a break. I love being in the water. I've slacked on my Yoga practice as well and I'm looking forward to getting back into that. The studio around the corner from work offers "Hot" Yoga classes in the winter - that sounds really appealing on the many days when the mercury drops.
So I'm excited about changing things up - keeping running at the fore, of course. I'd say I've earned a bit of a break.
I'm putting the marathoning on the back burner for now - do not be alarmed, however! I have my racing calendar full in 2009, to include two full marathons and two half marathons. I just need a short break from the long distances. I'll be back faster, fitter, and fresher.
After discussing my training plans for 2009 with my coach, we decided it's best for me to focus on strength and speed for the Winter/Spring. Qualifying for Boston will require more than just logging miles. Also, I'd like to get a little more creative with my running plan/training calendar next year. The Wild West Relay was an experience I'm longing to replicate. The Imogene Pass Run in September is one of the top priorities (other than NY in November) for the year. Next up though is the Canyonlands Half marathon in March. Between now and then I have a 5K, a 5 Mile and a 10 Mile race to ease back in to training, speed up and tune up.
Also, I really want to start swimming this winter; just to give my joints a break. I love being in the water. I've slacked on my Yoga practice as well and I'm looking forward to getting back into that. The studio around the corner from work offers "Hot" Yoga classes in the winter - that sounds really appealing on the many days when the mercury drops.
So I'm excited about changing things up - keeping running at the fore, of course. I'd say I've earned a bit of a break.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Just Ducky
I remember reading somewhere to "be like a duck: calm on the surface, but paddling like hell underneath." I'm beginning to wonder how long a duck can "paddle like hell" before its feathers start to ruffle.
I'm trying to keep things under control - maintain a calm, easy-going demeanor; but beneath the surface I'm not so smooth or confident. How many punches can one person take before they start to yell "Uncle?"
I mentioned earlier that I decided not to let things get to me this week. So far it's going swimmingly, when it comes to work stuff. I know that no amount of bitching and moaning on my part, or getting angry and letting it fester will make an iota of difference. I think it's spilling over into my personal life. I've turned everything into a melodrama. One unreturned phone call garnered the reaction of all romantic disappointments of the past year. Fortunately for everyone around me, I've reserved my emotional overreactions for my dashboard and taken the frustration out on my running shoes (we'll see how well that served me on Sunday - this was supposed to be a taper week!).
I'm thankful I have a great weekend away planned. It will be a Vegas trip like none other - meaning that it will involve no alcohol, no late night partying, no phone numbers or text messages from men I can't remember meeting, and certainly no time wasted in smoke-filled casinos. What's the point of going to Vegas, you ask? At this point, all I care about is getting out of town and away from the mountain I've made out of a mole hill for a couple days to gain some perspective and remember that I am worth much more than a phone call.
I'm trying to keep things under control - maintain a calm, easy-going demeanor; but beneath the surface I'm not so smooth or confident. How many punches can one person take before they start to yell "Uncle?"
I mentioned earlier that I decided not to let things get to me this week. So far it's going swimmingly, when it comes to work stuff. I know that no amount of bitching and moaning on my part, or getting angry and letting it fester will make an iota of difference. I think it's spilling over into my personal life. I've turned everything into a melodrama. One unreturned phone call garnered the reaction of all romantic disappointments of the past year. Fortunately for everyone around me, I've reserved my emotional overreactions for my dashboard and taken the frustration out on my running shoes (we'll see how well that served me on Sunday - this was supposed to be a taper week!).
I'm thankful I have a great weekend away planned. It will be a Vegas trip like none other - meaning that it will involve no alcohol, no late night partying, no phone numbers or text messages from men I can't remember meeting, and certainly no time wasted in smoke-filled casinos. What's the point of going to Vegas, you ask? At this point, all I care about is getting out of town and away from the mountain I've made out of a mole hill for a couple days to gain some perspective and remember that I am worth much more than a phone call.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
The Case of the Broken Penis
The last couple weeks at work have been quite frustrating. It's just the same old garbage. But today, I decided not to let any of it bother me. I was talking with my mom about her own work woes this weekend, and she commented that "some people get mad just because they can, but that doesn't mean they should." In the grand scheme of things, really, none of this is going to matter. What WILL matter, however, is how I react to it and how I treat people in response. I'm bolstered by the hope that I won't be doing this very much longer anyway - being an ENFP (see previous post for an explanation), the future is always bright.
So today, I looked for (and found) the humor in just about every situation. Instead of getting angry about the stupid little things that happen all day, every day, I just made some smart remark with a smile, laughed and walked away. One case in particular brought a smirk to my lips.
We have a client who was recently sued by a man who broke his penis in their warehouse. He slipped on some ice and had a "straddle" accident that required major surgery. The irony lies in the fact that the man is a convicted sex offender, and his case was tried before the first openly lesbian judge in Colorado (she's sixty). In the end, he was awarded about $740,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, attorneys' fees and legal costs, and Permanent Impairment (he's impotent and permanently catheterized from the injury).
When I was discussing this case with the attorney, he asked me how much I thought was a reasonable amount for permanent impairment. The medical expenses amounted to over $250,000; he was also awarded $300,000 for pain and suffering. I thought I was being generous when I said, "oh about $100,000 for permanent impairment." Apparently the judge thought that was quite generous as well, having awarded $25,000 to the man for his broken penis.
You can't make this stuff up folks.
So today, I looked for (and found) the humor in just about every situation. Instead of getting angry about the stupid little things that happen all day, every day, I just made some smart remark with a smile, laughed and walked away. One case in particular brought a smirk to my lips.
We have a client who was recently sued by a man who broke his penis in their warehouse. He slipped on some ice and had a "straddle" accident that required major surgery. The irony lies in the fact that the man is a convicted sex offender, and his case was tried before the first openly lesbian judge in Colorado (she's sixty). In the end, he was awarded about $740,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, attorneys' fees and legal costs, and Permanent Impairment (he's impotent and permanently catheterized from the injury).
When I was discussing this case with the attorney, he asked me how much I thought was a reasonable amount for permanent impairment. The medical expenses amounted to over $250,000; he was also awarded $300,000 for pain and suffering. I thought I was being generous when I said, "oh about $100,000 for permanent impairment." Apparently the judge thought that was quite generous as well, having awarded $25,000 to the man for his broken penis.
You can't make this stuff up folks.
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