Gettysburg

Last week I was on a business trip in Westminster Maryland… and on the last day I had a few hours to burn before heading to the airport. I knew Gettysburg Pennsylvania was only about 40 minutes away, so I wasn’t about to pass it up.

• For the purposes of clarity… Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) is the site of a major Union victory in the Civil War which stopped Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. This is also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous (and appropriately named) Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.
  
• Also for the purposes of clarity… I did not do the above history lesson to patronize you. I did it because I find more and more people whom apparently did not benefit from the same 5th Grade curriculum I did. I’m sorry if this offends you in any way, but tune in to Jay Leno’s “Jay Walking” sometime and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

When I arrived in Gettysburg, the battlefield was greatly obscured due to dense fog and slightly overcast skies. It was interesting to find out that this is probably what it looked like on the morning of July 1st 1863 as the first shots were fired.

The battlefield grounds are well kept yet the overall imagery is quite unassuming. For the most part, it looks like any other open field in the countryside. Don’t get me wrong, there is no need for anything grandiose or flashy… as it would probably just distract you from the reality of what happened here. The site is perfect just the way it is… with well crafted and sparsely placed monuments. All in all, I was quite humbled by the experience, yet “humble“ doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling you get when standing on the battlefield.

Personally, I think its impossible to come to a place like this and not learn something… nor could you come here and not feel something. Anyone can pick up a book or search the web, but that will never connect you to what happened in the same way that actually standing here does.

______________

Standing in the grass on the battlefield at Gettysburg… amazing!
____________________

The experience generated all kinds of feelings and emotions. It was sorrowful yet inspiring… depressing yet motivating,.. surreal yet celebratory… awesome yet awful. I know these words seem contradictory, but I simply can’t describe it any other way. I’ve never felt anything quite like it. You suddenly realize you are standing in the very place where hundreds of people fought, suffered and died for an idea. You are standing in a place where some of the bravest men in history stood… where our great Forefathers stood… where great Americans stood.

Only a few of the names of those who fought here.

All in all… I am grateful to have come here… and I’m humbled by the service of each and every one of our Nations Soldiers... past and present.

Thank You!

Resolution of Happiness

130 days and counting....that is how long we have until the starting line of our 26.2 mile run.

7 days and counting...that is how long we have until the starting line of our very first race. An 8k on Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday, we filled out the registration and paid the entrance fee for our first official run. I am a little freaked. Not so much about running the 5 miles but about getting to the starting line. The worst part of my personality is that I am not a very good starter; I am okay once I get there but the anxiety of getting to the beginning almost requires self-medicating.

Last weeks training was okay. Not my favorite, mostly because Wed through Sat were on all machines and not outdoors. I much prefer the change in scenery, even if it does require the occasional dodging of vehicles that don't expect a woman to be out running at 5:30 in the morning. I still managed to total 22 miles last week. Woo Hoo!!

This week has started out well. I had a great Monday and did 4 miles in 40 minutes. I was booking it. I don't know where the spurt of energy came from. It has been cold, I think I just wanted it to be over as quickly as possible. Today I did another 4 but it took 50 minutes. Seriously, it took me almost 20 to do the first mile, but then I kept good pace. It was 22 degrees when I ran this morning at 4:45am (Ted had to go to work earlier today). Maybe that was the problem, that is too early and too freaking cold.....

So, this Saturday we start running our long runs with the local running club. I am excited and nervous. Hoping there are more beginners than just Ted and I. But they teach us how to refuel and have other clinics and there are about 100 runners that we will be able to learn from.

This weeks song I like for the fact that it is a classic and like most of my other choices has some great guitar that keeps me moving at 5am. While I realize my choices are not the usual hip-hoppy aerobic/cardio expectations of an athletes playlist, I will not apologize for enjoying good music.

INXS: Don't Change

Weekend Update

Time just keeps moving, doesn't it? Last week was long with Ted out of town on business. We stayed busy with a girl scout meeting, small group and the beginning of basketball season for Madi.
Friday after I picked Madi up from school we decided to go see a movie. The girls and I hit the cheap theatre, $4 for a movie popcorn and soda; only 12 bucks for all three of us. We saw Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser. It was good family fun for the afternoon. A text from Ted let me know he was running two hours late due to flight delays in Atlanta so I decided to join the Farquaads and Dukes for Shrimp Pasta and adult interaction. I was desperate for some conversation with people over 9 yrs of age. It was wonderful company. We played Scattegories and Guesstures. I love board games, brings out my competitive spirit. Before I knew it, I had gotten another text from Ted saying he should be in around 1am. Yeah......

Okay, this is where I official win a bad wife of the week award. I assumed Ted meant that he would be landing in Knox around 1am....so, I called him around then and he says, "I am walking in the door, where are you and the girls?!!" Oh, yeah, I suck. Poor guy has been away from home for an entire week and I was off playing board games with friends when he finally gets home. I immediately pack myself and the girls up and head home in the pouring down rain where no one on the interstate can move faster than 40 because of the rain and fog. No worries, Ted isn't mad at me and most definitely didn't make me sleep on the couch. I just feel a little like a looser....

Saturday was great. We slept in until 10am. Wow, haven't done that in a while. Because of the nasty weather, we did our run on the dreadmill in the gym and did some good muscle exhausting on the weight circuit. We went grocery shopping and I made some amazing homemade chicken noodle soup with perfect biscuits. It was great, the perfect food for a comfy day.

Sunday was another good day. We spent the first part of the day at our church. We then went over to hang with the Wiedemeiers and watch the Green Bay/Chicago game. Ted worked up some great Braughtburgers on the grill, Brandy made her killer dip and chili. Yummy!! Packers kicked some serious tushy and that always makes for a good day. Then we watched the NASCAR championship. Took Madi to basketball practice. She picked her jersey, number 23. The coach says to her "that is an awesome number, that is Michael Jordans number." She stares at him with that, okay whatever, I don't know who that is look on her face. Oh my gosh, she doesn't know who Jordan is. I am a bad mother....

Gridiron Gumbo

Tailgating Stolpe Style at the 2nd Annual Canvas Fall Fest. We entered our Gridiron Gumbo in the Chili Contest.

The Pastoral Staff at Canvas: Pastor Nick and Farah made a show of Republican pride for their American Chili. The Farquaads (I think Xac says this is his underwear model pose) won for most unique chili. It was good, full of pineappley goodness.

Much to my proud honor Robin and I entered the pie eating contest. Downing an entire apple pie.


Are they even making an effort? Curtis looks ill. Are they using utensils?

We Rock!!

In case you aren't sure: this is what defeat looks like.

We are such a great example that we even got the kids gorging themselves on pie. All the dads giving a helping hand with the hair. Nice. Looking good Rachael and Hannah.


It was a fall festival after all. So, after the kids finished spitting in this bucket trying to get apples, the adults joined in. Here is Ted and Curtis going for it. Ted won. Robin and Ted were the quickest draw. Ted claims a head butt in the competition between them but I think Robin had him on the hair flip....

Here we are in all our glory. Winning Best Overall Presentation. You know you all want to tailgate with us.....

GO PACK GO!!

November 1st/November 2nd

2008

For anyone that has known me for any length of time it is common knowledge that I am a Green Bay Packer fan. Now, I am not one of those fly by night, when the team is good kind of fans. I know the players by name and I passionately watch the games with joy and disappointment. My blood pressure rises, my heart races and even the occasional obscenity will fly out of my mouth while watching a game. I cried at the disappointment of our playoff loss last year, at Brett Favre's retirement and when I found out he was going to play for the Jets.

Back in April when they posted the 08-09 NFL schedule, I jumped for joy with the prospect of being able to go to the Green Bay/Tennessee game and immediately asked my favorite Packer fan Brian to come out for a visit and join us for the game. Ted got the tickets for me as a gift for my birthday (Have I mentioned that my husband totally ROCKS!!).

As you can imagine the anticipation for my first Packers game has been building for 6 months. Oh, My, Gosh I couldn't believe I was really going to go.

The week of the game had finally arrived and it seemed like everything was going to be against us. My original hope for a sitter for the girls fell through. The guy we were getting tickets from decided to keep them for himself, apparently he was surprised the Titans were undefeated. So, we made the mad dash to find tickets, the week of the game, I really don't recommend doing this. Next, Brian missed his flight, seriously!! A lot of patience and a 3 hour wait and he made the next flight. We then had issues with kennelling our dog and the hotel. Seriously, it was getting a bit ridiculous. But, we are not people that give up easily. Luckily, Zack and Misty saved the day by keeping the girls for us. Jacque stepped in and helped with Buddy, thank God.

We finally made it to Nashville around 7 or so and then had to switch hotels because of "broken pipes" or what we call overbooking. Once we finally got settled; we took the not "free" shuttle back downtown and had a lot of fun. Full disclosure here: this is the first time in many, many years we have closed down a bar. Yep, we were out until 2:30 am. We had a great time. I think I hugged more strangers in those few hours than I have my entire life. Almost everyone was decked out in Packers gear and giving love to all who sport the Green and Yellow. I am officially a part of the real Packer family now. :~D

The game was beautiful. The stadium was open and the sun beat down on us all day. It took me almost to the half before I could take a full breath and realize I was really there, in that moment, watching my team play on the field. Even though I was in the nose bleeds, I know (in my heart) they could hear me. I will keep my criticism of Rodgers to a minimum. It was bigger then a win or loss for me. This is a moment that can not be repeated. My two favorite football fans beside me; the only two guys who understand my compulsion towards football.

My joy is overwhelming. Even now and for as long as my memory holds I will have a special place for this game. A moment in life that comes once. Thank you Brian for coming out and being a part of this experience with me. Love you!!

Next stop: Lambeau Field

Send You Back To Arkansas

Week 7, yep we are seven weeks into our crazy adventure. 4 months and 17 days until the big race....

Things are good and moving along. Ted and I did our first 5 mile on Saturday and it went really well. We ran over to the high school and did a few of our miles on the track. Wow, running a track is completely different. First, it is flat and that is nice. Second, it is easy to keep track of distance and that is nice. Third, it feels like it never ends and that sucks. Fourth, you aren't going anywhere and that sucks. So, it is an okay way to do a part of our Saturday run but I don't really care for it. I would rather struggle up a hill than go in circles.

For week 6 the total mileage was 21, that includes 4 on the elliptical machine. This week should run about the same but more running than walking. I am hoping to run a consistent 3 miles on Thursday morning. We will see, those hills are going to have my foot prints pound into them by the time this training is over....(hopefully).

My weigh in on Monday was not great, I gained two pounds. It is my own fault, I entered a pie eating contest on Saturday and ate half an apple pie to myself (pictures to come soon). Robin ate the other half and we totally kicked everyone's butt so it was completely worth it ;~D

Alright, this weeks playlist song is just a classic. I like it because my runs are getting longer and it makes me wanna move and keep moving. The video is lame but it was the only one with the same song version I have on my Ipod...

Ray Charles: What'd I Say

Shout Out

Today we take a moment to honor the men and women that have fought, are fighting and will fight for our freedoms. I thank God for each and everyone of you that serves sacrificially to defend our constitution. There are not words to express the gratitude I have for your service. Thank you. God Bless you and your families.

Gimme Strength for Round 5

Week 6: It is now the end of week six, I am a little off this week on my posts.

Last week was a wonderful accomplishment. I upped my run/walks to 4 miles and I did a complete 2 mile run, hills and all. I felt great and worked hard and it paid off. When I got on the scale on Monday I was down 4.4 lbs. That puts me just over 10lbs lighter than 6 weeks ago.

It has been a mellow week for me. One that required a little more push. We had a great weekend with very little sleep. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I went for my run on Tuesday. Sleep is still a major issue for me. I keep telling myself how important 8 hours is and still I don't get to bed before 11pm. I have made up for my lazy runs with a little extra cardio and strength training at home. I had a great workout yesterday and today.

Tomorrow we (Ted and I) are going to attempt our first 5 miles (that is a walk/run combo). I'm excited. If we both feel good about it we may sign up to run an 8k on Thanksgiving Day. Now that would certainly take away from the guilt of eating mashed potatoes and turkey while watching football for 4 days straight.......

This weeks song to add to the playlist is a goodie and seems appropriate for election week. Especially since my candidate lost on Tuesday. The video is also a piece of cheezy goodness....

John Mellencamp: Authority Song

Weekend Update

We had an amazing weekend. But, I can't get it all in one post yet. So, I am working on it. Pics and everything. I will say that it was seriously awesome to have Brian here with me when I went to my first Packers game....more info coming soon....

Complacent

I have always been a big fan of voting. I haven't missed a major election since I was old enough to check the box of my chosen candidate. Those of you that are close to me know that I can get a bit passionate about practicing this important ritual in our society.

It was strange to me today. With all of the build up for the last 2 years. All of the excitement and talk and need for hope in this country. There are people complaining about taking the time to cast their vote. An hour in line is too long to have your voice heard?

A few years ago there was a major election in Africa. The people there walked days in the African terrain barefoot to have their voices heard. They knew that it really didn't count, that the winner was already chosen. Still, they walked in the heat and starving to say they had a voice. Their voices were not honored by their own government, but I heard them. I heard voices in need of hope and change. People in need of food and health care. People in economic crisis that live in real shacks with no right to even own the property it sits on.

Isn't it worth an hour of your life to have your voice heard? We are a bunch of spoiled brats in this country. With weeks of early voting available in almost every state we still didn't make the time. We passed the voting lines with an "I just don't have time today".... We complain of higher gas prices and health care crisis but don't even know the candidates that represent us in our Congress. Our lives are just too busy to do the research, too busy to care.....Our complacency is a choice to let other people run our lives.....

Stand up, be heard and make the time that is more important than your hair appointment, chai latte or dry cleaning.... Go VOTE!!