Mission: Accomplished

I DID IT!

Today I ran my final 4 miles to complete my "100 miles in November" challenge.

Now, I am off to decorate the house for Christmas...and figure out how to physically challenge myself through the rest of this holiday season (as I see PLENTY of food in my near future!).

Support Your Troops

Jon left for work, in uniform, early this morning.

I've been blessed - and maybe made a little complacent - that here he is only driving 15 minutes to a military school house to teach.

But today, on Veterans' Day, I think back about rising at 2 a.m. and keeping a smile on my face and a positive attitude while Jon dressed in his uniform and grabbed his bag in preparation to fly himself into Afghanistan.

My father was a veteran. My husband is a veteran. I am a veteran.

This, obviously, makes my patriotism run deep...and maybe makes it easier for me to deal with life during a deployment.
I am not naive enough, however, to think that everyone understands what we're trying to accomplish...or to even say that I understand.

What I do know is that I am very thankful to all of the men and women who have fought (and who are fighting) for our great country.

The truth is that these men and women - whether you agree or not, whether you protest or not, whether you support our current President or not, whether you support our troops or not - have given us the right to believe whatever we wish AND to express those opinions openly.

Thank you to all the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines who have given me the right to sit here comfortable on my couch, log-on to the internet, and blog about how much I appreciate each and every one of them.

I love Jon for so many reasons, but today I am especially proud of him for sacrificing for all the things that we take for granted.

Rise to the Challenge

I just finished my 2nd marathon 8 days ago.

Last year I ran the Athens Marathon in November...and then proceeded to do essentially nothing until the sun came out again in March.

I tend to get lazy in the autumn and winter...it's just easier to grab my blanket and curl up with the dog (who'd probably rather be out running with me!).

Then I start my training again - pretty much from scratch - in the spring, and I can manage to lose those 5 holiday/winter pounds and get myself back to were I was physically the previous fall.

So, my challenge to myself (in the hopes of maintaining my fitness level...and maybe improving on this fall's marathon - I hope to run Berlin in September 2010):

100 miles in 30 days.

You may wonder why I felt the need to post this self-challenge. Well, if I'm the only one who knows then I am not accountable.

There you have it, peeps!

It's day 2 of the challenge. Day one consisted of a 3-miler; today I did 4.

7 miles done!...93 to go...

Another 42,195 meters...complete!

On Sunday, October 25, I completed the Frankfurt Marathon - my second marathon.

*Whew*

I've only been a "runner" for about 3 years now, and had you asked me then if I'd ever do a marathon I'd have told you "Uh, no. Don't be ridiculous." Jon is convinced that the average human body is not meant to run 26.2 miles at a time. Heh

I've been blessed to have run these two in (1) Athens, Greece and (2) Frankfurt, Germany. I've become rather keen on running in Europe...or wherever they measure in km as opposed to the mile.

Kilometers seem to pass quicker than miles...maybe 'cause they're shorter duh

I don't focus on the fact that there are 42.2 km in 26.2 miles...I just look for the next distance marker - not the number on it!

We all have our own mind tricks to make it through!

Frankfurt was amazing with live music, food and beer (for non-runners) and amazing crowd support along the route...and in the 100 year-old Festhalle was our red-carpet finish.

No, seriously, there was a red carpet leading to the finish...confetti & cheerleaders, too!

Jon wanted a picture of me in my "cute" running gear

Over 9,000 runners if front of me @ the start. It was over 14 minutes from this point to cross the actual start line!

6km

13km - with Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus in the background

A band along the course dressed as pirates, singing 80's rock. Jon was very taken!

35km - Jon said he took this man's picture because "he's SO OLD...and he was ahead of you!" ...nice...

Red-carpet Ziel (finish) in the Festehalle

heading for the finish! (42.2km 4:48:21)

He's so proud!

Of course, we had to head out on the town Monday morning and check out Frankfurt!

Fall colors and the River Main

Buildings of the Römer - three Gothic buildings that the Altstadt (Old City) centers on

Römerberg (a plaza)

Haus Römer - has served as the Rathaus (City Hall) for 600 years

Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus

What a great time!

Jon and I are really looking forward to the upcoming holidays, and all the visitors we have headed our way!

...so we have a little time to figure out where we'll be traveling to next!

In Training

So, I haven't been around to blog in a while. No reason, really...just nothing profound to write about.

Do I really ever write anything profound?

I have been busy though. I've been training for the last 4 months for my upcoming marathon in Frankfurt on October 25th...17 days to go! Wish me luck!

For this marathon I am fundraising for the Air Warrior Courage Foundation which provides scholarship assistance to the surviving dependents of U.S. military personnel killed-in-action, missing-in-action, prisoner-of-war or killed while performing aircrew duties in a non-combat aircraft accident. Please, sponsor me if you can!

I'll definitely post about the run...so...probably nothing for...oh...17 days ;)

Then the fun should pick up. Jon and I have friends from England flying in for Thanksgiving, my family visiting for Christmas - to include the Nuremberg Kristkindlmarkt and a side trip to Lucerne, Switzerland - and Jon's best friend, Dom and his girlfriend, Kris, visiting in February...fun plans for that visit TBD.

Until then...

Another Great Weekend!

In case I was not already aware of how blessed I am, my schedule for last weekend was a quick half marathon on Saturday morning, and then to shoot off to Paris for the rest of Jon's long weekend.
Seriously?! Awesome!

On Saturday morning I ran in the 1st KMC (Kaiserslautern Military Community) Half-Marathon. The race organization left a little to be desired, but the day was beautiful, and I couldn't ask for much more!...and as a humorous side note (to me anyway), the winner of the race is a podiatrist at the military hospital.

Stephanie (Jon's co-worker's cool wife) and me after the Half

Then Sunday morning Jon and I were off to meet up with Dom, a friend Jon has had since he was 17 (for those of you who may not know...that was a LONG time ago! ;0)).

Dom works in textiles, and heads off to Paris twice a year. This passed week was Fashion Week in Paris (hence, the reason for Dom's trip)...and he worked us a wicked deal in a cute hotel just blocks from Notre Dame.

Dom, Jon and Dennis on the cute lil' street leading to our hotel, Hotel d'Albe

...and the view from our room...how Paris!

Dom & Dennis had flown all night, and were looking to stay awake and defeat jet-lag. We headed out to a cute little street side cafe.

...and look at the pretty sunflower that caught my eye while we were sipping our coffee.

From coffee to Ultimate Mojitos (those sparklers were much cooler in person!)

After some drinks and dinner at an awesome Argentinian Steakhouse, we called it a night. We headed out on Monday morning to take in some more scenery before Jon and I made our way home.

Cathedrale Notre Dame

...and at night.

Tour Eifel from des Champs-Elysees


...and how cool is this? In case you can't tell, those are children doing P.E. in the beautiful Jardins des Tuileries!

Jon and I have had a couple of busy weekends. I won't complain for a minute though, because I know that many of these opportunities are once-in-a-lifetime.

I think we'll be laying low for a few weeks until we head to Frankfurt for my second 26.2. Wish me luck!

Weekend in Bavaria

Jon and I met up in Bavaria this passed weekend with friends we met while in England, Casey and Chris.

We made a stop in Munich (for the Hofbrauhaus and beer - out of principle), and spent our second day checking out Berchtesgaden.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a drive more (Jon may have a different opinion on this ;0)) - the scenery was GORGEOUS!

The weather was gorgeous, so our first stop was a bier garten in the Englischer Garten.

Mandatory bier pictures

(Me!) (Jon)

(Casey & me)

Now that's a fun idea - you can rent Bier Bikes


On our way to the original Hofbrauhaus
(the white building with the blue lettering straight ahead)


Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz

The beautiful view from the balcony of our cute little hotel in Berchtesgaden - Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten





View of the Kehlsteinhaus (The Eagle's Nest) from the busbahnhof (the bus stop)

The Kehlsteinhaus was an official 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler. Nicknamed Eagle's Nest by a French diplomat, it was meant to be a retreat for Hitler and a place for him to entertain visiting dignitaries.












Scenery from the same busbahnhof



The Eagle's Nest


Chris & Jon - our mountain men


Chris, Casey, Me & Jon


...and what a small world! We ran into some friends - still stationed in the UK - at the bus stop back in to Berchtesgaden. What a good time!
(Jon, me, Casey, Chris, Vegas, Amber, Nikki, Rocco and Deuce)


We're off to Paris on Sunday...see you next week!

You're not the boss of me! ;0)

Just this morning, I commented on my friend's blog. T is a very giving person...I think, almost to a fault. As I left the comment, I thought I'd post what I had referenced.

(1) So it's somewhere where I can easily access and read it when I need a reminder, and
(2) For anyone who needs a little reminder of who is most important in your life here on this earth.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

I know, I know...tough agreements to live with, but I think if you can implement them into your life - even a little - your heart will be much happier!

It's August already!...seriously?!

Wow!...apparently, being (way) behind on blogging is the way I do business.

I took a look at the calender today, and realized that we are well into August...and although Jon & I have been home-bodies for the last couple of weeks, we had a very hectic July when we went back home.

Our first stop was New Jersey to visit with Jon's family & friends.

Jon's brothers (he has 4!) have lovingly dubbed him "War Hero"...by lovingly, I mean...well, you know what I mean...

Mom & Pop Chango inadvertently fuel the "War Hero" Fire

...but they're so proud, they can't even help themselves!

Before we arrived on the 2nd, Jon's parents had informed us that they were having a July 4th "block party." I won't lie, Jon & I were a little concerned...there aren't alot of...uh...people our age in their 'hood. Initially, we were thankful that 2 of his 4 brothers-and their families-had been roped in too!

Well, it turned out to be one of the best Independence Days I've enjoyed in a long time (that may have something to do with not being in the States for the last 3)!

The weather was beautiful, and I love love love Jon's family!

Proud Poppa Chango flies the AF flag with the Stars & Stripes

Poppa Chango & Jon
Mom Chango, Meri & me...baking in the sun and not yet knowing it
Jon & his mom, Joanne
DELICIOUS cool-whip flag cake...YUM!

That, of course, was cut & served by the "War Hero"

After a day of sunshine, food & drinks what else would a mature group of people do but set-up to play a game of...beer pong?!

This is the throw of someone long-acquainted with Beer Pong!

that's Andrew in the striped shirt - one of Jon's college fraternity brothers...hmmm...college...beer pong....wonder where that idea blossomed!

Lots of food and a bit of beer...Jon's looking a bit uncomfortable. Maybe we should wrap this up?

...or put on our game faces and keep goin'!

(note Andrew's backwards ball cap...and tie?! He's serious about this!) (I was going to crop the kid on the left out...but he just screams "I'm a Jersey kid!"...HA! It makes me laugh. I had to leave him!)

And, yes, I also got involved in the action...look closely, Lindsay and I are actually playing Root-beer Pong...good thing, since she's only 15!
Lindsay & and I weren't any good - neither one of us had ever played - but, boy were we good sports!...and hyped-up on Root Beer!

Jon & I love living in Europe. Unfortunately, we don't get to see our families very often. So, when we do, lots has always changed.

I had some fun with my camera, and took some pictures of my beautiful niece, Lindsay...who I swear was just a little girl last I saw her.

I was diggin' on her different color socks. I love this picture! I just think it screams Summer-time!

...and let me not forget to mention that my nephew Jason's birthday falls on July 4th.

Doesn't he look thrilled to be hangin' out with us?! ;0)

Do not fret...we did indeed celebrate, and shower him with gifts!

The Changos 2009

(We had taken a couple more "serious" shots, but I like this one - it's more representative of us!)

L to R, F to B: Antoinette, David Jr., Mema, Lisa, Meri, Lindsay, Sabrina, Mason, Nichole, Fr. Anthony, Dave, Big Poppa, Joe, Nick, Jon, Anthony and Jason

Have I mentioned that I LOVE this family?!