Smiling to myself. . .

In light of the fact that I am not allowed to run for the next few weeks, I took the opportunity to get out on my bike while the sun was shining. I did the entire 8 miles with a smile on my face. A smile that reflected how I felt being free. Spring brings such a renewal. All of the obvious renewals, the grass, the flowers, the buds on the trees, baby animals, etc. Spring is almost like a new year to me. A new beginning. I peel out of the cocoon of winter, wipe the dust off of my Cannondale, saddle up, clip in and just ride. Just ride. The cobwebs of the day falling behind. No more winter mojo. And I smile. To myself. Smile about nothing and smile about everything. God is good to bring Spring. God is good. And I smile.

What was I thinking?!

Anyone who knows me probably will tell you that, along with my self-diagnosed a.d.d., I am a tad bit o.c.d. I'm not trying to make light of this very serious disease I know it is, truly, debilitating. However, it's the only thing I can come up with to describe how this monkey-mind of mine latches onto an idea or challenge and will not rest until I've accomplished it. No matter what! For instance, cycling. Everyone thought I was crazy for wanting to schlepp myself, on a bicycle, across the state of Iowa during the hottest part of July! I'm now on bicycle number 2, a beaut of a Cannondale roadbike and just turned over 1500 miles on her. This July will make my fourth trip across the rolling hills (Iowa isn't flat, people!) of Iowa, West to East!

Now, let's add to that. . .I'm a wife, working mother, over the age of 40 AND a person with Type 1 diabetes!

Jump forward to November 2009. . .standing in the kitchen of a friends house listening to them discuss the 2010 Indianapolis 500 mini marathon. Hmmmm? This is new. I've never been a runner. Heck, I don't even run if someone's chasing me. I'm a cyclist. Wheels are faster. I need to lose weight to be a runner. I don't have time to be a runner. Well, maybe I should try it. Maybe they would let someone dangle a Little Debbie Zebra cake in front of me along the route? That should spur me on. AAACCCK! Those blasted monkey's are at it again!!! So far, I'm up to 8 miles. I've only done it once and I didn't do it very fast. They Kenyan's need not worry about me! Tonite, I ran 5 miles and it almost killed me - insert dramatic pause - ! That's it! I made it home and I have my ice pack on my thigh. Dinner is on the table and my family waits for me. I ran. I made it and I can do it. I've gotta find a cage for these crazy monkey's!

Those silly monkey's!

I once read a description someone was giving of what things were like in her head. She compared her thoughts, emotions and tidbits to monkeys swinging from branch to branch in a forest. They don't light very long in one spot, they're constantly in motion and easily distracted. I related to that very well! I'm sure my husband will agree. I am a self-diagnosed gal with creative a.d.d. I've done it all at some point in my life. . .cross-stitch, faux wall paintings, ceramics, oil painting, sketching, rubber-stamping, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, dollhouse and miniatures. . .the list goes on. Those cheeky-monkey's keep swinging from branch to branch. I love creating things and having my friends and family oooh! and aaahhh! over them. Sounds self-centered, doesn't it? I, honestly, don't go looking for compliments, but I have to admit it feels pretty good when a monkey that was swinging on a branch jumps to the forest floor and helps me bring the vision to reality. So, for now, humor me. You never know what those silly monkey's are going do next! I hope you enjoy this journey and hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride!