Friday, December 23, 2011

I RUN This Town: Miami


Greetings Friends and Family and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and of course Festivus, 


It's been about a month since I last shared a little about Laci, so I want to be sure and bring you up to the latest. 


Many of you know, I am an athlete and a triathlete and of course a runner! Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to venture south-- Miami that is, with momma and Someone Special in my fifth1/2 marathon!! I still can't believe I have taken the time to train and run five, with my sites set on number six, seven, and eight for 2012 already! 


As a part of my love of health and fitness, I ran across (literally) a national runners group called Black Girls Run. I met another young lady at a race, wearing their shirt. Long story short, Someone Special suggested I look them up on the internet. I did! And next thing I know, I am now the Running Ambassador for the city of Milwaukee. Whoa! Well, the ladies asked me to be sure and post video to the group's FB page about this experience. Being the shy girl that I am, or is that ham, I gladly obliged. I wanted to share the experience with each of you as well! ENJOY!





Here's a final pic at the finish line with some of the ladies from Black Girls Run South Florida!
 and yes, I am wearing a dress! LOVE IT! Until the New Year!


Monday, October 17, 2011

The Long Road HOME!

(c)2011 laci coppins
Hello Everyone,

This season I had the pleasure of learning a little more about the sport of baseball and the Brewers specifically, thanks to Someone Special.

Now, I have always been a football fan, but who knew I would learn to love baseball as well! I mean, to point where I am talking stats and big plays around the office! In official Beast Mode of course! lol Well needless to say, after all my intensive training, and with the Brew Crew just one step from the World Series, I had to be at a playoff game! And so, as the it goes, "You have not, 'cause you ask not." Well, not this kid!

(c)2011 laci coppins
So Game One of Brewers vs Cardinals we had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day and the company of 43,000 adoring fans! And while we were high enough to get a nose bleed (figuratively speaking) also known as the Uecker Seats,  it was a great time! And we WON... making it even better. Unfortunately while the Long Road has lead us back Home and not to the World Series *sigh* it has still been a great season. Enjoy a few pics from our big day! 
(c)2011 laci coppins
(c)2011 laci coppins






(c)2011 laci coppins










I am still proud of my team! In the end went farther than most and there is always next year! Go Brew Crew!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Wwwwhhhhhhheeeeeee!

Here we come!
Happy Monday!

I am sure, like most folks, you make the most of your weekends. Often to short, I try to pack in a punch!

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to visit Six Flags Great America with Someone Special. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee in Gurnee, IL, this is a place that neither one of us has visited since 1993. Walking forward it was grounds for instant nostalgia and moments to quickly reminisce about the last time we walked through these gates. As we were approaching the entrance, I started to get a little nervous, I mean, I hadn't been on a roller coaster since I was 18. Needless to say, I am no where near 18 now and all I could think was, this may hurt tomorrow! Reassured by Someone Special that it would be fun and I will enjoy all the rides, we proceeded forward.

We could NOT of picked a better day! The lines were literally non-existent! There were several times where we walked right up and got in the waiting car. The first ride, "The Whizzer," was a nice "warm-up" of what lay head for our day's journey. As we proceed up the stairs, from ride to ride, to wait briefly to take our car together, I started to reflect on my past two years.

 I am now, totally living in Milwaukee-- job + art = living. I mean, I have an actual zip code folks, so there is no running back to the rolling hills of Tennessee! Well, at least no time soon. I started thinking how in some ways, just like on these crazy rides, I have been thrown about from side to side, but had friends and family in the "same car" with me. Holding on, cheering me on, encouraging me along the way.  I still wonder sometimes how I ended up back in the Mil, but I am often reminded... all things work together (Romans 8:28) and while it may not feel like it, it still does. And even when I would exit from a few of these rides, disoriented and trying to get my balance again, Someone Special was right there to hold my arm, my hand, and hold me up right!

I am glad to report, one of the last rides of the day was "The Superman!" I can't explain it, but I was really exited to get on this ride. Maybe because I love comics and Wonder Woman and Superman are two of my favorites. (Side Note, why doesn't WW have her own ride!?) Perhaps it's because you really had the chance to feel like you were flying, like you were on top of the world! And yes, here comes the analogy... Life IS like a roller coaster with all it's ups and downs and swirls, quick starts and stops, big climbs and steep drops--- It is a little better when you can have Someone Special to hold your arm, your hand, you up right and remind you it will be fun and you will enjoy the ride! Oh, and a Cinnamon Churro for the walk back to the car.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Back in the Saddle...

Hello Family, 
So, I am Back in the Saddle Again! After taking a few years off from triathlon, living abroad and such, I am back participating and training in a sport I truly enjoy!With any sport, comes training and exercise--a vital thing needed to continue and improve or just not pass out as you attempt to cross the finish line. 

Well, here is a lesson learned quickly on a weekly ride I took this past Monday. I was excited to enjoy one of the last days of summer (at least around these parts) with a 13.5mile bike ride. Seeing as though I knew the route, I didn't think it necessary to take my phone. I mean, for what, I only use it to track my distances.  Yeah, can you see where this is going...

On the route, which is a lovely bike path called the Oak Leaf Trail, I have the opportunity to cross several bridges. Typically no issue, but on Monday, I hit the bridge with an awkward BOOM! Still riding along, all seemed well and no damage done. Pausing to take a drink, the furthest point from my apartment, I find myself moving slower and slower. I have a rear flat! No worries, I think, I have the emergency kit, I'm good. 

Keep in mind, this is an emergency kit I haven't practiced with in years and am not really sure where to begin. Fortunately  chivalry is alive in the Midwest! Casey and R.C., who happened to build motor-bikes, like the ones of Harley- Davidson fame (also born and bred in Milwaukee), assist with the change. And I am up and off again! 20 feet later, I realize I not only had one flat, but TWO! Are you kidding me? Yes, both tires popped and only one spare and no phone. 

Sadly, with every noise you can imagine, I made my way, riding my bike, back to the house. Praying each way, each pump of the pedal, "Dear God, PLEASE let me make it home!" Great thing about the Oak Leaf Trail is it's all shadowed; so you stay cool on hot days. Scary thing, when you are on a flat, heading home at dusk, is it's all shadowed! 

I am thankful to report I made it home, the rim is still in tacked and I still need a new tire. Needless to say, I ran yesterday and did Cross Training today!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The Best is Yet to Come!

If you have a VISION, you don't need a resolution!

Happy New Year Family!! We made it to 2011 and I am so thankful to be in another year. I truly believe this is going to be the BEST YEAR of my life (so far)!

Last night I attended the mid-night New Year's Eve service at my church. It is often referred to as "Watch-Night" service in the "Black-Church." We had a guest Pastor, ministering by the name of Evangelist/Pastor Shane Perry. I want to share with you the highlights from his message in italics, because I was so struck!! I literally felt like specific points from his message could be a recap of the last two years of my life. So of course, I would be remiss if I didn't pass this along...

The scripture reference was Luke 1:37, "For with God NOTHING is impossible." Now, I could stop right here! Because this is truth alone, but I won't do you like that... I am also including my 2 cents in between.

Point 1 What seems impossible today, is everyday business in my future! From a personal perspective, being and creating art... What would you think/add? Ground yourself with people that are going to challenge you! Have you met the ladies of the BTC? My friend Maria? or Monica. These ladies keep you focused and encourage you!! I'm just saying is all.

KEY IDEA: Create a motivating factor and don't wait for one! Wow! Get RID of the negative people in your life. And know a Hater is an unfulfilled person.

Point 2 Unrealistic goals are the only goals worth having! ( I don't know, like quitting your job and moving to another continent, in pursuit of a dream) If you can do it on your own, why do you need God? You have to have smaller goals to support it. Small victories let you know you are on the Fast Track to your dream.

Point 3 Get ready to move into a new realm! What you have right now doesn't deserve you!! Everything in your life has to "STEP-UP"  with me being a King's Kid!!

The Best is Yet to Come dear friends! Want to keep up with the new realm? Follow me on Twitter@FotoFans