If you told me a year ago...

If you told me this time last year where I would be today, I would have called you crazy. If you told me a year ago what I would have accomplished in 2011 I would have laughed at you and wondered what you were smoking. Although I can’t categorize 2011 as the greatest year of my life, I grew a lot and learned a lot and for that I am thankful.  

I think about this day one year ago and how different things are. This time last year, I was in California visiting Donny and I was happier than I thought I ever could be with someone. This time last year I figured that 2011 would have led me to California where we would be together and happy as clams. If you had told me that the relationship with him would have led to the emotional rollercoaster that it unfolded to be, I would have called you crazy, but I guess, as I have learned, everything happens for a reason – and I also learned that I don’t need someone else to define happiness.

If you told me a year ago that I was going to have another blood clot and have to overcome it again, and deal daily with the pain, swelling and shots, I probably wouldn't have called you crazy, I would have just gotten scared and made an appointment to the doctor sooner. Granted, there is nothing I can do about it now and it is what it is, but at least I have a reason to get a good seat on the airplane and really the shots aren't THAT bad (ok I'm lying, they suck). 

If you told me that in 2011 I would have left Gold’s Gym I really would have laughed at you and had you get the appointment for the doc. Simply, because I loved that job. I loved the company, the brand, the people I worked with and what I was doing. BUT – I have to say that I could not be happier with the decision I made to take that leap to Ratner. It was a difficult decision, but I have found an incredible family in Ratner Companies, and I am excited and happy to go into work everyday. I love the company, what I do, and of course, who I work with. It is a challenge and I’ve enjoyed the last four months and I am EXCITED about 2012.

Now – if you told me last year that I would continue diving and eventually move onto my Divemaster and my IDC, I would NOT have called you crazy. Although I didn’t win the trip to Bali, I did earn my Divemaster and I am excited to move forward with my IDC in 2012. In 2011, my love for diving only grew deeper this year and I’ve been OVERWHELMED with the amazing trips and dives I have taken this year. One thing that was particularly special with diving this year was the PEOPLE I've met. I have met some of the kindest, loving, hardworking and just all around good people at The Dive Shop. I've had two incredible mentors to guide me through Divemaster (Mark Plecity and Kevin Sabo) and I am so thankful for all they have taught me. The family I have at The Dive Shop keeps me smiling on a weekly basis and even though I am not in Bali, I am blessed to have TDS (ok yes, and Millbrook too). I've also met some ridiculous people on my journeys - and I am hopeful that our paths will cross again (hopefully underwater!).

As a person, I am proud of how I’ve grown this year – I never thought I would be the person to take a vacation by myself – I mean who are we kidding here, I didn’t even like going to eat or to the movies by myself, and I was able to take the best trip of my life to Maui… alone! I learned a lot on that trip about myself and I had an absolutely fantastic time there (so much so that I am going back!)

And on a lighter note, if you told me that I would end 2011 with brown hair, I REALLY would have laughed at you! My whole life I have identified myself as a blonde. Although stupid, it was a huge thing for me – I thought that my hair color defined me in a way – and although it does to a point, it is not who you are. Hair color is just a small part of who you are. But, like many other things, I changed it up and I couldn’t be happier with it. And plus – it is hair color – it can change when I get sick of it – it isn’t like it changes my personality! And for the record, Brunette's have just as much fun as Blondes. 

So overall, 2011 hasn’t been a bad year at all. I am incredibly lucky and I count my blessings on a daily basis. I hope that as I move forward with 2012, that I can continue to challenge myself and grow… and of course to continue to dive. 

But now, as Tom Petty says, “It’s time to move on and time to get going... what lies ahead I have no way of knowing...” so peace out 2011 – don’t let the door hit you on the way out! :)

Mental Blocks

I've been doing very well with my training so far - granted I am less than a month in and I have a pretty solid base built up so it isn't like I am starting from the beginning but I have to say for the last few weeks I am proud of how I have been training for this tri.

I've been working with Tasha at Merrifield/Tysons for about six weeks - I started with her WAY before this tri came up because I felt like I had just kind of lost my way with my workouts. She got me back on track, re motivated me and actually cleaned up my diet (gasp - I know). She also did a lot of rehab on my shoulder and that is one of the reasons why I felt strong enough to try this tri (sounds silly).

Anyway - as I decided to do this, I had this major mental block, one which I am not really sure why I have it - and I haven't fully gotten over it. It is really strange - my mental block lies within swimming. It's so strange - it isn't like I suck at it (actually I good at it). I don't know whether it is because I swam for so many years, or if it is because I don't feel challenged when I swim alone - or what... but it has been the one thing over the years that has kept me from doing a triathlon.

It is something that I am having difficulty explaining to people because I don't know why I have it and it is hard to understand myself. I am a swimmer - it is who I have been my whole life (helllooo my license plate was SAMSWMS) and  it is something that comes very naturally to me. I am not sure why I have it but I know I will get over it.

Regardless of not being able to figure out WHY I have this strange mental block, I am still pushing myself to get in the water. The workouts we are being provided are NOT hard by any means - but I have been diligently getting in the water once a week (for now) and in all honestly it isn't that bad and I am actually kind of enjoying being back underwater. I guess if I can't scuba, I might as well swim...

As for fundraising - it is going kind of slow. I haven't sent out any letters yet - I am waiting until after the holidays are over. I know that people are stretched for money with Christmas so hopefully I will be able to garner some more donations as we move into 2012. I also am hoping to have a few bake sales and maybe a happy hour or two. Oh and of course, my Super Bowl pool will be up and running.

Until next time - please donate if you can and check back for more training progress.

John Park's Champions: WHY I am doing TNT this season

John Park Jr.
My first TNT coach -
ALL my fundraising for the season will be going
toward having a LLS grant named in his memory 

I've done three marathons with Team in Training and I am lucky enough to have just a small number of personal connections to the mission - but through all of the seasons, I've been able to meet some amazing people who do have personal and very close connections to blood cancer.

You may think that I am doing this season just because it is in Hawaii. Yes that is a reason - but just a very small part. The reason why I am participating in TNT this spring season is for John Park Jr.

If you have read this blog in the past, you will know that John Park Jr was my first coach with Team In Training. He devoted himself to Team In Training, not only as a coach but also as a participant. He reached SO many people's lives and even months after his passing, the amount of love that has been shown in his memory is incredibly moving.

Personally, without John, I probably would not have crossed that first - or any - of the finish lines. He was more than a coach, he was a friend, a motivator and a great inspiration to me and I know I would not continue with TNT if not for him.

So this year, I am running in the memory of John. I am going to cross the finish line in honor of him - I am going to keep going, not give up and continue his legacy through the season.

Additionally, the National Capital Area Chapter of Team in Training has created a sub team called John Park's Champions. The goal of this team is to raise $100,000 in honor of John - after which we will name a LLS grant in his memory. You can follow along with the progress at the blog linked above in addition to learning more about how John reached so many people's lives.

All of my fundraising money will go toward this team, in hopes to honor John and all he did for TNT. So, as you are donating - please do it in honor of John and all he has done for so many people just like me.

Click below to donate:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/anttry12/samperry

Tri-ing something different

So if you are a frequent reader of this blog, or you are just reading it for the first time, you will know that it's about my life, scuba diving and training for marathons with Team in Training. 


This blog started as a way to share my training and fundraising progress with my first marathon with TNT and then it evolved through the next two. From there, I fell in love with Scuba Diving and I was able to use it to help gain support with my dream to move to Bali (which didn't work out - but that is okay). And now it is just kind of a way to share what is going on with my crazy ass life. 

BUT, now...drum roll please... I have something I never thought would happen... the chance to combine my two favorite things... Team in Training AND Scuba Diving. 

No, it is not some new extreme event that dives and raises money for cancer (humm--- bright light.... idea!!!) -- BUT it is a chance for me to participate in a TNT event in a location that is known for the amazing dive opportunities, which just HAPPENS to be one of my favorite places in the world...

The LAVAMAN TRIATHLON on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 1, 2012. 

Now, yes, that does mean I need help because right off the bat, I have a 2 big ssues: 

1) I have never done a triathlon before. Yes, I've done three marathons, but by NO MEANS have I mastered that. Frankly, I SUCK at running... (who are we kidding, we all know it is true).

BUT I am kinda good at swimming (Um, yes, that would be me, the one that was at one point 28th in the nation in breaststroke and swam in college - feeling okay about that leg). 

Oh and I teach 3 cycle classes a week and have a pretty badass bike... so not feeling too shabby about that leg too... and even though I SUCK at running, hopefully my kickassness (yes that is a word) at the other two parts will help make me look a lot less horrible through the entirety of the race. So wait, I might actually not SUCK at this. 

and 

2) My goal is to raise $8500. 

Yes, you read it correctly, $8500. I know that is a lot of money... but that is why I have wonderful friends and family like YOU!

SO... 

I need YOUR HELP. I know times are tough. I know it is the holidays, but I no matter how small a donation, every dollar helps. And I mean EVERY DOLLAR. 

I am not stupid - most, if not all, of my friends have children and I know it is the holidays. I know times are tough - BUT with that said I have a few arguments as to why you should donate to me and TNT:

• It is YOU - not me - that are the heros. I can't tell you how many times that I wanted to quit or give up during my previous races and trainings but there have been random people that have come up to me and said "THANK YOU -- YOU ARE THE REASON WHY (insert, mother, father, child, grandmother, boyfriend, girlfriend) IS STILL ALIVE" It is these people who give me the belief, energy and drive to continue running and to continue to affiliate with this charity. 
• TNT donates 75% of all donates directly to families, patients and research. The reason why our donation minimum is so high is because the overhead (ie - administrative costs) are so low. If you don't believe me, take a look at some of the other charities and you will find that LLS and TNT have one of the highest direct donation percentages out there. 
• Let's face it - Hawaii is a pretty kick-ass destination -- AND of course, I am looking for people to come and be my personal cheering section. Conveniently, with every donation, you are automatically entered to be a member of my personal cheerleading squad. All squad members that join me in Hawaii will receive at LEAST a "TEAM SAM" tshirt, an honorary "HO" to wear, and possibly (ok most likely) an AWESOME scuba dive with me.... oh and wait, duh, did I mention it is in HAWAII??

Anyway, anything you can do to help is appreciated. Anything you can do to help is appreciate... so please use the link below to donate... and continue to check back at my blog to follow my training and fundraising progress. 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/anttry12/samperry
 

Good Life

I should have written about this a while ago, but I got caught up and I am finally able to sit to write some of it down. There is more about how and why I got to do this, but that isn't the point of this post. A couple of months ago, I did something that I never thought I would do. I did something that has totally changed my life the way diving did a year ago and I was able to open a new door and chapter to my life. I took myself totally out of my comfort zone and  traveled by myself, to Maui for a week. Yes - Maui. BY MYSELF. 


I love to travel - that is obvious, but I've always traveled with others - either friends or for dive trips - and I never thought I would a) want to travel by myself or b) be strong enough as a person to do it - and I can say, that it was hands down, the best vacation of my life. I was able to not only take myself out of my comfort zone, but I learned so much about myself, how strong I can be and how lucky I am to have such a good life.  I challenged myself and ended up having the time of my life - including the Best Day Of My Life (I'll post about that later).


Anyway - I went to Maui for seven days - I used my airfare from the Bonaire trip (which I had to cancel because of my new job) and researched for a few weeks where I wanted to go. I landed on Maui because I knew I wanted someplace tropical, but I didn't want the Caribbean (which I "can do anytime" - ok not really but its closer than hawaii). I was nervous to go international so I ended up with Maui since it's not a place I can go all the time. 


I've been lucky enough to go to Honolulu twice - once on with Wake Forest and once with Kris before my 30th birthday (which was also AMAZING). I know how beautiful it is, but I've never been anywhere other than that island. I've had friends who've been to Maui and I heard the diving was incredible so I booked a ticket and got on a plane to the Pacific. 


With the trip, I knew I wanted to do some diving, but I didn't want it to own the trip. I can travel with TDS anytime on a strictly diving trip - and I wanted to relax, recharge and lay out. Shit - it was my trip, so I figured that I could pick what and how I wanted to do it! 


I planed the trip so I would have at LEAST three days of diving - and I researched dive operators and came across Ed Robinson's, which caters to a more advanced diver. I wanted an operator with a good reputation, and that was not overwhelmed with tourists, and/or beginners. I wanted to be able to explore and challenge myself in diving - but also to be able to enjoy my experience in Maui. And I was lucky enough to find Ed and his crew, which was hands down the best operator I've dove with. The staff was top notch, the dives were great and it was nice to challenge myself. 


While I was in Maui, I rented a car and upgraded to a Jeep - I mean hell, why not, right? I spent the first day just cruising the island, heading to the higher altitude areas prior to my diving. I hiked to a waterfall, drove to a couple of beaches and just hung out. I did some snorkeling for a hot minute but then I remembered that was boring and ended up laying out again. Regardless, it was a good day. 


The next three days (which actually turned into four - I added another day of diving on last minute) were my scheduled dive days and it was amazing. I would dive in the morning and then pick out a beach while I was on the boat and then lay out in the sun during the afternoons. When I say "picked out a beach" - I literally would pick a beach -  I would see a beach on the shoreline and say to one of the crew - "hey I want to go there" and they would give me directions and off I would go. It was perfect.  


The diving was SPECTACULAR - I saw, and played with my first octopus (AMAZING - I loved him and my obsession is now running deeper than ever), hung out with a pair of manta rays (!!!), dominated the drift dive and saw a whole different world from what I am use to on the East Coast. It was simply amazing. 


During the afternoons, I hung out on the beaches, read, and then went to dinner while enjoying the sunsets. I thought going into it, I would be lonely, or sad, but it was just the opposite. I was able to do whatever I wanted to do, without having to answer to anyone else. I was able to decide what I wanted without making concessions for others. And yes, I know that it sounds selfish, but it gave me a sense of individuality. I was able to learn that it is okay to be independent. It was nice to set my own schedule and kind of just do whatever I wanted. 


It's very hard to explain -- I feel like a lot of my life I have thought that I need to live by "the rules" - go to school, don't skip class, go to swim practice, work hard, do your best, graduate, work, etc - and along those lines for almost all of my friends it has ended up as "get married and have kids". Obviously I haven't followed that line and it was one of my biggest insecurities - but with this trip, I realized that it is okay. It's my life - and it's gonna be a good life. 


I learned by traveling on my own that it is MY life and it isn't about finding someone else to love you, it is about loving yourself. I was able to realize that, just because "its just me" - that's really all I need! Don't get me wrong, I think I would be happy to be swept off my feet and find my prince charming, but I am totally okay if it doesn't happen. I finally found that happiness all on my own and it's pretty sweet being able to just pick up and do whatever and to be living MY life. That trip made me so much stronger and I can honestly say that I have NO problems traveling on my own again - and I can't WAIT to do it again. (It's funny because I went on a trip to the Bahamas a week or so after and it was with 19 people from TDS and I had a blast, but it was a totally different experience in itself and it was good to have that comparison so closely to one another) 


As silly as it may sound, I spent my whole life wishing on stars (what girl doesn't) - and I would wish to "fall in love" - but as I was driving down to the dock one morning in Maui I realized that I was lucky enough to have that happen to me already - Yes, this is ridiculously cheesy and I kind of throw up in my mouth while saying this, but I fell in love with diving, which has in turn taught me to love and be proud of myself. Not cheesy, cocky, arrogant Sam proud that most people see, but a true and genuine, with no insecurities pride for myself, one that I don't show very often - and that, is enough to make, and keep me happy. 

John Park Jr.

I got an email from my mom yesterday morning labeled "Possible Bad News" with the note that there had been a TNT coach that suffered a heart attack during the Nation's Tri on Sunday. I looked it up in the paper and found little information in all honesty, put it out of my mind, thinking that it had to have been another chapter, as it was a national event and there was no mention of NCA. Last night, I checked my facebook to find a group labeled "In memory of Coach John Park Jr." -- and I was shocked to learn that the coach my mom had mentioned was not only one of our NCA coaches, but my very first marathon coach.


For those that knew John, his kind nature, motivating words and strong, inspiration desire to end blood cancer were some of his strongest attributes. His son, now in remission, had a form of blood cancer when he was younger, and John (and his wife Pam) ran and coached in honor of him so that other children didn't have to endure the battle that he had. His desire to end these diseases motivated him to teach others, to help others through and to ensure that not only did every person he coached cross the finish line, but that they too took each step with the desire to make a difference in so many families lives. John's passion for Team in Training changed lives on so many different levels.


I think of this and I am thankful to have known him for the effort and passion that he had toward the mission. Selfishly, I also think of how John changed and touched MY life. He was the coach who trained me for my very first marathon, which if you read through to the beginning of this blog, was riddled with self doubt, some injury and an overall fear of the unknown and if it was possible for me to even accomplish a marathon. Now most of this blog has been on the more positive side (I hope), but even though not archived here at winsamwin, I do remember countless emails that I sent to John about my knee, my self doubt, and just my fear of not being able to finish - and he always believed in me and my abilities, even when I couldn't. In addition to being a spectacular coach, he was just an all around good person. Later on in my TNT career, I was lucky enough to attend a fundraiser at his house with his wife Pam and I remember leaving feeling so inspired by both of their journeys with TNT and how much they have done for LLS. 


I've thought a lot today about of how different my life would be now if I hadn't finished or if I had given up and quit like I wanted to so many times. How different things would be if it wasn't for having John in my life. I probably wouldn't have continued for another season with TNT if I hadn't had that great of an experience with him as my first coach. Granted, there are many other life experiences that could come into play, but, if I hadn't finished the first race, or had such a great experience, I wouldn't have continued - which means I wouldn't have met Kristina and had all the fun and created all the memories and good times with her. I wouldn't have taken the trip to GC that eventually lead to me falling in love with diving, which has since lead me to some of the best memories of my life and to more independence and happiness than I ever could dream of. 


So many significant parts of my life over the last four years can be attributed to the journey of my first marathon - and in hand with that, was John Park, keeping me motivated, inspired and with the desire to help cure blood cancer. As I continued past my first marathon, John always was there to provide a positive comment, a joke and a reason to continue taking step after step. He probably had no clue how much he meant to my life and probably so many others, and I will take that as a lesson to make sure to tell those who have his type of influence on my life just that. 


John will be missed more than any words can say properly in a blog.  His memory will live on within the National Capital Area Chapter and within each of our hearts that he touched - and, as both my father and mother told me last night, I am comforted in knowing that he left us doing something that he loved, for a cause that he loved. 


May his memory live forever and his mission and dream to cure blood cancer come true. 


THANK  YOU John for not only touching MY life but also the life of so many others. 

Becoming the Person You Hate

Well I officially became the person I hate. Sort of.

Two weeks ago, my friend Sara emailed me in regards to her marathon with TNT - she is running the San Francisco Marathon in October. Sara and I have trained for two (maybe three) marathons together and she is just a really GOOD person. She is one of those people that just are so nice that you want to be around them because they make you a better person.

So we were emailing back and forth and she invited me out to the team training run and I accepted (without knowing what the mileage was going to be - um, first mistake there). I haven't run with the team in a LONG time and it feels like forever since I had seen Sara so I decided that there was no reason for me to say no... oh wait. Except for the fact that the team was running 10 miles. Yes, 10. As in, one more than nine and eight more than I have run in about 2 years.

Not wanting to back down I warned Sara that I might die. Actually keel over and die - I hadn't run that much since my last marathon back in Oct 2009 (holy crap has it been that long?!). I have tried to commit to running but just like dating, I just can't seem to follow through. I get bored, scared, tired, whatever -- (yes - still talking about running here, not guys) Oh and wait, let's not forget the small issue of my blood clot and the ho. I've had so much trouble in 2011 with my stupid leg that running has been a difficult thing for me.

Needless to say, I was a little bit intimidated... but Sara was confident that I could do it.

That Saturday morning, I woke up, drove to Bethesda, met the team and ran. And I finished. I didn't die (obviously) and I actually had fun (GASP!). It was a BEAUTIFUL morning and it was just wonderful to catch up with Sara. It was actually a good time.

So, with that said, on that Saturday, I officially became the person I hate - the person who can just wake up and run 10 miles. Now granted there should be an asterisk to it because I have done a little running (not more than 3 miles on the treadmill) but who cares - I did it.

And you never know where that Saturday will lead me... maybe back to San Francisco?

Thoughts from a cycle bike

I taught at Van Ness last night (note: I wrote this right after the class and didn't post it until now) and for some reason in the middle of the class there was a moment that kind of overtook me with emotion. Most of the time when I teach, I face the door to the room and I often find myself looking out into the gym periodically during class. Ever since working at Gold's I have tried to keep my cycling seperate from my position in marketing. By doing this, I am able to keep a consumer perspective and I find that I am able to relate to the members on a more personal level. I think that is one of the things that makes me "good" at my job - is that I am in touch with the gym on a consumer level in addition to a professional marketing level.


Anyway, the cycle room in Van Ness doesn't have much of a view - it sits in the back of the gym and it there is a small stretching area, and the only wall you really see it the wall of fame. In South Arlington, I can see most of the floor (which can be VERY entertaining at times), and in Ballston I am able to see other classes that are going on. So last week, I was teaching and I looked up and saw a guy looking at the Wall of Fame.


On this particular wall, it had the pictures and success stories of our Get Fit Challengers and even though he didn't stand there and intimately read each of the stories, you could see him move from picture to picture and take in the change that these particular people had made in the time they were working out. It was that movement from picture to picture that made me realize/remember how much I love what I do and who I work for.


Obviously the GFC is a very personal endevor for me and this particular moment was so tiny and short, but it really made me realize the span of how many people we touch, not only with the GFC but with everything we do at Gold's.  I think what caught me off guard is something that I don't often think about - I know that this challenge changes the lives of the six contestants that are participating in it - but it also influences so many others. We will never be able to measure how many people are influenced or motivated by this challenge or the impact it may have but the fact that this guy took two minutes to look at each of their stories just made me happy.

(I wrote this last week right after the class, but didn't post it until today)

A Year of Diving: In Photos

Coming out of the water after my very first dive. This is what TRUE happiness looks like!
 That is Nick at the bottom of the ladder. Little did he know that he had just made history!

Having some fun with in the OBX with my dive gear.
What a GREAT weekend with some amazing people!
Thank you Jason and Erin for hosting us! 

The Key Largo Team - just a few of the amazing people I have met because of diving.
This was my very first dive trip with The Dive Shop and SO much fun! 

Scuba Barbie and Scuba Barbie - hanging out on the U-352 in Morehead City, NC

Whitney and I hanging out during our safety stop in at the U-352. Another great dive buddy and friend that I've met through diving. 

Bubble Bubble Bubble. I love this! 

Checking out wrecks 100 feet down in NC. 

The Morehead City Crew from TDS - SO MUCH FUN! 

Another one from Morehead City - thanks to Whitney for taking such great photos. 

Getting ready to jump in at the U-352.
This photo was taken by Mike Gerkin, an amazing photographer and boat captain with
the Olympus Dive Center in Morehead City.
If you want to check out some amazing underwater photos, check out his blog: http://evolutionunderwater.blogspot.com

Tomorrow is a VERY special day.

Tomorrow is a very special day for me. For everyone else, it is just July 16 (and Kevin Brackens' birthday). But for me, it is the one year anniversary of a day that changed my life.

This time last year, Kristina and I were on vacation in the Cayman Islands. Even though my father told me that if we went to Grand Cayman I absolutely needed to dive, I was determined to do nothing but "sit on the beach and read"

As much as I wanted to do that (and I did) every time I walked past toward the beach, the Red Sail Sports that was in the hotel kept kinda calling me and before I knew it I had signed up for my DSD.

I was nervous to do this on my own - Kris and I had done everything together pretty much for the last two years and this would be the first adventure that I was going to be doing on my own. I remember signing in at the front counter and hearing this British dude talking and he made some sort of sarcastic remark to the other person there - and after laughing, the woman checking me in said "oh, that's your instructor" -- and that is how I met Nick.

A funny, sarcastic, but yet serious Brit who took me underwater for the first time. The pool was fine - I was super comfortable - and it wasn't until later in the afternoon when I did my first giant stride into the beautiful water that I truly felt complete peace and happiness.

That first dive was amazing. We swam around and enjoyed all that the GC diving has to offer. I remember at the end of the dive, Nick took me and the other girl I was with and first he did a somersault and then we each did one. It is because of that somersault that you will always find me doing somersaults in each dive - to remind me of how one small thing can change someone. For me, it was that along with the peace and happiness that I found with that dive. I loved it so much I went back for more the next day. :)

And ever since then I have done as much as I can to be underwater as much as possible. That week changed me for the better - it made me learn to take a step back and enjoy myself. Diving has shown me so much and taught me so much about myself and my life. I have never felt the peace and serenity that I find when I dive and I wish and want to share it with those around me.

Diving has opened a door to new friendships and travel that I otherwise wouldn't have. It has shown me love and some pain. Yes, it has caused heartache, but I wouldn't take back the time that I spent with Donny, nor would I take back the love that I had and always will have for him.

Diving has taught me so much about myself and the people that I surround myself with. I loved the experience that I had with the Best Dive Job and the support that was shown on my behalf from friends and family meant more to me than I ever could explain. Ironically enough, the winners of the BDJ are heading to Bali now and even though there is a side of me that wishes it was me, I know that it is okay that I am not packing up to leave. I wish I could spend seven months (or four) in Bali, I am happy with how my diving has progressed and I am so lucky to be associated with such a great dive shop here in DC.

I think back to how nervous I was this time last year - I had no idea what was ahead of me and how I would change just from that first breath underwater.

So to celebrate, tomorrow night, Martin and I are going to do some night diving in Millbrook. Even though it isn't Grand Cayman, it will still be wonderful for me to be able to celebrate the one year anniversary of the day that changed my life.

:)

A Year's Worth Of Diving:
July 16 - My first dive - Grand Cayman
9/18 - OW Certification
9/24 - Catalina
10/2 - AOW Certification (and my first cert with Mark P)
10/9 - OBX Diving
10/16 - Nitrox Certification
11/6 - San Juan PR Diving
11/31 - Catalina
3/24- Key Largo
5/30 - DIVE #40!
6/10 - Rescue Diver Certification
7/10 - Morehead City and Dive #50
7/16 - One Year Anniversary

Dives to date: 53
Minutes underwater: 1550
Minutes of happiness: 1550

1/2 way through 2011...

I can't believe that it is July -- well technically tomorrow is July. This year really has flown by - I keep thinking about where I was in January and not much has changed, but yet at the same time, so much has.

I have to say that I am VERY happy at work right now, which is always a plus and I am just chugging along. Obviously I am super happy with where I am with my diving, even though it would be amazing if I could be underwater all the time, but sadly, I was not born with gills. BUT I am getting in the water a lot and I have a LOT to look forward to in terms of diving.

Next weekend I am heading to Morehead City with TDS to hit some wrecks. The last time I dove NC, it wasn't a GREAT experience, but it wasn't horrible. Apparently the diving in Morehead is really great and the dives are amazing. Everyone that I've talked to has said how much I will enjoy it.

Over Labor Day I am headed to the Bahamas with TDS. This trip is being led by Brian, the same guy who lead the amazing trip to the Keys. We have 19 people on the trip, including my DM buddy Jerome, so I know it will be AWESOME. Plus, I leave the morning after the final reception for the Challenge so it will be a nice celebration for me after (hopefully) another successful GFC.

The big trip coming, which I am OVER THE MOON excited about is Bonaire in October. I was planning on going to Bonaire in July, but I just can't leave the GFC in the middle of the campaign. Thankfully there was a trip scheduled for October and I jumped on it as soon as it was public. I've heard amazing things about Bonaire - it is world class diving - and I mean, seriously who doesn't love a trip to the tropics?!

Before all that I am going to Golden Lake this weekend. No diving there, but it will be a wonderful relaxing weekend. Golden Lake is my family lakehouse that we have been going to ever since I was a baby. Actually, my grandmother went to the house when she was a child, so needless to say, the house is old and has been in our family for generations. It is just the most peaceful, calm, and loving place in the world. I can't wait to go and just sit and read. Ryan, Russet, Jess, Devin and my parents are all going this weekend so it will be a good opportunity to spend time with the brothers. And I get to teach Aubrey to swim (or at least try).

I am SO excited... I have a lot to look forward to during the second half of the year... Yah for 2011.

33 before 33

Well I wrote this post last year right before my birthday and I figure since it has just passed, I should take a look at how things progressed with the list... I obviously never got 33 additional things added, so we will be able to add a few additional accomplishmets that could possibly hit the number! 


As I mentioned in my last post, I am going to make a list of 33 things to do before I turn 33... as of now, I don't have a full list, so this will be an ongoing, and updated post. As I think of things to add on, I will put them on the list and as I accomplish things, I will mark them off, and possibly write another post about each one. I guess it is just a little way to keep the year interesting.


If you have any thoughts or ideas, please feel free to make comments as I obviously need to get to 33!


So without further ado.. here it is... The start of 33 things to accomplish before I turn 33.

1. Go to trapeze school - still didn't make this one but i am going to try it!!!!! I did jump off a large rock in Maui, which did take me out of my comfort zone!
2. Run two 10 milers and one half marathon (or any combo of 33 miles of races) The math may not add up correctly but i did participate in my first olympic distance triathon - which was 24 on the bike, a mile swim and 6.2 for the run... I will take the tri and say I accompolished that goal!
3. Go to the movies by myself I did not just go to one movie by myself, I acutally went to three! I can't remember what they were but I know I enjoyed them 
4. Travel Internationally (this one is easy - I already booked a trip to BONAIRE for October!) Although I missed the trip to Bonaire in October because of my new job, I did go to the Bahamas over Labor Day and that does count as international. More impressivly, I went on two spectacular trips to Hawaii - one in August and one in April and they were hands down the best trips of my life. 
5. Travel by Myself I am proud of myself for doing this - I traveled to Hawaii in August by myself and had one of the best vacations of my life. I was able to find myself in Maui and it has become a very special place in my heart and I hope to be able to visit or live there one day. 
6. Start and finish Divemaster Course Start, finish and PASSED! It took a little longer than expected because of my traveling but i got it done. 
7. Start IDC I am MOST proud of this for not only starting this, but finishing it BEFORE my birthday. I am proud of myself and very excited about my future as a PADI Insturctor. I may not have won BDJ but I did get and work toward it. And i am proud of myself. 
8. Teach Aubrey to swim (I am going to START this one over July 4 weekend when we all go to the lake) This one got diffused due to parental restrictions. 
9. Swim Golden Lake This I did and rocked it. This old fish still has her flippers. And I proved it again when I swam the swim portion of the tri and finished fourth in my age group and 100th overall. :) 
10. Dance in the rain
11. Swim with Sharks  (no I am not crazy) Yep - I did this in the Bahamas for a shark dive - but I also did it in their natural environment when I was in NC and again in Hawaii. 
12. Go to at LEAST one concert - I KILED this one - I was lucky enough to go to Foo Fighters with Carl, which was ridiculous. It was hands down one of the best shows I have ever been too. 

As I said, this is a working list, so it may take a while for me to get to 33 but I am pretty confident that I will get there. Again - if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment with ideas. :)

My sorta 32 before 32

So a few months ago I came up with the idea of setting a few goals of things that I wanted to accomplish before my birthday.  Now for anyone who knows me, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my birthday. (It'ssssmmmmmyyyybbbiiirrrttthhhdddaaayy has been screamed more than a few times over the last decade or so).

Anyway - to me, my birthday is my January 1. It is my New Year. Most people have new years resolutions that they make at the beginning of the year - well not me. I mean, why be like everyone else, right? And the BUSIEST time of year in my job is during the first quarter so I really need to be focusing on helping others reach their goals, not mine. Either that or I am just a big procrastinator. :)

Regardless, when my birthday comes around, I always reflect on my previous year (that will be coming in a different post) - but regardless, one day I decided to try to come up with 32 things to do before I turned 32. Given I only gave myself about six weeks to accomplish this, it was a daunting task. Not only to achieve 32 things, but to accomplish them also... and my list of 32 things actually turned into a much smaller list, which I have done a pretty good job of checking things off. I've already started thinking about my list of 33 things to do before 33 (again another post).

The list that I made had some pretty silly things, but also some things that would challenge me as a person. Some of them I didn't do, but some I did and I am proud of... so I guess here it is. And a sneak peak of my 33 things...


1) Trapeze School - this one I didn't get to. It's not that I was scared to do it, I am honestly worried about ripping the scar on my palm. Ive had some close calls with Crossfit and I would rather it rip under those conditions than trapeze school. This one will carry over onto my list of 33.

2) Organize Closet - I've done this not once, but twice. And one has even been by color (no, I am not OCD, I was just bored one day)

3) Organize drawers - I've done this and sadly they are already back to the same state that they were before.

4) Go to a concert - I did this and I did it WELL! I was SO lucky to be able to see, not ONE, but TWO absolutely AMAZING shows. The Rush show with Jason was ridiculous and I am still in awe of Neil and his ridiculous drum skills. I could seriously see him just play the drums for two hours straight. The second concert I saw was Prince with Carl in LA. Again RIDICULOUS. I mean unreal. I don't even have words. A---MAZZING. AMAZZZING.

5) Dance - I did this at both of the concerts. DUH. (that was an easy one!)

6) Volunteer - This one I am counting the Tour de Cure. Yes, it was a work event, but I did raise money and I went out of my way to  be there at 6am out in the middle of nowhere. It was a very rewarding experience and I am glad that I did it, even if I had to do it for work :) It is an important cause to me and regardless of if it was a work event, it meant a lot to me.

7) Plant a window box - I am a total garden slacker. I haven't done CRAP for my garden and I haven't planted a window box. It would be easy to do before my birthday... maybe I will :)

8) Finish my rescue course - I just finished this today and I am SO happy. Not only was this a very rewarding class, but it was also the last thing I needed to enter my divemaster training. I am so in love with diving - I have never found something that makes me as happy as diving. I don't care if I am in the quarry, or the Caribbean ... I just want to make bubbles. I just want to be underwater. That's it.

9) Cooking Class -Yep. didn't do that. Still can't cook. And I doubt one class will help but eh, it will go on the list of 33. At least I can make oatmeal.

10) Hike Runyon Canyon - YES! I did this with Carl and it was LOVELY! I enjoyed it and had a great time with a wonderful friend.  Not only was it a beautiful day but it was just wonderful to be up at what felt like the top of the world. I loved it. And being able to do it with a friend like Carl, who has seen me through the best and worst of times was great. I am SO lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Carl in my life. This was a great day and a great weekend.

11) Send handwritten letters to five people I care about - I did this. If you got a letter you know who you are and you know what you mean to me. This was not as much about crossing something off my list, but about reaching out to those I love and letting them know that I care. I need to do this more often. Plus, the art of handwritten notes is so out of date and should be brought back. (That's one I learned from my Grandma)

12) Join Crossfit - I joined CF and although it was intimidating, I am very happy with it. I really enjoy the challenge, and I really enjoy the people I have met. I am working hard and I have a long way to go so CF will continue to be on my list of 33.

13) Go to a movie by myself - I would have done this but I got an invitation to go with a friend and who is the fool that wouldn't go with a friend!? I will do this and I am no longer scared to do this and have no issues.


Although I only got 13 on the list and didn't get them all, I am proud of myself for doing as much as I did. As I think forward to the next year I will find new challenges that I would like accomplish... well that's all I got for my list of "32" -- now onto the next year :)


(oh and PS - I CANT WAIT UNTIL THURSDAY BECAUSE ITTTSSSMMMMYYYYBBBBIIIRRRTTTHHHDDDAAAAYYY!)

Get Fit Challenge, Diving and CrossFit... and one busy Sam!

Once again, I have taken a LONG time to post... so I apologize for that! BUT there has been a lot going on.

At work, I have been SLAMMED... we are gearing up for our next Get Fit Challenge and I am SO excited about it. There are a few new elements and it should be an exciting time for us. I have to say that being a part of the BDJ got me thinking about how we can improve our challenge and even though I would obviously rather be packing my bags for Bali about now, I am excited about the challenge and being able to be part of another one with Golds. Plus, it certainly doesn't hurt that we are ridiculously organized and ready to go. :)

The only sad thing about the challenge is that Lindsay left Express. She didn't leave for another job, she is moving to California, which I am INSANELY jealous of (but you never know when I will do the same :) ). Anyway, her leaving was incredibly difficult for me, especially since we are in the midst of planning. I joke around saying that she is the mother of my child (child being the GFC). She has been here the whole time through every step of each challenge and we developed a great friendship throughout. She has dealt with more than her fair share of my crazy days, and all of the success of the challenges have been because of her. I was lucky enough to share in her going away party with the Post, which was incredibly hard and there were tears shed. I am heading to Cali in a few weeks and I hope to zip down to SD to see her, which would be great. I also ran into her randomly on Saturday night with a friend that I had in town (who she TOTALLY needed to meet because of the MANY stories she has heard about this particular person) and it was great to see her and Brian again before she left. I am still sad though, but I know I will see her again and who knows, maybe we can do a West Coast version of the GFC one day! :)

Beyond work, the BEST part of everything is... ITS DIVING SEASON! This weekend I didn't make it into the quarry, but I did do my divemaster orientation! I am SO excited. I can't WAIT to start. Mark P is going to be my mentor and I am going to start asap and I know that there are all those folks out there that are like, you are CRAZY to be that excited to do your DM in a quarry. Well you know what - its not about where you are - its about being underwater, learning and becoming the best you can be. I want to learn as much as I can and I will dive, work the shop, lug equipment, do whatever - as long as I can be around it. My friend went to orientation with me and I was told there was a visible change in my face and attitude as soon as I walked into the shop. I feel bad for everyone that I was with on Saturday night because ALL I talked about was my DM program.

In other notes, I also started CrossFit this week. I was inspired by my dear friend Gooch (you can follow her blog by clicking on the link) who LOVES it. I wanted something a little bit different than just the gym and I needed a place to get away from the office and she spoke so highly of it that I needed to try it. I have one month of elements, where we learn the basic movements and then I can continue with WODs. I am excited about the challenge that it holds and to push myself. We will see...

I've got a couple of busy, but FUN weeks ahead. I am diving this weekend, then I head to Dallas for a team meeting and then I'm going to visit Carl, which will be nothing but a good time. I can't WAIT to spend some quality time with a QUALITY friend. Then the weekend after I'm back underwater for a few good bubble sessions. From there it's almost birthday season and of COURSE that means a good time...

Me making bubbles in Key Largo!

Happiness

I know it has been a long time since I posted. First of all, I have to say THANK YOU to everyone who supported me through the Best Dive Job. It was an exhilarating four months and I learned a lot. Even though I didn't win, I am very proud of being part of the top-10 and as I have been told, everything happens for a reason. And just because I am not going to be getting my IDC in Bali like I would have wanted, I am still going to move forward with it. I am meeting with Mark soon to go over my DM plans and to map out my path to becoming an instructor. So don't be upset that I didn't win - be happy that I am still here!

On another, very exciting note... I was happy this past weekend for the first time since January 1. Like, really, truly, no worries, no stress, nothing but peach and calm happy. No heartache, no worry about work, nothing.

Obviously I was diving all weekend. :)

I went with The Dive Shop down to Key Largo on a quick getaway dive trip. We stayed at Amorary Bay and dove Friday-Sunday (7 dives - six day and one night). I got to spend Sunday night with Meredith and Trevor, two wonderful friends who I don't get to see nearly enough. I came back last night.

I had a lot of hesitation in going - I was on my own, and didn't know anyone who was on the trip. I was nervous about that but I knew that I needed some time to myself to reflect and to regroup. I had never traveled without knowing someone on the other end before so this was a big step for me.

The folks that were on the trip were all friends from before and they opened their arms to me and made me feel so special. I laughed and had a great time and it was FUN. It is so nice to spend time around people that are just good folks. The group reminded me of Donny's friends Ray and Brii -- both wonderful people who were just fun to be around and genuinely good folks who I really enjoyed hanging out with. Totally unpretentious and fun. Needless to say, Bob, Trish, Bill, Scott, Denise, Brian and Elizabeth are friends that I hope to have for years to come -- and that I will continue to dive with in the future :)

The diving was amazing.

We started with a night dive, which really wasn't the brightest idea considering it was the first dive I've done since New Years Eve (or day, not sure) and I probably could have used a day-dive prior to it, but it is what it is. The diving came back like riding a bike and being that it was only my second night dive there is an amazing thrill factor in the darkness.

During this dive, I had my first true moment of happiness in forever. The dive was just ending and I came up and was swimming back to the boat. I turned onto my back and looked up and the sky was just magnificent. It was totally clear and the sky was FILLED with stars. I could have floated there all night.

It reminded me of when I was a child and we would walk to the A&W Rootbeer stand at Golden Lake as a family. We would all eat dinner and then everyone would walk up the lane and we would all get rootbeer floats (which i really actually don't like)  -- but the whole gaggle of Meyers and Perry's would be together and I remember looking up on one (possibly many) trips and remembering the beauty of a fully star-lit sky. That was just a time of pure simplicity and happiness and looking back up to the sky in the water took me back there. Simply put, it was pure happiness and peace.

As we were coming back I thought to myself that I wish I had someone to share the night with - to share in these memories - but then I realized that it is okay for me to have these memories for myself - and just because I didn't/don't have Donny, or anyone else for that matter, doesn't make the moment any less special. Yes, it would have been nice to have someone to share it with but now it is my memory with just me and that is okay.

The next day was SICK. I am not going to go through each dive but this one was ridiculous. We were at a location called City of Washington - and apparently another dive operation has a tendency to feed the fish, so it is a great spot for critters. We actually dove this location twice because 3 people were getting certified and didn't have the experience that we got during that first one. One of the things that was said after the weekend to the OW students was that if someone were to ask what you've seen while diving that not many people can say that in only six dives they saw 3 sharks, 3 moray eels, rays and groupers that were the size of a fat third grader. Yep. I said it. Groupers the size of fat third graders.

Anyway during this dive, they weren't joking about the critters. The other dive op was in fact feeding the fish, which was SICK considering the fish were nurse sharks, moray eels and third grader sized groupers. As we were under, the DM motioned for me to come over and I was able to pet the shark. Yes. Pet. The. Shark.

Ok - it sounds totally stupid to do that, but the shark was totally docile and just wanted food (no, not me) -- it was more like a cat than what you would typically expect a shark to be like. This was NOT jaws. But it was still pretty cool. And the moray eels are SO awesome - they are like these big snakes but in the water... oh and such a pretty green. I could have watched them all day (but they were shy - they just wanted their fish and thats it)

We do have video and photos of all of this so as soon as I get them, I will post them to the blog and facebook.

The rest of the diving was AWESOME. The visibility was 70 feet everyday but Sunday and the water was so calm. The weather was BEAUTIFUL -- 85 and sunny each day. From what I understand, we really lucked out.

But most importantly, I was back where I needed to be: underwater. The peace and the calm of being underwater hasn't changed for me. The bubbles, the peace - just the serenity of everything was exactly what I needed.

Who are we kidding, I am still licking the wounds of my breakup with Donny. I realize now that part of the reason this has been so difficult to let go of is because he was my escape. My resuce. He was my prince charming that swept me off my feet, who I fell deeply in love with. I was asked last week we were crutches to bring each other down - and I don't think that was the case. He made me want to be a better person - to work on the things that bring me down, and rather than us both pull eachother down we lifted each other up (or at least so I thought) -- so in thinking this weekend I thought a lot and realized that it was okay to want to move to Califonia (or anywhere for that matter) for me. I can't (and don't) need Donny (or anyone) to be the crutch to my happiness. I have to find my happiness on my own  anyone else really should just be an accessory to it (I can hear Heather reading this right now saying "I told you so fool"). I do love him but I can't make him love me. If he does, he does. I know what we had was real - and I may never know what happend on his end but I know the feelings were mutual and true and rather than dwell on the heartbreak that he left me, I have to be thankful that it happened. Maybe now that I can differentiate my unhappiness here with my heartbreak over love lost, it will help me eventually heal. Who knows.

Anyway, that was a tangent from the dive trip. All in all, it was AMAZING. I had a great time and as soon as I have pics I will post them. Here are a few that I took from my camera... 



Giving a little love to Cap. Dan. Anyone who was
on the boatknows that this was the only smile
we saw out of him all weekend :)

 

The girls~ Elizabeth, Denise, Me, Trish!