Shop for a Cause!

So, I have great news for any of my female readers, the news we have been waiting forever to hear ... we finally have it!  An excuse to go shopping!!!  I know, men everywhere simultaneously rolled their eyes, held onto their wallets and made me public enemy number one!  Anyway, for those of you who are interested and who might be within driving distance of Kingsport, Tennessee, mark your calendars for next week!  The Junior League of Kingsport is hosting our 5'th Annual Holiday Market. 

There are tons of vendors coming in from across the country with amazing goods and services!  I am the Assistant Co-Chair and I have been looking at the list of vendors and I cannot wait!  My bank account might not be as excited as I am!  Anyway, for those of you who are not familiar with what Junior League does or what the money raised from the Holiday Market goes to, here is some information. 

Funds raised from Holiday Market go towards building brighter and more hopeful futures for the children and families in our community?  That is what the Junior League of Kingsport does.  We help establish new programs, support existing organizations, provide grants and scholarships to better the lives of children and families every step of the way.  Again, I know with the economy everyone is watching their budgets, but what could be more important than helping the children in our community? 

Holiday Market is going on Oct. 6-8 at the Meadowview Marriott.  If you are interested here is the information and a link to the tickets!:

Thursday, October 6th - Ladies' Night $35
6-10pm
Heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, silent auction table, celebrity cookbook author book-signing, first dibs on shopping and an extra ticket to come back during General Shopping hours!

Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th - General Shopping $5
10am - 7pm
New extended hours for the after-work crew! It's never too late to squeeze in a little shopping before the weekend!  Friendly and fun activities planned for Family Hours on Saturday! The little ones will be entertained with magic, storytelling, airbrush tattoos, crafts and more from 10am - 2pm!

So, next week, come on out and SHOP FOR A CAUSE!

JCP

Paddle Faster, I hear banjos... Bluegrass Half Marathon

Well, this past weekend a friend and I (through exceptional planning) ran two races in less than 36 hours... we are smart!  The first was the mud run, which was yesterday's post... The second was the Bluegrass Half Marathon.  Before you think anything, yes we are aware that we are "those people" that others laugh at.  Anyway, we arrived early for the half-marathon, because apparently in addition to not looking at a calendar when planning this weekend, I didn't look at the start time.  I thought it started at 7 AM, so my friend and I get there super early, start stretching and are wondering why the parking lots are all empty... Yep, you got it.  The race started at 7:30.  Anyway, we get lined up to run and by this point we start realizing that doing an obstacle course run the day before might not have been our smartest option.  Oh well, it was too late by then. 

Anyway, we started the run with the intention of going slow, steady and just enjoying the scenery, which we did.  The course was pretty and fairly flat (max elevation change was only 250 feet at a low grade).  Anyway, we finished the race to a supportive team of my parents and promptly made our way to the beer tent!  Because, let's not kid ourselves, passing the sign at mile 3 that there would be beer at the finish was definitely a motivating factor in my continuing to run the course.  After enjoying our beer, resting our feet briefly, we loaded up, headed home, cleaned up and went to a healthy lunch of pizza! 

I have included some pics below of us during the run and after.  Enjoy!

Just a half mile from the finish line!

Done... slow and steady!

Posing for a picture right after running, but really trying to find the beer tent!

Success!  Beer Tent Located!  The best part?  On the medals is a beer bottle opener... yes, you read that right!

Getting ready to head home after a fun run and a good morning!

 On that note, I'm off to run today after work!  Have a great day!

JCP

Mud! What Mud?

Well, this past weekend was the weekend of crazy running for me and my friend Stephanie.  We started on Saturday by participating in the Annual Mud, Sweat and Cheers 5K to benefit the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.  Thus, we rose at the crack of 7:00 to head to Wal-Mart to get supplies to make fun shirts, because planning ahead would have just been too difficult!  Anyway, with supplies in tow, we realize we 1-have no clue how to make shirts, and 2 - are running late... always excellent things to discover. Anyway, after having some arts and crafts time, we produced two shirts and two ribbons to wear!  We booked it downtown to prepare to run Cement Hill.  Once we arrive we walk into semi-organized chaos.

Well, the starting pistol sounds and we get going.  The course was not incredibly well marked... and by not incredibly well marked, I mean that a lot of people missed a loop and we were not really sure where we should be going.  Anyway, so once we got that figured out and were doing our happy little run uphill when we run into the first of 2.5 miles of vines.  These are the thin little vines that are super easy to trip you up... yes... and then we got to the portion that was single file for about 3/4 of a mile to a mile... For someone who has run several races, it was a bit frustrating that we couldn't pass anyone and unfortunately several of the runners weren't sticking to one side when we got to a clear area to pass, so we were kind of stuck in the position we started in.  Anyway, when all was said and done and the obstacles cleared, we made our way to the mud pit and dove right in.  After crawling through the mud we made our way to the finish line, crossed it and proceeded to find somewhere to clean ourselves off!

Overall, it was a fun race and I would do it again!

Stephanie and I before the race!

Pre-Race (aka, pre-mud!)

Emerging from the mud pit!

Done!  All nice and muddy!

Have a great day!
JCP

Off Running...

Well, so today is going to be one of those days... I will be overly motivated and post twice today!  The first post is about yesterday...  Do you ever have those days where you just get so frustrated, yet cannot say anything or really fix it?  Well, that was my day yesterday.  After getting home super late from a meeting that was not exactly what I would call exciting or fun, in fact it was quite the opposite. 

Anyway, after returning from that, I just felt the need to get control, so I went running.  It was dark and wet and honestly, it was probably a miracle I didn't injure myself, but, it was so incredibly worth it.  By the time I got home (from what I might add was a super speedy run, haven't run that fast or that hard in a long time) I was in control of things again, and my world was right-side up.  Isn't it amazing how sometimes, just sometimes, a run can put life in perspective again? 

"There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be."  George Sheehan

JCP

It's a Dog's Life...

Good morning!  For those of you who know me, you know I adopted (well, I was adopted by) a Benji look-alike last year.  In the past year and a half, Sadie has wormed her way into getting to come into the office every day.  She is our official office greeter and in fact many of our clients come by our office just to say hi to her or bring her a treat... yes, she has a tough life.  Moreover, most of the banks that I go through not only recognize me by name, but they recognize Ms. Sadie and will give her treats.  Our mail-man at work always takes a few moments to pet Sadie.  All of my sweet neighbors ask about her, and I will randomly find little zip-lock bags of cooked chicken or other food on my doorstep with a little note "For Sadie".  She has a heart of gold and is quite possibly the friendliest and best natured dog I have ever had the privilege of having.

All of this being said... it amazes me that her previous owners surrendered her to the animal shelter.  When I saw her, she had thankfully only been there for one day.  She was the only dog that was not barking (in fact, to this day, she rarely if ever barks).  Also, when we took her out to see her closer, it was near feeding time at the shelter.  The room we were put into is where all of the food was in bowls rady to serve.  She completely ignored the food and paid 100% of her attention to us.  What makes this even more amazing is that even though she is now almost 30 pounds, at that time she was only 18 or 19 pounds.  I think so many people adopt or buy animals forgetting that you are promising them a lifetime of care, love and companionship.  I encourage anyone who reads this to consider adopting a shelter dog or cat.  I know that even though I have given Sadie a home, she has given me so much more by way of her love and companionship. 

"The average dog has one request to all humankind.  Love me."  Helen Exley

Sadie resting on my stomach after my run.

Apparently waiting at home for me to return from my run was exhausting, so she promptly fell asleep on my stomach!

Taking a snooze at the office...apparently it is hard being cute and loveable all the time!

Her first boat ride... she immediately found the front of the boat and stayed there throughout the ride!

After getting into a Christmas Present... the evidence is right there!

Smiling for the camera!

 JCP

T - 6 weeks!

So... I was looking at my calendar today and realized that I am less than 6 weeks away from my marathon!  Ok, so this realization was met with a few moments of trepidation and a few moments of panic... After those passed, and I got my head on straight, I am really excited about the run.  My training has gone as well as it could with life thrown into the mix, so I am excited to see how the run goes!

On another note, this weekend I am running a mud run on Saturday.  I've never run one before, so I am super excited.  One of my friends is coming in and we are running the mud run in the morning and then enjoying some beer after.  Then... on Sunday (and, yes, I fully acknowledge what a brilliant planner I am!!!) a couple of us are running the Bluegrass Half Marathon... Yes... I know, the day before I am doing a mud run through obstacles... I'm a sharp one!  Anyway, I am actually quite excited about this weekend as the mud run benefits the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and the Half Marathon fits nicely into my training schedule!  

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

Off to run!

JCP

The heart of a volunteer...

This past weekend, Operation One Voice, a group that I have volunteered with for years had their 9/11 Remembrance Weekend.  It was held at Lake Lanier Islands Resort outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  I drove down on Thursday evening and stayed with a dear friend so that I could be at the golf course at 7 AM to help with set-up and preparation for the golf tournament.  We had over 100 golfers come along with many current and former athletes to help the cause.  It was truly amazing to sit and talk with so many of these veterans, current soldiers and citizens.  Additionally, a few hours into the tournament, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with SGM Billy Waugh (U.S. Army - Ret) for a few hours.  What an amazing man.  For a bit of reference material please refer here.  If you want the Readers Digest Version - Silver Star (1 award), Bronze Star (4 awards) , Purple Heart (8 awards) and many others...  Yes, this man is not someone you want to mess with and he is one of the most ardent patriots I have ever had the honor of meeting.


After the golf tournament (which was a resounding success thanks to Laird Canby of Eagle Rock Distributors), I headed to the main resort to help set-up for the Cowboy Casino that evening.  What a fun evening.  It was truly inspiring to be around so many heroes.  We look so often in the wrong places for heroes, but let me tell you, on Friday evening there was a surplus at Lake Lanier!  How inspiring.  We also had with us a group of Marines, Rangers, Police Officers and Firefighters that had just finished their Honor Ride from Fort Bragg to Duluth, GA.  I had the opportunity to meet several of these amazing men and talk with them for a bit.  I also had the chance to talk with several of the widows and children that Operation One Voice has helped over the years.  Talk about humbling.


The next morning I left for an early run while the bicyclists who had ridden from Fort Bragg to Duluth met up with almost 60 more cyclists to complete the last leg of the mission.  It was inspiring that as I was finishing my 18 miles of running, I saw the bicyclists approaching me from behind, so I stopped to cheer them along.  Next thing I know, many of the ones who knew me were yelling for me!  I was very touched!  After running and showering, a couple of us proceeded to take some golf carts around the property.  After our impromptu tour, we all proceeded to relax by the pool (well, most of us relaxed... a few Marines felt the need to make the rest of us look bad and proceeded to swim laps!  At least they had a beer after!).  


That evening, we all congregated and took the Eagle Rock Bus (Budweiser Bus!) to the Travis Tritt Concert... what concert you ask?  Oh, the concert that Operation One Voice coordinated to raise money!  The venue was PACKED!  We then had the chance to meet Travis Tritt and listen to an awesome concert!  We did not leave the venue until around 2 AM and arrived back at the resort around 3 AM... Long day, but absolutely awesome.


However, the most amazing part was yet to come.  Sunday morning Operation One Voice held a Remembrance Service.  The service began with the presentation of the colors, a bagpipe playing Amazing Grace, a prayer, and the ringing of a bell to signify the sacrifice of the firefighters who ran in when everyone else was running out.  We then had the privilege of having Major General Mark Clark speak to us regarding 9/11, our military's service and our changed America.  It was a truly moving speech and I was very honored to spend such a momentous occasion with such an amazing group of patriots.  

As I was driving home, it truly hit me that even though our Servicemen and women fight each day on the front to keep America free, we, as patriots back home have an equal duty to maintain freedom here, to keep those ideals that we were founded under strong and alive.  To quote SGM Waugh "We will not forget 9/11, We can not forget 9/11."


God Bless America,
JCP

My Feet Can't Fail Me Now!

Well, my training for the marathon is going about as well as could be expected!  I got a good run in this past weekend, promptly followed by sitting by the pool the rest of the afternoon, having a few beers and then going to a Travis Tritt Concert... more on the 9/11 weekend with Operation One Voice later though.  It was funny at the beginning of my run on Saturday, my iPod pulled the wrong play list and one of my jazz play lists came up.  And, yes, the first song that came up was rather ironic... "My Feet Can't Fail Me Now" by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.  What a great way to start an 18 mile run. 

By the end of the very very very hilly run (it didn't look that hilly when driving it!) I was singing "My Feet Can't Fail Me Now" to myself as a motivator to get up those last few hills!  Overall a great run though!  I will post more on the 9/11 Remembrance weekend tomorrow!  Until then, I'm off to run!

JCP

The cost of service...

This past weekend I participated in Operation One Voice's 9/11 Remembrance Weekend in Georgia.  This is an organization that serves the families and children of fallen and wounded Special Operations Forces.  I have volunteered for several years with this outstanding group and each time and humbled by the servicemen and women I meet.  I will describe some more about the weekend tomorrow, but today I wanted to reflect upon what I have been learning is the true cost of service.  What the true cost of our freedom is...

I met several Special Operations Forces (SOF) soldiers this weekend and as we were talking I started to get a better understanding of what they and their families sacrifice for our freedom... these young men and women sacrifice being present when their children are born, birthdays, recitals, dinners, and more.  The things that they miss may not seem like the end-all, but in reflecting, how often did you and your family sit around a dinner table and discuss your day?  How would it feel to have a constant empty seat because Dad or Mom had training, a last minute deployment (SOF has to be ready to mobilize and deploy very quickly), an emergency around the globe, etc.  I know a few of the soldiers I spoke with spoke mentioned that their largest regret was missing out on their children's lives.  The soldier is not the only one who bears the brunt of the sacrifice... it is often the family back home, worrying, unsure that truly feels the sacrifice daily.  Therefore, if you see a serviceman or woman and wish to thank them for their service, let us also remember to thank their family as well.

"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” - George Orwell

JCP

In remembrance...

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaching, I have recently been speaking with several of my friends reflecting upon where we were when we heard that a plane had hit one of the towers, how we reacted, and how our lives have been different.  Everyone has their own 9/11 story, their own moments of shock, despair, helplessness, vulnerability and anger.  I think in reflecting, the helplessness and vulnerability are things that we, as Americans, are unused to and I believe those are what hit us harder than anything else on that fateful day.

We had been raised to believe our armies were invincible, our cities and civilians untouchable... and until that day, they had been.  Until that day, any aggression toward the United States from outside sources had predominately been directed at the military and did not have the cohesive thought and planning that 9/11 did.  One day changed the course of the future for the United States, and I don't think I am being ethnocentric to say it, for the world.  For the first time since the Wright brothers took flight, no planes were flying over the United States (with the very obvious exception of Air Force One and military jets).  For the first time since probably the war of 1812 did American citizens truly worry about outside forces threatening their safety.  In looking back, I remember being 17, at school, away from home and getting ready to take an Engineering exam (my first exam of college) upon hearing that a plane had hit the towers.  Our professors did not think it was as serious as it was and made us take the test.  As we were walking out we heard that another plane had hit and that one of the towers was about to go down.  To this day, I still remember the feeling of my heart almost stopping and the heart-wrenching sadness of not being able to do anything to prevent it. 

We are a generation that has been raised with technology.  We are a generation that has left footprints on the moon.  We have explored the deepest depths of the ocean.  We have grown up with cures for so many of the diseases that even 50 years ago would have killed us.  We were raised with the American spirit of where there is a will, there is a way.  On that day, when hundreds rushed in to try to help, there was no way that we could prevent those towers from falling, from taking the lives of thousands.  There was no way we could stop the plane before it crashed into the Pentagon.  And, even though we knew that a plane had been hijacked there was no way from the outside that we could stop it.  Only the passengers inside could.  They sacrificed themselves so that no others would die.  But, what I remember most about Flight 93 is that they wanted to live, whereas the terrorists wanted to die and wanted to take innocent lives with them.  I remember a saying I heard once that I believe sums up why, when all the cards are on the table, the United States will still stand tall:

"A martyr would rather suffer death at the hands of an oppressor than renounce his beliefs.  Killing yourself and innocent people to make a point is sick, twisted, brutal, dumb-ass murder.  We don't need martyrs right now. We need heroes. A hero would die for his country but he'd much rather live for it." West Wing

God Bless America and our heroes!

JCP

UT Football, Tailgating and Noah

What a weekend!  We had the home opener for the Tennessee Volunteers, UT vs. Montana.  I arrived in Knoxville Friday evening along with several of my friends.  We proceeded to get a group together to get dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Cumberland Grill / Copper Cellar.  It also didn't hurt that they had $2 beer specials!  Score!  Anyway, after eating enough to make ourselves miserable, we all decided to call it a night since we had a full day of tail-gating the next day.

Well, Saturday morning comes and I decide after looking at my schedule to do my long run on Saturday...  However, it became apparent to me about 1/2 way into my run that I not only had lost the shade, but I had found the hills... a TON of them...  I made a judgement call around mile 11 to stop my run, make my way back to the condo and get ready for the tailgate as I didn't want to be completely wiped out before a day of tail-gating!  Throughout the course of the day we had several people stop by and stay for a bit, it was quite nice to see everyone and catch up!

When it was time to head to the stadium, we looked up and the sky looked ready to let loose with a crazy storm, so our group decided to head to a bar to watch the first bit of the game.  We were the only cats heading away from Neyland Stadium and were we glad!  We walked into the bar and within moments the clouds burst and rain started pouring down in sheets.  I think at one point we even looked outside and saw Noah floating down Cumberland Avenue!

Anyway, when the rain abated, we made our way back to the stadium, sat in our seats amongst a crowd of soaked fans and enjoyed cheering Tennessee on to victory!  Granted, the team is still young and made several rookie mistakes, but overall, considering the age of the team, the game conditions (soggy - at best), they played well and should be proud!  As always, it was great to be in Neyland Stadium and cheer the Volunteers on!  Go Vols!

Neyland Stadium - UT vs. Montana (9/3/2011)

JCP