Time for a Change!

For most Americans Nov 4th was the historic moment....I will admit it was a heart warming moment for me. I sat in a hotel room and shared the moment with millions of Americans, screaming with pride! Barack Obama became the first Black to become president!

Change is an interesting concept...many folks (myself included) make New Years resolutions about changing bad habits and then they fail miserably. Both parties for the presidential campaign used slogans that toted the word change. Each candidate laid out their version of what changes would be made under their guidance. Now that Barack has won, many will expect immediate changes. I am hopeful he makes the changes our country needs, but more importantly I am willing to work for those changes. After Nov 4th passed by I realized that the word change could just be lip service if you are not committed to actually doing the hard work.

So for me change means working hard to see the end results. It takes commitment and perseverance to be the change that you want. It also takes support. No one can change alone, well at least not me...I need support. For me I need the help of my friends and family.

Thanks to my friends and family, who understood that I needed to see the worst of humanity in order to remember the beauty of it and to realize my own strengths.

So I am off to see the world, and be the change I am seeking, especially now that I don't have any distractions or annoyances. Watch out world!

Where has time flown?

Today I realized it is June 13th, Yes Friday the 13th! Now where has Sara been? I had to ask myself the same question. I have been running : ) Yes I finished the Cooper River Bridge Run and I bested my time by 1.56 minutes. I met some really nice folks and had a great time. I traveled with a good friend, who left me at the starting line. LOL....It was his first race and he was very excited!

He did it in under 1 hour, now mind you, one day I want to run a 10k under 1 hour, but I am going to need to practice more than just 3 months out of the year! We had a grand time in Charleston.

No, we did not get to see Uncle Charles and Aunt Carmen, our schedules could never get on track and when they were free...we were tired from the race. We did get a chance to attend a Cajun Festival on Jame's Island. The music was great...there was a really great band from New Orleans that rocked the place! We ate crawfish and had other goodies! It was an awesome festival!

How is the vegetarian lifestyle going? Out the damn window! Yep I said it! I tossed it. I was not losing any weight and found myself tired and lethargic at times. So I switched to a pescetarian lifestyle. What in the Sam Hill..you ask? (yes, I am starting to pick up some Carolina slang.)

Pescetarianism is a dietary choice, in which a person — known as a pescetarian — eats fish or other non-mammalian aquatic animals but will not eat terrestrial animals or marine mammals. Some animal products like eggs and dairy may be part of a pescetarian diet.

How is that working? Tossed that out of the window last week after a long visit with my mother's side of the family. I realized when I am by myself I am a very healthy eater! However, my family's influence, not to say its unhealthy, but its is full of delicious roasted meats and gosh...just thinking about it ...well man! How can you turn down your favorite childhood dishes?

Just mention the name Aunt Aida...a great aunt who used to be a caterer and my stomach growls with delight! At 84, she still wields a mighty sword (JJ Henckel knives) and a oven as a shield. Coupled with my Aunt Pat on the grill (any chicken within a mile should run! All fish should swim as far away as possible!) and my Uncle Preston is quite the story teller, and tells some great jokes. As the official bartender, you begin to realize that after 1 drink you will be staying in their home for quite awhile. No ifs, buts or what! Now he does make a mean Pineapple and Tequila drink. I am not sure of the recipe but it was great!

As soon as we turn into the gates of their palatial home, (small by their standards but 4,500 sq feet with a view of 11th hole of a prestigious golf course), my heart melts, my stomach sighs and I feel like a 6 year old ready to kick my feet under the table with delight. I love to sit in the lanai after a meal and watch the golfers play a round of golf. I also love to enjoy a great cup of her coffee and to delightfully await her magical desserts. I am on a gastronomic high...that only my elders and a few 5 star chefs can give me.

So I realized that eating meat and the preparation of each meal is part of my culture, it's my heritage. I want to pass those traditions off to our next generation. I want my nieces and nephews to come to my house with the same anticipation of a good meal that will beckon them back again and again.

So I will just eat healthier to offset any unhealthy meals...I will indulge in my love for food...I am a FOOODIE...no ifs butts or whats..it is who I am!

So, after my last rant about Silliary. I have to apologize to everyone, I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired of HRC and her campaign antics. In the end I just felt sorry for her. She ran the course, but like a overzealous runner, she ran an extra lap after she knew she had passed the finish line, long after the winner had been announced. Then she had to audacity to want to throw a temper tantrum, to rant that she had really won because she had run the extra lap. The saddest part was when she mentioned that she would be open to becoming the vice president. I was like WTF? Not unless, Obama had 365 food tasters, an army of body guards and the Pope on speed dial would that happen!

I thought I would never blog about my political leanings, but I not am sorry for using this forum to air my feelings. One day I will look back at the Clinton's and be thankful for Bill's time in the White House and HRC time in the Senate. I just need some time without them both in the media to forget the ugliness and to reflect on the good times. As for McCain, well...as an independent, he is going to have to really wow me. Right now I like Obama and I want to work to help make a change. Words are powerful especially when they motivate and encourage.

I went to see Obama, HRC and McCain....I was only impressed once and embarrassed by the others. HRC had a pep rally with 15 speakers and 4 bands, its a small wonder why her campaign was over 21 million in debt. McCain had me wishing the food was better and I was so glad I did not pay for the event, over $200! PLEASE! (It was too much money for a dry *ss speech, coupled with under seasoned and over cooked chicken! They needed to put a coffee carafe right near me! Boring!) But I am glad I got to see all three candidates, it helped with my decision.

This past May 6th I was proud to work at the voting polls, more so than any other time in my voting life time. I saw so many people come out who had never voted or had lost hope and quit the process. All races...they all seem to want a change.

Will Obama succeed? I am optimistic and taking 1 day at a time. I love to hear my Great Aunt talk about the possibilities of the future and how she never thought she would live to see the day. Uncle Preston (a staunch Republican) is watching Obama....he is not sure if he is going to vote for him. But at least he is watching and listening! To that I must say...Wow....Wow!

Tomorrow morning...I am off to do a long 3 mile walk thru the new green way. I will take pictures and tell you all about it.

April 5th is the Copper River Bridge Run

The race is next weekend and I am so ready. I have been preparing myself and getting amped about it.

What have I been up to? Went to see Obama at a rally here in Charlotte. I am really into the political process with him in the race. He is engaging and he garners such a diverse crowd at his events. It seems that many people of tired of the past administration and the scandal prone Clinton's.

Initially I was excited about Hillary's run, now I am so weary of her campaign's dogged and tired approach. So much venom and veiled hate has been spread by her....that I am ashamed as a woman to even think of aligning myself with her. At this point if she wins, she should not count my vote (I am a independent). I would rather vote for the moderate McCain (he did refer to himself as the liberal republican, it was a mistake..but an honest one!) than have another Clinton in the White House who will have scandal on top of scandal. Hillary needs to learn how to compromise and to work with the people. Her tone and sense of entitlement has become overbearing...and rather desperate. She says she is prepared for day 1 of the presidency, however she seems unprepared for the remaining days and is not ready for the bipartisan relationship building and compromises she will have to make. These are just my opinions....and it is my vote!

I spent Easter with family...had a great time! Got to see my beloved ocean! I love the ocean and realize I need to see and feel it at least 4 times a year.

As you may notice I am sporting my hair in its natural state. I have mixed feeling about it. At first it was too big and I was very self conscience about it. But after a little gel and some confidence....(yes a gay man yelled "You go gurrlll!")

My confidence is better.

Tell me what you think....:)

March Madness Begins

I have been busy with life.....I have a small injury that reduced my running to a fast brisk walk. But I am not giving up! I am still training and met some wonderful people who are going to do the Cooper River Bridge Run. John Lineberger is a jewel in the Queen City's tiara! He founded and still actively coordinates the running programs from 3 different area YMCAs! He is very personable! The program encourages everyone and is well received!

I am so ready for the race. I do have a trip scheduled the weekend of my longest practice run. But I plan on doing that along the beach! So I will be simulating the water portion of the run : ) 6 miles along a beautiful beach! Now that is life!

On Saturday I ran into Candy from last years run and she is going to run again this year. She and her daughter (I always thought her daughter was about 4 years old, but no she is 14!) will be doing it together this year. Wow!

I love Charleston! I cannot wait for the weather, the people and the sights!

January and it is time to get ready to RUMBLE......

A New Year Full of Potential

Yes...it is time to get ready to train for the Cooper River Bridge Run. I am heading out tonight to get new running shoes. I am going to have my gait evaluated at Run For Your Life. I did this last year and had a successful run with the pair they suggested. Yes, I also retired the old pair...they served me well. Now it is time for a new pair. I will use the old pair for treadmill training and trail runs.

This year I am running with a friend. Shelly is a phenomenal person! She has the spirit and energy that is so motivating. What I love about her is she started RYPE. What is RYPE? It is a organization that helps African American women realize their true potential. Shelly truly has a genuine spirit and is a great motivator.

So a group of RYPE women will meet on Saturday to have our first practice session. Wish us luck and stop by to see our progress as we train for this 10k.

Get motivated.
Remember Time Waits For No Man... So Get Up And Get Moving.