Smiley

Don't wait until next summer to go see someone if you can go now. Don't wait until after "your busy season" to travel to spend time with someone you love. Don't think that you have all of the time in the world. Don't believe that in spite of their ill health they'll be there when you can finally "swing it". Don't wait to go hold the hand of a person who holds a special place in your heart. It just might be too late if you wait any longer.
I know.
In a few days we'll be burying my Aunt Edna aka Smiley. I haven't seen her in years. I thought I had more time. I didn't see her before she died. I didn't remind her of just how much she truly meant to me. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Go now.
EDIT: I posted this at about 9 pm last night (Tuesday July 31st). I received a call from my family at about 3 pm yesterday telling me that my Aunt Edna would "be gone in moments". This according to her doctors. As far as I knew, I was trying to find a way to get to New York for my Aunt's funeral. This morning at about 10 am my sister called to tell me that the moments turned into hours and now the hours have turned into more than 24. I just spoke to my cousin who is at the hospital with her mom (my aunt). I could hear my aunt's voice in the background. She hasn't left us yet.
Unfortunately, we don't know how much time there is. Now, I don't know about you, but I think God has given me one more chance to tell her that I love her. I asked my cousin to tell her for me just in case I don't get there in time. I called my Uncle Tom, Aunt Edna's hubby, at home. He is there setting everything up for Hospice to come in and help with the final days. Yes, I said days. My Uncle Tom still has faith. He doesn't want her in the Hospital where they have given up on her. I can't say that I blame him. I don't know what the next few days will have in store for us but I do know that I need to go now. My original message stands true. Don't wait. Don't regret anything. You never know. My Aunt Edna is young. Too young to be dying. Remember, don't see if you can "swing it" just go, before it's too late.
Thank you all so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Someone was listening. Thank you, all of you.
Diana

The Land of Pine Trees, Sand Hills and Tabacky

Wish I had more for you, but this is all I got...
My trip to NC


On the way there....

During all of my driving, I noticed that this

is gradually being replaced with this...

Or, for those of you with a finer palette you probably call it this.

All of my days were spent working. Working hard with my sisters and my Mom. After the work was finished at the end of each day, we tried to have a little fun

My niece Alex helped my other niece Riley make funny faces...

Of Course Riley didn't need a lot of help making funny faces. This is her "Oh my gosh, I am so scared" face

This is Riley's "Holy Jumping Beans Batman" face as my nephew Aaron bounces her 2 feet into the air

This is Grandma's "OH S#!* " face as Riley and Aaron bounce her.

Following a long day working and packing over 40 years of accumulated belongings Dale (my sis) and Alex still had a smile for me...after a Mojito or two.

Alex bounced....

Aaron bounced...

My sister Jenn bounced

Aaron bounced some more.

I even bounced, but we have no photographic proof of it.

We shared beautiful sunsets...
(Alex took this picture)

I shot this one

We found old photo albums from when we were babies/ toddlers. This is a picture of me when my Mom busted me bouncing on the sofa - way back when.

After an exhausting week, I headed home. I passed this guy at South Of The Border. Then, I made an hour and a half detour to Myrtle Beach, SC. I passed him again on I10 in Florida 5 hours later.

I knew you would ask... this is S.O.B. South Of The Border

Translation = Hyped up ,"Made in China", how much money do you have?, tourist trap in Dillon South Carolina.

It was a long week and i was able to spend each day with my 3 sisters. It's the first time ever that all 4 of us have spent that kind of time together. I'll cherish it always.

I hated having to leave my family but, I am glad to be back home with Bigun and the chilluns, here in Florida.

I am going to try and catch up with everyone this weekend. I've been gone (from The Land of Blog) for 2 weeks and it feels like months. I missed you guys too!! It's nice to be back home.

Morton Plant Meese '07

Morton Plant Meese Triathlon at Sand Key, in Clearwater, took place this morning. It was so much fun! There's so much to tell I don't know where to begin. I guess, the beginning is good. 4am, alarm ticks of and begins buzzing. Bigun has coffee ready and I pull my things together. I made sure that I wore Tri Dummy's T shirt (again) for the Triathlon. Word on the street is that if there is no photo - it didn't happen. Well, TriDummy, finally. Here's the proof I wore your T today...

Wait. Sorry TriDummy, that one is from today's race. Wrong shirt. Just a sec....

I think this is the right one.....

Fudge. That's not the right one either. Where did this one come from?!?! Oh, that's right, The 101. Humm, I'm sure it's here, I know I wore it...just a sec...wait...
Here we go.

Oh. Huh. Not lookin' too good for me is it? This one's Miami Man. Still not the one I'm looking for...
Wait....wait....hey, we might have a score here, just a second...

There it is!!!!

The (in)Famous MARANATHA ADVENTURE TRI T!!! Look Jay- no bicycle grease either!!! She's as pretty today (5 races later) as the day I unwrapped her!! LOL. For those of you who don't know, I won the Name The Bike Contest for Tri Dummy's Bike. As a Thank you and Congratulations I got this T shirt. TriDummy is the RD for this race . I have worn it on each race since receiving it, thinking I would get a photo of it being shown off. I photograph everyone else and never manage to be "in" any of the photos - hence, no proof - never happened according to TriDummy. Well my dear, I wore it and I made sure to get a photo. Just for you!!!

As for the race - Got to the park where the Tri was happening and found my way down to the beach. My friend Green Eyed Lady was lending support on the water. She was out there in her kayak and I wanted to get a few shots of her. Bigun and Excel Man (GEL's hubby) were on the beach chatting it up and Excel Man's wave was called forth, so I missed a shot of them together, but here's Bigun. The sun was coming up behind him. It was really lovely out there this morning.

While I was getting some shots of what was going on in the water and the early departing waves , the kayaks, the lifeguards, I hear someone saying my name. It was a friend of mine, Megan Rog. I always knew she was really fit and worked out hard to keep in shape but I didn't know she was a TriAthlete!! Wow!! I have known her for years! Megan took a really big step today. I was so proud of her. This was her first ocean swim. The water was like bath water as far as the temperature goes. She was a little nervous. I followed her through each leg and she did AWESOME! She totally rocked the course.

Luke couldn't race today so he came out and offered his support with my usual Tri Compadre Crew, Luke's wife, Perez and their Sherpa in training, Boo. Check out Luke's new hair do. Cool. Once again, Excel Man was just too fast, I didn't get any shots of him. His wave was so far ahead of Bigun's that I would have had to have been in 2 places at the same time. Excel Man was coming in on the bike as we were walking to the bike route. I was bummed I didn't get any pictures but thrilled we got to see him go by. The same thing happened as we were on our way to watch for him on the run. We were walking to the leg of the run and sure enough, there he is, making the turn around at the final bit of the run.

Bigun coming out of the swim....

Megan looking strong from her first swim in The Gulf..heading to her bike

I couldn't resist this shot. The light was perfect, the water was calm and the Lifeguard was beautiful.

That's Diane on the comm there.... Diane is also a Triathlete. The wave in front of her is Excel Man's wave.

Bigun tearing it up on the bike

Megan finishing up her bike ride

Bigun still going strong on the run

Check out that smile as Megan hits the last stretch of the Tri. She looks awesome! Such a strong finish

Speaking of finishing strong....there's the Bigun with a big smile right before he knocks out another Tri. Chock that one up as D.O.N.E.
Today was a good day at the races.

There are so many photos I would love to post, but I don't want to totally bore you. I'll leave the tech talk up to Bigun and Excel Man. They're better at that part of the reports.

I hope everyone who raced this weekend had a great time and finished well!!

My New Computer

Bigun told me Thursday that he bought a new computer for my bike (the one he 1st gave me has never worked on my bike).

I still haven't seen said computer...

We're ROCKIN' !!!

QUICK EDIT for my post this morning - I forgot!!!! GEEK GIRL tagged me!!

Hah!! I have been tagged!!! I don't know why others complain about being tagged, I think it's so much fun!!!! Hee hee...my turn now to tag 5 ROCKIN' GIRL BLOGGERS.

Are you ready?....here goes - J-Wim - I love her courage and drive to be a better person and an awesome Tri Athlete. Green Eyed Lady, my biking partner and a good friend who I always get to share a good laugh with. Wendy - she's a really cool chick with very diverse interests. If you have a chance, send her some love, she needs it right now. Momo makes the list of 5 with her kind and insightful posts that are always brimming with love. Boy, this is hard - 5 to choose and I have at least 8 or so... but, it has to be Aimee. She not only keeps Tri Dummy in line she keeps 5 blogs running in between all of her other things. Check out her blogs and you'll see what I mean - she ROCKS!

Now, it's your turn girls, you have to tag 5 ROCKIN' GIRL BLOGGERS. Keep it going and have fun!!

There's a RAT in the Kitchen

And I don't mean this kind...

Ratatoullie and mixed veggie grill
Chef: Michelle Trute
Michelle has loads of eggplants in her garden and suggests picking them young so they don’t need to be salted its only when they are huge & older that the salt is used to take away the bitterness.
Serves 4
Degree of difficulty: Low
You need:couple of cloves of garlic

large onion

500g zucchini (appx 2 &1/4 cups)

slice one capsicum

large egg plant

1 tin of chopped tomato

500grs(appx 2 &1/4cups) of eggplant in 2cm thick rounds

1tsp sesame seeds

chilli to taste

1 TBS rice vinegar

2 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp lemon juice

2 cloves of crushed garlic.
Method:ratatoullie, which is simple, its just sauté garlic and onion till clear followed by zucchini slices, some capsicum diced & egg plant slices & a tin of chopped tomato, let it simmer for about 20mins, and serve. You can add some chilli if you wish as well. It will thicken and be delicious for a healthy lunch and great to freeze.
Mix the marinade and brush over eggplant let sit for 10mins, grill on both sides basting with mixture. Something even simpler is an eggplant stack with alternative slices of tomato, eggplant & parmesan cheese baked in the oven.
Leftover Potential: Good

I mean this kind- Ratatouie - I have been wracking my brain on what to talk about. I figured after my little rant about rude people I needed to move on so you wouldn't all think I had lost it and fallen into a dark void somewhere.
Okay, I saw it. Ratatouie. Yep, niece and nephew were in town last week so we meandered over to the theater to see a fun and lovable animated feature from Pixar. The rat in question is named Remy uh, he's a Chef. Uh huh, you heard me right...Chef. Isn't he cute?

Pixar has successfully created another incredible hit. On my part, there was one exception...It was all good and cute and funny until the hordes of rats came in to "help" in the kitchen. I know, it's an animated feature, supposed to be funny and all, I must confess, it weirded me out. The CGI is so good these days that it was almost too real. I have the heebie jeebies just thinking about it again. brrr...

and, well, that's all I got. Dinner and a Movie.

Good Manners

One of our favorite movies in the Bigun household is "Blast From The Past". It stars Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek and Dave Foley. GREAT MOVIE. To give you a little background, Brendan Fraser's character, Adam, is extremely polite. So much so that little jokes are made and insinuated about his impeccable manners. Yet in his eternal good nature the character simply smiles and in return has something very polite to say that basically shuts down whoever is putting him down. He maintains his good nature and good manners. There is a line in the movie where another character is quoting Adam to Eve (Silverstone's character). He says "...Good manners is how we show others that we respect them." (I have paraphrased a little) That line has stuck with me.




I am by no means comparing myself to the character of Adam. I am more like the character played by Silverstone. I try to be polite but sometimes my cynicism kicks in or I allow someone else's bad manners to get my goat so to speak. No, I am not making excuses. That is how I am I can only wish I could be more like "Adam". Regardless, I do always try to be polite. I try to express my enthusiasm for other's accomplishments with encouragement and congratulations. My enthusiasm is genuine and my congratulations are always heartfelt. Both are always delivered with a genuine smile and a warm heart. I believe with every fiber in my being that politeness and interest in others should be genuine.

When Bigun started blogging about his journey as a triathlete he suggested that I try blogging with him. He thought I would really enjoy being a part of this community. He was right. I have enjoyed it. At first I was apprehensive because I am not a triathlete myself. Bigun's opinion was that I didn't need to be a triathlete to become a part of this online community because I live the life of a Triathlete Spouse. The word he used was "Ironwidow". Honestly, I took offense to the term. I took offense because "Ironwidow" was not at all the way I saw myself. Bigun's triathlons are as important to me as they are to him. When he doesn't train, as he has planned, I ask why. I don't complain about all of the wet training clothes hanging over the shower glass or laying in a pile on the laundry room floor or draped over the chairs out on the pool deck. I don't complain about the hours spent training. I don't complain about the stinkiness of his gear. To me, it is all a part of what he does. He trains. I am so proud of him. Making the sort of commitment he has made is not easy.Most who are reading this know and understand what a HUGE life change it is when you become a TriAthlete.

Most of you already know that Bigun started out at over 300lbs when he decided to change his life and his health. That sort of decision deserves every ounce of support I can offer. That is why I don't miss a race. His commitment is why I get up at 3:30 in the morning on race day to drive to a race. That is why I come armed with my camera and cowbells. Bigun's commitment to being a triathlete is sound and true. I love him, and I love who he is. Maybe now you understand why I don't consider myself an Ironwidow but an Iron Wife.

Bigun opened this door to the Tri blog community and because we are together in what we do in this life, he brought me along. I am so happy he did. We have found such kind and interesting people here. I would list everyone but my fear would be I would absent minded-ly leave someone out. Most of you will find yourselves in the right margin of my blog. There are still a couple of new folks I want to add, I visit their blogs but usually go through Bigun's or another blogger's site to get to them. I don't always comment on the blogs I read because sometimes they are only about their training or their nutrition. I don't want them to think I am butting in, but my heart cheers for them nonetheless. I read their posts because I am genuinely interested in how their daily journey in the world of Tris is going. However, when I read a post that writes about things I can relate to or if someone just needs a kind word or maybe they need to hear that what they are doing is worthwhile and worthy, I comment. I leave a comment because it is heartfelt and genuine. Reading these blogs, your blog, is more than reading just words on a page. Your posts are from your hearts and your souls. Your lives. You have opened the door to who you are and that deserves respect. When a person opens their lives to others the way this community has, that person deserves the same compassion you would offer the friend you see every day. Because, you must understand, we do see each other almost every day.

This is where Good Manners comes in to play. Bear in mind, I do NOT expect a reply from every comment I leave on another's post. Sometimes a comment is my polite way of saying "good job" or "congratulations" or "wow" no reply is needed. When a fellow blogger does reply back, I enjoy it. I enjoy knowing that the few minutes I took to read about their life that day meant something to them. It's like getting a "Thank You" note in the mail. Other times, I'll leave a comment expecting a reply because of the nature of the comment. Maybe it's about an upcoming race or something else going on and I leave a question. I believe that most of you out there feel the same way I do. It's a matter of Good Manners.

Yes, all of us lead very busy lives. I have not read a single blog out there that has led me to think otherwise. Some times are even busier than others. Most of us still try to post a little something to let the others know we are still out there. Bigun and I have had a house full of visitors since March. Tack that on top of work, training, chores, friends, triathlons and family, it's been busy. My posts are sometimes lacking when it's crazy around here. Sorry. I have never really cared for mediocre. Sometimes, that's all I have left at the end of the day. My feeling is, no one is too busy to be polite. No one is ever too busy to show respect and good manners to those who take the time out of their busy day to show another that they are genuinely interested in the coming events of their lives. What ever happened to Good Manners? 98% of the blogger community are kind, compassionate, good hearted people that I am now fortunate enough to share a friendship with.

When the Woodlands 101, Chicago and IMCdA arrive, some of those friendships will be cemented even more so. I am excited because I feel that I already know most of you, most of those I don't yet "know", I am looking forward to getting to know better. I am looking forward to meeting the spouses of the bloggers as much as I am looking forward to meeting the blogger themselves. Bigun is as excited about it as I am. We have talked about how fortunate our lives are to include you.

One or two of the bloggers who hang out with this community, (maybe they aren't even reading this post) are sorely lacking in Good Manners. After extending my heartfelt enthusiasm, congratulations and genuine interest to you and your efforts in the Tri world, in life- a couple of bloggers don't even have the common courtesy to reply when asked a question. Because we all have our "Bad Days" and our moments of unintended hurtfulness, I have always tried to give other's the benefit of the doubt. For a little while. Until their actions or behaviour comes across as a pattern or character trait that is obviously rude and unkind. There is no excuse for being unkind or hurtful to anyone who is attempting to extend their hand in an act of friendship. There is no excuse for blatant rudeness or tearing someone else down because you need to feel better about yourself. There is no excuse for writing posts tearing down someone else's good heart and true emotions. Some of you hide behind "Anonymous" comments (cowardice) and that is even more despicable than the rudeness. Shame on you. Perhaps I am bringing myself down to your level, but I think that sometimes things need to be said out loud instead of being ignored, hoping it will stop. When you ignore Little Tyrants, they never go away, they simply grow bigger because no one is willing to put a stop to their behaviour. I wish I could be as eloquent and as gracious as Momo was when she addressed a disgusting and abusive attack from an Anonymous contributor.

For those of you who I am fortunate enough to share my laughs, my joy, my enthusiasm and sometimes my sentimentality, please forgive me. My tolerance for bullies and rude people (see the 1st anon comment) lasts for a little while. After a bit though, I find it inexcusable and feel compelled to inform the trespasser of their abusiveness with the hope that they simply didn't realise how rude they were being and will make a concerted effort to change their behaviour. (although in the example I have shown, they definitely know how rude they are, that's why they hide behind "Anonymous")

Please bear in mind, this post is NOT intended for anyone with whom I converse with on a regular basis (if you are in the right margin) lol. I cannot wait for the upcoming races so that I can see your faces and already know the wonderful person behind the smiling eyes. Thanks for reading.


Di

I Pledge Allegiance

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I -- me, an individual, a committee of one.

PLEDGE -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

ALLEGIANCE -- my love and my devotion.

TO THE FLAG -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

UNITED -- that means that we have all come together.

STATES -- individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

AND TO THE REPUBLIC -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION -- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

INDIVISIBLE -- incapable of being divided.

WITH LIBERTY -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

AND JUSTICE -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

FOR ALL -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance...
UNDER GOD Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too? - Red Skelton

TO HEAR THIS IN RED SKELTON'S VOICE, CLICK HERE

The Eve of July 4th...

Started the day with a little breakfast. My niece Shelby is enjoying Reeses Puffs behind the big bowl of fruit...

Her crazy brother, Nicholas is our entertainment...

Then we hit the pool for some splashing and sunshine

After an hour in the pool we headed out for pedicures

Even Nic decided to show his patriotism with a Red, White and Blue Pedi

I opted for a summer color...Wish I had stayed with my waitress red

Mom chose manicure over pedicure

Then, it was back in the pool for more fun....