la connaisance est pouvoir

Je crois en la vie.

So you know how I totally wasn't in the blogging mood? Well, I totally am now. Wahoo! This weekend was almost as spectacular as last weekend. It was spent doing many fun things that included sports, shopping and fun times. As I sit here sipping on my wonderful (or as wonderful as decaf can get) coffee, I don't even know where to begin with this post. Someone mentioned to me that I was getting back into the swing of my ultimate Gold-ness, and you know what? I've missed it; I'll start this blog with a list.

1. I believe that I am in love with the outdoors.
   
2. I believe in great causes.
3. I believe in achieving your PERSONAL best.
4. I believe that I love my family and friends.
5. I believe that I have faith.

Now that I've brainstormed my post, I will begin. As you guys have probably noticed, I really do just love being outdoors. My siblings and I decided to reminisce some favorite childhood pastimes. We were going to go Canoeing but didn't have much time so, nevertheless we made the journey out to Cane Creek Park (you should visit if you've never gone) out in Waxhaw and went on our usual hike. We had so much fun and really wound up having an intense hike. They have a wonderful "outdoor" fitness center equipped with many things and even a climbing wall. I was in love. I forgot how much I loved that place. So, the great causes I am speaking of today (I believe in many!) Are the PROLIFE and LIVESTRONG ones. The last time I went to Boone, Chris and I had this whole discussion on how Catholic I am. We went across the big points that we are recognized (and criticized) for and of course abortion made the top 3. It's weird having those conversations with them, especially for the first time, but he took it very well and it was nice to have stood up for what I believe in. Needless to say, I am very much a Pro Life person, and admire many of the organizations making a stand for it. Yes yes yes, don't worry I am all about women making their own choice but I am just more on the Pro Life stance on it that Pro Choice. Now, I'm not running for president so there is no need to go into detail on that. If you're interested in what these people do, please visit the website! I was fortunate to meet some of the people making a difference and they were great, so check it out! This weekend was the infamous tax-free weekend so of course Dad and I went on our usual back to school shopping (in sport stores-we just use this weekend as an excuse, even though we are still charged tax). We went to Dick's because he was really wanting to buy some tennis shoes so I decided to go along. We got to talking about my new running habit and he seemed to be very proud of my new hobby and is very impressed that I've stuck with it so long (I've hated running my whole life except now, thank you dysautonomia?). We were looking around many shoes and we came across the live strong running shoes. Of course I love them, and he went over took a look at them (after he had chosen his own new pair) and randomly asked if I like them. I kind of gave him the whole "are you kidding" look and he said that he was so thrilled that I've taken up running that he'd buy me a pair, and then he added how much he looked up to my drive of good causes. Take action people, get involved. I still haven't gotten over any of that. As far as my numbers 3, 4, and 5, they all kind of deal with the previous two. I ran my best timed mile today, I spent the entire weekend with the people I love and faith is a tremendously powerful thing.

"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen"