Thursday, January 31, 2008

I made it to Georgia! The only time the drive was less-than-enjoyable was right about hour 11 of 13 on the first day. On Tuesday night, I stayed in Chapel Hill. It was absolutely lovely, and reiterated the fact that there are so many beautiful places in this country I haven’t seen yet.

Speaking of beautiful places, it was about 50 degrees and sunny yesterday and I went for a long paddle as soon as I got in. It felt good to get re-acquainted with my boat. The team is focusing on off-water training at this point in the year, but I’ll get to do some extra paddling with the two Canadians who are here training before their Florida camp.

All in all, things are running smoothly. It should be a solid 2 weeks of training before I get to California!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

1,000 Miles of Fun

...Because ipod and books on tape never get old.

But let’s be serious for a minute here. The sole purpose of this entry is to confess that there’s one reason I’m so excited to get to Georgia... and it has everything to do with a certain Alan Jackson song.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

In the Words of Chris McCandless

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man that a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” -Chris McCandless

Monday, January 21, 2008

The "Ah-ha!" Moment

Some people would call me idealistic (and I am), but I am a point in my life where the world is mine to explore. I would be foolish not to take that chance.

Thus, I am moving to Gainesville, Georgia next week to pursue my goal of giving myself the best possible shot to do well at Olympic Trials this year. This is a 10-week bout that will also see me briefly in San Diego, specifics pending.

I am so excited and pleasantly surprised by my "aha!" moment, that I have put together a step-by-step plan, should you be interested in having your own.

Femmy Emmy's Disgustingly Simplistic Get- What- You- Want Plan (repeat as necessary)

Step 1: Figure out exactly what it is that you want
Step 2: Figure out the necessary steps to give yourself the BEST shot at getting it
Step 3: Dive into the process without a backward glance

That's it. What could possibly be more satisfying? That is the life I want, and that is the life I'm going to have. Of course, it's not that easy. It’s scary, vulnerable, and lonely. Even more disquieting is that this avenue [of declaring your intent to achieve something difficult] leaves the failure door ajar, forcing you to confront the fact that the odds are absolutely stacked against you.

But I like challenges. And I love the process. So here we are. Packing the car... mapquesting the drive... tying down the boat....waving goodbye.

What else is there?

Monday, January 14, 2008

Desderata

If ever I’ve had a rough day, I think about my grandmother, who had Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata hanging on the wall of her house. Most are familiar with it, but I feel it is well worth repeating:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. May fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Tropical Wave Hits Rochester

On Monday and Tuesday the temperature reached 68 degrees. SIXTY- EIGHT degrees!?!? Can you even believe that? It was bizarre but awesome to run in a sports bra and paddle in a T shirt. (The water is still frigid, though!) I figured I should “make hay while the sun shines,” so I paddled as much as I could. Now it’s back to blustery: like living inside of a ping-pong ball. Last night I had all the windows open in my apartment, and at 5am I woke up to a gust of wind an a splash of water on my face. It was so windy that it was spraying the rain around, and making it look like a helicopter was landing in the parking lot. Cold, rainy, dark.. ahh yes, this is the Rochester I know and love. Welcome back.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Happy New Year!

It’s Day Three....Day Three of what promises to be an year of unprecedented improvement and success. I have no doubts about that. I’m starting to pick out my races (canoeing vs. marathon kayaking vs. sprint kayaking.) There’s much to consider and even though it can be stressful, it’s wonderful to have so many avenues to follow, all abundant with chances to compete and improve. Look for my tentative 2008 schedule posted soon.