Run Like A Girl...

Want to know what is even better than me learning to run at the age of 45? My 11-year old daughter taking up the sport! Now, this may not seem like a big deal. But, let me give you a brief bio on my daughter. She has never enjoyed running, nor has she been interested in my newfound love for running. She is strong-willed and once she gets it in her mind not to do something, well...good luck trying to get her to change her mind. She has never felt like she was a good runner or had what it takes to become one. I have tried relentlessly to get her to sign up for a kid-friendly race with me to no avail. I see kids on the side lines of races, cheering on the runners and have thought to myself, "man, I wish she would do that." But, knowing all along she never would.

Well, I went away last night with my book club ladies and came home 24 hours later - only to find that my husband had turned my little girl into a budding runner!! He bought her, her first pair of running shoes. And, actually took her to the track to run with him. He ran 9 laps and she ran/walked 5.

By the time I got home, she was flying high on Cloud 9. She couldn't wait to tell me all about her afternoon with dad...grinning from ear to ear while she recounted her run. She wanted me to take her to get a pair of running pants, with an ipod pocket, because a girl has to have music when she runs! I was so excited that I would have probably bought her a brand new ipod if that's what she had asked for!!! So, I quicky wisked her off to Nike before her enthusiasm dwindled. On the way, she was asking all sorts of questions..."Mom, when did you know you liked running?" "Why did you first start running?" "When can we do a Fun Run together?" "When, we go to the beach for spring break, can I run on the beach with you?" It was all I could do to keep from crying tears of joy!! My girl was finally sharing my love of running and she was excited about it! My heart was literally overflowing with joy.

I have to hand it to my husband...How he was ever able to convince her to go for a run, is beyond me. Sometimes, it's good to step back and let someone else work their magic. I think I need to go on more girls' getaways so that my husband can perform more everyday miracles at home!

I am excited about the future and running many races with my daughter. I can only hope that she enjoys it half as much as I do. Lord knows, I wish I had started running sooner than I did. Thank you, Andrew, for taking control of the situation and just doing what you do...I am forever indebted!

Dr. Seuss was a pretty cool cat!

Last Friday, was Dr. Seuss's Birthday. It was a fun day at school...Kids wore pajamas (as did some of us adults!) and brought their favorite Dr. Seuss book to school. In kindergarten, the kids ate green eggs & ham, and wore fun red & white striped hats made out of paper plates and striped paper. In third grade, the kids got to bring pillows and blankets from home and sprawl out on the carpet during reading time and read their fave Seuss book. (It's days like these that I really love my job!!)

As I was reading "Oh! The Places You Will Go"...on the carpet with one of the kids, I came across a quote that I loved! I even asked one of the kids if I could borrow his pencil and wrote it down so I'd remember it, and perhaps post it on my mirror when I need a little extra inspiration.

So, here it is:

"You won't lag behind because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be BEST of the best. Wherever you go, you will TOP all the rest. Except when you don't because sometimes you won't. I'm sorry to say so, but sadly it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you!"

I love this!! It is so true. There are days that we fly towards the finish line, passing all sorts of folks on our way. And, then there are those days when we just can't seem to get our groove on, can't seem to get into a rhythm...and as good ol' Doc S. put it so well, so many years ago..."except when you don't because sometimes you won't!" Plain and simple.

I think this is such a great lesson for all of us, including our kids. They need to know that sometimes life won't go the way they want. "Bang-ups", "Hang-ups" and hiccups happen to all of us. One of my favorite things to tell my kids is: "We can't control what happens to us, but we CAN control the way we REACT to what happens to us." Kids need to know how to roll with the punches. They need to know how to get back up when they fall. Life can be tough but, attitude is EVERYTHING and the sooner, they figure that out, the better. And, who better to teach us that than Dr. Seuss?

Happy 108th bday, big guy!