Not so small victories

Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara. My amazing "gym".

Hello again. Yes, I decided to go outside my norm and post more than once a month:) Actually, I was thinking that posting at least once a week would be my New Year's resolution. It's the thought of New Year's that got me thinking about my next post. Isn't it interesting how when the New Year rolls around it causes us to think about where we've been and where we're going? I really don't like New Year's that much, a lot of hype for one night that's really the same as most other nights. Anyway, I digress, what I'm trying to say is this season I'm extra amazed at where my life is in comparison to where I thought it would be.
In June 2007, after my second season coaching in Santa Barbara, I stood next to the track at the NCAA National Championships in Sacramento, California watching the finals of the steeplechase. I was amongst some young, and many seasoned, coaches lined against the fence, pacing back and forth, making small talk, figuring out who's taking the next big job opening, what PAC 10 or SCC jobs would be available, and who would rise to be the next collegiate track powerhouse. As I stood there, in the extreme heat on the fourth day of the meet, I realized, I would much rather be home then at this meet, putting on my fake arrogance, and trying to act more confident then I felt to avoid any indication of weakness to my male counterparts. Yes, I loved track. Yes, I loved to coach. But NO!, I couldn't make it my life. I could care less about winning a national championship if it meant making the team and my athletes "success" my one and only aim in life. I realized this drive to be the best coach in Division 1 athletics had to by my number one goal in life to survive in this unusual world. Again, I remember thinking, that if winning a national championship took me away from my family, away from caring about the person behind the athlete, then it wasn't' for me. If I didn't want to be number one in this career, maybe I just wasn't meant to be a D-1 coach. "I just want to help people.", I thought to myself.


Fast forward to this evening, I got a call from my friend J. I'm working with her to get back on track with her physical health. After years of taking care of her family and friends and neglecting her own health, her body has taken a beating. A few weeks ago she was sitting on her couch with the simple desire to "not be in pain all the time". With the knowledge I am gaining at the Physical Therapy office, I'm working with J to get her body to a piont that she can enjoy an active quality of life without the fear of pain. So, this afternoon after our morning session, I got a message from J "Shoulder pain?! What shoulder pain?!!" J couldn't wait to tell me that she is feeling amazing. The best part of it all...I feel more satisfaction in hearing her joy and excitement then if I had won a National Championship. Sometimes the victories that seem small and unnoticed by the rest of the world, are not so small after all.

Is it really over?

Can I please tell you how much I love the Christmas season?! Yes, I admit it, I am one of those annoying people that play Christmas music right after the Thanksgiving meal is served (or sooner if I can get away with it). I just don't know what it is. I get so excited Christmas Eve night that I struggle going to sleep and I have to force myself not to get up before everyone else Christmas morning. Fortunately, this year was not any different. I am so fortunate to have spent the entire holiday season celebrating with family and friends. I can't remember the last time I participated in so many Christmas celebrations. It was awesome! What an amazing gift the Lord has given me this Christmas season to have time to enjoy it. This year I wasn't traveling to indoor track meets, going to coaching clinics in Las Vegas, or national conventions in Pheonix, Arizona. This year, I had the opportunity to stay in my little world surrounded by my family, old friends, new friends, and new coworkers. I am sad to see this season wind down. Here are a few pictures of this December's adventures and celebrations. I hope that through all the hustle and bustle you too can look back and realize how lucky we are to have a time to celebrate Jesus birth.

Dec, 5, 2008- It's hard to get freinds together in the same place for dinner. This Friday night we grabbed some thai food in Santa Barbara before the holiday rush began.


Dec. 6, 2008- The Scott's first Christmas open house! Although this event took place during the UCLA vs. USC football game no serious fights broke out between the fueding parties. The women below are our moms. They've been friends since college and us kids have grow up together. Look, they still seem to like eachother after all these years.




Dec. 13, 2008- Since I've returned to my hometown, I've gotten back in touch with some of my high school freinds. Michelle and Kari were both on the NPHS volleyball team with me. Michelle had a "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party at her home this year. I wish this picture could more accurately display the splender and detail of the Santa Clause patches outlined in gold "puffy paint" which adorned the vibrant red blouse I wore. It was a true find!


Dec. 20, 2008- After dinner at the Scott's in L.A., we decided to take a "short walk" to Griffith Park to see the annual light display. The walk was necessary to avoid the hours of traffic we would have sat through. However, we didn't avoid the hours of walking. What started as a 1.5 mile strolled, turned into a 6.5 mile hike. Two and a half hours later we had our fill of holiday lights.



Dec. 23, 2008- Two days before Christmas, my mom, dad and I were invited to a night of food, and lots of singing. It's been a while since I've gone to a Christmas party with my parents, so it was great to celebrate together. This party was hosted by a very colorful family who plans this event every year in order to get thier freinds around the piano to sing Christmas Carols until the wee hours of the morning. Although, I'm not much of a singer, how can you pass on a flamboyant rendition of 12 days of Christmas?

Dec. 24, 2008- This Christmas Eve, Mom and Dad came to our church, Reality Carp. with me and my sister. It was a bit rainy and cold so we made a quick prechurch dash to Coffee Bean for some peppermint lattes. What a great way to start an evening of celebrating Christ's birth. When we got back from church, the last minute bows were placed on the packages and we were ready for the big day!

Dec. 25, 2008- Christmas Day! Spent with the same five people I've spent every Christmas with since I can remember. Christmas wouldn't be the same without Gramma, Papa, Karebear, Momma, and Daddy.Merry Christmas to you and yours!