When it comes to friendships, I believe in being the kind of friend you want to have. It's a privilege to be someone's friend and a gift to have true friends. If you're lucky, in this lifetime you will cultivate friendships with people who really change you, shape you, mold you and make you.
Yesterday I was amazed and humbled at the conversations I had with various friends. I felt honored by what they shared with me, and I want to remember their words.
"You and Amanda are what motivated me to even attempt this, especially since you two were so enthusiastic about it. Now I know why."
--My friend, Grace, on her motivation to start running this year. She'll be running her first full marathon in January. If you can, please donate to her Team in Training page.
"You're my motivation because you're the only person who says you hate it... I really am quitting. It helped me with my emo moments all this time, but now I have you to help."
--My friend on quitting cigarettes
"He doesn't know what he's missing out on. Really. I've known you for 10 years, and I know what he's missing out on. Don't waste your feelings on him. You're easily the greatest person I know."
--One of my best friends, Ton, on a guy who let me go
"Wing woman, huh? I'm sure you can kill at that job."
--A fun one from my friend, Christiaan, on my offer to be a wing woman for him and the guys
This is all a great reminder that every conversation and action can make an impact. So choose your words wisely, and treat your friendships with care.
These two quotes sum it up best:
"A friend is a gift you give yourself." --Robert Louis Stevenson
"If you can touch just one person in a lifetime and make a difference--you have succeeded." --Ray Conniff
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” --Albert Einstein
11/18/2009
11/15/2009
The Beginning of the End
The final weeks of 2009 are upon us. If you look at Dec. 31 as a deadline, I--in true Giselle fashion--have made it my goal to do as much as I can before the year ends. No regrets though. As the quote goes: "Get busy living or get busy dying."
Shelter Island 5K
Side note: I didn't tack "Race Report" on to the end of the subhead because I didn't really race this one. But I did run!
Last weekend was the 7th annual Shelter Island 5K aka the San Diego event with the best post-race buffet. The post-race is hosted at Humphrey's and the food is courtesy of five top chefs from Shelter Island's top hotels! Did I mention they have all-you-can-drink mimosas?!
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn
But back to the run. It's such a great little local race. The course is flatter than paper, and everyone is just out to have a good time. It's a walk/run, so you kind of spend the first half-mile maneuvering past walkers since there aren't corrals to start.
Barefoot runner!
The weather was perfect for running. My legs felt good, and I felt like I at least earned brunch coming in at 27:17 (an 8:47 pace), according to the results. My roommate and I walk/jogged the race last year (before I even owned a decent pair of running shoes) and definitely came in at 38 minutes or something. I'll call that progress.
I was also excited to share the experience with my cousin, Gerry, who came to town from Arizona to do the race. We've shared a lot of great running moments together this year, including my first half marathon in Arizona in March. We're talking about next year and may do the Sedona half marathon together in February and the OC full marathon in May.
Looking like death so early in the morning
Joshua Tree: A Great Escape
I snuck away to Joshua Tree for a quick, rejuvenating camping trip this weekend. I wanted to get out of San Diego, get some fresh air and get my mind right for this coming week. Mission accomplished!
The air was crisp. The trails were beautiful. The scenery was stunning. And the company was the best around.
Having fun, feeling free
Sun through the trees
Crazy split sun & amber skies
Looking out across Joshua Tree
A registry at the summit
The stars were out in full force, too. It's too bad I couldn't coordinate the trip with the upcoming leonid meteor shower this week, but I was fortunate enough to catch two shooting stars and make some wishes.
I returned to San Diego in time for a nap and the Chargers game. The Chargers win kept the weekend's positivity flowing, which I took right into my yoga class later that night. Yoga tied the weekend together with a nice little bow and allowed me to reflect on my breath, my blessings and life's beauty. I was able to set some great intentions for the week and felt leaving very "full" (not the kind of full you feel after eating ☺).
New Zealand is 3 days away now. I don't feel stressed. I don't feel nervous. I only feel excitement for the life-changing adventure ahead. I am so grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait!
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” --St. Augustine
Shelter Island 5K
Side note: I didn't tack "Race Report" on to the end of the subhead because I didn't really race this one. But I did run!
Last weekend was the 7th annual Shelter Island 5K aka the San Diego event with the best post-race buffet. The post-race is hosted at Humphrey's and the food is courtesy of five top chefs from Shelter Island's top hotels! Did I mention they have all-you-can-drink mimosas?!
Humphrey's Half Moon InnBut back to the run. It's such a great little local race. The course is flatter than paper, and everyone is just out to have a good time. It's a walk/run, so you kind of spend the first half-mile maneuvering past walkers since there aren't corrals to start.
Barefoot runner!The weather was perfect for running. My legs felt good, and I felt like I at least earned brunch coming in at 27:17 (an 8:47 pace), according to the results. My roommate and I walk/jogged the race last year (before I even owned a decent pair of running shoes) and definitely came in at 38 minutes or something. I'll call that progress.
I was also excited to share the experience with my cousin, Gerry, who came to town from Arizona to do the race. We've shared a lot of great running moments together this year, including my first half marathon in Arizona in March. We're talking about next year and may do the Sedona half marathon together in February and the OC full marathon in May.
Looking like death so early in the morningJoshua Tree: A Great Escape
I snuck away to Joshua Tree for a quick, rejuvenating camping trip this weekend. I wanted to get out of San Diego, get some fresh air and get my mind right for this coming week. Mission accomplished!
The air was crisp. The trails were beautiful. The scenery was stunning. And the company was the best around.
Having fun, feeling free
Sun through the trees
Crazy split sun & amber skies
Looking out across Joshua Tree
A registry at the summitThe stars were out in full force, too. It's too bad I couldn't coordinate the trip with the upcoming leonid meteor shower this week, but I was fortunate enough to catch two shooting stars and make some wishes.
I returned to San Diego in time for a nap and the Chargers game. The Chargers win kept the weekend's positivity flowing, which I took right into my yoga class later that night. Yoga tied the weekend together with a nice little bow and allowed me to reflect on my breath, my blessings and life's beauty. I was able to set some great intentions for the week and felt leaving very "full" (not the kind of full you feel after eating ☺).
New Zealand is 3 days away now. I don't feel stressed. I don't feel nervous. I only feel excitement for the life-changing adventure ahead. I am so grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait!
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” --St. Augustine
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