Life After "the test"

The test is finally over! I took the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) this past Saturday after months and months of studying! I can breathe and enjoy getting ready for Christmas. Many of you have asked how it went so I wanted to give you the details. I studied for this exam for the past 4 months - the last 2 months being really intense! My strategy going in was to go through the exam, answer what I could, take a break when I got through it the first time and then come back and take the exam again. - this is what Jarod did for the CPA and it worked well for him. I needed all the help I can get! :) I also brought peppermints to suck on - apparently they stimulate your brain during a test.

Day of the Exam!
I got up at 5am Saturday morning (12/13) with just enough time to read through my notes one last time and grab some breakfast before my co-worker met me at my house..we were off!

6:15 - on the road, headed to the Westin in Washington DC.
7:00 - all parked and headed into the Westin to take the test. We are supposed to be there by 7:30.
7:40 - they start signing people in. We had to all go into one large conference room and sit in rows of tables - there were probably 500 people there taking the test and only one person could go to the bathroom at a time - yikes!
8:30 - they started reading the instructions.
9:04 - start the test (4 hours to complete)

I opened the test booklet and the first 5 questions I wasn't familiar with... total confidence buster! :( But, I determined to press on. At question 130 I wanted to cry. I was so frustrated b/c I had studied so much and I was really struggling on the questions! I finished my 1st time through the test at 2 hours so I got up and went to the BR and gave myself a pep talk- much like I do when I'm running races! I told myself to get it together and get in there and focus. I came back to the test with a much more positive attitude which I am sure helped. :)

I went through the entire test again and it took me right up to the 4 hour mark. I felt completely exhausted and pretty deflated, but I gave it my best!

I wont know the results for 6-8 weeks. Everyone is asking how I did - I say I don't know but I wont be surprised if I have to take it again.

The question is.. what will i do different if i have to take it again? I guess read the book more and less trying to memorize. They say there are 6 or so different versions of the test and it just depends on whether or not you get an easy one or a hard one.

Well - I'll keep you posted even if I have to take it again - hopefully not though.

Thanks for all of your prayers.. I definitely felt them at about the 2 hour mark! :)

Pictures from some of our races

1st Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

What/Where - FAUQUIER HALF MARATHON in Warrenton, VA.

Jarod and I completed our 1st half marathon yesterday. Our friends Grant and Susan ran with us and both placed in their age group - great job guys!

It was a beautiful day for a run - about 50 degrees and sunny. The race was truly a community race with only about 200 participants! When we got to the race we were able to park right downtown (much different then the Army 10 miler) and walk up to the starting line. The race started in Old Town Warrenton and proceeded out into the beautiful countryside where we passed farms, pongs, cattle, horses and beautiful house. Between miles 9 and 10 there was a HUGE hill but after that relatively smooth sailing. The race was much hillier then we expected, but overall a really great race. After that race I was starving - this has never happened to me before. I guess once you go over 11 miles you need food! Good thing they had a HUGE continental breakfast for us at the Fauquier Springs Country Club. I think we all had at least 2 plates of food - that's a lot of running we did! :) We ended up having pretty good times for us - especially since Jarod had a sinus infection and had never run more then 10 miles before and I have never done more then 11. Here are our times.

Kadie - 2 hours and 18 minutes
Jarod - 2 hours and 20 minutes

That's the last race for the year...now we are focused entirely on studying! Kadie is taking the C.I.S.A. December 13th and Jarod is going to take the GMAT either December or January. Our exercising and training will continue throughout the holidays and kick back up once we finish our tests! :)

Half Marathon

Jarod and I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon (13 miles) race November 9th. Stay tuned for the results! :)

Sprint Tri

Swim, Bike, Run! That's the Tri way!

This weekend I completed my 1st triathlon with my good friend Becci and the support of our directors of logistics - our hubbys! It's amazing how much coordinating goes into this event. Basically how it works is everyone sets their bikes up in a set area - also known as " racking your bike" before the race starts. Along with your bike is everything you will need to complete the biking and running parts of the race. So, things like tennis shoes, socks, t-shirt and pants/shorts, helmet, towel, water, etc. have to be out under your bike b/c the time it takes to get all of that done counts against your overall time.

So, we were in the 500s out of 650 participants - so near the back. The race kicked off at 8am and Becci and I didn't go until a little after 9am. They split the pool in 1/2 with 8 total lanes. Odd #'d people were on the left, even #'d people on the right. Then you had to swim down and back in 4 of the lanes, so 8 one way trips (total of 400 meters). Then you pulled yourself out of the pool and ran around the building (mind you it's about 65 degrees and you're wet and in your bare feet) to the bike set up. Once you reach your bike, you dry off as quickly as possible, put your shoes/socks on and whatever clothes you want to wear. Put on your helmet and gloves and get moving! You have to walk/run your bike out of the bike area but once out it's full speed ahead!

The bike ride was nice, we had to go 13 miles and most was flat or downhill, but there was about 3 miles (between 7-10 miles) that were all uphill and really tough. The scenery was beautiful and I was surprised by how extremely friendly everyone was (spectators and participants). At the end of the 13 miles, you come back to the bike rack section. You get off your bike, walk/run it in, re-rack it and then get ready to run.

The run was really nice. It was only 3.1 miles. I was surprised though at how tired I felt. I normally run 9.5 - 10 min miles and I ended up doing those miles around 10.5 min each. The course was through a small community and relatively easy - they must've known we'd need it after doing the other 2 events. :) The end of the course brought you back to wear the bike rack area was but right before was the finish line. It felt great to finish!

I definitely recommend everyone at least try a Tri. It was a very interesting experience for me. I think next time I'll feel more comfortable b/c I've got one under my belt. They haven't posted times yet but when they do I will be sure to add it to this blog.

Another experience to check off my list! :0) Now the question is, should I go ahead and do a 1/2 marathon now or wait until the spring??? stay tuned! :)

RESULTS ARE IN- I did much better then I practiced!! :)
KADIE BLANEY ALEXANDRIA VA

Swim time - 10:10
Transition 1 - 5:30
Bike - 47:56
Transition 2 - 1:11
Run - 31:26
Overall time - 1:36:11

Jarod (the Gazel's) 1st 10 miler!!

Jarod and I did the Army 10 miler yesterday. It was awesome! Not only was this Jarod's first 10 mile race, but it was also the 1st time he has ever run 10 miles..ever! He did great!! This is the first race that I've ever run where it was PACKED!! all 10 miles. It was tricky running around people for 10 miles, but it made the race go really fast. The weather was perfect - little humidity and around 65-70 degrees. I had a few technical challenges (like my shoe laces coming undone - that never happens!) and our friend Becci that ran with us has asthma, so at mile 9 I had to stop and get her inhaler out, but despite all of that we finished in under 10 minute miles!! :)

The race was really beautiful. We ran around many of the key sites in DC - the Washington Monument, the White House, the Mall and much more. At the end of the race, there is one final turn and then you can see the finish line. I decided I would sprint so I pulled away from Jarod and about 1/2 way to the finish line he passed me and beat me by a few seconds. (if only i had longer legs).

I would recommend the race because of the awesome views and the fact that it was relatively flat. However, since there were so many people I found myself getting very frustrated dodging people for 10 miles. All in all, we had a great time and were feeling very good when we finished! Here are our times.

Jarod - 1:37:54 (9.47 min/mile pace)
Kadie - 1:37:56 (9.48 min/mile pace)

Kadie's 1st 10 miler!!

Well, I survived. It was a great day for a run. The rain cleared and it was cool around 65-70 degrees. I ended up running with Jarod's old roommate - Dan Read. We had never run together before so that was interesting. We stayed together until mile 6 and then I set him free...I was holding him back with my 10 minute miles. :)

I did really well until between mile 8.5 and 9.5 due to the infamous "Farm Basket Hill". I finished in 1 hr and 42 mins. I was happy with the time since this was the 1st time I have every run 10 miles. :) During the race they had the color guard carrying flags. They started out in front of us and we ended up passing them about 1/2 way into the race. At the last 1/2 mile, they started catching up with me and Jarod was at the end yelling "don't let them pass you" so I kicked it up (don't know where the energy came from!) and ended up finishing way in front of them. Phew!

There's an interesting thing that happens once you hit the 10 mile mark - at least for me this happened. Things hurt that didn't hurt before. I have a few blisters on my feet and my camelback (stores water in a backpack) that I use for running left an abrasion on my back. This has never happened before and I am used to running about 20 miles per week - just split out. Blisters - it's about time I switched over to my new running shoes anyways. I was holding out but this helped me decide. Camelback - not sure what to do about this. I guess just tighten it down. Maybe add a band aid or 2.

It was really nice having Jarod cheer for me as I finished out the 10 miles. He ran 5 miles while I was running, just not in the race. After the race, we went back to the hotel, showered and drove around Libery University (where we went to college). It's amazing how much they've added and improved the school since we've been there. Around noon we met Dan (who I ran with) and his wife Elizabeth and their 2 boys for lunch. It was really fun catching up with them. Jarod and I decided we miss Lynchburg...

So, now Jarod and I are preparing for the next 10 miler on Sunday - the Army 10 miler. It's not supposed to be as hilly as the race I just did and it's in DC so it should be pretty. I'll blog about that when we finish..

Here are my times by mile
Mile 1 - 10:10
Mile 2 - 9:38
Mile 3 - 10:07
Mile 4 - 10:03
Mile 5 - 9:56
Mile 6 - 10:17
Mile 7 - 10:27
Mile 8 - 10:24
Mile 9 - 11:14
Mile 10 - 10:46

Overall time - 1:42:14
Overall pace - 10:18

If you want to learn more about the race, there's a guy that's been running this race for MANY years and blogged a really good description of the race here.
http://myoccasionalpieces.blogspot.com/2007/09/race-day.html

Some preliminary pictures from Italy

I will post later on Kodak or something...but here are some of the first ones I have named.

Venice at night

View of St. Mark's Square from Cathedral

Sunset in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Jarod and Kadie in Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius in the background

Vatican City from the Dome of St. Peter's Cathedral

Jarod and Kadie at the Colosseum in Rome

I got tagged too...

So here is my (Jarod's) response to the blog, although I'd rather just post pictures.

Here are the tagging rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag Six random things about myself.

I may have to tag less than 6 people, because I only have 2 friends...but here it goes.

1) I count everything...including breaths and steps when I run. I can't even run with an IPOD because it keeps me from concentrating while I count. I think I am nuts.

2) I balance my checkbook twice a week. I guess that's good because I am an accountant, but I am obsessed about knowing what is going in and out of the checkbook.

3) I want to start a business so badly, but I have no idea what kind of business I want to start. I want to make sure I love it or else I won't try, but I also want to make sure it's ridiculously profitable. I will eventually have to try it or else I will feel unfulfilled, but start-up money is also an issue:)

4) I am a softy for my dogs. I can yell and probably even hit people, but my dogs (and later probably my kids) get off easy. When we got back from vacation all Justice wanted to do was sit on my lap...and I let her because I didn't want to make her sad (pathetic).

5) I was a control freak, but think I am relinquishing control of my calendar and some other things like what groceries to buy, etc to Kadie. I think it's a combination of trusting her and getting comfortable with not always having to be in control. It's kind of nice, but if you knew me 6 years ago...I was probably hard to get along with.

6) I like shopping for clothes. Don't know why, but I like dressing in nice things. Yes, I am a brand snob...but darn it, I deserve it.



Here is the hard part...I have to tag people that I know have a blog...but I only read 3 blogs so I have to double up:

I tag:

1) Daryl Reynolds
2) Len Hancock
3) Nina Hancock
4) Cheryl Blaney (she can post here)
5) Greg Blaney (he can post here)
6) Pete Demorest

I really am pathetic...oh well

I've been tagged...

...by my sister-n-law. Thanks Lauren. :)

Here are the tagging rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag

Six random things about myself.

1) I have texture issues. I don't like cold meat or meat that is not at least medium well.
2) I had 2 really good friends that were killed in separate car accidents my senior year of high school.
3) Growing up, I made lots of pies, cookies and cakes with my mother and grandmothers. I love the raw stuff MUCH better then the cooked stuff. (Knock on wood, I have never gotten sick).
4) I tried cheerleading and basketball for one season each. Definitely not my cup of tea. (thanks mom for coaching cheerleading though)
5) I took about 10 years of piano lessons and don't play at all now.
6) I have known my husband for a decade now and am always amazed at the awesome blessings we get to experience together. God is so good!

Ok, I only have 4 friends w/blogs..obviously I need to sell the idea a little more. ;)

I tag:
1) Jarod Blaney (which will be funny because he'll have to post here too)
2) Beth Demorest
3) Tami
4) Carmen

House Hunters Debut

We finally received word when our House Hunters episode is going to air. The first showing is this Thursday 9/11 at 10pm. We really have no idea what to expect so it should be interesting to say the least. I will post my thoughts after we see it. Enjoy!

Here is a link to the information.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hnt/episode/0,1806,HGTV_3855_56904,00.html

"Uncle Ernie" checking in

More pictures of the visit with family in DC. Take a look and see how Anna's smile brings joy to everyone who sees it. It also had to be one of the prettiest DC days of the year...here's proof!

Blaney/Reynolds trip

We had a great time with Greg, Cheryl, Lauren, Daryl and Anna last weekend. Here are some pictures from the trip. Anna is getting so big and is sooo cute!!! We go to go to the Jim Henson exhibit in DC which was a lot of fun. Anna's favorite thing was Ernie, so Jarod got her a mini-Ernie. That just may earn him the name "uncle Ernie." :)

Continuing on the "Search" - The Performance Trap

Chapter 3 of The Search for Significance

False Belief - I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself.
Consequences - The fear of failure; perfectionism; drive to succeed; manipulation of others to achieve success; withdrawal from healthy risks.

Any of this sound familiar? This was a hard chapter for me.

Colossians 2:8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Here are a few truths that struck me:
1) A primary deception all of us tend to believe is that success will bring fulfillment and happiness.
2) Perfectionists usually base their self-worth on their ability to achieve a goal. Therefore, failure is a threat that is totally unacceptable to them.
3) The pressure of having to meet self-imposed standards in order to feel good about ourselves can results in a rules-dominated life. The focus of the Christian life should be on Christ, not self-imposed regulations.

Key areas in Performance Trap
1) Perfectionism - perfectionists often appear to be highly motivated but their motivations usually come from a desperate attempt to avoid the low self esteem that they experience when they fail.
2) Avoidance of Risks - we can't fail what we don't try!
3) Anger and Resentment - when we fail, we look for others to blame.
4) Pride
5) Depression
6) Addiction to Success
7) Identity entangled w/Success - what good is success if other people don't know about it?

Fear of Failure Test - how afraid of failure are you?

Read each of the following statements; then, from the top of the test, choose the term that best describes your response. Put the # above that term in the blank beside each statement:

1 - Always
2- Very Often
3- Often
4 - Sometimes
5- Seldom
6 - Very seldom
7- Never

__1. Because of fear, I often avoid participating in certain activities.
__2. When I sense that I might experience failure in some important area, I become nervous and anxious.
__3. I worry.
__4. I have unexplained anxiety.
__5. I am a perfectionist.
__6. I am compelled to justify my mistakes.
__7. There are certain areas in which I feel I must succeed.
__8. I become depressed when I fail.
__9. I become angry with people who interfere with my attempts to succeed and, as a result, make me appear incompetent.
__10. I am self critical.

Total up your score __

If your score is:
57-70: God has given you a very strong appreciation for His love and unconditional acceptance. You seem to be freed from the fear of failure that plagues most people.
47-56: Fear of failure controls your responses rarely or only in certain situations.
37-46: When you experience emotional problems, they may relate to a sense of failure or to some form of criticism. You can probably relate many of your previous decisions to this fear. Many future decisions will be made the same way unless you take direction to overcome this.
27-36: Fear of failure forms a general backdrop to your life. There are probably few days that you are not affected in some way by this fear. Unfortunately, this robs you of the job and peace your salvation is meant to bring.
0-26: Experiences of failure dominate your memory and have probably resulted in a great deal of depression. These problems will remain until some definitive action is taken. This condition will not simply disappear; time alone cannot heal this pain. You need to experience deep healing in your self concept, in your relationship w/God and with others.

I scored in the 37-46 range and could really relate with a lot of the examples (I guess that is why I am reading the book!).

I'll leave you with this final quote - The more sensitive you become to the fear of failure and the problems it may cause, the more you will understand your own behavior as well as that of others.

My prayer is that I can identify why I am afraid to fail, give that to God and fully experience the joy and peace of our salvation.

19 days and counting..

Until Jarod and I sail away for a long vacation!! We can hardly wait. We are taking a 12 day cruise to the Mediterranean and visiting Rome, Naples, Dubrovnik, Venice, Messina, Monoco, Livorno, and Barcelona. Most of you know last time this year we were communiting to and from Richmond as we relocated back to DC. Thinking back we haven't had a vacation in 2 years. That is way to long!!! :)

Needless to say we are really excited. I can't wait to post pictures when we get back. I'm sure we'll have some great ones.

One of the fun things about it only being 19 days until we leave is all of the fun stuff we are doing between now and then. For example, this weekend Jarod's family and Baby Anna are coming down to visit. (yeah!! we haven't seen Anna in months!!) We are really looking forward to seeing them and spending time with them this weekend. I think the guys are going to be doing a golf trip and the girls will probably do some shopping and maybe visit some of the museums.

Next weekend we are going to a National's game on Friday with a bunch of people and Saturday we are taking advantage of DC's restaurant week... if you live in the DC area, you should check it out. High end restaurants participate and dinners only cost $35.00/person. http://www.washington.org/restaurantwk/ And I have to get my scrapbooking caught up, so I'll be doing that as well.

I am still in training for the 10 miler and triathalon, so the weekends are also full of long bike rides and long runs. I recently recruited another person, Jenny, for the Tri so I have other people to train with as well which is always fun. My friend Becci is trying to get me to do 2 10 milers back to back so we'll see if that works out... I'll be one tired girl!

The Search for Significance

Our small group just started doing this book, the Search for Significance and it is wonderful. It dives into how we view ourselves and how often times that view is not the way God intended us to view ourselves.

Here is the wrong way:

Self Worth = Performance + Others' Opinions

How often do we find ourselves in that equation? I know I am there quite often. The intent of the book is to transform the way you view yourself. In Chapter 2, the author categorizes the attempts we make to meet our needs for success and approval into 2 categories: Compulsiveness and Withdrawal,

Compulsiveness - expending extra effort, working extra hours, trying to say the right thing to achieve success and please those around them. This leads to a compulsive desire to be in control of every situation. Perfectionists tend to fall in this category. - There's a fine balance here that I struggle with because God talk about talents and using them, so there has to be some level of achievement..right? I'm looking forward to discovering more about this in the following chapters.

Withdrawal - trying to avoid failure and disapproval by avoiding risks. These people don't volunteer for jobs that offer much risk or failure and their friendship are with people who are comforting and kind. They avoid relationships that may demand vulnerability and risk of rejection.

Here are a few quotes from chapter 2 that really stuck out to me..

(1) "Isn't it amazing that we turn to others who have a perspective as limited and darkened as our own to discover our worth! Rather then relying on God's steady, uplifting reassurance of who we are, we depend on others who base our worth on our ability to meet their standards."

(2) "When we base our security on success and others opinions, we become dependent on our abilities to perform and please others. We develop a have-to mentality: I have to do well on this exam (or my security as a good student will be threatened). I have to make that deal (or my boss will think I'm a failure)."

I don't have the answer yet on how to change this perspective of ourselves. The general answer is to put our self-worth in God but in practical terms I don't really know how to implement it yet. I am praying that God will help me fully understand these truths and see myself as God sees me.. Genesis 1:27 - 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Here's a link to the book on Amazon.com. If you are in a small group or just looking for a great devotional I highly recommend it!

http://www.amazon.com/Search-Significance-Seeing-Worth-Through/dp/0849944244

Training Plan

Here is the training plan that I am using for the 10 miler in September and the Sprint Triathalon in October. I increase the distance as follows - every 3rd swim I increase 1 lap (each lap is 50 meters), every 2 weeks I increase my running distance by 1/2 of a mile for each day that I run. I actually don't increase my bike mileage much because I am doing a lot of spinning classes as well.

Sunday - Long Run (right now I'm at 6.5 miles), Swim 9 laps without stopping
Monday - Bike 10 miles, work out with my trainer for 30 minutes (target ABS and strength training)
Tuesday - Spinning class for 45 minutes, Ab class for 15 minutes, Run 3.25 miles
Wednesday - Swim 9 laps without stopping
Thursday - Spinning class for 45 minutes, Ab class for 15 minutes, Run 3.25 miles
Friday - Day off
Saturday - Long Bike Ride (right now I'm at 13 miles)

Hopefully this will get me all ready for the races this fall.

Note - it's very important not to increase your running mileage to quickly. Most websites say no more then 10% each week.

Training for a Sprint Triathalon

October 12th I am participating in my first ever Sprint Triathlon. This is also the first race I've done where things other then running are included. It's been really fun training and I wanted to pass along some of the things I've learned so far. As an fyi - the Sprint Triathlon I'm doing is a 400 meter swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run.

Lessons Learned

1) Having a good bike makes a HUGE difference - refer to the posting about my bike. :) On Saturday, Jarod and I did 13 miles in an hour. My target is to get down to around 40 minutes.

2) Good running shoes are key. When I first started running a few years ago I ran in normal shoes. Sure, they said "running" shoes at Dick's Sporting Goods but the fact that they were only $50.00 should have told me they probably weren't really "good" running shoes. Poor shoes plus increasing my mileage to quickly (you should only increase your mileage by 10% a week. I usually do 10% every 2 weeks just to be careful) caused a stress fracture in my heal. I had to quit running for a month and even then it was a slow recovery. Bite the $100 bullet and go to a running store and have them fit you for the appropriate running shoes. Be sure to take your old shoes in with you because they can tell by the wear on the shoes how you run (supinate, overpronate) and can pick shoes that are appropriate for you. And, you can always add inserts to your shoes. I have 2. ;) Currently my best 5K (3 mile) time is 28 minutes. I'd like to finish in under 30 minutes for the Tri.

3) Get a workout buddy or join a club. Both times I've been serious about training I've had friends to help me along the way. In Richmond, my friend Mailoan and I trained faithfully up to the 10K mark. Then Jarod and I trained together and got solid at the 10Ks. Then we moved and I had to start over again. This time around it's been my friend Becci and Jarod really motivating me to keep going! It's funny how we're all stronger at different aspects. I've been running for awhile so running is a strength for me. Jarod is a strong biker even admitted to being almost 'in to' running this weekend. Yeah!! Becci is a strong swimmer and biker. So, I'm learning from both of them. Then there's Dan, Becci's husband. He's an animal. He can run forever! The motivation of others helps keep you going and reaching for the goal.

4) Swimming is harder then it looks. So when I first thought about doing a triathlon I was like well, running will be easy..it's only a 5K (3 miles). Swimming should be easy so I should just worry about the biking part. Boy was I wrong. When I do my laps, granted I'm trying to do them fast..I am totally out of breath. I'm going to have to focus a lot of my time on swimming. I'm doing much better but I definitely need to get stronger here. Last week I did the 400 Meters in 10 minutes but I was completely exhausted after. My target is 12 minutes for the race.

5) Saving your strength. When you're just doing one event like what I'm used to (running 10Ks) you think to yourself, keep going your almost done and you tend to push yourself more. In a Triathlon, you still have more to go. So that is going to be a key point in my training. The last 3-4 Saturdays before the race I'm going to practice doing all 3 and see how I handle the transition points and doing all 3 events.

I'll add my training plan soon! :)

Ukraine Global Impact mission trip

Jenny and Gavin left on Saturday for a mission trip to the Ukraine. Our small group leader suggested we each sign up for a day and pray for them while they are away. I thought this was such a great idea and wanted to pass along what we are praying for so you could join us.
Safe travels for the team.

1. Gavin and Jenny's leadership to their team.
2. Unity and a strong bond being formed among team members.
3. Opportunities to effectively share the gospel.
4. The health and safety of the team. That the team would have sufficient rest during their trip.
5. That the team be challenged to go out of their comfort zone and be bold for Christ.
6. That the hearts of the Ukrainian adults and children be softened when the gospel is presented.
7. Pray for a good relationship between the team and their Young Life camp liaisons. That they are able to effectively work together to achieve their common goal of ministering to the Ukrainian people.
8. Successful R&R for the team. That this trip will be a blessing in Gavin and Jenny's marriage.
9. Safe travels back home. Spiritual growth from the mission trip experience.Successful processing of the mission trip experience. That the team had a life-changing experience.

My Bike is Pimpin'

(as Jarod would say...) I got a new bike the other day. Jarod did all the research and picked it out for me. It's sooo awesome!! Here's a picture:




I will post some pictures of me on it soon with my super cool helmet (it's a requirement in VA to wear a helmet). I absolutely love the bike! I was borrowing a friend of mine's bike (thanks Becci!) and she is 6 foot tall. As you all know I am nowhere close to that tall. It's amazing what a difference (even with the seat adjusted) it makes having a bike that's for your size.

Anyways, Jarod has it all set up for me. I have a water bottle, extra tire and bike pump (since I don't have very good luck with tires. I had 2 flats in 1 week and one left some scars but I recovered. :)! ) pedometer and a super cool carrier for keys and a bike lock. I am good to go!

The main reason for the bike purchase (despite being healthy) is that I am doing a Sprint Triathlon with my friend Becci October 12th. It's a 400 meter swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run. It's been really fun training so far and the new super spiffy bike should help me with my time. I am a little cautious (ok Jarod calls me slow) because of my fall a few weeks ago but I'm regaining my confidence.

{A few weeks ago I went out on the bike and was coming down a hill and the front tire popped leaving me with a nasty gash on my hand and some scrapes on my leg} That and a few other incidents have lead to nick names like "grace" and K2 (klutzy kadie). All are well deserved! :)

But I am determined to keep this bike upright and keep training for October! I'll blog soon about my training plan. I created it but want to see how it works out for a few weeks before publishing.

If you tried bike riding a while ago and gave up, it's time to wipe off the dust, borrow or buy a bike and try again. It's really a lot of fun and can save lots of $$ with the current gas prices. Ok, that's my 10 second soap box. :)

4th of July Fun

I'm starting the holiday weekend with an early dismissal. YEAH!! 3pm and I'm out of here!

My parents are coming in town to visit for the weekend which should be a lot of fun. We have an action packed weekend of going to the Baltimore Aquarium, the National Zoo and the DC Fireworks. And of course I am exercising this weekend in prep for my fall races. What are your 4th of July plans?

Family Matters

Why is it family stuff can be so hard? Most of you know the situation with my brother and that he doesn't want anything to do with us or my parents. For those of you who don't basically there was a lot said on both sides and it pretty much ended in this really awkward, estranged situation.

It's easier for me because I live in Virginia but my parents live in the same town that he does, so they are reminded quite often of the situation.

Why is it that we can't forgive and move on?

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

My brother and his wife are expecting their first child and although I did not get invited and really haven't talked with them in a few years I still feel compelled to do something. After all he is still my brother and she will be my niece. I worry though that the gift will not be very well received. And, it may make things worse for my parents. It's one of those times I wish I knew the right answer. I may not know the right answer but God does.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God, that is, for those who are called according to his purpose, all things are working together for good.

I Peter 5:7 - Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you.

Please pray for me that God would lead and that I would follow his direction in this situation.

Ode to my convertible

We sold my convertible last week. It was the right thing to do, but I have to admit I was sad. I really enjoyed driving it and zipping around town. The good news is I really, really like my new car (AKA the new, old car) (no pics yet sorry!). We purchased a used Honda Pilot and it's so much fun to drive. I have never had anything other then a car as my primary mode of transportation. It's fun sitting up high (it's like a whole new world) and Jarod hooked me up with XM (there are so many choices, how do people do this? I feel like I'm A.D.D. station turner now) and I really enjoy driving it. So, I'm leaving the world of "zipping around" but it's for the best. Cheryl (my mother-n-law) will be happy to know that I have to wear my seat belt now b/c it beeps at me. I know, I know..I should always wear it, but I just forget. Now I have a handy-dandy reminder.

Being a Tunnel

About 6 months ago McLean Bible started an "internet" campus. It sounds strange at first but it's actually really awesome. You can experience the whole service live through your computer. You'd be amazed how many people have moved to this mode of worship. And, our neighbors are going to join us next week which is really great. The webstie has a place for you to take sermor notes, download the sermon and all kinds of cool stuff. Here's the link to the website if you want to check it out: http://www.frontlinedc.com/pages/page.asp?page_id=21944







Anyways, the message last night was about leaving the "getting even" part of life to God and not seeking revenge when others hurt you. Lon said you can either be a tunnel or a wall. It's really straightforward actually. A wall blocks things and a tunnel leads you to something. So, in the spiritual sense, when you're seeking retribution or revenge you're a wall and you are not leading people to Christ. When you give it to God and continue to show His love, you become and tunnel and can lead people to Christ. It's one of those things for me that's easy to talk about but hard to practice. So, my goal is to start actively practicing this and become a tunnel to Christ.

Xterra 10K

We survived..barely! Jarod and I did a really tough 10K this weekend it Richmond. It was full of trail running, rock jumping and hot, hot weather! Here's a link to the race. http://www.sportsbackers.org/jrag_scramble.htm

It took us a little longer then normal, but that's to be expected. We finished it in 1 hour and 14 mins. Not to bad.

We talked our neighbors into going with us, which was really fun. They really enjoyed it and are now catching our running bug! I already signed up for a 10 miler in September. Gotta pick up the training a little bit. :)

Our Small Group

Our small group rocks!!

We've really enjoyed getting to know these couples. When we moved back to DC in the fall we decided joining a small group would be the best way to connect with Christian couples and we were right! They have been a true blessing to us. Most are newly married so it's been fun to say "been there done that." :) Anyways, we've been meeting with them for about 3 months and already we have made lifelong bonds. I'm so grateful that churches have realized the importance of small groups!

Our Small Group

Let me just say our small group rocks!! We are so grateful to God for bringing us into the group.
It's been really awesome getting to know them. When we moved back to DC we decided joining a small group was the best way to get connected again with Christian friends. We joined the group about 3 months ago and it feels like we've know each other much longer then that. Most of us do not have family close by so we've helped each other move and in times of crisis like house flooding. McLean Bible has a great small group program through Frontline. I would recommend joining a small group to anyone!

Here I go....into the wonderful world of blogging. It's a little scary for me because I'm not a big writer, but since most of our family live away it's a good thing for me to start.

Last weekend Jarod and I ran a race with our friends Ken and Susan. The girls ran the 10K and the boys ran the 5K (wimps!.. lol). The race was really tough, but Susan made me stay with it and we finished strong. Here's a link to the race and results:

http://www.herndonfestival.net/

It was very muggy and the course was really hilly. Anyways, I am really proud of Jarod for running with me because I know it's not his favorite thing to do. This weekend we are headed to Richmond to check out our old house ... I dont think anyone has bought it still! God really blessed us in that situation. PTL!! And on the way back we're going to have dinner with one of Jarod's previous employees in Ashland, VA. Well, back to work.