... My Daddy.

Yesterday was Father’s Day… here is a tribute to my Daddy.

My favorite story with my dad is learning how to drive a stick shift…

It was only a couple weeks after I turned 16. My brother was on a school trip to Washington DC and thought his truck would be safe. But, I wanted to learn. So, one Sunday when we were going out to Grandma Spackman’s, I asked my dad if he would ride with me in Ben’s truck out there and teach me how to drive it. He was a little bit hesitant, but I think he thought it would be somewhat amusing too, so he agreed.
We headed out first, but my mom and sisters were right behind us in the car. I did… okay… a little jerky… but, for it being my first time… it was okay. UNTIL (of course) I had to stop at the ONE hill on Main Street in Logan . My mom had the foresight to stop a couple car lengths behind. I killed it… again, and again… and again. My dad got more, and more… and more frustrated. Finally, he got out of the passenger side, slammed the door, I scooted over, and he drove the rest of the way in silence, while I leaned my head against the window and quietly cried. After we got to Grandma’s house and we both cooled down a little bit, he gave me a big hug and apologized… and… I got whatever I wanted for, like… 5 years after that.

Seriously, though… I know my dad would do anything in the world for me. He has been the most understanding and supportive person in my life. The times I’ve needed him the most, he has always been right there by my side. Although I admit to distancing myself during the more “rebellious” times of my life… I knew he understood what I was going through and knew exactly what to say and when to say it.

I LOVE YOU, DADDY!!!

... My Mom.

Today is Mother's Day... so, just like the majority of bloggers today (I expect), I tribute this to my Mom.

My Mom, Karla Marie Nelson Spackman, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She met my dad through a blind date set up by her cousin. They were married on August 14, 1980. Together, they have raised 5 of (in my opinion) the coolest people currently walking this earth. :)

Last weekend, in honor of Mother's Day, Melanie and I treated our mom's to a weekend in San Franciso. We had a blast and we absolutely want to go on another trip with them again soon.

My mom has taught me, by example, the most important life lessons: respect, humility, meekness, gratitude, unconditional love, forgiveness, support, humor, simpleness, faith, endurance, and the list goes on and on.

It has been fun, over the past several years, to become friends with my mom. To talk to her as an adult. To get to know her as a person. She truly is an amazing woman. I can't express how much I love and admire her.

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

... sleeping.

For the past few weeks, I've had a really hard time sleeping at night for whatever reason. Yesterday, I gave in and took myself to Instacare after work because my back had been really lame for a couple days and I was in a fair amount of pain. Anyway… the doctor was really cool… but kinda weird. He said that the back pain was caused from favoring my one leg for so long after hurting that and still running on it for so long. So he said, “I’m going to go ahead a prescribe three different medications. The first is basically a strong Advil. The second is a muscle relaxer, this will make you a little sleepy, (here’s the kicker) so I’ll prescribe a narcotic, as well.” Huh!? So on every one of the bottles there is a warning of “May cause drowsiness”, “Do not operate heavy machinery”, or “May experience blurry vision”. Back to the point… I took all three last night after Mer and I got home from out celebratory dinner ending our 12 week Body-for-Life stint. And hour later… I was out. Mer had to drag me from the futon to my bed. I couldn’t even get myself to the gym this morning… bad. I took a “strong Advil” and the muscle relaxer this morning and I have been wicked tired all day. I’m gonna go home and nap… an hour and a half to go.

...a 5K.

About a month ago, JetBlue announced that we were going to sponsor the Salt Lake City Marathon and they were giving away some spaces for crewmembers to run in the 5K. I entered to run it... and a couple weeks later, found out I had won. So... that motivated me to actually get ready for somewhat of an endurance run. Beginning then, on top of going to the gym at 5:00 am with Melanie and doing our Body-for-Life workout, I would return after work and run anywhere from 2-3.1 miles to get ready.

Yesterday was the race. I woke up at 5, took trax to Gateway, picked up the shuttle to Pioneer Park, and hung out, walked around, and stretched for about an hour before the race started. The race was nice... really crowded... but nice. It was pretty flat and there was a nice breeze. I ran the whole thing... no walking. And I finished with a new personal record... which isn't really anything to write home about... 33:11... or close to it. I was at the back of the shoot when the time started so I didn't cross the starting line for a few seconds, but that's what the clock said when I crossed the finish line. Official times will come out in the next few days, I assume. Anyway... I'm pleased. (UPATE: my official time was 32:38)

I hurt my leg a little bit though... not sure what to do about that exactly. Ice doesn't seem to be helping. So... I hope it just stops hurting... I look like an 93 year old walking... lame.
I'm running another 5K in three weeks at the Race for the Cure. This time I'll be with people, so that'll be fun. Then after that, I'll be training for a 10K on July 24th. Eventually working up to a half marathon by maybe the beginning of next year... and possibly working on a marathon in the next few years... we'll see.

...blogging.

Blogging... such an interesting concept. I've never really done this... but, as I made it a goal to write in my journal at least once a week (which hasn't happened since about January 9th-ish) I decided to take it up. This is essentially writing in a journal... and edited version... one I wouldn't care if my mom read... not that there's really been anything to report that my mom shouldn't read. Anyway...
I've named my blog "all in the name of...". Each entry will be pertaining to one topic. It'll be short and sweet... possibly a picture or two... nothing too fancy... I'm not too tech savvy. I may post one entry a day... maybe one a week... I'm not going to hold myself to an expectation... because... well... because I don't want to... and it's my blog, damnit. So... let the blogging begin.