Sound Advice

Stegen and I have been very fortunate to meet some pretty awesome people through CrossFit. Of the many people we've become good friends with, Jor and Sandi definitely hold a special place in our hearts. As we were driving to say goodbye to Sandi yesterday, I received an email from Jor, who I like to refer to as "The Crazy Uncle." I wanted to share his thoughtful words of advice for us on our blog, so that I would always remember how much he's helped us since the beginning of this exciting journey.

"Hey Jenise,

Know you are busy with getting ready and all that. Want to give you a piece of advice that you can put on the shelf for later if and when it comes up.

This is a true story.

When I entered into the program to go to Japan we had training first in Seattle then in Tokyo before we went our separate ways. There was this one dude that had been in the program before so this was his second time.  He was an odd fellow (or should I say bloke since that is what you will be calling fellows for the next few years?).  Kind of kept to himself.

At any rate, one day out of nowhere he is sitting near a group of us and he turns to us and tells us some advice (not that we even asked for it). He said that if we get homesick and lonely or depressed.  He recommended we go to the market and get some floor polish and polish the floors.

Yeah, I know, we all kind of looked at him odd.  But he continued.  He said at that time do something mundane that you would do at home.  Something familiar. Okay, so we all kind of just nodded at him and went on with our discussions.

So….I end up in Onomichi, a small little town on a waterway out in the middle of nowhere.  Quaint and double the culture shock since not only was I in Japan but coming from living in L.A. to living in a small countryside town…let’s just say double whammy on the culture shock. And yeah, I got homesick.  So what did I do?  I got some floor polish and polished the hardwood floors in my small apartment.  You know what?  That action did center me and make me feel familiar and not so lost.

So, file this away, when you are there and you get feeling lost and uncertain and homesick…do something familiar as if you were back home.  Believe it or not.  It works. As for that dude…sometimes you can be shown the light in the strangest of places if you only look at it right.
 
Thnx/BR/Jor"

Jor with his beautiful family

Jor, I appreciate our countless conversations about life. I'll always look back on our time in England and remember that without your reassurances, Stegen and I wouldn't have taken the leap with as much confidence as we have. And thanks for the advice above...I might need to write you again when I'm in tears and polishing away. Take care of yourself and the rest of the 6:30 crew.

And then there's Sandi...ah, where to start? Most people know her as the "Barbie Lady", published author, and Guinness World Record holder/owner of Sandi Holder's Doll Attic. Others in the fitness world know her for her complete body transformation and motivational food posts.

Yep, she's done some pretty amazing things--but to me, she's just Sandi...one of the most caring people that I know. We got a chance to visit her at her Doll Attic yesterday and share some tearful goodbyes. Sandi, we love you and know that we'll see you in England soon. Thank you for everything...including my "zoodler." Hugs to you and Cary.