Some Great Things About Europe

Some of you might not know it but I am currently in Prague. You can't help but compare things to what you know from the U.S. Here are some things that I have been noticing while I have been here.

People are WAY more affectionate. I have seen folks making out, hugging or holding hands all over the place. I think it's kinda nice.

People are more accepting. You can wear anything, your hair can look any way, you can smell any way, you can be any size or shape and it seems no one gives it a second thought. We are all so cookie cutter in the U.S.

The public transport system is awesome all over Europe. If we are so smart why can't we compete here?

The stores here are just little holes in walls with stuff crammed in them. We have these huge places where you can listen to music, get your nails or hair done and bank. It is just different, thats all.

Those are just some of my ponderings so far. It is kinda nice that I am sitting here in the lobby of the hotel on this computer and I haven't showered since yesterday or washed my hair in two or three days (why bother since I can't fix it anyway?) and none of my clothes match and I'm not wearing a bra. I have a hat on and no makeup and I seem to fit right in. Maybe this is where I really belong?

Paige's Running Tips

I've been thinking for awhile that I would do a weekly running blog - some people I know are just starting out and hopefully some of my tips or experiences can help them. I am by no means training for the Olympics - and I certainly don't claim to have all the answers. But I do run and have for years, and I enjoy it. There have been some obstacles along the way - and those are some of the things I want to address.

The first topic I would broach is "breathing". When I was in HS on the track team (which I hated, by the way) my coach was big on "breathing patterns". He would go on and on about how when you breath in two counts you should breath out one - or in three and out two etc. I would employ this but it always frustrated me. Invariably, I would end up with a stitch in my side. Now I realize that I was concentrating TOO hard on my breathing and it wasn't natural - therefore side ache. (Yes, it is my opinion that side aches while running are attributed to breathing.)

What I learned running in the Army is to try and relax your breathing. Don't pucker your mouth and act like you are in labor - relax your lips, keep your mouth slack. In fact, if you notice your hands fisted or tense - shake them out. This applies to your shoulders, neck or whatever. You often see people running shaking out their arms or hands or rolling their shoulders. They are just trying to stay loose.

Back to the "breathing". When I start to notice a twinge in my side, before anything major, I know I am starting to have an issue with my breathing. This is what I try: First I try to get my focus OFF of my breathing. It is usually when I am conscious of it that it becomes a problem. So think of other things. You should periodically evaluate your breathing during your run, but it should not stay uppermost in your mind. Next, I do things to change it up, because the current pattern is clearly not working. I clear my throat or swallow a few times or sniff or even try to burp (even the smalled burp relieves diaphragm pressure). I keep doing these kind of things till my breathing regulates itself. I swear this works - and it is really simple. At all costs try to continue to run through it. The more you run the more unconcious these things become and breathing slowly becomes a non-issue. It is also my opinion that running with very little or nothing in my stomach seems to help. It allows my diaphragm to expand more fully. I'm not sure if this is the correct explanation but it seems to work for me.

There is a great feeling that comes when you are running and your breathing is working - there IS a pattern to it - but you didn't manufacture it - it came on its own. Your body knows what it is doing - don't try and force breathing patterns on it, just let the breathing pattern happen.

Fathers

Fathers come in all sizes and shapes and ages. And once you are a father you are always a father. Here are three Birt fathers on Cameron's Blessing Day.

Fathers are fun to rough house with!

Father's carry you when the lines are too long, it's hot and you are too tired to walk anymore (Disneyworld in a nutshell!).

Fathers encourage you to be a jock! Sometimes they even live through your successes, and sports matter a whole lot to them.

Fathers are there to help you along life's path.

Fathers teach you things you need to know.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads who are doing the best they can, who love their children and sacrifice daily to bless their lives. We love you!

Picture the Past

This picture was taken many years ago in Utah. It was around this time of year too. Tierra looks adorable! Cam in yet another "Barney" shirt along with hairy Larry! I will let you guess the date and occasion.

Summer Inconvenience

Alright, this is my first summer working in many many years. It really puts a damper on things. Cameron is off and lazing around the house. My friend Liz is off and doing fun things with her kids. In fact, I think most of my friends ARE home. I feel jealous and ornery about the whole thing! I like the job - but in the summer it feels inconvenient.

Mother of a Senior

Well, today is the last day of school - so I guess I am now the mother of a senior! I'm not sure how this happened - it seems like he was born a couple of weeks ago. Who is this man living in my house - what happened to the cute chubby baby or the little guy in glasses that used to hang around. Where does the time go? I still feel the same but he has changed so drastically. He drives a car now - he has a job! He is way taller than me and much stronger - but is he really one year away from not needing me anymore? Will he be ready to be on his own so soon?