Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

First, happy Friday and Halloween Eve! What a week I have had. We finally have sun today in Dallas with no rain. One more day of this and I was about to buy a wetsuit. :)

I attended a luncheon this week that has been on my mind everyday since.

I met and embraced several women whose stories made me think how life really is a story in the making.

We are all developing our own book everyday. We just don't realize it. Or, if we do, it becomes a fleeting thought.

I was so touched by talking with these amazing people that I have found myself reflecting and understanding how much letting go of any anger, hurt, resentment, etc. just opens up your heart and mind. It is so healthy and why do we need to hold on to the negative, really?

Also, I was amazed at how freely these women were able to discuss their obstacles or challenges. I was intrigued by that because I'm in the process of developing this for myself. Being "free" to trust and share is a life thing but I'm truly enjoying the learning process.

So, as a small side note in my week, I am looking for a pair of shoes. People ask me all the time if there is anything I miss. YES! High-heel shoes! There is something about the heel that just brings confidence and style. Now, it is a bit of a balancing debacle and scavenger hunt. Can anyone make a really cool flat that looks like a high-heel style?

Oh well if the search goes on! It's all about enjoying the moment and letting go. But, if you come across some, let me know! Also, the picture I posted was taken by my great friend Soulyavanh that now lives in Portland, Oregon. You can check out her photography website here. :)

Love,
Jen

Soda Pop

Thirsty for a Diet Coke or an adult bevy perhaps? If it's in a can and your lacking a few tools, like me, don't despair!

Put your desired can up against something that won't move like a wall, kitchen appliance, etc.

Then, with a spoon or the end of a knife, slide the thinnest part of your utensil under the flip top and push down on the utensil. By pushing down, the flip top will start to come up without using a finger.

But, the can will probably move on you so if you are pushing towards a wall it will stabilize the can for you. Just keep trying until it pops open and you hear that great pouring sound!

I'm still working on my wine opening but as soon as I perfect it, you'll be the first to know.

Burp,
Jen

Run Tellman Run

I posted a while back on a cool story to aid homeless kids! This is the latest and I think it's still a cool story. Since September 9th, the movement has logged 405 miles!

The man: Tellman (guy in photo with no shoes) left his shoes in New York City and has dedicated himself to running cross country barefoot to raise $100,000,000.00 to aid homeless youth in a project called RunTellmanRun.

He is currently approaching Pittsburgh on Route 130, averaging about 20 miles per day, and plans to run through downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Brett Keisel (along with his wife) are going to meet Tellman tomorrow when they share lunch with residents of The Hub, a homeless relief program of Three Rivers Youth located in the Strip district.

Also, remember the guys who wrote Same Kind of Different as Me (homeless guy Denver Moore & art dealer Ron Hall)? Well, they have a new book called What Difference Do It Make. Check it out!

Love,
Jen

My Feet Get Some Camera Time

So let me introduce you to my little piggy's! They are always reliable, never let me feel broken glass (I might have dropped a glass or two, or..) and BEST of all......
if they get stepped on I will never lose my smile. I have to feel it first, right :)

Way To Go Sarah & ESPN

(Taken from Runners Web) GUILFORD, Conn. -- Sarah Reinertsen, author of the recently released memoir IN A SINGLE BOUND, lands on magazine covers nationwide this week on one of six different covers for the controversial first-ever "Body Issue" of ESPN THE MAGAZINE (pictured).

A triathlete who holds the world record for the marathon for above-knee amputee women and was the first female leg-amputee to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Reinertsen is one of 80 athletes to be featured in various states of undress for the magazine, and one of six chosen for the multiple covers.

USA Today sports writer Reid Cherner posted the cover image on his blog "Game On!", and states, "the cover on Sarah Reinertsen...will probably be one of the most talked about."

Sarah Reinertsen was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency, a congenital defect that left her without enough tissue to stimulate growth in her left leg. As a child, she was repeatedly fitted for leg braces--often unpaid for by insurance companies--until the age of seven, when her doctors decided it would be best to amputate her leg. IN A SINGLE BOUND is the story of how a feisty little girl from Long Island became one of the world's most famous disabled sports figures.

In a statement from Kona, Hawaii, where she is promoting IN A SINGLE BOUND at the Hawaii Ironman Competition , Reinertsen expressed her emotions on this evocative and ground-breaking cover. "It feels like the next step forward for me," she said. "After emotionally exposing myself in the book, now I can let the world see my body as well. I've struggled with body image issues my entire life. Now, to be included in the ranks of great athletes like Serena Williams, Dwight Howard and Adrian Peterson...I'm thrilled."

Reinertsen appeared in 2006 as a participant in CBS's reality television show The Amazing Race 10. She has competed in triathlons, marathons, and bicycle races throughout America, and has given motivational speeches worldwide. Sarah has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, and The Early Show. She lives in Orange County, California!

Peace,
Jen

Its All About The Neighborhood & Beyond

I'm celebrating 3 years with my hubby tonight! What a fast three years it has been. We love good food and celebrated with our tummies! But, not only did we celebrate, we had such an awesome experience I had to share.

So, we enter this great new place with the objection of a one good wine & beer then on to the next place for dinner. But, as we started salivating over the menu, my suggestion was to have an appetizer then dinner at location 2 (undisclosed to me by the way -- all top secret surprise).

The waiter brings out an awesome appetizer dish! But, wait, the fork I was given was so large, it didn't fit into my eating utensil. No problem, Plan B is always to ask for a plastic fork. as they always fit Guess what....they are the only place in town who doesn't carry them (even for carry-out). Our truly amazing waiter says, "hang on". A few minutes later I was treated to a plastic fork that was made for my utensil. The real story??? We found out, without effort, he left the restaurant (his place of work), ran to a nearby 7-11, to make my situation easy. Talk about going over & beyond to make someone feel right at home. Super cool.

As we left we talked about how cool our experience was and how we planned to write the establishment and waiter a note. But then, location 2 happened. We ordered more food, as you do, and I was asked by our new waiter if I needed chopsticks. Of course I'm laughing on the inside thinking of how this moment could be the next Top Chef "challenge", when he noticed my hands.

He looked down at my hands and tried really hard to act like he never asked me that. He moved quickly away and tried to find words. I just said "Oh, thanks for asking, but I have my own version". We just smiled and went on. As the night progressed I realized we had such good people taking care of us & I started thinking of how he felt. When things like this happen, I truly feel bad for them not me. I have found so many ways of getting through it but for many others, it's their first time. He noticed my eating gadget after a while & commented on how cool it was. Also his way of acknowledging the moment without bringing it back up. I understood.

It's this idea of being patient with people & realizing the intentions are usually good. So, patience, understanding & laughter can make every night a good night.

See the strength in emotional vulnerability!!! I'm looking forward to going back.

Love,
Jen