Everday Wonders

Grasping and Running (Or Trying To Run)

2011-10-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

So it's been since FEBRUARY since I posted anything. I have been busy! I did 6 weeks of a fitness boot camp (which I barely made it through). Since those treacherous 6 weeks of pushups, jumping jacks, situps, and a ton of yelling; it has given me a boost and jump started this long process of a much needed makeover. I have been exercising just about every night since boot camp ended.

Since I have been neglecting this blog (and been wasting precious world wide web space with no posts), I am going to try my hand at a different approach. I may get spiritual or humorous or even ridiculous; but it's a true statement that you learn something every day and I learn some during my exercises. It could be an idea or something that happened or even just something I remembered from another experience.

It seems that I have been learning something new every time I have exercised. I am going to try to post about my experiences every time there is one. Course, there are a few that may not need posting to keep my integrity. Hahaha. If I have that anymore. For example, use the bathroom before running, do not wear pants that are too big, watch out for rises in the concrete because that parked truck that my head is about to slam into isn't moving out of the way, etc. (I think you get the idea!).

I have had other humorous experiences, as well. Such as, hearing someone cat call at me and I turn around and its a blue jeep, otherwise known as my husband, honking at me while driving down St Rd 48; giving my husband the dirty "Stremming" look when he is telling me to run and to keep moving; trying to talk on the phone or text while running (that can have a huge affect on what words are typed...sometimes not good!)

Today was too beautiful to skip out on a great run. My husband has been "training" me, or at least trying, on starting to run. The first 2 weeks I was running one minute, walking two minutes. This week I have upped that to running one minute, walking one minute. I notice my legs are aching more and more since I changed my technique; but it's a good hurt. I am the type of exerciser that if something doesn't hurt, then I didn't work hard enough.

The idea that I learned today was I realized the real reason why people wear spandex or tight fitting pants when running or biking. I started to run and suddenly realized that I needed to just run right back to my house and get a different pair of pants. Needless to say, my pants kept falling when I was running...what a picture?!? Sorry everyone for that imagine. That is definitely a true story...lesson learned.

I still have about 50 pounds that I want to lose. It's slow, but worth it!

Till tomorrow's learning experience(s)...

Memories: Please Stay With Me Forever...

2011-02-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been getting together more frequently with two awesome friends from high school: Ashley and Jennifer. Whenever I get with these two, the memories start flying. I don't know that I would want to go back and completely re-live my life, but there are certain days, or events, that are in the back of my mind that I would love to re-live and not change a thing. Then there are certain days, or times, in my life that I would love to go back and do things differently...completely re-do. If I did that, then I might not be where I am today. I have a great life now, but I do sometimes wonder what would be different if I myself had do things differently.

Here are just a few lovely and funny memories (do remember, these are during my junior and high school years): the drive-thru scavenger hunts, toilet papering (we were nice about it, though); getting chased by Lucinda's dad on the windiest road in Morgan County; sneaking in boxed Chinese food to the movie theatre; learning to try and cut hair with Jennifer and Tricia (my poor baby dolls and I think one of them ended up with an uneven trim...LOL); listening, singing, and dancing to Strawberry Wine at Tricia parent's house; goofing off and laughing too loudly on the buses to the basketball and volleyball games; riding in the Kawasaki mule and people falling out of it; Ashley's mom driving the mule and 5 of us crammed in the back; having a shaving cream fight with Jennifer and Tricia; dressing up like hobos and going to the royal motel and then out to eat with Brynn, Ashley, and Maria (we made our parents so proud!); wearing our disco fever shirts and disco ball earrings to school (well, only Brynn and I did that and I was the only one that got in trouble for it); spending the night in Ashley's mini barn and writing our favorite sayings all over the walls...there are many many many more memories that I love (some that I wont incriminate people with either).

It will be 10 years this May that the Tabernacle Class of 2001 will have been high school graduates. Amazing how the time flies so fast.

Pictures Are More Then Just a Thousand Words...It's Called Reality!

2011-01-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

So, I was looking at pictures the other day of myself and realized that something needs to be done. I need to get my rear in gear and lose those 30-50 pounds that I want too. I know that everyone says this after January 1st pops around, but I have done it before and it will be done again.

~~Tomorrow~~ Today is the day!

I am promising myself to get up earlier on at least two days of the week to get on my elliptical for about 15-20 minutes. This will be the first couple weeks to a month. Then progressively I will up the time and quantity of days. This is added onto the exercising that I do in the evenings already. In the spring and summer, I would like to start running regularly.

I will eat more veggies and just healthier all together. Today, I brought peppers and tomatoes and then items to make a cucumber sandwich. I had a "talk" with my husband the other day saying "If you are at a fast food restaurant and I say get me french fries, I really do not mean that. DO NOT get them for me! This is my other personality coming out". This will be one of the hardest areas for me, cause I love french fries.

I can do it! I just have to make sure that I do this for me and not for anyone else. People are let down by others everyday and most of the time its thought about for a second and that's it. We as human beings are more prone to not let ourselves down. In this case, that selfish attitude is worth it if we are healthier.

I am trying to get my husband to be my personal trainer, but that happened before and it almost called for a lawyer, two houses, two bank accounts, separate names (Well, you get the picture!)...I would blame myself for that cause I am not one that cares for people telling me how to live my life.

Wish me luck or if you see me out in public, give me that drill sergeant evil eye and say "Suck it up, Bethany!"

This Goes Out to the Strong

2011-01-05T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in

This was a saying that was written on Elizabeth Edward's kitchen wall. If anyone had to learn imperfections in others, it was her. That is with everything her husband had put her through. I may not agree with everything she believed in, but I will admit that she was one strong woman.

Another strong woman was Heidi. It is coming up on 1 year that she left this earth and was made perfect. She was strong; having battled ovarian cancer for approximately 1.5 years. I remember seeing Heidi for the first time since she was diagnosed with cancer in June 2009. I was being picked up by her and Liz at the airport. I did not recognize Heidi; but then a smile came when she saw me. She was still the bubbly and daring girl that I had met in college many a moons ago.

I think cancer sometimes happens to the strongest of people to remind us weaklings that life is better then we realize.

2011-Its New Year

2011-01-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Its 2011 and a new year. If you did not have the greatest 2010 year, this is your chance to start new. Here is an article that I found on a friend's twitter. Its written to be more attractive to all; not to just someone you are trying to impress (but that would work too!)

http://liveboldandbloom.com/01/relationships/36-ways-to-be-irresistibly-attractive

I think each and every one of these could be for me.

New Year's Resolutions:
1. Lose at least 30 pounds by the end of 2011. I would like to lose more, but this is more realistic at this point. I am doing this for myself and my health and not for anyone else.

2. Make a new meal at least ~~once a month~~ every other week for Kevin and I.

3. Talk Kevin into flying somewhere. I would like to go Hawaii, Guam, Italy, Ireland, Napa Valley, Maine. Those are just to name a few...bucket list!

4. Start using the word "you" a lot more then "I".

5. Ace the big exam I have coming up in the fall. I have already started studying for it.
These are just a few for now. I am sure there are others that I can think of as well. Just maybe I will post those later on.

Hope all my family and friends have a great 2011 and be sure to do something for yourself.

Show your true greatness!

Christmas @ Granny's Today!

2010-12-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Today is one of my all-time favorite days. Not particularly this actual date, but the event, or occasion, that is happening today.

Its Christmas at Granny and Grandad Burcham's house.

I love my family! Its never a dull moment when all the kids are there (though we will be missing three of the kids today) and everyone is trying to talk all at once. Its a blessing to have such a close family and GREAT! cooks. Some years we will play Bingo (that is if Bailey and I have our way). Its always a blast doing that as well. Course, I am thinking that we need to teach Grandad about the kite tail, the double bingo, postage stamp, etc.

I also am blessed to still be able to say that I have all four of my grandparents still with me today. I wouldn't give that up for anything.

Well, I am going to get ready for the day. Hope everyone enjoys their Sunday. I know I will.

By the way, special shout out to Jessica, Sara, Dustin, and the kids. We will miss you today. Wish you were all here (don't worry! I wont send a postcard). Its definitely not the same without all of you. Cant wait to see you!

Lights On the Christmas Tree

2010-12-18T11:39:00.000-05:00

This picture is from Grey's Anatomy (2nd season). I thought this was so fascinating; not sure why. So right after we put up our tree, I tried it. It didn't exactly work for me, though. I couldn't see much! I told Kevin it was because we didn't have enough lights on the tree. If we had it my way, the tree would be nothing but lights and ornaments (my favorite ornaments from my grandparents and parents). I would probably put about 15 strands of light on just the one tree.

So there is one of the crazy things that I have done lately. I am sure there could be about 20 more blogs on the craziness of Bethany, but I don't particularly have the time for all those. Maybe more later or in a little bit if I get tired of cleaning my house.

If I do not blog anytime soon...

Two important people in my life...love you!

2010-10-11T13:15:00.000-04:00

I really do not understand how people (or children) can take their parents for granted. I am sure that I have done this on more then one occasion, but I do believe that was when I was younger. I hope that age I am at, I would never use my parents like I have seen others do.

This is for my parents:

To Mom and Dad,
I love everything you have every done for me and my life.
You both have raised us Stremming kids in a loving environment.
Not all the time was it fun, but you were also teaching us about life.
I know that there were some that criticized your "raising" techniques,
But I think the four of us turned out just fine and on certain days, better than fine.
We were all raised to work hard for what we have and never spoiled us to where we expect.
You are both there for us to confide in and also to yell at us for our protection.
When the days are hard, I miss not being able to go to my purple room and just escaping.
I never did mind getting grounded and sent to my room as a child/teen.
In our home, there was always a protection and comfort.
Like in the song "The House That Built Me," I hope that I never get lost in the world to the point that I forget where I came from.
There is something and truthfulness in the advice I was given before getting married,
"Enjoy the last times and days in your parent's home."
"The older you get, the closer you grow to both your parents."
I am grateful to you both and the way you raised me.
I love you two more than words can say.
There is no one on this earth that could replace either of you.
Love always and forever,
Your ever grateful daughter,
Bethany

I am glad that I married a guy that love his parents, as well. I just hope that when we have kids, I have the sense and ability to raise them like I was raised.

The World Traveler...They Who Will Not Be Named!

2010-09-14T22:29:00.000-04:00

There is a certain person, whom I shall not mention any names, that just recently moved to a completely different state. This is the jealousy part of me coming out and being shown the world right now. I would love to be able to move from place to place...almost like a gypsy, but with an actual apartment or house to stay in. I am able to travel for my job and I love that; but there is something about moving to a different location totally where no one knows you or anything about you. I like to think this is the secret service (James Bond) side of my personality coming out of me...rabbit trail (need to get back to the blog at hand). Anyways, the jealousy part comes out of me because "they who will not be named" (an yes! I realize I compared her to Voldomort from Harry Potter) gets to start a new life. Its amazing the things that she or he will see on their travels.

I proud of this person for having the strength to move on and around the country. This is for you! The greatest Dr. Seuss book ever written.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!
by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you'll want to go down.

In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town.
Its opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do
to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't
Because, sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.

And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.

And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.

A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?

Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.

Everyone is just waiting.
NO!

That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.
With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too.

Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
All will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl

Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!

Issues In Our News...or Issues With Our News?!? Not sure which one...

2010-09-09T22:18:00.000-04:00

OK! Here I go!

One of the biggest controversies going on right now is if muslims should purchase a building to put a mosque in that is located close to Ground Zero. I cannot say if it is right or wrong, but my opinion is that they should not. There is something called respect. Respect for those who lost their lives in the towers..there were inocent victims that lost their lives on Sept 11, 2001. But a few questions that pop into my head would how far away is approporiate to build a mosque, why did the muslims leaders (or whoever is trying to purchase this building) pick this certain location when there are other places, and are the muslims trying to make a statement cause whoever is actually trying to purchase the building is willing to pay 25% over the listing price.

Also, the another controversy going on right now would be the pastor that has declared (maybe he called it off now...news cannot get the true story) a koran burning day. I commend the pastor for having the nerve to announce this and standing up for what he believes in the first place, but I also cannot say whether it is right or wrong. That is a judgment to be left to the One and Only...God.

I feel so strongly about these issues right cause every time I turn the news on, there is something about Muslims and how they are not being treated properly in America. I am sorry for you mistreatment, but come on! There are millions of people from different religions, orientations, and races that are mistreated everyday. I don't see Buddhists, Christians, or any other religious groups all over the news.

I believe in freedom of religion, but I also believe in freedom of speech. I am a Christian and I am proud of that fact. If another religion were to build or purchase close to the site of the World Trade Centers, I would not see a problem with it. I basically see a problem cause it was a radical Islamist group that caused those two towers to tumble.

The Little Things

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-04:00

It doesn't take much to make me happy. Here are the little things that I enjoy the most:

~Spending time with my husband
~A cup of coffee
~Family get togethers
~Watching a new movie
~Seeing all my nephews and nieces smile
~Compliments
~Taking a walk
~Catching up with an old or long lost friends
~Piece of cheesecake
~Talking to my sisters

Like I said, it doesnt take much to make me smile or be happy.

What are your little things that make you happy?

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We Make the Day

2010-08-19T19:06:00.000-04:00

Last week was ruff getting out of the bed...all together. Lately, I have been getting up before my awesome husband calls at 6:45 (he sometimes has to call so that I am not late for work). This morning was different. A few minutes after waking up and getting in the shower, I knew it would be a different day...in a good way. First, it is the halfway point in the week (Wednesday). Second, the phone that I dropped in the toilet was working. Third, it just felt good to be alive for another day (the last thought came after that delish first sip of goodness coffee).

Everyone that knows me well will attest to the fact that I am not a morning person. It should be a ~~rule~~ law that no one is allowed to speak to Bethany Jo Stremming Litz until 1. She has had her coffee or 2. For about 3 hours after she pulls herself out of bed (or whichever comes last).
Came to work and went directly to the cafe to start on my iced coffee for the day (You know...that deliciousness). As I walked in, there was a fellow co-worker making his coffee. I am not a morning person, but I was going to be nice and asked him how he was. His reply: "I am happy!" I was not expecting that response because I knew a little of what he had been going through lately. That statement right there basically made my day.

I started to think about that statement and how we can make our days remarkable if we just try. Strive to think about the good things we have to live for or all the things we have, in general. Starting out in the morning (I suggest after that delish coffee), your attitude will make or break your day and, possibly, your week. Waking up in the morning, we have two important decisions starting off:

1. Will I get out of bed at all?
2. What type of day can I make this?

We make our days!

Women Have Rights Too...Thank the Lord!

2010-08-18T16:32:00.006-04:00

As today marks a historical event in American history, I am taken back to the 2 weeks (several years ago) that some of my family and I went over to Greece to visit one of my sisters and we were also able to travel over to Egypt.

Today marks 90 years for the women of America to have the right to vote. I appreciate the women from the past that worked hard, and even were arrested, to get this Amendment passed. As I think about the 19th Amendment, I especially appreciate it more since going to Egypt. We were able to see first hand how the women have no rights in other countries. Granted, I am not saying that every other country is deprived. Americans take for granted the rights we have been given.

I may not make it out to vote for every single election, but I definitely try to vote at the majority of them. Even if the individual(s) I vote for does not win, then I am still thankful that I have the right and privilege to vote.

One woman that had a great impact on our nation was Susan B. Anthony. She was arrest in 1872 for illegally voting at the presidential election.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony

Dont Stop...Get Up and Get Going

2010-08-17T15:33:00.008-04:00

Challenge: get up in the morning, turn on your iPod to the Journey song "Don't Stop Believing" (or something that gets you energized), and get on that elliptical or go running. I will try this tomorrow morning and post about my day. Good luck to everyone! Its not the easiest to get out of bed so early.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=468

Letters (or Messages) To Heaven

2010-05-19T19:58:00.005-04:00

If you write a letter to Heaven, are you supposed to put postage on it or would you have to make it business like with the sender's address in the upper corner?? With the letter going to Heaven, what would the actually address be? How would you send it up there? Would it be considered more of a prayer then a letter? If you were sending a letter to someone in Heaven, other then God, then would you need to put "Attn" on it?

I was in the mood tonight to write a letter to someone, but didnt know who's name to put after the "Dear." I ended up writing a letter to my best friend, Heidi. I actually started to write a letter, but then ended up on Facebook and just sent her a private message. I told her everything that was happening in my life at the time being. I also got a little selfish and told her that I wanted her back here on earth with me. The reason I would love to have back on earth is because I would love to have a reply. Maybe she can send a butterfly to land on my shoulder as a reply. Maybe I can get some healthy or good vibes sent my way as a reply from Heidi. Or! Maybe she will spit on me from Heaven (would that be considered holy water?). That would be the type of reply I would expect from Heidi (that would be an inside joke between her and I).

Do you think she got the message? I think she got it! I think she is giggling up there in Heaven because of the message on Facebook. I can hear her saying, "Bethany! You are nuts and a dork!" It was a letter that I should have sent her a long time ago. Who knows?!? Maybe I will try to write her one each week.

The letters to Heaven will probably continue, but I will never know if those have been received. I will hand delivery all the things that I have said to her in those letters personally one day. While I wait on that time to come, then I will keep writing till my heart is content. I will keep missing her. I dont know that my hole in my heart will ever heal, but I will say that letters to Heaven are helping mend the heart.

Dear Heidi,

I love and miss you, girlfriend!

Your best friend forever and eternity,
Bethany

My Job

2010-05-15T22:35:00.005-04:00

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ~Confucius

I work in a research department for a medical group in Bloomington, IN. I love, Love, LOVE my job. I cannot even say that I consider my occupation a "job." Yes, some days it can be stressful and strenuous, but that can be with anything. It is definitely the most interesting and most rewarding job I have had yet.

When I first applied for the job, my one requirement was not to see patients or really even talk to them much. The reasoning behind that requirement is because I came from a job that required patients to call and scream at me...COLLECTIONS! I went to an investigator meeting (first one ever and one I will never forget) and I was anxious to get back and start enrolling the patients into the study. From that point on, I could not imagine my life without the patients. They are amazing! I believe, a couple of them will be friends for a long time as well. There is a special bond when you are able to get to know someone so well and be one-on-one with them.

Not only is it that patients that I love, but the traveling. This past Thursday and Friday (and Saturday for a little bit), I got to go to Dallas, TX for an Investigator Meeting. What an experience?!? I got the chance to meet some awesome people.

Its a definite that these people that I am getting the chance to meet and these meetings that I am being sent to will have a lasting affect on me for a long time; if not the rest of my life.

There is my thought for the day (or possibly months). Hopefully, I can keep up with my blog and get a thought on here more often then everything six months.

Voting

2008-11-06T09:03:00.009-05:00

This year was one that was bitter/sweet to me. The entire time during the campaigns of both candidates, I had a feeling of who was going to win in the end. There are many factors that I believe should be included when an individual is deciding on who to vote for (race should not be one of them). As a Christian, I voted for a candidate that was most like my morals. Morals are my number one concern in candidates; for that is the reason that America was founded at all.

It was a sweet election year for me, because this was the first year for my husband to vote (EVER). I did not find out that he had never vote until we were either engaged or married...there was no turning back at that point. He was excited about this election year, because he knew that he needed to exercise his Christian beliefs and also try to help our country. When I first found out that he had never voted, I "Stremming-like" explained to him that I never want to hear him complain about the government if he was not going to get his rear out there and vote. It was incredible for me to see the passion that was running throug him this year as we watched the different debates and then the election night results.

Now that the elections are over and the post-election emotions are starting to die down, it is time for us to look to God to keep us safe. Our almighty God is the One that placed Obama in this position. There is a reason for everything and we just need to pray for our nation and the government officials. Honestly, I am not seeing any good that can come from Obama being president, but we will see. There are miracles that still happen everyday, even if we don't see them directly. I do appreciate the verse that Sara posted on her blog, which is 2 Chronicles 7:14. If we as Christians will seek His face and pray, then His hand will be protecting us.

Almost done!

2008-09-18T11:30:00.001-04:00

It's a wonderful relief when walking back from the mailbox and I just realized that I received my information about college graduation. WOW! It's amazing how I felt the time would never come, but now it is just around the corner. I am officially done taking classes on October 3 and then I am walking across that platform on December 13. Words will never express the emotions that I am feeling about this great accomplishment.
The only issue we now have is that there is always the possibility of falling off the stage (and yes I have fallen off a stage before).