Dear 2009,
All you did was take, take, take. Selfish bastard. I’m so over you. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
Love,
Katz
Yeah, that’s pretty much how I’d sum up my year. Certainly, you can look back on the blog and read about the trials and tribulations – I won’t re-hash them for a second time. I’ve said it before – it would be nice to think that I could say I wouldn’t change a thing and it’s all for the best, but that’s just not how I feel. There’s plenty of shit I’d change and even more that I wish just didn’t happen in the first place. But, in spite of the hurt, loss and disappointment that stand out most about the past 12 months, I also know I’ve become a stronger and wiser person for all the experiences I’ve had.
Of course, they weren’t all bad.
I had some pretty rad opportunities in 2009 (being part of three Soldier Rides, finishing a half-Ironman, cycling across Alaska, LivingStrong in Austin, etc.) and I made some even more rad friends that I love to death and am so happy to have as part of my life (you know who you are).
So, I’m going to focus on those things and take the strength, love and support that incredibly keep coming my way in droves and turn my frown of 2009 upside down and make it a big ol’ smile in 2010. Surely there will be new trials and tribulations ahead, that’s what makes life what it is, but I’m going to embrace the fresh start and focus on my big project for next year – of course, Ironman. I have no doubt this upcoming journey is going to be one of my most amazing (and difficult and challenging) experiences yet. And, I’m even more sure that the people I meet along the way will make it kick ass the most.
I’m not usually a resolutions girl. I don’t think you need to wait for the calendar to turn a certain date to start making changes in your life. If there’s something you want to change – just make it happen. No need to wait until Jan. 1. But, this year, I’m taking advantage of the craze and jumping on the resolutions bandwagon. I’ve got a few ideas in mind, but no need to make them public just yet. Not that I think my list of New Year’s resolutions will keep too many of you in any kind of suspense, but I’m still sorting through a few things before I finalize the details.
Anyway, on a completely separate note – I had a somewhat surreal experience this week on that crazy little thing called Twitter. I sent a silly reply to one of John Mayer’s even sillier tweets and he happened to think it was funny, so he re-posted it with a reply. It was nice that he appreciated my sense of humor, but I really didn’t think much of it until my inbox started exploding with notices from Twitter that I was getting new followers at a previously unforeseen (for me) rate.
Now, John has almost 3,000,000 followers and I had about 200 as of Monday. I’m still 2,690,500 or so followers behind John, but I’ve gained more than 100 new peeps in just three days. It’s very strange to me to think anybody besides my friends give a shit about anything I say – and, even then, I think they get sick of me – but, at the same time, it’s fun to know that people think you have something worthwhile to share. Oddly enough, the blog has also seen a relative explosion of traffic.
I’m not setting any records for followers or blog readers, but it seems like a lot for me. I mean, I’m just an average girl trying to enjoy life, have some fun and finish an Ironman. For the most part, my life is just like yours, except on those occasions when it’s uniquely mine. Hmm, that makes no fucking sense whatsoever. I’ll let you figure out what I meant.
It’s easy to look at someone else’s life and think it’s so exciting or adventurous or fascinating and wish you had what they had. But, most of the time all you see is the glamour, excitement and adventure because those are the wonderful things that people like to share, and quite frankly, only the things that most of us want to see. Often, what we don’t share and what we don’t see (or want to see) are the challenges, obstacles, sacrifices and struggles. The sad part is, those are the things from which we learn the most and have the most to learn from others.
That doesn’t mean we should focus on the negative, it just means that there’s more to most people, and their lives, than what they let you see. Try to understand the complete picture of someone’s life or who they are – complexities, complications and all. And, try not to be so quick to judge what other people do or how they live their lives…so says the girl who spent an entire weekend throwing stones from her “Cart of Judgment.” (Long story – just know I named a golf cart the Cart of Judgment) Guess I should take my own damn advice.
So, I started this blog a little more than a year ago as a way of keeping friends and family updated on my training and preparation for this past summer’s bike race across Alaska and it has certainly evolved from there. I’ve so enjoyed having a place to vomit out the endless running commentary in my head and appreciate those of you that read, indulging me with a small, but mighty, audience.
I’m so very excited to share the ups and downs, successes and failures and wins and losses that are sure to come in 2010 as I journey to Kona and take on the challenge of Ironman. But, as you can see from the past year, the blog has become much more than a detailed training log.
I’d like to welcome the new folks that are reading and thought it would be fun for ya’ll if I reposted my ”Top 10 Things You Should Know About Katzy” list that I shared in my very first blog post. Twitter and this blog provide some snippets into my life, so hopefully this list gives you a little more insight – so, when you judge me you have a more complete picture of who I am.
For those of you that do know me, this should be good for a few chuckles and feel free to add your own items to the list.
1. Almost everyone calls me by my last name – Katz. A more endearing version, Katzy, is used by those closest to me.
2. I love Hello Kitty. Yes, I know I’m about to turn 30, not 13. I don’t care. Get over it. (Update: I’m now 31 and I still love me some HK. I even have added a Hello Kitty toaster to my collection! Thanks, M!)
3. I’m a vegan. That’s right – no meat, dairy, eggs or animal products of any kind. It’s really not that hard to do. Seems to make you much more uncomfortable than it does me. (I gave up on being vegan this summer. I know, I’m a quitter, but it was just way too hard. And, really, not eating cheese is just dumb. Cheese is delicious. However, I am still a vegetarian – still no dead animals for me).
4. I am obssessed with music and going to live shows. I have phenomenal taste and if you’re in need of recommendations, I’m always willing to share. I also love to make CD’s for friends, let me know if you’re interested.
5. I’m scared of many, many things. Well, actually, most things. But, fear pisses me off and I refuse to let it control my life.
6. I’m incredibly cute. Yeah, that’s it. I’m just cute.
7. I have a fabulous sense of style. I’ll credit my sister here – she steered me in the right direction as I didn’t always dress as well as I do now.
8. I’m as obssessed with sports as I am with music. This is Dad’s fault, but I’m thankful. Sports have given me every opportunity I’ve ever had in my life and even landed me a few jobs.
9. I watch an absurd amount of television. It’s okay, I counteract the effects by also reading a lot. Know of any good books? I’m always looking for recommendations.
10. I totally, utterly and completely kick ass.
Peace out.