Have you ever felt you needed a change?  Well I think the warmer weather will be just the change I need.  There’s just something awesome about 60 degree temperatures after dealing with the freezing cold for months.

I think it will give me a good boost in all aspects of life.  This is the time of year I get to thinking about what else I can do to make things better.
Bring it on!

So last week I ran/walked 8 miles and it was difficult from beginning to end.

This week I ran/walked 8 miles and I was doing pretty well until about mile 6 but overall it was better.

Maybe its the weather…I don’t know but this week’s 8 miles make me feel like I can do this 13 mile run/walk in April.

Now its just time to sign up:) Wish me luck!

“Running is a lot like life. Only 10 percent of it is exciting. 90 percent of it is slog and drudge.” Dave Bedford

“I’m ready to throw in the towel but I’ve come too far.”-Tiffany Tarpley

After 8 months, most with braces all with spaces,  my dental work is complete.

I’ll have to post a picture later because for some reason I can’t upload one….until then watch FOX Toledo news to check it out and as always follow me on twitter.com/tiffanytarpley
Random, I know:)

So I’ve been training to run a half marathon since the beginning of December.  Well, the month of December was pretty much a test to see whether or not I could actually do this…anyways…I’m still going, although it has been a serious challenge.

I’ve realized that distance running is more of a mental challenge than anything else.  So often I want to give up but with the help of my Ipod filled with inspirational gospel music and prayer I make it through.

The most I’ve done so far is six miles (in the cold bitter temps…UGH!) and this week its on to seven.  I am so thankful for the encouraging words of my co-workers and friends who have confidence I can do this.  Actually I was out at the metropark one day and I guess the man could tell I was tired…he smiled at me pumped his fists in the air and told me I could do it.  That made me smile and laugh as everyone else on the trail passed me:)

So the race is Sunday April 25th and I use the term race lightly (for me anyway).  As long as I finish I’ll be victorious.  Wish me luck and if you have any advice please, please, please pass it along…

OH—and I should probably register soon…..OH BOY…that will make it even more real LOL!

Over the next several weeks Sharia Davis and I will be working on stories for Black History Month.  We will be bringing you short pieces about people in the Toledo area and beyond who’ve made a difference in the community.

Every year during Black History Month I continue to learn something new and exciting about the people in our area and those nationally who’ve paved the way for me and you (no matter your ethnicity).

So I hope you’ll tune in every Tuesday and Thursday in February during our 10pm newscast to see the accomplishments of a people who’ve faced much adversity and inspite of that achieved great things.

While sitting at a computer an hour or so before our 6:30pm newscast I decided to listen to Doctor Martin Luther King Junior’s entire “I Have a Dream Speech,” and browse various articles on how his life and legacy is being celebrated on the day we honor his birthday.

Sadly I came across the “comment” section of one of the articles and noticed there are actually people out there who think we do too much to celebrate Dr. King’s accomplishments or that we shouldn’t honor him at all.

What’s sadder is the fact that I’m not shocked people feel this way. No I didn’t grow up during the Civil Rights Movement, as my mother would say I wasn’t even thought about at that time, but I’ve not only seen snap shots of the injustice of the era and heard stories from my family members, but I’ve also experienced some hatred and bigotry first hand.

To me this day is more than a celebration of King’s life and legacy it’s a celebration of freedom and equality. If it weren’t for people like Dr. King, I wouldn’t be allowed to be in the position I am at my job, eat at any restaurant I choose, or drink from any water fountain.

Although we’ve overcome many obstacles and just one year ago elected a black man to the country’s highest office, we aren’t where we need to be as a community, a society, or a nation.

So today we honor those who’ve marched and even died in the fight for freedom and recognize what we all must do to make this country an even better place for ALL.

I’ve been glued to the television set watching coverage of the earthquake in Haiti.  The situation is so tragic it makes me cry at times but the tears aren’t always of sadness.

Recently I heard the story of an American woman who was trapped under rubble for hours and ultimately lost part of her leg.  When she was interviewed and asked how she was doing emotionally, she said she was doing well because it could be worse, she could be dead. 

Throughout here entire ordeal she stayed positive and to this day no leg, world changed and all she is positive.  I saw the glory of God.  And even when I see Haitians in the streets who’ve lost loved ones, have no food, no water…nothing, they are praying, praising and worshiping God. 

I think to myself wow, what was God’s purpose behind this quake?  Why are so many dead?  Why are these people who have already experienced so much suffering going through more hurt and pain?

But through it all-the ultimate test- they continue to have faith. I’m in awe of  the glory of God.

Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Happy New Year! Make it a good one:)