Heaven got a new angel ... We will miss you Debbie Peters

I. CAN'T. BREATHE!!!!

Just a few years ago, the Musician began working with an amazing group of people. They were so instrumental in helping him to get Warrior Cry Music Project off the ground. Global Training Ministries is still the parent non-profit he works with. I was the luckiest beneficiary of the partnership, because I got to know and love Debbie, Jim, and Lavon ... the musicianaries of GTM.  I don't know why they liked me, but I'm so glad they did.

The Extraordinary Threesome have known each other their whole lives. They grew up together. They formed GTM together. Jim and Debbie married each other. They started with a dream and grew it to become an outreach that saved souls and lives across 43 nations. Several years ago, they added our wounded soldiers to their flock. That's how they met the Musician. Seeing them walk into the hospital, they are celebrities. Soldiers who are wounded and in the depths of despair are pulled from the brink by their generous spirits. GTM is also T-Shirts 4 Troops. They remind our soldiers that they are our superheroes. They can bring out the smile from someone who hasn't smiled in months due to their injuries. For a little bit, that person has no pain. And somehow, magically, that person gets a little better every day. They bring back that flicker of life and hope and love. People who had given up on life decide to fight to live ... just after a few minutes with Debbie and Jim and Lavon. If you meet someone who has ever met them, you know what an impact they have. It's really indescribable. I've seen it. I've met those people. I am one of those people. 

They adopted me as a member of their family. I always call them the family I chose. I love my family by blood, I have to. The family a person chooses is different. I can't explain it. It just is. No blood ties, but feels just as close and just as much a part of who you are. 

Jim and Debbie came to my promotion a few months ago. They were busy, but made time for me. They were only here a few days. During that time, they touched dozens of lives in the warrior transition unit and burn unit and among my friends and family. I hope I made her proud. I can't believe they made the trip just because I asked them to.  All three of them were here just 6 weeks ago for another whirlwind trip visiting soldiers at San Antonio Military Medical Center. They continued to inspire everyone. Their stories inspired me.  I didn't know it was the last time I would see her smile. I wouldn't have let her go. 

Debbie was excited about everything in life. She loved every minute. She was excited to share little details of her experiences. She laughed. And she laughed. And she hugged like you wouldn't believe. You could really feel love coming through the hugs. She made you feel like you were the only person on earth at that moment.  She was a really talented pianist and her music could just take you somewhere else. She was modest and did most of her work behind the scenes. Jim and Lavon are the public faces that tell jokes in sermons and feed off each other like a pair of stand-up comics. Debbie smiled and nodded and you knew, she was the glue. She wouldn't have wanted all of this attention. If she were here, she would find a way to make everyone feel better about this.  She would make us smile. 

Debbie was healthy. She made smoothies for breakfast with coconut oil and Jim tolerated it. Saturday, Jim posted on Facebook ... he needed prayers for Debbie. She had a massive stroke. I was out of town and called the Musician. I could hear his heart stop. But, it was going to be OK. IT HAD TO BE!!! Just a little setback. We decided to travel to visit when she was out of the hospital and there would be less chaos in the lives of those who loved her. We wanted to give them privacy and space. We knew they would need help when she was recovering. We scoured Facebook feeds for information. We reached out daily to let them know she was in our prayers, but we didn't want to intrude. Jim and Lavon and Jillian and Eric had enough going on. Debbie was put on a ventilator. She became unresponsive. Today, they made the hardest decision and extubated her. She breathed. And then she stopped. 

I can't believe it. It's not real. It can't be. How did this happen? I keep thinking I should just text her. She'll text back. She always does. Maybe I will look on Facebook and she will post something thanking everyone who is showing how much they loved her. Her page and the pages of her family are full of tributes. She can't be gone. Her time was too short. I don't understand this.  Just to hear her voice, I am watching this video over and over. Listen to her laughter. I can't believe I won't hear it again. 

I know that I should be saying things like "She's in a better place." "She has gone home to Christ." I know I should be celebrating her life, her impact. But how can I? How can this be the plan for her? How are those of us who loved her so much supposed to keep going? 

I suppose I don't have a choice. I have to keep going. It's hard to know how.  But, if you read my blog, check out GTM. See for yourselves what she did. Rejoice in her life and grieve her death. Support GTM ministry in her memory. It's the legacy she would want. And enjoy the pictures that I have of her and others have been posting all over today. 

See for yourself. Debbie Peters' spirit was total bright, brief, light!!! Heaven is brighter today. An angel on earth has gone home. 

P.S. Debbie: Since there isn't a Caribou coffee around here, I'm going to Taco Cabana for a Black Bean Taco and Margarita with you tonight. I know how much you loved it. 

Beat the Blerch 2014...This is a post about friends and a race.

I am very lucky to have come across some really great girlfriends across the years. We all have different interests, but some of us share some of the same interest in getting out and getting fit ... even if we do it differently. I have loved the running comic by the Oatmeal for years. I understand, and know personally, the evil fat cherub living inside me that tells me it's OK not to run .. or bike ... or swim. I was that chubby girl. I am still that fat kid inside.

I met Ultragirl in high school. For a semester as pages, we were connected at the hip. Inseparable. She is a genius engineer and an ultra distance athlete. I became friends with the X-woman with mutant special powers  and another genius researcher through Facebook. We knew each other in high school, but didn't know how much we would love each other until our adult years. I became friends with the Powerbroker while resuming running in San Antonio. If not for a friend like her, I might have succumbed to the Blerch. Honestly, she will text me at 4 AM to get my butt out of bed.

We heard about this run and had to sign up. We were going to make a girls weekend of it. It took some work, but we were registered and planned our travels. X-woman made the hotel arrangements. Powerbroker and I traveled together. It all worked out.

Powerbroker and I headed out from San Antonio on Friday morning. We had our bloody mary fix before 10 AM and were laughing all the way to Seattle. Best line of the day from Powerbroker ... "look at all these strapping young men, and not one will help me with my bag." Up jumps 60+ gentleman to help and she says "you look great for 40." He beamed. His wife beamed.

X-woman picked us up at the airport and then to packet pickup. If you know me, you know I hate lines. I stood in line for 2 hours to get the book autographed. The Oatmeal was younger than I expected ... and hot. He had been told all day that he was thinner than people thought. Powerbroker and I made suggestive comments. He blushed as red as his Sriracha T-shirt. His mother came up just in time. There are 3 more Inman boys!!! OMG!!! If I weren't married, I would move to Seattle and stalk them!!! He was so kind to everyone. He engaged conversation. He talked to all the fangirls and made them swoon. I had 6 books for various friends. He signed all of them and drew a picture for one special fangirl who couldn't get there. He took pictures. He's a really nice guy!!! I have a crush. Maybe I will add him to the freebie list. The book speaks to me. I didn't know I wasn't the only one who has these crazy thoughts in my head. OK ... I think I'm a fangirl, too.

I loved the swag. The wicking quarter-zip is the bomb. I love that it is a finisher shirt. Maybe we could be done now. Or, is that optimism and positive thinking?

Off to dinner at PCC and then hotel for the night. An aside about PCC. Amazing food bar and lots of vegan options. It was better than any restaurant we could have found. Better than some other grocery stores I know with hot bars. I might move to Seattle just for the PCC. Ultragirl from Colorado arrived via Boston. No rest for the weary. 

Look how beautiful the spiderwebs are. Just amazing.

Saturday morning, off to the races. We stopped at Tully's for coffee and snacks. Off to Carnation and Tolt McDonald Park. It was such a beautiful location and the weather was perfect. Said hello to a No Meat Athlete. We took our group finisher picture before we started. Again, positive thinking. X-woman and I had been following a group of Team Fatties on Facebook and met up with some of them.

Ultragirl took off for the half-marathon and then the rest of us took off for the 10K. I honestly had low expectations. Inaugural race. Out and back trail. 2000 runners. No way it wouldn't get bogged down. I was so very pleasantly surprised. Plenty of nearby parking. Plenty of porta-potties. They spaced the races so that it really didn't seem to bog down anywhere. As we started, there was a cute blerch running upstream saying "what are you guys doing? why are you doing this? Come back and eat cake." So funny. Did I also mention it was beautiful. Beautiful weather. Beautiful trail. The locals walking the trail were friendly even though 2000 runners/walkers/costumers were invading their serene Saturday morning space. Some came out to cheer us on. Incredible.




I was wearing my InkNBurn skeleton kit and seemed to be recognized. Funny little InkNBurn family. We all recognized the kits and gave shout-outs. I got tons of compliments and heard people say "there's the skeleton girl." I felt like my own little rockstar.

Stopped to pet an elderly black lab on the trail at mile 2. I went to the turn-around. High-fived Powerbroker on her way back. High-fived the Oatmeal on his way back. Hung out at the couch, but didn't get held back by the blerches. I ran back to find X-woman and then back to the aid station and turn-around. And, then I saw him, he is real ... Sasquatch exists in the woods in Seattle. I ate some birthday cake and Nutella sandwiches. The volunteers were awesome. Also picked up a Gu and Larabar mini ... just in case. Walked with the elderly black lab a bit on the way back. Found a nice policeman who told me he wasn't lost, he belonged to a house the street over.

I ran to the 6-mile point and then turned around to find the X-woman. I wanted to finish with her. Got lots of people telling me I was going the wrong way. Found the X-woman and we walked and jogged our way in together. Powerbroker had already finished and set a 10K PR and came back for us at the end, too. We skipped across the finish line and felt like silly little schoolgirls again. Plenty of food at the finish. The Oatmeal was again signing autographs and seemed just as engaged as the day before. Shortly after, Ultragirl finished her half. After a little hanging out, we headed home ... with a detour to Tullys. Can you believe it, yes, you can if you know me ... I left my handbag. I called and Jake said "did you leave a handbag?" Such a friendly area. Lunch at PCC, showered, and rested up. Dinner with Team Fatties. Such a great group of people.

Powerbroker

Ultragirl

X-woman

My total distance 8.6 miles. Results think I did a 10K.

Ultragirl had an early morning, so off to Tullys and said our good-byes ... until next time. We liesurely packed and headed in to town for a trip to REI Mothership. They built a forest with waterfalls in the city. This place is AMAZING!!! Then to the airport and home. What a great weekend with the girls. I am glad my friends are now friends.

On a sad note, found out later that a young man full of life died in the final mile of a half-marathon. A memorial race is planned in his honor. The running community is truly a community. Please consider supporting his family by running this race ... virtually if you aren't in Carnation area.

PopSugar MustHave September 2014

I think I say this every time, and I will say it again. PopSugar Must Have boxes are like a Christmas stocking in a box every month. Last month my box came late in the month. So far, I have really liked almost everything in the boxes. They are filled with little things I might not purchase for myself, but that I enjoy. That's how a gift should be. This is a gift I give myself, but I don't have to do the shopping. I am always pretty excited when the box arrives. This month was no exception. I had seen reviews and spoilers already, so I was pretty excited when it arrived. The box usually comes with an information card. Not this time for my box, but that's OK ... I knew what was coming.

Tilo Scarves Scarf (Raisin): I LOVE this scarf. The colors are amazing. As the light hits, different colors are highlighted. It's very soft and feels luxurious. I think I will get a lot of use out of this. It's my favorite item n the box. ($125)

Nicole Miller Stereo Earbuds: OK, I can never have enough earbuds. I seem to scatter them to the winds and then they all come back and I find a whole bunch again in my drawer. I love the blue color. The buds are soft. I haven't listened to the sound yet, but earbuds are always a win for me. ($19.99)

Urban Remedy Almond Brownie: There were mixed reviews of these on-line. I LOVED IT!!! and ate it almost immediately. The Brownie is Raw, Vegan, Organic, and Gluten free. Very few ingredients. Of course, if you aren't used to eating raw, vegan, organic, gluten free then you might not like this. It doesn't have thick cakey texture and it's a flavor that takes getting used to. I'm so used to it that I love it. Also a $10 gift card for a future $50 purchase. I don't buy raw food in bulk, so not sure I'll use the gift card, though. ($6)

Oribe Superfine Purse Size Hairspray: Maybe I need this because this time of year, my hair is getting frizzy. Was it a hint? Maybe. The size is convenient for me because I don't use a lot of hairspray, so it would take me a while to go through a full size bottle. We'll see how much I use it. I can't tell you if I love it yet because I haven't tried it. If I don't get a lot of use, I will gift it and I know just who to give it too. ($21.50)

Letter C Designs Pencils (and sharpener): OK, a little strange to get pencils, but I guess it's back-to-school time. These are nice and I do have a need for pencils sometimes. Convenient little sharpener, too. ($5)

Rifle Paper Co. Garance Dore Assorted Girls Set: I like fancy stationary. I don't write cards often, but when I do, it's nice to have something that seems a little special. I liked the 8 cards of 4 designs. It does make me feel a little sophisticated. HMMMM ... who should I write to just to find an excuse? ($18)

 Bonus Items: Both will be gifted for different reasons.

Nike $20 Gift Card: Nike is promoting their Pro 360 Fit system of athletic bras, but this can be used on any of their products. The Gift card was wrapped very cute in an envelope with a black satin ribbon and included a tape measure. But, I don't support Nike since they re-signed Michael Vick. I do have a friend who loves Nike, so she gets this. ($20) 

Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate Sea Salt & Almond Minis: OK ... If I didn't eschew products with dairy, then this would have been eaten in an instant. I gave them to a friend and she was grateful. ($4)

I really loved the September box. There are always a few items in any box that aren't perfect for me, but you can't please everybody all the time. I think this subscription does a pretty good job and comes close.  I paid $39.95 because I haven't been canceling and joining with a discount code. I suppose I could, but that would take effort and I'm feeling a little lazy. I like a bargain and the value of the box was $219.49. I wouldn't normally purchase some of these items because I'm not really that spendy (honest, I'm not), so I feel pretty decadent when the box arrives.  I should just probably bite the bullet and do the annual subscription. Here is a link to get your own. Order today.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.) 

Skirt Sports 10 on 10 Virtual 10-miler

I exercise because I like to eat. ... a lot. There is no other good reason I can think of.

I don't like running. I know it's hard to believe, because I've been doing more of it, but that's true. It's a fact. I hated the 1-mile run for the Presidential Fitness Challenge in elementary school. I have always said there are only 2 reasons to run:

Something is chasing you

You are chasing something

I reached a maximum weight in 2007 and realized that I had to do something because I was going the wrong direction. What I was doing wasn’t working. So, I decided to do something I hated … run. Part of why I hated running was the clothes. I hated the way I looked in running shorts … too short. I hated the way my thighs rubbed together in those short shorts. The alternative wasn’t much better … longer bike-style running shorts. My chubby thighs bulged out the bottom of the tight compression. Capris were too tight in the back of my knees. Then I discovered running skirts. Skirt Sports had lengths I could wrap my head around. Not too short. No chub rub. The capris were breezy and didn’t bunch in my knee pits. The compression shorts under the skirts weren’t too tight. Chub rub was eliminated. Unsightly thigh bulges were covered by a skirt. And, they were cute. I had an excuse to not hate … even if I didn’t love … running. I have no fashion sense and that's fine, I wear a uniform every day. I violate the rule of not being to "matchy" when running ... but I don't care. I'm geeky that way. Running in cute outfits makes me feel like maybe I have a wee, tiny bit of fashion sense. 

So, when Skirt Sports offered a virtual 10-miler (or 10K) to celebrate their 10th Anniversary, I was on-board. I have gone through a lot of their products over the years and changed sizes ... Yea. This is what my current collection looks like: 

I didn't know how I would do if I were running on my own, so lucky for me, I am running with a training group. We were scheduled for 8-miles, but I decided to go 10 to get in my race distance.

The week before the race, my swag arrived. Depending on what "level" of race you signed up for, you got a gift certificate for different values. My gift certificate was the same value as the cost of my virtual run, so I figured, I scored. Look at all the stuff I bought!!!

Most people were running the weekend of the anniversary. Sunday was perfect, but my legs were tired from  yesterday's bike ride. I met my training group and took the obligatory "pre-race" pictures. These are some really great people and we have an amazing coach. She's really smart and motivational and encouraging for all of us ... no matter our pace. She supports us on good days and not so good days. And off we went.

We are lucky enough to have a beautiful place to run along the San Antonio Riverwalk. There was a clean bathroom ... very important for a race. And we had a water stop set up around mile 3 (and 7 on the way back). I turned around at the 5-mile marker and within a half mile, I saw a bobbing pony tail. Was that Helen? She was only supposed to do 8 miles. Last week was her longest run ever at 7.5 miles. "What are you doing?" "I didn't want you to be out here by yourself." I almost cried. We had great conversation the whole way back. She sampled her first ever snot (I mean energy gel) and I sampled her my favorite run nutrition--which isn't a gel. And told her about my favorite gel flavors. 

I have lost 70 pounds and gone through multiple sizes of skirts in the past seven years. Some people might think I have a problem with the size of my SkirtSports collection. I think the only problem is that there is always room in my closet for one more skirt. Oh, and I got one ... my finisher Marathon Skirt ...

Oh, I found a third reason to run:

Cute running clothes