Published: A Dream Come True

As many of you already know, I am getting myself out there as a writer.  I can tell you, there is no way the "Fat Wendy " would have ever gone after something like this.  I am amazed at what shedding a few pounds, actually 75, did for my self -esteem.  Losing weight gave me the courage to go after my dreams and the strength to beat them into submission.  

This link was made available today.  You can read my piece here.  While you are there, check out the other articles as well.  Let me know what you think.

If you would like a copy, leave me a comment and I will do my best to get one to you.

Thanks for your support.

Wendy

What Are You Waiting For???

While on a training ride last week, a funeral procession passed me.  Whenever I see one it really makes me think how fortunate I am.  Not just to be breathing, but to be ALIVE. Really alive.  I was trying to get away from the procession, but it seemed to be following me.  Every turn I took, there they were. Cars with the orange funeral sticker in the window.   Finally, I thought I had seen the last of them... only to find out we where headed in the same direction.  

  I was in the middle of my ride while they were getting out of their cars to say good-bye to their loved one. 

 I stopped across the street and watched as the coffin came out of the limo.  Tears welled up in my eyes and I wondered how this person died.  Where they just old?  Possible accident?  Or was it from diabetes, obesity or some other disease? 

After a few minutes I collected myself and was able to pedal again.  I understand now why I could not seem to out-pedal them.  I needed my ride to be interrupted that day.  I needed to remember where I came from in order  to focus on where I am going.   

I know first hand what it is like to be the "walking dead".  I know what depression is.  I totally comprehend what it feels like to be obese.  I am confident too, that there is no way in hell I will ever feel those things again.    Furthermore, if death wants to take me he better pack a lunch, because I will not go quickly or quietly.  I will fight. 

This will not be my final resting place.  I have requested to be scattered  on trails and mountains.

     You may not get this opportunity again.  Change your life today.  

Girls Gone Hiking

I made myself a note today to buy more sunscreen and bug spray.  Today, April 1st, was 89 degrees complete with endless sunshine.  I am not complaining, but it is a little odd weather, dontchathink?  Missouri had a very mild winter and seems to have skipped spring and began summer.  That said, the ticks are out in full force, and they are huge.  Buy some bug spray, I recommend Bullfrog ( sunscreen and bugspray combo ) , and coat yourself and your kids with it.  


Today Syd and I hit the trails at Brommelseik Park.  Following are a few pictures and an interview with her.

Ready for the trail

Me:  Did you have fun today?

Syd:  Yes because I saw a butterfly

Me: What was your favorite part?

Syd: I liked two. Playground and the horses

Carries her own water and snacks

Me:  What did you see today?

Syd:  Butterfly and horses and ladybugs.  ( she said the worm was disgusting and she didn't want to mention it)

Lunchtime

Me:  Did you have everything you needed?

Syd:  yes, but a chocolate bar or some candy


Me:  Was it too hot?

Syd:  A little bit

Largest worm we have ever seen

Me:  Did we hike long enough?

Syd:  We hiked a little too long.  I wanted to play at that park.

Gotta climb the rocks

Gotta throw some rocks

Last year I would not let her drop while hanging. She has grown, so this trip I told her that she could let go.  You should have seen her face as her feet hit the ground.  It is a truly amazing feeling, when you can watch your child gain confidence, really see it in their eyes. I had another great day with my girl.  Outside, on the trail.

What do you think would happen if you grabbed your kids and headed out on an adventure?  

How Will Your Garden Grow?

I adopted a mostly plant-based diet back in Sept. of 2011.  I feel great and want to keep my diet as such.  Last year I had a small garden.

2011 garden

 We enjoyed many rounds of zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, some carrots, spices, mint, and several varieties of peppers.    I like the idea of walking out my door and picking out my lunch and dinner.  I don't have to worry about; how many miles these veggies traveled to my house, how they were transported, where it came from, pesticides,  and how many people touched it before I bought it.



            This year, we have more than doubled our gardening space.

2012 garden

I will be adding brussels sprouts, a larger selection of lettuce and spinach, and yellow squash.  Here is an awesome recipe for the sprouts.  You can also just drizzle olive oil on them, spice 'em, wrap in foil, and throw them on the grill.  Delicious.  My Grandmas would be so proud of me.  I hated them as a kid, I could eat them everyday now.





Jim planted three tomato plants in our front yard, no one complained.  We enjoyed tomatoes clear through November.  I received some great advice on what to do with green tomatoes last year and it worked.  Simply wrap them in newspaper and put them in the basement.  Check on them every couple weeks.  When they are ripened, they taste just as good.

Front yard tomato garden

Front yard.  Final round picked in Nov.

  I have only just begun.  I will keep you posted on my farming skills or lack thereof. 
If you have any gardening experience or tips to share, please do. Now, I need to get out there and remove the grass so Jim can till it one more time and I can start planting next week.  

Which One Do You Want First?

When it comes to good news/ bad news scenarios, I prefer to end on a good note.  Without beating around the bush, I tried out for the Airborne Flight Crew.  I was not what they were looking for, so I did not make the team.  I was a little disappointed, but realized that this leaves me open for new things.  You know the saying, " when one door closes another opens" ?

Found this in the crack in my driveway




However...... I celebrated my 43rd birthday recently and scored huge.  Thanks Babe.  

I love how Kona makes bikes to match my kit

Of course it's a 29er

My white Velocity Blunt SLs rock

You can read more here about my new bike. 


Today, Monday March 26th I began training for the DK200. Revenge will be mine.

I thought of a great way to keep my mind busy while training.  I will be coming up with witty comebacks to " I like your Big Unit" or "nice Big Unit " .

Hunting For Leprechauns

Sydney blew out the candles on her birthday cake and we were off to spend another weekend in the woods.   She had requested a weekend of hiking,  playing on rocks, and some swimming.  Of course, we can accommodate that.  This would be our second trip to Powder Mill.  Three years earlier, my 40th birthday, was spent there.

Heading out

Our campsite

This is where we are going?

Coffee in hand, we began our 1 1/2 mile trek to Blue Springs.  Sydney and I had completed this hike in our pj's in 2009.  Jim was busy taking sawyer certification classes while we enjoyed our day.

All dressed up and ready to go

Getting our HIKE on

Is that a Leprechaun?

First snake 

Journal time

We made it

What an honor

Family feet

That was the coldest water I have ever felt.  Sydney loved it and we had to gently discourage her from doing a belly flop into it.

Family photo

SuperGirl

Hello spring

Pulled a tooth today

Perfect packing

Our Subaru holds a LOT of gear.  You just have to pack it correctly.

I found that rock

Destination #2

We spent Saturday night in the backcountry.  My first sleep over in a working forest.

 

Working forest

Waterfall

Early a.m. hike with Dad for rocks

Done

   I love weekends with my family.

Close, But No Socks

There is not a correct answer yet.  I am going camping this weekend, so keep guessing.  I will be back on Sunday to see if anyone has won.  If you have guessed already, you may have two more tries.   A few of you are so close.  Good luck.

In the event of a tie, the first one who guessed wins.