#beccatoldmeto

(Originally posted April 2010.  Dartmouth, NS.)

Thankfully my meetings finished early. Good thing because after an eight hour training session the last thing I wanted to do was sit in traffic. The day had left me with a monster headache and I just wanted to get home.

Turning out of the hotel parking lot, I tucked neatly into the pre-rush hour traffic. Perfect. A slick getaway.

Up ahead the overhead crosswalk was blinking.  I slowed to take my place in line, about 5 cars back.

I fiddled with the radio station to find CBC. Mumford and Sons crooned “The Cave.” I checked my blackberry. No new messages. I turned up the radio.

I glanced in my rear view mirror and noted the line cars idling behind me. My blackberry dinged - a meeting reminder for tomorrow. 

Singing along with my favourite song, I snapped back to focus when I realized we should have been on our way.  My mild irritation was confirmed when I noticed the lights had stopped flashing but yet we still weren’t moving.

Hello? Heellllooooo…

Cars were now backing up in each direction.  More than one or two were honking to prod the line on.

Nothing.

I craned to see what was holding us up from getting to the very important places we all needed to be.  It looked like someone was there but I couldn’t quite tell who it was or what they were doing.

I sat back in my seat.

I sat forward in my seat.

Ok people.

You could sense the collective restlessness building.  Vehicles started to jut out into the oncoming lane but hesitated to follow through. Instead we all sat…growing increasingly annoyed by the inconvenient delay.  

More honks.

Clearly fed up, a driver two vehicles ahead suddenly jolted out of his place and bolted forward.  He was making a break for it! Go buddy go! Others were quick to follow but their short-lived freedom left them even more confused when the leader of their pack stopped in the middle of the intersection, blocking all lanes, holding up traffic yet again.  What…is...he....  

What the...?

And then, in what felt like slow motion, a tall, young man wearing a light beige Airforce uniform stepped out of his vehicle. He moved effortlessly across the intersection, nodding gratefully to the gobsmacked drivers.

We watched as he walked to the side of the road.  He bent down momentarily before turning back into the crosswalk, moving ever so carefully.

Passing slowly in front of us, we all finally understood what, or rather who, had brought traffic to a standstill.  On his arm was the smallest, frailest elderly lady I think I have ever seen. She clung to him like a lifeline, he smiled at her like a son. Holding her bags with one hand and her arm with the other, it took the pair almost three minutes to get to the other side. 

I sat back in my seat once again, only this time it was minus the frustration and impatience. In fact, despite a crowd that had been growing agitated and passively rebellious just a few moments prior, no one appeared to mind the wait at all.

As I continued on my way home, my pace was noticeably slower. My thoughts had stopped racing through all of my "to-do's" and "didn't get done's."  But as much as I found myself reflecting on the kindness shown by the Officer, I was also trying to ignore how ashamed I felt. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I had mustered the courage to ask myself the obvious question - would I have stopped to help her, and equally important, why only one of us did.  

I've never forgotten the image of the Officer stepping out of his vehicle.  I felt blessed to have been there at that moment, to have had my "busy-ness" interrupted by something much more important - a reminder that no matter how much of a hurry we think we're in, we should never be too busy to be kind.

Thank you for the reminder, Officer.

Thank you for the reminder, Rebecca.  God speed little one.

Happy Father's Day!

Where Dad grew up:

Chipman, NB. The youngest of four children.

His favourite hockey team:

Toronto. Dad also was the goalie for his high school hockey team.

My favourite picture...go ahead, make his day...

One of my earliest memories of me and my Dad: 

Up until the age of 5, we lived in Woodstock, NB and every Saturday morning I would go with him to the community stables where he boarded his horse.  After sufficiently getting underfoot I would leave Dad to his work and wander down the row of barn stalls to do my weekly visits.  

My first stop would always be see Dalmus, a gentle giant of a man who to a little kid seemed to be at least 100 years old. Climbing up on to the wobbly stool beside him, he would play me a tune on his harmonica, “Old Suzanna, now don’t you cry for me…” Yup, we had great chats Dalmus and I did. 

Saying our "goodbyes and see you next weeks" I'd hop off my perch and move along to the far end of the row to find the Greer girls, the daughters of Dad’s dear friend, Bob.  They would always hoist me up into the saddle and take me for a ride around the grounds. Jane would later keep me busy assigning me to “brush” duty.

This particular Saturday morning was no different, for the most part.  And despite remembering it vividly, I will recount the rest of the story from Dad’s perspective:

"I look up and around the end of the row of barns comes Jane walking her horse with Tammy trailing along side.

A few minutes later, they circle around again only this time Tammy was walking the horse as Jane walked along side.

The third time around, Tammy was walking the horse but this time there was no Jane anywhere in sight! There was this little four year old walking a huge horse like it was no problem at all. Heart in my throat, I dropped everything and ran over to take over the reigns, literally."

To this day, I can remember the expression on Dad’s face, but for the life of me, I just couldn’t figure out why he looked so panicked. What Daddy? I have it under control.


His nickname:

Rodger Dodger. (And everyone knows that if you ever need help, just call Rodger Dodger.)


A proud daughter moment:

During Dad's company retirement party, the company President stood at the front of the ballroom and called the retirees up one by one to congratulate them. When Dad arrived to the stage, the President broke from the script and turned Dad around to face the audience.  Standing behind him with hand on his shoulder, the President proceeded to tell everyone how much Dad had meant to him.

Apparently when the President was just starting out with the company many moons ago, he was met with a rather collective cold shoulder.  He went on to say that Dad was the guy that took him under his wing and always made the time to teach him the ropes. It obviously meant a lot to him as he said he never forgot Dad's kindness. The round of applause that arose from the crowd made it apparent that the President wasn't the only person Dad had looked out for over his 35 year career with the company.


What I respect about him the most:

There are so many things but I would have to say his work ethic. Dad worked for the telephone company for over 30 years, and I rarely remember him ever taking a sick day. He also spent much of his career travelling an hour to and from work but was never late…even in snow storms.

His work ethic is also demonstrated in how respectful he is of the homestead land.  He would rather spend hours picking bugs off plants and hand weeding his gardens and blueberry fields than relying on pesticides.   

He personifies the quote "the greatest fertilizer is the farmer's shadow."

A few things I've learned from him:

1. A love for horses.  To this day, the best smell to me is a horse barn.
2. How to use power tools - like a sliding compound mitre saw, air compressors and brad nailers.
3. If you’re going to do something, do it right.
4. If you tell someone you’ll do something, keep your word.
5. Not to be afraid of hard work.  Getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn.

A cherished gift:

When we lived on Woodbridge Street, Dad had a little workshop in the garage.  One particular Fall while I was in university, I noticed that he had been spending an extra amount of time there. That Christmas I learned why.  Dad had spent the last few months making me a beautiful hope chest made of pine, lined with cedar.  I came to later learn that it was the second one he had made…the first didn’t live up to his standards so he started over.

The hope chest has been one of my most prized possessions for 25 years and each time I’ve moved, it has been carefully wrapped in blankets to ensure it makes the transition safely, the most recent of which being my move to Fort McMurray.

During last year’s wildfire there was no time to get anything from the house other than our cats and a few personal items. I was heartsick at the thought of never seeing my it again.  

A gift I wish I could give him:

Peace of mind.  Dad is a worry wart like me and his favourite quote is "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  I wish I could convince him that there's no cloud following him.  I think it's about perspective; someone could look up and see the cloud but comment on how blue the sky is around it.

That said, it is a well documented fact that if he goes camping or fishing, it will rain.  Every time.

I hope he knows…

1. How proud I am when people say “Oh, you're Roger’s daughter.”
2. Even though it never gets said, both my brother and I know how much he and mom had to give up as young parents.  To raise their family, they had to let go of their dreams so we could have ours.
3. To this day, I hope my decisions in life meet his approval. I’m sure it will always be that way.

What I love about him the most:

That he's our Daddy!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! xo

And with one last pause

the farmer gazes out across the field.

Grateful for all that it has offered,

he reflects on the hands that helped him turn it.

Still stained with dirt and rough with work

his own hands show testament to the months of solstice.

Smiling, he lingers over a humble sense of pride,

one that need not be spoken.

The sun sits low in the late October sky

assuring him that for now his work is done.

With relief in his bones and reluctance in his heart,

the farmer turns away, content.

Sleep tight sweet soil, rest well red field,

for you have truly earned it.

Sleep tight gentle farmer, rest well,

for you have truly earned it too.

                      -ts

Congraduations to Lissy Girl!

                                                        

"You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own and you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

 - Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the Places You'll Go."

Congrats Liss!  We love you.  xo

Cheers to Over 40

So, my 42nd birthday is now just weeks away.  Since turning 40, I get uneasy when I have to switch from my birthday being so many months away to so many weeks away.  I dunno...birthdays just aren't near as much fun as they used to be. 

But I have to say, a friend (a male friend) sent this to me recently just to make a point that there is something to be said for over 40.  Granted it came from Andy Rooney...but nonetheless, I'll take it.

Cheers.

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22323/34969-andy-rooney-forty

Mean Marine

Congrats to Queen Bee (aka Mean Marine) on yet another full marathon fait accompli.  She took her rightful place at the start line of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC in October and  despite an injury that prevented any training 6 weeks prior to the event, QB finished strong and in fine Marine style.

Well done QB.  You reign supreme.   Ooorah!

Click the below link to watch QB's journey to the finish line...

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a67774d4459334d6a52384e6a4d774e7a457a4e6a593d0d0a&sb=1

And then they said "I do. We definitely do."

"Mom, I'm worried it's going to rain."

"Don't worry Dear. I've got this one covered."

And she did.

So despite threatening clouds all around, the rain held off, as if to offer a ceremonial veil under which loved ones would gather, witness and celebrate the wedding of Brad and Mary.

It was a perfect day. A perfect wedding. Sweet and romantic. The kind that reminds us that love truly is all around.

Congratulations to you both...love is definitely all around you.

To see more photos from the day, click on the play button below. There's a total of three songs so be sure to turn up your volume.

Slideshow created with Smilebox

A sweaty year in review...

Here we are in the lull of winter in Atlantic Canada and I find myself day dreaming about another great year of running with the Sweaty Girls. 2011 has already kicked off with a bang - QB has just returned from doing a half in Miami and Debbie aka The Machine ran a half in Maui in early January.

Other exciting news for 2011 is Debbie has set her sights on her first full marathon - Chicago 2011 and QB will also be doing another full this year. It will be so exciting to watch them prepare.

As for 2010, it was our best year yet. In April Amy and Craig welcomed their first baby into the world. In May Wendy, Donna and Sandy all completed their first half at the Bluenose and then in December a few of us boarded a plane together to run with Elvis.

So once again, we kept ourselves busy...travelling here, drinking there and laughing everywhere.

Here's a brief recap of some of the 2010 highlights...
In June, we traded in our sneakers and sports drinks for heels and martinis to celebrate my big 4-0.


Nectar...our favourite restaurant.










But the Nikes weren't off for long as it was soon time to get back to training for the PEI Marathon coming up in October....road trip!
Can't go to PEI without making a stop at Hashem's Variety for some apples, sausage, turnips and Asics. (Trust me, we only bought the sneakers.)
hmmmm.....shinanigans
Trying to stay warm as long as possible.

It was a cold miserable day but we all got through in SG style

But the weekend definitely belonged to Sandy as she finished only her second half marathon in 2:17. What a sight to spot her 1/4 km from the finish line.



When I'm asked why I run, the answer is found in moments like this.





And then in December...we were off to Vegas Baby!

• 35,000 runners


• 300 Evlis (or rather Elvi)


• 40 couples who got married during the race

2 Oylmpians and 4 World Records



1 post race concert with Brett Michaels



And 3 Maritimers who will never forget the thrill of running straight down the Vegas strip.



Cheers Sweaty Girls. What a great year...here's to what awaits in 2011.

Check us out at www.sweatygirlsrock.ca

I didn't say "I can't."

(NEW YORK TIMES) - At a news conference in Manhattan on Thursday, Pena appeared in a black suit without sunglasses and explained through a Spanish interpreter that while he was trapped, "I was running to be an active participant in my own salvation. I wasn't just waiting around."
I didn't get out for my long run yesterday. I was supposed to do 12 miles but my early morning window of opportunity (I was at a conference all weekend) was being pounded by relentless rain. "Ok, tomorrow then," I postponed.

So, my plan is to run tonight after work. But grumbling to myself about the persistent cold rain and wind, I again thought about just letting this week pass without a long run.

And then, as if right on cue, I received an email this morning from QB containing the below link. If you were as riveted as I was by the rescue of the Chilean miners you will know that one miner ran 6 miles everyday as a way to cope - an inspiring accomplishment acknowledged by the prestigous New York Marathon who invited Pena to participate in the event which took place this past weekend.

"The message here is I found a way to run," he said. "I didn't say I can't."

Thanks for the perspective, Pena. I am grateful to feel the rain at all.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2010-11-04-chilean-miner-nyc-marathon_N.htm

Next up...

Vegas Baby...Dec 5th

You don't run just to win.

You run to prove there

is still triumph and

possibility in your life.

Anonymous.

Blue Nose 2010

A hot and sunny May long weekend welcomed nearly 10,000 runners to the 2010 Halifax Blue Nose Marathon. Congratulations to everyone, especially to Blue Nose newbies Sandy, Donna and Wendy who all completed their first half marathon. Back in February, I don't think any of these gals really took the idea seriously but in Sweaty Girl style, they decided to go for it and over the last four months they dug in, dug deep and come race day, got 'er done.

Here are a few pics from this year's event:

Tending to a few pre-race details...

Dale and Sweaty Girl Lisa cheering us in!

This first SG's to cross...Debbie and her Virgins :)

Donna, Debbie and Wendy

A celebration Dunk!

Sandy and Queen Bee, Susan.

Congrats Girls!

Check out this story and more at: www.sweatygirlsrock.ca

From the mouths of babes...

"So Paige, did you enjoy our visit to the barn today?"

"I did. That was awesome. I had so much fun."



"Me too! And wasn't the donkey adorable?"



"He was soooo cute!!!"

"Are you excited about going to riding camp again this summer?"

"I can't wait!"

"I'm so happy that you love riding."

"I do, I love it."

"You know we both come by our love of horses pretty honestly, eh?"



"What do you mean?"

"We inherited it from Grampa Stevenson."

"That's true."

silence...

"So Tammy, how come you don't ride anymore?"

"Oh, I don't know. After I moved to Halifax I never really made an effort to take lessons."

"How come?"

"Just got busy with other things I guess."

"How long has it been that you took lessons?"

"Far too long."

"Do you miss it?"

"I sure do Paige. I think about it every single day."

"Really?"

"Yup.

"Every day?"

"Yup. Everyday."

silence....

"You know Tammy, maybe it's time to stop thinking about it, and start doing it."

silence...

"You know Paige, you're a wise young lady."

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

...and a good reason to drink wine! (Or rather, a reason to drink good wine.)




The Sweaty Girls have had lots to celebrate lately and since we're always up for a pot luck, wine and a little hot tubbin', we did just that.

Amy is getting ready to have her first baby so in February, Brenda hosted us for a lovely afternoon to toast Amy and her husband Craig on their April arrival.



What's a shower without shower games?





We also recently paused for a good cause to help support the Dartmouth General at the annual Revolution Fundraiser.





That's our girl Lisa leading the charge!


And then just this past weekend, we gathered at Queen Bee and Dale's beautiful home to celebrate the 50th birthday of Fabulous Wendy. Damn girl, you fine. (Note: there were many other photos of the evening but this is about the only one appropriate for public sharing.) :)



Allow me to introduce you to the Sweaty Girls.
Back L to R: Amy (just days away from having her baby), Birthday Girl Wendy, me, Sandy and Brenda.
Front L to R: Susan (aka Queen Bee), Lisa and Debbie.
Missing from photo: Donna who was on her sister's bachelorette...doing it up SG style no doubt.

Saying Farewell to a Great Aunt

Bessie Josephine Stevenson
1913 - 2010



Bessie and her younger Sister, Stella.

I run like a girl. And proud of it.

The Sweaty Girls Rock had a great weekend working at the "irunlikeagirl" booth at the recent Optimyz Health and Wellness Show in Halifax.  



Debbie invited us to join her in promoting our new favourite apparel from www.irunlikeagirl.com. Not only did we get to spend time with each other, we got to support and promote something we all believe in.




The booth had magnetic appeal - the moment someone realized what it was about they were hooked. "This would be perfect for my daughter!"  "Oh, I need to get one for my mom.  She just started working out and I'm so proud of her."  "I need one for me.  I'm hoping to run my first 5k this spring!"  We heard many inpsiring stories over the two days - a reminder that a girl's spirit truly is universal, ageless and endless.

It was especially inspiring to receive support from our male visitors. Two young fellas in particular approached to buy a couple hoodies. Assuming it was for a sister or girlfriend, I was what size she would need.  Imagine our delight when they both responded: "These are for us! We'd be honoured to wear this in the Bluenose!"



The few snide comments or raised eyebrows we did receive weren't entirely unexpected or even disheartening.  Changing perceptions or ideals, especially when it comes to those based in gender, doesn't happen over night.  And as I observed the few skeptics walk away, I could only assume they have never had the humbling experience of running in Queen Bee's wake.  God help them the day they do.



In a world that bombards girls with negative images, gender-based assumptions and unattainable ideals, this type of message is one to be celebrated and each time we put on our irunlikeagirl shirts, we do just that. It allows us to wear what we believe in on our sleeve. Literally.

A Mile in Her Own Shoes

In the February issue of Runners World, I read with great delight this month's installment of "The Newbie's Chronicles" in which the author shares how his running, or as he refers to it, his "gasping efforts," inspired his 6-year old son to run as well.

Reading his story, I couldn't help but think of my niece Paige and how after being there for me at last year's Saint John Marathon, instantly decided she too wanted to run it this coming Fall. What I hoped wouldn't lose steam has in fact turned into an 11-year's determination to wear her own bib number in September.

The two-page story "A Mile in His Shoes" concludes with a rather inspiring thought - a thought that goes far beyond running. It's a much-needed reminder that we not only have the power to impact those around us, but that we do impact those around us...whether we realize it or not. Something I think we often forget.

The writer begins to wrap up by quoting a study (Christaks/Fowler) that appeared in the New York Times: "If you want to improve the world with your good behavior, math is on your side. For most of us, within three degrees we are connected to more than 1000 people - all of whom we can theoretically help make healthier, fitter and happier just by our contageious example."
The writer then went on to conclude his article in his own words: "No one is an island. No one runs in a vacuum. There is always someone watching you leave the house, dig it out, come back, and do it all over again. You are being watched by a roommate, brother, a spouse. The driver of every passing car. You are being watched by future generations. My grandmother ran in college! someone might say of you one day. My great uncle took it up in his 30's and ran marathons into his 60's! We are inexorably entwined within each other's influence. You may run by yourself, but no matter how early you start, no matter how remote your location, you never run alone."
I never thought of it that way before and by no means had I expected my "gasping efforts" could set a positive example but after reading the article, I have a different perspective - someone is always watching.

In my case, it happened to be the watchful eyes of my 11-year old neice who I can't wait to watch cross the finish line this fall.