On The Road

Amazing things happen when I'm on my early morning runs.

I'm not sure if it's the fact that the sun hasn't shined down on the world just yet or perhaps its the silence of my normally bustling neighborhood. Whatever the reason, it sets the stage for amazing things.

First, its the feeling of freedom. For thirty to forty minutes, nothing matters expect for me. It is all about how I feel, how I'm reacting to the conditions around me, how the music in my ears pushes me and heals me.

Second, the feel of my body. As soon as the words "Begin Running Now" echo through my ear buds, my body takes on a whole new motion. I can gage an entire run by the first 30 seconds. Am I feeling light and powerful? Do my muscles feel strong and lean? Do my knees hurt? Am I sluggish?

I can evaluate what aches and pains could mean real problems and what is just the rusty feeling that comes from not running for awhile.

And third, the peace that comes from running. Most people run for the runner's high, and trust me, there is nothing better. But for me, it's the peace that comes from my run. I can put the pieces of my day together, I can plan a grocery list or work through a troubling issue, rehash a fight. Sometimes I pray, sometimes I just thank God for another beautiful day.

I enjoy the peace that comes from listening, not just to my music or the sound of my feet on the pavement. I just listen to myself.

I am

I am the first born
 of a family and a generation.
I broke trends the day I arrived.
On time and in my own way.

I am never one to back down from a fight.
 Yet avoids unnecessary confrontations at all costs.
There's no point in it.

I am happiest a home surrounded by the ones I love.
 My family means the absolute world to me.
There is no way I could ever pick between the four of them.

I am an animal lover.
There has never been a furry friend I haven't wanted to take home.
Mr. Berg changes the channel with the ASPCA commericals come on.

I am just a little bit different.
How could I not be? Growing up in the construction industry with Barbie for a mom.
I pair my Seven Jeans with steel toed boots.

I am never satisfied
 until I know everything is exactly as it should be.
Poor Mr. Berg, I'll never finish "setting up house"

I am a strong believer in
 Hard work, saying what you feel, talk therapy
God, The New York Yankees, and The Ford Motor Company.

I am a card carrying republican.
 However, I am appalled at the Gay Marriage Situation.
We were all created equal, you can't help you who love.

I am positive my Grandmother watches over me.
 I talk to her on a weekly basis.
She is never far from my mind.

I am never without a song in my head.
 A mental sound track follows me where ever I go.
I am my own background music.

I am not a gambler.
I like my money right where I can see it.
In my closet and on my feet.

I am fairly confident
That if given a tiarra and the right cape
I could save the world.

I am a lover of wine.
If it's white, I'll drink it.
I'm not prejudice, red just gives me a headache.
I am not positive when I became a runner.
I just know I don't like to go a week without a runner's high.
There's therapy in pavement pounding.

I am at home in the kitchen.
The ability to cook is the greatest gift my mom ever gave me.
That, and great legs.

I am a great traveler.
Just ask Mr. Berg. I get lost in airports all the time.
But I do the research necessary to ensure a successful trip.

I am not sure what the future holds.
I can only focus on the positive and pray the rest works out along the way.
I'd rather be hopeful then scared.

I am a horrible speller.
My partner in crime is forever checking my emails and proof reading for me.
It's genetic, Mr. President can't spell either.

I am a nurturer.
Be it pets, husbands, friends, or plants.
I am happier when I have some one/thing else to fuss over.

I am a mess.
Just beneath the surface, I could fall apart at any minute.

I am strong.
I've gotten really good at always holding myself together.

I am damaged
But I justify those scars as the memories that push to further.

I am pretty sure
that you can't outrun the things that make you sad.
you just have to learn to keep pace with them.

I am certain of this
Because if they're right beside you, they can't surprise you.
Did I mention I hate surprises ?