Here Comes the Sun...

No one has a right to consume happiness without producing it.

~ Helen Keller

What wonderful words of wisdom from Helen Keller. I can't help but think that of all the people in the world, she would have the right to be crabby... to consume any bit of happiness she could get. Yet, she chose to give happiness to others. What a remarkable woman.

We all can think of someone who consumes happiness, day after day, but rarely produces it. Make a pledge today to never be a consumer, only. Make some happiness, and give it away! Smile at a crabby co-worker. Compliment someone who isn't used to receiving them. Share a smile. Give a hug. Open the door for someone, and greet them kindly. What have you got to lose? Absolutely, nothing! The funny thing is, the more happiness we give , the more we receive. You cannot go wrong with this one!

Go forth and produce happiness today... I dare you!

Reckless Abandonment

Abandon your fears, recklessly.

a·ban·don (ə-bănˈdən)

transitive verb abandoned a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons

1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble.
2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship.
3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely. See Synonyms atrelinquish.

I Had a Dream...

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go."

~Carol Burnett

I had a dream... It started as a dare, and quickly became a dream. What's the difference? To me, a dream is something that has very little chance of becoming reality. The odds are stacked against it; the dream is the underdog. I've always cheered for the underdogs, and I've always believed the improbable could really happen.

My dream? To run a half-marathon. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've always hated running. In elementary school, I was always third from last in long-distance running. I just don't think I'm built to be a runner. So, I challenged myself to meet this running demon head on.

Many obstacles blocked my path on my journey leading up to the race. Little, or no training time, lack of sleep, sick child, crazy-busy schedule, nobody to go with me, or to be at the finish line, etc. The day before the race, my friend, Brenda, said., "So many doors have closed for you. Do you ever think that maybe you shouldn't run this race?" I thought for a brief second, and said, "No." I've had those times in my life when a little voice has told me, "Not a good idea... Something is wrong; don't do it!" I've listened, and obeyed. This was different. This was more of a mocking... "You can't do this. What are you thinking? Your not in good enough shape. You hate running. You will never finish." I wasn't about to give in!!!

The morning of the race, I was up at 4 am. All set, ready to go... I opened the door to over an inch of SNOW!! Snow on October 10th?!?! Great. Slushy, icy roads, and hour and a half drive in blinding, blowing snow. Was this a sign? No, just another annoying obstacle laughing at me. About 30 minutes into my drive, something happened that has NEVER happened to me in the 10 years I've been living up north. I hit a deer!

After surveying the damage, I got back into my car, very carefully due to the thick ice and snow that accumulated on my running boards, and called my husband. He was amazing, and supportive. I LOVE THAT MAN! My hands stopped shaking, and I started to see the humor in it all. Nothing was going to stop me... THE RACE MUST GO ON!

I made it to Ashland, found a parking spot after a few attempts, and headed through wind and snow to get my racing number. Took a school bus to the starting line. "Geesh, this sure seems like a long ride! I've got to run all the way back? What did I get myself into?" Off the bus, and into the shed to retrieve my timing chip. One hour until race time. Suddenly I noticed something. The snow... it stopped. The sun was shining! "Thank you God! You allowed Satan to tempt me. He wanted me to quit, but I never did. Thank you for the sunshine!!"

Many thoughts ran through my head during the race. Some doubt crept in, but I quickly gave it the boot, and concentrated on the beauty around me, and breathing. Miles 1-5 were challenging. I felt like my lungs were trying to keep up. It was so cold! Miles 6-9 were great. I was actually jogging more than walking, for the first time in my life! "Woo hoo!! If only my Phy. Ed. teacher from school could see me now!"

Suddenly, at mile 10, I hit a huge, unbreakable wall. It felt like my legs were filled with cement. Cramps that began at mile 5 were hard to ignore. People were walking faster than I could jog. Now, some of THAT is due to the tools I was born with. My legs... are short! I watched long-legged people breeze by. NOT FAIR!! I have to take twice as many steps, at least! And my huge leg muscles... I'd like to see them run a race with 10 pound weights on their thighs! Anyway, back to the race...

At mile 12, a kind lady handed me water at the hydration station. "I died back at mile 10," I told her, "I'm just having an out of body experience at this point." The only problem with that theory is that I don't think an out of body experience involves the amount of pain I was feeling.

Crossing the finish line was great, but having the medal put around my neck, which all finishers receive, was one of the best feelings, ever. I will never forget that moment, and to be perfectly honest, I am tearing up just telling you about it. My dream had come true. That, my friends, is priceless.

The hour and a half ride home was filled with reliving moments of the race in my mind, and... coughing. Glad I was by myself. I'm not a smoker, but the ol' lungs got quite a workout. Once home, I painfully made my way to the house. Quite a sight, I'm sure. The steps were now my enemies, and every step I walked was a reminder of the 13 miles I had conquered. The steps up to my house may have been my enemies, but ibuprofen suddenly became my best friend.

As for the medal? It's around my neck, and I'm not taking it off; you can't make me! ;)

You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

2 Timothy 4:5-7

My Sentiments, Exactly...

risk

more than others think is safe,

care

more than others think is wise,

dream

more than others think is practical,

expect

more than others think is possible.

~Cadet Maxim

Jumping In With Both Feet

There is a lot to catch you up on, but it's late, and I have to give you the short version...

1. Last spring, another 5th grade teacher, and I took four 5th grade students to our State Capitol for a Project Citizen Civics competition. The students competed against 17 other schools, mostly middle school. It was our first time competing, and basically we saw it as the culminating activity. Our expectations didn't go beyond finishing the competition, and getting the kids through their 4 minute speeches in front of a panel of 6 judges, in an Assembly Hearing Room at the Capitol. (How many of you would attempt that one?)

2. Well, as we sat and watched the awards dwindle from the table, our hopes of receiving a participation award were swept away. We sank a little lower in our chairs, which by the way, were in the Main Assembly Hearing Room. You know the one... the very room where laws are passed! It was beautiful.

3. The time came for the State Champions to be announced... WE WON! I immediately stood with my arms in the air, and shouted out a, "Woo Hoo!" Yeah, not my classiest moment. I suddenly realized that people don't cheer at these events, they just give little "golf claps." I slowly sat down as I realized all eyes, including those in the balcony, were watching, and probably were wondering why I didn't know the anti-cheering rules.

4. This was a bigger deal than even we knew. The following months were filled with phone calls and letters congratulating the kids, and us. They came from Representatives, Congressmen, and Senators. Excitement was in the air.

5. Our state senator came to my class to honor last year's champions, and to get this year's troops excited about the project. That was a fun day!

6. I'm sorry... I don't think this is the short version.

7. We are now taking the students to the 40th Annual National Indian Education Convention next month. This is the part of the story that makes me laugh...

We were told that it was a huge honor to take these kids to the convention. The conversations within the couple of months have gone something like this:

Max: Yeah, Lisa... You'll be taking the kids to Milwaukee. They'll have their boards with them, and they'll just be in a hallway answering questions people may have as they pass by.

Lisa: Okay, great. A hallway... We can do that. I'll go over some questions that may come about so they'll be prepared. (Remember... This project started last January, and ended May 2nd. They are in Middle School now, and have moved on. Preparation will be a must!)

Weeks pass...

Max: So Lisa... The kids will be in a convention room. They'll have their own table with their board, so when people are walking around, they will be there to explain their project and answer questions.

Lisa: All right, that sounds good. I'll go over their speeches with them, and make sure they're prepared.

Another week, or so:

Principal: Hey, Lisa... The kids are going to be part of Maria's presentation. (I've never met Maria, I was sure they'd be in good hands.) She'll be the presenter, the kids just need to be there with their boards.

Lisa: Oh, really? Okay. We'll be there!

Max, as of last Friday: Don't worry about a thing! Just wait until the conference call next week. Everything that is expected of you will be explained. Don't worry about it!

Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm...

Conference call with Maria:

Maria: So Lisa and Brenda, you will be presenting for an hour and a half.

Wait a minute...

Lisa: Whaaaaaat? WE will be presenting?! An hour and a half?!

Maria: Oh, don't worry. You will be amazed at how fast an hour and a half goes! And the last 10-15 minutes you can reserve for question and answer time.

(Great... what if I don't know the answers?)

I've arranged for you to have an overhead. You'll be just fine.

(An overhead projector? Just what am I supposed to project? What in the heck am I doing?)

Lisa: How many people will be there?

Maria: Well, you have a GREAT time slot! It's not early in the morning, and it's not late in the afternoon when people leave early... It's at a great time! (Meaning there will be A LOT of people!)

Lisa: Gulp. Okay, thank you?

So, there you have it. God has put me in the Dare Chair. Yep, plopped me in it, and strapped me down. Oh, and by the way... the presentation will be in a "theater like setting for 10-75 people." Oh boy. Remember that great time slot? Does that mean 75 people?

The lesson? Beware folks, sometimes you will end up in my Dare Chair, whether you volunteered, or not!

If you find yourself in the Dare Chair, relax, knowing God has put you there for a reason. He has faith in YOU, and has given you everything you need to complete the dare. You just need to be willing to try. Stop fighting it, give into it, jump in with both feet, and enjoy the ride!

If Not Now, When?

I've added a little dare button to my blog. You might have noticed it; it's in the upper right hand corner, and says, "If not now, when?" That's right... If you're not daring yourself to jump out of your comfort zone, when will you? How many times have you said, "Tomorrow," or, "Monday... Yes, I'll start on Monday," or, "When I turn 40, I'll start..." Your list could go on, and on.

Why not TODAY? What exactly is it that you are waiting for? More courage? More energy? More time? Sorry, but there isn't a Fill Up Station for courage, energy, and time. Geesh, not a bad idea though, eh?

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Ready for this? Come closer...

You already have enough courage, energy and time! WOW, isn't that great news?! Really, you do! All you need is an ounce, and EVERYONE can muster up an ounce of courage! Your biggest hurdle is getting yourself to the starting line. Once your there, the excitement of something new will get you going in the right direction.

There are so many gimmicks out there that are supposed to make us feel young and full of life. The funny thing is, the things that will make you feel that way are all around you! Go play in the wonderful playground God has provided. Step outside, and just start moving! Join a group... book club, community or church choir, biking or walking group. Sign up for an art class; trust me, it will make you feel much better than anything the television provides!

You CAN do this.... NOW.

Go ahead...

Cross the line!

If not now,

when?

It's Official

Well, fellow Dare Chair Friends, it's official! I signed up for the Whistle Stop Half Marathon today! There's no backing out now!

I have this nagging feeling that the Dare Chair has been empty, and lonely lately. C'mon... DO IT! Have a seat... Get uncomfortable... and... DARE to do something you never thought you would do! You will be invigorated, inspired, and excited. Really... You will!

What's that? You can't? What's holding you back? Do you think people will laugh at you? Do what I do: Be the first one laughing, and they'll be laughing WITH you, not AT you! I can guarantee you that my Phy. Ed. teachers would be laughing their behinds off if they heard I signed up for a half marathon! I have NEVER been a runner. In fact, I decided that I don't have a runner's body at all. I'm a strong, stocky Swede, with very short legs. I figure I must have to run these little legs twice as much as many others! ;) So, my point is, don't get hung up on images of what you can and can't do that are in your mind. Others will be INSPIRED by your courage!

Go ahead, have a seat in the Dare Chair, and do the unimaginable... Join that race, climb that mountain, swim, roller skate, ski, dance, sing; just do whatever it is that you have always wanted to do. I dare ya!

I'm Hanging On!

I've done it this time...

I grabbed a hold of Rachel's Dare Rope, and there's no turning back!

And just where is this rope dragging me to?

... A 10K Run!!!

There's only one problem. I have made it a point in my life to avoid running at all costs! So, why on earth would I sign up for this? First of all, I was dared to. Those of you who know me, know that it is hard for me to pass up a dare! Second of all, the treadmill I've told you about, has pushed me farther than I thought I could go, and it's only been a month. I figure that if I could run/walk 3 miles on level 10 today, I can complete a 10K race 13 weeks from now!

I posted a training schedule for novice runners, which would be ME, on my refrigerator. I am now committing to the race in front of all of you. You know what this means, don't you? I cannot possibly back out now!

Time to buy some good running shoes...

The next day...

I've thought about it, and decided that a 10K race just isn't enough of a challenge since I just did that after supper the other night by myself. So, I am challenging myself to the 1/2 marathon. I'll have 6 hours to finish it; I could walk the whole thing if I had to!

Anyone care to grab the rope with me?

Standing Tall

I stood up for myself today... Never backed down, even when my hands were shaking. It affected my family, not just me, so the Mama Bear in me came out, and I stood tall, and firm, and demanded that men listen to my growl! I will not go into detail, but I just wanted you to know that I did it. I stood tall, and firm, demanding truth and justice. Did I get it? Not as much as I would have liked, but enough to thank God for backing me up with a cup of courage, and a dose of determination.

I feel a dare coming on...

I dare you to stand up for something you truly believe in. It doesn't have to be a big thing; it can be eensy-weensy... No matter. It just needs to be something that is true, and right. It may be scary waters you're treading, but if it is something you truly believe in, it will be worth it. Just remember to be fair, and have all of your facts right, and your ducks in a row.

Go on, Mama Bear... You can do it!

Scale Smashing

I'm hoping some of you out there decided to join me in the Dare Chair. I am quite surprised to tell you that I am now actually quite comfortable in that scary chair! I am on the exhausting path heading to success. Joining the fitness club was one of the best things I have ever done; the treadmill is now my buddy, challenging me to conquer new heights.

Some of you may be wondering how the whole foods thing is going with my family... Shockingly, good! I have them eating nuts, fruit, fish, and combinations of food that are quite adventurous. They're even surprising themselves at what they are liking! Things like bulgar wheat, couscous, almond butter, and quinoa are now a part of our vocabulary... Who'd have thought?!

As for the evil scale... I have a love-hate relationship with it. At first, I loved it. However, I am now wondering if it is stuck. That could happen, couldn't it? I was ready to throw it out the window since it would not budge, despite two weeks of faithfulness to my healthy eating habits, and 6 days a week of one-hour workouts! How on earth could it just stay put? UGH! I could hear it laughing its' evil little laugh at me.

I decided to take out the pants. You know... the pants that USED to fit. I was doubtful that I could even get them over my hips. That evil scale was putting all sorts of doubt in my mind. Well, I am now the one laughing. Not only could I get the pants over my hips, but I could zip and button them, too!! (Can you see me dancing the "Woo Hoo Dance"?) I can't wear the pants in public yet, but there is now a renewed sense of hope!! So, take THAT, darn scale!!

Remember hearing about the bra burning back in the 1960's? Maybe I should start a scale smashing!!

I'm Back!!

I am alive, and well, and living among the teachers enjoying summer vacation. I am grateful to all of you loyal readers who kept checking to see something new, only to find that I had abandoned my blogging post. I am sorry; truly, I am. You see, I seemed to have had my creativity and energy sucked out of me once I hit the big time... my own 5th grade classroom. Yikes! My schedule left me spinning! Okay, spinning, and eating my way through stress. Do you remember the "Freshman 15?" Yeah, well I guess you can call me the freshman/newbie at school. I ended the year with most of my marbles... hopefully my best, and most colorful marbles... but unfortunately, I also ended the year with an extra 15 pounds! Is that humanly possible? Geeze, Louise... I MUST find a better way to cope with stress!!! Now that I have my first year back in the classroom under my belt, (my belt that BARELY FITS anymore!) I am hopeful that next year will be a little calmer.

I guess my next step is to plant my not so tiny tush into that DARE CHAIR and get rid of this freshman 15. My plans? I'm joining a fitness club, and am stocking the fridge and cupboards with whole foods. Less packaged foods; that should help! I borrowed many books from the library, and am on my way to being a do-it-yourself nutritionist! My kids are scared to death.

"Sure, pineapple tastes like candy, Mom!" "Not in MY world," they say! "Adventure", I tell them... "Send your taste buds on an adventure! " I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, is there anyone who would like to join me in the DARE CHAIR? I'm sure my booty will take up the whole chair, but you can sit on my lap!

25 Random Things

There's a new addiction in my life...

Facebook.

Yep, you heard me... Facebook. And you thought it was just for teenagers! I have been having so much fun reconnecting with friends from high school. It has truly been a blessing.

There was a "Note" that was passed around, called "25 Random Things." The idea was to post 25 things about yourself, and then invite others to do the same. "Who has time for that?," was my first thought. I ignored the request for some time, but then started to read other people's lists. I was amazed at what a little treasure it turned out to be. It was like peeking through a window... getting a glimpse of others' lives and souls. Some posts brought tears, and others brought out-loud laughter. Some brought both!

So I made my list. It was actually quite fun. I dare you to get a cup of java, paper, and a pen, and write down 25 things about you. Trust me... It will be a gift to you, and if you share it, to others as well.

As far as Facebook... You just may want to try it out. I do have words of caution, however. It's addicting!! I know, you are doubting me. Others did, too. They're eating their words.

Hope

This is one of the most beautiful quotes I have ever read. It really hits home for me right now. Let me tell you why...

I am substitute teaching in a Middle School that happens to be in a poverty stricken area. It is by far the most challenging job I have ever had. I don't think the differences I have seen in behavior are due to the difference in culture, because the culture in this area teaches respect and honor... their true culture and teachings are beautiful; I think the differences are due to poverty. After just eight days of teaching, I have realized that there are extreme highs, and extreme lows. No day ever seems to be without its drama, but there are days that are exciting and incredibly joyful; days that make me feel like I'm on top of the world. And then there are days that bring me to tears; days when I feel like my spirit is being crushed. I must say, a lot of wonderful things have happened in this classroom. Chaos is gone, order is in place, and respect is slowly showing its beautiful face.

Each day I post a quote of the day on the chalkboard. I stumbled across this one, and it immediately took my breath away. It is what I want so badly for the kids in the classes I am teaching. I want them to find their hope...

The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.

~ Barbara Kingsolver, American Novelist , 1955-

Go ahead...build your house of hope... I dare you. ~Lisa

Hibernation

I am putting myself in the Dare Chair today. I've been walking around it lately, looking at it, touching it, but not wanting to plant myself in it.

I'm in it, and I don't like it.

Let me tell you what is going on...

Last year, with a lot of determination and hard work, I lost 25 pounds. I felt wonderful, energetic, and youthful.

Along came winter. Evidently I decided to live like a bear, and pack on the weight for a long, cold winter. Ugh. I put it all back on, and I am so angry! I lack energy, my clothes are very uncomfortable, some don't even fit anymore, and I am frustrated! Can you hear my growl?

So, it is time to get serious and take better care of myself. Is there anyone out there who wants to join me?

It's time to wake up, crawl out of the den, and get some exercise!

No Excuses!

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. ~ George Washington Carver

I dare you to stop making excuses... take responsibility for making your dreams come true!

Now You're Cookin'!

Lately, I have been a bit bored with the whole idea of cooking. I tend to go through stages. At one point I can be creative, and think cooking is a lot of fun, and not long after, it becomes a chore that I dread. Now, you may think it is because I have four kids, and the chances of making something everybody likes is about as likely as my husband planning a Phantom of the Opera night out, with costumes and all at the Paris Opera House. (Oops... there I go again on the Phantom of the Opera thing. Did I happen to mention how much I love that movie and soundtrack?)

Anyway, I would like to share an idea I have had lately. It has helped put a bit of pizazz into the daily chore of feeding my family. (Guilt, guilt, guilt... I'm sure Mrs. Cleaver never saw it as a chore!) Well, whenever I can, I tie music into whatever it is that I am cooking. For example, today I made salsa. Now salsa takes a bit of time to make; it could be considered to be a real drag. Not for me! I get everything out, washed, and in its' place, chill the Mexican Beer, and put on some Salsa music, or a Mariachi band. I truly have a great time as I chop away, dancing to the music. Dean Martin works well for Italian nights, along with a glass of red wine. I think I'll look for a red and white checkered tablecloth! I have been know to sit down at the table, and insist that everyone talks with an accent... to match the ethnic food, of course. Personally, I think that is hilarious! I usually have tears from laughing so hard. My teenagers, on the other hand, think I have lost more than a few marbles! I can guarantee you, that some day, while they are eating Kung Pao Chicken with their kids, they will not be able to resist the urge to start talking with an Asian accent!

So ladies, I feel a dare coming on! What's for supper tomorrow? Whatever it is, find some music, a good drink, and work on that accent!

Bon Apetit!

There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, "Yes, I've got dreams, of course I've got dreams." Then they put the box away and bring it out once in awhile to look in it, and yep, they're still there.

~Erma Bombeck

Take out those little boxes ladies, open them, and live your dreams!!! What are you waiting for?

Care to Take a Dare?

Hey, all of you friends that have uncomfortably sat down in the swanky Dare Chair...

How are you doing? Have you conquered any mountains lately? I'm just checking in on you; I'm ready and willing to give you a little nudge, or push. Those goals you've written... GO FOR IT! That dream you've dreamt... dust it off and LIVE IT!

Those of you who know me, know that I have an incredibly large sweet tooth. I love sugar, and it loves my hips, thighs, and derriere. Well, I knew I had to do something, so I made my husband DARE me to go without refined sugar until our vacation. (total of almost 8 weeks) Now, my husband is a wise man; he knew he was on shaky ground. But, I told him he MUST dare me, because I know myself well enough... if someone dares me, I HAVE TO DO IT! I am happy to say, the dare worked, and I haven't had any treats/refined sugar for about 5 weeks. I feel so much better. (Although, it is a funny thing... once I cut sugar out, I started craving salty foods. I'm working on that now, too. It's a cruel thing!)

So, what is the bad habit you are trying to kick? You may want to have someone DARE you out loud. You must take the dare seriously for it to work. No bad habit? How about a DARE to take a class, write a book, or sign up for a marathon?

I think dares are great... they keep us young, and alive!

Uncomfortable

I was thinking the other day that the Dare Chair is pretty uncomfortable. It looks comfy, swanky, and lots of fun, but once you sit in it, you start to get nervous, and all sorts of self-doubt comes to mind. You probably want to get out of that chair as fast as you can! Hmm... let me talk you into staying for a while. Lean back, kick off your shoes, and put your feet up. Even if it is not the most comfortable chair you've been in, stay... you look fabulous in it!

While you're in the Dare Chair, think about your list of dares. Pick a dare, any dare. Does the task seem insurmountable? If so, think of it this way... if you never start your journey towards reaching your goal, never take that first step, where will you be a week, month, or year from now? Yep, right where you're at, with all of that time now gone. I'm not saying your life is bad, boring, or blah.... heavens no! I just know that all of us have desires and dreams tucked away, possibly forgotten, or perhaps not even realized, and it is time to unpack them. Just think, if you took baby steps down your path, you'll eventually reach your goal! You'll look back and know that every step was worth it. Remember... time flies.

So, while you're unpacking your dreams, be sure to pack your bags of courage, determination, and faith, and head down the road less traveled. You never know who you'll meet along the way. You may even find that little girl you thought you left behind when you graduated, got married, started your career, or became a mom. She's knocking and wants to know if you can come out to play.

Checking In...

I thought I'd check in with you, ladies, and see how you are doing with your latest DARE. Have you been in the Dare Chair lately? If so, good for you! Keep up the great work!! I'd love to hear from you. Post a reply letting me know your progress!

If you haven't been in the Dare Chair, what is holding you back? Fear, time, energy, self-doubt? Believe me, I've experienced them all. Sometimes we need to stop thinking so much, and just go for it. When I went rock climbing, I was scared out of my wits. I volunteered to go first, even though I had never done it before. Why, you ask? So I wouldn't have time to think about it, talk myself out of it, and run the other way! I went for it, full force, without thinking. The first climb was awful. It was harder than I thought it would be, and I was scared to death. As I inched my way up the cliff, I kept telling myself, "You are so stupid! Why did you do this?! I never, never, ever, never, ever want to do this again!!!" I was terrified. There was one piont where two smooth walls met; they were perpendicular like the corner of a room. I was supposed to get to the top, which was well above my head. There was nothing to hold on to. I looked down at the group, (I was the only one climbing at this time... all eyes on me... no pressure!!) and yelled, "You've GOT to be kidding me!" No, they weren't kidding. They taught me how to stick my hands and feet into the crack in the corner, turn my hands and feet once they were lodged in the narrow crack, and push up. Ouch. I MADE IT TO THE TOP! I don't think anything has surprised me more. I accomplished something that I truly thought was impossible. As I stood at the top looking over all of the trees, and Lake Superior, I cried. It was a wonderful feeling. I am tearing up just tellling you about it! Once you get that feeling of accomplishment, there will be no stopping you! I now have a point of reference... if something seems too difficult, I just remind myself of that cliff. If I could climb that, I can do anything! I did a second climb, by the way, that was even more difficult. I enjoyed it much more. I was still scared, but it was a healthy fear, not a paralyzing fear that time. I can honestly say that I would like to do it again!

(If you are new to the sight, and don't know what the Dare Chair is, just scroll down the page.)

So, here's to you, ladies! May you find your dare, go for it, and accomplish more than you ever thought you would!