Passion, Pancakes, and Plyometrics

Today, my life centered on three P's: passion, pancakes, and plyometrics.

PASSION:
Exactly 34 years ago today, my parents were married at the First Baptist Church in my mom's hometown of Idabel, Okla. Like any couple, they have had their ups and downs, but they always seem to make it work. Exactly two years ago today, one of my best friends started "officially" dating the man we would now consider to be the love of her life. I have to start this blog by telling both couples congratulations and happy anniversary. Besides school, there is nothing in my life I have stuck with for two years, let alone 34. I cannot imagine how challenging it must be to make a relationship last for two years, and especially 34. My kudos to all of you out there doing the same. The critics can say what they want, but in the end, it takes a multitude of passion to put up with someone for a lifetime.

PANCAKES:
Since I happened to be home for my parents anniversary, I decided to make it somewhat special. I have been wanting to throw them a surprise party for years now, but unfortunately, I lack the monetary funds. If they survive until the big 4-0, a big soiree is in the works. Until then, I must settle for less. Instead of throwing a party, I purchased a few items and decided to make a nice spread. I have a hard time sleeping at home, so I woke up about 6 a.m. An hour later, I started cooking. I made pink chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and chocolate covered strawberries. I set up the food next to the red tulips, anniversary card, and mimosa ingredients. In my father's usual fashion, he had woken up at 5 a.m. and eaten breakfast at Panera Bread. Since I knew this would happen, I really intended to make the special breakfast for me and my mom. She was ecstatic, though. So there we sat, watching taped episodes of the Oprah show and eating our perfectly pink pancakes.

PLYOMETRICS:
I took some time to relax after the big breakfast, before I started my daily workout. Today marked the official second day of my P90X workout. I started the P90X program earlier in the week, but each day, when I read more information in the fitness guide, I realized I was doing the program wrong. Last night, I took the time to create my 90-day workout schedule, and I completed my first intense workout. Today marked day number two: plyometrics. The plyometrics day is one of the toughest on the program, because this type of training is designed to bridge the gap between speed and strength. Needless to say, I started suffering during the warmup. Nevertheless, I am passionate in my effort to actually work at something for 90 days. It's not exactly two years, and it's definitely not 34, but for me, a 90 day commitment to anything is a huge start.

Ultimately, it does not matter whether your passion comes from creating a life with someone you love, cooking pancakes in the kitchen, or working out to create a healthier you. I once heard it said, "if there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you. And you will find great things happen for you, to you, and because of you."

Cheers to a new day... A new beginning.

-Kali