We had such a great Christmas.  I thoroughly enjoyed having my Poncho and Lisa, (bro-n-law and sis-n-law) stay with us.  Mom and Pop (Laura’s parents) also stayed with us.  They were the best gifts we could have received this year.  I’m just gonna say it, Pop is one of my favorite people on the planet.  I have learned so much from him over the last 19 years that I’ve been with his daughter.  I’m so grateful.

1. The best gifts in life are the people you love and love you.
2. Don’t let one day pass without expressing your gratitude to God.
3. Make an effort to be a gift to as many people as you can.

“The best gifts are with you everyday.”

At triathlons there are kayakers in the water to help struggling swimmers.  I don’t want to be saved by a kayaker.  It took sweat and guts prepare for a 1 mile swim.  I should be able to pull kayakers to safety!  In life, sometimes we get stuck in a rut and just wait for rescue…over and over again.  Stop looking around for a hero.  Its you!

1. There may be more in you than you’ll ever know, but test yourself to find out all you can.
2. No matter how desperate your circumstances you have what it takes to find a way.
3. God has created you for great good in the world.

“I needed a hero, so I became one.”

Sometimes you have to will yourself to move forward.  If the inspiration isn’t there or if you “feel” like giving up you have an ability to make a choice…a willful choice.  Now is one of those times for me.  I’ve had great success with fitness for most of this year.  Right now it is a decision of my will to keep at it. 

1. My will can override my feelings.
2. Inspiration often comes after you’ve accomplish what you’ve set out to do.
3. Finding my will removes any excuses.

“The only way to develop an iron will is to use it.”

I wouldn’t say I’m quite a full-time Train/ Bike Commuter , but I’m very close.  I take the Gold Line from Lake Ave. to China Town.  Then I ride “Toothless” (My 2010 Cannondale Bad Boy) from China Town to my school at Crenshaw and Potomac.  After work, I ride back to the China Town Station, take the Gold Line back to Lake Ave. and ride home.  My favorite part is the coast down Lake Ave. at 5:50am.  I feel free.

1. I feel so much more connected to the city when I ride.
2. My goal is to use the train and Toothless 5 days a week.
3. I’m hoping to get fit in the process without me knowing it.

“Finding something that makes you feel free, sets you free.” 

Toothless on the Train