Showing posts with label Inspire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspire. Show all posts

Me. My Shoes. And the Track.

This morning I went for a run in my brand new running shoes. 

They feel like I am running on clouds. 


I listened to Perpetuum Mobile by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra.  I felt like I should be in a running commercial. 


Just me.  My Shoes.  And the Track.  Refreshing.

Posted in: , , , on Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 3 comments  

You are Braver Than You Believe

I printed this message to give to a bunch of my students tomorrow.  This was a tough week.  At school, we had to announce to our classes that a student had passed on Monday night.  And in a very tragic way.  I have only been here for just a little bit and I did not know that particular student.  However, seeing my students in complete shock, complete sadness, and through the process of mourning has been difficult.  I had a test scheduled for this day.  And I still administered it.  I of course said that if they were not ready or in the right mind to take it, to definitely reschedule for another day.  But as we started, I all of a sudden saw a handful of students crying.  Sobbing.  I of course told them to stop taking the test,  gave a quick hug in the hall and headed them to the library where they had set up a huge counseling center.  

That was tough.  What is the right balance?  Should I have canceled the test?  Continue with the plan? I am not sure.  I didn't know what other teachers were doing.  Would it be too much if we all cancelled  plans and talked about the situation?  I'm not sure. To be honest, I didn't have anything else planned and didn't want to move to the next unit.  The test was already a day late due to the snow day and I know some just wanted to be done with it.  I still continued yesterday's lecture with the 1950's wearing my pink ladies jacket and pointed frame glasses.  We listened to 1950's Rock 'n' Roll today while analyzing the lyrics and cultural impact.  I know some of them were not ready for the dancing and laughter.  Some definitely were ready.  What is the right balance??

Either way, it has been a tough week.  The students, teachers, and community are all coming around.  Their support for each other here is amazing.

I am not sure what the students will think of my quote handout.  I actually found that saying last week after my dear dear friend lost her father.  She is strong, brave, and smart.  She is amazing.  But at a time like that, I just wanted to make sure she remembers that.  I think we can all use that reminder when times are tough. 

Posted in: , , on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 1 comments  

Motivated...

Recently, Gator Guy got a tattoo down his side that says "Motivated"...written in an ancient runic language.  It is pretty sweet actually.  (And I am definitely pondering the idea of one myself some day.  However, I still image how much pain he appeared to be in, so we shall see.) 

Recently, I sometimes joke about just how "Motivated" Gator Guy is.  I mean, the Man does anything he puts his mind to, and that is one of the biggest qualities I absolutely adore about him. But the truth is...I'm jealous.  He honestly has a drive that carries him to the next level.  He worked out for 30 days in the month of January...yes 30, and even with some of them being two-a-days.  Some may call him obsessed, but I see it as determination.  Drive.  Motivation.   

Today is a blizzard.  And I thought again of his "Motivated" tattoo while My Dearest E and I were walking into yoga after driving in 14-22 inches of snow that have pretty much shut down the metro area.  Yes, it felt good to get out of the house, but more than anything, I realized that we too are "Motivated".  Because it is always the just that first step out the door that is the hardest, right?  I may not have the tattoo, but Gator Guy sure does inspire me. 


Posted in: , , , , on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 0 comments  

Be Here Now

This morning in yoga, it was all about rinsing out the past, accepting the future and to just Be Here Now.  Be here now...that is a difficult concept for me.  As I'm sure most of us may struggle with it, my mind runs a million miles per hour and I have a hard time slowing it down to just Be Here Now.  I know I can even take in a lesson from Mr. T who does not care at all about what happened yesterday or where we are going tomorrow.  He is always in the moment.  Always here now. 

I once read the book "The Power of Now" by Eckhard Tolle.  It is challenge for me to leave the past behind and extremely difficult not to obsessively plan the future.  I remember the book being interesting and eye opening at times.  So perhaps it is time to bring that book out again in this transitional part of my life and with a little yoga flow I will be ready to rock 2012. 
OK Yes....2012 is going to ROCK.  I begin Tuesday as a student teacher and I am beyond excited.  Holy Cow....My dreams to work with my passion is finally here!!!  

So enjoy a little Charles Brown jam with me and here is to Bringing in a Brand New Year!

Posted in: , , , , on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 1 comments  

The Stare Down and Black Hole Sun


Yesterday at yoga, we were asked to completely step out of our comfort zone....And to make connections.  We partnered up with someone we did not know and sat on ONE mat with our knees touching.  Yes...awkward.  And when the class finally got all the awkard giggles out of the way we stared into each other's eyes. 

Just stared.  And probably for a full 4 minutes.  Now, that's a really long time to look into someone's eyes, let alone someone I did not know a single thing about.  All I knew about my partner was her name was Maria and well...she must like yoga.  But I can still picture Maria's eyes and I almost feel like I do know her better now, and not just because we both like yoga and happened to show to this class.  I have seen Maria in many classes before, but I am certain that I will now see her in a different light after 4 minutes of the stare down. 

Now that I think about it....I don't know if it have ever looked into Gator Guy's eyes for a solid 4 minutes.  Or really anyone aside from staring competitions when I was 12.  Guess what is on our agenda for our next hot date Gator Guy??? 

I also loved in class this version of Black Hole Sun by the Section Quartet. 

Posted in: , , , on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 1 comments  

Inspiration to Play Again

Dear Yiruma, 

Soon, we will adopt an piano from my Grandma.  I must admit that I was a little concerned about the space it will take up in the house.  I am constantly trying to de-clutter and just didn't know how the piano would help that cause. But then I just heard your beautiful song, River Flows in You, and I am now inspired to start playing again. I hope to some day learn this masterpiece and let my fingers flow just as you do.  Thanks for your inspiration Yiruma and for your soothing energy on this Monday morning.  

xoxo, Kat

Posted in: , , on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 2 comments  

The Spirit of Play

During yoga this morning, it was all out about spirit of play.  You know the kind of play that Mr. T has when he falls down, laughs and gets back up just to do it again.  That face expression of pure joy when he is truly excited about something.   That squeal or "Woohoo" when he's proud of himself and ready to have some fun.

Its easy for a long holiday weekend, especially when the weather is perfect to just relax and have fun...to have and express that spirit of play.  But here's to extending that spirit to all days and all weekends.  Enjoy Joshua Radin's Brand New Day:


Posted in: , , , on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 0 comments  

Let It Be

This was the last song in yoga class this morning, not only is it just relaxing and a classic...but it is just so fitting for today.  Thanks Beatles, you never get old.

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 0 comments  

Request for Vibes

Tomorrow my Beautiful Niece goes in for brain surgery.  Such scary words those two....Brain. Surgery.  And it is definitely scary.  She has Chiari Malformation.  You can read more on the MayoClinic website.  But really as I think about everything, I realize how strong she is. 


I had the privilege to go out to dinner with her on Friday.  Our two and a half hours at dinner were filled with some many laughs and stories, that it just makes me so happy to be around her.  I just can't say enough how proud I am of that girl and how she is handling everything. 

So basically, this post is a Request for Vibes.  I am such a strong believer of positive vibes....whether it is prayers, thoughts, or energy...it is all so incredibly helpful.  So feel free to send some over to my Dearest Niece. 

Posted in: , , on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 3 comments  

What Fuels You??

What fuels me??  Tebow.  Yes sir.  Check out the new commercial from FRS Healthy Energy here:


This premiered tonight during the ESPN special of The Year of the Quarterback - Tim Tebow.  It was amazing.  It was everything I had hoped for.  It showed his unbelievable hard work and determination with every single work out. (Along with some shots of his muscular pecks and rock hard legs...wink wink.)  The amount of effort he put into his release improvement and conditioning to prepare for the NFL draft was inspiring.  He truly believes in himself, his work, his family, and of course his faith.  And you may not have to believe what he does, but its hard not to respect his effort and drive. 

The special even brought tears to my eyes watching his reaction once he knew he was coming to Denver.  Tears of Joy Timmy.  Tears for you. 

But back to the commercial....I obviously love it because it's my beloved future BFF Tebow.  But it also really gets me motivated.  The kind of motivation I get after listening to ACDC Hells Bells or Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train.  Show me this commercial before a race and I know I will run with determination....strength.....Power.  It reminds me of a quote from Lance Armstrong.

"Everybody wants to know what I'm on. What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass six hours a day. What are you on? "

This was on the wall at the 24 Hour Fitness Gator Guy and I used to work out it.  And I freaking loved it.  I would say to myself, "Yeah, Lance...I'm on my ass riding this bike.  Yeah Lance, I'm busting my ass lifting these weights.  Yeah, Lance.  Freaking Yeah."

And so, Yeah Tebow...you fuel me.  Freaking yeah. 

Posted in: , , , , , on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 0 comments  

It's the Moments like this...



Once we got our tree up, its been a favorite for me and Mr. T to lay under the tree and gaze up at all the  Beautiful lights.  I'm a little bummed this Christmas eve after the big surgery.  Everything went well, but I'm definitely in a lot more pain than I thought I would be and I had to skip a lot of traditions like making pies & seeing Santa.  

But again, its moments like this, that makes me realize what Christmas really is all about...Family, Friends, & Loved Ones.  

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Posted in: , on Friday, December 24, 2010 at 1 comments  

Seventy One Years

Can you imagine being 71?  Can you image being married for 71 years?!?  Last week, we said goodbye to my Dear Grandpa.  You can read more about him here.  But I just had to share on this blog too, because he touched so many lives.  Even the Denver Post wrote a short article about his passing.  I am so proud to be a part of this family.  And I am so proud to say that my Grandparents were married for 71 years.  
My Grandma and Grandpa Loved music.  They lived it.  They played Country Music for dances, churches, nursing homes, and parties throughout southern Colorado for over six decades.  And it was the Good Ol Country.  The kind you can tap your boots to.  

At mine and Gator Guys' wedding, we did the Anniversary Dance.  Where all married couples are on the dance floor and one by one everyone steps off according to how long they have been hitched.  Obviously the newlyweds are the first off.  But I have to say that I was again proud to see the last three couples.  My Aunt and Uncle, my parents at 39 years at the time, and my Grandparents at 66 years at the time.  Those are some good genes to have and I know that we can make it through anything.  My favorite part of the service was how the Pastor talked about Ben & Fern.  Fern & Ben.  They were two peas in the same pod.  Two peanuts in the same shell.  And that was true.  You never saw one without the other.  And I hope to follow in their path with as many years with Gator Guy by my side. 

Posted in: , on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 8 comments  

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

All I can say is...WOW.  I saw this one morning on Denver's 7News and I must say, this is my favorite picture of the greatest city!!    I Heart You Colorado, You truly are beautiful each and every day!

Posted in: on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 2 comments  

I Can Do Anything Good.

I didn't set an official goal this month, since I would say May was dedicated to the marathon.  But I will now take a tip from the young, gifted & talented Miss Jessica and Like everything in my life!  Not to mention this is just so darn cute and hilarious! 

Posted in: , , on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 2 comments  

I Finally Crossed That Line

It was 26.2 miles of Hard Work, Sweat, Pain, Joy, and Satisfaction. Satisfaction because I am pleased and Proud. I figured I would beat myself up over my time (well let's be honest, I still do just a little bit). But I am about 90% Proud and 10% wish-I-could-have-done-more. Ask me on a different day and those percentages might change, but that's just the nature of being uber competitive.

This marathon was different than my first. This training was Oh-so-freaking-HARD. I had a hard time on most my long runs both physically and mentally.  Kudos to all you mom's out there (like Heather who I admire with each blog post) that work your butt off in the office, wear your super cape around the house, while you tend to the kids, cook for the hubby, AND train like a rock star. I had a hard time with that balance and had a hard time keeping my head positive. But looking back, I am happy that I finished and it felt so good to be done!!

The Colorado Marathon started at 6:00am. Wanna know what time that required me and Gator Guy to set our alarm for? 3:15 in the A-freaking-M!! If only Rob Thomas could have serenaded me with his Matchbox's classic, "Its 3AM".  But I'm pretty sure he didn't intend for 3AM to be spent eating breakfast and putting on all the Gear. We left the hotel at 4AM, and I was on the bus by 4:15AM. The ride to the start was about 45 minutes, and I thought, HOLY CRAP this is a long drive up this canyon road....and I have to run ALL the way back!!  Take. A. Deep. Breath.

Even though it was still dark when we arrived to the Start Line, starting this early actually was great. It meant that we saw the sunrise and it wasn't too hot by the time we finished. In fact, it was 32 degrees at the start and 68 degrees at the finish. (Only that kind of mercury swing happens in Colo "rad" o).
The course was BEAUTIFUL, and fast. It is the number one qualifying race for Boston, which meant that there was a lot of people that kicked my butt and then some. But I tried to soak up some of the dedicated energy that they had left on the trail hours before me.

As for my performance....it was rough. Previously, I had talked about my Poise. When really...I was ok in that department. However, my other "track" chose to fail me and I spent a total of at least 17 minutes waiting in line and going to the bathroom. YIKES. Not my idea of a good way to run a race.

I have to say that most runners are crazy.  Crazy about our Time.  We constantly have to know our pace, know our finish prediction, and once one race is completed...its on to the next to beat that time.  When I started training in January I was sure that I would run a sub 4:20:00.  But as my training runs became longer and harder...And my head just wasn't in the Game like I had wanted it to be, I learned to drop my expectations.  I set what I thought was a major cushion of "If I finish under 5 hours, I will be just fine". When really I thought, "I'll probably finish under 4:45 and hopefully under 4:30". So when I crossed the line just at 5 hours (well 4:59:22 to be exact), I had thought I would be upset.
But instead, I was Proud. Actually Proud of myself. Because I had known that the last 26.2 miles officially kicked my ass!! I was Proud that I finished and was even more Proud to have my family on the sidelines cheering me on.  I heard the announcer say my name as I neared the finish line, threw my arms up with joy and I felt Oh-So-Proud.

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 7 comments  

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