Faith...

I’ve been grappling with “Faith” a lot lately. 

Especially after last year.

I was raised Christian or Presbyterian if you want to get specific.  I went to a church called Covenant Presbyterian in Orange.  My mom is Christian.  My dad calls himself Agnostic but believes in God.  Just not much of what the bible says.  I went to Vacation Bible School as a kid.  I even taught Sunday school for a while to the littles.  Then things started going awry, making me question faith.  This usually happens when you get old enough to have an opinion and start to question things, which most of the church folk don’t usually like.

It started when our “Teen” group teacher guy started talking about Pre-Destination.  Basically God has his chosen ones and then the rest of us.  From what he taught, if you were “chosen” it didn’t matter what you did (like murder someone), you had your ticket to heaven.  I raised my hand:

“So if I live my life being a good person and helping others and doing right by the world and not killing, stealing, etc.  If I’m not “chosen” I don’t get to go to heaven?”

Precisely.

Bullshit.

This led to half our group starting to act “Chosen”.  It was ridiculous.  This was also about the time (I was about 11/12) I started getting into drugs, teen angst and lots of questions/opinions about things.  I of course wasn’t “chosen”.  Some of the kids started bitching about this to their parents and the teacher was promptly canned. 

Well that’s good at least.  This church did not believe in Pre-Destination.

We also had a minister at the time that I really did like.  He didn’t really “preach”.  He told stories.  He was really animated and cool and fun and I didn’t even feel like I was going to church when I listened to him.  It was more like a great stage presence sharing his stories.  He wasn’t judgmental.  He didn’t care who you were, you were accepted.  He was a really great man.  He moved away, got hit by a train, was on so much medication he ended up committing suicide.  By the way, this man had a lovely wife and like 3 kids.  WTF.

The man that replaced him was a dick.  It divided the congregation in half and people were basically on one side or the other and at war with each other.  This is when I left the church.

Now, even though this particular church had its share of bullshit, I left because I was starting to not be sure of what I believe anymore and would have left even if the church was unicorns and flowers all day.

I still prayed at night but I didn’t go to church anymore.  Neither one of my parents pushed any sort of anything on me or my brother which I appreciated. 

Well, life went on.  I never really questioned anything, just sort of went along with my life.  The man I married had pretty much the same sort of belief that I did so religion wasn’t really a part of my life ever again.  When people would ask me what I believe I replied with “Spiritual, not religious.”

The older I got, the more I wondered.  My circle of friends is a huge modge podge of beliefs.  I have strong Catholics to total atheists.  Most of my friends really aren’t all that religious at all.

I would still pray.  Usually the same prayer all the time.  Asking God to keep me and my family and my friends and my pets safe and healthy.  A man who would make me happy. Blah blah blah.

 Then there would be adjustments depending on what was going on.  I usually would always be praying about somebody because somebody always had some sort of shit storm and I would feel bad and pray it gets better for them.  This went on for years.

Then I started understanding politics a little better and things like Prop 8 arose and people were spouting off such hatred about two people of the same sex getting married was wrong because the bible said so.  I found myself losing friendships because of this.  I would get into arguments with people I didn’t realize were so religious and close minded and come back at them with “It also says you can’t wear wool, or color your hair or get divorced in the bible!  Your telling me that you people can pick and choose which “laws” you want to believe and it’s ok?!”    These people are not my friends anymore because THAT’S WHAT THEY BELIEVED!  I just can’t do it.  I can’t argue that point anymore.  It’s ridiculous.

So I started talking to friends of mine who really strongly believe in God and fight Prop 8 as hard as I do and ask them.  “WTF do you say to people?”

I started a really great conversation with a friend of mine whom I adore and she says the God she believes in just wouldn’t be that way.  Wouldn’t judge people on who they love, etc.  I started really drilling my mom because she too was a fighter of Prop 8 yet believes in God.  She said “The Bible really needs to be updated.”  Mom also told me not to always pray for the same things, that I should believe when I ask for things they will happen when the time is right.  I asked other friends of mine who were pretty religious but open minded and they all said pretty much the same thing.  Yes the bible says certain things but it’s the bible they necessarily believe in, it’s God.

These conversations helped a bit but still had me wondering what I believe. 

I found myself trying to be more grateful and thankful for things.  I pretty much stopped praying unless there was something really bad that happened.

I then started seeing a Buddhist Therapist.  I had always appreciated Buddhism and was now learning it and somewhat practicing it.  I now found myself taking a bit from every religion and sort of mixing it into my own.  I started trying to meditate.  To be less violent.  To be kind.

Then my head exploded.

Once I recovered I found it odd that I didn’t pray once.  The whole time I was in ICU I didn’t pray.  I heard a shit ton of people prayed for me.  My dad told me he believes in the power of prayer.  I was asked if I “saw a light” if I was ever scared.  If I prayed for help.  To live.  To not be in pain.  I just stared at them blankly and said nope.  Nothing.

Of course when you have a near death experience it’s normal to start questioning faith more and more which is what I have found myself doing.

I met with our Dean of the Chapel here at Chapman and told her all of what I have stated above.  She said “Why can’t your meditations be prayers?”  Hmmmm.   Good point.  She was a great person to talk to and when I say Dean of the Chapel – this Chapel is the Interfaith Center which houses all religions, beliefs, etc.

In May Rainn Wilson spoke at the baccalaureate here and spoke of the Baha’i Faith.  It sounded amazing.  He was so inspirational and I picked up his book Soul Pancake that “Answers life’s big questions”.  I haven’t read it yet but I plan to.

Losing our friend Little John last week ripped my hear t into pieces as I sat and thought about what it was like as he lay there knowing he was going to die soon.  It made me realize how scared I am to die.  I am scared of the unknown.  I am scared to be alone. 

I think, and I say I think because I’m still exploring, I have come to a conclusion on what I believe.

I know it sounds wishy washy that I don’t just know, but I don’t.  I feel the need to continue to explore but I’ve started to realize it’s all going in the same direction.

I believe in something.  A God of sorts.  I don’t think it is necessarily meant for us to know what it is.  But it’s there.  Something is there.

I also believe that when we die that’s not it.  There is something else.  What that is I don’t know, and again, I don’t think it’s meant for us to know.  This is also why I think it’s ok to be scared.  I mean who isn’t afraid of the unknown?

I also believe that when people ask the big question “What is the meaning of life?”  My answer is to live!  I think the meaning of life is to live your life, practice loving-kindness, be good to your fellow human and animal kind and to continue exploring.

Some may say this is a cop out, but I don’t care.  When you look at all of the religions out there they are basically all the same thing!  They all have a “God” of some sort; they all have an afterlife of some sort – whether that is reincarnation or another life who knows.  They all pretty much tell you to be a good person.  I mean it’s all the same!  It’s just worded differently.  And for the bible?  I think that was a bunch of stories written by a bunch of men many lifetimes ago.  I’m sure there is some truth to a lot of those stories, but that’s just it – they are stories.

So when asked – I probably am pretty much still spiritual.  I’m on a path of finding my way but I feel like I have some substance now.  I still pray but not often, usually in situations like last week when I’m praying for comfort and love to be sent to the family of my friend.  I practice mindfulness and meditation daily.  I am constantly practicing gratitude, writing it, praying it, saying it in affirmations.  I’m trying to bump up my random acts of kindness and be a better person all around. I believe in balance and energy.

I know I rambled on a long time on this particular subject but this has been quite a wrestling match and it feels good to finally get a little of it out of my head.

This is right. 

This is what feel is right in my heart.

Fuck Cancer...

I have been reeling from the news that a childhood friend of mine, Little John, just died from cancer.  He went into the hospital in early August complaining of stomach pains and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer.  He died yesterday.

Seriously.  WHAT THE FUCK!?

We weren’t super close, but I am close to his family and we have a few connections.  His sister is Monica is Susan’s best friend.  Susan is one of my very close friends from childhood.  John is best friends with our friend who passed, whom we always called Little John (We had a lot of “Johns in our circle).  John is the brother of my very best friend Libby.  So basically all of our families have grown up/played together.  Little John’s parents are always at gatherings that Susan and her family have.  I adore Monica and consider her a very good friend.  There is another brother Matt who I’m also not super close with but we are acquainted.

My mom is actually currently fostering “Willow” the family dog since they have been at the hospital and then with Little John in hospice at his brothers all of this time.

Little John was in a very serious car accident about 16 years or so ago that left him paralyzed to a wheelchair and severe brain damage.  He had come such a long way.  Hell, the guy got his Masters not too long ago.  He has a teenager daughter and was married to a gal he had met in re-hab. 

We saw each other at gatherings, usually at Susan’s and were friendly with each other.  When we were kids there was a big group of us that was always getting into trouble and causing mischief.  We drifted apart as we got older as a lot of childhood pals do but as I said, still saw each other now and again.

I’m having an extremely hard time dealing with this and felt my best weapon against whirling minds is to write about it. 

It doesn’t seem fair.  He was my age.  He already had his share of tragedy with the accident and how hard he has worked to come back from that.  Stomach pains turning into cancer that killed him in a little over the month!?  What the hell!?  Susan of course is having a hard time as well and said to me through our tears last night:

“This isn’t supposed to happen, Jami.   Our friend who is our age is not supposed to go to the hospital with stomach pains and die.  Your head was not supposed to explode last year and scare the shit out of everyone.  This is not supposed to happen!”

I sobbed in agreement. 

My heart is breaking for the family.  I can’t imagine what they are all going through.  I said this to my mom and she said “How do you think we felt last year honey?”

I know she didn’t mean it but it sent me into hysterical sobs again.  I’m not going to lie – I am not completely recovered emotionally from that yet and may never be.

I don’t know if it’s just the fact that I’m getting older, or the fact that I did come close to death myself last year, or the fact that I am just a huge sap and am finally admitting it but I’m having a harder and harder time dealing with things like this.

I am terrified that I could have cancer.  That my mom or my dad or my brother could have cancer.  That another friend of mine will have cancer.  Hell, my dad’s best friend is fighting male breast cancer!  His ex-wife passed from it last year!!  In fact, they had a news clip they shared with all of us that you can see here. That would be my dad's best friend right there.  The timing couldn’t have been more emotional right now:

ABCNews

WHY THE HELL CAN THEY NOT FIND A CURE FOR THIS!

I know.

We all can’t live our lives in fear of things like this.  We can do everything we possibly can to prevent such things from happening, but you never know.   Look at my grandfather.  He is 98 years old and yes fighting dementia but his body is healthy and won’t quit.  He is working on hitting a Hospice record one of our caregivers jokes.  Then there’s me – I changed my lifestyle to the healthy one, no smoking, drinking cut down to almost none, more active than most of my friends, eating as healthy as I can and wham – ICU.  I had another friend of mine awhile back who had did have a history of high blood pressure survive a very severe stroke. You never fucking know. 

But still, it’s there.  That fear.  That shock when someone is just taken from you so quickly.  All that keeps running through my head is: Was he in pain?  Was he scared?  Did he know he was going to die?  Was he mad?

It’s awful.

I was in denial during most of my stint in ICU.  I didn’t realize the severity of what happened to me until later.  I burst into tears when I think:  How would I react if I knew I only had a few days?  I know I would be scared.  What would I do?

I just can’t stop myself from over thinking everything right now.  I know it will quiet down with time but I’m just so sad.  I’m so sad for the family.  I’m so sad that Little John won’t be able to listen to music anymore.  Or feel the sunshine on his face.  Or pet a soft kitten.  Or hug a loved one. 

As always the question of faith gets brought up in situations like this.  I feel the need to tackle this subject in a different blog.  I do think I’ve gotten somewhere on what I believe.  I was told he had “Found God” not long ago and many were comforted by that.  I’m glad for that.  I hope the family and loved ones can find comfort in something.  Right now I cannot be comforted.  I’m sad and upset and a bit angry.  

My heart is so heavy, Little John!  Your life on this earth was much much too short.  May you rest in peace wherever you are.  I will hold onto the memories I have of us goofing off as children and the lovely conversations we shared at gatherings.  You are so very loved by so many.

Word Theatre...

I work at Chapman.  They always have all kinds of things going on around here, especially when school is in session and I'm trying to be better at paying attention and getting my ass out there to attend some of these things.  Especially the free ones!  I asked COPA to add me to their invite list.  I actually read the "Happenings" emails that go out.  And boy am I glad I did because I was introduced to something called Word Theatre.  Hello awesome.

The mission statement for Word Theatre is To open up new ways of thinking about words, stories, and people through powerful and entertaining performances that bring contemporary literature to life.

A group of Chapman folk have pulled together and made it happen here at Chapman for the first time.  I saw the email go out toting Lesley Nicol who plays Mrs. Patmore on Downtown Abbey.  UM HELLO!!!!!  I'M SO THERE!

I shot a text to Ber and she jumped on it as well.  So last night, here is what we experienced.

Ber met at my house and we walked in the warm summer night over to Chapman.  I don't live too far and thought it would be a nice walk since I was skipping my Boxing Burn class for this tonight.  Aside from a pair of fat chihuahua's chasing after some crows and giving us a mild heart attack it was a lovely walk.  We arrived early and were told to hang out in the hallway or outside while they were sound checking.  It started filling up and getting a bit stuffy when they finally let us all into the Interfaith Center at Chapman.  Ber and I made a bee line for the front row and were off to the side, but still front.  Awesome.  I had originally planned on taking some photos throughout but it would have been rude from where we were sitting so I opted out.  Plus Richard Bausch (one of our distinguished professors) and the author of the readings Jill McCorkle sat directly behind us.  The place was packed and I believe people were actually standing in the back as well.

The eccentric woman, whose name I didn't catch but I believe she was the Word Theatre chick, introduced the evening.  She was a bit odd and over dramatic but what artist isn't right?  Then President Doti did an introduction which as per usual was lively and lovely.  Ber was impressed.  Then the evening began.

First up was Cassidy Freeman.  I was not familiar with this actress but the program stated she was best known for Smallville and Longmire.  She read a short story called Crash Diet.  Fantastic.  She actually was my favorite of the night.  She was so at ease and natural as she read.  She gave different voices to all the characters she portrayed (A hilarious southern drawl priss for the mother was hilarious).  The piece was about a woman whose husband cheats on her and they end up divorcing.  It goes on to talk about how this woman deals with it in the most humorous but touching fashion from "not cheating on her diet" to buying 5 shopping carts full of stuff from a Revco using the ex husband's credit card.  Cassidy was awesome.  I could not take my eyes off her and found myself laughing and nodding and even tearing up a few times as if I was sitting there chatting with a friend.

Up second was actually one of our Chapman Theatre students by the name of Desirae Whalen.  She read about a 15 minute piece about a hard shelled young girl who prefers the company of dogs over people and actually refers to men as "breeds".  This was also a touching yet humorous piece.  Desirae was a bit nervous but hell so would I if I just followed Cassidy and was before Lesley!  But the gal was great.  I also got a kick out of the fact that she also had a little fan club in the back corner cheering her on.  Awesome.

We then had a 10 minute intermission.  The eccentric gal had mentioned that not only was the author signing books afterwards but the actors as well, so I flew to the back to try to buy a book but the line was too long and our intermission was only 10 minutes.  The only disadvantage of being in front.  I did get all signed up on the Word Theatre's email list though!

Beginning the second half was Miss Lesley Nicol.  First off - she's so teeny!  She read a piece entitled Intervention.  It was the longest of the short stories read that evening and the most touching I would say.  Don't get me wrong - it was chalk full of humor as were the rest - but this one had a more serious tone.  It told the story of an older couple whose family wanted to stage and intervention due to the amount that the man drinks.  But the story unfolds and takes some different twists and turns and touches your heart.  The love that these two people have for each other is so simple and sweet.  Lesley of course read it beautifully, also giving different voices to the characters which I loved.  She also made eye contact with the audience.  A lot.  Every time she looked at me I had a little rush of excitement.  A very sweet piece.

Lastly was the author herself read a short little monologue about a retired school teacher and the problems she had with the kids in today's times.  This piece was the funniest and had the audience rolling in their seats.  The only downfall was the woman is obviously a writer, not an actor and would not hold for laughs.  I can't wait to go back and read that one again knowing I missed some gems.  She read it brilliantly though and sounded exactly like I'm sure this woman was.

As soon as it was done I flew to the back again and found myself third in line to get myself a book.  Amber hopped in line behind me and we each bought a different book so we can swap later.  Here's the shot that ended up being my Photo a Day.

Amber and I excitedly got in line to have our books signed and I enjoyed watching the start struck students giddly oooo'ing and aaaahhh'ing over the ladies.  I of course was practicing over and over in my head what I was going to say.

See, I have this problem when I get around people who are famous, gorgeous, smart, oh hell pretty much anyone and I turn into a complete and total dork.  You lovely readers of mine may think "Jami, what are you talking about?  You are an extrovert and usually won't shut the hell up with how much you talk!"
Yes, this is true, IF I KNOW YOU.  When I don't know you I'm actually shy and have a hell of time trying to think of what to say.  But yes, give me a few minutes and I'll talk your ear off.  But in the case of situations like book signings where you only have a brief moment to chat the person up I fail.  Big.

So we get up to the front and I start with Jill.  She asks my name and I spell if for her, smiling like an idiot.  Ber comes up next to me and starts with Cassidy and Lesley.  I have my phone out because I'm dying to snap a photo and I'm trying to find the right time.  And of course the words.  (Ironic I'm at a thing called Word Theatre and I can't get words to come out of my mouth).  So I just stand there, smiling like an idiot and keep telling them that their great.  I seriously think I said great like 100 times.  They seemed so cool too!  I probably could have actually had some really great brief convo with them if I wasn't such a dumbass.  But as soon as they finished signing our books and the eccentric now slightly grumpy woman is moving people along I ask if I can snap a quick shot.  And I caught this amazing-ness:

Seriously.  These women were so awesome!

So, Ber and I giggled like little schoolgirls, clutching our books and hurrying out the door, started the walk back in the now beautiful summer night.  We laughed and joked about what dorks we are and what a great evening that was.

I'm looking forward to reading my new book then swapping with Ber and reading that one too.  I actually need to start gathering all my signed books (I'm collecting quite a few now!) and display them properly.

I really am so grateful to get to have experiences like this and be in the presence of some great art!  Check out Word Theatre my friends!  It was a great night!

Labor Day Weekend...

Despite the fact that I have been fighting an irritating cold all weekend - it ruled!

I took Friday off work to give myself a longer weekend and started the day on my deck with a cup of coffee enjoying the quiet before the kiddies arrived at the day care.  I also took this time to clean and get my grocery shopping done.  So - chores for the weekend - DONE!

Keri had given the pirate ship from the party to one of my friends kids and since I am the only one with a truck I get to transport it.  Shane arrived to help me load it in my truck and off I went.  I will say this, when the garage opened and the little red headed darling who was getting this ship saw me - smiled - then saw the ship and literally beamed it made the whole thing worthwhile.  After that I headed down to Laguna to say hi to Jay and goodbye to his beautiful house he had just sold.  I was also picking up a few things he had given my mom.  We just had a short visit since he was so exhausted and I was off.

I snapped a photo of the room I always stayed in.  Goodbye room!

And goodbye to this gorgeous view!!!!

Then back home to literally cook.  This is the time I have realized the bad part of where I live.  My place is a caboose that has NO INSULATION.  It is so friggin hot!!!  I do have a beat up old window air conditioner unit that sticks out of my bedroom wall.  I run this on high all day with the windows in the back closed and the blinds drawn.  It keeps the back somewhat cool.  Not really cool but cool enough not to die.  This makes me feel like I won't fry my cats.  But the front part of the place.  Holy good god.  I have a fan but it pretty much just blows the hot air on me.  Lord.  My cold also took a turn for the worse this evening.  Blergh.  I did end up at one point with my feet in a cold bucked of water sitting in front of my fan rubbing ice all over my body.  Yes.  I know.  So hot right?

Saturday morning I opted out of boxing to try to beat the cold and laid around my mom's air conditioned house all day doing my laundry.  My friend's wedding was that evening and I was determined to not miss it.  This is my friend Michele who I worked with at the opera and she pretty much got me the job at Chapman. I've known her for years.  She's such a beautiful person and has been dating not cool guys in the past.  She met this fellow Chuck and they fell totally in love.  He adores her and I'm so happy for her I could burst!!!!  She got married at Chapman's Interfaith Chapel.
When we walked in the tables were already set up with our assigned seating.  I was surprised as I had never seen this set up before!  So convenient!  The tables looked gorgeous!

My wonderful date:

This is my awesome boss and her hubs and my co-worker Tianna and her hubs.  I adore both of these women so very much!!

She had these wonderful musicians playing as we arrived:

The beautiful bride!!!!

I of course burst into tears the second she walked out.  Mixed with my cold this made for a very unattractive snotty mess.  Oh yes.  Hot stuff.

Sealing the deal!

I adore her so very much and am so happy!!!!

The food was incredible.  We started with stuffed red peppers filled with some kind of creamy yummy cheese.  Then we had this amazing creation - mozzarella, pesto, pears, prosciutto.  Oh. My. God..  It almost killed me to eat it but it was worth the pain!

Then my entree was sea bass.  Seriously, melted in my mouth.  For dessert we had a selection of a truffle, chocolate mouse, key lime pie.  OH. MY. GOD.
When they brought the cake I almost fainted.  Jay snarkily says "You can't not eat the cake - it curses the bride and groom!"  Damn it.  Mom and I force down a bite.  Amazing.

She had opera singers throughout, of course:

It was a perfect celebration of the love these two have for each other!  Congrats so many times over to Michele and Chuck!!!

Sunday morning started with a "My Favorite Things" party that my friend Julie hosted.  I adore this girl because she takes a theme party and runs with it!  Apparently this idea was a combination of Pinterest and Oprah.  Basically you arrive with three identically wrapped gifts of your favorite things.  You pick one and bring three of them.  She had our names printed out three times and we put those pieces of paper folded up into a jar.  She had a brunch to start and we all brought something to share.  I brought an amazing danish I love from Sprouts.  Her set up was so friggin awesome!  Check out the mimosa bar!!!  And yes that's her trying to dodge the picture:

Someone brought these adorable cupcakes!

Here was the gift table.  I of course brought my favorite thing - wine.  The limit was $10 and Cupcake Wine is only $9.99 at Rods.  So I picked up three Pinot Noir's.

After brunch we all were to draw three names from the jar.  You couldn't pick your own name or a double of someone else.  Then we would go around the room and which ever three names you had, you gave them your gifts.  You also explained why it was your favorite.  Julie had us tell a bit about it before the people opened it then finish after you knew what it was.  So cute!!!  I personally received an iPhone case so that I can take my phone in water and it's protected.  Perfect for races!  A bath and body set and a $10  Barnes and Noble gift card.  The gift card was from Keri and her's was so creative!  She took construction paper and cut out a bunch of images of her favorite things.  On the back was the gift card!  So original!  Other gifts were a chafing cream (seriously it's the bomb!  I use it!), race food, scarves, soap and one gal had a combo of stuff she said she used daily which was nailpolish, chapstick and gum.  Every gift was totally different and it was so fun to see what everyone brought.  And you went home with three gifts of your own!  It was a really cute idea and a fun party.  Thanks Julie!!!

I took it easy the rest of the day, nursing the cold but hit up sushi dinner later that night with Ber.

Today was spent lounging at the pool with D.  Beautiful day and so nice to just relax.  I also decided this weekend to start a photo a day blog and hope I can stick with it.  I'm enjoying coming up with random little things to stay creative!

I enjoyed celebrating the weekend by not "Laboring" really at all! 

5K Foam Fest...

I realized I never did my 5K Foam Fest recap!  Whoops!
Here we go:

My friend Fatima was anxious to try a real obstacle 5K and she wanted to do it with someone who has done it before.  Well, I've certainly done my fair share so she signed us up!  When I was reading up on this race I actually thought it was going to be more challenging than it actually was.  As Fatima and I were doing the race, I made this observation and she said "That's good - You're getting too good for these now!"  Well...maybe I actually am!  Maybe I need to start signing up for more challenging ones?  I've never really thought of myself as actually improving on these things because I don't run.  But believe it or not, my power walk has gotten even faster and I do quite well on these so who knows.  Anywhoo here's the recap:

The  process of actually getting there was our 1st obstacle.  We got a tad late of a start, then ran into the freeway closure.  No signs, no nothing.  Every detour we tried it was closed.  This was starting to turn into a rare anxiety moment for me because I was thinking we were going to be late.  After literally 45 minutes of turning around, U-turns and lots of swearing we were on our way.  As we we rolled towards the 60 freeway and hit a police break I started actually wondering if the universe was telling us not to do this race.

We finally arrive in the nick of time and I'm starting to realize already that this is a bit less organized and smaller than I'm used to.  But it's cool, we're ready.  We go through our post race routine and take our post race shot:

So we had already received an email telling us the coolest obstacle was screwed up and wouldn't be there.  This was the Death Drop.  But as a consolation they would give us free pictures.  I'd like to point out that this was the main thing that pissed me off about this race.  There wasn't one damn photographer on the whole course!  We also didn't free pictures, we got one free picture.  So not cool but whatever.  This isn't a race I will do again.  Fatima and I of course had a blast, but I was really disappointed.  If I had known it wasn't as challenging as I thought I would have brought my own camera.  Ah well.

So we headed to the start line when our wave was called, we were the 3rd of the day.  Race began and off we went through a giant bubble bog.  Yup another race with bubbles (Hence Foam) The race took place at Pomona Fairplex which I love but there wasn't much signage.  This was proven when about 5 minutes into the race the group ahead of us was coming back towards us.  "Wrong Way!!!"  Seriously?  A very confused mob turned around and tried to figure out where we were supposed to be going.  We did finally figure it out but um hello?  Signs?  Volunteer?  Bueller?  Ok then.

1st obstacle:
Electric Mud Crawl.  Well I had already decided I was going to have to skip this one.  I honestly don't understand with what is with these obstacles that shock and/or electrocute you.  Um why?  It was barbed wire that shocks you and you crawl under it through mud.  Why does it have to shock you!?  Since the whole head thing, I don't tempt fate with stupid shit like that, so I told the volunteer (This is the only place I saw a volunteer mind you) I had to walk around.  Fatima powered thru it like a champ though.

2nd obstacle:
Small Wall.
We killed it.

3rd obstacle:
Large wall.  We killed it.  I think Fatima was surprising herself at this point because she was kicking ass.  :)

4th obstacle:
We ran through low hanging inflatable balls and through bubbles.  Not a challenge but fun!

5th obstacle:
Here is where we started heading up through the shaded area that goes uphill-ish and stairs are involved, etc.  We hopped over "Trip Wire".  I did better than I thought I would on this one.

6th obstacle:
I think it was called Spider Web.  It was a mass of rope that you had to crawl through.  You could step through, over, under, however you could get through without getting caught.  I felt like a ninja.

I would also like to point out around this time some runners were running the other way...we kind of pass each other the way the course was set up...and the people behind us were passing us running the part we already did.  There was a very cute guy saying "Yes...we're going the right way...I remember her!" and he pointed at me.  "We're behind them!"  He smiled and I smiled.  Dammit I couldn't find him after the race!  I think that may have qualified as a flirt!

7th obstacle:
This was my favorite.  You dove into some freezing cold water (It was ass hot so this was ok) and they had a bunch of inner tubes tied together.  The water was about chest high and you had to jump up and in and through the inner tubes.  This was an absolute blast and I was apparently entertaining to all those around me by the amount of fun I was having and the total fool I was making of myself because everyone was laughing.  There was also some random guy who had his truck pulled up next to it and was cheering us on.  I wonder if they couldn't find volunteers and were now pulling random people off the street.  But he was great.

8th obstacle:
This lemon head thing.  So they had a big inflatable pool with mats that went all the way across.  Lemons were low hanging.  You had to run across the mats without falling in.  Fatima and I did f-ing awesome.  No one else was making it but we flew across!

9th obstacle:
Cargo Climb.  This was the one that Fatima was a bit nervous about because she's afraid of heights.  I was super proud of myself as I flew over it.  I'm finding these are the ones I seem to do the best at.  When I landed on the other side I turned and cheered on Fatima.  She rocked it!  She was a bit shaky when she got off but she totally killed it.  Ya girl!

10th obstacle:
A moon bounce with foam.  Just like ROC but with foam.

11th obstacle:
Another moon bounce like thing with foam.  This is where there was a photographer.  Funny enough she wasn't with Foam Fest but another company.  Well Fatima and I did stop and take our photo op and got this great shot:

The last obstacle was an Aqua Drag with Foam.  Fatima's pic came out great:

I know you probably think pictures are almost as important to me as the race.  You're right.  I loooooooove pictures!!!!  I also loooooooooooooooooooove that I can add them along as I blog.  I apologize I didn't have more for this one.  I hope to have more photos at races, but you can't really carry things when you run unless it's a real fun run.  I wish I had known this was more of a fun run.  Ah well.

So this was our finish.  We were handed a medal (yay!) and some water.  We noticed a long line around the corner and realized here was our "free photo".  So we of course jumped in line and got these great shots.

We hit all the tents that you got free goodies and changed into dry clothes.  We took our post race shot you see below and headed out.
All in all we still had a blast.  We never did get our free "Mike's Hard Lemonade" because I couldn't find the damn thing.  I don't think it was there.  Fatima and I are a great team though.  We have a blast no matter what the day brings!!!

New Blog!!

Hiya!

So remember when I did that Writers Book of Day blog?
I've decided to do a Photo a Day Blog.

Here's the address!

http://jamikatphoto.blogspot.com/