Busy. Busy is good, right?
Thursday, March 6, 2008 by ShawnieMac
Whew. Nothing in moderation, I suppose...
We did the Climb to Conquer Cancer up South Mountain two weekends ago. It was a chilly morning, but beautiful, and marked the anniversary of the first race we ever did together. They used to have a Run to the Sun along with the walk/climb, but that has since fallen by the wayside. This time, we pinked up the pups, to include painting pink ribbons on that silly Nala dog's ears. I continue to be amazed at how tolerant that pupple is at times. We had a great walk up to the towers and on the way back down, took the same trail as the one we did three years ago. We reminisced about how far we've come and how we both knew then, so much of 
what we've come to know now. We just weren't sure why. And the beauty of it is, we were right. That doesn't happen too often, does it. Eleven miles, and two tired dogs later, we were headed back to the car discussing lunch. At that point, I think I had already come to the realization that it was the farthest I had walked/hiked in quite some time. And more importantly, that I was still feeling strong. Time to exhale.
Last weekend, we hiked with Larry and Jan out in the Superstitions. The last time we hiked in the Superstitions was with TZ right after Thanksgiving. That hike brought me to my knees emotionally, as well as physically. This time? I felt as good as I ever have, and felt compelled to let out an Alice Bell-like "THENK YOU GAAAAAAAAAHD!" more than once. I couldn't do the day justice if I tried to describe it. Warm sun, cool breezes, vibrant yellow and purple and orange wildflowers, glowing chollas, pupples prancing in the streams, and 11 miles later, feeling as strong as ever. I got that feeling I did when we hiked Whitney. I wish I could bottle it and share it. The "there's no way this is going to take me" feeling. No way. I have too much to do. 
Please, pay no attention to the wind blowing my shirt to provide the attractive look of being a few months pregnant. It really is the wind. And, if you look behind me in the picture to the right, you can see my Chemo Angels. They're really not figments of my imagination, after all. And yeah, it's pretty grey, huh...
Work has been ridiculous. I won't even go into the volume of work I have to do in the limited amount of time I have do to it, but it forces me to delegate responsibility for certain things, and that, I suppose, is good. As much as I feel like my hair might catch on fire some of these days (which would be a crying shame, as it's growing and growing), I know that in the big picture, this is good. It's not as though this job is my passion in life, or allows me to make any kind of difference, but the facts are that I work for a good company, with good people, a good salary, good benefits, and it's all located 10 miles from my house. Not so bad, huh?
I shouldn't spend this time rambling about the job, though. Bo-ring.
Well, you asked for it. Photos.
We did the Climb to Conquer Cancer up South Mountain two weekends ago. It was a chilly morning, but beautiful, and marked the anniversary of the first race we ever did together. They used to have a Run to the Sun along with the walk/climb, but that has since fallen by the wayside. This time, we pinked up the pups, to include painting pink ribbons on that silly Nala dog's ears. I continue to be amazed at how tolerant that pupple is at times. We had a great walk up to the towers and on the way back down, took the same trail as the one we did three years ago. We reminisced about how far we've come and how we both knew then, so much of 
what we've come to know now. We just weren't sure why. And the beauty of it is, we were right. That doesn't happen too often, does it. Eleven miles, and two tired dogs later, we were headed back to the car discussing lunch. At that point, I think I had already come to the realization that it was the farthest I had walked/hiked in quite some time. And more importantly, that I was still feeling strong. Time to exhale.
Last weekend, we hiked with Larry and Jan out in the Superstitions. The last time we hiked in the Superstitions was with TZ right after Thanksgiving. That hike brought me to my knees emotionally, as well as physically. This time? I felt as good as I ever have, and felt compelled to let out an Alice Bell-like "THENK YOU GAAAAAAAAAHD!" more than once. I couldn't do the day justice if I tried to describe it. Warm sun, cool breezes, vibrant yellow and purple and orange wildflowers, glowing chollas, pupples prancing in the streams, and 11 miles later, feeling as strong as ever. I got that feeling I did when we hiked Whitney. I wish I could bottle it and share it. The "there's no way this is going to take me" feeling. No way. I have too much to do. 
I made the comment to Greg that if this hike made me feel this good, the Grand Canyon just might cure me. Next week at this time I'll be there. Stranger miracles have happened.
Please, pay no attention to the wind blowing my shirt to provide the attractive look of being a few months pregnant. It really is the wind. And, if you look behind me in the picture to the right, you can see my Chemo Angels. They're really not figments of my imagination, after all. And yeah, it's pretty grey, huh...
I'm hungry. Then, back to the grind...
OMG!!
what cutie pie hair! i want to run my hand over your head and make it all staticky.
you look awesome Jen!!!
Love the pink'd up pupples!
You look so great Jen....I love your hair!!!
You look stunning with short hair...Glad to know you are getting better, day by day...I always check your blog for updates, and seeing your smile in these pictures shows me how happy you are-you won!!!...I'm in awe of your courage and strength...xoxo...