Thank you to all of the great posts and prayers for our Great loss.
Now after the tears and the reuniting of old friends and family will reality set in. Today we pick ourselves up and move on, just like Jed would want. But in the midst of all this chaos of work, bills, traffic, groceries, laundry, and many other responsibilities, we can't forget how important it is to keep the ones we love close. This experience has reminded me of how important friends and family are in my life and if I can take anything from this travesty, I will cherish the people that have touched my life, the friends who have guided me through and the family that has showed unconditional love.
Today we move on. Today we pick up the pieces and continue to step forward, even if we have to do it one day at a time. Today we embrace our lives for what they really are: A glorious opportunity to breath, laugh, love, cry, yell, run, eat, pray, and experience this very short life we are blessed with. Thank you so much for your support and love.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Raul and Kirsten, this post is for you
For those who do not know, Raul’s best friend Jed along with his dad and brother were killed in a plane accident this weekend on their way to a father and son’s fishing trip. They crashed into a side of a mountain and they were discovered and recovered a few days ago. We heard of the news Monday night. Raul had called Kirsten because he had heard Jed’s plane was missing and only after a few hours of a slight glimpse of hope that there were survivors was crushed with the confirmation of the unexpected loss. Jed has had his pilot’s license for over ten years with millions of flight hours logged so it was not as if he was reckless or inexperienced which leaves the question of “how could this have happened? What went wrong?” I had posted about Jed and his girlfriend Kirsten three months ago when they came to visit and we went to the Mariner’s game and Motocross where Jed was the truck driver for one of the motorcycle company/sponsors.
In June Jed came out to Seattle to meet up with Kirsten over in Wenatchee. He came a day earlier and Jed and I pretty much spent the entire day together and I just wanted to share some of the things that were said and what had happened while the memory is ever so fresh in my mind.
That day:
When I got home from work at 10:00, Jed was just on his way back from a run with Wilson and Sugar. I had about a million things planned that day and because Raul could not be around, Jed tagged along. Jed and I went over and he bought me lunch and we sat and chatted about Kirsten and Raul and how proud we were of them. Jed had told me, Kir is perfect for me. She is the kind of girl that I need. She is so independent and I never have to worry about her. He also elaborated on how well Raul was doing in his career. I remember him saying, “He did it;” you could hear the proud tone in his voice.” Jed along with Raul are quiet and humble people and they don’t express their feelings or open up very often so it was a really special moment for me to be apart of Jed’s proud moment.
As our day continued, we went to get my hair cut and Jed sat there patiently scamming a People magazine while I chatted away with the lady and frequently including Jed in our random conversations.
Then it was off to workout. We road our bikes down to the track to do a workout before I had to take him to the train station. We ran some repeat 200’s and I was pretty impressed that he kept up. Jed is a pretty tough guy and has no problem with enduring a little pain. On our way back we were going up a little hill and Jed switched gears on Raul’s bike and for some reason part of the chain broke. This lead to me pulling Jed all the way home on my bike while he held on to my backpack and coasted. When we pulled into the drive way, I told him, “I bet you never do that kind of workout with any of your other best friend’s girlfriends.” As we drove to the train station we chatted about Kirsten and how amazing of a person she is and he expressed how wonderful a writer and photographer she is. Never have I seen Jed talk like that. You could tell that he found his true love and was finally at peace with it.
With a quick hug, genuine thank you and goodbyes Jed headed toward the station in downtown Seattle on his way to see his girl. If knowing that would have been the last time I saw Jed, I would have told him how much of he meant to us, meant to Raul. I would have told him how much Raul loves him and cherish his friendship and thinks of him as a brother who always has the answers and if not gives the advice of “You’ll figure it out….it build’s character.” What will we do without you Jed? I can’t wrap my head around this. I can’t imagine what his mom is going through, Jordan’s wife and children, or Kirsten. I’m so very sorry. Raul, I’m so sorry that you have lost the person who was the constant in your life.
This is my last memory of Jed and I wanted to share it with you, it’s not anything extravagant or exciting but it was a perfect memory. I don’t understand why these things happen. Jed was one of the good ones. He loved his family, his friends and Kirsten. He was the guy who would take the shirt off of his own back for you. We love you Jed and will forever keep the wonderful memories that you have given us in this life. Thank you for being Raul’s number one. I am so grateful and honored to know you. I pray for Kirsten and the Mingo family in hopes that in some tiny way, it will help coping with this awful tragedy that has now taken our world by surprise.
In June Jed came out to Seattle to meet up with Kirsten over in Wenatchee. He came a day earlier and Jed and I pretty much spent the entire day together and I just wanted to share some of the things that were said and what had happened while the memory is ever so fresh in my mind.
That day:
When I got home from work at 10:00, Jed was just on his way back from a run with Wilson and Sugar. I had about a million things planned that day and because Raul could not be around, Jed tagged along. Jed and I went over and he bought me lunch and we sat and chatted about Kirsten and Raul and how proud we were of them. Jed had told me, Kir is perfect for me. She is the kind of girl that I need. She is so independent and I never have to worry about her. He also elaborated on how well Raul was doing in his career. I remember him saying, “He did it;” you could hear the proud tone in his voice.” Jed along with Raul are quiet and humble people and they don’t express their feelings or open up very often so it was a really special moment for me to be apart of Jed’s proud moment.
As our day continued, we went to get my hair cut and Jed sat there patiently scamming a People magazine while I chatted away with the lady and frequently including Jed in our random conversations.
Then it was off to workout. We road our bikes down to the track to do a workout before I had to take him to the train station. We ran some repeat 200’s and I was pretty impressed that he kept up. Jed is a pretty tough guy and has no problem with enduring a little pain. On our way back we were going up a little hill and Jed switched gears on Raul’s bike and for some reason part of the chain broke. This lead to me pulling Jed all the way home on my bike while he held on to my backpack and coasted. When we pulled into the drive way, I told him, “I bet you never do that kind of workout with any of your other best friend’s girlfriends.” As we drove to the train station we chatted about Kirsten and how amazing of a person she is and he expressed how wonderful a writer and photographer she is. Never have I seen Jed talk like that. You could tell that he found his true love and was finally at peace with it.
With a quick hug, genuine thank you and goodbyes Jed headed toward the station in downtown Seattle on his way to see his girl. If knowing that would have been the last time I saw Jed, I would have told him how much of he meant to us, meant to Raul. I would have told him how much Raul loves him and cherish his friendship and thinks of him as a brother who always has the answers and if not gives the advice of “You’ll figure it out….it build’s character.” What will we do without you Jed? I can’t wrap my head around this. I can’t imagine what his mom is going through, Jordan’s wife and children, or Kirsten. I’m so very sorry. Raul, I’m so sorry that you have lost the person who was the constant in your life.
This is my last memory of Jed and I wanted to share it with you, it’s not anything extravagant or exciting but it was a perfect memory. I don’t understand why these things happen. Jed was one of the good ones. He loved his family, his friends and Kirsten. He was the guy who would take the shirt off of his own back for you. We love you Jed and will forever keep the wonderful memories that you have given us in this life. Thank you for being Raul’s number one. I am so grateful and honored to know you. I pray for Kirsten and the Mingo family in hopes that in some tiny way, it will help coping with this awful tragedy that has now taken our world by surprise.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Just for Fun
This will help me wake up this morning, Kirsten you’re a blessing sent from above!
What is your current obsession? Extra Virgin Olive Oil and The Food Network. I have about an hour out of my day to spare and I spend it on the couch trying to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to cooking and almost everything involves “EVOO” as Rachel Ray would say. In a round about way, cooking is now my obsession, I think about going to the grocery store and having a beautiful kitchen to master glorious meals. I will go to three different grocery stores just to get A, the best deals, and B, for variety. I’m definitely my dad’s daughter.
What do you hate the most that everybody else seems to love? I hate the AC being on at work at 6:00 am and the people who come into the club are just in heaven.
What are you wearing today? Summer skirt, knit top and a cute hair bandana…oh no that is what I would be wearing if I was in Greece, I am just wearing an ISU sweatshirt (in August) and the usual black yoga pants! BORING.
What's for dinner? Hopefully fresh cheese raviolis, arugala, tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese and some red wine.
What would you eat for your last meal? Feta Cheese with a nice pita or French bread
What's the last thing you bought? This lovely coffee that has helped me through this tough morning.
What are you listening to right now? Ladies talking about the journalists who came back from Korea…thanks Bill C. Yesterday was discussion about taxing or charging for plastic bags at the grocery store. Washington is such a GREEN state.
What do you think of the person that tagged you? I met Kirsten a few months ago when her and her Reboyfriend (my boyfriend’s childhood best friend) came to visit for motocross madness. She was so sweet sitting there in my living room with Raul and Jed waiting for me to come home so we could go have dinner. I knew immediately we would be buds and I thanked the lord above that Jed finally found his lobster! She is pretty talented; she is a great writer, unique photographer and has a witty sense of humor. I can’t wait until we see each other again…miss you Kir.
If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Tuscany. I always wanted to pack up a portion of my life (try to fit in two bags max) and move to Tuscany, eat Italian food, drink wine, live in an old house and experience a new adventure. Just think of it, a little house at the top of a rolling hill, out looking a glorious view with the sun setting and lots of flowers. What a perfect place to start over…..totally inspired by under the Tuscan sun.
What is one of your hobbies? Exercising!!!! I am trying to only take one day off a week. I feel like a “fattyboombalaty” (Katie Eckardt). So even though I consider it a hobby, it might be more of an necessity. I am looking for another hobby. Who knows what it will be.
What are 3 things that annoy you most? 1. People that make that leugy sound from left over mucous that is sitting in their sinuses or throat…..sorry Raul 2. Toppers…people who always have to top you, “I have pants”…”Well my dad invented pants.” Throw the flag 3. People who repeat a certain word in lectures or presentations….i.e.: MMMKAAAY, or um, or like. I sometimes find myself doing it and when I notice it with other people I can only focus on how many times they say that certain word. One time I spent an entire class period counting a teacher that said, “Make sense.”
What is your favorite color? I really like red but I like the green and white combo. It is so zen. Red is my hot and sexy side and green is my simple, no makeup, and sports bra side.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? My new purple ghosts, Brooks shoes. I love them. And my seven’s jeans.
What is your dream job? Working for the CDC in women’s health mostly breast cancer awareness but living in Seattle instead of HOTLANTA.
Describe your personal style. Sporty with a hint of flare. T’s with some worn designer jeans and flip flops with hair straight….what a hotty huh? That is where the red comes in handy, sometimes I splurge and show some cleavage.
What are you going to do after this? Get out my Nutrition book and finish my homework. Then, start my study guide for my Anatomy final.
What is your favorite "happy hour" at Sonic? Strawberry limeade. You can’t beat the ice full of strawberry parts at the bottom.
What inspires you? Talking to women who have survived cancer, Public Health officials, music, my grandma and Kelly Tiller.
Who was the last person you kissed? Raul. But I did have a weird dream where I had a different boyfriend and we were playing soccer and I might have kissed him. He was blonde (which is soooo not my type and either is soccer). Reminded me of Tony Comb (a little round guy from elementary school), not really sure who he was suppose to be and why I was playing soccer. Maybe my friend Erin can figure it out in her dream book which will probably say Sexually frustrated….that is what is said for every dream. Haven’t you heard that comedy bit?What are you currently reading? The Time Traveler’s Wife, I am desperately seeking a good love story right now.
What delighted you most today? My coffee. It was sweet to see little Wilson snuggled with his pillow.
By what criteria do you judge a person? I see if a person looks at me in the eye when I talk to them. I also am interested in people who have passion. It is great to get into a conversation with someone who shares the same passion as you, like track or health.
The rules: 1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
I pick Margo, Kasey, Michele P., Kathay, Marcie and Emma to respond.
What is your current obsession? Extra Virgin Olive Oil and The Food Network. I have about an hour out of my day to spare and I spend it on the couch trying to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to cooking and almost everything involves “EVOO” as Rachel Ray would say. In a round about way, cooking is now my obsession, I think about going to the grocery store and having a beautiful kitchen to master glorious meals. I will go to three different grocery stores just to get A, the best deals, and B, for variety. I’m definitely my dad’s daughter.
What do you hate the most that everybody else seems to love? I hate the AC being on at work at 6:00 am and the people who come into the club are just in heaven.
What are you wearing today? Summer skirt, knit top and a cute hair bandana…oh no that is what I would be wearing if I was in Greece, I am just wearing an ISU sweatshirt (in August) and the usual black yoga pants! BORING.
What's for dinner? Hopefully fresh cheese raviolis, arugala, tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese and some red wine.
What would you eat for your last meal? Feta Cheese with a nice pita or French bread
What's the last thing you bought? This lovely coffee that has helped me through this tough morning.
What are you listening to right now? Ladies talking about the journalists who came back from Korea…thanks Bill C. Yesterday was discussion about taxing or charging for plastic bags at the grocery store. Washington is such a GREEN state.
What do you think of the person that tagged you? I met Kirsten a few months ago when her and her Reboyfriend (my boyfriend’s childhood best friend) came to visit for motocross madness. She was so sweet sitting there in my living room with Raul and Jed waiting for me to come home so we could go have dinner. I knew immediately we would be buds and I thanked the lord above that Jed finally found his lobster! She is pretty talented; she is a great writer, unique photographer and has a witty sense of humor. I can’t wait until we see each other again…miss you Kir.
If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Tuscany. I always wanted to pack up a portion of my life (try to fit in two bags max) and move to Tuscany, eat Italian food, drink wine, live in an old house and experience a new adventure. Just think of it, a little house at the top of a rolling hill, out looking a glorious view with the sun setting and lots of flowers. What a perfect place to start over…..totally inspired by under the Tuscan sun.
What is one of your hobbies? Exercising!!!! I am trying to only take one day off a week. I feel like a “fattyboombalaty” (Katie Eckardt). So even though I consider it a hobby, it might be more of an necessity. I am looking for another hobby. Who knows what it will be.
What are 3 things that annoy you most? 1. People that make that leugy sound from left over mucous that is sitting in their sinuses or throat…..sorry Raul 2. Toppers…people who always have to top you, “I have pants”…”Well my dad invented pants.” Throw the flag 3. People who repeat a certain word in lectures or presentations….i.e.: MMMKAAAY, or um, or like. I sometimes find myself doing it and when I notice it with other people I can only focus on how many times they say that certain word. One time I spent an entire class period counting a teacher that said, “Make sense.”
What is your favorite color? I really like red but I like the green and white combo. It is so zen. Red is my hot and sexy side and green is my simple, no makeup, and sports bra side.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? My new purple ghosts, Brooks shoes. I love them. And my seven’s jeans.
What is your dream job? Working for the CDC in women’s health mostly breast cancer awareness but living in Seattle instead of HOTLANTA.
Describe your personal style. Sporty with a hint of flare. T’s with some worn designer jeans and flip flops with hair straight….what a hotty huh? That is where the red comes in handy, sometimes I splurge and show some cleavage.
What are you going to do after this? Get out my Nutrition book and finish my homework. Then, start my study guide for my Anatomy final.
What is your favorite "happy hour" at Sonic? Strawberry limeade. You can’t beat the ice full of strawberry parts at the bottom.
What inspires you? Talking to women who have survived cancer, Public Health officials, music, my grandma and Kelly Tiller.
Who was the last person you kissed? Raul. But I did have a weird dream where I had a different boyfriend and we were playing soccer and I might have kissed him. He was blonde (which is soooo not my type and either is soccer). Reminded me of Tony Comb (a little round guy from elementary school), not really sure who he was suppose to be and why I was playing soccer. Maybe my friend Erin can figure it out in her dream book which will probably say Sexually frustrated….that is what is said for every dream. Haven’t you heard that comedy bit?What are you currently reading? The Time Traveler’s Wife, I am desperately seeking a good love story right now.
What delighted you most today? My coffee. It was sweet to see little Wilson snuggled with his pillow.
By what criteria do you judge a person? I see if a person looks at me in the eye when I talk to them. I also am interested in people who have passion. It is great to get into a conversation with someone who shares the same passion as you, like track or health.
The rules: 1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
I pick Margo, Kasey, Michele P., Kathay, Marcie and Emma to respond.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Start the Music....I'm back!
Alrighty! My excuse: Anatomy!
July....oh wait, June, was great! We (me, Raul and his Mom) went to USA nationals. They were in Eugene. We saw anyone who is anyone in the track and field world. I got me a cute running shirt and an autograph picture of Galen Rupp (University of Oregon's All American/Olympian). When I came back and showed Raul and Pat (Pole Vault Coach at UW) they were disgusted b.c. UO and UW have a true hate for one another. That is why I didn't bring anything that was too purple just in case I got jumped in Eugene. I've been told that people will yell &$@% the Huskies. We stayed in a great hotel where most of the USA Track peeps were staying. It was fun to wake up and go down to breakfast to only see Sanya Richards (400m) munchin on some eggs and bacon.
Mary's stay was fun. It was nice to have her here. She was a great study buddy, especially on the drive to Eugene and back. She along with the rest of the Idaho family will be here in September. Can't wait! It seems like Raul and I talk about it every day. Our conversations usually start out "When my/your parents come....."
Erin "Tinker" Bell came to visit me. We did lots of Seattle fun stuff like take the bus downtown, shop at the best goodwill in the world (they sell 7's jeans), eat ice cream at Molly Moons, workout, and hit up Ivars for a delightful happy hour with the coaching staff. Thanks Erin for coming.
Then July came......and went but in the middle of it, I went and competed at USA Club Nationals for Track and Field in NY. It was AWESOME. I ran my personal best from college in the hurdles, threw a fantastic shot put, and scored in the jav. We saw some really great things in NY, to name a few: Empire state building (sat at the top), Rockefeller Plaza to see where my friend's Matt, Meredeth, Ann, and Al work, Central Park (my favorite), ate at the first ever pizza place in the US-Lombardi's, saw ground zero, Trinity church where the treasure was buried in National Treasure, St. Patrick's church, rode the subway (EVERYWHERE), went to Soho, "Saw" statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Battery Park, saw the big stock Market Bull, um....pretty much saw it all. Just like the T-shirt says, I LOVE NY. oh and I got a key chain.
The rest of July has been studying the human body. Going back to school has been very difficult, hats off to Margo for pushing through. Two more weeks left of this bad boy and I will be home free....next will be CNA class, August 10th.
August is going to be busy as well....not only am I starting my CNA course, Marcus (my bro) is coming to visit, and Raul's Friend Casey and Sofie are now are house mates until they find a cozy spot to live in Seattle. And Sara Jo is coming the 8th I am looking forward to lots of fun, food and friends. I hope to post some pictures but I didn't want August to fly by without any sort of update.
July....oh wait, June, was great! We (me, Raul and his Mom) went to USA nationals. They were in Eugene. We saw anyone who is anyone in the track and field world. I got me a cute running shirt and an autograph picture of Galen Rupp (University of Oregon's All American/Olympian). When I came back and showed Raul and Pat (Pole Vault Coach at UW) they were disgusted b.c. UO and UW have a true hate for one another. That is why I didn't bring anything that was too purple just in case I got jumped in Eugene. I've been told that people will yell &$@% the Huskies. We stayed in a great hotel where most of the USA Track peeps were staying. It was fun to wake up and go down to breakfast to only see Sanya Richards (400m) munchin on some eggs and bacon.
Mary's stay was fun. It was nice to have her here. She was a great study buddy, especially on the drive to Eugene and back. She along with the rest of the Idaho family will be here in September. Can't wait! It seems like Raul and I talk about it every day. Our conversations usually start out "When my/your parents come....."
Erin "Tinker" Bell came to visit me. We did lots of Seattle fun stuff like take the bus downtown, shop at the best goodwill in the world (they sell 7's jeans), eat ice cream at Molly Moons, workout, and hit up Ivars for a delightful happy hour with the coaching staff. Thanks Erin for coming.
Then July came......and went but in the middle of it, I went and competed at USA Club Nationals for Track and Field in NY. It was AWESOME. I ran my personal best from college in the hurdles, threw a fantastic shot put, and scored in the jav. We saw some really great things in NY, to name a few: Empire state building (sat at the top), Rockefeller Plaza to see where my friend's Matt, Meredeth, Ann, and Al work, Central Park (my favorite), ate at the first ever pizza place in the US-Lombardi's, saw ground zero, Trinity church where the treasure was buried in National Treasure, St. Patrick's church, rode the subway (EVERYWHERE), went to Soho, "Saw" statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Battery Park, saw the big stock Market Bull, um....pretty much saw it all. Just like the T-shirt says, I LOVE NY. oh and I got a key chain.
The rest of July has been studying the human body. Going back to school has been very difficult, hats off to Margo for pushing through. Two more weeks left of this bad boy and I will be home free....next will be CNA class, August 10th.
August is going to be busy as well....not only am I starting my CNA course, Marcus (my bro) is coming to visit, and Raul's Friend Casey and Sofie are now are house mates until they find a cozy spot to live in Seattle. And Sara Jo is coming the 8th I am looking forward to lots of fun, food and friends. I hope to post some pictures but I didn't want August to fly by without any sort of update.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 1
Hello everyone! I decided to take the plunge and join facebook and I have not been doing my blog but big news....We are at day one of the USA National Track and Field Championships!!! I am so excited....First timer! We will be at Hayward Field all day today....we are in Eugene, Or. More posts and stories to come.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Lifetime Accomplishment
Last Wednesday I threw the shot put and had a lifetime personal best of 38 feet 7 inches. My previous PR was 36'7" set back in 2007. I can't tell you how excited I was. Every Wednesday, the club that I run for hosts a track meet. I threw jav and obviously shot. I am planning to compete in New York for our Club Nationals in July where I will be running the 100m H and 200m, throwing the shot put, javelin and high jumping. I am trying to qualify this Saturday in the 200m and hoping to continue to better my shot. Hope all goes well. I wish Raul was going to be there but he is at NCAA Nationals with the University of Washington making a huge presence as a Husky! Good Job Raul, you have had a great season and it really isn't over yet!!! USA's baby!
Tune in for Saturday updates!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My Project
I have been itching to paint my plain Jane kitchen. The kitchen/house is a remake of 1970's Brady Bunch. With wood paneling and linoleum flooring you are almost taken back in time when peace signs, cannabis and orange shag carpet were the talk of the town. I did a lot of research on what I wanted to do in the kitchen. Update the hardware, paint the cabinets and bring life back to the white washed walls. So I spent all Memorial day weekend PAINTING!!!!! Dark colors do not take as well as lighter paints so I had to put on a few coats for the cabinets. But wait until you see the difference.
Yuck!
This is me cleaning the walls. I think one night Raul and the spaghetti sauce got in a fight and I had missed some remains from the sauce. Gross!
So excited to get rid of the white.
I love you painted Kitchen!
Yuck!
This is me cleaning the walls. I think one night Raul and the spaghetti sauce got in a fight and I had missed some remains from the sauce. Gross!
So excited to get rid of the white.
I love you painted Kitchen!
And look who I found taking a break in the bedroom!!!!
This project was lots of work but I am so happy with the result.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
| Counter provided by onlinedegreeadvantage.com . |