Out With the Old

With the sweltering summer heat, we have decided that our backyard garden has called it quits. The three tomato plants that valiantly produced over 40 pounds of tomatoes since May were now gangly, weed-like walls of uncontrollable vines. They continued shooting tiny yellow flowers out into the hot Houston air, only to shrivel and collapse back into themselves.

After consulting with several farmers at the market, and hearing of their own inability to coax tomatoes from their plants, we realized it was time to reset our own expectations. This weekend, the plants came out of the ground and our backyard once again took on the appearance of something in the ‘burbs. We’ve still got two fully loaded lime trees and a patch of basil doing very well. But given how busy we’ve become with our training, none of us has volunteered to tend to the next crop of outdoor goodness.

...In(doors) With the New

Though we’ll wait for another opportunity to step outside and break soil, our gardening experiment continues with seed sprouting. Since discovering the fresh crunch of sprouted lentils, mustard, chick peas and other beans, Maggie has learned both jar sprouting and tray sprouting techniques. The process is reminiscent of those long-ago elementary school lessons where we witnessed seed springing to life, and the results are delicious. Sprouts have become a central part of our meal planning, and they are an economical way to consume protein-rich, biodynamic foods that are full of nutrients.

How is your garden growing?

As the late summer days slip away, we are all anticipating the new schedules and activities that the fall brings. As a homeschooling mom, mid-August is a time for planning and organizing all the lessons and materials for Katerina’s school year. I also plan for her afternoon classes – everything from bible class to music and dance lessons. Keeping track of everybody’s schedule while maintaining my sanity has become a form of art (one I’m not quite sure I’ve mastered).

This fall will be a little different from past years. Not only will we have to deal with the demands of homeschooling, parenting and work, but also with the demands of the rigorous running program that Adrian and I are following. Unlike the novice marathon program that we just completed, our new training involves more intensity, the addition of speed work and yes, longer hours on our feet. That translates into earlier wake-up calls and shorter nights in order to get everything done. We know there are going to be tough days ahead, but feel more than ready to take on the challenge.

After finishing sub-4:00 hr on our first marathon in San Francisco, July 26, 2009, we were motivated to take on 2 more marathons: Rock ‘n Roll San Antonio and Chevron Houston. We are focused on setting PRs (personal records) in order to qualify for the world-famous Boston Marathon by 2011 (or sooner).

Yes, these are ambitious goals for a pair of folks who started running a mere 7 months ago. All this thanks to our friends Tom and Maxine Yunker, whose talk of their own marathon experiences inspired us to take on this new lifestyle. Now that we’ve run a marathon, we know that we can keep pushing the limits…physically, mentally and even emotionally, to get a deeper sense of our true potential. It’s not every day that we find the courage to assume daunting challenges, so we are grateful for the inspiration and encouragement that came along at just the right time.

It might be natural to fear the unknown – to shy away from difficult choices and actions. But anyone who has ever persevered knows that the payoff, however intangible, is incredibly reaffirming.  As someone who seeks out challenges and new experiences, I feel excited to commence this new chapter in life.

I know that Katerina will thrive in third grade, growing and maturing with each passing day. Adrian will work to achieve his personal and professional goals. And together we will help each other break down the barriers that seem to stand in the way of our dreams.

Working towards your own big dream? Share it with us!