Running this Race & Being Content

Alright, I have so many journals and so many incredible experiences, and this is going to be my place to put some of my favorites, or most memorable thoughts, experiences and past journal entries.

This experience happened back in fall of 2011, my last cross country season I competed in at Utah State. It was at regionals in Provo, Utah, after a fun filled, healthy season. We'd been everywhere from Arkansas to Hawaii and probably my most memorable season at Utah State, not just because I was healthy but because of how much fun we had, and how dearly I loved my teammates. Did I mention how much fun we had?

But back to regionals in Provo, my family happened to all be there in Utah for my race, but during my race I kept hearing my name being cheered by people other than my family, there were so many spectators at this race that when I looked I couldn't always see who it was cheering my name. As the race came to an end and I crossed the finish line I  was greeted not only by my family, but by old friends and extended family that I didn't know had come to my race. It was such an awesome experience to have people cheering for me all along my race, encouraging me and pushing me along. But after this cross country race I had one of the most meaningful revelations or realizations, "ah-ha" moment, whatever you wish to call it.

The Real Red Band Society

So the other month, I was super stoked about this TV series that was starting called Red Band Society. I watched the preview, or whatever you call the first episode, the pilot. We'll just say I was extremely disappointed, I didn't expect it to be perfectly realistic, but this show was unreal. My nurses told me I had the most decorated room they'd ever seen, and my room was put to shame by this shows top-of-the-line patient room decorations and design. So, I thought I'd give a little insight into what it was like to be a patient in a hospital for almost 4 months. I know only the "best" pictures were posted early on but I'm excited to share and gather together pictures and videos of what life was really like, the less glamorous version, the real version. I just want this is be a real non-"facebook world" insight into life. Honestly when I was going through it all I was on so many drugs I could have never covered it all and kept up. I'm just now 2 1/2 years later finding time to sit down and write about it. I want to have it all in one place that I can keep forever, lets hope the internet doesn't disappear or crash.

First off this is the infamous first picture that was posted and everyone thought "oh she looks great" little did they know it took so much effort and perfect timing to get that picture. Let me tell you, I didn't look as good as the "facebook world" made it appear.

But this is what life really looked like, and even then there are no pictures of the first five days in ICU... lots of sleeping, medications, wound bandages, drains and greasy hair. Even when I was awake I spoke with my eyes closed most of the time. 

Substitutions

Have you ever substituted an ingredient in a recipe, you know when you're trying to make that cookie recipe a little healthier? Applesauce for butter or oil, often times the substitutes are noticeable or they just don't taste as good as the real thing.

I used to think that frozen yogurt was the American substitute for ice cream. I used to think it was so dumb, if I want ice cream, I want the real thing, all 500 of those cookies n' cream ice cream - or however many calories it may be. Then, I tried frozen yogurt for the first time. And you know what - I liked it! It was then that I realized it wasn't terrible it was just different. It had different flavor for a different craving. Frozen yogurt isn't meant to be ice cream, it's its own thing, and quite delicious with the right combination of toppings.