Week 26, Day 2, Part 2

Here's Ryan's post with pictures he created (up above and down below):

My wife, Kaitlyn, didn’t think I would write anything for this. Through all my jokes and derailing actions she was able to finish her own interpretation of what “Seize the Week” means to her. Now it is my turn so let’s hold each other’s hands and take a journey back-back to a simpler time 25 weeks ago.

Amanda had joined Kaitlyn and I for a relaxing night at our apartment. While we were in the kitchen preparing dinner Amanda presented us with an idea for a blog but was having trouble coming up with a name. I instantly shot to my computer to look up terms that related to a week or seven days and came across “Seize the Day” which led to “Seize the Week”. Originally, it was in Latin but the English version was much more accessible. Even though I hadn’t really envisioned what the blog would turn into, I was excited to help in what I saw as an adventure.

For anyone who does not know me, I LOVE ADVENTURE. Any kind, any place. And that is how I see this blog: as a weekly adventure. One specific topic is chosen and Boom! adventure ensues. You don’t know what you’re really getting into and what you will really learn. It’s like when your parents teach you to fish but it’s really about patience or something (I really wasn’t listening when my own father explained it). You not only learn a new trade or learn about a new style of music but you learn about yourself. I know that sounds corny but that is how it is. So carry yourself on an adventure…

…and all it takes is seven days.

Week 26, Day 2

Today our guest bloggers are Ryan and Kaitlyn Perisin! If you guys know these two people, then you know they are amazing. If you don't know, them, well you should : ) Kaitlyn has been the friend I've had the longest, since Kindergarten. We've had a ton of great times together. I remember in elementary school, I broke my arm but I was sooooo excited to go to Kaitlyn's birthday party the next day, that I didn't tell my mom it was really hurt. We've shared choir experiences together, starred in a soap opera together (inside joke), and so much more. Her family has been like a family to me; I love them all. I have known Ryan since high school. Hands down, Ryan is my one friend who has changed the most, in an amazingly good way. He is a strong man who has been through more in the last few years than most people go through in a lifetime. Kait and Ryan both have HUGE hearts for people, and would do just about anything for the people they love. They are two of my best friends who are a constant source of love and support. And they are so stinking creative and witty. They crack me up...a lot. They love music, comic books, movies....I only hope to be as cool as them some day : ) The first entry is from Kaitlyn:


Everybody has things that they want to do before they die. Kind of like a “bucket list” which, despite how I feel about that one movie, presents us all with a challenge-What would you do if you have one week to live?

My husband Ryan & I have discussed our bucket list(s) many times before, and even keep a running list. Some of my bucket list goals include living for a year in Austria (preferably Innsbruck), hugging a fennec fox (I mean, have you seen these guys?! Adorable.), and learning to play guitar well. A running list of Ryan’s bucket list goals include going scuba diving, traveling to Bhutan, and growing a beard (eventually). We also have a joint-list of things we want to do which include raising a family together, opening our record store/bakery, and going skydiving.

Amanda is a great friend of ours. I have known her since kindergarten and Ryan has known her since high school. We read her blog often and were so flattered when she asked us to “guest star”, so to speak. She asked us to describe what “Seize the Week” meant to us. To us, seizing the week means setting goals that are important to you and achieving them with the support of your family, friends and God. For us, it means finally crossing off one of our bucket list goals-we are going skydiving!

We have signed up for a jump in April & are really excited about going. It is going to be scary & intimidating, but Amanda has inspired us to go for it! Hopefully it will be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, as well!

If anyone would like to join us, we are jumping out of a plane on Sunday, April17th! It is $200 per person, but we are going to start saving now. We would like to thank Amanda for inviting us to blog with her, and for inspiring us to go for our goals!

Keep reading the next entry for Ryan's part....

Week 26: My Creative Heroes Week

Welcome to Week 26, everyone! Just so you know, I will continue to keep you guys posted on my running. Please keep up the prayers and encouragement : )

Week 26 is a week that I have been very excited about ever since I first thought of it. This week is dedicated to some of the people who I look up to creatively. There are 8 friends who will guest appear in my blog: Mike Dodaro, Tim Franklin, Ryan and Kaitlyn Perisin, Steph Ferrini, Dave Sandell, Kyle Cowser, and Ryan Hulett. These friends are witty, wise, super creative, and just genuinely amazing people. They will all be giving their own interpretation of Seize the Week-what it means to them. Also, if they have their own blog, I will include that so that you readers can follow them, too! So here's to my creative heroes!!

Before I started my own blog, I kept up with Mike Dodaro's blog (one of my best friends) and loved every single entry. The blog was, well, so "him." Reading it brought me into the wise, loving, creative, and youthful mind of his. He's not only the guy who started my love for comic books, but he's a man that I look up to for many more reasons than his creativity. Hands down, Mike is one of the strongest people I know, and he has a heart about the size of this entire world! He's a huge support and source of love and encouragement. I'm proud to call him one of my best friends. Here's Mike's post:

Amanda told me about Seize the Week back in August and I thought it was an amazing idea. So much so that I am eagerly awaiting the day that someone turns her blog into a movie.

I am honored that she asked me to contribute a post to her blog because she thinks of me as a creative inspiration. I have not yet decided whether or not I consider myself a creative person. I think if I was a more creative person I would have provided her with a response told through interpretive dance or something. But I love creativity; I am drawn to it. To me there is nothing more exciting than ideas. I cannot get enough of them. It is why I surround myself with people like Tim and Mary Franklin, Joe Flores, Stephanie Ferrini, and Kyle Cowser. It is one of the many reasons why I love Amanda Keene. It is why I like stories so much and it is why I am an improvisational comedian. It is why I will excel as a teacher. I blog because it helps put me explore ideas into a bit more tangible format.

Seize the Weeks is one of the best ideas I have ever heard. In an attempt to not allow work and stress consume her life, Amanda is devoting fifty-two weeks to over fifty-two ideas. She is actively stopping to smell fifty-two plus roses and giving each of them the attention they deserve.

My parents are more accustomed to traditional church and do not understand why the first half hour at the church my sister attends is spent singing songs. It is how they choose to worship. Amanda chooses to worship the Lord by living every second of her life and Seize the Week exemplifies that. She worships through reading a new comic book, discovering new musical artists, exercising, turning off the television, making presents, taking pictures, or spending time with friends. She even worships the Lord through resting. I think Amanda has perfected worship.

She has taught me that even though life can throw you the worst it has to offer and that there are some truly awful things in this world, that there are also things like murder mystery dinner parties, Twitter, coconut cake, swimming, musical theater, Earl Grey Rooibos, Pokemon, Neil Gaiman stories, parks, cute baristas, grape soda, board games, vacations, flash mobs, intramural quidditch, knock-knock jokes, Lemony Snicket quotes, notebook doodles, Sudoku, silly hats, British accents, and the enjoyment of time spent with friends.

What I suppose I am trying to say through all of these seemingly random points is that sometimes life sucks, but there are so many fantastic aspects of it. Many people are afraid to leave their couches or are otherwise too lazy to do it. Amanda doesn't let life get her down. She takes the best it has to offer and embraces it. I cannot wait to see what she does next.

Mike, you are awesome! Check out Mike's current blog "And Now You Have Super Powers" at http://grownupmike.blogspot.com/ and/or I loved, loved, loved his first blog which is called "The Middle School Adventures of College Mike." You can check that out at http://mikedodaro.blogspot.com/

Week 25, Day 5 & 6

January 29, 2011- Headed over to the track at about 10:30AM. Stretched before and then started to run. Had the same problem as yesterday. Ended up doing 6 laps, which is a mile and a half, but rotating walking and running. SO DISCOURAGING!!!!!!!! Mental block? My body needs to recover? Is it harder to run on snow? I don't know!!!! But I need to keep going!!

Day 6, I am resting. It feels good to rest, and tomorrow I need to kick it in gear. Prayers are greatly appreciated! And any tips are too.

Week 25, Day 4

January 28, 2011- Woke up and felt good! Almost not sore at all. Plus the weather was great- it was even sunny. Before heading to the track, did 10 min on the elliptical to see if it would stretch my legs out and maybe make the run a little smoother. After, headed to the track and felt very optimistic about the run. Stretched and began to run. Goal=do 3/4 of a mile plus to the lamp post in less than 11 min and 18 seconds, which is what it took the day before. Ran a lap and legs were burning. Had to walk a lap, then run again, then walk. Honestly, I was discouraged. I wanted to get my goal done, but I also didn't want to push it. I just need to remember that I CAN DO THIS. I've done a great job so far, and I will continue on. I need to let myself rest too. Maybe it had something to do with the elliptical? Not sure. Next run, I will aim to beat the time.

Week 25, Day 3

January 27, 2011- Headed over to Eisenhower at 2:30PM. It was snowing a lot and the track was covered in snow. Almost decided not to go running, but I did. Stretched and ran 3/4 of a mile plus to the light post. Goal for today was to run further than 3/4 of a mile. Yay! I did it! Today did seem a lot harder. Not sure if it was because of the snow. I did notice my recovery time was a lot quicker. Also, today I don't feel as sore!! Praise God! "I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this..."

Week 25, Day 2

January 26, 2011- at 7:30PM went to Eisenhower track to run. Today was a heavy do so had to beat my time- needed to beat 11 min for 3/4 of a mile. Honestly, my whole body ached and had no idea how I was going to run. This time, I had plenty of kleenex, vaseline that I had bought, and better gloves. I stretched, started my timer and began to run. This time I tried to have better posture, blew my nose frequently, and felt like I breathed better- even though I still huffed and puffed. Finished 3/4 of a mile in 10 min and 20 secs!!!!!!! Walked a lap and stretched. Before going to bed, did more stretching, crunches, squats, and leg lifts. Even though my body feels like it got run over by a bus numerous times, I feel good knowing that I am continuing on. Praise God- only His strength will get me through this!!

Week 25: Running Week

Hello, friends! What a week it has been! For some reason in my life-when it rains, it pours. But you know what? God is faithful, and He has it all under control!

Just a quick update: Grandma is at home and seems to be doing a little better, but people are continuing to visit and say their good byes. It's great to have her home with my parents though. She is so much happier there. My job- I've officially been let go due to financial reasons, and my last day is February 18. Currently, I have no job lined up, but I serve a God who provides. Now, I won't lie to you- I have moments where I have a little freak out session but then I snap out of it and remember that God has a plan. Life is crazy, but I'd rather it be that way than boring : )

Again, thank you all for your love and support- the phone calls, the texts, the cards, the prayers. They all mean so very much to me. And thank you for continuing to follow this blog. I love seeing your comments! What an encouragement!

On to week 25....God has really laid it on my heart to run. Why? I really have no idea. I can't think of any time in my life where I thought, "Hmmmm. Running. Sounds like something I'd love to do!" It's actually been quite the opposite. I have watched people run marathons, run everyday, and I've thought, "Wow. They are nuts." But for some reason, this is on my heart, and I do believe that God has put it there.

Here's my goal: To run a 5K this coming May. There is a guy, Pablo, in my church who is quite the runner. Pablo is amazing- so supportive, but will push you and push you only because he knows you can do it and wants to see you succeed. He's a runner for God, and he's so graciously agreed to help me train. I created a routine for myself, and I'm so excited to start that off this week.

Today I had my test run with Pablo outside. We walked over to the track at the high school across the street, stretched, and then started running. Pablo ran with me and pushed me to continue. In all honestly, I thought that I would be able to run half of one loop around the track. I thought if I ran any longer than that, my lungs would explode or something else really crazy. But I ended up running 3/4 of a mile in 11 minutes, which I am sure isn't great but I was so proud of myself and so was Pablo.

I'm keeping a journal of times, things I need to remember, feelings, etc. Here's my first entry:

January 25, 2011- at 10AM walked to Eisenhower H.S. to the track. Before starting, he told me to be in conversation with God during this whole process. He said for today, my prayer could be, "God, help me to build." Stretched upper and lower body for about 5 minutes. Pablo told me about the importance of vaseline- put it on my face that way when my eyes start to water, the tears will just run down and not freeze. He also warned me saying my nose will run like crazy and I just need to blow it out. Weird. Ran 3/4 of a mile in 11 minutes! I CAN DO THIS!!!! In the process, eyes really watered a lot, and my nose ran like crazy! Didn't feel comfortable blowing my nose on my gloves like Pablo suggested so just dealt with it. Walked a lap to cool down. Walked back to the center and did weights.

Feelings: again, I CAN DO THIS!!!! With God's help and strength, I've totally got this. I can run a 5K and more!!

Notes to self: Buy vaseline, get a stop watch, bring a ton of kleenex so I don't have to blow the snot out on my gloves, wear a garbage bag under clothes (helps to burn more calories), DRINK WATER!

I will update every day with my journal entry. My schedule for training is 7 days a week, rotating a heavy day and a light day. This means Mondays start off being a heavy day, Tuesdays are lights days, Wednesday are heavy days, and so on. Heavy days: I try to beat my time and light days: I try to run farther.

Prayers appreciated!!! And for those of you who have tips- throw them my way!

Week 24: Research Week

I guess I should welcome myself back to the blogging world! It's been a while since I updated, so sorry everyone. I want to share this quick story with all of you: a few days ago, my good friend Kaitlyn texted me and asked if everything was ok because I hadn't blogged yet that week. I thought it was so sweet, and actually realized that me not blogging usually means something is up. So thanks for checking on me!

So, the last couple weeks have been rough. It's interesting because for the first couple weeks of January, I went on a fast in order to seek God about a few things. Literally 3 days into the fast, it seemed like my life shook a bit. My job wasn't so secure anymore, later found out I would need to move out of my house because of financial reasons, I began applying to any job that looked like something I would love to do, and my grandma's health rapidly deteriorated. Suddenly, the unknowns in my life doubled (at least that's what it feels like), and all I've able to really do is trust in God-trust that He has everything under control, that His promises still stand, and that He is the one and only true constant that I have in my life.

I've spent a few nights in the hospital with my grandma. It's been one of the hardest things in my life, honestly. It's crazy to remember your grandma as totally with it just a week ago, and then not with it a week later. There was a series of events that led up to her being put in the hospital but ultimately, she has caught a nasty infection which has pretty much wreaked havoc in her body. Just yesterday, she has returned back to my parents home where she will live out her last moments. Prayers are greatly appreciated in all of this. Prayers for a peaceful passing.

All that to say, that I am still standing and that God is good and faithful! An update from last week: Tim- you were totally right. LOVED Amulet and immediately went out to buy the others, which I also loved. SO GOOD! I felt a little like a child in a magical world of wonder- may seem a little cheesy but that's the best way to describe it! I loved the art, the story, the characters, and the message I received from it. If you readers have not read it, I would highly suggest it! If you have children who love graphic novels, try getting them a copy.

This week, I've been doing some research. Basically, I have a lot of cool ideas for the rest of this "Seize the Week" year- a lot of which requires some research. So that's what I'm doing this week. I'm getting weeks set in stone, finding the people who can help me with these weeks, and communicate with community members with whom I can partner. This is pretty much last chance to throw ideas at me! Yes, Kaitlyn- there will be a baking week in which you will guest appear : ) If you have an idea and would like to guest appear, I would love it!! Send the idea my way. You can either comment or send an e-mail to seizetheweek@gmail.com or text me if you have my number : )

Thank you all for being dedicated readers and most importantly, friends.

Week 23, Day 4

I finished "Spider-man: Torment," and I really liked it! It was different than all the Spiderman comics I've read- the art was a lot different and the style of writing was, too. It seemed kind of cheesy. The only way I can think to describe it's cheesiness is to compare it to the original "King Kong" movie. In this comic, the villain is a big lizard that terrorizes the city. It's more goofy than scary or intense. I really liked it though!

Today I headed to Borders, and I bought the graphic novel "Amulet" by Kazu Kibuishi. When I first saw it, I was immediately drawn to the art. Come to find out, Kazu Kibuishi was also the editor of "Flight" which is one of my favorite graphic novel series. Here's what the back cover says: "There's something strange behind the basement door...After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin, and their mother move to an ancestral home to start a new life. On the family's very first night in the mysterious house, Em and Navin's mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature. Now it's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life!"

Sounds good, right? : ) Goodnight, all! Time for some reading...

Week 23: Comic Book Week

Welcome to Comic Book week everyone! I think it's funny because when I tell people that I like to read comic books, they are always so surprised. Yes, I am a dork, people. Love it or leave it : ) I believe it was early in my college years that I developed a love for comics after my wonderful friend, Mike Dodaro, introduced me to them. I started reading Ultimate X-Men and Ultimate Spiderman, both Marvel comics. Soon I was reading Flight (a graphic novel that's pretty awesome), The Runaways (my favorite), Maus (awesome especially for history buffs), Bone (also a favorite), Captain America, and more.

I was also able to start a comic book frenzy in the Blue Island area a couple years back, and people from my church started to love comic books. It's an epidemic, really. So, basically this week I am reading comic books-any comics, so if you have a suggestion then send it my way! I'm excited for this week because while I love to read comics, I very rarely read them anymore. I'm hoping that this week will kind of jump start that love I have for reading them so that I continue to keep up with it!

Yesterday, to start off Comic Book Week, I began reading Spider-man: Torment. My good friends Ryan and Kaitlyn gave it to me as a Christmas present, and I'm excited to read it. This week I will keep you posted on what I'm reading! I know that a couple of you who read this blog love to read comics, so please join me! And for those of you who have never read a comic, you should at least try it! Happy reading, everyone!

Week 22, Day 6

Vacation time is wonderful, I must say. I don't really have an exciting update, but I have been doing my best to relax and catch up with family and friends. Yesterday, for New Years Eve, I spent the day with a dear friend of mine, Roxanne from the camp I worked at a couple years ago. I was able to get lunch with her, take a mini road trip to Blue Island, and then spend the evening at a party that she was co-hosting. I was also able to spend some time with another camp friend, which was really great. For those of you who have experienced camp life, camp friends are very special. You spend only 2 months together, yet you leave for the summer feeling like you're leaving friends you've known forever.

I left the party around 11:00PM to spend time at home, yet I got there and everyone was sleeping so I watched the ball drop by myself. At first, I thought it was really lame but then I realized that I was strangely ok with it. I also decided to pray over my sleeping niece who is 3 years old. If I love my niece as much as I do, I can only imagine how much I will love my own child.

Today, I was able to see my grandma in the hospital. Earlier this week, she fell in her bedroom and ended up breaking her leg. The night it happened, I was out with my friend Mike. He was dropping me back off at home when we pulled up to see an ambulance in front of the house. I don't think my heart has beat that fast and hard in a long time. Mike and I hurried into the house to see my grandma who has fallen not too long ago. After a little while, Grandma was taken to the hospital. All that to say, I spent some time with her today, and I was happy to do so.

After that, I came back to my parents house, helped put away Christmas decorations, and then headed to the basement to watch some Dexter and to paint my toenails-something so simple yet it's surprising how I don't find time to do that. And now I'm sitting here writing this blog.

It's 2011. Can you believe it? I look forward to continuing Seize the Week and also labeling this year as "Amanda's Year." Yep, I'm going to be selfish and continue to let God work on me. I'm not going to make any resolutions, but I will say that I have many things that I would like to work on. Mostly, I feel like this is going to be a year of discipline, not just making choices based on how they will affect other people but taking my best interest into consideration as well, committing to hard core prayer about different things in my life, continuing preparation for training, and listening for where God is lead me in this last year and a half before going to training. Happy 2011, everyone! I pray that it's an amazing year of growth for all of us!