I'm going to Liberia

The craziness never ends in the Harper household. Just as the dust is settling from one trip, we up and decide to go on another. In truth, going to Liberia will be much more than a vacation, and will gobble up the majority of our time off for 2010, but I think it will be worth it. I think it will be good for me, it's been 4 years since I went to Gulfport to help with hurricane relief, and that trip was inspiring and humbling at the same time. This will be Gulfport multiplied by 1000 since I have probably never seen anything like what we'll see in Monrovia. The trip will be great for Chris because he'll be able to use his talents at videography to help this project get off the ground and continue. And, I am very happy that we are both going, because I think it will be good for us as a couple.

Here is a news story about Plumpy Nut, which is basically peanut butter with some extra nutrients to help feed malnourished kids. According to what I've learned so far, this simple food can save lives, and is easily produced in countries like Liberia where peanuts are easily grown. So it is also a self-sustaining business. I'm sure I'll have more to say later.


View Larger Map

3 reasons to be happy

1. This morning on the way to work I had a tailwind (yipee) and one of my favorite songs came on my shuffle, "These are the days" by Keith Urban (the song at the end of the 'be here' CD). I love the words so I thought I'd share. (I also love the guitar and his voice too ;)
My grandmama was a wise old soul
took me by the hand not long ago
Said, son what's your hurry, boy slow it down
taste the wild honey, listen to the sound
of the wind that's blowing through the trees
rivers flowing to the sea
yeah they're all heading home just like you and me
life's for living, child can't you see
that these are the days we will remember
these are the times that won't come again
the highest of flames becomes an ember
and you've gotta live it while you can ...

2. I went to an interesting event last night called Ignite Fort Collins. There were quick 5 minute presentations from everything from building your own bike, to being a tomboy, to chasing your dreams. Somewhere in there was a quote I've always liked from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're probably right!" I think this is true & a good reason to have a positive attitude.

3. The Dawgs play Auburn this weekend! This is always a fun game, especially if you are there. It's the Souths oldest rivalry but also a great excuse for friends from both schools to get together and live it up for the weekend. I have several great memories of traveling to this game and hosting friends in Athens. :) Go Dawgs!

(This is an infamous picture of Uga attacking an Auburn player during the 97 game.)

Brain Overload

Today has been admittedly unproductive. But seriously, you try getting some work done when all you can think about is ...
- Planning a logical and safe way to drive back to Georgia by yourself.
- Also planning how you will get enough work done while driving and visiting friends to justify taking time off (here kicks in grad student guilt complex).
- Wondering if it's worth thousands of dollars to travel to Liberia to help construct a facility that will manufacture and distribute peanut butter to malnourished kids.
- Feeling guilty for just thinking about taking another 2 weeks off for this trip!
- Missing a best friend who you haven't seen in 2 years and probably won't see or talk to again for who knows how long (another year, 3 years??)
- Wondering what else God has up his sleeves for you in the next 6 months ...

I guess it's not much unusual - just life - but I've been in one of those moods today when I just would rather sit and think and talk about all this than do any work. Hence my blogging at 10 PM when I am supposed to be working on a paper revision!

Off-season Goals

Technically you could say my off-season began as soon as I finished my half ironman Aug. 9. I am a big fan of taking some serious time off during the year. I know it means I lose some fitness but it's worth it for the mental break. Anyway, I slacked off for a couple of months and now I'm ready to get back into a semi-regular routine. But I still won't consider myself back in "training" mode until January - for now I'm happy just to stay active and do what I enjoy!

That being said, I have a couple of goals. These are flexible though and I try to give myself extra wiggle-room this time of year. Chris and I have decided to run together 2-3 days a week, although I'd like to go 3 times and I want to work on speed. I'm not a fast runner but I think with some work that can change. Last year I worked on endurance, so I think this year I'll focus more on faster, shorter runs.

I also want to ride my road bike 2 times a week, just to keep my legs used to it - I hate getting on the bike for the first time in weeks and feeling like crap. Plus I LOVE riding my bike, so this will keep me happy too.

This time of year is also a good time to work on all that boring stuff, like strength and flexibility. I'm trying to go to yoga once a week, which I really enjoy. Rachel and I are talking about lifting weights together - we started today by meeting at the gym at 6:30 AM - way to go us! :)

So, that's it! Oh yeah, I'm also trying to not give in every time I want something unhealthy. I am not very good at things like "self control" and "just say no". I figure if I say no 4 out of 5 times, then I'm on a roll and deserve to splurge 20% of the time. The bad thing is I'm realizing I want something unhealthy most waking moment, so 20% of the time is still a lot. Something else to work on I guess!