Hi Summer....

Hi, How is your summer going???  I had my kids this weekend and my life is always better when they are with me...  We had a really good weekend.  Sadly, I did not get around to making the dress I keep dreaming about but I will...  I did buy a cute dress at forever 21 and the colors just make me smile.  Early Sunday morning I got my 20 mile run out of the way and I felt great.  My kids and I decorated my girlfriend's front door because her husband  completed a really hard 50 mile race.  That was fun it felt like adult toilet papering but in an good way.  After that we headed to an Asian diner for dinner.  My son is now open to trying anything I order and its fascinating to see him discover new foods.  I am so proud of my little man.  this is my thought process when ordering...  I think about what I would love to see him eat then I order.  I love eating out with my kids because they love food and I never feel like I've wasted my money.  For years my son would only eat penut butter and jelly sandwiches, so don't fret if your kids are that way.  They will grow out of it someday... My son is 11 and he's always hungry and excited to try new things.  I am still waiting for my 9 year old daughter to make the transition.  Despite the fact that she loves to eat she is not as adventurous as my son.  Sunday night was game night and we played Sorry... I always feel badly sending my kids back to the start.  I wish I didn't have too but it's part of the game.  The pictures above were taken by all of us...  I love asking them to be little photographers. Who knows maybe they will like taking pictures as much as I do.  Maybe they will make a carrier of it.  It serves a dual purpose as it is also a very sneaky way of getting pictures of my kids... I hope you all had a great weekend...
G

Eat and Run by Scott Jurek

I just finished this book..It was a really great read and super inspirational. I think you will love it.. It's a really good story about a normal man with an abnormal amount of passion and strength . It's a story about never giving up on yourself. It's a story about how life is hard but we must keep going. It's a real story about enduring all that life has to offer and kicking ass in the process..All my friends need to read this book...I highly recommend it. Good night as I have to be up at 5:30 to go run :)

Checking In..

Hi...Friends, I thought I would check in and talk a little bit about what's going on in my life (besides running).  I have good news to share as of 3 days ago I am legally divorced!!! Yeah Me!!!  It took me more than 3 years but I finally got the SOB to sign the papers.  It wasn't easy in fact it has been a very emotional, gut wrenching journey.  They say if we are not growing we are dying and I definitely think I have grown as a woman over the last three years.  I also feel that good things are ahead of me.  My X-hole believes if he doesn't sign the divorce papers he doesn't have pay child support... As frustrating as this has been I hope to get him to do what he is legally obligated to do, pay family support.  Like most women the only reason I stayed in an abusive relationship was because I didn't know how I would be able to support myself and my three kids.  Ultimately, I did not believe in myself.  Guess what I did it! I am not living large by any means but I am happy. I provide for my children, despite the fact that X-hole hasn't paid me family support since December.  I pay my kids medical insurance because he does not.  I live in a cute house, I work, I am a loving mother to my kids and I think that having less has made me much more creative!!!  I am always trying to come up with ways to have fun with my children.

I believe in living in the moment.  I love my life and I am working hard on having peace with my past.  The demons that follow me where ever I go. There is a Zen saying I really like: “Wherever you go, there you are”.  It took me some time to finally understand its meaning, but maybe before I had not been ready to embrace the concept. Now I’m ready and my translation is: “Enjoy the process”.  You can't run away from your past. I love myself and if I have learned anything it's that self encouragement is huge.  I practice the art of talking pretty to myself. If you don't, you should try it, because it works...  Next week I will share some of the paintings I have been working on. They remind me of my sister.  I hope to put them all on my Etsy shop next week..
Ohh... One more thing I have been thinking about making a dress a lot lately... I think I am going to make that dream a reality this weekend... You know one of those A-line cream colored dresses... I have been feeling the need to sew.  I know this post is all over the place but my head is all over the place. So there you have it.

"My words reflect my thoughts: My thoughts reflect my beliefs: and my beliefs run my life."

Runography

I was on flickr organizing my pictures today.  While on there I started looking for running groups and came upon a new word I had never heard before...

Runography

I looked it up online and its not a real word however, I like this word a lot.  In fact I am going to incorporate this word into my vocabulary.  Furthermore I have decided I am a Runographer. A runner who takes pictures. 

Photographer + Runner = ME

Tijuana Half Marathon

The Tijuana Half marathon was perfect. I first heard about the half marathon from an acquaintance at my Monday night run. I tried to find information online but there was nothing posted.  After several emails and a couple of calls I was able to find someone who gave me the email of the event coordinator. The director of the event gave me all the information I needed to sign my dad and I up for the race.  Upon signing up I had to set up a meeting to pay the entrance fee and pick up our bibs.  So get this... as soon as we see the guy my dad says "I know him, I read about him in the news paper..."  The guys name is Hector la Flecha and he was recently written up in the San Diego Union Tribune.  He has competed in and  won several marathons and half marathons that my dad and I have raced in. For example:

The A.F.C

San Diegito

The La Jolla 

and he recently won the masters at the 

San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon

The guy is so Cool..

So here we are totally excited, I felt like we met a movie star.

As you know I ran a 1/2 marathon on Saturday in Julian, CA so,  after a long nap, I drove to my dads. We had to be up at 4AM and at the border by 5:00. From there we took a bus across to the Starting line and by 6:30am we where running.  I am not sure if you know this but I was born in Tijuana Mexico.  I was running on the streets my mom and I used to walk when I was little girl.  I also ran by the apartment I lived in with my late Husband. The though of him made me sad but at the same time I talked to Roger (my late husband) and knew he was watching over me and cheering me on.  I could hear him saying... "Hey skinny what are you doing?" and just shaking his head.  It was not an easy run and I say that because I was tight and my legs were tired from the day before.  It was also hazy, hot and humid...  Despite the fact a ran a grueling race the day before I finished a respectable 2:03.  I was happy with that. They did a really nice job putting this race together. The streets were so clean and they prepared really well for this race.  I also saw lots of people from all over the world.. Tons of Kenyans, people from Colorado, Canada, Oregon and even Florida. They awarded lots of prize money and big prizes brings out big crowds.  Their award ceremony was so cool... One participant even won a new car.  In case you can't tell my dad and I had a great Weekend...


Til next time,
G
xoxo

Cuyamaca Three Peaks Half Marathon

My race review. I was actually scared and nervous to do this race. I think it's my lack of trail running experience that led to my fears.  The first thing I noticed was how few runners were in attendance.  There were only about 80 people running and I was one of them, how cool is that?  The scenery was beautiful and the weather was crisp, perfect race conditions.  There was a woodsy smell in the air due to a recent rain.  The course was made up of a single trail, along with a steady climb up Stonewall Peak and then came a very taxing downhill jaunt.  I felt great, I was never tired or hot, it was the perfect day for a run.  There was a water station half way, and a very nice lady filled my water bottles, and I was off.  At one point I was running alone and I was listening to Regina Spektor, I felt like a fairy in woods... so free and happy.  I love being outside and running through the woods.  I recently I stopped wearing my running watch so every time I asked someone "do you know what mile we are at?" I was pleasantly surprised when the told me "you are at mile 6, 8 and 12."  Not only did I love it but I did really well!!!  I was happy with my time but I was happier with the fact that I never got tired.  I had so much fun. I like this trail running thing a-lot.  It feels spiritual to me in so many ways...  As crazy as this may sound I have to get some sleep because my dad and I are running the Tijuana half at 7am.  Stay tuned and I'll tell you all about it..
G

A Running Story

Here I am running during the San Diego Half and yes I am happy.

Can you tell? I just saw a good friend who happen to snap this picture.  It is funny to me that running makes me so happy despite the fact that I have to consistently work at it.  No different than relationships or a job...  I am far from being a great runner.  Although I did finnish 17th in my class on July 4th, Yeah ME!!! I love the social aspect of running as well.  Whenever I attend a race or a group run, I am very friendly.  Always sure to extend a warm hello or good luck wish to all I see or meet.  I don't feel I am a competitive person.  Well with the exception of my dad. Even then I am not upset if, on the rare occasion, he should happen to beat me... I am congratulatory and tell him he ran a good race, you beat me...  Last week I was at a race, with my dad, and I saw a lady I know.  She proceeded to tell me that we are running in some of the same race.  One in particular is only a couple weeks away.  I was like great I look forward to seeing you there.  She went on to say "Gloria I ran that race last year and I won it."  I was excited for her and congratulated her on the victory.  She then stated how hard the race was and and due to the heat lots of people dropped out.  I politely listened but in the bak of my mind I was thinking... Lady are you trying to psyche me out?  Trust me I am not trying to win the race I just want to finish and have fun.  I am attending the event because I love this sport and hello the cool medal...but I didn't say that instead I nodded and told her OK I'll see you in two weeks and I walked away... So here is what I learned from that interaction...

Negative yucky people suck!!!

Winning a race has never entered my mind.  I am a participant of running races, I am amazed at what the human body can do and always think, wow that person won...  I often ask the winners if I can take my picture with them... Yes, I am that girl... Believe me everything that woman said stayed with me... She intimidated me and t worked.  I have been thinking holy cow can I run this race? Will I  able to finish it? Will it be to hard for me? It's so dumb on my part. It's a half marathon... I have run lots of 1/2's.  I can do this.  I can run this race.  She is dumping on my to make herself feel better, that is seriously messed up...   The sad part is she was feeding my own self doudt and insecurities.. Next thing I know...ahhhhh..its alive!!!!

I learned so much from this interaction.. I learned that I would never psyche another person out.. Build up don't break down... This includes telling myself good things.. Killing the insecurity monster with in...  Let me leave you with this thought...  be nice to one another.  Everybody is fighting their own battle there is no need to pile on... I want people I know to be happy and do well. I am a lover not a fighter.

G
xoxo

P.s. To her I say!!!

Simple Days

All life connects. Nothing happens that is meaningless.
-Kobi Yamada

Hey Summer..

Hi guys, Now that summer is here I will most likely not blog as much just because I don't have to many things to share. It feels a bit slower over here and my kids are hanging out with me all day.
We have made it a priority to take as many trips to the beach as possible but mostly in the afternoons. (after work) I love watching the sunset and grabbing bean burritos.  We just walk around with no plans other than being together. I have convinced myself that after 5 pm the day is mine. My only obligation after 5 is to my kids..I love that.

The other thing I love to do is to send mail. My friend Jen is doing this great project that has to do with mail love...Check it out here.
Love Notes

There is a lot of running taking place here. I love running. I love running with my dad. I love running with my friends early weekend mornings. I know that what I get from it is what I put into it and that works for me.

Summer time is also pedicure time..I love getting my nails done.

OK, so last week my dad and I ran the fourth of July Independence day run and I had my fastest 15k ever..I was super excited because I did it. I came in 17 out of 80 girls my age.. That makes me want to work harder and run more. 

Then when I get a little time I paint while my sister takes naps.

My friend Elena met me at the beach the other day.. Our plan was  to just hang out and do nothing. We hung out until 9 pm and laughed and tried to get a heart picture and we talked and talked.. I think summers are supposed to have special non planned evenings.

This summer is feeling slow so far.. I love that. The priorities in my life are Loving all that I do. 

I am making the best of my life.  Loving each day and doing my best to be present in all that I do. Its not always easy but If you just keep going forward, putting one foot in front of the other somehow eventually things work out .. Here are a couple pictures of my life lately.. 

Mom + Kids + Running = Fun

You'll all be pleased to know that I have kept up my training.  Monday and Tuesday are typically my days off.  There is a fun run on Monday nights that takes place about 30 minutes from my house.  It has now become our family fun run night.  Now you should know my kids are not runners and they don't consider the run to be fun.  So I have been trying to make it fun for them and I think it's working. Yeah Me!!!  I helped them both pick out special clothes that are just for running.  Isabella has decided to barrow all my pink stuff.   Second thing I had to do was make sure they knew where we are starting and where the finish line is. I think they get that from me.  I like to know what's going on so I try not to surprise them during the run.  I try not to push them to hard because I want them to embrace running.  The third thing I do is I get really excited about going out with the group.   I always take the time to introduce them to the people we are running with.  It's so cool to me, when the owner of the store we meet at says "Hi King family, thanks for showing up."  I also like hearing "That a girl Bella" from one of the ladies who thinks Bella is such a cute runner.  The most important part about the fun run to my kids is... Where we eat after the run... So I tell them if you jog, limit your walking and most importantly don't whine... We will go out after our run... Guess what it works...
This week we went to SUBWAY.
It's simple but my kids love eating at Subway.  It's a treat for them to go out to dinner. All this stuff works and now they are excited about running on Monday nights. I need to say this for them. Like I said I don't push them, we jog about 2 miles in 40 minutes..maybe 2.5 miles.  I make sure they are having a good time.  No sad faces here.
Christopher said to me that this is our new family tradition... I guess the lesson for me is this... If I make it fun and respect their limits we can have family fun run night.. It's not the distance it's just being together... "Quality Time"

If you ever want to get your kids outside more, go with them.  Kids just want to be close with their parents...

Monday Pretties

The last couple of weeks I have been slowly working on turning my inner volume down.  I am doing this in an effort to hear what's going on around me.  I have been taken walks by myself, with out any musical distractions and I just listen.  Last week I  took my kids to the beach.  We all took our journals and I asked them to take a couple of minutes and just write.  It was so cool to be sitting there, with my kids, doing something we love.  The more aware I am of how good my life is the sweeter my days become. 
Worry less live more.

Have a happy monday

River's Edge Music Festival

This will be my last post about last weekend. I know it's kind of overkill but hey that's me. Let me start by saying, in my book, Live Music is right up there with Godliness.  I am debating whether I can afford to go to Coachella next year or if I am going back to Minnesota.  As much as I love new experiences... IF I can pull it off I will attend Coachella...  If not Minnesota here I come.
Here is a list of my Favorite Band from River's Edge Music Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota.
1. Dave Mathews
2.Hey Rosseta  
3. K.flay            
4. Motion City Soundtrack
5.Sublime        
Thank you for reading my blog this week and hanging in there with me. I'll have lots of cute smash book layouts to share with you next week.  I also made the purse I am holding in the picture above.  I will tell you all about that and what NOT to do when making a purse. Lastly I have lots of running stories for you...


Have a great weekend
G
XOXO

I know you know.

I'm sure most of you know who Sublime is and how totally fun they were... but I was totally happy to hear Sublime with Rome last weekend. Sublime with Rome is a musical collaboration between Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, formerly of the band Sublime, and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez. The group chiefly performed songs by Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his death in 1996.  I had seen the band Sublime with rome a couple years ago in san Diego. Back then their sound seemed a lot heavier and harder.  I never thought about purchasing their album.  That changed in Minnesota.  They sounded much more put together and they were a blast to watch live..  So I am definetly going to put their album on my gotta get list.  Don't you love this song?

Polica

Another musical discovery that I mad this past weekend was Polica.  I really liked their music it left me feeling euphoric, like I was hovering through a magical garden... The band is originally from Minnesota so they had a lot of fan support. Did I say I really liked them?  I stayed for the entire show... I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite bands I discovered this past weekend.  I still have a couple more, so please check back.  I hope you like them too.

Hey Rosetta

                              This past weekend while I was in Minnesota I discovered this band called Hey Rosetta... They are new to me and I am proud to say I am a big fan. They sounded great live. Their songs had a traveling feeling to them. I don't know if this ever happens to you... You know when I hear a song If I can close my eyes and travel with the melody. That is how I can tell how much I like the band...How far my mind can travel in those three minutes.. I came home and looked them up on I tunes. I just bought their album. Please watch their video and listen to this song. It's a little sad yet happy at the same time. I am loving it. Can you travel when you close your eyes while listening to this song ? Regardless watch the video it's beautiful.. I want a day just like hers.. Viewed through that same lens..

Back from Minnesota

I was here this past weekend. I had an amazing time.

The Flaming Lips crowd surfing.

Me just standing there taking it all in.

Minnesota ..I am coming back next year.

Loving relaxing on the grass just listening and having a cold beer.

I was loving her hair..She has my favorite nail polish color in there.

Listening to my favorite band in the world live.
Dave Mathews & Tim Reynolds

I had a bad ass weekend.. Full of so many things that makes me happy. Live music and cold beer. Great people watching. Relaxing, good food and lots of laughing and dancing dancing and more dancing.. I am sharing with you  some of my favorite pictures that I took with my camera.. I will share some of my phone pictures later. I am putting a post together about the bands I really liked. I definitely discovered a new favorite. There is something about listing to Dave Mathews, playing a live venue,  that makes me super duper happy..  Especially when I have enough room to dance my little heart out.  I hope you had a great weekend...  I will have lots to share this week.

A Must Have..

http://society6.com/zenpencils/44-BUDDHA_Print
There are things that a girl must have and for me this print is one of them..

Happy First day of Summer

Happy First Day of Summer

I live in San Diego and unfortunately we are suffering from June Gloom.  I don't know why but it seems every June the clouds roll in and the sun disappears. Hopefully June Gloom is over.  Today we had consecutive days of sun along the coast.  I wonder if it is a coincidence that the Sun arrived on the first day of summer.  I apologies for not posting more on my blog...  I got into a little bit of a blog funk... I still have a lot to say but I just haven't... I don't like this feeling...


So I want to share a little bit more about my habit-making situation.  I told myself I was going to run for 21 days straight because research has proven that it takes 21 days to form a habit...  I love running because it is a stress reliever. As many of you know, I spend everyday taking care of my handicapped little sister.  It is not an easy job but I feel mentally and physically better after working out.  My short runs average 3.3 miles and my long runs average 12 miles.  In the past 21 days I only missed one day!!! The hardest days for me to get up and run were days 4, 7 and 13.  Once I got passed those days I was good to go.  I am happy to say that I have running fever again. I really try and listen to my body when I run.  I drink lots of water and I rest when I need to.  I also signed up for a bunch of half marathons to keep me focused on my goal… My short-term goal as a runner is to complete some good trail half marathons.  When I say good I mean I want it to be easy. I don't run for time because I don’t want to be disappointed.  I run to for the experience and feeling of accomplishment.  My big goal over the next 6 months is to finish my first 50k, while training for that I plan on running at least 1 full marathon.  Those are my running goals for the rest of the year.  I am excited to share my journey with my peeps.

My summer plans include some light travel (starting this weekend), having fun with my painting and drawing.  Oh yeah and I really want to crochet a bikini for myself...  Is that crazy? 
  I will be sharing pictures from this weekends concert fest getaway next week so be sure to check back… Also, I made this really cute purse to take all my journaling stuff.   When I see a band I like I want to be able to write down their name and what I liked about them. (I am terrible with names)… 
While Carmen and I were hanging out today I painted her portrait... (The one at the top of this post.)  She was so happy she started to cry… I asked her to stop as I was about to cry too:’(  I feel lucky that I am able to care for her, making her laugh along the way.  I know this post is all over the place but that’s my brain for you...

Again, Happy First day of Summer Peeps.

Love G

XOXO

Monday Catch Up

It seems like last week flew by...Heres some pictures that capture whats going on in my life...

100 Miles Later...

This weekend I woke up around 6 a.m. on Sunday.  I put on my running shoes and went out for a short jaunt.  As soon as I was done I hurried home and got all of our stuff ready for the San Diego 100.  My kids and I were on our way to Alpine to see our good friend Jeff (he is married to one of my best friends Charlene)  finish the San Diego 100 miler.  This is something I  dream of doing and completing.  I was so excited to be able to be there for him and his family.  I have to admit I was selfishly super excited just to be there.  Think about it, I know someone who had the drive and the commitment to train for and complete a 100 mile race.  It is both crazy and amazing to me.  I had that same feeling inside as the day I met Kelly-Rea.. You know that holy shit I am about to meet someone who is a hero to me feeling..  I was just so happy to see all those men and woman finish something so amazing.  It really is a commitment of drive, passion and love.  It was also really great to be able to see a married couple that truly loves each other!!!  Jeff and his wife Charlene have been married over ten years and they are such a great team.  Despite the fact that Charlene was worried about him running, she was waiting for him at every aide station.  She brought him food, changed his shoes and cheered him on...  He may have run the race but he was not alone...  I guess for me the best part was watching this family, that truly loves each other, was that they all pull together for Jeff.  It's so nice to be a part of something so good.   So back to the story... Jeff finished the San Diego 100 miler yesterday.  I stood there with about 10 other people just waiting to see him do something great and he did.  Although all his friends and family were happy to see him finish, no one was happier than Jeff!!!

A Lovely Sunday Song

Its an Instagram Saturday

This is what my Saturday looked like through  Instagram... I have been doing lots of thinking.  I'm trying to slowly implement little changes into my life.  Today my dad and I had our long run.  I have only missed one day of my 21 days of running.  The first 8 days were very hard for me.  The hardest part for me is getting up at 6am, getting dressed and running out the door.  I started with mindset of no expectations, just run baby.  This morning my long run with my dad was pretty easy and I think that's because I have been practicing... My stamina is slowly coming back.  Practice is is a good thing... 

Recognizing I am enough

I have been having lots of feelings of self-doubt.  I am trying to figure out where all this self-doubt comes from… I really don't care about the past and what created this bag of self-doubt.  What I am trying to understand is... “How do I get rid of it?!?!?”  This morning while on my run I was thinking how great it would be to have a “recycle your shit here” service…  That would be so terrific.  If you are carrying crap from your past and you’re ready to get rid of it, you hit a button that says, “To Recycle Press Here.”  Then I woke up and realized it just doesn’t work that way.  Some people say you need to work through it.  Others say you need to just let go. There are thousands of books that tell people how to exercise the demons.  I am learning that different things work for different people.  That’s what makes us individuals.  The key is acknowledging the issue, figuring out what works for and putting in the time and work.  I am right in the middle of my mission of wanting to let go.  What do they say? Three steps forward 2 steps back. Since I am on this self proclaimed mission of lightning my load, I thought I would share a little of what’s helping me move forward… First I am learning to be kind to myself.   I am thinking positive thoughts and I’m not allowing self-criticism.  I need to say nice and kind things to myself.  We all need to hear I love you mom or honey you’re so beautiful, Babe, I am so in love with you, you’re the best, you complete me etc...  That’s nice but what we tell ourselves is huge…  The whole kindness matter situation is so true and it all starts with you.  So here is another thing I do…  This is silly but it’s starting to work for me… I am carrying a picture of myself in my purse and when I have all that doubt that creeps I take it my picture and look at myself...  I talk very sweetly to myself and remind myself that I am only human, I am trying my best and that in its self is enough.  Then I say be nice to Gloria and be patient with her… Is that crazy? Things that make you go hmmm
…

The last thing that is working for me comes from this quote… “Happiness in not something ready made. It comes from actions.”~ The Dalai Lama




My suggestion to you is to do what you love to do.  If you love to craft, journal or run make time to do it.  And if you have kids and you think you don't have time, bring them with you on your journey.  Trust me spending time with you is what your kids want more than anything else. You will be so happy and they will learn some self-love routines. So bottom line is be nice to yourself and cut yourself some slack.   When we do this life is just better... Finding our light takes time but I firmly believe we hold on to our fuel… Nurture yourself with love, light, understanding and patience. Practice shinning brightly…