Thank You!

Thank you so much to those who have commented on my races. There is a "time and season" for all things, and this just happens to be my season to be pro-active with my health. When I was a young mom with little children, that was my season to be a mother and all that goes with such a busy job. I love reading the posts of you young moms. I can tell our future will be in good hands.

I will share with you that doing this hiking and running thing began because of an extreme amount of stress I was dealing with in my personal life almost two years ago. It has truly been a blessing and I believe it saved me from sinking into a very dark pit. I thank my Father in Heaven every day for teaching me that sweating, breathing hard, sore muscles, and physically enduring to the end is what I needed. My heart is filled with gratitude and amazement that He loves me so. I am grateful for this journey called Life. My circumstances haven't changed all that much, but the burden has been made lighter and I have been strengthened because of Him. And the atonement makes that possible for all of us.

# 5 Race Now Behind Me

I just finished running my 5th race. This was a really fun one for two reasons: it was shorter--5.5 miles, and it was on a trail. I really like running on a trail with all the challenges of rocks, sand, weeds, hills, stairs (at Catalina State Park), and whatever else.

I got another cool t-shirt!

This race was different because I didn't know anybody else running and there wasn't anyone I knew to cheer me on. It was kind of a solitary event for me even though there were 147 people running. I'm throwing this out--if anybody would like to do the next race with me, let me know. There is a 5 K on October 4th, 5:00 pm, Oro Valley Riverfront Park. And if you don't want to run, you can walk! Go to harvest4hope.org and check it out. Those who live in Tucson, join me!

Now, to begin training for the sprint triathlon I'm doing in November at Casa Grande--whole new thing for me.

The Update On Our Kitchen

And this is where my dishwasher and stove have been for the past 5 weeks!

This picture was taken today, September 22, 5 weeks after the tornado! They say it's usually darkest before the dawn; it gets worse before it gets better; or there's a silver lining in every dark cloud.

I don't care what they say, this is how my kitchen has looked for 5 weeks!

I had reached my breaking point yesterday when I came home after being gone for three days and found that not much had changed except for more roof dirt everywhere in the house and I could see the sky through the ceiling in my kitchen!
I feel better today.
BUT,
my feeling better did not come without pleading for patience and humility. I read a scripture the other day, 3 Nephi 6:13, that hit me along side the head! Ouch!
I must stop railing.

Helping Family

This past week Nick and I worked in Nick Jr's backyard to get it ready for grass! We dug trenches, hauled dirt, raked rocks and more rocks, laid pipe, got bit by mosquitoes, and played with Sammy and Jake. It was a satisfying two days of work and fun!

Look at those muscles!

Young Sam (4) helping Grandpa

Rachel and Jake (10 months)

Nick Jr working the machine

This might sound strange, but sometimes I like to do "man work" such as digging ditches, cutting down trees, hauling trash, etc., etc. It is very satisfying to me to do outdoor physical labor, to sweat, and get really tired by the end of the day. I think it reminds me of my childhood, not that I worked that hard, but I saw my parents work hard and the satisfaction they felt when the yard looked great or the garden was planted or some other task they did. Next week we hope to finish raking more rocks, spreading the top soil, and laying sod. What a great way to spend a couple of days, helping your kids.

SO ... WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT?

Nick and I are always having this discussion, why he should put the seat down. A picture is worth a thousand words!!

Sahuaro National Park Labor Day Run

On Saturday I decided to do this race because I didn't go to LA as planned. Our house keeps leaking and I didn't want to come home to a bigger mess! Anyway, this was a tough race. Only 8 miles, but continuously uphill for 2 of those miles. I am not kidding you, there were people walking up the hills faster than I was running! Which turned into a learning experience for me. I was so determined (or stubborn) that I was going to run the full course that I forgot about running strategy. If and when you can walk faster than run, why not walk? I could have been swinging my arms and using a longer stride. As it was, I was dead tired (as you can see) when I crossed the finish line. I came in 499 out of 552 runners--my time was 1 hour 34 minutes and the first place runner out of my age group was 17 minutes faster than me. Wow! I was 5th place out of 7 in the 60-64 age group.
I was so proud to wear Nick Jr's business logo running shirt that he gave me for my birthday along with a new hat and socks! He has been a great trainer, very patient and helpful.

I had a defining moment while waiting around at the awards ceremony afterwards. I never would have thought 14 months ago that me, overweight, out of shape, and not inclined to run, would be waiting to find out how well or poorly I had done in a race I had just run. I did that for years for my children, but never for me. It was a great feeling. I think I had dreamed about it, but didn't ever think it was in the realm of possibility. Now, I love to run, I like to compete, and when that starting gun goes off, I get choked up and cry every time. "Linda, look at what you are doing!" I'm sharing this because to whoever reads this, dreams can come true! It may take a long time and a lot of hard work, but it can happen!

Reaching the Goal!

Three years ago this month I set a goal to read the Standard Works, our set of scriptures containing The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price (writings of the prophets Moses and Abraham and Joseph Smith). I arrived at my goal last week by finishing the Old Testament.

Lest anyone think I'm boasting I quote Ammon (one of my heroes in The Book of Mormon)..."I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things ..." Alma 26:11-12


I haven't been perfect, many days I read just to get those 5 chapters read, and many days I didn't read at all (as you can tell by how long it took). But my life has been changed because I read the word of God. I feel peace and my burdens have been made light even where I cannot feel them upon my back (Mosiah 24:14).

The Book of Mormon is certainly another testament of Jesus Christ, The D & C is full of modern-day revelations (helped me become acquainted with Joseph Smith), The Pearl of Great Price contains beautiful visions of the creation and our first earthly parents, The New Testament taught me about the Savior and his earthly ministry and about the early prophets (Paul is another hero), and The Old Testament has all of the stories we heard as children.

I'm going to start all over again by continuing to study The Book of Mormon for our Sunday School class. This time will be more of a study rather than a read. Thanks for letting me share!

Park City Half-Marathon

Jorgen and me before the race. It was really cold so we were "hamming" it up to keep warm!Our Cheer Squad! Amy, Grandma, and Robin

Linda at the finish line.

Jorgen and Mom, the race is over and we're smiling!

Okay, let me tell you the gory details! I felt nervous all week in anticipation of running 13.1 miles at 6500 ft. elevation on a course I hadn't seen. I trained during the week in Provo at 4500 ft. and felt ok. I tried really hard to make sure my nutrition was on target during the week for running, too. The race began at 6:45 a.m. so it was cold, below 50 degrees. My hands and arms were frozen until about mile 2. The course meandered through farmland on trails, footbridges, and paved walkways to gain nearly 400'. Not a bad climb at all over 7.1 miles, and it was downhill the 6 miles back. Really a beautiful, idyllic course! I felt strong, not tired until about the last two miles and that was ok because for each mile I ran I dedicated the run to certain people or group of people. The last two miles were dedicated to a son who is doing a very hard thing right now and I needed to do something hard as well so both of us will know that we can "endure to the end." Statistically, I came in 312th out of 500 runners; 199th out of 299 women, and 2nd in my age group. Of course there were only three women over 60! My time was 2 hours 26 minutes, an average of 11 minutes/mile. I was hoping for 2 hours 15 minutes, but I think the altitude played a part in the slower time. It was so fun doing this with Jorgen. He did really well, 9th overall and 1st in his age group! I was so proud of him and of me! Now I start training for a sprint triathlon. All new territory for me!

Fun Pictures from My Week

One of my favorite places in the whole world, Brigham Young University CampusThere used to be a beautiful building standing right here called Knight Mangum Hall, home of the Language Training Mission for missionaries. This was a very special place because I began working here when I went back to college, I met many spiritual giants (courageous missionaries), and I met my handsome husband Nick (Spanish teacher of those courageous missionaries) in these hallowed halls. Where once stood a learning institution now stands a graded pile of dirt. And they call this progress! At least I have memories.

Robin, Jorgen, Amy, and me hitching a ride to the Sundance Shakespeare Theatre.

" Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Sundance Theatre up Provo Canyon

I just wanted to share a few of the fun times I had this past week in Provo.

BYU Education Week

Robin Shipley, Ethel Goodman, my mother-in-law, and me attended nearly 70 classes between the three of us over the past five days. I learned a variety of things from service to the lepers and children in India to the importance of being a life-time learner from Elder Hales, an apostle. It was a wonderful experience for me and I'm ready to face the realities of life with renewed strength when I get home.

And that would be the reality of a kitchen torn completely apart because of the damage from the storm! I appreciate Nick taking care of "business" alone while I was gone. I might get a new kitchen out of this, and that's not a bad thing! I guess the water damage was much more extensive than we thought. I will post some pictures after I get home--Nick took more.

Robin and me in front of our favorite eating spot!

This is Ethel facing the sun, sorry. (Notice the famous "Y" in the background.) She loved all she learned and was a real trooper going to many classes with her son Matt. She is an amazing 90 year old woman!

A Tornado Hit Us, Really!

On Saturday night about midnight we got hit by something fierce. A fourth of our roof was torn off by the wind and because it was raining buckets of water, the ceiling in our kitchen caved in. We could not keep up with it, and actually started laughing it was so ridiculous!

Nick is relieving the pressure in the ceiling.

Trickle, trickle

It's going to fall!

There it goes!

My, Linda looks a little weary!

On Sunday I left for Utah on an already planned trip (BYU Education Week). Nick had to deal with the mess on his own. The roof had to be secured because the storm clouds were gathering and of course there was clean-up. At 3:00 in the afternoon carloads of Tortolita Ward church members showed up, about 20 men and 4 women. Within an hour they had tarps and boards nailed to the roof, the front and back cleaned up of all the roof and ceiling trash, and that was loaded in a truck and hauled away. Remember it was Sunday. I believe these are true followers of the one who teaches us to love our neighbor. They saw a need, didn't flinch, and came to the rescue. Thank you Larry Shipley, Gary Clark (HT), and all the rest. Another tender mercy of the Lord!

A Window Was Opened

This is my friend Jessica Morgan, a young woman in my California Ward. She is opening her mission call letter! Jessica invited me to come to her home and share that special moment with her and her family. I am in California to get our house ready for new renters and to take care of some stressful unfinished business. Taking care of that stressful business was like having a door slammed in my face, but when Jessica stopped by and asked me to come to her home where her family and friends were gathered I could feel the comfort of a gentle breeze coming through a window that had just been opened. It was a window filled with joy at being able to participate in such a sweet occasion with my young friend. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with an open window. (Jessica is going to the Italy Catania Mission.)

THE TIDAL WAVES

WATER AEROBICSWHAT BLACKMAIL PICTURES LOOK LIKE!

SISTER HILLMAN COULD GET USED TO THIS

LOVELY BUNCH OF FISH, OOPS I MEAN LADIES

The "Tidal Waves" (name given by Zeno Pfau) met at my house today for a rip-roaring hour of exercise and frolicking fun! We had a gaggle of women thanks to Maryn Hillman and her family who are visiting our desert country to welcome her home from the 18 month LDS Spanish mission she served in San Francisco where she probably left her heart, for a short time anyway.

Water aerobics instructor Mariah Maskey cracks the whip every T, Th, and F trying her best to get us in better shape. We are working on qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics--we heard they were going to open a new event in water aerobics. I think we just might be ready by then, but we might be a little over the age limit--well at least the other ladies will be. Watch out world, here comes the tidal waves!!!

COOKING WITH CACTUS

MESQUITE BEANSThis is a picture of mesquite beans before being put into the blender and after. We were trying to make mesquite bean flour, but the pods must have been too moist, although we did put them in the oven for over an hour, because all they did was gum up the blender. Have you ever tasted a mesquite bean? I hadn't before we did this, but the directions said they are very sweet and taste a little like graham crackers. Guess what, they do! I was so surprised and that may be another reason for the "gumming" because of the high sugar content along with moisture. Anyway in the fall of the year we can take our gathered mesquite beans to a milling event in Marana and have them professionally ground into flour. I think I will try it.

PRICKLY PEAR JELLY

Shaila and her friend, Lane, picked a bagful of red and ripe prickly pear cactus so we could make jelly. Unfortunately we used liquid pectin which I had never used before instead of the powdered stuff so the jelly was more like very thin syrup. We also experimented with using honey instead of sugar in one batch and less sugar in another which could have compromised the jelling of the jelly, too. Oh, well ... there's plenty more prickly pear to be picked! They are holding two jars of the finished product.

So, we worked on two desert cooking projects that didn't turn out exactly like we wanted them to, but are we going to give up? NO!!! Just like anything, you've got to pick yourself up and try again.

I DID IT!!!!!

I just have to let the thousands who read this blog know that I RAN 17.8 MILES TODAY as part of my training for the half-marathon race in 20 days. I knew it had to be a long ways because it took me 4 grueling hours. I ran to Catalina State Park via Lambert/La Cholla/Overton/La Canada/Lambert/Oracle. Actually, I didn't begin feeling really tired until about mile 13. I did walk mile 16, but ran (slowly) the rest of the way. Not too bad for a 60+ year old woman, mom of 5 kids, grandma of 4 1/2. Sorry to brag, but I am darn pleased with my accomplishment, because I feel like I am now prepared for the race in Utah. And guess what, Nick Jr, my trainer, told me to make sure I eat lots of protein, carbs, and other good stuff today. I have been given permission to EAT. Yay!!

Now for the rest of the day, Shaila and her friend Lane are here so we are going to make prickly pear jelly and grind up mesquite beans for flour to make some healthy goodies. I will take pictures and share the recipes.

Wow, I feel good!

You want to hear something funny--some of my motivation to keep on running was because I wanted to be able to write this blog and say I DID IT!!! Blogging is good for runners!

She's Hot, she's hot!!!!

Look at that killer form!!

Robin the super tennis star!!!

What a day for tennis at the El Conquistador Tennis Courts for Robin Shipley. She and her partner won both of their matches. We are so proud of her, and we actually learned some things while watching the games. There was something about love, but I didn't see any of that out there. Fierce competitors those women are! Go Robin and Marilyn, good luck tomorrow!

Happy Summer Dayz!!

Anders, Mom, and Shaila lookin' cool in the sun.

(Actually that black shirt doesn't look so cool!)

Shaila and Anders peaking through the mesquite tree.

Last week Nick and I were "empty nesters." This week we have 5 people living with us. Shaila, Anders, Nicci, Dailan, and Magnus fill our home with laughter and entertainment. As they say, never a dull moment. Today we swam, played with toys, visited with Grandma Goodman and Aunt Dolores, watched cartoons, built sand castles, swang (is there such a word?) on the swings, rode bikes, caught bugs, chased spiders, and lots of other cool stuff to do on a perfect summer day. Being a grandma is the absolute best--I wonder why it is so easy to unconditionally love these little ones? Maybe that's it, they're little! And they unconditionally love right back!

A perfect summer day for the swing set!

Great Grandma Ethel Goodman, Magnus and Dailan Magnus setting the table for our Bar-B-Que dinner!

"Great" Grandma Goodman playing with her grandsons!

Today was one of those days that helps me forget my worries, at least for a little while. It's good to be distracted with joyful stuff.

English Trifle

I've had some requests for the English Trifle recipe I made for last night's book club meeting which went ok. I am not a very eloquent speaker so sometimes I feel a bit intimidated by those who do speak well and can recall stuff that I have trouble recalling. Oh well ... It's over an on to something else. Although we did talk about sharing our views about movies and books on our blogs and today I talked with a friend about sharing upcoming running races in AZ. I think these are good ideas. Ok, for the recipe:

Trifle is just the layering of yummy food. You can use whatever you would like but for sure use 1. angel food cake, 2. pudding or firm jello, 3. fresh fruit (I used sweetened cut up strawberries and blueberries), 4. cool whip, and 5. nuts (sliced roasted almonds are the best). Layer these ingredients starting with the cake cut into chunks, pudding, fruit, cool whip, nuts, cake, pudding, fruit, etc. (you get the idea). And end with the cool whip and a few nuts on the top. It's actually a fairly health friendly dessert especially if you use the non-fat or lite pudding and cool whip. Angel food cake is a healthier choice for cake.

I saw Batman--liked it a lot. I thought it was well done. Lots of action but the camera didn't stay on one thing too long, so I didn't focus on the fighting/shooting/killing/etc. It's true The Joker was a psycho but I just regarded the whole show as a fantasy so it didn't bother me that much. Anyway in my I opinion I thought it was a good movie.

London, England (Big Ben)

I know this picture is old news, but I wanted a photo go with my blog about Charles Dickens, author of Nicholas Nickleby and other wonderful books. Mr. Dickens was a favorite son of England, and in particular London, where this famous clock, Big Ben, majestically stands. Tonight I am leading a discussion in the book club I belong to about Nicholas Nickleby, by Charles Dickens. I enjoyed this book very much. It's funny, tragic, and virtuous. And the best part is that goodness conquers evil. I like that kind of a story, don't you? Charles Dickens tells the tale in many of his books of caring for the poor, "lifting the hands that hang down and to strenghthen the feeble knees." Even though he wrote his books well over 100 years ago I can try to live my life as the heroes and heroines did in his stories. Wish me well in my discussion tonight. By-the-way any and all are welcome to join this book club. I'm not terribly active, but I do read what seems interesting to me. Next month's book is The Kite Runner, an intriguing story that takes place in Afghanistan. Loved it--5 stars. Oh, and tonight I'm serving English Trifle with fresh blueberries and strawberries!

Arizona Sunset

The sky was on fire tonight--so breathtakingly beautiful. I'm glad I'm alive!