Hi ya. Aliy here. Checking in.
You know how every once in a while you just lack motivation? No? Anyone else? Yes? Well, honestly that doesn’t happen to me very often. I’m a Go – Go – Go kinda person. But… heck… right now I’m not Going Anywhere. Know what I mean? ‘Stay at Home’ Mandate and all that.
I’ve been trying to make myself get a lot done. One of those things is to get pumped up to write my 2020 Iditarod Trail Notes. Needless to say, that just hasn’t happened. Argh. It actually weighs heavily on me. “Aliy, just do it!”
So, I had this idea in order to get more motivated. I’ll go back through my journals from past races. Oh my! When I started to reread a few of the stories that I’ve written and lived thru I wanted to read more of them. Weird, huh? I mean… they are my stories. You would think that I would remember them! Bottom line: I’ve followed my passion through some tough times and experienced some crazy circumstances. I just reread my 2014 Trail Notes. Here they are, if you want to read them. WARNING. It was a crazy race!
Anyhow as I reread some of my tales, I found that while I am certainly happy and proud of what I’ve done (heck yea!), I am also pleased to not be out there right now. If I’m being honest, I am somewhat enjoying my current state of not doing much except drinking a ridiculous amount of coffee and having fun with my dogs (LOTS of fun.)
All this circular thought made me conclude: its okay for me to live a life is that is often a contented routine yet punctuated by times of incredible passion and drive.
So I’m gonna sit back, drink another cup of coffee and then go out an play with some dogs. Cheers!
I think a lot of us are in that mode. Like coloring Decafs picture. I mean I should! But…I hate detail coloring. But…It’s DECAF! So, I’ll give it my best. Maybe with a cup of coffee. Maybe it might take more than that! LOL The light at the end of this long tunnel says, “I’m here. When you’re ready. Don’t worry about how you get here.” Stay safe! And thanks for the reading material.
And then I realized 2014 is the year I started following SPKennel. Yay! I knew nothing about it. Was researching for a webpage article I was writing. Started the race following some young whippersnapper until, hey, wait a minute…this lady is sure nice and fun to follow. Needless to say, I pushed you across the finish…not that whippersnapper. And I’ve pushed ever since.
Oh crimminy. This was our 3rd year routing for you…sheesh. Time flies.
Hi Ally.
2014 was the first year that I started to follow the Iditarod. I now follow both the Quest and the Iditarod each year.
Your journal is a inspiration to me. First is the true passion of doing something you love even with the unforeseen challenges. The second is the importance of being a part of a team that fully trusts each and every member, as each one has their own gift they bring to the team. Third is the caring and acceptance for the other teams for who they are, even if you do not agree with their actions all the time.
When you write and speak about your life experiences and share them you never know which word seeds are going to be planted in someone’s life. Changing that person’s life for the better.
Thank you for sharing you and Allen are both great examples of words written or spoken reflecting the actions and way you live your lives.
Whew! Your post is just what we need. Yep, we’re all stuck at home, thanks for reminding us to simply enjoy the simple things (coffee and dogs) and appreciate what we have. Good health to everyone!
Your 2014 Trail Notes are a great read….I often times re-read you journals during the race as a good reminder of what challenges lie ahead as you travel down the trail. But those 2014 notes…had me crying like a baby when you wrote “Quito did that” ….man that was a hell of a story!
Sounds like life is just fine with coffee and dogs in Two Rivers! Way to stay safe!
Ditto.
How well I recall that year, too!
And your Trail Notes were so beautiful – just as a publication in and of itself!!!
Thanks so much for sending this piece of SP Kennel Red Team history out again for all of us to re-read, cry, and remember that awesome team (4-legged division)!!!
Yes, enjoy your coffee, dogs, and everything else!!!
Love this! Thanks for sharing, Aliy. I think we are all a little frayed around the edges lately with not knowing where things are going which does bring ambition and initiative down a notch or two. I thought I was a nut to sometimes enjoy reading my own journals from long ago. For sure lots of us out here love you and what you have done and continue to do! So drink coffee and carry one. Hugs!!
Your statement near the beginning of your journal made me sit up and take notice: “We live every day thinking that the next will be more challenging.” Who knew that life under semi-quarantine would arrive, and be such a huge challenge. We are created as social creatures; even the most introverted long for human companionship. I thank God for technology — and dogs (glad you are rich in those!)
I am looking forward to reading more of your 2014 Journal!!
Love the notes! You are excused from being lazy as everyone that knows you knows the real Aliy!! And besides you have a whole kennel of dogs that want your attention!
Just finished reading the entire Journal. I am so inspired by the heart and grit and strength displayed by all of you, dogs and Aliy alike. Thank you so much for this window into the realities of Iditarod 2014!
Saying on face book for all dog lovers
Quarantine has turned us all into dogs.
We roam the house all day looking for food.
We are told “no” if we get to get to close to strangers.
And we always get excited about car rides.
My dog and I have been doing a lot of car rides.
Thanks for posting the journal. We just do not know what happens between check points. You always come in with a smile and happy talk. What a ride and you always survive. Keep smiling and dogs keep us sane and entertained.
Sharon
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Aliy, thank you so much for sharing this 2014 race. I have been following you for several years and what you and your beautiful dogs have accomplished is totally amazing! Quito is certainly the Rock Star along with the whole team!!
I hear that Alaska is among the earliest of the States to attempt to re-open (“phase one”).
Those in the northeast in metropolitan areas are still hunkering down.
COMMENT ON LEADERSHIP:
Our mantra in CT: When in doubt, form a committee to study the issue, draw scenarios.
They can then advise others who may or may not listen, may or may not act. Maybe it will all just go away before any decision is needed to be made?