The Bubble Effect

I've been thinking a lot lately since "tis the season"for engagements, weddings,any other such announcement. As you know from various other posts I went to a small school in the middle of a corn field. It was like living in a bubble. You were kind of disconnected from the real world out there. I'm sure a lot of small colleges are like this.

Girls were made to believe if you were in a relationship for longer then a year you were expected that ring by spring. Candle passings made girls stress about when that so called guy was going to pop the question. It became a culture of "needing" or "wanting" that type of relationship and that if you did not have that ring by spring if you were in a relationship longer then a year. Let me explain candle passings. A candle passing is when someone gets engaged and it is not out yet. Someone puts signs up all over campus advertising that someone is engaged. All the girls meet up and pass the engagement ring around then you pass a candle around to who you think the person is that got engaged. Once the girl who is engaged gets the ring 3 times she has to blow it out and announce the engagement.

This tradition has led to a lot of unreal expectations in life. I'll admit I was in a 4 year relationship when I attended this college and had these expectations. I would get engaged by the end of my college years, get married right after I graduate just like half the girls that attended GU. Well my story isn't quite like that and part of me is glad it wasn't.

To make a long story short. I got engaged a year after I graduated so no candle passing. lol.... I was engaged for a year before the flourished relationship just kind of ended. I'm not sure if it was because we grew up in a world where that was just how things worked where you ended up with that person. I think my eyes opened up being outside of that bubble and realized that there is more out there. Maybe it was a mistake breaking things off maybe it wasn't I'll never know for sure. But I couldn't live in that bubble anymore. I'm kind of glad I did because I needed to grow as an individual learn who I really am. (Which I'm still working on) I will never say I needed more from him, it was a relationship a girl dreams to be in. I'm thankful for what I learned in that relationship and I HAD what every girl would want one day.

Why'd I let it go? Too many variables, I needed to work on myself, right out of college do you really know who you want to be in life none the less share it with another person for the rest of your life. I wonder how many of those right out of college marriages actually last? I'm not saying they won't but the maturity level is there on some levels. Being really ready. I know a lot of people who have gotten married right out of college and it has worked. And then I know a few that question it. But I wasn't ready to take that risk. At one point I thought I was. Guess you'd say brainwashed to think that way. The bubble.....

Till Next time,

Alice

Enduring the pain or developing "pussyitis"

Throughout your life you will experience pain, how do you deal with the pain? It can be physical pain, emotional pain, or imaginary pain. The reason I bring up pain is because after this weekend it became a popular topic. How do you handle pain? What is your pain tolerance? In today's society I think the tolerance to pain has become slim. How do you become tougher to develop a higher pain tolerance? 

When working with athletes I use a pain scale of 1-10. 1 being a paper cut, 10 being that I'm going to take you to the emergency room because you are on your death bed. You will be surprised to how many will give me an 8 or 9. I"m like are you really dying in pain right now? Understanding pain that the body or mind creates is interesting. Only the one person can feel it and endure it and treating it can become a struggle. This brings me to emotional pain. Our minds only think something is hurting. We create it ourselves. So can this lead to physical pain as well? We are just imagining that this pain is being created when nothing is really wrong. Aches, pains, heartaches, toothaches you name it we build it up in our minds and create this unbearable and intolerable substance that can't be ignored.

Now time to train the mind to ignore this substance that you have created for yourself. Block it out? But what if something is really wrong? How do you know if it's really just your mind that has created this "pain". Training your brain to accept pain, to embrace it, developing the part of your brain and using it as a muscle and get it stronger to help you not fall into having "pussyitis". Becoming tough is what we all need to do. Emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

Sorry for the use of profanity by saying "pussyitis". 

Till Next Time, 

Alice

SSMMBMBSBBMM

If you have ever taken anatomy and had to learn the cranial nerves and their functions, maybe you learned a mnemonic that would help you remember them. I use the mnemonic "Some Say Marry Money But My Mother Says Bad Business".This came to me when I was job searching and trying to decide what direction I should go. As an certified athletic trainer I could have gone back to Texas at a local high school and make 60k a year but I chose not to do that and follow my passion. I accepted a job where I have to work another part time job on top of it to make ends meet. Is it ideal no but I did not want to marry the money and get stuck with something I do not enjoy. Some Say Marry Money,But it can be Bad Business.

Some say its dumb but I say its a challenge, a desire to do what I love everyday. I want to live happy not be stuck in a job position that I hate. Could I be setting myself up for failure this way? ABSOLUTELY but it's worth the risk!

Till Next Time,

Alice


Enjoy the anatomy lesson S is for sensory, M is for Motor and B is for Both!

Three F's

The 3 F's of life

Forgive the past
Forget the future
Focus on the day

I'd like to think I'm a pretty strong person, I've been put through the wire emotionally for 10 months or so. I just ended a graduate assistantship program and learned what type of coach I want to be to build and mold athletes on multiple levels. Struggled to find the opening to pursue this the past 4 months. I just got out of a 5 year relationship/ 1 year engagement that I guess we were both on different levels in life at this point in time. I've had friends judge me for the decisions I make about my future. The things I thought I wanted the past 10 months has changed drastically. Have I become a different person because of it all? YES I can't say I wasn't changed by the ending relationships, the constant rejections, the drop numbers in support when I turned down opportunities. 

I started to become one of those cynical people. The people in the V can agree to that statement I found no positives in life anymore. You hurt inside when you don't forgive the past. It can tear a person up. It made me not want to trust anyone. I let people go, I let in the wrong people who in return hurt me. What do you do about it? Look at yourself in the mirror and say it's ok I forgive the past. I can't control the future. I need to focus on the day. Take a deep breath and move on. 

I'm usually a half glass full person but not anymore. I have friends that no longer support me for various reasons and that is understandable after breaking a heart, not taking their advice on a job etc. I know I hurt people in my decision process. I was hurt too. Making decisions about what I WANTED to do was not easy. But it is my path to walk and I'm the only one can walk it. 

I'm at peace with the decisions I've made and I'm embarking on a opportunity that I think will fully make me a better person, coach, and friend. I deeply apologize to those I've shut out, not lived up to your expectations but it's my life and I know you want the best but I want the best for me as well. I believe I've made the right choices in life. I'm learning, I'm not perfect and NEVER claimed to be. I apologize for those I've hurt, believe me I didn't want to hurt anyone.  

I believe I'm embarking on the best opportunity for me at the moment. My career. I'm focusing on me and getting to where I need to be. I want to impact the lives of those I work with and I believe I can continue doing that in the new position I just took. It may not be the best financially but it is a foot in the door that I need. I'm ready for the future but focus on day to to day. 

Sorry for the ramblings but I'm tired of being judged for my past. They were my decisions I've let it go so should be those who care for me. 



Till Next Time, 

Alice 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB-RcX5DS5A

Apology

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a hole and no matter how hard you tried to fight your way up to the top you just couldn't? Or you have a nightmare and your trying to run away and you just can't? What do you end up doing when your in these positions? Say it's not real and focus on what you can do to change it?

This blog is very hard for me to admit and I'm not doing it for people to feel sorry for me or pity me. If I can help someone with this blog by writing what I've gone through then I would feel like some sort of light was brought out of a dark time.

This summer has been full of lessons and losses. I've had to deal with some very difficult situations that maybe only a couple of people know about. I lost control of me. I've become very cynical, hard and cold to the world. I wouldn't self diagnosis myself with depression but I believe not eating, and sleeping  and feeling like the world is against me is getting close. I have found myself not wanting to get close to anyone anymore, and started shutting people out except a select few. I apologize to my family and friends who have tried to help me but I just wanted to be alone.

I'm sorry to those that I hurt within a few months. I lost a few people in my life due to different situations that I can never change. People change, situations change and I know I hurt people. I got tired of caring  which is difficult for any one who knows me because caring is what I do.I became selfish and only thought of me and my wants and desires. Which in return let go a bunch of people in my life that I will probably never regain.

I'm trying to get out of this dark time and focus on getting back to where I was before and putting others first. Stop focusing on me, start a job, start believing in others again and pushing them to become better because overall that is what made me happy and a better person for. If people can't accept that then they are the ones that need to leave my life not the ones who I pushed away.

I don't regret any of it. It has taught me balance. The balance of being selfish and caring for others. I must focus on reaching my goals of trying to be successful but at the same time look at those who I'm going to be interacting with and changing their lives.

Now I believe the light is at the end of the tunnel and I've found a rope where I can slowly climb out of. Not all your wants and desires are going to come true, but don't shut people out trying to reach them if they are not happening. I'm sorry again to all those I've hurt or come across stern, and cold. Everyone has problems they face and I let mine get the best of me.

Till Next Time,

Alice

Cinder Track Memoirs

I decided to go burn off some steam by running 400m repeats. Yes I just ran a marathon a week ago and should take time off. BLAHH BLAH BLAH I've heard it before. I know I should take time off but that's not me. Running is what helps me think, and feel better overall. Working out hard just gives me confidence and restores my faith even if it does tear my body up. We get old anyways lol.. I ran a mile to the hs cinder black track and did 6x400m @ 80-82 w/ 1.5 standing recovery. Not much work,  but better then nothing for me. 

After I finished my repeats I stood at the starting line of this 400m cinder black track Looking around at how track may be taken away from me. I took in the smell and how I love the smell of track, how the white lanes needed to be repainted, where the exchange zones were, how the long jump runway was short, how lane one there was a rise in the track, I took in the solitude of standing alone on this track and how at home I felt. How natural I become when I'm on a track. The serenity of this is where I belong.  I got to thinking of how basically half of my life has been defined by track. I can't imagine my life without track in it, but I may have to. Maybe it's time to find something else that defines me. Track has taught me confidence, drive, competitiveness, leadership, character, faith, and friendship. 

It's weird how a sport can teach you about yourself. It's been a big chapter in my life but maybe it's time to  leave it all behind. It's interesting to think about how one particular thing can define you and to it possibly being gone. It's helped me grow as a person but now I think I must accept the possibility of it leaving me. Difficult to swallow but it's one that I probably have to accept.  I always have my legs ( well knock on wood)  and can run, but maybe continuing my passion into the coaching world is just not meant for me. I guess I can always teach my children one day to find the joy in track if they want. It's going to be hard for me to let go of one thing that I've always set my mind on for so long, invested so much time in to become a great coach but I must be prepared to do it. Sometimes opportunities are just not there and can't force them. Just going to be hard seeing how far I've worked to try to get out and become someone to fail.

Till Next Time, (Hopefully won't have to give up my dreams)

Alice 

Lost Bucketlist

While cleaning and reorganizing what is still packed I found my old bucket list. I must say I have completed a few of these things but I wish I remembered when I wrote it because some of the things are ridiculous.

1. Run a marathon-Completed
2. Skinny dip- Completed
3. Make a cheesecake by scratch- somewhat???  Don't really know why this was on there
4. Have an awesome running story to tell like maybe find a dead body while running. OK this sounds a little messed up I'm not going to lie. Maybe find someone that needs help and save their life might be a little more like it!!
5. Travel the world-Mmmm the states I can say I've been to most states and 3 different countries
6. Get married start a family
7. Own a corvette!
8. Own a house
9. Get a dachshund-Completed
10. Have a conversation with a complete stranger on a train, bus, cab- Completed
11. Become a great cross country/track coach-Still in progress
12. Graduate college-Completed
13. Skydive
14. Go mountain climbing
15. Cliff jump


There were more but these I just found pretty awesome. Well maybe I won't complete my whole bucket list but slowly accomplishing it. Some are just weird. I thought it was amusing.

You have one life so let's pretend we are running out of time

TRAVELING TO MARATHON: So I just got back from my marathon trip in Eugene. I figured it was going to be a trip to find myself and it sort of was to an extent. My trip didn't start off the best, my flight was 7 hours delayed. (Note: I don't recommend flying Spirit Airlines). But I decided I wasn't going to let this bother me. I'm an impatient person and when plans change it frustrates me easy but I figured out of my control need to let it go. I met this pretty awesome traveling tattoo artist who told me  stories of living in Costa Rica and a hippy commune.7 hours gets you talking to everyone on your flight at 2am just a heads up.People are amazing and everyone has a unique story.

Finally, I arrive in Eugene dead tired but really wanted to go to Hayward to watch World Jrs so my ticket wouldn't go to waste. Even on 3 hours of sleep I was full of adrenaline just stepping on campus. The cultures that were all around me warming up and the different languages was just overwhelming. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience seeing a international track meet at historic Hayward Field even if I had to suffer watching Japan win the 10k race walk in 38 mins. Of course what would a trip for a runner be without going to see Pre's rock and his trails. His rock was definitely not what they make it out to be it was kind of out in the middle of nowhere in a neighborhood kind of hard to find actually, but I found it.

DAY BEFORE MARATHON: The day before the marathon I found out some awful news that I would have to move out where I'm staying at by the end of the month. I have no job so it's was kind of frightful to think about and that I would be losing someone in the process. I tried not to think about it too much but it was in the back of my mind.

MARATHON DAY: Didn't get much sleep the night before due to nerves but woke up feeling fresh and ready to go. I started out with the 3:35 group but felt amazing so moved up to the 3:25 group ran with them for about 10 miles then started rolling. Of course I thought hey I'm running like a bad ass right now might as well run 7:30 pace even though I'm not halfway done. By mile 20 I hit that damn wall that I had been dreading. I could not lift my knees up anymore for a decent stride. This is when you experience the spirit of the marathon.
Running camaraderie. I met a girl from Texas who helped me for a mile or two. I met another girl who was struggling as well and we kept pulling each other. We ended up finishing near each other and hugged after and thanked each other for not giving up!! I ran with a guy from Chicago who has ran 20 marathons and kept telling me work the tangents, don't run more then you have to!  I ran with a guy from Eugene who didn't do more the 8 miles to prepare for this but he worked with my pace to help me for the last mile. It was an overwhelming emotional 10k. I was struggling but each and everyone of those "guardian angels" helped me work that course to feel the crowd and the announcer say my name as I crossed the finish line of Hayward Field. Crying after that last step and receiving my medal by our military just gave me intense chills that no one would be able to take away from me.

FINDING MYSELF: I think in a way I learned how to depend on people. I never ask for help I'm pretty independent but at that point I'm thankful for everyone that helped me. I think I need to not be afraid to ask for help sometimes when I'm completely lost and suffering. I also learned through the trip that anything can change in a moment. Live life like you are running out of time. Stop making plans, they don't stick. Stop trying to figure out the future. My life has gone a 180 in a year you can't predict anything. I learned that sometimes you just need to let go. It may be hard but it might be for the best. I learned that you must be able to tell people things that you are afraid of. Open up let people in. You never know when you might not be able to tell them what you are really feeling.

Till Next time,

Alice

Failure is not an option.

As a recent graduate I can speak for all of us out there that the job market these days just sucks. I decided after obtaining my BA that I would go get my masters since now a days a basic degree is not good enough. Sad but true. So I go onto getting my masters as well as 2 years experience in the field I want to have a long term career in (coaching) as well as what I got my BA in (athletic training). 

Most jobs I've been applying to include: 

Must have degree - Check

Must have 1-2 experience in related field-Check

Title IX encouraged to apply- Ok I've applied 

Masters Preferred-Check

The process goes as followed, I apply to a job I have the qualifications for. Sometimes I overachieve and reach for a D1 school. You never know. I did have a interview for one, it can happen. But I try to stay with something that's not too out of my league. Then you either get a email or call for a interview, or a rejection email. Once having a interview I usually feel pretty good about it. I may get too attached to it thinking I may get the job. I think that's why I get too disappointed, I need to not to get too attached to it. It's a lot less heart breaking that way. 

So what happens when you meet all the requirements, have a decent interview but it comes down to you and one other person and you just don't get it? What am I doing wrong? I know patience! I know it will come, but bills have to be paid. It's a hard life out there for the recent graduates, or anyone struggling to find a job. Rejection after rejection, makes you feel like a failure. Failure is hard to accept but I'm starting to look at it as it wasn't the right opportunity for me. Something better is out there, may take a while to find but I will find it. I'm ready for the place that's ready to see what I can do make their program better. The other places are just missing out. I'm ready for that place to give me that chance like William Penn did when I was struggling to find a job. Just one chance is all I need! One opportunity. It will come. I promise I won't blow that chance!

Till Next time, 

Alice Ross

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you. Matthew 17:20 

Jumping off that diving board

I have always had a love and a yearning to travel. Maybe its because by the time I was 6 I had lived in 4 different states and every summer up until I was 15 I would have to jump on a plane and spend 7 weeks in a different state. You would think at that point I wouldn't like traveling. I enjoy learning different cultures, seeing nature, meeting people, and just having a story to tell one day. But in all actuality my view of the world is small, my experiences are nowhere near what they could be  or wish them to be.

I admire my friends who are brave to just jump on that train or plane with the money they have in their back pocket and travel to India, Australia or anywhere that their heart desired. One of my good friends just got back from traveling the World. He lived with monks, he didn't shower for 6 weeks ( ok a little disgusting but he was living), he met lady boys (hah), he played with the elephants, embraced living and meeting wonderful people. The stories he told me made me realize how little I've actually seen of the world.  I admire the ones who take a leap of faith and move halfway across the country hoping to start over. It takes a special type of person a brave one to leave everything familiar behind and just take a chance and have adventures.

I'm not saying I want to travel the world, of course one day that would be amazing if I ever grew the balls and the money to do so and left my career behind to do it.  The point of this I think we need to surround ourselves with people who will challenge us, help us take those little risks. If we stay with familiar to long we don't grow we don't develop. It's comforting yes, but is it really living experiencing life. I want to be pushed by my friends, family, strangers to try something new, challenge me. Force me to get up and jump, scream, fly, whatever it may be. I believe we need to find people in our lives that will push us to want to be better, to want to challenge us, to want to help us find that adventure in life. Stop being in that comfort zone and just leap into the depth of the unknown. It can be scary but it's what can make us whole.

It's like jumping off the diving board, your scared, your friends are down below cheering you on. You can't back out because you've already climbed all the way up and don't want to look like a wimp. You place your toes on the edge of the board, look back at one of your friends for reassurance. They nod at you that it will be ok. Then you jump, free falling, its a rush of adrenaline. You land submerging yourself in that cold water. When you come up for air, your friends are right there cheering you on. Your glad you jumped, experienced the thrill. You surrounded yourself with people who will challenge you.


Till Next Time,

Alice

Pieces to a Puzzle

I'm sure most of you have completed or helped someone complete a puzzle. It's not always easy to figure out depending on how many pieces, and the difficulty level. First you have to get all the edges and then sort all the same color pieces and so on and so forth. I like to relate my life to a puzzle right now. I believe my live is still in the box and is quite a difficult one to figure out. I sometimes find that there is a piece missing for the border.

I'm at a point where I'm barely beginning my puzzle but I would like to know that all my pieces are there. I just got back from visiting family and got to thinking about regrets. My parents are divorced so visited both sets of grandparents. I got to wondering what really happened between my parents and anybody really that gets divorced, I know there are many reasons to divorce. Do my parents or anyone divorced ever regret marrying? How do you fall out of love so easily with being with someone for years? Its interesting isn't it love? Do they regret falling out of love, do they regret being with each other for so long and then suddenly its over? These are interesting questions of life.

I try to live life with no regrets, yes there a few mistakes I wish I could change or have done differently but that's life. As I think about my puzzle and all the pieces I have. Ive given people in my life my pieces. I've invest a lot in my relationships, friendships, family,and acquaintances. Everyone I've met has a piece of me with them. And I have a piece of everyone I've met. Isn't it neat that people walk in and out of your life everyday and somehow you have interacted a piece of you will be with them and them with you. I guess something I regret well not really regret  but the way I treat people. I like to think I'm a fairly decent human being I'd give you the shirt off my back if you needed it but sometimes I don't think I'm fair to everyone. I know I can't save the world but I like to think if I really wanted to I could make a difference. Maybe one day.

 Do what is right is what we are taught. What if the right thing isn't what you think it is? When doing a puzzle there are tricky pieces that fool you to make you think it's the right piece. What if the wrong thing is what is really right? I think I listen to my head more then my heart a lot of time. People say follow your gut instinct I don't always. I think your heart is right I need to listen to my heart. I like to think I go after what I really want but if that was the case I wouldn't be sitting on my couch binge watching Netflix, applying for jobs on a daily basis I'd be doing anything in my power trying to find my path, finish my puzzle. I need to focus on what I want what makes me a whole rather then sitting in this box waiting to be completed.

Sorry random very random thoughts this past couple of days. If you stopped reading a long time ago I don't blame you. But if you did read all the way and have your puzzle completed I could use some words of advice. Follow my heart, make some wrong turns, mistakes along the way and go after what I  want, try to do me.

Till Next Time,

Alice

Insider Information (Read at your own risk)

I figure most of you who read this blog know me or are somewhat acquaintances with me, but for those who don't know me I thought I'd share a few fun tid bits of information about me.

1. I'm the eldest child of 5. Mixed family. This is always interesting to explain to people who don't have divorced parents or blended families. I have  a biological sister who has the same dad as me. A step sister, and a step brother that is not blood related only related through marriage. Then I have a half brother that has the same mother as me. Gets confusing I know, but 2 Christmases, 4 sets of grandparents, is always interesting.

2. I grew up in a little place that I like to call somewhere between Texas and Mexico. 30 minutes away from the border yet so far away from what the rest of Texas looks like. I grew up next to cotton fields, cacti, snacks consisted of lucas and hot cheetos, hot sauce is it's own food group, graduated with maybe 10 white people the rest were Hispanic, raspas, palm trees, breakfast tacos are the bomb NO WHERE else could ever compare, and finally where the myth of the chubacabra does exist!! lol ok not really but people swear it does.

3. Went to college literally in Amish town in the middle of no where Iowa, called Graceland (I call the bubble)  University. No it has no relations to Elvis, but our cross country team led everyone to believe it did by chanting GO ELVIS before every race.

4. What drew me to Graceland you must ask? Opportunities. They say Iowa is the land of opportunity right???? hmmm idk about that but I jumped at the opportunity for the best xc/track scholarship I could get and get the proper education (that's the point of college right??)

5. If you hadn't noticed by my other blogs I'm obsessed with running and anything related. I can spend hours trolling the Internet for this stuff. NO It's not really an OBSESSION I see it as a my PASSION.

6. My favorite animal is an elephant. Not really sure why they are just interesting,beautiful sincere creatures. I actually got to ride one not too long ago pretty cool.

7. My nickname growing up was opossum because I would fake being asleep at nap time then go play. Boy I don't know what I was thinking skipping nap time I'd kill for it now. Kids treasure nap time while you can.

8. Believe it or not I used to go fishing, sit up in a tree stand with my dad while he hunted, catch craw fish in a river, go on four wheeler rides by the lake, yeah I was a little bit of a tomboy at one point. Not that I'm that girlie now but nowhere near sitting up in a deer stand now.

9. Cheez Its I'd probably do anything for a box of them, well that and chocolate.

10. I was afraid of ET (yes the alien kid movie) I was terrified that and the tooth fairy.

Well that's some fun information clearly that's not everything about me, but just some.

Till Next Time,

Alice

Where it all began

Today out on my run I started to think when I actually started running. The furthest I could remember back was when I lived out in WV in a log cabin on a lake. I would run/play outside for hours on end. My sister and I would race up and down a hill where our swing set sat and make up Olympic Games on the swing set. We would race down to the lake and then back up to the house. I believe that was where it began but that's really just endless energy a kid has.

I moved to south Texas when I was 6, in middle school I became the Volleyball and Basketball manager since you could not compete in school sports till 7th grade. Instead of just sitting around while the girls ran, I would jump in and would run with them. I always ended up being the first one in when they would run a mile. The track coaches noticed this. However my first love was basketball, I only ran to stay in shape.

Having your dad as a coach can be interesting since they realize the potential you can have in a sport. He pushed me hard in track. On Saturdays and Sundays he would say, "Alice, are you going to go run, you know Elia is out there running and I know you want to beat her?" Elia was my biggest competitor in track I always came 2nd to her. I reluctantly went out on my run. I eventually did beat her not till HS though. Sorry Elia, you were a great teammate but you pushed me hard lol.In high school I realized that I was better in track/cross country so I finally gave up volleyball and basketball in 10th grade.

The journey I had in running has given me the greatest opportunities. I attained a scholarship to be able to compete at the collegiate level, I've been able to travel many places, I've been blessed to continue my passion by coaching it.My passion for running has only grown because of the people that I've had pleasure of running/racing with, coaching with, the scenery out on the run, the meditation, and the control I have by doing it. 

If the miles behind me could be put into images you would see my efforts, my struggles, my desires, my spirit, but most of all you would see my joy.

Till Next Time,
Alice

A Tribute to the V

As I get ready to leave Venard, and Osky this coming week I wanted to pay a tribute.I believe over the past 2 years of living in what WPU calls "housing" has taught me several things. First let me describe this housing situation: Venard is an old college campus that shut down I guess in 08 but not sure. My time here I've seen several bats, ceiling has collapsed on me, mice, battle bugs that can pick up beer cans, yeah I can go on and on but I won't. Overall though it was free living and I've had many wonderful memories that can outweigh the battle bugs and bats. The things I've learned living in the V or what we like to call it the "dirty V"

1. Living with dudes: This I had to say was interesting hanging out in the man cave every night can give you a whole new perspective on men. Not all of it bad mind you, the guys I lived with were for the most part pretty fun to live with.

2. I can survive an Apocalypse. All winter I did not have heat, this was highly uncomfortable when it got down to -32. Not having AC. Okay I'd rather be hot then cold but when your AC unit does not work well its no bueno. Tornadoes have yet to tear this building down. The bats and mice and battle bugs I have come to peace with.

3. I have met the most interesting people and have learned that this place was meant for lost souls. The characters that have lived in the V I can not explain you would have to had lived here to know what I'm talking about. Everyone here has a story and its unbelievable I've never met a bunch of interesting people then this place. Treasure the friendships.

4. HFA if you don't know what that means I'm sorry. But this place teaches you to become one if you were not already.

5. Mario Kart:THE GOOSE is the KING at do not challenge him unless you want to be beat.

6. Family Dinners are the best. You may not have your family here but these guys have been like my family.

7. Sometimes things could get out of hand. We shared secrets and tears (well tears was mostly mine) but overall we always had a good time.

8. Never walk around barefoot.

9. Jesus channel will always work even if you aren't paying for cable

10. Don't leave your fish with Jeremy he will kill it within a day.


These are just a few things that one can take from living in the V. I will miss all you guys that I was able to live with here. Take Care!!

As Alfred would say; I had this fantasy, that I would look across the tables and I'd see you there, with a wife and maybe a couple of kids. You wouldn't say anything to me, nor me to you. But we'd both know that you'd made it, that you were happy. I never wanted you to come back to the V.


Till next time,

Alice

Its Raining Cats and Dogs

I'm new to this blogging world and don't know if anyone will read it, hell I probably wouldn't but I needed an outlet so this is my outlet. I've always have been able to communicate better in my writing then my words. I can't always speak my mind, so I thought I'd give this a shot. I don't always spell the best (thank God for spell check), and sometimes my sentences don't always flow so don't judge because I swear I won't judge you. Well maybe a little, probably not though.

I'm currently training for a marathon the Eugene marathon to be specific. I wanted to take a trip do something different, go out on my own so I chose Eugene. There happened to be a marathon during this time I wanted to go so I said hell with it I'm going to train for a marathon. You probably think I'm crazy who in their right mind would want to run 26.2 miles for fun on a vacation. Yeah that's me I would. I've heard it all so you can't tell me anything new about how crazy I am. Anyways there is a point to this.

I've had a few snags in my training such as a sharp pain here and there, I'm a stubborn, competitive athlete if anyone knows me I WILL NOT stop for anything. So therefore take a day off and pray it will go away and usually does. I've been very fortunate with injuries that way. I LOVE when they just go away.

Today I had a 45 minute run. Granted 2 days ago I just had my big one six so I was not looking forward to running through soreness. I woke up and it was raining, windy, and just downright dreary looking. Did not make me want to go but I needed it. So I reluctantly pulled on my shoes and out the door I went. Little did I know something would change me out there. I've been running for so long a little over 12 years now that runs don't change me anymore. They are just runs, a routine, something I've always done but once in a while I'll have a run that does. That lights something up inside that makes me realize things. Crazy how it happens but it does.

I started to avoid all the puddles, and mud on the streets or sidewalks because I didn't want to have wetter shoes then I was already going to have. Then I realized, it's down pouring why am I avoiding the puddles and mud. I'm going to be soaked anyways. I remembered when I was little how I would stomp and jump in the puddles go slide in the mud. Why was this missing? What happened to me?

I like to make an analogy to life. I've lived on the safe side of life for so long that sometimes I forget to get a little muddy or jump in the puddle. I like to take the sidewalk instead of taking risks right out into traffic. Lately I've been taking more risks I think everyone needs to experience some risks of jumping in the puddles and just having fun with life. It makes it hell of a lot more interesting.

I'm currently at a crossroads in my life and people are constantly on my case of what I'm going to do. I'm 24 years old are you really supposed to know what exactly what you want to do at 24? I'm young and I make mistakes. I'd rather jump in the puddles and get a little muddy then not experience it at all. I had a good friend help me realize this. I'm not going back to that sidewalk. I think people need to get out of their comfort zones and realize what is important to them. Take risks you NEVER know what you might find out there off that sidewalk. People are too concerned about doing the right thing and not whats right for themselves.

My advice go dance in the rain, or in my case run. Jump in some puddles come back soaked it will be be a lot better then just letting the storm pass or using an umbrella. I promise you won't regret it.

Till next time,

Alice.