It took me 5 hours to get home from work last night. 5 HOURS for a drive that typically takes me 45 mins in the morning and an hour in the evening. 5 HOURS!
Now I know people in the south say they don't have experience driving in the snow, but they also say "This happens every year when it snows." How can you then say you don't have experience if this happens every year. Granted the snow is not on the ground for 4-5 months like it is back in OH but you still get it!
Here is the reason people can't drive in the snow... They don't go out and learn. They make an attempt to get to the grocery store to get bread, milk, and water (for the 2-3 days that there will be snow on the roads) but they will not attempt to learn how to operate their vehicle under snowy conditions.
Northerners are not born with the ability to drive in the snow, they learn. Can the skill be learned over time by the occasional drive to the store, maybe, but I think the only way to learn is to go to an empty parking lot (there are alot of them around given that everyone is locked up in their homes) and make those sharp turns, slam on your breaks, do a donut and LEARN how to recover without killing yourself and the car.
I watched people try to drive up a hill, freak out because their car slid SLIGHTLY while the tires tried to find a spot to grip, instead of correcting the wheel the driver STOPPED, just stopped in the middle of the hill in sheer panic....the car was now stuck. The only other option was to go back down the hill in reverse however, there was a two mile line of cars behind it... This happened on almost every road I drove on. Thank goodness I had a wing man who could pull up a map and direct us away from the city, onto back country roads to the highway and home.
Yes, I was driving an all wheel drive vehicle but that really has little to do with your ability to drive smart in snowy weather. I had to help this woman who pulled the above stunt of stopping in the middle of a hill. She was blocking the way from anyone going around her, she was now side ways in the road. I told her what to do while she gave it a bit of gas and me and two other guys pushed the back of the car. The car would not move. I backed away from the car and told her to give it another go, I wanted to see what she was doing with the wheel and what was spinning - NOTHING was spinning... SHE HAD HER PARKING BREAK ON!!!! I tried so hard to not get irritated and told her to release her parking break and then try it again.. with a little rocking back and forth of the wheel and the release of her break she was unstuck and on her way... It got to the point where Rik would start the intro's with "She's from OH"...and then we would offer assistance.
The commute home was not without it's entertainment though. We needed gas and were in this very small town with one gas station (or so we thought). I pumped the gas while Rik went inside to get some snacks and use the restroom, we were still hours away from home. After I was done with the gas I walked inside and asked the lady behind the counter if there was a restroom. She looked at me and said "well there is a toilet in the back". I begged her pardon and she said "well go down that hall and you will see a closet, in that closet there is a toilet". Rik and I looked at each other and said, thanks but no thanks. The hall way was dark and I am a bit leery of toilets in the closet.
The commute back into work was just better. We saw alot of abandoned cars. People just said "fuck it" and left their cars on the side of the road, or in the middle of it. Maybe I should open up a driving school, bu then again there has to be a willingness to learn for that to work.
I had to get all this out before I started my work day. Got here an hour and half early. Was anticipating a longer commute.
Have a great day Clevelanders! Stay warm, I here it's cold there today! See you all soon!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Moving Forward
It has been a long time since I last wrote. I am noticing that ever since I left OH I have posted less. After some soul searching I have concluded that it's because I haven't felt at home. I haven't been able to get into my groove. There is a lot that has contributed to this feeling - none of which I will go into detail about or share because truly, it's not important. It's not important how I got here, what's important is how I move forward.
For those of you who have been following me on Twitter or Facebook you may have noticed my 'tag' to most of my updates. #movingforward.... I have used this tag so often that my smart phone was 'smart' enough to recognize it and 'auto complete' my text for me the last few times I used it.
I am moving forward! As much as I miss home, my kids, my family, my friends, my LIFE back in OH - TN is my home now. TN is where I am moving forward.
The BIG NEWS:
RedFlag Athletics is getting off the ground. Ryan and I started this year off with our first group class under Red Flag Athletics. We are working out of IMA which is a integrated mixed martial arts academy. The people are great and in just these first few days of the new year we have some dedicated 'members' to our community. It's really starting to happen and I can see life being breathed back into my husband. That makes me happy to know that he's happy, or at least getting there. Our website is up and running, we have ads out on Craigslist and we are looking forward to making this happen, to grow over the year, and to move forward.
http://redflagathletics.com/
http://www.integratedma.com/
And in OTHER NEWS:
I was working for Gaylord Entertainment (haha peanut gallery) for a few short months. I really thought this place was going to be THE job. Well lets just say we didn't mesh. I ended up giving my two weeks notice just after 2 months of service. Wouldn't you know, the day after I gave my notice Vanderbilt contacted me about a job opening. Vanderbilt is like the Cleveland Clinic here in Nashville. They also have a college. It's a very large employer for middle TN. After several interviews and a pass off to another department, I was offered a job in the Cancer Center as a scheduling coordinator. While I haven't started there yet, not until Jan 10th, I am excited to get started and I really clicked with my new boss. That's important to me.
And in FURTHER OTHER NEWS:
Ryan and I still have plans to expand the family. He had his vasectomy reversed in Oct and we have had the 'green light' since Nov to give it a go. No baby news to report as of now, however check back in the future because this is where it will be posted when it does happen.
To wrap up this news posting I will end with this:
For those of you who have been following me on Twitter or Facebook you may have noticed my 'tag' to most of my updates. #movingforward.... I have used this tag so often that my smart phone was 'smart' enough to recognize it and 'auto complete' my text for me the last few times I used it.
I am moving forward! As much as I miss home, my kids, my family, my friends, my LIFE back in OH - TN is my home now. TN is where I am moving forward.
The BIG NEWS:
RedFlag Athletics is getting off the ground. Ryan and I started this year off with our first group class under Red Flag Athletics. We are working out of IMA which is a integrated mixed martial arts academy. The people are great and in just these first few days of the new year we have some dedicated 'members' to our community. It's really starting to happen and I can see life being breathed back into my husband. That makes me happy to know that he's happy, or at least getting there. Our website is up and running, we have ads out on Craigslist and we are looking forward to making this happen, to grow over the year, and to move forward.
http://redflagathletics.com/
http://www.integratedma.com/
And in OTHER NEWS:
I was working for Gaylord Entertainment (haha peanut gallery) for a few short months. I really thought this place was going to be THE job. Well lets just say we didn't mesh. I ended up giving my two weeks notice just after 2 months of service. Wouldn't you know, the day after I gave my notice Vanderbilt contacted me about a job opening. Vanderbilt is like the Cleveland Clinic here in Nashville. They also have a college. It's a very large employer for middle TN. After several interviews and a pass off to another department, I was offered a job in the Cancer Center as a scheduling coordinator. While I haven't started there yet, not until Jan 10th, I am excited to get started and I really clicked with my new boss. That's important to me.
And in FURTHER OTHER NEWS:
Ryan and I still have plans to expand the family. He had his vasectomy reversed in Oct and we have had the 'green light' since Nov to give it a go. No baby news to report as of now, however check back in the future because this is where it will be posted when it does happen.
To wrap up this news posting I will end with this:
Definition of MOVING
1
a : marked by or capable of movementb : of or relating to a change of residence <movingexpenses>c : used for transferring furnishings from one residence to another moving van> d : involving a motor vehicle that is in motion movingviolation>
2
a : producing or transferring motion or actionb : stirring deeply in a way that evokes a strong emotional response
Definition of FORWARD
1
a : near, being at, or belonging to the forepartb : situated in advance
3
: notably advanced or developed : precocious
4
: moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front; also: moving toward an opponent's goal
5
6
: of, relating to, or getting ready for the future <forwardbuying of produce>
MOVING FORWARD - Capable of movement toward a position in front, producing action ready for the future!!
That's where the Speed's are headed! Where are you headed in 2011?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Again.. Sorry for the long pause
A new job
A new baby in the house
A 100 mile race
Living in a house with 10 other humans, now 11, leaves one with little down time or quiet time. It makes it hard to blog with that much going on.
Ryan and I are still working on getting our CrossFit affiliate up and running. Ryan has done a lot of work on building plyo-boxes, trainer bars, and a trailer to haul it all to the parks. As soon as we have the rest of the funding we will be up and running. Soon, very soon!
My sister-in-law had her 5th baby last week. Ozzie Parker Speed has joined the Speed family and the chaos that comes with it. He's a perfect little baby boy. Having a new born around has made me very excited for mine and Ryan's future. Hopefully in a year from now it will be our turn to bring home a little baby.
100 miles... it's this weekend. The big race! Ryan has been training for this race for as long as I can remember. He may not have known he wanted to run 100 miles when we 1st met but he's been training for this challenge for ever. We have some great friends/family who will be helping us out as pacers and crew for us. We are lucky to have such great people in our lives. Looking forward to this weekend. I know Ryan will do great.
I start my new job at the Opryland Hotel right after we get back from our trip. I am looking forward to starting back to work, making some money, meeting new people, and getting back to what I do best. It's a temp job to start, to help with the holiday season. Hopefully after the holidays there will be a perm job available.
SO.. that's what's been going on in my neck of the woods. Hope all is well with everyone! More to come after we get back. I will provide race updates and work updates.
A new baby in the house
A 100 mile race
Living in a house with 10 other humans, now 11, leaves one with little down time or quiet time. It makes it hard to blog with that much going on.
Ryan and I are still working on getting our CrossFit affiliate up and running. Ryan has done a lot of work on building plyo-boxes, trainer bars, and a trailer to haul it all to the parks. As soon as we have the rest of the funding we will be up and running. Soon, very soon!
My sister-in-law had her 5th baby last week. Ozzie Parker Speed has joined the Speed family and the chaos that comes with it. He's a perfect little baby boy. Having a new born around has made me very excited for mine and Ryan's future. Hopefully in a year from now it will be our turn to bring home a little baby.
100 miles... it's this weekend. The big race! Ryan has been training for this race for as long as I can remember. He may not have known he wanted to run 100 miles when we 1st met but he's been training for this challenge for ever. We have some great friends/family who will be helping us out as pacers and crew for us. We are lucky to have such great people in our lives. Looking forward to this weekend. I know Ryan will do great.
I start my new job at the Opryland Hotel right after we get back from our trip. I am looking forward to starting back to work, making some money, meeting new people, and getting back to what I do best. It's a temp job to start, to help with the holiday season. Hopefully after the holidays there will be a perm job available.
SO.. that's what's been going on in my neck of the woods. Hope all is well with everyone! More to come after we get back. I will provide race updates and work updates.
Friday, July 16, 2010
DAY 32
I know it's been awhile since I last updated this. It's been a crazy couple weeks. Ryan ran his 1st mountain race so we were out of town for a bit and Ryan's grandmother passed away.
Let me catch you up....
It's been 32 days since we moved from Cleveland OH, to Lebanon TN. Still unemployed, and living with Ryan's parents. Most people, I think, would be frustrated with that situation. US, not so much!
Is it tough living back home with the parents, yes! Is it tough sharing space with 6 adults, 4 children, 4 dogs, and 2 cats... YES! But does this situation hold many learning opportunities and memories this family will have for a life time... YES!!! So instead of focusing on the stress and anxiety, we have continued to move forward.
Ryan's nephews are learning what it's like to work this summer. Each day they have a job to do together. Most days they bicker, fight, cry, and whine their way through it but then there are some days, like today, where they work together as a team and get it done. Ryan and his brother recall having to weed their 'enormous' garden, mow their 'enormous' yard with a push mower, weed eat with an electric weed eater that required 4-5 extension cords, etc... needless to say Boris and Spike are creating similar memories this summer as they are put to the test each day. Ryan and his brother are planning on building them a tree house at the end of summer so the boys have had to lug lumber up a hill into the woods, it's only fair right?
Ryan and I are still looking into buying a plot of landing and building a home. Given the budget we have to work with, zoning and building codes that need to be met we are looking into nontraditional, unconventional way of living. No we are not going to live in a grass hut but this home will be small. Probably smaller than the home we left in Cleveland however it will also be, intimate, warm, artistic, creative, special, Eco-friendly, and original. I am looking forward to this. This is taking some time, we don't know what we don't know so we have to do a lot of research before we move forward with the purchase of the property. More to come on this front for sure.
Our Crossfit affiliate application was submitted yesterday. This is very exciting. The first step in building our own business. Now it's time to start thinking about the website, the flyers..etc. Just so that we are ready when we receive our acceptance. : )
The job hunt is just as frustrating but I can't get discouraged. I just have to keep plugging away. The goal is to not have to need supplemental jobs in the future and be able to focus 100% on the Crossfit business. But in the mean time, money is needed to grow a business. It will all work out, I trust in my partner that we will be successful together.
While things are slow moving, they are moving none the less. We will be home in about a month and half for the 1st home game for Willoughby South. Looking forward to seeing the kids, my family, and our friends. If we have time to stop out some where for a drink we will keep you all posted.
Live happy, healthy, and free! (Pic of Ryan crossing the finish line at the Rattlesnake 50k, 6 hours and 57 mins up and down a mountain)
It's been 32 days since we moved from Cleveland OH, to Lebanon TN. Still unemployed, and living with Ryan's parents. Most people, I think, would be frustrated with that situation. US, not so much!
Is it tough living back home with the parents, yes! Is it tough sharing space with 6 adults, 4 children, 4 dogs, and 2 cats... YES! But does this situation hold many learning opportunities and memories this family will have for a life time... YES!!! So instead of focusing on the stress and anxiety, we have continued to move forward.
Ryan's nephews are learning what it's like to work this summer. Each day they have a job to do together. Most days they bicker, fight, cry, and whine their way through it but then there are some days, like today, where they work together as a team and get it done. Ryan and his brother recall having to weed their 'enormous' garden, mow their 'enormous' yard with a push mower, weed eat with an electric weed eater that required 4-5 extension cords, etc... needless to say Boris and Spike are creating similar memories this summer as they are put to the test each day. Ryan and his brother are planning on building them a tree house at the end of summer so the boys have had to lug lumber up a hill into the woods, it's only fair right?
Ryan and I are still looking into buying a plot of landing and building a home. Given the budget we have to work with, zoning and building codes that need to be met we are looking into nontraditional, unconventional way of living. No we are not going to live in a grass hut but this home will be small. Probably smaller than the home we left in Cleveland however it will also be, intimate, warm, artistic, creative, special, Eco-friendly, and original. I am looking forward to this. This is taking some time, we don't know what we don't know so we have to do a lot of research before we move forward with the purchase of the property. More to come on this front for sure.
Our Crossfit affiliate application was submitted yesterday. This is very exciting. The first step in building our own business. Now it's time to start thinking about the website, the flyers..etc. Just so that we are ready when we receive our acceptance. : )
The job hunt is just as frustrating but I can't get discouraged. I just have to keep plugging away. The goal is to not have to need supplemental jobs in the future and be able to focus 100% on the Crossfit business. But in the mean time, money is needed to grow a business. It will all work out, I trust in my partner that we will be successful together.
While things are slow moving, they are moving none the less. We will be home in about a month and half for the 1st home game for Willoughby South. Looking forward to seeing the kids, my family, and our friends. If we have time to stop out some where for a drink we will keep you all posted.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The View From Here
Three weeks in TN and lots of time to think. Not a lot of quiet time with 6 adults an 4 children under 1 roof but time none the less.
Ryan and I came here thinking we would continue with our current career choices, find a place to live, and eventually after a few to 5 years, move on. We have realized that we have a great opportunity to really go for what we have talked about for all these years.
Not live by the traditional clock. The one that has you working 9-5 or longer M-F. The one that requires approval for time off and takes up most of your free life. The one that has you doing work that you are good at but no longer passionate about.
So what are we up too:
1: Applying for our CF affiliation so we can open our own CF box (name ideas are greatly appreciated)
2: Look into building codes and such to build a cottage
3: Purchase land if cottage ideas can be approved (the picture posted would be our view from the future front porch)
4: Run our own business and live life as we want
I have never felt so free in my adult life. Free to make my/our dreams come true. I'm so excited to get started and am lucky to have a great friend/mentor who has done the same thing and is willing to offer advice and suggestions along the way.
I miss my family and friends, this will never change but I know they are happy for Ryan and I and their love and support have made this possible.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Ryan and I came here thinking we would continue with our current career choices, find a place to live, and eventually after a few to 5 years, move on. We have realized that we have a great opportunity to really go for what we have talked about for all these years.
Not live by the traditional clock. The one that has you working 9-5 or longer M-F. The one that requires approval for time off and takes up most of your free life. The one that has you doing work that you are good at but no longer passionate about.
So what are we up too:
1: Applying for our CF affiliation so we can open our own CF box (name ideas are greatly appreciated)
2: Look into building codes and such to build a cottage
3: Purchase land if cottage ideas can be approved (the picture posted would be our view from the future front porch)
4: Run our own business and live life as we want
I have never felt so free in my adult life. Free to make my/our dreams come true. I'm so excited to get started and am lucky to have a great friend/mentor who has done the same thing and is willing to offer advice and suggestions along the way.
I miss my family and friends, this will never change but I know they are happy for Ryan and I and their love and support have made this possible.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Change is Good
HI Folks!
It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy with packing up the house, looking for a job in VA, attending year end shows for the kids, and doing research for a new house. It's been busy and not without it's twists and turns. I was offered a job in a Progressive MD claims office a few weeks ago, and Ryan was brought on staff at Crossfit Old Town in Alexandria to start up an endurance team. This was all great news.
We have had the biggest twist this past week... I would like to call it the Universe's way of saying "No, over here. This is what you need."
Due to an unfortunate change in family affairs (everyone is healthy and fine, nothing life threatening) we will no longer be moving to VA. We are headed to TN.
Ryan and I have a saying that the Universe gives you what you need, not what you want. We wanted to move to VA, we fell in love with Alexandria and could see ourselves settling down there. However, the right move for us right now is Nashville.
Life is an adventure for sure and what a story all this will be for the grandkids.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at 1899 on June 12th to see us off. The party is still on and our move date is still on track. Just a new location.
It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy with packing up the house, looking for a job in VA, attending year end shows for the kids, and doing research for a new house. It's been busy and not without it's twists and turns. I was offered a job in a Progressive MD claims office a few weeks ago, and Ryan was brought on staff at Crossfit Old Town in Alexandria to start up an endurance team. This was all great news.
We have had the biggest twist this past week... I would like to call it the Universe's way of saying "No, over here. This is what you need."
Due to an unfortunate change in family affairs (everyone is healthy and fine, nothing life threatening) we will no longer be moving to VA. We are headed to TN.
Ryan and I have a saying that the Universe gives you what you need, not what you want. We wanted to move to VA, we fell in love with Alexandria and could see ourselves settling down there. However, the right move for us right now is Nashville.
Life is an adventure for sure and what a story all this will be for the grandkids.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at 1899 on June 12th to see us off. The party is still on and our move date is still on track. Just a new location.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner #crossfit #zone diet
Today I nursed a cold and a sad puppy. Caesar had to have a tooth pulled yesterday so he had a rough day today. While tending to the pup I captured what I ate throughout the day. Why? Because I am hoping to inspire my friends and family to get healthy and stay healthy. I am really creating a life style change with my nutrition (notice I didn't say diet) and fitness.
As most of you know I have started the crossfit training with Crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor (gorilla-pit.com). I started on January 1st of this year. Due to previous scheduled engagements I missed several work outs however, I am noticing changes in my body since then. A few being; I eat all the time, I sleep better mostly because the work out kicks my ass, my performance in the gym has improved with each workout. I am getting stronger a lot faster than I thought.
Because of that I have really tried to eat well and not stray to far from the zone diet plan or a paleo diet. So lets get to it... here is what I ate today:
Breakfast = 2 poached eggs, 1/2 a slice of multigrain bread, half an apple and 1 tbls of peanut butter:
Lunch = 6-8 oz pot roast, clementine, mixed nuts and dried berries:
Dinner = 1 1/2 lean pork chops (salt, pepper, garlic powder) sauteed broccoli with mushrooms (1/2 button and 1/2 baby bella), garlic, and tomatoes:
As most of you know I have started the crossfit training with Crossfit440 (crossfit440.com) out of the Gorilla Pit in Mentor (gorilla-pit.com). I started on January 1st of this year. Due to previous scheduled engagements I missed several work outs however, I am noticing changes in my body since then. A few being; I eat all the time, I sleep better mostly because the work out kicks my ass, my performance in the gym has improved with each workout. I am getting stronger a lot faster than I thought.
Because of that I have really tried to eat well and not stray to far from the zone diet plan or a paleo diet. So lets get to it... here is what I ate today:
Breakfast = 2 poached eggs, 1/2 a slice of multigrain bread, half an apple and 1 tbls of peanut butter:
Lunch = 6-8 oz pot roast, clementine, mixed nuts and dried berries:
Dinner = 1 1/2 lean pork chops (salt, pepper, garlic powder) sauteed broccoli with mushrooms (1/2 button and 1/2 baby bella), garlic, and tomatoes:
All of the meals were full of flavor ( I could ease up on the salt but, baby steps, I love my salt) and filling. Notice the portion sizes. I didn't have a tablespoon of peanut butter for each slice of apple, one tablespoon for the half an apple was plenty. I also could have had more of the dinner but only because it tasted good. To avoid over eating I made Ryan's plate, put it in the microwave, and put the rest of the left overs in the fridge. If the food is put away then I wont eat it.
I am going to try to post more of these kinds of posts and share how I/we progress. I also LOVE to cook and thought I could share how I take the food we love but feel guilty about eating and make it food we still love and not feel guilty about eating. Stay tuned...
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