The Rhonda Rambler, Christmas 2008 edition

2. The Rhonda Rambler
IN THIS EDITION
EDITION:
• Catching Up .................................. pg 1
• Baby Addison! ............................... pg 2
• Coaches’ Convention .................... pg 3
• Christmas Greetings ..................... pg 4 Keeping in touch is just a PDF away! Vol. 3 Issue 3
FAVORITE QUOTE
Hello Family and Friends!
“Life is too short to wake up in the I thought it only appropriate that the last edition of the Rambler is sent
out to conclude a wonderful year. 2008 was a great year for me as I en-
morning with regrets;
joyed the track season with my athletes and seeing them improve.
So love the people who treat The summer was extremely eventful as I had one of the best weeks
you right; of my life at the Olympic Trials followed by working in Texas and then
Forget about the one’s who don’t; speaking at a running camp in North Carolina.
And believe that everything Fall time was amazing in Nashville with all the leaves and nice weather
happens for a reason. we had. It was also cross country season and I’m happy to say my ath-
letes had the best finish that Vanderbilt has had. I am extremely proud
If you get a chance, take it.
of how hard they work and to see them improve physically as well as in
If it changes your life, let it. the classroom.
Nobody said it would be easy; So, now that we are in the midst of winter, I am adapting to the cold. I
They just promised it would be have actually been stuck in Arizona for the past few days and have been
worth it.” making the most of my situation. I am one of the lucky ones who has
~ unknown friends in Arizona and I’ve been able to stay here and enjoy the warm
sunshine a little bit longer.
In this time, I have been fortunate to put in some long runs on my
STAYING IN TOUCH old trails, hang out with my best friends, go to my favorite restaurant in
Just in case, here is my contact informa-
tion so you can send me some cool stuff! :) Tempe, went to a rodeo bar and experienced riding a bull (not me…the
Rhonda Riley cowboys!), I went bowling and scored a high score of 119 and finally I
3135 Long Blvd. Apt. #1 was able to work at my old coffee shop for the day and that always puts
Nashville, TN 37203
Cell: (615) 339-4101
a huge smile on my face. During this time I have realized how important
Email: rhonda.riley@vanderbilt.edu my family is and how much I want to be with them during the holidays…
especially my beautiful niece Addison. I am looking forward to spending
a week in Portland, relaxing and enjoying the snow!
I hope this is a time where everyone is taking a break from work and
appreciating some downtime before the new year approaches. Enjoy the
Rambler and please keep in touch as time goes by because I truly am
happy when I hear from all my friends!
Until next time, take care! And a very Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year to each and everyone of you!
Coach Riley
The Rambler would like to extend a special
‘thank you’ to this edition’s sponsor:
Portland Airport Snow Removal
Thank you for pushing the snow out of the
way so that I can land in Portland and spend
time with my family this Christmas!

3. LIL’ ADDISON
What would a Rambler be without some oh-so-cute
pictures of my little niece, Addison!? She is so ador-
able and I can’t wait to spend some time with her over
the Christmas break. Until then, I have these pictures
to look at and share with all of you! Christmas Addi-
son is so adorable, especially with her Vanderbilt shirt!
My sister and I have discussed the dresses and even
though she might look happy in the first picture, the
second one says it all! I know, Addie, Aunt Rhonda is
bringing some running gear for you! But, until then,
she will get to have some fun dressing like ‘Randy
Parker’ from ‘A Christmas Story’ and not be able to put
her arms down in her snow suit!
Her face says it all: “I am tired of these dresses,
mom! I want a running outfit like Aunt Rhonda!”
Looking at Aunt Rhonda!

4. CONVENTION TIME
For the second year in a row, the Coaches’ Association held their
annual convention in Phoenix, so I got to go back to Arizona and
help out and also spend some time not only with my coaching
friends, but also some other close friends in Arizona. At the con-
vention, I met many, many people while helping out with registra-
tion. We stayed at a beautiful resort and were well taken care of,
including spending time in the Presidential Suite! We had many
delicious meals, including desserts, as all of us ‘relaxed’ a little
following the cross country season and prepare for the up-com-
ing indoor track & field season.
Mandi and I ‘visited’ the Presidential Suite and, yes,
we were ‘allowed’ to go in there! ;)
The beautiful resort I stayed in at the convention
The greatest group of co-workers at the convention:
Mandi, Sylvia, Mike and me Sylvia, me and Mandi

5. LET IT SNOW!
... well, at least not as much so I can get
home! For those of you that haven’t heard,
Portland has been buried in snow lately. In
fact, Portland got 13 inches of snow, the larg-
est storm since 16 inches fell in 1980! As you
can imagine, that has caused lots of prob-
lems for flights to the area, including my flight
on Sunday. But, despite the cancellations of
flights, I made the most of it while staying
in Arizona, including spending time with my
friends, having some fun at my favorite coffee
shop, Gold Bar, and even winning one of two
bets in bowling! As I write this, the weather is
looking better in Portland, so my flight should
get me home tonight. It was fun putting to-
gether this Rambler from Arizona once again,
but now its time to fly, fly, fly!!
My snowy home in Portland... that’s a lot of snow!!
‘TIS THE SEASON
At this time of the year, Christmas, I am reminded what the
true meaning of the season with every family and friend I am
blessed to talk to. It’s not about the gifts... or the parties... or
anything material. It is about the love that is shared between
everyone I know and that is what I love the most. I have so
many people in my life that I enjoy spending time with and
each moment is more precious than the next. So, I pray that
every one of you reading this, as well as all your friends and
loved ones, have the merriest of Christmas’ and the happiest
of New Years, no matter where you are... in the sun, in the
snow or delayed from leaving to the destination you want to
spend the holidays in.
SMILES FROM PHOENIX, THEN PORTLAND,
AND THEN NASHVILLE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!