Can you put a price on fitness and fun?

Cyclops trainer: I pay for it in sweat every time I ride it.
Camelbak hydration packs: Worth every penny on a hot summer day.



Bike shoes: About the same price as regular shoes.
Helmets: Cheaper than a closed head injury.
Clif bars: 4 for $1 at Meijer.



Dedicating your bathroom to bike storage: Priceless!

Lighten up!

My favorite blogs (and my own) have been very heavy lately - let's lighten it up!

Classic...

Ryan, new renderings? Tim, new baby pics? Robin, an eloquent yoga reflection? I need a break from work and class that does not involve analyzing abortion, sex education or health care! Don't get me wrong, I love our spirited discussions (you guys are really the only people with whom I enjoy discussing these types of issues, because of your intelligence, wit and above all, our level of mutual respect!) but my head is going to explode without something soothing.

I knew I would get sucked in...

Shall we call this piggy-backing, or leap frog?

I suppose, since I had a hand in fueling all this by responding to Robin’s blog, that I better defend on my position regarding abortion. Let’s take a look at Tim’s comment and my reactions:

T: I come down on Robin's side of this one. While I do agree that people in general should be held responsible for their actions, I think doing so in the case of an unwanted pregnancy causes more harm than good. It's a little trite, but there's been a great line thrown around: How can pro-lifers only care about the fetus UNTIL it's born, and not thereafter?

That’s an over-generalization, Tim, and you know it. Are you trying to tell me that only pro-choicers are educators, counselors, medical professionals, volunteers, etc. etc., many of whom dedicate theirs lives to helping children? I know you know that’s not the case.

T: Forcing a woman to bear a child for which she is emotionally or financially unprepared, or has been thrust upon her (pardon the diction) through rape or incest, is NOT a recipe for a healthy, happy, constructive childhood. Can the child overcome these things to go on and become a productive member of society? Certainly they could...but why should they have to? Shouldn't every child be wanted?

In the case of rape or incest, I want to agree with you. I would find it hard to want and love a child who was the result of something so horrible. If, however, a woman is not emotionally or financial unprepared to care for a child, why not consider adoption? For nine months of difficulty, a woman unable to care for her child can give that child a wonderful life with a family able and thrilled to provide it. I have personal experience with this, as my cousin was the child of an eighteen-year old mother who chose life for her, and chose my aunt and uncle as her parents.

Regarding your statement of, “Why should they have to?” I counter: why should they not have the opportunity? Why should we assume children from challenging backgrounds do not have the ability to fight their way to greater things? How many adults do you know who overcame apparently insurmountable odds to go on and make our world a better place?

T: I don't believe the government (who conservatives DON'T trust to get involved with properly distributing health care funds, administrating education, or making the right decisions regarding the legal status of cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs) is best positioned to make a decision on behalf of an individual woman.

In the case of abortion, I don’t believe the government would be making a decision on behalf of an individual woman. I believe the government would be making a decision on behalf of a child who cannot make a decision for him or herself. So many laws are designed to protect minors, and while I understand pregnancy is a bit of a gray area because it directly, physically effects the mother, when we’re talking life vs. nine months, I choose to believe an entire life holds more weight.

T: However, I WOULD be willing to entertain the idea of eliminating abortion as a practice IF the government committed to providing full financial support for any child who would have been aborted, but was not because of the government's decree.

Would this be problematic? Hell yes. How do you differentiate between people who WOULD have gotten an abortion, and those who are only CLAIMING they would have for the sake of the "subsidy"? It'd be well-nigh impossible. Would this represent an enormous drain on the economy? Certainly.

But, if you're going to claim, as the government, that you know better than this woman what's right for the life of the child, despite NOT being aware of the financial, familial, and emotional context in which the child will be raised, I think you ought to put your money where your mouth is.

Would you consider, in the alternative, more funds and resources being focused on the adoption process? I’m not intimately familiar with the ins and outs of adoption, but that may be a more healthy option for the children. It would provide not only financial support, but a strong family structure and a sense of being wanted – none of which government funding can replace.

And now, for my thoughts on Ryan’s thoughts:

R: I largely agree.

Were you expecting that???? ;)

Seriously though, I have to keep telling people I'm not pro-choice as much as I am pro-individual freedom. As you point out, if I believe the govt. shouldn't get involved with forcing healthcare on everyone, or controlling our retirement funds, or telling us what we can watch on TV (and I do believe those things), then why should they decide what women do with their embryos? And I don't believe it's a "God mandate" that we should keep these people from going to Hell for killing innocent children, because a) I'm not the judge of that and b) What you do with your own unborn children is between you and God; I don't have anything to do with that relationship, nor should I.

Ryan, I like your take on this, but for reasons I covered in my responses to Tim’s comments, I think the issue of abortion is different than just a matter of telling us what to do or not do. I think we as a society do and should have something to do with the relationship between a parent and a child when a child’s well-being is at stake. That’s why we have laws against child abuse, after all.

R: However.

I think there are some reasonable limits that can be placed on when an abortion becomes unacceptable (such as, you know, first trimester in), for the simple reason that it encourages individual responsibility. How did partial-birth abortion come about, anyway? Someone was undecided whether or not to have a baby for nine months and suddenly came to a realization on the hospital bed? Frankly, I think if you haven't made a decision after nine months of pregnancy, well... you really have made a decision, haven't you?

My jury is still out on the idea of “reasonable limits.” While I see the practicality of saying, “Well, early-stage abortion might be OK in the case of rape, incest, or a medical emergency,” I can’t help but wonder if it’s right to exercise ultimate control over a human life: especially the innocent life of an unborn child. Is the mother’s level of comfort with her situation (i.e. rape or incest), or even the mother’s life (i.e. medical emergency) really more important that than of the child? I don’t know.

And now, some moderation: for better or worse, I believe abortion will remain legal in the United States. For me, it's not a huge factor in the political scene, but I would like to see some solid, legal limitations. For instance, partial birth abortion is cruel and wrong - I can't even comprehend a defense for it. Also, minors should not be able to get an abortion without parental consent; in most other legal issues, minors are not considered competent to make life-altering decisions, and I know abortion is life-altering for all involved.

I do believe that while pro-life citizens will probably not be able to change the legality of abortion, maybe they can help change things in a cultural sense. Rather than attacking abortion clinics or railing against the evils of abortion, maybe they can turn their efforts to the promotion of adoption. The impact of a positive, hopeful campaign can be long-lasting, especially when coupled with community education about adoption: the process, its benefits, etc. Maybe there are ways to make the adoption option more real and accessible in areas where abortion rates are highest. I could get behind that, and I daresay many pro-choice citizens could, too.

Thanks :)

I appreciate all your congratulatory posts - thank you! I'm really excited about this opportunity!

I read this column this morning and found it pretty accurate in terms of the presidential race. Here's hoping our candidates take note of it, too, and do what they can to lessen the annoyance.

Weekend plans? Work on Saturday - number two of three big scholarship competitions at Alma - and whatever I want on Sunday. Church, of course, but after that I'm not really sure. It hard to think past today, when my appointments with families are going to overlap all day long. Oh man, that means I can't go over my time with them, which always happens! We just get to talking, and before I know it, the hour is over.

Time to go!

Good News

Yesssss!

I am being offered a new set of responsibilities at work, and while the formal promotion won't happen until summer, I'm elated!

In a nutshell, I'll be covering two positions from now 'til July: I will still be responsible for my recruitment territory, the web/portal stuff and my other communication duties. I will also be working with students from New York and maintaining the processes regarding alumni referrals, alumni contact requests and other things related to our external constituencies. I get to keep my current student intern plus another one, and we're hoping to hire another rep to shadow me and provide assistance with recruitment. This summer, I will make my formal transition from senior assistant director to associate director and will negotiate my salary increase, which will include appropriate compensation for my vehicle. I made it clear that I expect the powers that be to compensate me appropriately in return for my loyalty and performance, and they assured me they have every intention of doing so. As far as job duties go, I'll have all the alumni and external constituency stuff, probably New York recruitment (since the bulk of the effort there revolve around building an alumni base), and most of my web/portal/communication duties. This means no more extended fall travel, and that completing my MBA in just 15 months (provided I get into U of M Flint) is looking much more possible!

It's daunting - but wahoo! Such blessings...

Seriously?!?!?!?!

Three sexes? Oh come on...

Losing a bit of sleep

Changes may be in the air, folks. First, I took the plunge and submitted my application to the University of Michigan - Flint. I'm still completing my statement of purpose (Ryan, would you mind taking a peek? I'd ask you, too, Tim, but it sounds like you're up to your ears in your own work, and mine is much less intense.) and finalizing my resume, but everything else (transcripts, GMAT scores, recommendations) is out of my hands and in the works.

Also, a new opportunity at work may (stress, MAY) be presenting itself. An associate director who works solely with alumni and other external constituencies is leaving, and she came to me with the news that she was going to recommend me for her position. Now, this position was new last year and while I think it was very valuable, no one knows if they're going to fill it or parcel the responsibilities out. I think I'd really like it, but there are two things keeping me up at night: would I even get it and how would I be able to meld it with some of the things I'm already doing? Also, what would happen to my students? My recruiting territory is so vital and volatile that we can't afford to lose these kids in a shuffle - plus I'd feel like a failure if the goals weren't met in that area. I'm so far ahead of myself on this; I shouldn't even be trying to play something out in my head that only has about a 50-50 chance of actually happening, but it's been making it very hard to fall asleep at night. In any event, I'll post news as it comes.

Productive Times

In the past week, I (or Mitch and I) have:

*Purchased a new car to replace the Fusion
*Scanned through 200+ real estate listings, identified some good ones, driven around to see them and recorded our impressions
*Written three briefs for Business Law
*Decided once and for all to apply to U of M Flint's MBA program, and handed out recommendation forms to my director and VP
*Been blessed with new bedroom furniture (it was my aunt's, but it's new to us!)
*Moved our possessions to a smaller storage unit, saving about $10 per month
*Bought a sundress for all the rehearsal dinners I'll be attending this summer
*Ordered beautiful wall shelves for our living room

What have I not been doing? Training like I should be. I have this whole series of things to do in preparation for mountain biking this spring, and I have this nice plan (it's even on my Outlook calendar!) to work out at lunch three days per week. But life happens, and sometimes it's hard to make working out a priority. But I'm trying and maybe, since I'm almost up to speed on my B-Law work, I'll be able to spend some time on the trainer tomorrow - after church, of course! I'm crazy-excited to be going in the morning!

As for tonight, I'm going to tuck in. Maybe a little nightcap and a movie are in order, or maybe I'll just curl up with Lance Armstrong's bio for motivation, cuddling my cat 'til I can't keep my eyes open any more. Either way, I'm calling today a success.

My favorite song from Caedmon's Call's "Overdressed"

Start Again
(emphasis added on my favorite parts)

I have a constant need for motion
I need to leave the past behind
To see all the good things I left dying come to life
So long I let the lies deceive me and I let them take their toll
I’m growing tired of the illusion I’m in control

Cause you are there in all my histories, my victories and pains
You are there in all my shadows, with forgiveness you are waiting
When I need a place to hide, when I need a place to hide

I need hope to start again
I need hope to start again
You give me hope, I need hope to start again

Into my own hands I take matters
Cause deep in my heart I stole the throne
Where you have always led so faithfully I know
Doesn’t it seem I’m always running
Most of the time it’s not to you
Give me faith to know your promises are true

Cause you are there in all my histories, my victories and pains
You are there in all my shadows, with forgiveness you are waiting
When I need a place to hide, when I need a place to hide,

I need hope to start again
I need hope to start again
You give me hope, I need hope to start again

Here is the place where I face my secrets
Where I lay them down

When I need a place to hide, when I need a place to hide
When I need a place to hide

I need hope to start again, I need hope to start again
You give me hope, I need hope to start again

Question:

"Would you prefer a blase surgeon remove your appendix or a very concerned plumber?"

Jungle Boogie!

Er, I mean, jungle ball. As in the type of volleyball played at the St. Johns open gym on Monday night. As in carries, net monkeys and general tomfoolery. As in non-regulation net heights and court sizes. As in something we will not do again.

Oh, but we were so excited! Volleyball! Visions of the intensity of those Mt. Pleasant Sunday nights danced through our heads, and while we knew not to expect the same level of wicked talent, we at least anticipated real games. But the motley crew played with no regard for the rules and the net was so low even I could hit. I probably even could have blocked had the need ever arisen. To make matters worse, we were in an auxiliary gym and when we got enough people for two nets, we just turned them sideways and played on ridiculously short courts with estimated lines: "Oh, we just sort of guess at the back line." Uh-huh...

Everyone there seemed to have a good time, so that's cool for them. It's just not somewhere we'd like to continue to play because it will screw us up for playing anywhere else. Most of my serves should not have even gone over and only made it because the net was so short. We don't want to reinforce bad habits!

In other news, yesterday I attended my first class in three and a half years. It was way awkward and it's going to be a PAIN since Cameron is the professor, but I think I'll learn a lot. And it will get me back into "academic mode" so I'm more prepared for grad school in the fall. Yee-haw!

All right, time to deal with some work-related issues that just popped up - gotta earn that salary!

Weekend Review

After all the running around for the holidays, it was very nice for things to get back to normal this weekend. Sure, we had to go downstate for my grandpa's surprise 85th birthday party, but we went down Saturday morning and were back that evening. Sunday was a very nice day: we tried a new church, Northpointe Community Church, and really liked it. It reminded us of our old church in Mt. Pleasant, MPCC, but smaller. The music was amazing and the pastor who delivered the message was an older, taller and whiter version of the wise, entertaining Marc Hong!

I guess they don't really have a full time pastor, though. The guy who spoke yesterday visits only occasionally but I get the impression he is well-loved by the congregation. Apparently, while they search for a new full-time pastor, three of the church elders take turns leading, depending on the series in which they are currently engaged. The nice lady at the welcome area said some people like it, some don't, but we will just have to see for ourselves. When we asked about small groups, this young guy popped over real quick and asked if we lived in Grand Ledge, because he just started a new group there. Unfortunately, that's a bit far away for us but it was nice to get a genuine invitation so quickly. The Welcome Lady even gave me her name and phone number, then took my email address so she could send me more small group info.

Also on Sunday, we made our first foray into the "see it" stage of the property search. We drove by four parcels of land in the St. Johns area and knocked them all off the list because they were just big fields. I did, however, organize the other 18 or so properties under consideration and start to map them out, using our trusty atlas. We'll probably go down to the Charlotte/Eaton Rapids area on Saturday to see some promising ones.

Other things are falling into place, too: I've recovered from a moderately icky sinus infection and have resumed training in preparation for the mountain bike season. We've also become members of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association's Mid-State Chapter, which we hope will help us meet more bikers in the area, and found open-gym volleyball, which starts tonight. And my Business Law class at Alma begins tomorrow; strangely, I'm looking forward to it, though I avoided the subject like the plague during undergrad.

Well, I have a meeting that requires some preparation, so off I go. Oh, and can I request some quick prayers of thanks? Mitch got in car accident this morning but everyone involved is fine and we have very good insurance. Mitch does say, though, that he is very impressed with the Ford Fusion's performance in a collision!

New Year's Eve

To get a true sense of the atmosphere at Jon's New Year's Eve party, you should watch this clip of us singing "Auld Lang Syne" to usher in the new year. Beware: it's very obnoxious and I think there's an F-bomb at the end, but it's mercifully short.



Shortly thereafter, we made a lovely discovery: Becky feeling the effects of the tequila a little too early in the evening. Who could resist such a photo op?



Well, I intended to post some other photos to prove the evening wasn't just full of drunken shenanigans ("Ohhhhhhhh!"), but I couldn't find any. We did have lots of fun, though. And on New Year's Day, Mitch and I got all bundled up and played in the snow. We even went over to the neighboring elementary school and made a snow turtle (the snow wouldn't roll well enough for a snowman), then took a walk down to a park, eating snowballs the entire time. Oh, and did I mention that this was right near the end of the exciting U of M football game? He came out to play with me without even complaining about not being able to see the end of the game! What a wonderful husband!

Back to work tomorrow - I think I'm ready to go back. We'll also get to start open gym volleyball (yes!) and I'll be keeping better track of my workouts so I'm all ready for my debut into the mountain bike racing circuit this summer! So many things to anticipate!