Good friends and Great Aspirations!!

Hi Mom,
This is Martha! We're staying at her house tonight, before the race. It's going to be a BIG day!!

Tonight, life is calm, relaxed and although the Rider's lost in the last seconds...it's been a wonderful evening!

I'm thinking of you, all that you've taught me - to be calm, to keep my feet on the ground, to use my head and do my best without regard for the outcome.

I hope the day goes by smoothly, happily and joyfully!

Tomorrow, I hope to smile the entire way, embrace every moment, run my own race, thank all the volunteers, start strong, ride smoothly and steadily and run with joy in my step, and of course, finish smiling with enough energy to dance and celebrate afterwards.

Thank you God for this strong body and mind.

Thank you for your prayers and EVERYTHING, Mom. You truly are the wind beneath my wings.

Love you,
See you at the finish line!
Crystal

PS: I think I am the luckiest person out there in the race...with sisters, family and so many friend coming out to watch and so many more thinking about me from afar. I am grateful beyond words.

The wind beneath my wings...

Mom, press the "play" button above and turn your volume/sound up.

Thank you for encouraging me to never give up on my dreams! This is a song I found on the internet called, "Never Give Up On Your Dreams" You can find it at this link (below), but the words are here, too. It sounds like "Up With People"...the people who stayed with us when we were little, when they came to town.
I love you!
Thank you (in advance) for being the wind beneath my wings this weekend!!! I'll call you Sunday night and will be thinking about you!
Love you,
Crystal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3-kn80iak&feature=related

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
As life goes by,
We always search for meaning,
And look for love,
And why we seem to fall
There we are, not knowing what the future finds
But it's just a matter of time,
B'fore our rhythm finds a rhyme
B'fore our bells to start to chime
Before we end our uphill climb

(Chorus)
We should never give up,
We should never give in
Always fight for a brighter tomorrow
When the going gets tough,
Then the victory begins
No mountain's as high as it seems
So never give up on your dreams

(Verse 2)
Our time will tell
If we're not what we seem
The things we do, don't match the things we are
Look inside, our happiness is always there
We are simply one of a kind
Can't let others make us blind
With some patience we will find
We can do what's on our mind

(Chorus x 1)

(Bridge)
Work will win when wishing won't,
You've got to pay the price.
No pain no gain don't fizzle out
It's time to roll the dice.
It's not over till it's over
Hang on till the end
You've got to keep the dream alive
You were born to win

How to be happy - part 2

How to be happy - what I think

1. Discover your innate God-given gifts and talents

2. And then share them with the world

3. Inspire others to discover their gifts and share them

(Gwen has so many innate gifts...her energy, joy, charisma, personality and ability to just be herself and not care what other people think...)



4. Strive to maintain great physical health, b/c with health, we just feel better

5. Have someone or something to love, even if it's just a plant or a spoiled cat

6. Listen to your intuition...and follow it

7. Have faith

8. Be proactive and take charge of your own life. (I don't know too many happy 'victims'.)

9. Live from a place of hope, abundance and gratitude

10. Appreciate the little things in life

11. Work hard, play hard and make the most of every day

12. Rest, relax, rejuvinate and take time for yourself





















13. Find a way to contribute to making the world a better place (in your own way)












14. Surround yourself with family, friends and loved ones

How to be happy..

How to be happy...wisdom from a youtube video
1. Be a do-gooder - perform selfless acts of kindness
2. Don't sweat decisions - the longer a choice is debated, the less happy the person is with the outcome
3. Spend well - spend money on experiences not things
4. Aim high - but not that high
5. Be a joiner - join a group of like-minded people
6. Stop dwelling - excessive introspection is a bad thing
7. Be grateful - count your blessings



How to be happy...what I think my mom would say:
1. Have a strong sense of faith in God
2. Surround yourself with family, friends and loved ones
3. Be a good friend
4. Give of your time to help make others' lives easeir
5. Always have the coffee pot on and the door open
6. Cultivate and create strong relationships with others
7. Have a great sense of humour
8. Work hard, have a strong work ethic and do your best regardless of the outcome
9. Be humble
10. Appreciate the little things in life
11. Look for the good in every situation
12. Be patient, non-judgemental and sensitive to others

Am I close, Mom?

Mom, thank you for what you teach all of us when you thought no one was looking or noticing.
Love you,
Crystal

Our bodies are our temple.

This morning would be a perfect morning for the race! There is no wind and not a cloud in the sky! The forecast is not looking so good for the weekend! I'm a bit nervous about that. Mom - pray for sunshine and no wind! Please.

Lastnight I went to a gathering for the fitness store and dealers...there was a speaker and he had some really great things to say.

There were 4 key thoughts that stayed in my mind.

1. Ask yourself, "What is your intent?" on a daily basis or when you are doing anything.

2. Why is it that we, as human beings using our bodies, are the only thing that gets worse with time spent? For example, if we played guitar for 15 min/day for 30 years – we would be exceptional at playing the guitar, but with our bodies, and we have them for 24 hours per day, we simply get worse with time?

3. With exercise, if we're not working/striving/expending energy to the point of failing, (ie: using our muscles to the point of exertion)we’re just staying the same...not growing, getting stronger or better.

4. If we reduce the time we spend watching TV, and replace that time with going for a walk or getting out in nature, the results would be immeasurable!

Peter Twist, the speaker, also had a good quote.

"Today I will give everything I have, for what I keep inside I will lose forever."

This morning, as I lay out my stuff for the race and think about the speech lastnight, and the next few days, I realize and remind myself that our bodies are our temple.

My body is my temple.

Mom, thank God you intervened when we were kids and you found out we were eating ice cream, with chocolate "Quick" and milk on top, for breakfast. We were probably 9 or 10. When you found out, you put an abrupt end to that. I remember Saturday mornings, eating ice cream, and watching cartoons...until you came downstairs one morning and caught us eating ice cream.

You were not impressed!

Mumsy, I love you...for helping me to realize that my body is my temple...and also just because.

love Crystal

Rules For Being Human

Rules For Being Human

You will receive a body.
You may like it or hate it,
but it's yours to keep
for the entire period.

You will learn lessons.
You are enrolled in a full-time,
informal school called life.

There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Growth is a process of trial, error
and experimentation.


The "failed" experiments are as much
a part of the process as the experiments
that ultimately "work".

Lessons are repeated until they are learned.
A lesson will be presented to you in various forms
until you have learned it.
When you have learned it,
you can go on to the next lesson.

Learning lessons does not end.
There is no part of life that doesn't
contain it's lessons.
If you're alive,
there are still lessons to be learned.

"There" is no better than "here".
When your "there" has become "here",
you will simply obtain another "there"
that will again look better than "here".

Other people are merely mirrors of you.
You can not love or hate something
about another person unless it reflects to you
something you love or hate about yourself.

What you make of your life is up to you.
You have all the tools and resources you need.
What you do with them is up to you.

The choice is yours.

by Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott

Hi Mom,
I ran across this poem today. It's filled with all of your wisdom. You could have wrote this...and many other amazing poems and books. Thank you for teaching us your rules for being human...(here are just a few)
- be kind
- tell the truth
- work hard
- be thoughtful
- stand up for what you believe in
- never let anything stop you
- be loyal and committed to the people and things that matter
- talk about what's on your mind
- always look for the good in people and in life
- listen to your intuition

I love you, Mom.
Crystal

Get some rest!

This is how I woke up this morning...with two little paws gently touching my face and the sound of a diesel engine in my ear. It was 6:30am and the sun beamed into my bedroom...and Scotia smothering me with fur and love.

I knew I needed a good rest.
I could feel it.
There was no denying it or escaping it.
It was overdue and I'm so glad I finally listened to the voice in my head, saying "Get some rest.".

Feeling like I've been running low on gas the past week, tired (inside and out), both mentally and physically, I finally decided to slow down, put the brakes on, turn off the phone and rest!

Lastnight I had the best sleep, after a 90 minute run. A fast and fabulous run, by the way!! (I can only pray that I'll feel the same way in the race next weekend!) And yesterday, I took a nap for two hours in the afternoon, not sleeping the entire time, but slowing down, relaxing, visualizing the race and then falling asleep daydreaming of the swim in the Ironman. It was lovely. When I woke up, I felt so much better and had such a good feeling in my chest - about the race and about life. It felt so good!

And then, feeling totally indulgent, I lay down in the livingroom and watched a Disney movie...at 4:00 in the afternoon, called The Cinderella Story, and stretched. It was so relaxing...and uplifting. I love happy ending movies that just fill my spirit.

One of the lines in the movie, referring to baseball, was

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

How true...in baseball...and in life.

On the weekend, a bunch of friends were in the mini-triathlon and it was inspiring to see them overcome their fears and "get in the game". It reminded me of myself, 9 years ago, when I was at the start line of this very same race...filled with fear and doubt and so naive. I laugh to myself, even now, as I think about finishing 10th LAST in the race. Thank God I didn't know how slow I was. (Sometimes 'ignorance IS bliss'!) I was talking with a friend in the race this weekend and she mentioned that 9 years ago, she was supposed to do the triathlon with me...but jammed out. I had completely forgotten about it. She is now finally overcoming her fear of swimming. I was really proud of her b/c 9 year ago, we talked about our fear of swimming.

It's amazing how one decision...to get in the game, and overcome the fear of striking out...can change your life. It has certainly changed mine.

Feeling good, both mentally and physically, and getting some rest is helping me overcome my current fears about the race next weekend. I know that if I go into the race feeling healthy, physically, and strong, mentally, I'll be OK. It's true that I've not trained enough...but my body knows what to do. It will remember. I'm so excited to get to the start line. To discover what I'm made of. To smile. To struggle. To silently pray for myself and everyone else to have the best day of our lives. And to step over that finish line...SMILING big and dancing.

Now...if only I can fit into my wetsuit that I bought 9 years ago. It appears that in 9 years, I've gained about about 5 pounds. My wetsuit has always been tight...but it's really tight right now. I feel like Scotia, trying to wedge her little body into this space beneath the shelves in my closet...


I love you, Mom.
Thank you for the little voice in my head, uttering the words, "Get some rest." because these are your words and usually the solution to most everything. With rest...we can do most anything. And whether we strike out or hit a home run, it doesn't really matter.
Love Crystal

4 Little Thoughts...

Hi Mom,
Sorry I didn't get to write you yesterday!
As I sit here out on the front patio this morning, eating rice cakes with jam and peanut butter, I am thinking of the past couple days....

Living intentionally and thinking about you and what you have taught me...I want to say thank you because, your voice and wisdom helps me every day.

4 Little Thoughts that have helped me and that I've shared with a friend in need the past couple days...(ALL wisdom that I learned from you, Mom)...
1. Most things are temporary. This too shall pass.
2. Step aside...and let whatever is going on, run it's course.
3. Have or create something to hope for.
4. Find inspiration and strength where ever you can (even if it's in a red sweater)!


The count-down is really on now to the race! Next Sunday! One week from today! The race has been something to hope for, to work towards and set my sights on. Even before the race, I know it's smart to look beyond it...to find something else to hope for and think about...

Some things I'm thinking about are and hoping for...
- going camping. It's been so long since I've gone camping and I love camping!
- maybe a holiday after the race in Hawaii
- coming home
- Kate coming to visit next week!
- You and Don coming out in October!

I could go on and on...I'm so grateful to have so much to hope for and be thankful about...

I love you, Mom.
Crystal
PS Things are finally getting finished! The kitchen at the hostel is complete! I have not seen it yet with the sink installed but it looked amazing yesterday as it was almost complete with the new counter tops installed!

I saw them everywhere today.

Today, I realize that I am not alone. I am, yet again, reminded that there are angels everywhere! Too many to count, angels picked me up and carried me when I needed them today...and I saw them everywhere I turned.

Disguised as friends, sisters, team-mates at the hostel...and you, Mom.

Thx for the little chat today. Yes...it could be worse. Although, at 7am this morning when the staff called to say that there was a plumbing leak resulting from the cabinet removal/installation, I was not happy.

But angels were everywhere...disguised as the right person who was working who knew exactly what to do...followed by the right person who could rip out all the soggy drywall...followed by the right person who could repair it...followed by friends who listened to me vent, followed by Gwen who gave me a massage, followed by the greatest team that could ever be possible at the hostel, followed by a little conversation with you, that helped put it all into perspective.

Yes...it could be worse. Much worse. And I'm so grateful that things are finally getting finished! And that in the big picture, this is all so very minor.

By the end of tomorrow, the kitchen should have the countertops in and we'll just have to paint and do the back-splash! The damage from the water leak will be replaced in a couple days. And the outdoor patio for the vacation rental is almost done!

Today, living intentionally, I learned that:
1. Doing the ugly cry while driving is not really a good idea. For many reasons.
2. When I let people help me, life is so much easier.
3. Feeling overwhelmed is just part of life...and can usually be remedied by a few deep breaths, a quick glimpse at the big picture, putting a smile on your face and even a brief phone call with your mom
4. There really are angels everywhere...disguised as friends, family and even strangers, who truly want to pick you up and carry you when you need it most.

I am blessed.
This, I know, for sure.
Thank you God.
Love you, Mom.
Crystal

Finish!

It's time to FINISH a few things!

The hostel kitchen is almost done...but not quite. The stainless-steel counter tops go in tomorrow and then it's complete! WOW! It looks amazing so far with the new cabinets! Amazing!!

The deck and new outdoor carpet is almost done - almost! I ran out of glue (was that any surprise since it certainly felt like it was stuck there (in the wrong place) for good!

The house is coming together now that I have my office desk and practically everything out of the other house! Yay! The jungle continues to share the miracles of nature and I'm grateful, even if I am overwhelmed! (Mom, do I really have to skin the peaches or can I just chop and freeze them for you?)
The race is almost here...but not quite! Thank God!

Parisio Suerte is almost finished...although there's still lots of work that could be done. It'll be ready to rent out and looking fabulous within the next week though! Thank God for that too!

I feel like I've got so many things going on, and unfinished, Mom that I just want to finish something. Anything! I don't really care what it is!

In an attempt to do that, tonight, I organized and unpacked a couple boxes just to actually do something and finish it. A completed task (even if it was a tiny one)!

Finishing things feels good. Very good! Cause for a mini-celebration!

I remember when we were little, you would say "Finish it." (You could be referring to something we were doing, cleaning up something or even when we were washing the dinner dishes and there was a tiny bit of food left...and you'd say "Finish it." so we would not have to put the left-over's in the fridge.


Whatever is left unfinished...and especially right now, I hear your voice, Mom, and it reminds me of two things;
1. to finish what I start
2. that I'm not alone.

Thank you for being here, Mom. I feel your presence every day.

Love you,
Crystal

A millimeter here...turns into a few inches there.

It started out so well!

I measured. I thought the whole thing through...and then measured AGAIN before cutting anything!

But within 5 minutes (when I started putting the glue in the corner...and then realized that this was NOT the place to start)..., I knew I was clearly over my head...and within 30 minutes, exhausted from trying to pull up the glued-down carpet, trying to get it perfectly in place (and almost in tears), I called "MAYDAY! MAYDAY!" and phoned Gwen!

Thank GOD she was home!
Together, we were able to lift 1/2 the carpet (that I already $&^%$#$^ glued down) and pull it back into place b/c an unapparent error at one end is a very apparent error 38 ft later! It might only be a millimeter at one end, but by the other end, the error is a few inches!

All I can say is, "Thank GOD Gwen was home!" and "No, I won't be trying this again on my own...or ever!"

Mom, today was not a real intentional day! I spent over 5 hours on the carpet and I'm still not done! I will definitely not be doing this again. I thought I would save $300, which I did, but I'm not sure that it was worth it!

I'm laying on the livingroom floor right now, so thankful that Gwen was home and very much aware that some things are not to be done alone.

And some things are never to be done by me.

Note to self: next time - don't measure twice - THINK twice!

I won't forget this little lesson.
Love you, Mom.
Crystal
PS As I lay here, so happy to be almost finished with the carpet, I am thinking about those few mm's...and how they turned into a few inches over the distance of the space, when the carpet is just "off" by a little.

It makes me think about where I'm making tiny errors in my life (not working out or exercising enough, too many treats (I gave up on my one treat/week plan), or being a little disorganized here and there...and how, over time and distance, those tiny little errors (just millimeters today) turn into inches and even greater errors later!

Something to think about as I fall into bed exhausted...with sore knees and a sore back from losing that silly carpet wrestling match today!

Change IS Good

Oh...yes it is!
Even when it's uncomfortable, scary or...expensive!
Mom, I'm sure you dealt with a lot of changes that were definitely uncomfortable, scary and expensive!

Today is a big day of change at the hostel! We're getting a brand new, custom built kitchen!! Lastnight, a crew came in and ripped out all the old cabinets!

And today, the new kitchen is being installed!

It's more expensive than I thought it would be, with the new cabinets, the rip-out, the new counter top (stainless steel!) and new sink, taps, etc.....and that is uncomfortable, scary and expensive....

BUT...CHANGE IS GOOD...
In all areas of life...not just in the kitchen! And I'm grateful to embrace the excitement and anticipation that goes along with change...even if it leaves me temporarily nervous, vulnerable and/or a little unsure.

I can always fall back on great memories....

...and stand back to see how far we've come!
Mom, love you.
Love your paint job 12 years ago!
Love how you embrace change and have taught me that change is good...if I embrace the excitement and anticipation of what's to come!
crystal

What would you do today...

Race morning is in 13 days! I'm feeling the anticipation now.
The nervousness.
The excitement.
And the magnitude.

I am grateful for experience and having done the race before but it's always a new and different day. Always humbling. Always overwhelming. And never easy.

But the race is also an adventure, an opportunity to discover my potential, a test not only of physical ability but mental strength. And it's an honour to be at the start line. (Never mind the finish line. It's really not what the race is about.)

Yes...I know that "The miracle isn't that I finished, but that I had the courage to start." (George Sheehan), however, I hope to reach that line...smiling, happy and dancing!

After a two hour bike ride yesterday, Gwen, Rob and a bunch of friends went out on the lake. We had a great time laughing, having fun and talking about triathlons. A couple of friends are doing their very first triathlon next week. Another friend and I are doing the IM in 2 weeks. Gwen and Rob, much smarter than any of us, are happy just to exercise and not do such silly things.

Since they are not training for any races, and not fearing any injury or accident, Rob and Gwen have gone out on the boards. Last week, Gwen went wake boarding and yesterday, Rob went wake-surfing. They were both amazing! Here are a couple photos...



Today, as I sit here, with this little metal frame with magnet letters next to me...that says, "If I were brave" on it....I am listening to the beautiful song by Jana Stansfield with the same title....wondering...."What step would take...if I were brave. What would I do today...if I were brave? What if we were all meant to do what we secretly dreamed? What would you ask if you knew you could have anything?"

Mom, with the countdown on, if I were brave, and if I could have anything, I'd ask to finish...smiling, happy and dancing with Kate and Gwen and friends who are also in the race. That would be more than enough!

Love you,
Crystal

Almost effortless...

When I'm on my right path, things seem almost effortless...

Yesterday, I swam almost 4km with a friend, on a last big (and one of my only) long swims. The swim component of the race is 3.8km and swimming almost 3.5km yesterday seemed almost effortless. I found myself daydreaming, singing songs in my head, feeling the water and visualizing for an hour and 15 minutes. It was glorious.

It seemed almost effortless.

Even though life isn't always easy and I'm certainly concerned about many things that I'm juggling and working on, work, life, the yard...everything...seem sort of effortless these days.

I think it's because of 2 simple things;
1.letting other people help me, instead of trying to do everything myself
2 being comfortable and content

I'm so grateful to the people who've made my life so much easier and effortless by simply taking over when I need their help or by lending a hand if that's all I need. It's hard to get over my embarrassment when people see that I'm not as organized as I could be or that I drop the ball in certain areas, but it's (probably) a good lesson in life for me to simply accept their help and say thank you, rather than try to prevent them from helping.

Life is so much more effortless and easy that way.

Gwen helped me finish the floor leveling yesterday and it was so much easier, faster and more fun to work together. We laughed, talked and just had so much fun working together. Another friend helped me move my desk and patio furniture, which I could never have done alone. Finally, everything is out of the old house and now I just have a few things in the garage.

Mom, I don't know how you managed all of us, life, work, and taking care of yourself when we were growing up. There was so much to do...I cannot even imagine what you went through. It, most certainly, was not effortless.

But thanks to your effort, and all that you've given to all of us - not things but all things intangible - you've made our lives so much easier and effortless.

Seeing you so happy, comfortable and content now teaches me a lot about being content in my own life .

You...and Scotia really do seem so happy and content these days.





She can't wait to see you! And she's sooooo excited to show you what's in the freezer and what's been happening in the jungle!



I love you, Mom.
Thank you again for all of your effort, energy and love...that seems to make all of our lives so incredibly effortless.
Crystal

3 Things To Include In Every Day

1. Something or someone to love.
2. Exercise
3. A good sleep

After a big week of teaching and driving to/from Penticton, I got home and found Scotia sprawled out, relaxing, on the front step. I spent some time with her, brushing her and loving her. I just love that little bear. It's amazing to think that she's almost 13 years old! We've been through lot together.

Then, after not working out enough all week, I got out for a 15km run in the heat. 32 degrees. It was HOT! I didn't have the best run and found myself walking a bit but it felt good to be out there (most of the time). Difficult training runs are supposed to be good b/c then, when the race rolls around, the experience of going through tough times will help you get through the race easier. We'll see.

And lastnight, I had the very best sleep. Went to bed early. Pulled the blinds so it was dark and had the best sleep. Slept in and woke up when I wanted to, not with the ring of the alarm.

If I can include these three things every day; something or someone to love, exercise and good sleep...that would be living intentionally.

Mom, I love you.
Where are you?
missing you,
Crystal

When's "enough" enough?

The past couple months have been enlightening, to say the least.

Moving to the new house has been a catalyst for change.

Big changes.
Wanted changes.
Needed changes.

It's almost like moving and the new house has sort of saved me from myself...and I can't even articulate why or how this has all happened or what exactly has changed.

I just know I've changed.

And I guess in some way, the new house gave me the opportunity to say "Enough's enough!"

So, when is enough enough?
I guess my answer is "now".

Mom, you've asked this question many times in the pas and I can hear your voice in my ears a I write and think about your question. Only now, it doesn't pertain to some silly, trivial thing like when we were kids...it's about my life and how I'm living it as an adult.

I've been "thinking" that enough's enough for a long time now...(years actually)...but I was only 'thinking' this...it wasn't really "enough" inside. I wanted it to be enough; to change but I wasn't ready; I wasn't really able to get out of the busy, fast-paced life I'd been living. And for whatever reason, enough wasn't quite enough.

Until now.

The new house; a place I know that I've been led to, and feel so at home it's like I've lived here for years, has given me the greatest gift.

I can't define what that gift is except to say that it's the gift of "enough".

I was reviewing my financial situation tonight. The Edmonton condo has sold! That little monkey (mortgage) is off my back. Gone! Erased! And the interim financing too! Yay! One down, one to go. Now it's on to the other house! It has not sold. Luckily a wonderful friend is moving into the house, Mom, so part of the mortgage will be paid by revenue. I think I'm going to paint the exterior of it with the hope that it will sell better. Or sell at all. (I'll think about it for now and make a decision after the Ironman race.) The VRBO will be ready to go after Kate and Garth come/go as well, so that's perfect! I'm installing that carpet on the patio this weekend....will let you know how it goes. Cross your fingers!

(Measure once-cut twice...or is it the other way around? :)

So, anyway, Mom, I finally think I get it! When's enough enough? I think I know the answer. My answer. And I think it's now.

For the first time, (that I can remember), I don't want to go...anywhere. I don't feel I have anything to prove. I am just happy. Right here. Sure, I have lots of reasons to be happy, some of which I can't wait to talk to you about, but in other ways, I'm just seemingly happy for little to no reason.

There's so many things not going quite right for me...yet so many things going so very right.

Things that aren't going right - Well, the house has not sold, for starters, and I'm not doing very good on my one treat/week plan or my 6-pack summer, and my training for the IM isn't really what it could be, and I could be more organized, my house could be more moved in, the old house could be repainted and the yard redone, the new house could be renovated in just about every room of the house and to be quite honest, I need a major hair-cut/style. And that's just off the top of my head...

But there is so much going right, that makes me realize that enough's enough, right here, right now.

I never knew how great it would be to live next to Gwen. Or the responsibility I'd feel to a bunch of fruit trees. Or the miracles that happened over the past couple months while pulling weeds, listening to Anne, opening up my heart in many ways, taking a risk and stretching myself financially to carry 4 properties while working less, and through listening to my inner voice and letting it guide me (instead of second-guessing and doubting it). Yes, these things and more have made all the difference. I've always had faith, but always tried to control life and most situations, at the same time. I'm realizing that it doesn't work that way. Faith doesn't work that way. That's not faith. (I think that's what they call doubt.) But I can see now that my faith is stronger than i ever knew, having found myself in certain situations and places that I don't (or didn't) understand, yet I'm perfectly comfortable here. In every way.

I also realize that "enough's enough" in other ways. If I'm in an environment, which I have been, that's not serving me or good for me, enough's enough! It's time to go. It was time (long overdue actually) to slow down, not work so much and change my lifestyle yet I didn't change it, until now. When's enough enough?

There's still some things I'm working on...that I have not yet gotten to, like that 6 pack or playing the guitar better or, or, or....

But, enough is enough and that's all I need to know.

I'm so excited about my life right now, and these realizations that my vision and plan to slow down is actually coming to fruition. Finding myself in the middle of creating the most beautiful paradise here that's good for my spirit and soul has been life-changing...and who knows where it will lead...but I have faith that I'm on my right path and that it will lead somewhere amazing b/c I'm not consumed and concerned with not being, doing or having enough anymore.

Love you, Mom.
your #8.
Crystal

PS where are you? I've been trying to call you and can't get a hold of you. ;)

Start the day in the right way.

Mom, for as long as I can remember, you started the day with a coffee and then some sort of oatmeal or breakfast and took some time for you...to read the paper or flyers and just sit. Be. Still.

It's that kind of morning here.

The sun is rising.I had the best sleep ever and woke up feeling so great for so many reasons. Simple pleasures- I've got a strong cup of coffee to enjoy. And if I had the newspaper, I'd read it - but probably enjoy the flyers more (It's in our blood, I think.)

And then, if I could, I'd probably crawl back into bed. Even just for a few minutes. That would be living intentionally.

This day's got to get started though and I've got to get ready for work.

More tonight, Mom.
Until then, thank you for these moments where I get to think of you, remember all the great moments in life and tell you how much I love you.

Love Crystal

Random thoughts from my heart...

Hi Mom,
It's Tuesday night and I'm a little tired...probably not getting enough sleep but I am truly loving every sunrise with the sun beaming in the window and scotia meowing before 6am every morning to say, "Get up!! It's a gorgeous day! And feed me! NOW!" She's loving the new house as much as I am...sleeping all day and out prowling in the jungle at night. I installed her cat door, which has become a ritual for practically every house we've been in over the past 12 years....first, the hostel, (12 years ago - when she could fit in the palm of my hand) and then the tiny house on Christleton. Then way out in the Mission on Horak Rd and then to Rosanne's suite and then another, and after that, out in Glenmore, on Tronson (with the apricot tree) and after that, a little further out in Glenmore with the gorgeous back yard. Then, to my beach-house on Wardlaw, which is where we've just come from to Parisio Suerte - our very fortunate (and lucky) paadise! That's 9 houses in 13 years. Wow!! A couple of those were rental suites, but the 7 different houses have been investment opportunities and I'm so grateful for how all of that has worked out...including the investments.

It's intersting to look back on all these years and think about all the places we've lived...all the moments and experiences and mistakes and right decisions too....

All to end up here. In this perfect moment. At this time.

Random thoughts from my heart whisper...
- Timing is everything
- My intuition is usually right
- Life might truly suck in a given moment, but it will all work out for the better...like in this moment when we were getting divorced and I moved into a basement suite (that I barely left for about 6 months).

Thank God for family when you really need them.






- Having a sense of humour can get me through just about anything...and the ability to laugh at myself is one of the greatest things I've learned in our family.


Not that we had a choice when we were young! Survival required it. :)







- I am the luckiest person I know to come from such an incredible family and to be surrounded by so much love.






- Maybe God did hear me
- Maybe He heard every wish, fear, hope and dream
- Some of the best things in life are the things I least expected
- It's nice to not care so much what other people think
- ...and, rather, care more about what I think
- Good friendships go a long way
- Who knew that I didn't have to go around the world to find myself...all I had to do was stay home, in one place
- Living across the street from my little sister is the very best place to live
- If I take care of today, tomorrow will take care of itself

Mom, these are just random thoughts inside my heart as I think of you (and all that jam we're going to make!) and get ready for bed! Thank you for you, for helping me to live a little more intentionally this year and most of all, for helping me to slow down, live life a little more fully and also, for helping me to realize that I really, truly am enough.
Love Crystal

Knowledge speaks...but...

Hi Mom,
As I teach in Penticton this week, this quote on a sign in Kelowna gives me something to think about.
Love you.
Crystal
PS: Gwen may not care about the jam...but I've got a freezer full of fruit and can hardly wait for you to get here! ;)

You said this is what you wanted...

Hi Mom,

Living intentionally included going out for dinner with Linda lastnight and to the salsa dance. We had a great visit! We planned our birthday party in December, since we're both born in December...and we've got some fabulous ideas of how to celebrate!!! I can hardly wait!

Linda always has some amazingly simply yet profound wisdom, a lot like you do, and she said something in our conversation that really struck me...
She said something about how we often get what we say we want...and therefore, really can't complain.

She's right.

This is something you would say too, Mom.

My life is exactly how I created it. This is what I said I wanted. So, I cannot complain!

I knew it was going to be a lot of work...and it is! (Maybe a little....OK a LOT...more than I expected...but I wouldn't trade this for anything!)

Today, I pulled up all the old carpet on the lower deck and then, thanks to some wonderful and much appreciated help, we've got it scraped and prep'd to put the new carpet down! Yay!! I just need to go buy some more floor-leveler compound to fill some cracks and we're ready to go!




While I was outside today, I took a wander around the jungle and LOOK what I found!



I am surrounded by the wonders of the universe through nature and the most wonderful friends anyone could ever hope to have.

Love you,
Crystal

10 Things...

10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy

1. Savour everyday moments
2. Avoid comparisons
3. Put money low on the list
4. Have meaningful goals
5. Take initiative at work
6. Make friends, treasure family
7. Smile even when you don't feel like it
8. Say thank you like you mean it
9. Get out and exercise
10. Give your time to help others

(YES Magazine)

Mom, you didn't write this, but you could have. It's just how you live and what you instilled in us.

Thank you.

Another thing you somehow instilled in me...that little stubborn streak that sometimes gets in my way and sometimes helps me get where I want to go.

As I ran 15km yesterday and was out on my bike today, I could feel it surfacing...and I'm thankful for it. So very thankful.

When I'm riding my bike, I'm thinking a million different thoughts at times...and nothing at all, other times. Often, you come to mind, Mom and help me through the tough parts and especially when I've got a good tailwind. My secret boyfriend, Lance Armstrong also comes to mind, especially when I'm going up hills. It's a bit silly, but it works.

And right now, I'm going through every scenario in my mind, mentally preparing for the race coming up. I am also spending time visualizing the finish line smiling and strong. I can hardly wait to get there!! Visualization has been my secret strength, and probably as important as getting out there and training. We both know I've not done quite enough training...so I better visualize hard the next few weeks!

Maybe YOU could do some visualizing too! ;)

Love you.
Thank you for these 10 things you've instilled in us and a million more!
Crystal

More than you'll ever know.

Hi Mom,
Sorry I didn't get to write yesterday!

It was a busy day!

My first guests (in Parisio Suerte) left mid-day. The new fridge arrived for the suite as well. Anne also came over to collect the last items she had in storage here. We spent a couple hours bringing all her stuff (and she has a LOT of stuff!) upstairs from the lower level storage room and loading it into the U-haul.

Yes...a U-haul! Anne and her brother are moving all her stuff from here and her condo, loading and packing it themselves (with only a few helpers)!!!

She is one tough lady!

We had a break and I made blueberry muffins for Anne and her brother Marty. It was a really nice visit.

I went to see her in the afternoon, thinking that she had lots of help b/c she mentioned that she had lots of helpers. But things don't always work out sometimes and the helpers didn't show or didn't work out...except for the realtor, Joel, who is truly one amazing guy, who helped them all day. When I arrived, he had to go, so I called a friend and together, the four of us loaded for over 2-3 hours, the last of Anne's things.

When I hugged her goodbye, as they U-haul, van and trailer were loaded to the max, I said, "love you Anne. You know, your home is always your home here." She said, "Love you too. More than you'll ever know."

It's funny how people come and go in our lives and, often, we love them more than they'll ever know.

Why is that? Shouldn't they know? Shouldn't we tell them? What kind of difference would it make if they knew?

In our family - you made sure we always knew.

Mom, you made sure we knew we were loved...and so much more!

You made sure we knew and felt so cared for. Protected. Free to become who we were meant to be. You made each of us feel so very special (which is a miracle in itself when you have 10 kinds to take care of!). You made (and continue to make each of us feel so amazing in our own way. Never compared. Always adored. Treasured. Talented. But never too cool to be but in our place when we needed to be.

Thank you for making sure we always knew...

I hope that you know how much you are loved....even though it probably is more than you will ever, ever know.

Love you,
Crystal

An introduction to yourself.

I read a great quote by Jim Kouzes that said, "Adversity introduces us to ourselves."

If this is true, then, yesterday out on the Ironman bike route, I momentarily met myself. Most of the ride was fabulous. Sunny. Tailwinds. Rolling hills. Even up Richter Pass, I felt fabulous. But then, during the 4th hour, with a HUGE headwind, the darkest rainclouds looming ahead and lightening striking in the distance, I became totally silent. On the outside. But inside, the conversation going on was not quiet.

Did I mention the wind!?

And then it started to rain.

Inside, I contemplated options - hitch a ride if the rain gets worse. Wait out the rain and lightening if it doesn't stop. And what about the wind. What happens if it's even worse as we turn right at the Keremeos Fruit Stand with 45km still to go? And that 7km Yellow Lake climb after Keremeos isn't something to forget about either.

I thought about my lack of training. Wondered why I was even doing this. I went on and on, in my head, about the upcoming race, the self-doubt, the fatigue...

All this doubt and confusion is definitely part of "me" and we had a lengthy conversation in the rain and headwinds with tired legs...

It reminded me of the Ironman race I did in Australia...where the same things were running through my mind. This photo taken there says it all. It was one of the lowest, most difficult moments I've ever had in 7 IM races thus far. I'm grateful that Amelie snapped this photo b/c it reminds me of who I am...the challenges that I've gone through and how life doesn't always come easy.

And that silver lining of those deep, dark moments....the gift that we receive when going through them...I love those moments too.

Yesterday, just like in that race, somewhere out there on the road, we meet our darker selves...and also our inner light...

Yesterday, I also met that other part of "me"...that blinding inner light that I've come to actually embrace and acknowledge without (so much) apology.


(Just like these moments in the Hawaii Ironman race a couple years ago.... moments of pure joy...that really say, "I've been to hell today...it's 41 degrees Celsius, there have been headwinds that never ended...and I'm back! Let's get the party started! It's time to celebrate!)

FYI: celebrate = yay...we get to get off the bike and start that 42.2km marathon!

This other part of me reminds myself of where I've come from...who I really am at my center...it helps me to discover what's possible...what I'm capable of...what I'm made of...hope, commitment, conviction, strength, humility, courage...

And that's the way I think it works...adversity introduces us to all aspects of ourselves - the good, the bad, and everything in between. And without the worry, fear and doubt, we wouldn't get to know the inner confidence and courage that we all hold within us!

My friend Pete wrote me a poem when he left to go back to England in 2001, as I was training for my first race. This is an excerpt from it. It's true, not only in training for an Ironman race, but it's also a metaphor for life, in general.

"Somewhere out there, on the road, our lives will change forever. We will have suffered more completely...yet triumphed more greatly...than we ever dreamed possible."

Without suffering or challenges, I don't think there's any triumph or celebration!

Mom, thanks for the tailwinds that were present for parts of the ride yesterday...and for the little lessons that I learned in the headwinds.
You are, as always, the wind beneath my wings.
Love you,
Crystal