The Dash
On Saturday I ran a 5k in memory of Scott Gerlach, a member of my church congregation who died in an accident in May. The following words, which were in his funeral program and printed on the shirt I received Saturday, really made me think. They are: "Your life consists of two numbers and a dash. Make the most of the dash."
I started reflecting on some of the more unique things I've done and still hope to do before my dash becomes a number again. In that spirit, I made these lists.
What I've done with my dash:
*Learned to work and to use my body to do things I enjoy: volleyball, weight training, running, swimming, yoga. I've modified those activities, but I haven't given up on them. And I'm coming back strong now. [Side note: jogging during yesterday's 5k doesn't seem to have damaged my knees. Was it my new kicks? I hope so....I'm still planning to do some kind of a fitness event--something more challenging than a 5k--during my 40th year.]
*Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (No plans to unjoin, either!)
*Climbed San Jacinto Mtn in California (on an Outward Bound trip)
*Experienced the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
*Run and hiked on the Pacific Crest Trail.
*Learned to speak Spanish.
*Lived in Utah, Washington, Colorado, California, and New York (I don't count Texas or Arizona. I was too young then.)
*Graduated from the Best University Ever (BYU)
*Worked with many people doing many things.
*Served in some great church callings.
*Married One Amazing Guy. And kept him...so far. :-)
*Birthed 5 babies--4 without meds, and two over 9.5 pounds.
*Loved and (not quite) raised those babies. And taught them the gospel and other things.
*woke up one day thinking I'd just go get a teaching license.
*Owned three houses.
*lived at the following addresses:
3131 W. Caribbean Ln, Phoenix AZ (for just a couple of weeks); Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX;
Cortland, NY; Lanfear Rd, Stony Creek, NY; States Rd, Stony Creek; YMCA Camp Oakes, Big Bear City, CA; BYU-dorms, 2 Provo apartments, and BYU married student housing; Washingont: 12380 Rd 170; 226 N. walker
* I have traveled to every state in the US, except Alaska and Hawaii. I believe that I have spent time in every one of them, too--at bare minimum, the time it takes to drive through the state. I think I have stayed several nights in 60-70% of them. I have also traveled to Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico.
Things I still need to squeeze into the dash:
*Get a master's degree. (In what though?) And take classes beyond that--I have a lot to learn.
*Become an excellent science teacher.
*Become adept at saying goodbye to children and at planning and paying for graduation parties, wedding receptions, etc.
*Be a grandma
*improve/perfect my Spanish language ability.
*work in the temple.
*do more family history stuff
* Give more and better service more often
*Serve a mission in a foreign country. (Promised when I was young.)
*Prove that I am tough & strong
*Coach volleyball (I have walked away from every opportunity, including one this fall, because the timing is not right.)
*Live to see my great-grandkids and get to know them.
*Become an Aunt to some Droddy kids.
I hope I live a long, healthy life. (My patriarchal blessing says I will. I take that literally. I have a lot to do.)
I started reflecting on some of the more unique things I've done and still hope to do before my dash becomes a number again. In that spirit, I made these lists.
What I've done with my dash:
*Learned to work and to use my body to do things I enjoy: volleyball, weight training, running, swimming, yoga. I've modified those activities, but I haven't given up on them. And I'm coming back strong now. [Side note: jogging during yesterday's 5k doesn't seem to have damaged my knees. Was it my new kicks? I hope so....I'm still planning to do some kind of a fitness event--something more challenging than a 5k--during my 40th year.]
*Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (No plans to unjoin, either!)
*Climbed San Jacinto Mtn in California (on an Outward Bound trip)
*Experienced the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
*Run and hiked on the Pacific Crest Trail.
*Learned to speak Spanish.
*Lived in Utah, Washington, Colorado, California, and New York (I don't count Texas or Arizona. I was too young then.)
*Graduated from the Best University Ever (BYU)
*Worked with many people doing many things.
*Served in some great church callings.
*Married One Amazing Guy. And kept him...so far. :-)
*Birthed 5 babies--4 without meds, and two over 9.5 pounds.
*Loved and (not quite) raised those babies. And taught them the gospel and other things.
*woke up one day thinking I'd just go get a teaching license.
*Owned three houses.
*lived at the following addresses:
3131 W. Caribbean Ln, Phoenix AZ (for just a couple of weeks); Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX;
Cortland, NY; Lanfear Rd, Stony Creek, NY; States Rd, Stony Creek; YMCA Camp Oakes, Big Bear City, CA; BYU-dorms, 2 Provo apartments, and BYU married student housing; Washingont: 12380 Rd 170; 226 N. walker
* I have traveled to every state in the US, except Alaska and Hawaii. I believe that I have spent time in every one of them, too--at bare minimum, the time it takes to drive through the state. I think I have stayed several nights in 60-70% of them. I have also traveled to Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico.
Things I still need to squeeze into the dash:
*Get a master's degree. (In what though?) And take classes beyond that--I have a lot to learn.
*Become an excellent science teacher.
*Become adept at saying goodbye to children and at planning and paying for graduation parties, wedding receptions, etc.
*Be a grandma
*improve/perfect my Spanish language ability.
*work in the temple.
*do more family history stuff
* Give more and better service more often
*Serve a mission in a foreign country. (Promised when I was young.)
*Prove that I am tough & strong
*Coach volleyball (I have walked away from every opportunity, including one this fall, because the timing is not right.)
*Live to see my great-grandkids and get to know them.
*Become an Aunt to some Droddy kids.
I hope I live a long, healthy life. (My patriarchal blessing says I will. I take that literally. I have a lot to do.)
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