Sad and Scary Day (Part 2 of 2)

I started trying to exercise, alternating between going to the gym and running with my dog, while my son skateboarded with us. We arrived home still sad from the days events, changed and decided to run/skateboard with Allie (our dog). I took off first while Elijah looked for his Ipod and would catch up with me.

I was halfway down the block, running, Ipod blaring...when I noticed an older man, in a silver Honda, stepping on his brakes, leaning his head completely out of the car looking at something behind me. My heart started racing, I quickly looked behind me, wondering what had caught his attention. To my horror, it was my son on his skateboard. The man was unaware that he was with me, Elijah was trying to catch up to me. My son also noticed the man and the weird look on his face. The man turned the corner a few minutes before we rounded it. He was still looking at us and pulled into a driveway that we would be running directly past. The driveway was blocked by thick green bushes, hiding him from our view as we approached it. I looked behind me to talk to Elijah and noticed another man in an old beat up, white, tan, burgundy and rusty Chevy van, parked across the street, also looking at us, he started his van as we approached the driveway. I tried to remain calm, hoping that it was just my imagination, but wanting to be cautious. I stopped and told Elijah, "When we're almost there I'll sprint and you ride your skateboard really fast past the driveway." We went quickly past and did not see the man. Relief came over me, feeling a little stupid for being so paranoid.

All of a sudden the silver Honda pulled out of the driveway...slowing down, looking again...he swerved as if trying to make an illegal u-turn, (we were running on the sidewalk, against traffic) and if he was successful, he would be directly facing us, we would be trapped. Traffic suddenly picked up blocking his attempt, he almost hit a pole in the middle of the street and had to jerk his steering wheel, driving past us.

We were at a spot where there were no houses or people. I told Elijah, "We need to get to the top of the hill before he can turn around again." My son was scared, I was exhausted from running so fast, but I had been attacked when I was younger and was now feeling very vulnerable and scared for our safety. We crossed the street and were close to the park that we run through...the man came from nowhere, made a u-turn and was now directly facing us waiting for us to reach him. I started pointing at him to let him know that I see him and know what he is doing. I told my son to get on his cell phone (we were never able to get his license number because the sun was directly in our eyes.) I started sprinting again and tried to look tough and confrontational, my heart pounding so hard and quick, I felt sure my son could hear it, as we approached his waiting car. We looked directly at him...he quickly put dark glasses on and tried to hide his face leaning down lower in his car. We made it to the park (now also deserted for some reason, very unusual for that time of day). We both were so scared and just kept running, looking behind us, sprinting, and looking, until we headed out of the park. We were approaching a light (where the park exited)...the Chevy van that had been parked, slowly passed (he had circled the block), looking around as he drove. We were hidden from his view, but could see him. Once he passed...I ran, and ran, and ran...we finally made it home safely. Both of us scared to death, realizing that it wasn't our imagination and we could have been in real danger, the men appeared to be working as a team.

When I got home, my husband was there, we got in the car and drove around...wanting to get a license plate or something to report to the police . Unfortunately, there was no sign of the men. I have not been that scared in years...my son said he was afraid that he would have nightmares about it.

I received a little taste of how an attack/kidnap could easily happen. The scary thing is, my son (13 years old) had been going to play basketball alone in the park for the past week and a half. You never know how long they could have been watching him and luckily, I just happened to be with him on the day that they might have decided to make their move.

We live in a nice neighborhood, the homes and park we run through is in a million dollar neighborhood. It can happen to anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Please be aware of your surroundings...you never know who is watching!

Sad and Scary Day Yesterday (Part 1 of 2)

I left work yesterday...late again to pick up the kids, but not driving fast like I usually do. Those of you who know me would be amazed how often I drive the speed limit, gas prices and my big gas guzzler has slowed me down. A lady in a blue Expedition was driving next to me, I noticed because every time we pulled up to a red light, she would gun it the second it turned green...I kept looking over because she was acting like she wanted to race...and she was about the same age as me! I guess I probably would have tried to beat her back in the old days when gas was $2.50 (always a little immature I guess.) Oops...I got sidetracked...it's hard to write about yesterdays events!

The lady beat me again, speeding past the kids school, I turned into the parking lot, spotting my two kids standing beside a group of about 20 other kids. All of a sudden I heard a loud chirping noise behind me as I stopped the car. The kids started screaming, "What the HECK!?!" My boys were running inside the crowd towards the street, into the middle of the road...I looked out my rear view window to see them standing in a circle surrounding something, on the ground. I jumped out of my car...worried they would be hit by oncoming traffic. Lying on the ground was a small white dog..the speeding lady had hit him, slowed down, looked in her mirror and sped away...with her child witnessing everything.

The owner of the dog was holding its little head as it laid there breathing hard and looking straight ahead, blinking and silent. It's right hind legs had missing fur and indented where the tire had ran over him. He had a little blood coming out of it's forehead. A neighbor came out with a flat cardboard box and a towel to keep him warm. We slowly scooted him onto the box and carried him onto the sidewalk while the owner ran to get their truck. I was holding the part of the box closest to his head...petting him, trying not to cry, he just kept looking, pleading with his eyes for help. We carefully put him in the back of the truck, they opened the back window to hold him in place as they slowly drove to the vet.

I don't know if he survived...but all night I just kept picturing his eyes and I felt so SAD! How could someone hit a dog and just take off!! What's wrong with people...and in front children!

After I got home the scary part of my day started...(part 2 tomorrow)...

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: An Attempt Is Everything

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: An Attempt Is Everything
I look back and realize how many things I avoided ATTEMPTING, due to fear of failure. Dreams, hopes, goals...all pushed aside because of that small but powerful four letter word...FEAR. You can still achieve your dreams....

An Attempt Is Everything

The title of this Blog really grabbed my attention when I read it in a book. Think about it...AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING! How many times do we sit and ponder the things we would like to accomplish...writing a book, taking a computer class, photography course, starting a non-profit organization, volunteering at a womens shelter or group home, going back to school to earn a degree.

I look back and realize how many things I avoided ATTEMPTING, due to fear of failure. Dreams, hopes, goals...all pushed aside because of that small but powerful four letter word...FEAR. I find myself now, dreaming again, trying to find ways to fulfill my deepest inner passions that have been safely tucked away...sleeping...hiding...running, the desire I felt at 21, still cries out at 41! It will not die...screaming, crying, whispering, prodding, pushing...my future is waiting for me.

Don't waste years of your life gripped by fear, it will be with you forever...but eventually your undeveloped gifts and talents will become so overpowering, ripping through the dark protective barrier...years of hiding will no longer satisfy you...your entire being will constantly shout from deep within, "Go and become what you were meant to be...AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING!"

SOAR ABOVE YOUR FEAR


COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL


ONE STEP AT A TIME


CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN


BATTLE YOUR WAVE


AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING


FOLLOW THE PATH

FINISH YOUR DREAM!!

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: Do You See It?

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: Do You See It?

Do You See It?

The white capped waves crashed, splashing up over the rocks, spraying the boy. The stick, which served as a spear, was dropped into the crevice of the rocks. The sand was white, scrunching between my toes with each step. It was the setting I had hoped for when I left my house to unwind and relieve the tension of the day. Allie rushed with sudden force trying to free herself. The royal blue leash stretched to its capacity, holding her captive from the freedom of day. A few steps more...I reached to unhook her...FREE, she bolted across the sand, as though she were gliding over it. Chasing, jumping, pouncing and howling...it was a perfect day, even for a dog.

I reached inside my black bag, to try and capture a day that was like no other. The lens, somehow able to see the exact picture that mesmerized me...freezing the moment, making it possible to share. This was what I needed, a day to stop, look, and appreciate God's gift to each one of us. The day may seem, dull, sad, or overwhelming...stop and look around at God's beauty. It's there, slow down, stop running, take a deep breath, and look around you. Do you see it? Can you feel the peace overtaking you? Breathe again...it's real, it's amazing, just STOP and LOOK!




STOP AND LOOK!

DO YOU SEE IT?!?

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: The Invisible Man

Lisa Petrarca's Blog: The Invisible Man

Southern California Track Championships

I wanted to share our exciting day with everyone...

Yesterday (6/1/08) Elijah competed in the Southern California Championship Track meet. The top four qualifiers in each county in Southern California competed. Previously, Elijah placed 1st in the 400 meters and 200 meters at the Orange County Championship meet.

His race consisted of two separate heats, with a total of 18 of the top athletes in So. Cal. Elijah's first event was the 400 Meter race. Three boys pulled out in front, Elijah used his strategy and speed to place 1st in the event by saving his energy for the last part of the race. In the 200 meter race, he placed third to take home 2 medals.

We are so proud of him!

Elijah (in the white cut off sleeves) 400 meter race


400m Finish Line


Receiving Medal



Going to receive medal for the 200 Meter (lined up in order of their final finish)


Receiving 200 meter medal


Proud Mommy



Proud Dad


Proud Papa