Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. - Robert Frost

In its simplest form, this poem depicts a person stopping by some woods on a snowy evening. Taking in the lovely landscape in silence, he or she is tempted to stay longer, but then acknowledges the pull of obligations and considerable distance yet to be traveled before he or she can rest for the night. As with any poem there is always room for interpretation and this poem has a special meaning to me. When I started running, this poem spoke to me and has served as a constant warm memory and inspirational writing, consistently giving me hope and happiness. Many people who know me wont be surprised when I publish this post, because they know my deep rooted love for Robert Frost. Many people have asked me why I love this poem so much and what it means to me. For the most part, I consider myself a private person, but this like all poetry has a purpose to be loved as well as shared. Although, the entire poem speaks to me, the final stanza is my favorite part. 


The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 
but I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep,
and miles to go before I sleep.


It always reminds me that no matter how lovely and enticing things can be whatever they might be, I have promises to keep. To me, promises include being the person I was raised by my parents to be and keeping my fathers memory and legacy alive-always. Miles to go, is a constant reminder that I have a long way to go to prove myself and continually remember and honor my father. I like to think of it as a long journey that I hope will last a life time- until I die, this dream and goal wont be able to sleep.


Tonight, I got a permanent reminder of my favorite father and poem. It also happens to be on the left side of my body- closest to my heart. 

Pez, Papa and the Pool

I am proud to say that almost a week ago, I climbed out from my PEZ, Ramen noodle coma and started going back to the gym. Dusting off the chip crumbs on my shirt, I traded in my sweat pants for sneakers and got to work. I am still trying to find a decent time to go to the gym. It is crowded beyond belief at all times of the morning. Don't these people work? Within the last week, I also did the Gary Papa run with my mom to benefit prostate cancer research, and honor my late father. It was a great event, and with the help of co workers, family and friends, Team Smith raised over $500.00 Thank you to those who supported us and also those who made a donation. 

 If you don't see a blog from me for a while, its most likely because I am tanning. Don't be alarmed. But if you are interested in a real treat, you can join the frightened neighborhood kids and see me and my bikini at the pool. I don't know where I thought all those burgers were going when I ate them, but I reassure you, I found them. Nothing like summer to bring you back to your fitness goals! Viva La Summer!! 

I've got 99 problems but the gym ain't one

There are few days more exciting and beautiful then that of the last day of school! I am so happy that summer is here, tanning can begin, and I can finally get back into my gym routine. For months, I have been counting down the days till summer and planning my attack strategy for my summer slim down. I would like to make 1,000 excuses as to why I have been skipping the gym but I will spare you. Never the less, tomorrow is the first day of summer. I am hitting the gym and then hitting the pool. Its nice to be back. Viva La Summer and long live the Reckless Runner.