Keep on Truckin'

As 2011 rapidly approaches, I encourage you to be mindful as you begin the new year.
Push yourself to: never judge a book by it's cover, volunteer more, push the boundaries, say I Love You, smile often, when you say that your going to do something-say it with intention and do it well, remember you only live once, if your not happy than do something about it, challenge yourself or you'll never know what you are truly capable of, forgive often, be gentle with your heart and kind with others, never make promises that you have no intention of keeping, be honest, celebrate your victories but do it humbly, be happy with what you have but always strive for better, work out, take the next step in your career, don't always wait to be asked to do something-be proactive and do it first, appreciate your friends and family as you never know what could happen, rely on God and have faith in him, listen, appreciate the little things, speak publicly when opportunities arise, remember that people's opinions of you are their's, send snail mail, say Thank You, surround yourself by people that you trust, be genuine, don't settle for anything less than what you deserve, being content is ok but won't last a lifetime, work as a team but remember independence can be liberating, if you are scared of something-try to surround yourself by it, set lofty goals, eat healthy but always have a "cheat" day, be patient with yourself and others, trust in the Lord, appreciate the little things, find humor in your faults, and give hugs generously. I truly hope that 2011 brings you the love and happiness that you deserve! Personally, I'm looking forward to at least 3 more precious babies joining my close circle of friends (2 in Feb and one in May), at least 2 weddings, and so many other endless blessings and joys!!!



CHEERS TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF 2010

Hintertux, Austria 2010

I was recently given a fabulous opportunity that entailed traveling to Hintertux, Austria to ski coach with a local company, Euro Custom. This experience brought me full circle as I had the opportunity to coach a long side my former coach of 10 yrs (Ted Lockwood-Bay Race Academy) as well as my High School Ski Coach of 2 years (Ed Johnson-TC West). I was out of the country for a total of 12 days-8 of those were spent on snow, one day in Innsbruck as well as a day in Munich. I've struggled to put the trip into words as it's close to impossible to explain the sights and emotions felt upon exiting Gondola 3 and looking out over the Austrian Alps. It didn't seem to matter how many times I looked around, the views were surreal and nothing less than breath taking. We were blessed with 2 plus days of powder a long with perfectly groomed cruisers, and everything in between. The Austrians were extremely friendly, happy, and all seemed to thoroughly appreciate both the sport of skiing as well as the apres ski scene! :) The village of Hintertux is a ski town destination. At the end of 30 miles of switchbacks, you've arrived at a quaint village filled with a variety of ski shops, two discos, a few bars, a grocery store or two.... and THE TENNE! The Tenne is a Bavarian looking two story bar that is located at the base of Gondola 1. It is packed with skiers, music, and beer lovers from 2-6pm daily. A DJ keeps the crowd moving and singing while the bartenders fill your mug and feed you pear schnapps by the shot. We had a total of about 25 athletes from around the state of Michigan a long with 10 adult recreational skiers and 5 coaches. Outside of skiing, we ran, hiked, played ultimate frisbee, watched World Cup videos, athlete video, shopped, went sightseeing, etc. I could go on and on about the skiing, our team/crew, the sights, the food, our accomodations, The Tenne, etc however I think that you really do need to come a long to experience it for yourself! :) Check us out on facebook or www.eurocustom.net The dates are set for November 2011. Start saving--you won't regret it!! A little out of bounds skiing The Tenne We found some steep and untouched powder The Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich is a tourist attraction in Marienplatz the heart of Munich.[1] Part of the second construction phase of the New Town Hall, it dates from 1908. Every day at 11 a.m. (as well as 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. in summer) it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century to the amusement of mass crowds of tourists and locals Our Hotel-Kirchler Thermal Bad Hotel 4th Generation: amazing food, service, location, saunas, pools, etc. The 2010 Athletes

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving is just a matter of days away and with that being said, I pose the question-what are you truly thankful for? A very wise friend of mine asked me this very same question back in November of 2008. It had been quite a while since I had really challenged myself to think about what seems like a very simple and straight forward question. Each year I do this same exercise which helps me to put my life in perspective as it often seems to sway. I encourage you to take 20 minutes of your day and make a list or a mental note regarding what things in life you are sincerely thankful for and likely take for granted. I'm not talking your favorite purse, your fantasy football team players, your new bike, or your favorite store that just went in down the street. I'm referring to relationships, opportunities, necessities, strengths, faith, and so on. You may also want to share your thoughts with someone especially if they influence you or something on your list.
Aways Be Thankful and Giving!!! :)

Fall... what Fall?

Gosh---Time just keeps flying by. It seems as if summer were just here and now Christmas is right around the corner. For me, the past few months has been filled with travel, mnt bike races, weddings, work, work, work, and life. :) Over the past few months I've also been given the opportunity to reconnect with quite a few people from my past. It simply amazes that some friendships just never change and whatever created the foundation of your friendship 10 years ago, most likely still exists today! :)
Currently, I'm preparing to depart on a 10 day trip to Hintertux, Austria to ski coach with EuroCustom. I'm extremely excited to be given this opportunity and have no doubt that we will make memories that will last a lifetime. I'm also blessed to be able to meet some of my family in Colorado (& see friends :) in early December for a little skiing, mnt breweries, and experiencing all of the things that we love to do out there.
My "30 before 30" list is still going and will likely be completed in the Spring! :)

I hope that everyone is doing well-healthy, happy and fulfilled! xo

A little something that my "big (sorority) sister" shared with me before graduating her senior year

An Interview with God

I dreamed I had in interview with God.
“Come in,” God said. “So, you would like to interview Me?”
“If you have the time,” I said.
God smiled and said: “My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask of me?”
“What surprises you most about mankind?”
God answered: “That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.
That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived….”
God’s hand took mine and we were silent for a while and then I asked.... “As a parent, what are some of life’s lesson you want your children to learn?”
God replied with a smile:
“To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.
To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.
To learn what it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will judge individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis.
To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is the one who needs the least.
To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.
To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.
To learn that two people can look at the same things and see it totally different.
To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them… and likes them anyway.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves.”
I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for this time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, “Anytime. I’m here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me and I’ll answer. ***

TC Triathlon

In Mid-August, Endurance Evolution hosted it's 2nd Annual Traverse City Triathlon on the Old Mission Peninsula/Bowers Harbor. The swim was a little long for me, I loved the hilly ride, and the run was beautiful (a long the water). It was a very very well organized event with nothing but friendly and motivational athletes and spectators. Everyone should "tri" it out next year!


Women's Sprint Wave

Baby Girl Belyea

On August 15th we gathered to shower my dear friend Jenna with love and fun gifts in celebration of the arrival of she and Ben's baby girl. It was a perfect morning, great food, wonderful friends, and lot's of laughs! :) Only a few more weeks and we'll be able to meet the little peanut!!

An evening on the Amara

Last week our friends Mike and Laura Howe were in town from Ann Arbor. The Howes and Nichols were kind enough to host an evening boat ride around West Bay. It was a gorgeous night spent with wonderful friends! Cheers!

6th Annual Les Cheneaux Islands Trip-2010

The annual trip has come and gone but it undoubtedly exceeded all expectations. We broke a record for attendance at 22 however we still toasted the Pearsons, Lumbrezers, and Dunns in spirit! We were blessed with great weather and walked away with memories that will last a lifetime! From the group bonfire conversations, to the dance party at the Islander, the team meal preparation, and the constant generosity by all, it was another reminder as to how grateful I am for wonderful friends! Thank you! XOXO





The girls



The guys




Evening waterski session



We boated to the Islander Bar for dinner.








All of the girls out on the dance floor









Ben and Brian heading out for a little evening fishing





Poor Charlie got a lure to the head!




Boating to dinner







A little wake surfing









We found our own little private beach and spent the day playing bocce and relaxing!






We boated everywhere that we went including dinner and to golf.



As always it was an amazing trip!


Already pondering what next year has in store! :)

A Visit from Texas

We had a few very special visitors from Texas come to visit over the last two weeks of July. We spent a majority of their visit in Leland and Traverse City. Time was well spent on the beach, trips to the ice cream shop, numerous great meals, etc. At 29 months, my niece (Quinn) is simply brilliant and such a joy to be around. We only wish that they lived closer!