Okay, I'm on my lunch break. I have less than 25 min to blog, so here goes.
I sat down at this computer starting to feel hungry. But after seeing Matt's blog, I'm a little nauseated. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in doing the Amazing Race, but I just figured you filled out the application, sent a video and then they give you a call. Never expected that they would show up in Mississippi. I wish you could have heard my jaw drop when I read his blog. I think God is calling me on one of my prayers. Once the nauseum settles, it'll be replaced with giddy excitement. But does it really take three months? If it does, I'm glad I had all those different jobs in years past in the event I have to quit my job. Wonders never cease...
I guess the hassle of not getting my passport in time to work as a flight attendant may just have been a blessing. Pray Matt and I get on the show, we'll send shout outs.
Okay, gotta go, I'm starved.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Duh?
In case any of you were wondering about the unfinished title to the last blog.
I had intended to write,
My inner Toyota is saying, "Oh, what a feeling." but my pinky hit the enter button before I could do anything. So there you have "The rest of the story."
I had intended to write,
My inner Toyota is saying, "Oh, what a feeling." but my pinky hit the enter button before I could do anything. So there you have "The rest of the story."
My inner Toyota is saying,
Evenin' Everybody!
My Tuesday started off pretty well. Slept through most of the night. Awoke right on time and called T'knesha as programmed, who called Dawn, as programmed. Much to my delight, I was highly pleased to blast the car radio this morning when the Commodores began singing to me. "Lady! You bring me up when I'm down." Lionel, Lionel, Lionel... they don't make singers like they use to. Anyway, made it to the Y earlier and noticed what would constitute as an imminent drive-by about to happen. It was Chris, unsure if she was in the right place for our group run. I love how our group is growing. Even Jan returned from her adventure race. When I'm 51 I hope to be a white water riding, mountain biking, hiking and bushwacking fool like Jan. She even had some cool battle scars to show. (For those of you who don't remember me talking about Jan, she is the lady T'knesha introduced to our group.)
We commenced our run around 5:30...did the usual 4:1 routine to the halfway point. It must have been the cool water Susan set out, because after that break, I set out to burn rubber. With little regard for the black cat that taunted me, Chris and Susan about 20 yards out as it started to cross, stopped, then made its way perpendicular to our path. "It's only superstition if you believe it" I said. "Plus, it's feet were white." I stopped twice on the way back. One stop was to chit chat with Miss Melissa. I like talking to you Melissa. You don't tell me what I want to hear, you tell me what I need to hear. Thanks. With words of confidence I strode off again to the finish. I think I was honked at at the the Spillway/Fanning intersection, but it may have been residual effect of last nights dinner as I exerted myself up the quick incline. I had figured just after the water break that if I don't start pushing myself during the weekly runs, even a little, I may never break new ground and improve. My weekly runs should challenge me so that the Sunday runs are a leisurely stroll in the park, not a struggle like Saturdays last three. I know beginners shouldn't worry about the time element, but I can actually see myself crossing the finish in 5 hours or less. So, I'm gonna try. Don't worry Susan, you're not holding me back, I'm just gonna change things up a bit... for myself. I can hear your intensity through the terminal. Just kidding.
I was thinking of having brunch at Deja Vu's on Saturday after the long (short) run. It opens at 11 a.m. If any of you want to join me, you're more than welcome. Or if you have a better suggestion, let me know. I'm there if there is food, you know me.
I must end this blog now, for I am starving.
Take care Marathoners.
P.S. We miss you at the weekly runs, Carol. Get better soon.
My Tuesday started off pretty well. Slept through most of the night. Awoke right on time and called T'knesha as programmed, who called Dawn, as programmed. Much to my delight, I was highly pleased to blast the car radio this morning when the Commodores began singing to me. "Lady! You bring me up when I'm down." Lionel, Lionel, Lionel... they don't make singers like they use to. Anyway, made it to the Y earlier and noticed what would constitute as an imminent drive-by about to happen. It was Chris, unsure if she was in the right place for our group run. I love how our group is growing. Even Jan returned from her adventure race. When I'm 51 I hope to be a white water riding, mountain biking, hiking and bushwacking fool like Jan. She even had some cool battle scars to show. (For those of you who don't remember me talking about Jan, she is the lady T'knesha introduced to our group.)
We commenced our run around 5:30...did the usual 4:1 routine to the halfway point. It must have been the cool water Susan set out, because after that break, I set out to burn rubber. With little regard for the black cat that taunted me, Chris and Susan about 20 yards out as it started to cross, stopped, then made its way perpendicular to our path. "It's only superstition if you believe it" I said. "Plus, it's feet were white." I stopped twice on the way back. One stop was to chit chat with Miss Melissa. I like talking to you Melissa. You don't tell me what I want to hear, you tell me what I need to hear. Thanks. With words of confidence I strode off again to the finish. I think I was honked at at the the Spillway/Fanning intersection, but it may have been residual effect of last nights dinner as I exerted myself up the quick incline. I had figured just after the water break that if I don't start pushing myself during the weekly runs, even a little, I may never break new ground and improve. My weekly runs should challenge me so that the Sunday runs are a leisurely stroll in the park, not a struggle like Saturdays last three. I know beginners shouldn't worry about the time element, but I can actually see myself crossing the finish in 5 hours or less. So, I'm gonna try. Don't worry Susan, you're not holding me back, I'm just gonna change things up a bit... for myself. I can hear your intensity through the terminal. Just kidding.
I was thinking of having brunch at Deja Vu's on Saturday after the long (short) run. It opens at 11 a.m. If any of you want to join me, you're more than welcome. Or if you have a better suggestion, let me know. I'm there if there is food, you know me.
I must end this blog now, for I am starving.
Take care Marathoners.
P.S. We miss you at the weekly runs, Carol. Get better soon.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday, Monday... I forget the words.
Yeah! Monday is almost over. For most of you out there, the weekend goes by much too fast. My weekends seem to crawl. I have things to do or not do, and still, I am looking at my watch thinking...'it's only noon?' Oh well, I probably just wake up too early.
This morning I awoke at 5, as usual. Did my laundry while I did my interval runs. Averaged about 1:58 per lap. Too fast. Gotta keep it at 2 to 2:15. Would have run slower, but I kept seeing this guy sail past with his headphones on and my ego took over. Then there was a guy with his dog, and the lady who I had seen walking by earlier. I must say, if I ever plan on skimping on my training, there always seems to be an eyewitness to it. Did ten laps today. I add a lap each Monday for a total of eight weeks. I can't wait 'til it gets easier.
Work was the same. No one new has been fired yet. I did ask a few people if they would sponsor me for the marathon. I said I would wear their face on the back of my shirt and tell people what a wonderful person they are. One co-worker suggested that I wear the t-shirt...and nothing else. Granted, I would probably run much faster, but need we gross out 30,000 people during the marathon? I think not. ( I guesstimate about 10,000 beating me to the finish without fail.)
Went to Church yesterday for the first time in quite a while. I've never had a problem with reading the Bible, watching services on T.V. or listening to sermons on the radio. But I seemed to have a stalling sense when it came to going to a Church. If I try to explain it, it will only prove me that much more wierd. I chose a new church that was not having it's usual service. I believe they were doing a production to be aired on the 4th of July weekend. The gentleman that was a government contractor that became a POW, who hails from Mississippi, gave his testimony instead. Quite impressive. Not sure if I'll go back to that one, but I did love the swinging camera crane they had. This Sunday I will venture out to another church to see if I can find one I enjoy learning from. My Father has invited me to his, but I am not sure if he is going - he works funny hours sometimes. If anyone has a church to recommend in the Ridgeland area, let me know. I may visit.
See all you Reservoir runners in the morning.
This morning I awoke at 5, as usual. Did my laundry while I did my interval runs. Averaged about 1:58 per lap. Too fast. Gotta keep it at 2 to 2:15. Would have run slower, but I kept seeing this guy sail past with his headphones on and my ego took over. Then there was a guy with his dog, and the lady who I had seen walking by earlier. I must say, if I ever plan on skimping on my training, there always seems to be an eyewitness to it. Did ten laps today. I add a lap each Monday for a total of eight weeks. I can't wait 'til it gets easier.
Work was the same. No one new has been fired yet. I did ask a few people if they would sponsor me for the marathon. I said I would wear their face on the back of my shirt and tell people what a wonderful person they are. One co-worker suggested that I wear the t-shirt...and nothing else. Granted, I would probably run much faster, but need we gross out 30,000 people during the marathon? I think not. ( I guesstimate about 10,000 beating me to the finish without fail.)
Went to Church yesterday for the first time in quite a while. I've never had a problem with reading the Bible, watching services on T.V. or listening to sermons on the radio. But I seemed to have a stalling sense when it came to going to a Church. If I try to explain it, it will only prove me that much more wierd. I chose a new church that was not having it's usual service. I believe they were doing a production to be aired on the 4th of July weekend. The gentleman that was a government contractor that became a POW, who hails from Mississippi, gave his testimony instead. Quite impressive. Not sure if I'll go back to that one, but I did love the swinging camera crane they had. This Sunday I will venture out to another church to see if I can find one I enjoy learning from. My Father has invited me to his, but I am not sure if he is going - he works funny hours sometimes. If anyone has a church to recommend in the Ridgeland area, let me know. I may visit.
See all you Reservoir runners in the morning.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Big-Legged Girl: Just waiting for NASA to call.
Sixteeen Miles! We don't need no stiiinkin' sixteeen miles!
Like I was telling Susan while we commenced the first leg of the run this morning: "We are a rare breed, us runners. Up at the crack of dawn to run when nothing is even chasing us or that nothing is ahead of us that even resembles immediate gratification. Okay...there was chocolate, but that usually has more emphasis on a 6 or 7 miler. Sixteen is different. And boy, was it humid. I was drenched by mile 3. And wearing those compression shorts display it for all the world to see. I'd wear the loose fitting shorts, but this big-legged girl hates chaffing. It would be helpful if God had created a 'reserve reservoir' in each thigh. Then I wouldn't argue the case. They would serve an important purpose, ya know - like a camel. I think all the nurses should swipe IV bags for the next two weeks so they can start a drip after our 18 miler. Better yet, I'll just run with the drip and IV pole - it has wheels.
I did feel good at mile 8. I remembering seeing all the families driving by, trying not to hit us or the passing cars. I could imagine what words were being said in the cars; "Mommy, why is that lady sweating only in the area of her crotch?" "Because, honey, thighs that big can produce mass amounts of heat. Scientists at NASA are currently working on a strategy to use femoral thermal combustion to alleviate the energy problems we are to face in the years ahead."
By 11, the mason had accumulated enough bricks to develop a decent size wall in front of me. For a small moment, it was show and tell time and I showed the 4 tattoos I had aquired over the years. Each has memories. Good times, good times. Mile 13 was hard because of that evil hill on Clinton Blvd.. Running up it once was a challenge, but twice, it was all I could do not to throw a 2-year old style tantrum in the middle of the road. But I kept my 'the glass is half-full' mentality and jogged up it like I always do. I did it...but I didn't like it.
At 15, a newfound surge hit me because I could see the Counseling Center. Yay! I had made it, finally. That is until I heard shouts from behind me. Turning around, I recognized the women I had just passed, but for some odd reason, they were all pointing in the direction of Maudedith. 'Are their arms spastic from dehydration?' I wondered, squinting at how they jabbed at the air with one pointed finger. "You have to run Maudedith again." POOOWWW!!!!!
If you're wondering, that was my bubble bursting. I felt as deflated too. I back-tracked, annoyed and I jogged a little faster to get it over with. I don't know how much water weight I lost today, but I'm waiting on NASA to call.
A final note: This Big-Leg Girl does have soul(Led Zeppelin fans will understand).
And Big-Bottom Girls make the world go round. Especially if you watch them from behind while they're running 16 miles.
Run on, marathoners!
Like I was telling Susan while we commenced the first leg of the run this morning: "We are a rare breed, us runners. Up at the crack of dawn to run when nothing is even chasing us or that nothing is ahead of us that even resembles immediate gratification. Okay...there was chocolate, but that usually has more emphasis on a 6 or 7 miler. Sixteen is different. And boy, was it humid. I was drenched by mile 3. And wearing those compression shorts display it for all the world to see. I'd wear the loose fitting shorts, but this big-legged girl hates chaffing. It would be helpful if God had created a 'reserve reservoir' in each thigh. Then I wouldn't argue the case. They would serve an important purpose, ya know - like a camel. I think all the nurses should swipe IV bags for the next two weeks so they can start a drip after our 18 miler. Better yet, I'll just run with the drip and IV pole - it has wheels.
I did feel good at mile 8. I remembering seeing all the families driving by, trying not to hit us or the passing cars. I could imagine what words were being said in the cars; "Mommy, why is that lady sweating only in the area of her crotch?" "Because, honey, thighs that big can produce mass amounts of heat. Scientists at NASA are currently working on a strategy to use femoral thermal combustion to alleviate the energy problems we are to face in the years ahead."
By 11, the mason had accumulated enough bricks to develop a decent size wall in front of me. For a small moment, it was show and tell time and I showed the 4 tattoos I had aquired over the years. Each has memories. Good times, good times. Mile 13 was hard because of that evil hill on Clinton Blvd.. Running up it once was a challenge, but twice, it was all I could do not to throw a 2-year old style tantrum in the middle of the road. But I kept my 'the glass is half-full' mentality and jogged up it like I always do. I did it...but I didn't like it.
At 15, a newfound surge hit me because I could see the Counseling Center. Yay! I had made it, finally. That is until I heard shouts from behind me. Turning around, I recognized the women I had just passed, but for some odd reason, they were all pointing in the direction of Maudedith. 'Are their arms spastic from dehydration?' I wondered, squinting at how they jabbed at the air with one pointed finger. "You have to run Maudedith again." POOOWWW!!!!!
If you're wondering, that was my bubble bursting. I felt as deflated too. I back-tracked, annoyed and I jogged a little faster to get it over with. I don't know how much water weight I lost today, but I'm waiting on NASA to call.
A final note: This Big-Leg Girl does have soul(Led Zeppelin fans will understand).
And Big-Bottom Girls make the world go round. Especially if you watch them from behind while they're running 16 miles.
Run on, marathoners!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Hi Everybody!
This is my last blog for the week. I try to think of what I want to write about before I get to the library, but many things escape me from earlier in the day. I get most of my ideas on the toilet -don't ask, I just let it happen.
I enjoy reading all of your blogs, reading about how you all are doing. I really like Ed Porter's blogs because of the Bible versus at the end. They put a smile on my face. So, for that reason, I decided to blog some of the ones I like to read to help me get over the hump of training or life, period.
Phillipians 3:13,14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and recieve the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
I Corinthians 9:26,27 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athelete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
II Corinthians 4:16 Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long.
I Peter 5:10 ...After you have suffered for a while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Galatians 6:15 ...What counts is whether we really have changed into new and different people.
Mark 10:27 Everything is possible with God.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
Proverbs 20:30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
Psalms 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalms 115:14,15,16 May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The heavens belong to the Lord, but he has given the earth to all humanity.
I pray all of you have a safe and pleasent weekend. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday for our LSD run! And now I ask all of you to pray for me - tomorrow is the Company Luncheon!
God Bless!
This is my last blog for the week. I try to think of what I want to write about before I get to the library, but many things escape me from earlier in the day. I get most of my ideas on the toilet -don't ask, I just let it happen.
I enjoy reading all of your blogs, reading about how you all are doing. I really like Ed Porter's blogs because of the Bible versus at the end. They put a smile on my face. So, for that reason, I decided to blog some of the ones I like to read to help me get over the hump of training or life, period.
Phillipians 3:13,14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and recieve the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
I Corinthians 9:26,27 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athelete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
II Corinthians 4:16 Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long.
I Peter 5:10 ...After you have suffered for a while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Galatians 6:15 ...What counts is whether we really have changed into new and different people.
Mark 10:27 Everything is possible with God.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
Proverbs 20:30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
Psalms 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalms 115:14,15,16 May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The heavens belong to the Lord, but he has given the earth to all humanity.
I pray all of you have a safe and pleasent weekend. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday for our LSD run! And now I ask all of you to pray for me - tomorrow is the Company Luncheon!
God Bless!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
It's all in the fine print.
Evening!
How is everyone? Today started off a good day. I think God must have read my blog yesterday because the radio was chalk full of good songs to blast when I woke up. It was great to see new faces at the Y this morning. Melissa, Cathy C., Dawn, Phaedra showed up bushy-tailed but not as bright eyed at that point. Susan returned too. Anyone else who wants to have someone to talk to on the runs or walks, come on!
Yesterday, during my afternoon break, my Father calls me and tells me that he has won a $1000 shopping spree online. I asked from where, he said it came in the mail. I asked from who, he said Wilson/Dodge. Despite my insistance that he throw it away, he was adament that he won. So I instructed him not to do anything until I read the fine print, because he never reads the fine print. So today, he arrives at my work place at lunchtime so I can see for myself his amazing winnings. What he hands me is a flyer made of decent cardstock, folded in half. The side with his address also has a larger box with 'Scratch off the box to see what you have won'. Below was a five digit number scratched all to ... like a he was trying to start fire. The opposite side was a blank form that read: 30 Day Temporary TAG. Now I was curious. On the inside was a colorful picture of a car with the caption, We Need Your Trade-In! I point this out to him, but the blank stare I got informed me that my Father was only concerned about the $1000 shopping spree, so I continued reading. A list of possible prizes were at the bottom with, of course, fine writing just below that. First off, it stated that the buyer would have to pay for shipping and handling as well as taxes. I explained this to the brick wall with eyes sitting next to me. Yadda,yadda, yadda, blah, blah,blah... provided that trade-in meets standards... .
Bless this man's heart. I read to him the last line of the fine print. A spot of life shown through in the form of a frown. "Do you want to give this car up for a new one?" I asked. (He just got this car about four months ago.) "No!" he said emphatically. "Well, you're going to have to trade-in a car to get this shopping spree." His old face scrunched up into a fist. Defeat sank in. "Go ahead, tear it up." I wish he could have won the shopping spree, but Lord knows what he would have bought. My Father is the type of man the believes in 'mean what you say and say what you mean'. Fine Print not included.
How much easier would life be if all of those bad situations that we have encountered had a disclaimer, asterisk leading to the fine print, or a warning label. I could think of a few boyfriends that must have cut off their tag. Mine would say:
30 year old female, 5'4", Brown eyes, Black hair
No Accessories included.
Contents: Good heart, decent amount of knowledge/common sense, all organs,
no wisdom teeth, sometimes full of .... but little residual thereafter.
Handling: Wash and wear. Low maintenace. Minimum of shaving, brushing,
plucking and washing required.
Warning: Contents may explode under large amounts of pressure. Keep away from
Buffets, Fast food, and checkout lanes with candy, especially animal crackers.
DO NOT FEED!!!
If feeding occurs, back away immediately and seek cover. Ravenous eating
could cause trauma induced blindness and possible anal leakage.
What would your fine print say?
How is everyone? Today started off a good day. I think God must have read my blog yesterday because the radio was chalk full of good songs to blast when I woke up. It was great to see new faces at the Y this morning. Melissa, Cathy C., Dawn, Phaedra showed up bushy-tailed but not as bright eyed at that point. Susan returned too. Anyone else who wants to have someone to talk to on the runs or walks, come on!
Yesterday, during my afternoon break, my Father calls me and tells me that he has won a $1000 shopping spree online. I asked from where, he said it came in the mail. I asked from who, he said Wilson/Dodge. Despite my insistance that he throw it away, he was adament that he won. So I instructed him not to do anything until I read the fine print, because he never reads the fine print. So today, he arrives at my work place at lunchtime so I can see for myself his amazing winnings. What he hands me is a flyer made of decent cardstock, folded in half. The side with his address also has a larger box with 'Scratch off the box to see what you have won'. Below was a five digit number scratched all to ... like a he was trying to start fire. The opposite side was a blank form that read: 30 Day Temporary TAG. Now I was curious. On the inside was a colorful picture of a car with the caption, We Need Your Trade-In! I point this out to him, but the blank stare I got informed me that my Father was only concerned about the $1000 shopping spree, so I continued reading. A list of possible prizes were at the bottom with, of course, fine writing just below that. First off, it stated that the buyer would have to pay for shipping and handling as well as taxes. I explained this to the brick wall with eyes sitting next to me. Yadda,yadda, yadda, blah, blah,blah... provided that trade-in meets standards... .
Bless this man's heart. I read to him the last line of the fine print. A spot of life shown through in the form of a frown. "Do you want to give this car up for a new one?" I asked. (He just got this car about four months ago.) "No!" he said emphatically. "Well, you're going to have to trade-in a car to get this shopping spree." His old face scrunched up into a fist. Defeat sank in. "Go ahead, tear it up." I wish he could have won the shopping spree, but Lord knows what he would have bought. My Father is the type of man the believes in 'mean what you say and say what you mean'. Fine Print not included.
How much easier would life be if all of those bad situations that we have encountered had a disclaimer, asterisk leading to the fine print, or a warning label. I could think of a few boyfriends that must have cut off their tag. Mine would say:
30 year old female, 5'4", Brown eyes, Black hair
No Accessories included.
Contents: Good heart, decent amount of knowledge/common sense, all organs,
no wisdom teeth, sometimes full of .... but little residual thereafter.
Handling: Wash and wear. Low maintenace. Minimum of shaving, brushing,
plucking and washing required.
Warning: Contents may explode under large amounts of pressure. Keep away from
Buffets, Fast food, and checkout lanes with candy, especially animal crackers.
DO NOT FEED!!!
If feeding occurs, back away immediately and seek cover. Ravenous eating
could cause trauma induced blindness and possible anal leakage.
What would your fine print say?
Monday, June 20, 2005
I am finally back from doing the 'Navy-thing'. I can't wait until this weekend when I can actually relax. Although I did get to watch some cable t.v. - a perk.
Anyway, I want to talk about this morning. Usually, I am in need of a pick-me-up in the morning because of the heat, but today...it was beeeauuuutiiiiifulllllll! It was sooo nice!!!!!!
Cool, calm and refreshing. I loved it. I got in my car, measured out a quarter mile distance and proceeded to run my lap intervals. ( Gotta be ready in case the Amazing Race people call. I'm gonna need to learn how to swim too. Don't worry Matt, I am positive that I can float - so I'm halfway there.) It was just like the spring time had come back to rejuvenate me. I hope it is cool tomorrow for our group run. If not, I'll have to turn the radio up loud on the way out there.
Went to Fleet Feet today and bought another pair of shoes for training. I've worn out the cushion in my old ones. I just have to keep telling myself, "It's an investment." Is it me or lately does it seem like you're spending more money than before?
Got my pictures back from Goat Milk. Like an idiot, I didn't use the flash so as not to ruin people's night vision and the pics came out dark. Oh well. Did get some of the runners and my battle scar. Carol took a pic of me while I ran backwards. This brings me to a question. You know how they say 'the camera puts on ten pounds'? I want to know how it knows exactly where to place those ten pounds! Are all the instamatic cameras installed with a 'fun-house' type lens? In proportion to my head my hips are still rather large. When will this maddness end?!
I've been reading and researching, as usual, and I think I am going to lean towards a vegetarian diet. I eat all those healthy foods already, but those healthy foods can eat up your wallet too. Still researching. Have decreased my portions, which I must admit, I am loving. Yes, you're hungry every two to three hours, but that means I get to eat. Maybe it's not the comfort of the food, but the habit of the chewing that I am addicted to. I know what you're thinking, 'try gum'. It's not the same. The stomach still cries out in desperation. I choose to eat. There is, however, a company luncheon on Friday. Pray for me girls. Pray that I don't give the camera lens' the satisfaction.
To my ladies of our early morning group, I'll see you tomorrow. Right now I got some rice pilaf and lentils calling my name. EAT ON!!!
Anyway, I want to talk about this morning. Usually, I am in need of a pick-me-up in the morning because of the heat, but today...it was beeeauuuutiiiiifulllllll! It was sooo nice!!!!!!
Cool, calm and refreshing. I loved it. I got in my car, measured out a quarter mile distance and proceeded to run my lap intervals. ( Gotta be ready in case the Amazing Race people call. I'm gonna need to learn how to swim too. Don't worry Matt, I am positive that I can float - so I'm halfway there.) It was just like the spring time had come back to rejuvenate me. I hope it is cool tomorrow for our group run. If not, I'll have to turn the radio up loud on the way out there.
Went to Fleet Feet today and bought another pair of shoes for training. I've worn out the cushion in my old ones. I just have to keep telling myself, "It's an investment." Is it me or lately does it seem like you're spending more money than before?
Got my pictures back from Goat Milk. Like an idiot, I didn't use the flash so as not to ruin people's night vision and the pics came out dark. Oh well. Did get some of the runners and my battle scar. Carol took a pic of me while I ran backwards. This brings me to a question. You know how they say 'the camera puts on ten pounds'? I want to know how it knows exactly where to place those ten pounds! Are all the instamatic cameras installed with a 'fun-house' type lens? In proportion to my head my hips are still rather large. When will this maddness end?!
I've been reading and researching, as usual, and I think I am going to lean towards a vegetarian diet. I eat all those healthy foods already, but those healthy foods can eat up your wallet too. Still researching. Have decreased my portions, which I must admit, I am loving. Yes, you're hungry every two to three hours, but that means I get to eat. Maybe it's not the comfort of the food, but the habit of the chewing that I am addicted to. I know what you're thinking, 'try gum'. It's not the same. The stomach still cries out in desperation. I choose to eat. There is, however, a company luncheon on Friday. Pray for me girls. Pray that I don't give the camera lens' the satisfaction.
To my ladies of our early morning group, I'll see you tomorrow. Right now I got some rice pilaf and lentils calling my name. EAT ON!!!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Sometimes I read too much.
Hey all!
I have 25 min now since I have spent most of the time reading and commenting. I am glad to see that everyone is pushing forward through the slumps and brick walls - right Carol?!! Carol, we haven't given up on you so don't you give up on us. Even if I have to tie you to me, we're going to finish together. We've sweat entirely to much to come up empty handed.
Patti, I like the advice your Mom gave you, I'll have to remember that this weekend.
I ran this morning. I have felt fatigued all week. I tried to push through it today, sprinted up the hills when it got tough, but I was just exhausted. I can't put my finger on why. (You know they say a symptom of a heart attack for women is fatigue. {insert a mental pic of Fred Sanford holding his chest} I think, it may be that I haven't eaten as much veggies as last week. I'll have to hit Kroger on the way home, although Patti's idea for Chinese sounds great.
Anyway, I still have no stalker, but my jeans fit better.
Oh, can anyone tell me who this Marilyn is that I answered in the Forum. I searched our blog list and couldn't find one. Who is she? I know I am taking a chance here if I have ran with her at one point and can't remember. If that is the case - sorry.
Last call was just announced. Stomach is murmuring something about asian cuisine.
Hey Patti, maybe your headache has something to do with pressure on the spine... maybe hitting a nerve. You only get them on the long runs, right? Maybe you could try getting an adjustment. I dunno???????
Well this is the last blog of the week. I'll write about my illustrious weekend with the Squids when I get back. Oy Vey!
I have 25 min now since I have spent most of the time reading and commenting. I am glad to see that everyone is pushing forward through the slumps and brick walls - right Carol?!! Carol, we haven't given up on you so don't you give up on us. Even if I have to tie you to me, we're going to finish together. We've sweat entirely to much to come up empty handed.
Patti, I like the advice your Mom gave you, I'll have to remember that this weekend.
I ran this morning. I have felt fatigued all week. I tried to push through it today, sprinted up the hills when it got tough, but I was just exhausted. I can't put my finger on why. (You know they say a symptom of a heart attack for women is fatigue. {insert a mental pic of Fred Sanford holding his chest} I think, it may be that I haven't eaten as much veggies as last week. I'll have to hit Kroger on the way home, although Patti's idea for Chinese sounds great.
Anyway, I still have no stalker, but my jeans fit better.
Oh, can anyone tell me who this Marilyn is that I answered in the Forum. I searched our blog list and couldn't find one. Who is she? I know I am taking a chance here if I have ran with her at one point and can't remember. If that is the case - sorry.
Last call was just announced. Stomach is murmuring something about asian cuisine.
Hey Patti, maybe your headache has something to do with pressure on the spine... maybe hitting a nerve. You only get them on the long runs, right? Maybe you could try getting an adjustment. I dunno???????
Well this is the last blog of the week. I'll write about my illustrious weekend with the Squids when I get back. Oy Vey!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
I'm Cute! Why don't I have a stalker???
Tuesday!
Got up before my alarm and lingered until the time was close to it beckoning me to rise. Said my prayers and got ready to go run with the ladies. Can you believe not one radio station had anything worth moving to?! I rely on those pick-me-up songs at 4-are-you-out-of- your-mind:30 in the morning. Today, nothing. All the lovey dovey, "Please don't leave me," "She's gone," songs bludgeoned me to slow motion. Got in the car, praying that by the time I got on the road, the dj's would come to their senses. No! Reached the gym - first one there. Figured if I get out of the car, the cooler air - as opposed to the air in the car- would feel good. It was the same temp inside as out. Is there even a purpose for humidity? Besides making hair frizz and people sweat profusely, is there any redeeming quality in which I have missed all my days of living in MS?
Ran veeerrrrry slow today, although, on the way back, I sped up to get it over with. Wanted to take a nap right there on the track. I had to strip down to the bare essential to catch a small break from the heat. No honks or cat-calls today. Damn. I can only assume the whole perspective is changed when my ample backside is soaking wet from the rooty to the tooty.
A co-worker of mine found a note on her car windshield as she was leaving for work. Apparently, a man she doesn't know has not only taken an interest in her, but is quite familiar with where she lives and I think where she works. He boldly put his number on the note requesting that she call him to let him know if she was spoken for or not. She has a stalker. In situations like that , I don't know whether to be jealous or not. I'm sure there is an iota of flattery within her, but that would freak me out nontheless. The guys in my shop joked that it was probably her apartment manager, and that as she spoke, he was in her apartment wearing her underwear and sifting through her things. You know what I think? I think, and this is only speculation, but I think it's the White Van Stalker! I haven't seen him since I've been running with the ladies. (Maybe extreme sweating turns him off. Or maybe, since we have a tendency to run slower, there is no thrill of the chase. ) The stalkee has stated to having gone walking after work to shed her "winter coat of last year". I didn't ask her if she saw him - didn't want her to go over the edge. But now, after further analysis... what if he's just using her to get to me?! Trying to out flank me? I drop my guard and then.... I mean, after all, the world does revolve around me and I do oft times like to hear myself talk... She does fit the profile - big butt... It's only a matter of time!
My luck, I'll make it to Chicago, get through 26.1 miles and a white van will pull alongside me....
Got up before my alarm and lingered until the time was close to it beckoning me to rise. Said my prayers and got ready to go run with the ladies. Can you believe not one radio station had anything worth moving to?! I rely on those pick-me-up songs at 4-are-you-out-of- your-mind:30 in the morning. Today, nothing. All the lovey dovey, "Please don't leave me," "She's gone," songs bludgeoned me to slow motion. Got in the car, praying that by the time I got on the road, the dj's would come to their senses. No! Reached the gym - first one there. Figured if I get out of the car, the cooler air - as opposed to the air in the car- would feel good. It was the same temp inside as out. Is there even a purpose for humidity? Besides making hair frizz and people sweat profusely, is there any redeeming quality in which I have missed all my days of living in MS?
Ran veeerrrrry slow today, although, on the way back, I sped up to get it over with. Wanted to take a nap right there on the track. I had to strip down to the bare essential to catch a small break from the heat. No honks or cat-calls today. Damn. I can only assume the whole perspective is changed when my ample backside is soaking wet from the rooty to the tooty.
A co-worker of mine found a note on her car windshield as she was leaving for work. Apparently, a man she doesn't know has not only taken an interest in her, but is quite familiar with where she lives and I think where she works. He boldly put his number on the note requesting that she call him to let him know if she was spoken for or not. She has a stalker. In situations like that , I don't know whether to be jealous or not. I'm sure there is an iota of flattery within her, but that would freak me out nontheless. The guys in my shop joked that it was probably her apartment manager, and that as she spoke, he was in her apartment wearing her underwear and sifting through her things. You know what I think? I think, and this is only speculation, but I think it's the White Van Stalker! I haven't seen him since I've been running with the ladies. (Maybe extreme sweating turns him off. Or maybe, since we have a tendency to run slower, there is no thrill of the chase. ) The stalkee has stated to having gone walking after work to shed her "winter coat of last year". I didn't ask her if she saw him - didn't want her to go over the edge. But now, after further analysis... what if he's just using her to get to me?! Trying to out flank me? I drop my guard and then.... I mean, after all, the world does revolve around me and I do oft times like to hear myself talk... She does fit the profile - big butt... It's only a matter of time!
My luck, I'll make it to Chicago, get through 26.1 miles and a white van will pull alongside me....
Monday, June 13, 2005
Forget a bikini, I can run a half marathon!!!!
Hey all my Marathon mates!
I am going to have to make this short because I read Donna's blog and felt compelled to write, so that took a good while of my available blog time.
After showing off my battle scars at work today, I realize that I am really enjoying being the only one brave enough in my workplace to tackle a marathon. I know that I should be a humble person and that I have my flaws and weaknesses too, but I love saying, "Oh, i just ran 11 miles yesterday." Or rather, I just love the looks on their faces. Forget being able to wear a bikini, THIS is so much more empowering to me. The girl in the bikini may look better than me, but if there was a bear chasing us, I'm quite confident I could endure a lot longer than her. All I'd have to do is pace beside her until her long and toneless legs start to give and then just out run her. Remember, you don't have to be faster than the bear to win!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I did weights for the upper body this morning. It's so nice to have your own home gym. Granted, I can't really fit anything else into my bedroom, but who need furniture when you can run half a marathon?
Anyway, this weekend was one of mental preparation. I have decided to revise my eating and workout regimen. Adding another day of running, shifting leg workouts for more healing time and making the conscience effort to focus on which foods affect me positively. I wish I could say the cookies and chocolates affect me positively, but we're talking physically not emotionally. (But this doesn't affect any Ya-Ya Sisterhood-type-get-togethers that involve good food, good friends and good fun, ladies...call me when you've figured out where and when...wink,wink.)
Last call has just sounded. I must go. Donna, you're in my prayers for a rejuvenation. May the force be with you.
I must say, I am a little overwhelmed at how many of you thought I should write a book. I felt an anxiety attack starting. No, really, I am grateful and appreciative. If you have any ideas, besides Matt, who already put in his bid for designer, let me know. I've got the rest of the year to accumulate data. Run on ye merry joggers!!
I am going to have to make this short because I read Donna's blog and felt compelled to write, so that took a good while of my available blog time.
After showing off my battle scars at work today, I realize that I am really enjoying being the only one brave enough in my workplace to tackle a marathon. I know that I should be a humble person and that I have my flaws and weaknesses too, but I love saying, "Oh, i just ran 11 miles yesterday." Or rather, I just love the looks on their faces. Forget being able to wear a bikini, THIS is so much more empowering to me. The girl in the bikini may look better than me, but if there was a bear chasing us, I'm quite confident I could endure a lot longer than her. All I'd have to do is pace beside her until her long and toneless legs start to give and then just out run her. Remember, you don't have to be faster than the bear to win!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I did weights for the upper body this morning. It's so nice to have your own home gym. Granted, I can't really fit anything else into my bedroom, but who need furniture when you can run half a marathon?
Anyway, this weekend was one of mental preparation. I have decided to revise my eating and workout regimen. Adding another day of running, shifting leg workouts for more healing time and making the conscience effort to focus on which foods affect me positively. I wish I could say the cookies and chocolates affect me positively, but we're talking physically not emotionally. (But this doesn't affect any Ya-Ya Sisterhood-type-get-togethers that involve good food, good friends and good fun, ladies...call me when you've figured out where and when...wink,wink.)
Last call has just sounded. I must go. Donna, you're in my prayers for a rejuvenation. May the force be with you.
I must say, I am a little overwhelmed at how many of you thought I should write a book. I felt an anxiety attack starting. No, really, I am grateful and appreciative. If you have any ideas, besides Matt, who already put in his bid for designer, let me know. I've got the rest of the year to accumulate data. Run on ye merry joggers!!
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Ah, Saturdays. I like Saturdays. I like running with the group, makes me feel important when I have to bring treats and all... . I was a little worried when I showed up because I didn't see anyone at the LifeChange Center. 'Did I get the time wrong? What day is it? This is what I get for being early for once.' If it weren't for seeing Dawn and Lisa parked next to me, I would have went back home and ran in my neighborhood. (If any of you ever feel like you want to challenge yourself with some hills, let me know. I have some pretty good size hills behind my apartment. Makes you think of GM.)
The crowd was smaller today - ONLY six miles, ya know. I decided to run until I got tired and then walk. Besides the bathroom break and fire drill practice, I think I ran a fairly decent run. What? Oh, the fire drill practice? Yeah, most of you missed that memo. You see, on the return trip back, just before the large intersection before the college, I had the initiative to practice my fire drill skills. You know... the Stop, Drop and Roll method. I had implemented this earlier on in my running career. Picture it, a little Michelle at the age of 7 or 8, insistant and excited to run with her Father. On the first mammoth hill I ever ran, the Father/Daughter interaction went as such: "Michelle, pick your feet up and don't lean so far forward or you'll.... (insert crying) ...fall." Fastforward about twelve years later. I am running in the desert, clear, brisk morning on a packed-sand trail at the base of enormous mountains. 'Perfect time for a fire drill, 'eh?' Luckily, I was on downgrade, so I was able to roll right onto my feet and continue running. Both incidents involved bleeding and gravel. If any of you have ever noticed, I have a quarter-size scar on each knee from those falls. Now I have a new one on the right elbow. What I have noticed is that when we get older, we do our damnedest not to fall. But when we do it hurts twice as bad! It is also amazing the number of thoughts one's mind can skim through before actual impact. Let me rewind the tape for you. 'Oops. I think I can recover...no can't get my balance. Tuck and roll! Tuck and roll! Oh this is gonna hurt....' All I could think after was, 'I took karate; I should have rolled much more smoothly than that.' I didn't see anyone beside Robin, who saw the aftermath. T'knesha, I would have caught you.
Nursed my wounds at home. I could have sworn Peroxide doesn't sting on cuts! I must have scraped off more layers than I thought. My knees buckled because I was just pouring the peroxied on from the bottle. Whew! Next time I know, a little dab'll do ya. But like T'knesha said, they're my battle scars.
On a new topic, Lisa, I saw your comment for Donna about going out to meet and eat. Girrrl, you said my favorite word - eat. I am all about going out to eat. The book I'm reading says you must have those carbs to replenish what you've lost on the long runs. If you ever want to meet and eat, give me a call, whenever. I'll eat damn near anything. I'm not picky.
Lastly, Patti, it seems you really think I got the goods to write a book. Sometimes all it takes is a little push, I guess. So, if you and others are game, I could write a book about all of us on this journey. I'll need your okays to possibly use some of your blogs and interview you. I think I could pull it off. Non-fiction seems to be the "in" thing, I hear. Let me know what you think and I'll give it a go. In the infamous words of Jesse James: "I'll make ya famous."
The crowd was smaller today - ONLY six miles, ya know. I decided to run until I got tired and then walk. Besides the bathroom break and fire drill practice, I think I ran a fairly decent run. What? Oh, the fire drill practice? Yeah, most of you missed that memo. You see, on the return trip back, just before the large intersection before the college, I had the initiative to practice my fire drill skills. You know... the Stop, Drop and Roll method. I had implemented this earlier on in my running career. Picture it, a little Michelle at the age of 7 or 8, insistant and excited to run with her Father. On the first mammoth hill I ever ran, the Father/Daughter interaction went as such: "Michelle, pick your feet up and don't lean so far forward or you'll.... (insert crying) ...fall." Fastforward about twelve years later. I am running in the desert, clear, brisk morning on a packed-sand trail at the base of enormous mountains. 'Perfect time for a fire drill, 'eh?' Luckily, I was on downgrade, so I was able to roll right onto my feet and continue running. Both incidents involved bleeding and gravel. If any of you have ever noticed, I have a quarter-size scar on each knee from those falls. Now I have a new one on the right elbow. What I have noticed is that when we get older, we do our damnedest not to fall. But when we do it hurts twice as bad! It is also amazing the number of thoughts one's mind can skim through before actual impact. Let me rewind the tape for you. 'Oops. I think I can recover...no can't get my balance. Tuck and roll! Tuck and roll! Oh this is gonna hurt....' All I could think after was, 'I took karate; I should have rolled much more smoothly than that.' I didn't see anyone beside Robin, who saw the aftermath. T'knesha, I would have caught you.
Nursed my wounds at home. I could have sworn Peroxide doesn't sting on cuts! I must have scraped off more layers than I thought. My knees buckled because I was just pouring the peroxied on from the bottle. Whew! Next time I know, a little dab'll do ya. But like T'knesha said, they're my battle scars.
On a new topic, Lisa, I saw your comment for Donna about going out to meet and eat. Girrrl, you said my favorite word - eat. I am all about going out to eat. The book I'm reading says you must have those carbs to replenish what you've lost on the long runs. If you ever want to meet and eat, give me a call, whenever. I'll eat damn near anything. I'm not picky.
Lastly, Patti, it seems you really think I got the goods to write a book. Sometimes all it takes is a little push, I guess. So, if you and others are game, I could write a book about all of us on this journey. I'll need your okays to possibly use some of your blogs and interview you. I think I could pull it off. Non-fiction seems to be the "in" thing, I hear. Let me know what you think and I'll give it a go. In the infamous words of Jesse James: "I'll make ya famous."
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Need a new reality
Robin is right. The humidity was like molasses. I was very tired today. I don't know if it was the diet or upper body workout that got me drained. Humidity usually makes me slower, but not tired. Missed Susan, but Jan came back from San Diego. Get this: 60 degrees, overcast with a light breeze. Now do you see why I miss California?
Nothing exciting happened today. Ran around my apartment this morning - I was late for work. I couldn't find my keys. Finally backtracked. Found them in the garbage...don't ask. Luckily my clothes were worn on the proper side facing out. Loaded up on Soup and Salad at Olive Garden for lunch. Mmmmm. I'm going to have to take a trip to Italy one day for the real stuff. On the way back to work, saw an old VW convertible, which led to the thought: 'Why do bald men drive covertibles?' Then I got a little worried. Paranoid is what my friend called it. It has been a month now without anyone being fired on Friday after their afternoon break. For some reason that thought crossed my mind while working. Just then the shop door opened. I glanced up to see the Human Resources boss staring directly at me. If my thighs weren't so big and wide I would have fell out of my chair. She lingered in the shop for a bit, partaking in idle chit chat. Could this be a sign? She left without a word to me. Later I saw her partner in crime leaving. I nonchalantly said, "You know tomorrow is Friday. Are you guys planning on firing someone?" Now, had that been me being asked such a question, I would have assured the person that that was an absurd idea and put the employee's mind at ease. Instead, she gives me one hearty laugh, to which I wait for the punchline she obviously was the only one privy to. Silence. No response. She merely looked at me and smiled. The nerve. So I told her that if I was next, they'd have to come find me, because I wasn't going on my afternoon break like the others did. I may be crazy, but I just got a gut feeling someone is going to be "let go". I'll tell you Saturday if I or anyone else's 'services were no longer needed'. Sometimes I wonder if I am actually on a reality show, but don't know it.
Nothing exciting happened today. Ran around my apartment this morning - I was late for work. I couldn't find my keys. Finally backtracked. Found them in the garbage...don't ask. Luckily my clothes were worn on the proper side facing out. Loaded up on Soup and Salad at Olive Garden for lunch. Mmmmm. I'm going to have to take a trip to Italy one day for the real stuff. On the way back to work, saw an old VW convertible, which led to the thought: 'Why do bald men drive covertibles?' Then I got a little worried. Paranoid is what my friend called it. It has been a month now without anyone being fired on Friday after their afternoon break. For some reason that thought crossed my mind while working. Just then the shop door opened. I glanced up to see the Human Resources boss staring directly at me. If my thighs weren't so big and wide I would have fell out of my chair. She lingered in the shop for a bit, partaking in idle chit chat. Could this be a sign? She left without a word to me. Later I saw her partner in crime leaving. I nonchalantly said, "You know tomorrow is Friday. Are you guys planning on firing someone?" Now, had that been me being asked such a question, I would have assured the person that that was an absurd idea and put the employee's mind at ease. Instead, she gives me one hearty laugh, to which I wait for the punchline she obviously was the only one privy to. Silence. No response. She merely looked at me and smiled. The nerve. So I told her that if I was next, they'd have to come find me, because I wasn't going on my afternoon break like the others did. I may be crazy, but I just got a gut feeling someone is going to be "let go". I'll tell you Saturday if I or anyone else's 'services were no longer needed'. Sometimes I wonder if I am actually on a reality show, but don't know it.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
I'm sorry! Was I rambling?
Hello everyone.
How was your Wednesday? Mine went something like this:
Woke up around 5:15 and decided to do a little bit of yoga. Hadn't done that in forever, but I remember the first set of positions so I went with it. Now I know why I stopped. I don't get sore, I get sleepy. All that deep breathing and holding poses... my jaw got more of a workout through all the yawning I was doing. So I took a nap. 15 minutes later I was refreshed and went with my usual: weight training. My routine thereafter was normal: shower, dress, eat and head for work. Had to stop at the post office first. Once at work, I greeted co-workers, but I was welcomed with unsure eyes. "What?" I asked a little unnerved. "Your shirt's on inside out!" "It is?" I bursted out laughing. I wore a black colored polo shirt. I guess all that singing to the radio in the bathroom distracted me. Luckily the deoderant stains on the armpits weren't as set in as I thought they might be.
Another wierd thing I'd like to bring up. You're at work and you go to the restroom. One of the stalls is being used. Efficiently, you occupy a stall and finish before the person who was there first even makes a move. You exit the stall and head for the sinks - hopefully - and proceed to wash your hands. Is it just me, or do you look into the mirror at the reflection of the person's feet in the occupied stall? I am always curious to see who I've interrupted in their quiet time. I mean, sometimes I go in there and just sit to get away from people. I pray, imagine storylines, what I am going to blog about later... . I try to figure out who it is by their shoes. Lately, however, I've become fascinated with the ones that simply exit the restroom without washing their hands. I'm usually in a stall when this happens but the last time I bent over to catch a peek of the shoes that were walking out I got a cramp in my neck. One lady had the audacity to depart the stall, smile at me and walk right out. There is a sign on the exit that colorfully states: Please wash hands after using the restroom. I can only assume she was feeling defiant that day.
A new addition was installed in our breakroom. A suggestion box, complete with paper and a slot to insert your suggestion or complaint. Interestingly enough, there is no pen available. As of yet, there have been no suggestion or complaints made. Our bosses must love the false sense of 'all's well' in their business.
Ah, well; the day has come to an end for me. Thank you guys and gals for the nice comments you made about my last blog. I have to go back and read what I wrote because I forget once I log off. I'm merely rambling. As for a book, I don't know if I have experienced enough of life to write something that will keep you reading for more than a page. I simply have spurts of rambling. As long as you let me ramble, I'll continue to write.
How was your Wednesday? Mine went something like this:
Woke up around 5:15 and decided to do a little bit of yoga. Hadn't done that in forever, but I remember the first set of positions so I went with it. Now I know why I stopped. I don't get sore, I get sleepy. All that deep breathing and holding poses... my jaw got more of a workout through all the yawning I was doing. So I took a nap. 15 minutes later I was refreshed and went with my usual: weight training. My routine thereafter was normal: shower, dress, eat and head for work. Had to stop at the post office first. Once at work, I greeted co-workers, but I was welcomed with unsure eyes. "What?" I asked a little unnerved. "Your shirt's on inside out!" "It is?" I bursted out laughing. I wore a black colored polo shirt. I guess all that singing to the radio in the bathroom distracted me. Luckily the deoderant stains on the armpits weren't as set in as I thought they might be.
Another wierd thing I'd like to bring up. You're at work and you go to the restroom. One of the stalls is being used. Efficiently, you occupy a stall and finish before the person who was there first even makes a move. You exit the stall and head for the sinks - hopefully - and proceed to wash your hands. Is it just me, or do you look into the mirror at the reflection of the person's feet in the occupied stall? I am always curious to see who I've interrupted in their quiet time. I mean, sometimes I go in there and just sit to get away from people. I pray, imagine storylines, what I am going to blog about later... . I try to figure out who it is by their shoes. Lately, however, I've become fascinated with the ones that simply exit the restroom without washing their hands. I'm usually in a stall when this happens but the last time I bent over to catch a peek of the shoes that were walking out I got a cramp in my neck. One lady had the audacity to depart the stall, smile at me and walk right out. There is a sign on the exit that colorfully states: Please wash hands after using the restroom. I can only assume she was feeling defiant that day.
A new addition was installed in our breakroom. A suggestion box, complete with paper and a slot to insert your suggestion or complaint. Interestingly enough, there is no pen available. As of yet, there have been no suggestion or complaints made. Our bosses must love the false sense of 'all's well' in their business.
Ah, well; the day has come to an end for me. Thank you guys and gals for the nice comments you made about my last blog. I have to go back and read what I wrote because I forget once I log off. I'm merely rambling. As for a book, I don't know if I have experienced enough of life to write something that will keep you reading for more than a page. I simply have spurts of rambling. As long as you let me ramble, I'll continue to write.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
A Fall Wedding.
Tuesdays are usually mediocre days after my morning run. Susan came back today. Yay!!! She's one of the founding members of our group, so her presence was missed. T'knesha was given a wake up call this morning by yours truly, however, the 1 Call Missed on my phone's display window indicated that she most likely laid back down after my call and tried to tell us to go ahead without her. Our other runner, Jan, was not there either - she was in San Diego running with her Team in Training people. Might be why T'knesha didn't show, since Jan expresses to her that she better show up since she was the one who invited her to join us. We did have Hallie this morning with us, which was a nice surprise. The more the merrier, I say.
We ran our usual 5 miles. A mere suggestion of running a little farther in the future was quickly stampeded by verbal insistance that the training schedule says we are to simply do 50-55 min. of running and that we are already doing more than that. I think I am going to refrain from further suggestions. It is clear that I am psyched to push the limits but without taking into consideration that I am pushing others' limits in tow. Sorry my friends, I meant no harm.
In all honesty, I have been uneasy since Goat Milk. Three hours to finish the half marathon. That means I'll be out there for approximately six hours. I don't want to be running for six hours. Not because I can't, simply because I want to be finished by lunch so I can go eat and brag to spectators that I just finished. I know there is no shame in six hours, but I just want to see if I can improve from now up to the marathon. There hasn't been many things that I have stuck with for more than three months, so this is like a courtship for me. I'm 5 months in and things are still new and exciting. No adverse comments, arguments or sideways glances. Still puppylove bliss going on here. I figure that by August, the excitement will be there, but also that settled-in feeling where me and the road know one another well enough that we finish each others sentences. I rely on it when I need a cure, to think, to clear my head. And the road will always be there, welcoming, stable, and neverending. Anticipation will lurk around September. The engagement is inevitable. All that time, sweat and pain invested. Nothing worth having is ever easy to achieve or even maintain. Coy glances at the invitation for October, just the right outfit picked out, and the entourage in tow, helping to create memories of old and new and offer words borrowed to keep me from feeling blue.
Finally, October. The ceremony is about to begin. I take my position and wait for the music of millions of cheering faces beckoning me to take my dutiful walk down the 26.2 mile aisle. I don't recognize them all, but the ones that do reassure me with smiling eyes and approving nods. Not until I near the end of my journey down the aisle will the reality hit. My emotions will be mixed and I'll wonder if I could even make it to the end of the aisle. But the memories I have will remind me that I have made all the right decisions. The marraige of the old me to the new me will signify not only the change; it will demonstrate my willingness to live, laugh and love again.
We ran our usual 5 miles. A mere suggestion of running a little farther in the future was quickly stampeded by verbal insistance that the training schedule says we are to simply do 50-55 min. of running and that we are already doing more than that. I think I am going to refrain from further suggestions. It is clear that I am psyched to push the limits but without taking into consideration that I am pushing others' limits in tow. Sorry my friends, I meant no harm.
In all honesty, I have been uneasy since Goat Milk. Three hours to finish the half marathon. That means I'll be out there for approximately six hours. I don't want to be running for six hours. Not because I can't, simply because I want to be finished by lunch so I can go eat and brag to spectators that I just finished. I know there is no shame in six hours, but I just want to see if I can improve from now up to the marathon. There hasn't been many things that I have stuck with for more than three months, so this is like a courtship for me. I'm 5 months in and things are still new and exciting. No adverse comments, arguments or sideways glances. Still puppylove bliss going on here. I figure that by August, the excitement will be there, but also that settled-in feeling where me and the road know one another well enough that we finish each others sentences. I rely on it when I need a cure, to think, to clear my head. And the road will always be there, welcoming, stable, and neverending. Anticipation will lurk around September. The engagement is inevitable. All that time, sweat and pain invested. Nothing worth having is ever easy to achieve or even maintain. Coy glances at the invitation for October, just the right outfit picked out, and the entourage in tow, helping to create memories of old and new and offer words borrowed to keep me from feeling blue.
Finally, October. The ceremony is about to begin. I take my position and wait for the music of millions of cheering faces beckoning me to take my dutiful walk down the 26.2 mile aisle. I don't recognize them all, but the ones that do reassure me with smiling eyes and approving nods. Not until I near the end of my journey down the aisle will the reality hit. My emotions will be mixed and I'll wonder if I could even make it to the end of the aisle. But the memories I have will remind me that I have made all the right decisions. The marraige of the old me to the new me will signify not only the change; it will demonstrate my willingness to live, laugh and love again.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Been there, done that...Got the Goat Milk T-shirt!!!
Goat Milk! Milk of Goat! Hah!
If that wasn't an adventure to write about, I don't know what is. My nerves didn't kick in until the day before. Like most people, I have a routine, a few predictable habits that I enjoy doing. They make me happy. Usually, in the morning, I blast the radio in my car to whatever upbeat song is playing , but with Parents in tow, I listened to the wind pounding my eardrum the whole ride down there. I had to conjure 'pep' from somewhere down deep because that was a long drive without song. As I passed Pear Orchard going west on County line, in the dim light I saw a creature begin to cross my lane. 'Could that be a cat? Why am I worried? I'm not superstitious.' Even though my mind thought these words, I felt my right foot press the accelerator a little harder to quickly catch a glimpse of the darkened image that would give me bad luck otherwise. 'Spots!' The cat was speckled with white and gray and what looked like brown. It wasn't black. I wasn't worried. But I wasn't about to turn back from whence I came and spin around three times either, no sir.
My stomach growled during the drive down to Big Sand. I would have been eating and singing if I were alone, but I managed to jam my animal cookies and water in the backseat with my Stepmother - who was asleep. I had time for a few cookies and a hardboiled egg right before the race began. (whites only) I had brought wet wipes in case of bodily indiscretions, but I failed to get a fanny pack or device of the like to carry them. Silently I prayed my own version of the Serenity Prayer. "God, grant me the strength and courage to use safe leaves and not the ones of the 'poison' family, and the wisdom to be able to tell the difference."
I had heard people speak of Horseflies before, but I had never seen them. That was until Goat Milk. It dawned on me that Basset Hound had sent his cronies to do a Canine's job. I gotta give credit where credit is due... they were stellar in their 'touch and go' approaches. I hadn't seen manuevaring like that since Top Gun. I'm sure I even heard a couple of them say, "Yehaa, Jester's Dead!!", when one took a chunk out of my shin. Drew blood even. T'knesha told me not to worry, now I had a war wound. Yes... I have battle scars! Luckily I had a camera with me, so she got a picture of it.
I must admit, I enjoyed running Goat Milk. Mark, thanks for coming up with this Marathon Makeover. The positivity I get from participating in it surpasses what words could ever convey. Melissa the Motivator. Thanks for the drive-bys. T'knesha, thanks for running with me and now, I don't think there isn't a hill that I'll come across and not hear you say, "This is just like San Francisco!" Carol, you are a true vision of inspiration. Through all the hiccups and obstacles you manage to crawl, climb and push through, I would be hard-pressed to say I knew anyone else that was as tough and tenacious as you are. I look forward to running with you during the week. To the old man with the bandaged knees at Goat Milk. Thanks for letting me and my ego pass you by on the home stretch.
And Rick.... I hear ya calling. Just bring it!... and the Hound! I'll take both yous on.
Alls fair in love and running a marathon!
If that wasn't an adventure to write about, I don't know what is. My nerves didn't kick in until the day before. Like most people, I have a routine, a few predictable habits that I enjoy doing. They make me happy. Usually, in the morning, I blast the radio in my car to whatever upbeat song is playing , but with Parents in tow, I listened to the wind pounding my eardrum the whole ride down there. I had to conjure 'pep' from somewhere down deep because that was a long drive without song. As I passed Pear Orchard going west on County line, in the dim light I saw a creature begin to cross my lane. 'Could that be a cat? Why am I worried? I'm not superstitious.' Even though my mind thought these words, I felt my right foot press the accelerator a little harder to quickly catch a glimpse of the darkened image that would give me bad luck otherwise. 'Spots!' The cat was speckled with white and gray and what looked like brown. It wasn't black. I wasn't worried. But I wasn't about to turn back from whence I came and spin around three times either, no sir.
My stomach growled during the drive down to Big Sand. I would have been eating and singing if I were alone, but I managed to jam my animal cookies and water in the backseat with my Stepmother - who was asleep. I had time for a few cookies and a hardboiled egg right before the race began. (whites only) I had brought wet wipes in case of bodily indiscretions, but I failed to get a fanny pack or device of the like to carry them. Silently I prayed my own version of the Serenity Prayer. "God, grant me the strength and courage to use safe leaves and not the ones of the 'poison' family, and the wisdom to be able to tell the difference."
I had heard people speak of Horseflies before, but I had never seen them. That was until Goat Milk. It dawned on me that Basset Hound had sent his cronies to do a Canine's job. I gotta give credit where credit is due... they were stellar in their 'touch and go' approaches. I hadn't seen manuevaring like that since Top Gun. I'm sure I even heard a couple of them say, "Yehaa, Jester's Dead!!", when one took a chunk out of my shin. Drew blood even. T'knesha told me not to worry, now I had a war wound. Yes... I have battle scars! Luckily I had a camera with me, so she got a picture of it.
I must admit, I enjoyed running Goat Milk. Mark, thanks for coming up with this Marathon Makeover. The positivity I get from participating in it surpasses what words could ever convey. Melissa the Motivator. Thanks for the drive-bys. T'knesha, thanks for running with me and now, I don't think there isn't a hill that I'll come across and not hear you say, "This is just like San Francisco!" Carol, you are a true vision of inspiration. Through all the hiccups and obstacles you manage to crawl, climb and push through, I would be hard-pressed to say I knew anyone else that was as tough and tenacious as you are. I look forward to running with you during the week. To the old man with the bandaged knees at Goat Milk. Thanks for letting me and my ego pass you by on the home stretch.
And Rick.... I hear ya calling. Just bring it!... and the Hound! I'll take both yous on.
Alls fair in love and running a marathon!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Goat Milk, Woohoooo!!!!!
Honestly, I don't get nervous about the run until I read some of your blogs. What can I say, I'm a sympathetic worrier. Oh well.
And now for your reading pleasure, a tiny excerpt from the book I've been reading called: The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner: An unfit Londoner's attempt to run the New York City Marathon from scratch. Here, he is running his first half marathon.
The first couple of minutes of a large road race like this are by far the most dangerous part. You have 1600 competitors, in cramped conditions under which it would be illegal to transport cattle, all suddenly attempting to run with different degrees of physical co-ordination while simultaneously waving to watching friends. If you can avoid being tripped up, body-checked or smacked in the side of the head at this stage, the remaining umpteen miles seem a doddle.
At three miles we come to the first water point. Trestle tables have been set out by the roadside and teams of frantic volunteers are doling out drinks in plastic cups. It resembles a game from It's a Knockout with water being slopped all over the tables and road in the panic to shove it out quickly enough. ...I am badly overheating so I help myself to two cups which I drain as best as possible on the move and end up spilling most of the few feeble fluid ounces down my shirt. Almost immediately, external refreshment arrives in the form of rain. The last person who was grateful for a sudden downpour was probably Noah who stood to look pretty foolish otherwise.
Four miles now and I am getting serious pain from my right knee. Typical. It is my left knee that has been giving me problems and now the one which has behaved impeccably throughout my training buckles at the first hurdle...My body is like the English cricket team - there is no single individual part of it that can be relied upon.
By mile six, I am feeling seriously dehydrated. Then suddenly a sign blissfully informs us that a drink station is 100 metres away. The next sign says it is two hundred metres away. What is going on? Are we all running in the wrong direction? Then another sign: Drinks 100m- clearly we are now going around in circles. I continue in confusion. Several hundred metres later there are still no drinks. Are these signs mirages conjured up by my oxygen-starved brain or has someone borrowed my pedometer to measure the distances? Finally the welcome roadside tables appear in the distance up ahead. A drinks station, apart from the finishing line, is the finest sight in a race. It is also highly dangerous as for the next 200 metres the road is covered in discarded plastic cups and sponges. To compound the hazard a well-meaning woman is handing out bananas. Okay, I know Linford Christie swears by them as a quick energy boost, but the prospect of having runners in front tossing banana skins under my feet on an already rain-slippery surface does not appeal.
With two miles to go I have now reached my decision point. So far I have been averaging eight-minute miles. Do I up my pace and put on a bit of a finish? As this is by far the longest distance I have ever run I am not sure of available energy reserves. ...if I were my CD Discman, the little battery symbol on my display woud be flashing urgently right now. ...this is the one time in the race worthy of trying to put on a show, with camcorders and loved-ones packed by the roadside... . I descreetly enquire of my body whether there is any possibility of a little more productivity, only to be turned down flatly... "His tank's empty. There's nothing there." I cross the line at 1:44:33.
I walk to the Pub where I have arranged to meet...friends...and sit down. This is one of the most blissful experiences of my life. ...you've probably sat down several dozen times today - but let me tell you, you haven't sat down until you've run 13 miles and then sat down! I've never taken heroin, but it cannot be much better than this.
Now, there won't be 1600 people at the Goat Milk, so fear not. And I doubt we'll have any kind of problems like this guy did. But isn't it great to read of someone else's experience who has already ran a half marathon? It cracked me up. I look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday and experiencing this adventure with you. And sitting down with you after! Rest up - we're in this one for the long haul, Ladies and Gents!!!!
Honestly, I don't get nervous about the run until I read some of your blogs. What can I say, I'm a sympathetic worrier. Oh well.
And now for your reading pleasure, a tiny excerpt from the book I've been reading called: The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner: An unfit Londoner's attempt to run the New York City Marathon from scratch. Here, he is running his first half marathon.
The first couple of minutes of a large road race like this are by far the most dangerous part. You have 1600 competitors, in cramped conditions under which it would be illegal to transport cattle, all suddenly attempting to run with different degrees of physical co-ordination while simultaneously waving to watching friends. If you can avoid being tripped up, body-checked or smacked in the side of the head at this stage, the remaining umpteen miles seem a doddle.
At three miles we come to the first water point. Trestle tables have been set out by the roadside and teams of frantic volunteers are doling out drinks in plastic cups. It resembles a game from It's a Knockout with water being slopped all over the tables and road in the panic to shove it out quickly enough. ...I am badly overheating so I help myself to two cups which I drain as best as possible on the move and end up spilling most of the few feeble fluid ounces down my shirt. Almost immediately, external refreshment arrives in the form of rain. The last person who was grateful for a sudden downpour was probably Noah who stood to look pretty foolish otherwise.
Four miles now and I am getting serious pain from my right knee. Typical. It is my left knee that has been giving me problems and now the one which has behaved impeccably throughout my training buckles at the first hurdle...My body is like the English cricket team - there is no single individual part of it that can be relied upon.
By mile six, I am feeling seriously dehydrated. Then suddenly a sign blissfully informs us that a drink station is 100 metres away. The next sign says it is two hundred metres away. What is going on? Are we all running in the wrong direction? Then another sign: Drinks 100m- clearly we are now going around in circles. I continue in confusion. Several hundred metres later there are still no drinks. Are these signs mirages conjured up by my oxygen-starved brain or has someone borrowed my pedometer to measure the distances? Finally the welcome roadside tables appear in the distance up ahead. A drinks station, apart from the finishing line, is the finest sight in a race. It is also highly dangerous as for the next 200 metres the road is covered in discarded plastic cups and sponges. To compound the hazard a well-meaning woman is handing out bananas. Okay, I know Linford Christie swears by them as a quick energy boost, but the prospect of having runners in front tossing banana skins under my feet on an already rain-slippery surface does not appeal.
With two miles to go I have now reached my decision point. So far I have been averaging eight-minute miles. Do I up my pace and put on a bit of a finish? As this is by far the longest distance I have ever run I am not sure of available energy reserves. ...if I were my CD Discman, the little battery symbol on my display woud be flashing urgently right now. ...this is the one time in the race worthy of trying to put on a show, with camcorders and loved-ones packed by the roadside... . I descreetly enquire of my body whether there is any possibility of a little more productivity, only to be turned down flatly... "His tank's empty. There's nothing there." I cross the line at 1:44:33.
I walk to the Pub where I have arranged to meet...friends...and sit down. This is one of the most blissful experiences of my life. ...you've probably sat down several dozen times today - but let me tell you, you haven't sat down until you've run 13 miles and then sat down! I've never taken heroin, but it cannot be much better than this.
Now, there won't be 1600 people at the Goat Milk, so fear not. And I doubt we'll have any kind of problems like this guy did. But isn't it great to read of someone else's experience who has already ran a half marathon? It cracked me up. I look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday and experiencing this adventure with you. And sitting down with you after! Rest up - we're in this one for the long haul, Ladies and Gents!!!!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Goat Milk.
Some people get nauseated from nervousness when they think about running a half marathon. I can honestly say that when I think about Goat Milk, I don't get nervous or nauseated. Gaseous. Yeah... I get gassy at the thought of Goat Milk. (Befitting since I'm lactose intolerant).
Three Days!! As odd and crazy as this sounds, the thought of needing a port-a-potty never even crossed my mind. What kind of food would be served and my free t-shirt is what I am actually worried about.
I am not nervous about the run on Saturday. I am nervous about making it their on time. I know how to get there - my trial run took me an hour. I know I can shave off at least 15 of those minutes by getting on the Trace in Clinton. Once on the Trace, is a different story. I expect a convoy of cars going to the same destination. For the most part, I do my best to be positive and not cynical. But I would not be surprised when arriving at the camp grounds, that same routund basset hound shows up to test my ability. But I've got my strategy down this time. The race in March... my first. I was a novice, wet behind the ears with goat milk. Sure, he bated and switched me with the chocolate lab, but I know better now. He can't shake me. He can bate and switch me with a mule... I can't be fazed! I'll even let him pass me up early... boost his ego so high his ears won't touch the ground. It's all science. Just stay in his tailwind. I may even carry my keys so I can jingle them while I trail him, just so he knows it's me lurking in the wings. Then, at just the right moment, speed out like he was standing still. I'll leave a trail of doggy biscuits for him to find the finish line, how 'bout that? I know what you're thinking - 'She's lost her mind'. That's okay. It's become personal now. Mano y Canine. The four-legged vs. the two-legged. Hound vs Human. If any of you see him before Saturday, you tell him I'll be waiting for him at the starting line and that he better have his A-game with him. I'll be the one with the jets on, ready to smoke him!!!
MARATHON ON, BABY!
Some people get nauseated from nervousness when they think about running a half marathon. I can honestly say that when I think about Goat Milk, I don't get nervous or nauseated. Gaseous. Yeah... I get gassy at the thought of Goat Milk. (Befitting since I'm lactose intolerant).
Three Days!! As odd and crazy as this sounds, the thought of needing a port-a-potty never even crossed my mind. What kind of food would be served and my free t-shirt is what I am actually worried about.
I am not nervous about the run on Saturday. I am nervous about making it their on time. I know how to get there - my trial run took me an hour. I know I can shave off at least 15 of those minutes by getting on the Trace in Clinton. Once on the Trace, is a different story. I expect a convoy of cars going to the same destination. For the most part, I do my best to be positive and not cynical. But I would not be surprised when arriving at the camp grounds, that same routund basset hound shows up to test my ability. But I've got my strategy down this time. The race in March... my first. I was a novice, wet behind the ears with goat milk. Sure, he bated and switched me with the chocolate lab, but I know better now. He can't shake me. He can bate and switch me with a mule... I can't be fazed! I'll even let him pass me up early... boost his ego so high his ears won't touch the ground. It's all science. Just stay in his tailwind. I may even carry my keys so I can jingle them while I trail him, just so he knows it's me lurking in the wings. Then, at just the right moment, speed out like he was standing still. I'll leave a trail of doggy biscuits for him to find the finish line, how 'bout that? I know what you're thinking - 'She's lost her mind'. That's okay. It's become personal now. Mano y Canine. The four-legged vs. the two-legged. Hound vs Human. If any of you see him before Saturday, you tell him I'll be waiting for him at the starting line and that he better have his A-game with him. I'll be the one with the jets on, ready to smoke him!!!
MARATHON ON, BABY!
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