All Fall Down

Well, it happened.

The day I've been dreading, worrying over, and anticipating ever since I started biking.

I fell down.

Before you get too worried, let me just say... I fell in my driveway.

Yep, I was at a complete stop on my bike, and just toppled over. Feet, clipped into my pedals. No way to escape. Stuck to the bike.

I got new bike shoes for Christmas- along with new pedals. You literally clip your shoes into your pedals, so you're attached to the bike. It takes some getting used to- sort of like water skiing- so I've been practicing all week on my friend Stephen's trainer- an indoor spin session of sorts. And today was my first day out on the open road.

And it was SO glorious! I loved every second of it. I "clipped-in" easily. I took off. I was faster than ever before. I really felt "one with the bike," if you know what I mean. Everything just clicked. I felt in-sync, fast, capable, strong. I thought to myself- I'll be unstoppable this race season. I breathed in the beautiful cold air, the sunshine, the sparkling water of the Arkansas River. It was just awesome, to sum it up in a word.

Then, I pulled into my driveway, couldn't "un-clip" fast enough, and- stuck to the bike- just fell over, bike in tow, landing on my right side. Right knee, specifically. I sat in the driveway, holding back tears for a few minutes. I took a good look at my scraped-up knee, made sure my new Northface and running pants didn't get torn in the process.

And, I promptly called my mom. Because I was hurt, and of course you call your mom when you're hurt!

Being the girly-girl that I am, I wanted to cry. My heart was racing. A part of my brain said, OUCH, this hurts, back away. And the other part of me- the budding athlete, the girl that wants so badly to be a fierce competitor- was sort of proud. My first "bike injury."

Even though I was literally going.... zero miles per hour.

Falling down, getting back up. Getting back in the saddle. It's just like riding a bike. All of the cliches are, of course, running through my head.

And the writer in me can't help but say- yes, of course. This is the perfect way to segue into something that's been on my heart. A feeling that's been rattling around in my head as we gear up, pedal into 2013.

We all fall down. And our bruises and scars make us who we are; make us stronger and better. Sometimes we're on top of the world, smooth sailing, taking in every little and big detail around us. And other times, we're on the ground, eating dirt. Leaves stuck to our new purple Northface.

My goal this year isn't to just get back up. I felt like I did a lot of falling- and rising- in 2012. I know I'll keep pushing on, no matter what.

No, my goal in 2013 is to simply enjoy the view.

Because even the view from the ground looking up is pretty good.

2013! It's Here!

Well, here we are- 2013! I think I'm already off to a good start in the blogging department. Last day of 2012 AND first day of 2013! Maybe this whole "don't make any specific resolutions" will actually make me more intentional about the things I care about/want to change/enjoy? HMM... food for thought.

In fact... I gave up soda in September with full disclosure I could start drinking coke again anytime I wanted to.

But I haven't.

So, the KEY must be... don't make your goals a "must happen." Just see how they go, and don't beat yourself up if you don't succeed!

Now that I've given you these pearls of wisdom, you can turn off the TV, stop scouring the Internet for resolution advice, and just be with your friends and family on New Year's Day.

Actually... keep the TV on. FOX23 specifically. Especially if you live in Tulsa. Some of us have to work today!

I saw this quick little questionnaire over at Kelly's Korner- and thought I'd go ahead and answer the questions. Pass it along! Or just answer them to yourself.

OK, I promise I'll stop bossing you around now.


1. What are you most thankful for?
Oh boy, starting with a big one. My family's health & safety. My friendships. Renewing friendships. Work. My house. My cat. My health. Exercise. Jesus. Coffee. Seasons.

2. What were the highlights of 2012 for you?
January: The True Blue premiere; February: My birthday/date auction fun; May: New job beginnings (and tent camping for the first time!); June: Hilary's wedding; September: Tri Tulsa; longest race yet!; November: Thanksgiving with the family; December: Gamma Phi Beta weekend in Denver; Christmas; seeing old friends!

3. What are you hoping for in 2013?
More opportunities to travel; pursuit of writing & producing in a variety of creative mediums; finding a church home; completing an Olympic distance triathlon. Just a few. See yesterday's post about no specific resolutions! :)

4. What were some of your favorites of 2012? (Clothes, movies, songs, TV shows, )
Favorite musicians: Carrie Underwood, Florence + The Machine, Jason Aldean
Favorite clothes: leggings, boots, dresses, scarves, funky rings
Favorite TV shows: Castle, Rizzoli & Isles, Chicago Fire, Nashville, Parenthood, New Girl, Modern Family, Parks & Rec, Covert Affairs, Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead

5. Who was God to you in 2012?
Source of refuge, strength. Safe place. Someone I'm seeking more of in 2013.