I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I've never been happier. I've never felt more alive. I find myself dreaming about my current life instead of the future. Right here, right now I'm doing what I should be.
A year ago I never thought I would find that happiness. I wasn't depressed or drinking every night (maybe that was my problem) but I was searching for happiness and trying to fill a void in both my profession and social life.
It's been 2 months since I've even touched my blog. Not because I haven't had random thoughts worth writing about but because I've been too busy living life. A year ago I was searching graduate programs and filling out paperwork for the Peace Corp. I was trying to figure out what would fill the hole I was feeling. A hole I thought would be filled with new knowledge, new people, a different set of goals or a three year commitment to a third world country. Today those thoughts seem like a decade ago.
My newfound happiness stems from various new relationships I've found myself in. Particularly, four relationships.
Relationship #1: Laura and IronKids
I have become married to work. They say that's a bad thing. I say, in my 25 years of existance it's the best relationship I've ever had. Definitely better than a cheater or a liar (I've had a bad history of trying to fool myself that those were good guys). If I were in a "real" relationship right now I'd be a horrible girlfriend. I'm on the road half the week and I only talk about my favorite adorable IronKids, inside crew jokes and funny Bill-isms. I only make time for social events on Wednesday night and Sunday when I'm not catching up on emails. And I usually spend those days with my co-workers. IronKids fills that hole with new challenges, responsibility and people that are like me.
Relationship #2: Laura and Michael
He really is my other half. In most ways we are quite opposite. I don't think we've gone more than 5 days without a disagreement. I need to work on being nicer to him. He needs to work on being on time. After an argument I want to run and hide from him and he wants to talk things through. In the last 5 months I haven't gone more than 7 days without seeing him or more than a day without talking to him. I wouldn't choose anyone else to be my other half in this IronKids adventure. He makes me appreciate the small things. He makes me think about relationships, the world, religion and people in ways I never have before. He makes me dream and realize that the world is a big place and the people in it are good and full of adventure. He's going to do big things because he's fearless, charismatic and thinks outside the box. He really is my other half at the moment and if I had the chance to hand pick that person it would be him. Every single time.
Relationship #3: Laura and Steve
Steve is one of the coolest guys I've ever met. I'm never bored with Steve. The only time we're not laughing is when we're trying to fight off a hangover. I really do feel like Steve is my summer boyfriend without the kissing and other gushy stuff. We do plenty of "dates" like drinks, dinner, movies and concerts. Did I mention drinks? Steve is that guy you've met that can make a group of strangers become best friends instantly and is the center of every party, meeting or group gathering. I will be sad when our "summer relationship" comes to an end. I'll see him now and then. And I am pretty positive I'll see him on the cover of AdWeek or Businessweek in 2015.
Relationship #4: Laura and herself
I've become quite selfish in the last year. I have put my sense of excitement and adventure before anyone else. I've missed birthdays and weddings this year (sorry peeps) for races, concerts or an afternoon by the pool. I've realized that once you decide to invest in a relationship with someone you love you have to sacrifice a lot of "me time" and I'm loving every minute of "me time" this summer. I've learned more about myself in the last year than ever before. I've never been more selfish or proud of myself.
Things can change quickly. Today I am going to live my life for my work and myself and enjoy it with my two favorite boys at the moment. At this time next year I'm sure I'll be in brand new relationships. Yesterday, one of the messages from church was to live for your faith--and that you can't find faith or God in experiences or science. I will take the experiences of dancing with good friends, exploring the MidWest with the IK crew, camping under the stars or day dreaming on a paddle board over finding myself routinely in a Middle School singing praises any day.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A Disconnected Desire
Today I dream about a deserted get-away. I dream not of beaches and cocktails or exploring new cities with my girlfriends. Rather, I dream of a vacation that includes a star lit sky, a guitar and miles and miles of flowers and open space lying before a mountain and skyline. No where in that skyline are cell phone towers or coffee shops with "Free Wi-Fi" signs.
I really love that at the touch of 10 buttons I can reach my mother and father or chat with my friends about their failed spanish-speaking auditions or first days as a mother. I love that I can work for a company headquartered in New Orleans and put on the largest youth triathlon series in the country thousands of miles from that headquarters. I love that technology has brought the world together in ways that were once just a dreamer's idea and that we can book a ticket from Des Moines, Iowa to Beijing, China with the click of a button.
I also love when my phone dies. I love when I'm disconnected from family, friends, co-workers and the world even if it's just for a couple hours. When my phone is not buzzing every other minute I am free to dream and reflect on all that is good in my life. And my life is very, very good.
Today my happiness will include a dead cell phone and a cup of green tea. I will continue to dream of a deserted get-away but for today two hours without having to hear "Hard to Love" by Lee Brice or "ding-ding" notifying me of a text message or email will be my grateful moment.
Until the crazy connected days that are triathlon season are over, I will dream of wide open spaces. Until then, I will continue to love my daily life that is connecting with the parents of young triathletes, teaming with my best friend to produce youth events that could rival most adult races in the midwest and answering those "Hard to Love" telephone calls.
I really love that at the touch of 10 buttons I can reach my mother and father or chat with my friends about their failed spanish-speaking auditions or first days as a mother. I love that I can work for a company headquartered in New Orleans and put on the largest youth triathlon series in the country thousands of miles from that headquarters. I love that technology has brought the world together in ways that were once just a dreamer's idea and that we can book a ticket from Des Moines, Iowa to Beijing, China with the click of a button.
I also love when my phone dies. I love when I'm disconnected from family, friends, co-workers and the world even if it's just for a couple hours. When my phone is not buzzing every other minute I am free to dream and reflect on all that is good in my life. And my life is very, very good.
Today my happiness will include a dead cell phone and a cup of green tea. I will continue to dream of a deserted get-away but for today two hours without having to hear "Hard to Love" by Lee Brice or "ding-ding" notifying me of a text message or email will be my grateful moment.
Until the crazy connected days that are triathlon season are over, I will dream of wide open spaces. Until then, I will continue to love my daily life that is connecting with the parents of young triathletes, teaming with my best friend to produce youth events that could rival most adult races in the midwest and answering those "Hard to Love" telephone calls.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Vote for Ellen!...Or, Just Vote!
I am voting for Ellen DeGeneres. I believe she is the best choice to move our country forward and has America's best interest at heart. I've thought long and hard about my decision and firmly believe that my decision to vote for Ellen is the correct choice for me personally as well as for America. Below I have stated my reasons for voting for Ellen. Remember, everyone has the freedom to make their own decision but you'll be making the wrong choice unless you vote for Ellen.
Ellen settles disputes with a dance-off. We could say goodbye to war and violence if Ellen were President. When an argument arises between America and Australia over whether Vegemite or Nutella is best it would be settled by recruiting the best dancers from each country and having a dance-off. We would no longer lose innocent lives and could save money on military equipment.
Her running mates are spunky, energetic, positive and love pink! Often, when someone can't decide between Presidential candidates they'll make their decision based on the potential veep. Ellen has the best of the best. Although they aren't American citizens (minor detail) Sophia Grace and Rosie could really move this country forward with their positive energy, interview skills, big dreams and fashion sense. Please see the video below which further proves my point that Ellen really landed some great running mates.
It's true that history repeats itself and Ellen has Atticus and Rainer to inform her on the past Presidents and their successes and failures (and sideburns). Sometimes there's no reason to reinvent the wheel and when an issue comes up for President Ellen she can ask her Presidential experts Atticus and Rainer how it was handled by our past Presidents so that she handles it appropriately. If it was handled successfully in the past she can follow suit and if it was failed to be handled successfully by our past Presidents she can take a different approach. I reccomend a dance-off.
It's not what you know but who you know. We grow up thinking that in order to be successful in life we need to know calculus, chemistry and philosophy. It didn't take me long after graduating college that I learned a lot of success in the business world comes from who you know rather than what you know. Ellen knows Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, Clint Eastwood, Drew Brees, Zac Efron, Channing Tatum and Luke Bryan. Alright, maybe knowing these people won't make her a better President but I can promise after a long, stressful day in the Oval Office I would appreciate knowing the above eye candy.
Ellen believes we should all be kind to one another. She ends every show stating that we should all be kind to one another and I can't think of a better belief or philosophy. When we're kind to one another we're better people, our communities are better and the world is a better place.
In all seriousness voting is important and it's one of our rights. Our forefathers fought for it and many Americans have put their lives on the line to ensure we have the right to vote. Exercise your right to vote today. Your beliefs may not line-up completely with either of the candidates' but if you do your research you can decide which candidate is best for you and your family.
Now, go out and vote! And don't forget to appreciate that tomorrow we get the return of those commercials advertising things we never had an interest in purchasing but seem like a breath of fresh air compared to all those negative campaign ads we've been surrounded by for months.
Ellen settles disputes with a dance-off. We could say goodbye to war and violence if Ellen were President. When an argument arises between America and Australia over whether Vegemite or Nutella is best it would be settled by recruiting the best dancers from each country and having a dance-off. We would no longer lose innocent lives and could save money on military equipment.
Her running mates are spunky, energetic, positive and love pink! Often, when someone can't decide between Presidential candidates they'll make their decision based on the potential veep. Ellen has the best of the best. Although they aren't American citizens (minor detail) Sophia Grace and Rosie could really move this country forward with their positive energy, interview skills, big dreams and fashion sense. Please see the video below which further proves my point that Ellen really landed some great running mates.
Sophia Grace and Rosie will make you smile even after the worst of days.
It's true that history repeats itself and Ellen has Atticus and Rainer to inform her on the past Presidents and their successes and failures (and sideburns). Sometimes there's no reason to reinvent the wheel and when an issue comes up for President Ellen she can ask her Presidential experts Atticus and Rainer how it was handled by our past Presidents so that she handles it appropriately. If it was handled successfully in the past she can follow suit and if it was failed to be handled successfully by our past Presidents she can take a different approach. I reccomend a dance-off.
Atticus and Rainer believe "There's no Democrats, there's no Republicans, only Americans."
It's not what you know but who you know. We grow up thinking that in order to be successful in life we need to know calculus, chemistry and philosophy. It didn't take me long after graduating college that I learned a lot of success in the business world comes from who you know rather than what you know. Ellen knows Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, Clint Eastwood, Drew Brees, Zac Efron, Channing Tatum and Luke Bryan. Alright, maybe knowing these people won't make her a better President but I can promise after a long, stressful day in the Oval Office I would appreciate knowing the above eye candy.
Ellen believes we should all be kind to one another. She ends every show stating that we should all be kind to one another and I can't think of a better belief or philosophy. When we're kind to one another we're better people, our communities are better and the world is a better place.
In all seriousness voting is important and it's one of our rights. Our forefathers fought for it and many Americans have put their lives on the line to ensure we have the right to vote. Exercise your right to vote today. Your beliefs may not line-up completely with either of the candidates' but if you do your research you can decide which candidate is best for you and your family.
Now, go out and vote! And don't forget to appreciate that tomorrow we get the return of those commercials advertising things we never had an interest in purchasing but seem like a breath of fresh air compared to all those negative campaign ads we've been surrounded by for months.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Roddick Continues to Make Me Dream
Andy Roddick retired after he was defeated in the fourth round of this year's U.S. Open.
I was obsessed with Andy when I was growing up. As a young teenager he met my three requirements: 1. He played tennis 2. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan 3. He was hot. When I was in middle school I got to hit with him at the opening of a Red Oak, Iowa indoor tennis facility. I also got my photo taken with him and he autographed a poster for me. This was huge to me. In my small, never been in love world, this was comparable to the moment that Allie showed up at Noah's house after years of separation in "The Notebook". Yep, I even had a space in my room dedicated to Andy with recent articles, photos and of course my autographed poster and photo with him and I.
When Andy retired it made me think about how much I would love to retire at 30 years young. Of course, if I were to retire at 30 I would prefer to retire with Andy's salary rather than a non-profit fundraiser's salary.
If I were to retire at 30 with Andy's salary here are a few things I would do:
1. Attend a John Mayer, Jimmy Buffett and Justin Bieber concert. Not all at once. That would be an interesting crowd though.
2. Go to Mardi Gras and I would bring my unmarried friends along. Val would actually be the most fun to bring to Mardi Gras but now that she's married she's "retired". I couldn't revisit New Orleans without my cousins either.
3. Learn guitar. I already have the guitar but lack the time and patience to learn. Now that I'm retired I have cleared up 9 hours a day to practice!
4. Treat my parents to a trip around Europe. They can choose how long and where they visit. Let's be real, I've driven them nuts on countless trips so they deserve a trip on me. One without the stress of keeping me entertained.
5. Fund and organize efforts to build an indoor sports facility in Keokuk. I'll never move back there but there are a lot of people there that shaped who I became and I think the young generation deserves a place to hang out. I spent my young days running around town in cow costumes. There's obviously nothing for kids to do in that town.
6. Treat the Whitakers and Taylors to a trip to Key West. They're my second families and have treated me like it for years and years. It has to be over St. Paddy's Day though. (St. Paddy's love ALL over your body!)
7. Go to a private island for yoga, cleansing and zen. Isn't that what all rich retirees do!?
8. Bet a huge amount of money on a horse at the Kentucky Derby. I would also rock the most ridiculous hat just because.
9. Get a tattoo. I don't have to worry about covering it up for a profession and if I get tired of it I'll have enough money to get rid of it.
10. Run with the bulls.
11. Elton John and Garth Brooks too.
12. Take cooking classes. I have Andy's money but not the hot super model significant other. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. What do you think Adam Levine's favorite meal is?
13. Spend a year as a volunteer. I'd like to live the life of a third world country resident; build a home for those living in boxes but striving to better their life, teach children that appreciate education, teach business skills to women living in a one bedroom home with a couple other families because they can't afford anything more. I would like to offer my skills and labor to the world wherever it's most needed.
14. Purchase a reclaimed barnwood coffee table just to stick a big wad of Bubblicious gum under it.
15. Drink with Kathie Lee and Hoda for a morning.
A girl can dream right...?
I was obsessed with Andy when I was growing up. As a young teenager he met my three requirements: 1. He played tennis 2. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan 3. He was hot. When I was in middle school I got to hit with him at the opening of a Red Oak, Iowa indoor tennis facility. I also got my photo taken with him and he autographed a poster for me. This was huge to me. In my small, never been in love world, this was comparable to the moment that Allie showed up at Noah's house after years of separation in "The Notebook". Yep, I even had a space in my room dedicated to Andy with recent articles, photos and of course my autographed poster and photo with him and I.
When Andy retired it made me think about how much I would love to retire at 30 years young. Of course, if I were to retire at 30 I would prefer to retire with Andy's salary rather than a non-profit fundraiser's salary.
If I were to retire at 30 with Andy's salary here are a few things I would do:
1. Attend a John Mayer, Jimmy Buffett and Justin Bieber concert. Not all at once. That would be an interesting crowd though.
2. Go to Mardi Gras and I would bring my unmarried friends along. Val would actually be the most fun to bring to Mardi Gras but now that she's married she's "retired". I couldn't revisit New Orleans without my cousins either.
3. Learn guitar. I already have the guitar but lack the time and patience to learn. Now that I'm retired I have cleared up 9 hours a day to practice!
4. Treat my parents to a trip around Europe. They can choose how long and where they visit. Let's be real, I've driven them nuts on countless trips so they deserve a trip on me. One without the stress of keeping me entertained.
5. Fund and organize efforts to build an indoor sports facility in Keokuk. I'll never move back there but there are a lot of people there that shaped who I became and I think the young generation deserves a place to hang out. I spent my young days running around town in cow costumes. There's obviously nothing for kids to do in that town.
6. Treat the Whitakers and Taylors to a trip to Key West. They're my second families and have treated me like it for years and years. It has to be over St. Paddy's Day though. (St. Paddy's love ALL over your body!)
7. Go to a private island for yoga, cleansing and zen. Isn't that what all rich retirees do!?
8. Bet a huge amount of money on a horse at the Kentucky Derby. I would also rock the most ridiculous hat just because.
9. Get a tattoo. I don't have to worry about covering it up for a profession and if I get tired of it I'll have enough money to get rid of it.
10. Run with the bulls.
11. Elton John and Garth Brooks too.
12. Take cooking classes. I have Andy's money but not the hot super model significant other. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. What do you think Adam Levine's favorite meal is?
13. Spend a year as a volunteer. I'd like to live the life of a third world country resident; build a home for those living in boxes but striving to better their life, teach children that appreciate education, teach business skills to women living in a one bedroom home with a couple other families because they can't afford anything more. I would like to offer my skills and labor to the world wherever it's most needed.
14. Purchase a reclaimed barnwood coffee table just to stick a big wad of Bubblicious gum under it.
15. Drink with Kathie Lee and Hoda for a morning.
A girl can dream right...?
A Sunday for Forgetting
My beloved Huskers lost on Saturday 36-30 to the UCLA Bruins. If you know anything about me you know that one of my biggest passions is Nebraska football. Each fall I plan my entire weekend around the football schedule, I live in my best scarlet and cream and on my favorite tailgate foods and my mood on Sunday is dependant on Nebraska's Saturday performance. That has caused me around 3-4 miserable Sundays each season the last ten years.
Not this week. I refused to read articles from the Omaha World Herald about how Taylor Martinez went downhill after the first half or opinions of why the Blackshirts allowed 653 yards. I watched the game and I didn't need to ruin my Sunday reminiscing the loss. Instead, I was determined to keep busy doing "I" things from the moment I woke up until the moment I fell asleep.
I started my Sunday at a morning service at Harvest Bible Church. The music and message always leaves me with a positive outlook and this week didn't disappoint. Pastor Willey is like a living, breathing Spark Notes for the Bible and I love that he uses real life situations in his messages. This week he used references to Twitter, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. Does it get easier to stay tuned in?!
After church I headed to Books A Million and purchased my newest read, The Voluntourist by Ken Budd, "a six-country tale of love, loss, fatherhood, fate, and singing Bon Jovi in Bethlehem". I'm really into autobiographies right now and this mix of travel and volunteerism was screaming at me from the book shelf.
From the bookstore I headed downtown to check out the Beaux Arts Fair. I parked near the river so that I could capture a few shots of the river on this perfect, sunny Sunday. The fair had over 50 vendors and there were artists from all over the Midwest showcasing their talents. I purchased a necklace for my mom and a Nebraska photograph for my dad, a little ironic considering I was bound and determined to keep from giving the Huskers a moment of my day. As Pastor Willey would say, #fail.
The next adventure of the day was a trip to Maquoketa Caves State Park. I grabbed Rusty and drove to the caves for a hike and attempt to take to some more photos. The hike was great. The photos were not. It's not easy taking photos when you've got a dog that attempts to yank your arm off every time he catches a whiff of anything.
I finished the evening catching up on my Fantasy Football team and watching a few episodes of Breaking Bad.
The day was great. I successfully stayed away from any article about the Huskers loss and spent time doing things I enjoy. Let's hope the Huskers go undefeated the rest of the year so I don't have to worry about keeping myself busy from sunrise to sunset any other Sundays. Wishful thinking on my part.
I'm just considering myself lucky that we don't play Iowa State anymore because I'd hate to suffer the day after a loss to the Cyclones. Now that would just be embarrassing.
(Ethan, in the far fetched chance that you read my blogs I think you're awesome and I hope your team continues on the win streak! Also, you probably don't get my sarcasm, yet.)
Not this week. I refused to read articles from the Omaha World Herald about how Taylor Martinez went downhill after the first half or opinions of why the Blackshirts allowed 653 yards. I watched the game and I didn't need to ruin my Sunday reminiscing the loss. Instead, I was determined to keep busy doing "I" things from the moment I woke up until the moment I fell asleep.
I started my Sunday at a morning service at Harvest Bible Church. The music and message always leaves me with a positive outlook and this week didn't disappoint. Pastor Willey is like a living, breathing Spark Notes for the Bible and I love that he uses real life situations in his messages. This week he used references to Twitter, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. Does it get easier to stay tuned in?!
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| It's my favorite time of the year! It was a dress, leggings and boots kind of day on Sunday. |
From the bookstore I headed downtown to check out the Beaux Arts Fair. I parked near the river so that I could capture a few shots of the river on this perfect, sunny Sunday. The fair had over 50 vendors and there were artists from all over the Midwest showcasing their talents. I purchased a necklace for my mom and a Nebraska photograph for my dad, a little ironic considering I was bound and determined to keep from giving the Huskers a moment of my day. As Pastor Willey would say, #fail.
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| Love was in the air along the Davenport riverfront. |
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I'm just considering myself lucky that we don't play Iowa State anymore because I'd hate to suffer the day after a loss to the Cyclones. Now that would just be embarrassing.
(Ethan, in the far fetched chance that you read my blogs I think you're awesome and I hope your team continues on the win streak! Also, you probably don't get my sarcasm, yet.)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
My Favorite "C" Word
I've always considered myself confident. I've always had big dreams and felt like with a lot of hard work, a fearless attitude and a little luck that they would come true. I've also had a relatively realistic view on life.
It's funny how life works. I know I'm not the only one that's had huge dreams going into something and with time and a few obstacles those dreams seem to change from what they started as. When I started school I was bound and determined to be a veterinarian. After some struggles with Chemistry and Pre-Calculus tests those dreams seemed to change a bit. (Most kids have high expectations when they're starting school and if you don't believe me just check out Pinterest). When I entered college I was a Pre-Physical Therapy major. After a few failed Animal Biology tests and a couple tear-fests that I remember all too well, that career path changed to Business. (It turns out I'm much better at relationships and communication than science). My dreams changed because over time I realized my strengths and pursued a career that would highlight those.
I wouldn't change anything about the way I got to where I am today. Regrets are a waste of time and I'm proud of where I am and who I've become. That being said, I know I have a really long way to get to where I want to be and to accomplish all that I wish to accomplish.
I've only been in the "real world" for 20 short months but I feel like I've learned so much. There are things that my parents, teachers and professors, and my mentors have nagged me about that have finally started to click and make sense. There's a lot to life that experience teaches you. Last week I had one of those "ah-ha" moments. I had a great work week and as I worked on a few projects at Starbucks I took a moment to realize that I'm a completely different person than I was when I first joined the work force. As I said, I've always considered myself confident but I've found a new sense of confidence I didn't even know could exist and one that I could only gain with experience. The sales presentations I do at various companies, the numerous meetings I have with volunteers and vendors and the daily contacts I make to ensure I organize successful fundraisers have created a brand new me.
A lot of this new confidence stems from the fact that I work alone. I'm the lone LLS employee stationed in Eastern Iowa and if there's a presentation to be made or an interview to do I've got to put even the slightest fear I might have behind me and rock it. I never saw myself as fearful or tentative when it came to doing those things but the more I do it, I can tell that I'm far more confident than I was 20 short months ago.
One of my mentors is a big quote person. The other day I dusted off the book, "Reach for the Stars, Give Up the Good to Go for the Great" she once gave me and found a perfect quote for the new found confidence I've discovered in myself:
"Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy." --Mike Ditka
This quote summed up me and the way I was feeling last week to-a-tee. The last few months I was tossing and turning in bed and worrying about my upcoming walks. I've come to realize that worry is a wasted emotion because it gets you no where. My new outlook on life is to hold my head up high, march forward with confidence and have no regrets. I had no idea that I was slightly timid or fearful until this new confidence knocked me on the side of the head and taught me that if I perform my best anything is possible. This new found confidence is going to open new doors and lead me to huge things.
Cheers to a new found confidence! I'm excited to see who I'll become and what I can do at LLS as I continue to gain experience, learn new things and conquer new obstacles! Let the dreaming continue...
Saturday, May 19, 2012
"Only In America"
Today is Armed Forces Day and the final day of Armed Forces Week. This holiday was first celebrated on May 20, 1950 and replaced separate Army, Navy and Air Force days once the armed forces became unified under the Department of Defense. Today those that have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard in times of peace and war will be on my mind and I will take time to be thankful for all they sacrifice so that I can live in the land of the free.
I have to admit that while growing up I took my freedom for granted. I did not pay tribute to those who fought in the wars before my time nearly enough. I was not all that interested in history and only learned what I needed to pass my tests in school without really thinking of all those individuals that fought for my freedom.
This morning I woke up and went for a run and as I ran the streets of Davenport I could not help but feel free. Because of so many courageous people and the sacrifices they made in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and others I am able to run the streets without having to worry about stepping on an IED, I get to choose the music playing on my Ipod, as a woman I am not forced to cover my skin and I can wave at a stranger without a second thought. I couldn't help but think that in other parts of the world people don't have these same free choices that I sometimes take for granted. I am grateful to live in a country where fellow citizens and even some of my own family and friends make the choice to be away from their families and friends, expose themselves to danger, endure days that are less than desirable and put their lives on the line so people like me can live a life full of freedom.
Lately I've been thinking a lot about true heroes. Many people, including myself, grow up idolizing athletes and calling them their heroes. School children list Aaron Rogers, Justin Verlander, Derrick Rose and LeBron James amongst their list of heroes. Mia Hamm and Andy Roddick were mine. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with any of these athletes or with people idolizing athletes or naming them amongst their list of heroes. In fact, I think athletes and musicians are in a position to make this world a better place because of their status. I am inspired by those that use their status to help the less fortunate, better our world or simply to brighten someones day. I do question our society when so many people list professional athletes on their list of heroes and so few forget about our veterans and soldiers. Again, just to be clear I have nothing wrong with athletes. Especially those like Tim Tebow and Ndamukong Suh who are giving their time and money to charitable organizations. Yes, I said Ndamukong Suh, who according to Cork Gaine's Business Insider article published on December 28, 2011, the "NFL's dirtiest player" was also listed as the league's most charitable athlete giving $2.6 million that year. Many athletes and sports organizations do a great job giving back to our armed forces and other charitable causes. I am only questioning if our society in general does enough to support and thank our soldiers and their families.
Maybe my frustrations of the lack of love for our armed forces' heroes stems from my hometown. It seems that many households in my hometown get more hyped up for a state championship or when a local kid is recruited to play sports for a Division I school than when their local troops return home from a year long deployment overseas. I would have liked to see on that same State Central Bank a banner reading "Hometown of the Iowa National Guard-832nd Engineers" the day that so many of our hometown heroes returned from Afghanistan. To each their own; one great thing about living in a free country is that we all get to choose our own heroes!
Maybe it's because I've had friends recently serve overseas. Maybe it was the intensely patriotic guys I was surrounded by while in college at the University of Iowa. Maybe it's that just over a month ago my hometown community lost a courageous soldier that fought for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe it's the story I've closely been following of Cedar Falls native, Taylor Morris, who lost both legs, his left arm from the bicep down and his right hand while injured in Afghanistan on May 3rd. He's only 23, the same age I am. Maybe it's the ever-inspiring book I just finished reading, "The Heart and the Fist" by humanitarian turned Navy SEAL, Eric Greitens. Maybe I'm just older and more mature and appreciate the more important things in life now. I don't think there's one reason that I'm more appreciative of the United States' armed forces and grateful for their service but I spend a lot more time these days thinking about all that our veterans and soldiers sacrifice for our freedom and I most definitely don't take my freedom or their courage and compassion for granted.
Thanks to all those that have ever served in the United States' armed forces. Thanks to them and their families and all that they sacrifice. I am forever grateful to those that put their own lives on the line and fight for our amazing country. You are all true heroes. Happy Armed Forces Day to all the true American heroes!
I have to admit that while growing up I took my freedom for granted. I did not pay tribute to those who fought in the wars before my time nearly enough. I was not all that interested in history and only learned what I needed to pass my tests in school without really thinking of all those individuals that fought for my freedom.
This morning I woke up and went for a run and as I ran the streets of Davenport I could not help but feel free. Because of so many courageous people and the sacrifices they made in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and others I am able to run the streets without having to worry about stepping on an IED, I get to choose the music playing on my Ipod, as a woman I am not forced to cover my skin and I can wave at a stranger without a second thought. I couldn't help but think that in other parts of the world people don't have these same free choices that I sometimes take for granted. I am grateful to live in a country where fellow citizens and even some of my own family and friends make the choice to be away from their families and friends, expose themselves to danger, endure days that are less than desirable and put their lives on the line so people like me can live a life full of freedom.
Lately I've been thinking a lot about true heroes. Many people, including myself, grow up idolizing athletes and calling them their heroes. School children list Aaron Rogers, Justin Verlander, Derrick Rose and LeBron James amongst their list of heroes. Mia Hamm and Andy Roddick were mine. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with any of these athletes or with people idolizing athletes or naming them amongst their list of heroes. In fact, I think athletes and musicians are in a position to make this world a better place because of their status. I am inspired by those that use their status to help the less fortunate, better our world or simply to brighten someones day. I do question our society when so many people list professional athletes on their list of heroes and so few forget about our veterans and soldiers. Again, just to be clear I have nothing wrong with athletes. Especially those like Tim Tebow and Ndamukong Suh who are giving their time and money to charitable organizations. Yes, I said Ndamukong Suh, who according to Cork Gaine's Business Insider article published on December 28, 2011, the "NFL's dirtiest player" was also listed as the league's most charitable athlete giving $2.6 million that year. Many athletes and sports organizations do a great job giving back to our armed forces and other charitable causes. I am only questioning if our society in general does enough to support and thank our soldiers and their families.
Maybe my frustrations of the lack of love for our armed forces' heroes stems from my hometown. It seems that many households in my hometown get more hyped up for a state championship or when a local kid is recruited to play sports for a Division I school than when their local troops return home from a year long deployment overseas. I would have liked to see on that same State Central Bank a banner reading "Hometown of the Iowa National Guard-832nd Engineers" the day that so many of our hometown heroes returned from Afghanistan. To each their own; one great thing about living in a free country is that we all get to choose our own heroes!
Maybe it's because I've had friends recently serve overseas. Maybe it was the intensely patriotic guys I was surrounded by while in college at the University of Iowa. Maybe it's that just over a month ago my hometown community lost a courageous soldier that fought for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe it's the story I've closely been following of Cedar Falls native, Taylor Morris, who lost both legs, his left arm from the bicep down and his right hand while injured in Afghanistan on May 3rd. He's only 23, the same age I am. Maybe it's the ever-inspiring book I just finished reading, "The Heart and the Fist" by humanitarian turned Navy SEAL, Eric Greitens. Maybe I'm just older and more mature and appreciate the more important things in life now. I don't think there's one reason that I'm more appreciative of the United States' armed forces and grateful for their service but I spend a lot more time these days thinking about all that our veterans and soldiers sacrifice for our freedom and I most definitely don't take my freedom or their courage and compassion for granted.
Thanks to all those that have ever served in the United States' armed forces. Thanks to them and their families and all that they sacrifice. I am forever grateful to those that put their own lives on the line and fight for our amazing country. You are all true heroes. Happy Armed Forces Day to all the true American heroes!
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