I have two sisters. Niki is one year older than I am. Kali is a little under 2 years younger than I am. As much as I love and respect Niki, I don't have much of a story to tell about the two of us. We pretty much got along well our whole lives. This story is about my journey with Kali.
I don't remember too much specifically about our childhood relationships except for the fact that Niki and I used to fight over who got to play with her. It must have been when she was little and cute or something. . .
Our story starts more when I was in 9th grade. 1998, to be precise. This was when I made the decision that I didn't really like Kali. I didn't like her because that entire school year she tried to copy the things I wore, and the unique style I tried really hard to create. Looking back, I'm sad that I thought I was creating any sort of style, but either way; it was mine.
I remember trying to say mean things to her that would make her feel bad, just because I didn't like her. I told her that her belly looked like bread dough. I made fun of her teeth. I teased her about her stinky feet. I was not nice.
Two years later, Kali was in 9th grade, which meant she was now in the youth group. One specific incident I remember happened in the summer after 10th grade when our youth group went to Uplift at Harding University. I had done a pretty good job of avoiding Kali the entire trip, but there was one night we all stood in a circle and had a prayer and I got stuck next to Kali. I had to hold her hand, and my entire body started cringing with hatred. I started crying and after the prayer I went over and talked to Mark. I told him that I was crying because I couldn't stand the thought of standing by her and holding her hand.
I was sick of her trying to be like me (which I considered copying me), and I didn't believe her when she said anything spiritually relevent. I didn't want to know about her personal life, and I didn't want to think she had the capacity to think deeply about things that were relevent to me.
Off and on, the next two years, Kali had some really fun friends. I think I stopped hating her, and more started tolerating her. I occasionally would still say mean things, but I didn't cringe when we sat near each other. I think high school was good for Kali, because when she made her friends they gave her new people to emulate, taking less pressure off me. I was dating a boy, and she really liked him. She and he would help me make school projects; and he and I would help her make hers (mostly in movie form).
When Niki went away to college, I was a senior in high school and Kali was a sophmore. Everything in her life started getting dramatic. She started getting her own opinions and deciding that mom wasn't fair about ANYTHING. I remember on two occasions Kali storming out of the house and sitting out on the driveway or in the treehouse. It was well after dark, and my mom looked at me and said, "go talk to her."
I went outside to talk to Kali, not knowing what I was going to say. I didn't even like her. I thought she was being ridiculous and childish. But I sat out there for probably an hour on each occasion and just tried to convey that I understood because "I've been there before."
I consider that a turning point in our relationship. Whether it had to do with actual "bonding" or just me growing up, from that point on Kali and I became pretty good friends. I looked up to her and her amazing hair. Her style sense far surpassed mine pretty quickly, and I started copying her. And she didn't mind. I got along with her boyfriends, and the three of us always had lots of fun.
Kali moved down to Oklahoma and pretty much became the most popular person on the planet. And I was so proud of her. I liked it when people knew me as "Kali's sister." I was grateful for her sense of style, and gained a whole new appreciation for her sense of humor and her wittiness. We shared many inside jokes, and generated many dances and renditions of everybody's favorite songs to perform for family gatherings. I look back on our journey (or rather my journey) and am a little sad to remember how much I truly hated her.
I am pretty sure that people prayed for our sister-ship, and I am pretty sure that God had lessons to teach us both through each other. I'm not sure what, if anything, I taught her. But I learned a lot about being a big sister from Kali. And I learned a lot about myself.
Now Kali and I are pretty much as close as we could get. We share clothes, laughs, jokes, and respect. I know I probably travelled a whole lot farther than Kali, but the journey we took to get us to where we are now is something that I consider one of the most important ones I've ever taken.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Kicking Winter's Butt with My New Armour.
I am a runner.
Yes, I am one of those fools who enjoys running while not being chased, or trying to get to a 7-eleven, giant cookie, or Black Friday sale. I like to run with no end in mind.
Runners World put out a list recently of what makes a "runner" as opposed to a "jogger."
Their list included things like:
A runner doesn't buy the shoes that look cool. He/she buys the shoes that fit.
A runner doesn't buy "outfits" or other matching nonsense. He/she wears what works.
A runner views running as a sport, rather than an activity.
A runner doesn't train when it's convenient. He/she trains when it's necessary--and often inconvenient.
While I'll openly admit that a vast majority of my "runs" are actually at more of a "jog," I still proudly consider myself a runner. I set goals, and I work hard to achieve them. And if I don't, I try again.
That being said, I have a couple general rules for running.
I don't really spend money on running gear. Except for my shoes, I mean. That's about a hundred bucks every 4 to 5 months. But as far as clothing goes, if it doesn't ride up or rub it's pretty much good. I currently alternate between 3 pairs of running shorts, 2 of which I've had since before I moved down to Oklahoma. I wear them any day that's above 40 degrees. If there's no wind, I'll even wear them as low as 35.
As far as shirts go, in the summer I wear tank tops. The fall I wear t-shirts, and as it gets cooler I'll wear a long-sleeved t-shirt. If it's below 45, I'll typically put a t-shirt underneath a long-sleeved t-shirt and I'm pretty good to go.
Another rule I hold to pretty strictly is that if it's below 50, I wear a headband to cover my ears.
This generally works pretty well, because winters don't typically get too cold in Oklahoma. There is an occasional cold day where I'll need to wear running pants and a pullover fleece . But as much as I can, I avoid running in pants. I hate it, because they weigh me down so much it nearly makes running a chore. But I stay warm, and I thump through it.
Soooooo, this brings me to the original purpose of this post:
I was at a sports store tonight, and I was going to look for running tights. Because it was like 20 degrees outside today, I still had to run tonight, and I figured since I'll be going home to Michigan in a week and will need to run there it would do me good to find something I could make work.
My thinking was (honest to goodness) that if I got some good, winter running tights, I could put them under my shorts and still run just like normal. It wouldn't weigh me down, and training for the marathon this winter would be so much easier if I didn't have to dread those thumpy runs.
I looked and looked, and couldn't find any winter running tights, but I came across an area of Under Armour Cold Gear. Under Armour is pretty quality. I own a long-sleeved shirt by them, and I like it pretty well. It's just really expensive. And their policy (or something) is to never offer it at marked down prices. I found a pair of Cold Gear pants, my size. 50 bucks (UGH). But I figured, "what the heck? It's only money." The worst that could happen, in my mind, is that they're the same as my other pants. In 5 years I'll probably still be wearing them, so it's not really unreasonable. Then I grabbed a Cold Gear hoodie (in white, because I typically have to run at night). Another 50 bucks. This is getting pretty ridiculous--but I honestly couldn't stop. I thought about it, and when it's cold outside the part of me that gets the coldest is always my thighs. So I went to the (not Under Armour) section and found a pair of those tight pants like they wear on The Biggest Loser that go just below the knee. I figured I could wear those under my pants. Those were like 12 bucks--clearly because they were an off-brand. And then I grabbed one more Cold Gear fleece (yeah, 60 bucks--don't judge me).
I'm not gonna lie, I'm feeling a little silly to have spent SO MUCH MONEY on running clothes when I have lined windpants, and fleece hoodies at home. I felt like there pretty much wasn't any excuse to spend that much money on like 4 items. But I did it anyway, and I came home to suit up.
I put on my new tight-pants. Then my new Cold Gear pants. I already had on tall socks, so I just kept those pulled up. I wore one of those sports bras that is a tank-top (for an extra layer), then I put my long-sleeved Under Armour shirt on, a regular t-shirt over that, and then my new white hoodie. I slid a neck gator around my neck, and pulled my hat down over my ears. I put on some gloves and I stepped outside--ready to face this 17 degree night for three nice easy miles.
I started running, and something dawned on me after about 20 steps: I felt like I was running in shorts and a t-shirt. Not because I was cold, but because I had full range of motion, and nothing was weighing me down. I kept going, and started to pick up my pace. My cheeks were a little cold, but no other part of me was. I was running strong, running hard, and not feeling any sort of pain, sluggishness, extra weight, or anything that layering and cold weather typically cause.
I almost didn't want my run to end. I was reminded of how much I love winter, and the crisp cool air. I was reminded of how much I love running. I was reminded of how strong I am. And how I choose to run, and I do it because I want to be good at it.
I could have waited until the cold front moved out.
But I'd rather put on my new armour and go out and kick it in the butt.
Yes, I am one of those fools who enjoys running while not being chased, or trying to get to a 7-eleven, giant cookie, or Black Friday sale. I like to run with no end in mind.
Runners World put out a list recently of what makes a "runner" as opposed to a "jogger."
Their list included things like:
A runner doesn't buy the shoes that look cool. He/she buys the shoes that fit.
A runner doesn't buy "outfits" or other matching nonsense. He/she wears what works.
A runner views running as a sport, rather than an activity.
A runner doesn't train when it's convenient. He/she trains when it's necessary--and often inconvenient.
While I'll openly admit that a vast majority of my "runs" are actually at more of a "jog," I still proudly consider myself a runner. I set goals, and I work hard to achieve them. And if I don't, I try again.
That being said, I have a couple general rules for running.
I don't really spend money on running gear. Except for my shoes, I mean. That's about a hundred bucks every 4 to 5 months. But as far as clothing goes, if it doesn't ride up or rub it's pretty much good. I currently alternate between 3 pairs of running shorts, 2 of which I've had since before I moved down to Oklahoma. I wear them any day that's above 40 degrees. If there's no wind, I'll even wear them as low as 35.
As far as shirts go, in the summer I wear tank tops. The fall I wear t-shirts, and as it gets cooler I'll wear a long-sleeved t-shirt. If it's below 45, I'll typically put a t-shirt underneath a long-sleeved t-shirt and I'm pretty good to go.
Another rule I hold to pretty strictly is that if it's below 50, I wear a headband to cover my ears.
This generally works pretty well, because winters don't typically get too cold in Oklahoma. There is an occasional cold day where I'll need to wear running pants and a pullover fleece . But as much as I can, I avoid running in pants. I hate it, because they weigh me down so much it nearly makes running a chore. But I stay warm, and I thump through it.
Soooooo, this brings me to the original purpose of this post:
I was at a sports store tonight, and I was going to look for running tights. Because it was like 20 degrees outside today, I still had to run tonight, and I figured since I'll be going home to Michigan in a week and will need to run there it would do me good to find something I could make work.
My thinking was (honest to goodness) that if I got some good, winter running tights, I could put them under my shorts and still run just like normal. It wouldn't weigh me down, and training for the marathon this winter would be so much easier if I didn't have to dread those thumpy runs.
I looked and looked, and couldn't find any winter running tights, but I came across an area of Under Armour Cold Gear. Under Armour is pretty quality. I own a long-sleeved shirt by them, and I like it pretty well. It's just really expensive. And their policy (or something) is to never offer it at marked down prices. I found a pair of Cold Gear pants, my size. 50 bucks (UGH). But I figured, "what the heck? It's only money." The worst that could happen, in my mind, is that they're the same as my other pants. In 5 years I'll probably still be wearing them, so it's not really unreasonable. Then I grabbed a Cold Gear hoodie (in white, because I typically have to run at night). Another 50 bucks. This is getting pretty ridiculous--but I honestly couldn't stop. I thought about it, and when it's cold outside the part of me that gets the coldest is always my thighs. So I went to the (not Under Armour) section and found a pair of those tight pants like they wear on The Biggest Loser that go just below the knee. I figured I could wear those under my pants. Those were like 12 bucks--clearly because they were an off-brand. And then I grabbed one more Cold Gear fleece (yeah, 60 bucks--don't judge me).
I'm not gonna lie, I'm feeling a little silly to have spent SO MUCH MONEY on running clothes when I have lined windpants, and fleece hoodies at home. I felt like there pretty much wasn't any excuse to spend that much money on like 4 items. But I did it anyway, and I came home to suit up.
I put on my new tight-pants. Then my new Cold Gear pants. I already had on tall socks, so I just kept those pulled up. I wore one of those sports bras that is a tank-top (for an extra layer), then I put my long-sleeved Under Armour shirt on, a regular t-shirt over that, and then my new white hoodie. I slid a neck gator around my neck, and pulled my hat down over my ears. I put on some gloves and I stepped outside--ready to face this 17 degree night for three nice easy miles.
I started running, and something dawned on me after about 20 steps: I felt like I was running in shorts and a t-shirt. Not because I was cold, but because I had full range of motion, and nothing was weighing me down. I kept going, and started to pick up my pace. My cheeks were a little cold, but no other part of me was. I was running strong, running hard, and not feeling any sort of pain, sluggishness, extra weight, or anything that layering and cold weather typically cause.
I almost didn't want my run to end. I was reminded of how much I love winter, and the crisp cool air. I was reminded of how much I love running. I was reminded of how strong I am. And how I choose to run, and I do it because I want to be good at it.
I could have waited until the cold front moved out.
But I'd rather put on my new armour and go out and kick it in the butt.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
I was tagged by Jennifer!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Neither! Christmas CUSTARD!!! (extra chunky!)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I have two things to say about this one: 1) Santa who? We only have presents from Elmer Elf, Blitzen, and the Tooth Fairy under our tree; and 2) of course they're wrapped! conveniently color-coded so each kid has presents in only one type of paper (for easier sorting!)
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? both! all of the above! and blow up decorations! and blinking lights! and a nativity scene is a MUST! I also like it when the entire lawn is enclosed in like a fence of lights!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? no. that's a parasite, you know. kills things.
5. When do you put your decorations up? whenever I can. I think a better question would be "when do you take your decorations down?" to which I answer, "three years later when I move out of the house."
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Grandma Merilynn's stuffing!
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Picking out our Christmas Tree!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Truth? What do you mean? He's very very busy--which is why we don't get presents from him at our house. We get them from the elves and reindeer instead. And also the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. And I am absolutely not kidding.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? yes. We always go to Aunt Kay's house, and all of the family draws someone's name, and we get 1 gift each.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? when we were little, my mom would sit in a chair with the box of ornaments and us kids would line up and she'd hand us each one and we'd go hang it up and then line up again for the next one. Now Kali does it (because she's pretty much a professional tree decorator)
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE (and miss) it!
12. Can you ice skate? Duh! We used to build a rink in the back yard every year, and Niki and I would practice the Pem-Chinko (from the Cutting Edge). We got really good. I can also spin for like 15 seconds without stopping.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? One year I wanted a globe more than anything, and I got it. That was so sweet!
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? getting presents, of course. Juuuuuust kidding! Being with my family!
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? PIE!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Never actually having Christmas on Christmas.
17. What tops your tree? A golden Afro
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? honestly? If I've found something that I KNOW somebody is going to LOVE, then giving. But honestly, who doesn't like to receive?
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Frosty the Snowman. Then It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I've had better.
21. What do you want for Christmas? A tall upright piano
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? every event with my family is a party--so yes.
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? It depends on what day, and what time of day we celebrate. One time, we opened presents on Christmas at 11:30 PM because I had to work the afternoon shift at the hospital, so I wore my scrubs.
24. Do you own a Santa hat? No
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My FAMILY!
**Now, I am to tag some others who will answer the questions and pass the tag along !!
Emily
Lindsay
Naomi
Danny
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Neither! Christmas CUSTARD!!! (extra chunky!)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I have two things to say about this one: 1) Santa who? We only have presents from Elmer Elf, Blitzen, and the Tooth Fairy under our tree; and 2) of course they're wrapped! conveniently color-coded so each kid has presents in only one type of paper (for easier sorting!)
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? both! all of the above! and blow up decorations! and blinking lights! and a nativity scene is a MUST! I also like it when the entire lawn is enclosed in like a fence of lights!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? no. that's a parasite, you know. kills things.
5. When do you put your decorations up? whenever I can. I think a better question would be "when do you take your decorations down?" to which I answer, "three years later when I move out of the house."
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Grandma Merilynn's stuffing!
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Picking out our Christmas Tree!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Truth? What do you mean? He's very very busy--which is why we don't get presents from him at our house. We get them from the elves and reindeer instead. And also the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. And I am absolutely not kidding.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? yes. We always go to Aunt Kay's house, and all of the family draws someone's name, and we get 1 gift each.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? when we were little, my mom would sit in a chair with the box of ornaments and us kids would line up and she'd hand us each one and we'd go hang it up and then line up again for the next one. Now Kali does it (because she's pretty much a professional tree decorator)
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE (and miss) it!
12. Can you ice skate? Duh! We used to build a rink in the back yard every year, and Niki and I would practice the Pem-Chinko (from the Cutting Edge). We got really good. I can also spin for like 15 seconds without stopping.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? One year I wanted a globe more than anything, and I got it. That was so sweet!
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? getting presents, of course. Juuuuuust kidding! Being with my family!
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? PIE!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Never actually having Christmas on Christmas.
17. What tops your tree? A golden Afro
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? honestly? If I've found something that I KNOW somebody is going to LOVE, then giving. But honestly, who doesn't like to receive?
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Frosty the Snowman. Then It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I've had better.
21. What do you want for Christmas? A tall upright piano
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? every event with my family is a party--so yes.
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? It depends on what day, and what time of day we celebrate. One time, we opened presents on Christmas at 11:30 PM because I had to work the afternoon shift at the hospital, so I wore my scrubs.
24. Do you own a Santa hat? No
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My FAMILY!
**Now, I am to tag some others who will answer the questions and pass the tag along !!
Emily
Lindsay
Naomi
Danny
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