This week I am learning to abase. Its only for a week. We were told we were staying at someone's house and they were gone. We expected to have a fulling functioning house, with sheets, kitchen items and other house things. No. Not really. Not here. We are in a Frat house with hardly anything of use to us in it. Which is sad, because had i known I would have brought my coffee mug, sheets, and a few other items. I packed too light. Another Rower has been living here for the last 18 days and has used the same plate and fork for the entire time.
But God always provides. One girl lives in Jersey and was able to borrow a lot of things from her apt and her neighbors. When you show up somewhere and you have to bring your own toilet paper it puts a different spin on things. Even in this dirty frat house with its sticky beer residues on counters and floors, cockroaches, no air flow, and foul smells I am still living better than most of the world.
I had to go shopping today for items. The only item I could justify buying was a towel because there is no way that even if I find a frat towel that using it would be a good idea. I've started living on the edge Thinking Do i really NEED this? or do i just want it? I have found that most thing are things I just WANT. But am I able to live this way because I know its only for a week?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Frat heaven
Today we got into the car and emerged 12 hours later in Philly. Traveling from what has become our beloved doublewide to our new accommodations. The Theta Xi frat house. I didnt know there could be a step down from a doublewide but the frat house is it. Its more of a stuffy town house frat house with no air conditioning. The places we stay seam to leave off important parts of the name. such as Trailer and Frat. Always an adventure.
The rooms we are staying in have their former occupants possessions in them. Everything from vodka in the freezer to other frat items. The most exciting part is each room has a fridge, and we have upgraded tv to hundreds of channels!
There is joy to be found in each trial. This should be awesomely terrible.
The rooms we are staying in have their former occupants possessions in them. Everything from vodka in the freezer to other frat items. The most exciting part is each room has a fridge, and we have upgraded tv to hundreds of channels!
There is joy to be found in each trial. This should be awesomely terrible.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
More trials and some bright spots
This is very long. be forwarned. It may go on forever.
I have been having a hard time adapting to skulling vs sweep rowing. Each day I get in the boat and I think, "Today will be the day that it clicks. Today I will get better." So far I come home each day a little dejected and email my mom my progress. Today she emails me back:
Only 45 more days left . Cross them off one at a time. Remember Joseph had to spend 13 years in prison. You only have to spend 2 months.
It does put it in a bit of perspective. If I know I only have 45 days I might as well enjoy them as much as possible. I do not want this to be a grit your teeth a bear it experience. I've done that in other places of life. I want to enjoy my summer of developing into a skuller. It is difficult knowing that since I am in a double I put another person through a rough practice. That is difficult.(I was exiled to a single and was getting good, flipping every other practice --improvement! but we are back to an even number [see below]) I am having to learn to be patient with the person it is hardest for me to be patient with. Myself.
I also think I try to do things with out God. "So this is the plan? Okay, when it doesnt work I will check back it." This never works. Its like having a glimpse of a blueprint and from memory recreating it, and instead of being a carpenter being an exposives engineer. choas ensues. I need to get back to my roots of having fun and remembering who I row for.
At times It does feel like I have been thrown to the wolves. The trick is learning to dance with them. (good for all of you that understood my play on words) I have always said about rowing, "I do not have to be the best. I just have to last the longest. THEN I will be the best." So far two girls have quit. So far I am better than two people. What If by the Plain White T's explains it well. Learning to let go of the expectations I have put on myself and just being able to relax and flow.
Enough of that, here are severals tales of adventure... or not.
Fools Gold
My friends know that I dont run. Ever. Not even in cases of fire. Maybe for pennies, but that is it. Our coach assigned a 30 minute easy workout. our choice: erg or run
I got permission to bike On the mountain bike.
Now the post office is 3 miles away up a HUGE hill. But cell service is avalible. I get permission to ride the bike. The back wheel had the brake rubbing. So I fix it. 9/10s up the huge hill the wheel starts rubbing again. So I fix it to the point of breaking it. meaning the back wheel is being held in place by the gearing system. that is all. Completely unrideable. However I am determined to get to cell service so I jog for 12 minutes (okay more like ten) and walk for five and make it to the post office. Success!! the cell service is terrible the 8 phone calls i had with my mom consisted of me saying, "can you hear me now?" until I lost her.
I then have to run back to the top of the huge hill. get the bike out of the bushes and walk back to the double wide. I get gyped out of zooming down the hill. The reward of climbing hills is flying down them i feel robbed. AND i had to run on top of it. (it wasnt really running, i think walking would be just as fast) BUT I have proved that I can run 10 minutes twice in one day. and that was my hour and half workout that was supposed to only be 30 minutes. mission accomplished.
More Weight Room Pain
I believe I forgot to mention that at weights on wensday I was stung by a creature with wings on the back of my thigh. It climbed up my shorts, and when I tried to stretch out my hamstrings it didnt like getting pressed into the matt and stung me. This bug bite did not start big it was quite small. It is now larger than my hand. It has swelled up to half the size of the back on my thigh. So i win largest bug bite. It has been 3 days and no signs of diminishing. Oh and I do have bruised knees. just incase you wanted to know.
Indiana Hospitality
Not to let you think that everything in Indiana is terrible, I think something must be very exciting, I just hadnt found it yet. until tonight. The rowing club that rows for fun on lake lemon invited us to a bbq at one of the member's houses. We all happily showed up and were treated to a full bbq spread by complete strangers, the only thing we had in common was that we row. Apparently most people on the lake know who we are. In unionville news we are it. That was very wonderful to have grilled hamburgers and enjoy new company.
I will be leaving for a ten hour ride to philly tomorrow I still need to pack and get my stuff ready for departure. I am ready to be within walking distance to a cinema, trader joes, cell service, and civilization.
I have been having a hard time adapting to skulling vs sweep rowing. Each day I get in the boat and I think, "Today will be the day that it clicks. Today I will get better." So far I come home each day a little dejected and email my mom my progress. Today she emails me back:
Only 45 more days left . Cross them off one at a time. Remember Joseph had to spend 13 years in prison. You only have to spend 2 months.
It does put it in a bit of perspective. If I know I only have 45 days I might as well enjoy them as much as possible. I do not want this to be a grit your teeth a bear it experience. I've done that in other places of life. I want to enjoy my summer of developing into a skuller. It is difficult knowing that since I am in a double I put another person through a rough practice. That is difficult.(I was exiled to a single and was getting good, flipping every other practice --improvement! but we are back to an even number [see below]) I am having to learn to be patient with the person it is hardest for me to be patient with. Myself.
I also think I try to do things with out God. "So this is the plan? Okay, when it doesnt work I will check back it." This never works. Its like having a glimpse of a blueprint and from memory recreating it, and instead of being a carpenter being an exposives engineer. choas ensues. I need to get back to my roots of having fun and remembering who I row for.
At times It does feel like I have been thrown to the wolves. The trick is learning to dance with them. (good for all of you that understood my play on words) I have always said about rowing, "I do not have to be the best. I just have to last the longest. THEN I will be the best." So far two girls have quit. So far I am better than two people. What If by the Plain White T's explains it well. Learning to let go of the expectations I have put on myself and just being able to relax and flow.
Enough of that, here are severals tales of adventure... or not.
Fools Gold
My friends know that I dont run. Ever. Not even in cases of fire. Maybe for pennies, but that is it. Our coach assigned a 30 minute easy workout. our choice: erg or run
I got permission to bike On the mountain bike.
Now the post office is 3 miles away up a HUGE hill. But cell service is avalible. I get permission to ride the bike. The back wheel had the brake rubbing. So I fix it. 9/10s up the huge hill the wheel starts rubbing again. So I fix it to the point of breaking it. meaning the back wheel is being held in place by the gearing system. that is all. Completely unrideable. However I am determined to get to cell service so I jog for 12 minutes (okay more like ten) and walk for five and make it to the post office. Success!! the cell service is terrible the 8 phone calls i had with my mom consisted of me saying, "can you hear me now?" until I lost her.
I then have to run back to the top of the huge hill. get the bike out of the bushes and walk back to the double wide. I get gyped out of zooming down the hill. The reward of climbing hills is flying down them i feel robbed. AND i had to run on top of it. (it wasnt really running, i think walking would be just as fast) BUT I have proved that I can run 10 minutes twice in one day. and that was my hour and half workout that was supposed to only be 30 minutes. mission accomplished.
More Weight Room Pain
I believe I forgot to mention that at weights on wensday I was stung by a creature with wings on the back of my thigh. It climbed up my shorts, and when I tried to stretch out my hamstrings it didnt like getting pressed into the matt and stung me. This bug bite did not start big it was quite small. It is now larger than my hand. It has swelled up to half the size of the back on my thigh. So i win largest bug bite. It has been 3 days and no signs of diminishing. Oh and I do have bruised knees. just incase you wanted to know.
Indiana Hospitality
Not to let you think that everything in Indiana is terrible, I think something must be very exciting, I just hadnt found it yet. until tonight. The rowing club that rows for fun on lake lemon invited us to a bbq at one of the member's houses. We all happily showed up and were treated to a full bbq spread by complete strangers, the only thing we had in common was that we row. Apparently most people on the lake know who we are. In unionville news we are it. That was very wonderful to have grilled hamburgers and enjoy new company.
I will be leaving for a ten hour ride to philly tomorrow I still need to pack and get my stuff ready for departure. I am ready to be within walking distance to a cinema, trader joes, cell service, and civilization.
Day 10 Update
****This was written several days ago in the hopes that i would reread and edit it.****
Day 10
I am in day 10 of rowing. Its been a hard 10 days. I have bruises. Lots of bruises. On day 4 or so my computer cord gave out. It had frayed and I gave it an electrical cord fix and got about 5 extra days out of it. Before my computer totally died I purchased a new cord on ebay. In the 5-7 days I had limited computer use. (I was able to borrow a charger a couple times but my computer looses charge fast) Not having cell service is bad. Not having internet is bad. Not having both is worse. But my charger arrived today and it was a day highlight. My mom also sent me a package in which she had made me snack packs –pieces of home! My siblings had written me letters which I love getting. I have discovered that the post office which is up several LARGE hills is only three miles away. So I think biking may be an option. Then I will have cell service.
We’re Not In Seattle Anymore:
I was told it was hot here. That is an understandment. I am already a golden brown. I get tan at 6:30am practice. I drink as much water as I can to stay hydrated. Hot weather can be gotten used to, but working out in it is a different type of fun.
The workouts are getting easier. By easier I mean I am getting better at skulling. I was in the single yesterday and I did about a 6k and DID NOT flip. This was good. Very good. This morning at practice we did some higher stroke rate pieces and that was wonderful (what I was trained with). Power per stroke is becoming my friend but for the last ten days we have been frenemies.
The weight coach came to afternoon practice yesterday and decided we didn’t work hard enough (6k day) so we got assigned more weight stuff this afternoon. I have no idea where they come up with these exercises. Pushing 45lb plates across the floor. It’s resistant mountain climbers? The trick is to move your legs fast or you will end up crashing your knees into the carpet. I learned this in a trial and error method. I will probably have bruised knees tomorrow.
My mom sent me this verse from 1st Peter 4:
12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
This is what I am in. A fiery trial. I want to come out victorious.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
An Overview
INDY
I am Officially in Indiana! We didnt get internet until last night, and I have no cell service, except in town. I live 10 miles from civilization. The only transportation I have is my feet and a mountain bike. I am now a country kid. my only link with civilization is the internet. I miss you Seattle.
I am living in a house with 8 other girls, the most inconvenient part is the fridge. Food falls out of it continually, I have already spilled blueberries. we have two bathrooms, so that is a bit easier. our house is actually a double wide trailer. its pretty amazing. we also have no dishwasher. Fun Times at the Double Wide. I will try to post pictures.
We are from all over, From Oregon to New Jersey. going from 1 roommate to 8 has been an interesting change.
I have found that i packed some very wonderful items, which have turned out to be very important. such as a mug, and sunglasses. and forgot some important things. rain gear. apparently it rains here. I didn't think it would, (I dont know where I put my brain while i was packing)
WHAT I DO
Its been three looong days. my schedule is as follows:
5:20am awake
6ish leave for practice
6:30-10:30 practice and technique practice (half hour break between)
11 get back and eat food/shower
12-4 meditate, read, email, or sleep
5-6:30 second practice
7 eat food and read more/internet
9:30-10 go to sleep
it feels like eat, row, sleep, repeat.
The workouts have rocked my world a bit. I think that's the point. I have never been this sore. I actually consider if i really want to get out of chairs/bed because my legs hurt. especially my back, and arms. I think the only place that didnt hurt was my feet, and then i got heel blisters.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY
I am slowly learning to skull, this camp is like college athletics on steroids. The first day was a sensory overload: two oars, no cox, keeping a point, nearly hitting the coaching launch because i didnt keep the point... I have new respect for coxswains. The second day I was in a single. I flipped. FOUR times. The first time I learned. DO NOT let go of the oars. The 2-4 times I dug deep past the point of no return. The water was warm and by the 3 time I became quite speedy in getting back into the single. The goal for next time is to stay dry.
I have officially gotten over socks and sandals. I still think it is terrible life decision but I am now not without sin. I wear socks....with reefs. I look like a ninja turtle because my reefs are green. its sorta epifalicus. (epic + fail / by latin ending) I decided to sacrifice style for the comfort of not rubbing on my blisters. I am done confessing.
This is where I feel I am supposed to be, but it definately a trial in dealing with anxiety, peace, patience, and grace. As I go through each day I realize how many things I take for granted. How blessed I have been. I have a new found appreciation for my team, Christ, and my parents, and cell phone service.
I am Officially in Indiana! We didnt get internet until last night, and I have no cell service, except in town. I live 10 miles from civilization. The only transportation I have is my feet and a mountain bike. I am now a country kid. my only link with civilization is the internet. I miss you Seattle.
I am living in a house with 8 other girls, the most inconvenient part is the fridge. Food falls out of it continually, I have already spilled blueberries. we have two bathrooms, so that is a bit easier. our house is actually a double wide trailer. its pretty amazing. we also have no dishwasher. Fun Times at the Double Wide. I will try to post pictures.
We are from all over, From Oregon to New Jersey. going from 1 roommate to 8 has been an interesting change.
I have found that i packed some very wonderful items, which have turned out to be very important. such as a mug, and sunglasses. and forgot some important things. rain gear. apparently it rains here. I didn't think it would, (I dont know where I put my brain while i was packing)
WHAT I DO
Its been three looong days. my schedule is as follows:
5:20am awake
6ish leave for practice
6:30-10:30 practice and technique practice (half hour break between)
11 get back and eat food/shower
12-4 meditate, read, email, or sleep
5-6:30 second practice
7 eat food and read more/internet
9:30-10 go to sleep
it feels like eat, row, sleep, repeat.
The workouts have rocked my world a bit. I think that's the point. I have never been this sore. I actually consider if i really want to get out of chairs/bed because my legs hurt. especially my back, and arms. I think the only place that didnt hurt was my feet, and then i got heel blisters.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY
I am slowly learning to skull, this camp is like college athletics on steroids. The first day was a sensory overload: two oars, no cox, keeping a point, nearly hitting the coaching launch because i didnt keep the point... I have new respect for coxswains. The second day I was in a single. I flipped. FOUR times. The first time I learned. DO NOT let go of the oars. The 2-4 times I dug deep past the point of no return. The water was warm and by the 3 time I became quite speedy in getting back into the single. The goal for next time is to stay dry.
I have officially gotten over socks and sandals. I still think it is terrible life decision but I am now not without sin. I wear socks....with reefs. I look like a ninja turtle because my reefs are green. its sorta epifalicus. (epic + fail / by latin ending) I decided to sacrifice style for the comfort of not rubbing on my blisters. I am done confessing.
This is where I feel I am supposed to be, but it definately a trial in dealing with anxiety, peace, patience, and grace. As I go through each day I realize how many things I take for granted. How blessed I have been. I have a new found appreciation for my team, Christ, and my parents, and cell phone service.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The saga begins
Tomorrow I will fly out to Indiana to participate in a U23 pre-elite camp with 8-10 other female collage rowers. we're all around 6 feet tall. so it will be good competition. Did i mention we are all living in a 6 person house? its going to be great.
Trial and Tribulation #1
being from seattle and packing for indiana.
-seriously. what am I dowing? i have managed to shove all of the clothing/items i am taking into a huge suitcase, and a carryon. due to weight restrictions all of the heavy things have gone into my carryon. (books -14 last count, two pairs of shoes, CDs and anything to make my other bag less than 50 pounds) I still really do not know what to expect weather wise in indiana. I am told its hot and muggy. I roped ellen into helping me pack and I have been wearing her clothing ever since we got the suitcase zipped. I am under strick orders not to open it back up because if i do we may never get it closed again.
I am going to bed to sleep in it for one last time. in 15 hours I will be on a plane and on my way.
Trial and Tribulation #1
being from seattle and packing for indiana.
-seriously. what am I dowing? i have managed to shove all of the clothing/items i am taking into a huge suitcase, and a carryon. due to weight restrictions all of the heavy things have gone into my carryon. (books -14 last count, two pairs of shoes, CDs and anything to make my other bag less than 50 pounds) I still really do not know what to expect weather wise in indiana. I am told its hot and muggy. I roped ellen into helping me pack and I have been wearing her clothing ever since we got the suitcase zipped. I am under strick orders not to open it back up because if i do we may never get it closed again.
I am going to bed to sleep in it for one last time. in 15 hours I will be on a plane and on my way.
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