I'm bringing sexy back

I didn't want to be the one to tell you, but yeah, I'm bringing sexy back. That is...my own sexy.

Last summer I made huge advancements in my fitness level. I looked better, I felt better. I was really proud of myself. And, while I'm nowhere near my unfit level of three years ago, I have a lot of work to do to get my sexy back.

As a nod to Brian Adams, 'since the summer of' 39, I have been pushing myself to go further and faster than my previous couch-potato years allowed, including my annual pride, the Bolder Boulder 10k race with my Dad. Wait! Let me set the record straight: I hate running. Or at least, I think I do. Running can be so boring, and yet there is something indescribable that happens when I run. I feel like I can accomplish anything, I feel strong, I feel healthy...and that, my friends, is addicting. But getting my shoes on and taking that first step out the door has been so hard lately. Working full time, going to school, volunteering and some other out-of-the-ordinary circumstances has led me to be tired and unmotivated.

It's crunch time. I have two weeks to whip my butt into shape before the 2011 Bolder Boulder. I've been running here and there but not consistently. Last year, my time for the 6.2 mile race was 1:07 which allowed me to automatically qualify for running with the big dogs this year. But, it ain't gonna happen and that just breaks my heart. But I tell you what will happen. I will train hard the next two weeks and I will run the Bolder Boulder and will do okay. And after that, I will continue to run, will do some mountain biking and will add in some swimming. My goal? A summer triathlon. Sounds sexy, doesn't it? I think so...and I'm bringin' it back!

Spring is here, friendship is in the air

It's amazing what magic the first bud and blossom of the season bring to my soul. After such colorless winters, finding color emerge is like finding my center, finding my balance.

So when the YPAAC: Young Professionals Alzheimer's Association of Colorado asked for volunteers on their annual 'Spring Spruce Up' at one of the local care facilities, I was excited for the opportunity. (Not to mention, I've been involved with the Association in other areas for the past four years and have found it to be a rewarding experience.)

The day arrived, it was cold and cloudy but full of vibrant color in the 40+ pallets of flowers. Toward the end of the day, I was headed back outside after washing my hands when an elderly woman, with kind eyes, said to me "it's getting cold out there, do you want a cup of coffee?". I politely declined and thanked her for the offer. Somehow, that brief introduction led to a much deeper discussion. There was an immediate connection.

I don't remember the sequence but Mary began to tell me of her faith, her husband who had passed away, her 60 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and of her battle with depression. In the sharing of her stories, she got choked up on numerous occasions which led me to do the same. She spoke of the three friends that passed away that week and the acknowledgment that she knew she was on the same path. She also shared some of the loving memories of her family. After probably 20 minutes, I was feeling a bit guilty in not being outside helping with the flowers, so reluctantly let Mary know I needed to get going. She asked for my phone number and shared where she lives in hopes I would come back to visit her. She also asked how old I was and why someone as "pretty as..." isn't married. I left her with such feeling of love, connection and appreciation of the experience.

Had I not planted a single flower that day, my time was not only well spent but unforgettable.