10

How would you like to be a Spotted Elephant?  Or a Choo-Choo with square wheels on your caboose?
Or a water pistol that shoots -- jelly?  We're all misfits!  How would you like to be a bird that doesn't fly? I swim!  Or a cowboy who rides an ostrich?  Or a boat that can't stay afloat?  We're all misfits.
-Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Movie

Back to playing catch-up--and again, I thank you!!

Hil, Urr, Holl, Ash, Crizz, La

Earlier this year, I was introduced into a very prestigious and loving group of characters, the Misfits.  This crew has become the most reliable and active crew of people I have belonged to since coming to NC.  Since I met them, our Misfit Gatherings (also known as "Wadies Night") have entailed lots of humor, stories that fall under the Vegas Rule (what happens at Wadies Night stays at Wadies night), and memories a-plenty.  We have done trips to the lake, days of swimming, movie night at home movie night at the theater, kicking it with Michael Jackson, eating interestingly-named ice cream flavors, and finding any reason under the sun to have a party--most recently a birthday.  This group of tree-hugging, hummus-eating, reusable-bag using  hippies have shown me nothing short of unconditional love, acceptance and support.  I remember while floating in the water at the lake, realizing that I hadn't felt this happy and "at home" within myself at any point in my life.

La, Baby Mama, Schweddy Balls Man,
Caron, Crizz

This crew came along right at the time at which I thought NC was going to be nothing more than a 2-year pit stop, and that I would NEVER make a lasting friend.  When I thought I was an island of my own, I found the Island of my Misfits and swam ashore.  It has a more breath-taking and lovely view than any other shore that an anchor has been dropped.

Mile 10 is for you, Wadies! 

11

In America you can always find a party. In Russia the party always finds you. - Yakov Smirnoff

When I came to NC, I made a commitment to myself that I would stay for a minimum of 2 years. I kid you not when I say that for the first year I was here, I could tell you at any given time how long I had been here, and how long until I left.  I enjoyed many things about NC--warmer weather, year-round flowers, civilization, diversity--but I didn't have a single friend.  Correction--I hadn't made a single friend that I spent time with.  I had a great team at work, and M&M were always here--literally right next door (in the same house!), but I hadn't made any friends that I spent social time with.

In June of 2010, I had enough of the beginning of NC summer heat and bought a gym membership.  While it is overpriced, this decision has been one of the best I've made since I've been here--for both physical health and social health reasons.  As a part of the promotion that was going on, I got a free training session or got some discounted ones or something.  I was then contacted by a foreigner with a thick accent.

Russia

Who would've known that this 6 foot tall Russian beauty queen would become my first friend?  Now--don't be fooled by  her smile--she is as evil as they come.  I'm serious!  If you've watched any of the TV shows with the trainers on there that are in your face, consider those child's play.  "Laurindos, move your ass!" was tame.  It was the exact thing I needed to help me start my strength training.

June 26, 2010, I had planned to spend my entire day sulking in my bedroom to "celebrate" my 1 year mark in NC.  Halfway there, I told myself--until these thrilling plans were interrupted by the Russian who invited me out to a picnic at a local winery.  While I don't drink, I couldn't help but wonder if this outing may be slightly more exciting than the 24-hour hibernation I had planned.  I graciously accepted.  I spent the entire afternoon with the Russian ladies and their non-Russian husbands--and they were speaking in Russian nearly the entire time.  Not only was I in love with hearing this beautiful language, but I was amazed at the irony:  I felt like I "belonged" while sitting around a table with people who weren't even speaking English--when I'd been here a year and hadn't found it even once in the company of Americans! 

With the Russian

Russia had her birthday last weekend and we celebrated it at her home, in a house filled with Russians--and this time some new Americans and a few other nationalities--and despite the house full of guests she had, she still made time to visit with me.

You know I love you, Russia, but I hope you know how much you have meant to me--as a trainer and as a friend.  I have taken your advice many times and I know you are listening to the advice I have given you.  Arbuz!

12

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.  -Richard Bach

Someone told me long ago that the most untrue lines in the constitution are as follows:  "All men are created equal."  The truth is that we are NOT all created equal--some of us were born into homes with 2.5 children, a picket fence and a dog and cat.  Others were born in a cardboard box, and others in a mansion.  Some of us were born perfectly healthy, others with allergies, others with some serious medical issues or a family history that will impact us permanently.  Some of us were wanted when we were born, and some of us were not.

One of the most amazing lessons I have learned is that while some of us were handed life on a silver platter, those who were not have the most amazing strength and resiliance.  I read somewhere that after Katrina came through, there was a huge rash of suicides that occurred--and most of these were those of middle-class individuals; ironically, this was the population that was impacted the least (in numbers), but the lower-class individuals did not have the huge suicide influx.  I would propose that this is because the lower-class individuals have lived a life of loss, hardship and oppression--which has given them the ability to navigate these ever-so-familiar situations. 

Over 10 years ago, I met a little girl who was born and raised in a situation that was far different than mine.  She has experienced challenges that most of us would never dream of and losses that no one should ever experience.  Despite all this, she finds the courage to get up and keep going every day.  While there is no genetic relationship between us, I refer to her as "my kid" and am proud of the fact that she has never given up, and has kept in touch with me, even after I moved across the country.  I will get to see her next weekend, and hope she will join my family and I for the holidays again this year.

If I can find even an ounce of that strength to push forward when my body starts to ache during race day, I know I will be able to push through!

Miss you, kiddo!!  XOXO

13

Chose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. – Confucius

Holy buckets--we are getting so close to single digits.  How exciting & simultaneously terrifying!

One thing that all who know me can agree on is my incredible work ethic.  Unless my arm is literally falling off my body or the wheels have been torn from my car, I will get to work every day and I will work hard while I am there.  I often joke about what a slacker I am in the workplace, but this is only because I know how untrue it is. 

Since moving from IA to NC, I have taken a completely different attitude toward work and have found a job that aligns with this new approach:  work to live, rather than live to work.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job and I know I am good at it, but I have found that work is only a part of life, not all of life. 

Today's 13th day of the countdown goes out to all of those with whom I work:  My bosses who are supportive, flexible, and understand my required supervision style; my coworkers who help keep the workplace afloat financially & positive otherwise; and our collaterals/referral sources who keep job security for myself & my co-workers. 

I have worked in a job where waking up every morning was one big nightmare that would last 12 hours, and I'd get up and do it all over again.  I've worked in a job where every step was a social minefield, wondering if you would get written up, have your responsibility/workload doubled without pay, and where I was taken advantage of daily. 

A few of us out at a local baseball game--
FPS team bonding!

I am now in a job where I get to make my own schedule, I am allowed time to myself, I am empowered to make decisions, I am supported when I request it, I am valued, and I am truly a part of a cooperative team.  As a result, I am able to provide the most quality of services with colleagues who do the same, and we continue to turn out successes in the community, and keep our favorite workers at DJJ, DSS and the schools coming back for more!   We recently moved from a small office to a larger office to accommodate all the people we have--our team of employees took turns coming in on nights and weekends to help paint, put together furniture, clean, and move.  While this took time and sweat, we all had fun working together and taking ownership in our new space....which, I might add, is amazing!!

It is good to know that I will be able to take a small trip to the Midwest to do a race, while knowing my clients are in good hands and that my teammates have got my back.  Now if only our computer program for e-charting would be HALF as amazing as we are!  :) 

14

"So I claim freedom."  -Melissa Ferrick

FINALLY caught up on days--thank goodness!!   I am going to have to ask you in advance to be patient with me as I actually have found myself BUSIER during the tapering part of my training, versus when I was running 20 miles a week.  Additionally, I will be packing and travelling, which means my posts may not always be on time, but I will do my best.

Today will be short & quick and picture filled...

Today's official 14 shout-out goes to all of the friends I made when I lived in Waverly--those who were near & far.  Every single one of you contributed to helping me develop as a person & despite moving 1400 miles away, I think of you often.

Love to all--and pictures of some:

15

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.  -Unknown

If you would've asked me 11 years ago where I would be today and who I would be surrounding myself with, I would have never guessed that my life today would be as it is. 

In the Spring of 2009, I decided I'd had enough of the life I was living in Iowa and knew it was time to make changes.  After many emails and phone calls with a couple of friends, I finally got the courage to relocate, and June 26, 2009, I packed up my little Mitsubishi Lancer and headed South.  Again, I was headed to a brand new state, as I'd done 9 years before--but this time, I knew 4 people:  Megan, Melissa, and their 2 kids. 
I like to take full credit for Megan and Melissa's relationship--as I did introduce them to one another my freshman year of college.  For this, I do think they owe me everything.  Given the fact that it was Megan's encouragement that brought me to NC (which has obviously been a great change for me), I guess we can call it ALMOST even.  Megan and Melissa are foster parents and had children before, but in February of 2008, they had Tommy and Stephanie placed with them.  The adoption was finalized in 2009, making the kids officially "Guthrie-Johnsons."  So when I moved down here in 2009, I wasn't just moving down to stay with my old college friends, but with their new family.  I had met the kids when they'd come back to the Midwest a couple times, so moving in with them was much different.  Let us also factor in that Tommy Lee has autism, can't speak, and when angry gets violent--so it wasn't like moving in was just an adjustment to living with kids--but kids with some different needs. 

Sissy, Meg, T-Money, Melissa

It wasn't long before I feel in love with the kids and quickly learned how to manage and communicate with Tommy.  After 2 years, 3 months and 1 week, I can tell you that I love these kids more than I could ever imagine loving a kid!!  Yes, Stephanie can be sassy and Tommy can be frustrating--and noisy at 6 AM when I want to sleep--but receiving the title "Fraunt La" (friend/aunt) was the most honorable title I could imagine receiving.  And I have always appreciated Megan and Melissa--but seeing their endless committment to these kids makes me proud to be their friends.

Melissa, Walmart, La, Stephanie, Meg
La's First Marathon!!

May of 2010, I entered my first 5k.  I was as nervous as could be.  I was running a 5k several times a week already when out on my runs, but this was the first official race.  I was terrified that I would be last, or wouldn't finish--and just scared because it was the first race I'd ever done.  Megan & Melissa decided to support me in this by signing the family up and doing the race as well--and without any training, which ensured that I would NOT be last.  I crossed the finish line and turned around to cheer for them as they rolled in about 10 minutes behind me.  They woke their rear ends up super early on a Saturday, purchased a jogging stroller so they could push Tommy, and went out to do a 5k  just to support me.  April of 2011, they got a hotel and came to cheer me on at my first half-marathon, standing out in the pouring rain and cheering as we approached the 4 mile mark--exactly the encouragement I needed at that time. 

Riah, Sissy, La
Bio fam & new fam unite

The memories we had started with eating ice cream under the stairway at a hotel in Waverly and sitting in the back of the chapel at Eucharist, and has moved now into Tuesday night family night as we watch Parenthood & Glee.  Our fun used to be riding in the car and listening to loud music during a last-minute road trip.  Now our fun is tickling and wrestling with the kids in the living room. 
I do consider all of my close friends to be family, but this family of mine has been and always will be my close family in NC.  Megan will always be my bruh.  Melissa will always be my homie.  Stephanie will always be my niece.  And Tommy will always be the best man in my life--and the only one allowed in my bed! 
If there was one wish I had regarding the marathon (outside of the obvious--that I sprouted wings and could fly the entire thing), it would be that I could pack up a bus of my NC peeps and bring them with--and this family would be at the front of the bus!! 

Have you ever seen anything cuter?
Signing "eat"

Sissy & Bubba Love

Like Mother, Like Daughter
Sissy being "gangsta"

16

Good friends are like stars.  You don't always see them but you know they are always there. -Unknown

I thank you in advance for your patience with my late posts this weekend.  It has been a BUSY weekend, full of lots of fun--but not a lot of time to blog.  I guess since I woke up at 6:45 AM (without an alarm!), that I should at least use this time to be productive!

Cole as a dolphin

"Thanks for coming tonight.  I guess you sort of had to, didn't you, because it is a required part of orientation.  And what else are you going to do?  You're freshman so you have no friends or plans yet!  Well I'm sure you knew you were coming to a speaker tonight who was going to talk about alcohol.   How many of you are wondering where the free samples are?" 

This was the opening lines of a motivational speaker/comedienne that came to speak to us Labor Day weekend of 2000 when we moved to college.  As I previously mentioned in another post, when I moved to Iowa, I literally stepped foot on a campus, city and state in which I knew not a single soul.  This was slightly (or significantly) overwhelming the first day and night I was there.  I had made an assumption that everybody else knew everybody, and that the only way I was going to make friends would be through partying, as college had always been portrayed (especially in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Saved by the Bell: College Years). 

When we got to college, we were placed in orientation groups that were based upon our Interdisciplinary Studies 101 classes.  My orientation group was Group 10, and it was a focus on drama/play analysis and lifelong intrinsic learning.  All of the orientation activities we did, we were expected to report with our IS 101 groups.  At the end of the alcohol speaker, I walked out and was still laughing.  I asked the girl next to me what she thought of the speaker.  Her response?  "I mean, she was funny and everything, but she talked like everybody comes to college to drink and that is not my plan."  At that point, I saw the clouds part, the sunshine down, the angels and archangels singing.  I knew it was meant to be!! 

From that moment forward, Cole and I were friends.  This included road trips to MN where we saw her family and saw my family, slumber parties in her dorm, late-night movie watching and prank phone-calling, volunteering at the local children's home, mentoring a boy together, a John Mayer concert with an annoying tag-along, getting flipped off by some crazy man in Clear Lake, IA, road trips for surprise birthday parties in Des Moines, a wedding shower/wedding road trip to Kansas City, her visiting me on vacation in NC and visiting on a work trip to NC, many phone calls (including 3 way calls with Lou!), and in 2 weeks, getting together again!!  Nicole recently got a job in Des Moines and moved down there from MN--I like to think that it was just so she could see me during marathon weekend. :)

I made many-a-friend in college, but Cole was my first friend, and she and Sarah and I have stayed the 3 amigas.  Cole worries too much, tries to keep everybody happy, and is as loyal as the day is long to those around her.  Colie, I am so grateful for the friendship we've had!  Y Bienvenidos y gracias, por venir oy!  Te quiero!