Okay! A week and a half to go. And guess what I saw yesterday as I was driving into a parking spot at my apartment? TWO Beagles!! TWO!! They were spies, I am sure of it. The never looked me in the eye, but I knew what they were up to. They casually sauntered past me, never looking at me. (No, it just so happened that there wasn't any owner nearby.) I walked up the walkway to my apartment and at the last minute before turning out of sight, I looked back at the imposters. In an instant, the one looking at me quickly turned his head and continued as nonchalantly as he had passed me. You know what? I think that Basset Hound is scared. He knows I have been out there pounding the pavement, sucking wind and passing gas...don't act like you don't do that too!...and I think he realizes that I am not playing around.
So far, I have ear plugs and body glide on my list of things to pack. I might add some chiklets and some suspenders to round out the list after I'm all done.
I had a lady that works in my building ask me, "You've lost a little weight,haven't you? Yeah, I could tell your face has thinned out." I just smiled and nodded and thought, 'where have you been?' I don't consider 20 pounds little considering the reactions I've gotten. Then I remembered. In the year that I have been working there, she has lost about 60 lbs. 20 pounds doesn't seem so great. She didn't mean any harm...I don't think.
I had intended to shop for a new pair of running shorts to make up for the one my thunder thighs wore a whole through. They didn't have the kind I liked, but I did find these shirts with pockets in the back, so I don't have to buy those shorts with the pockets. Then I decided I needed to buy a pair of jeans. It's amazing how dellusions of grandeur are exposed in that narrow mirror in the dressing room. Still not the size I 'mentally' feel. That said, I calmly upped the size and dealt with the snug fit. I am trying to dress more my age and not like a fifteen year old. (At my guitar practice, a young girl was already there learning the piano from my teacher's wife. I sat, listening to her. Once she ended, she spoke about having such a busy schedule and how she had drama club and auditions and no time for a movies on the weekends. Then, without missing a beat, she turned to me and asked me what grade I was in. Mind you, it has been years since I had been asked that question. I must say, I was rather... charmed by this young girl's perceptiveness. Unfortunately there was a knowing witness in the room, so I confessed to 'having been out of school for quite some time.' I do hope she fairs well in all her endeavors...) After making a short story long; I bought an outfit for Chicago that I can't run in, but may look like a 30 year old in case I am carded at a restaurant.
One more short run and I will soon make this 'Marathoner' title official. I use to think that I had lived a boring life because I had not done anything that remotely defied death. Looking back now, I see it differently: I was born in a foreign land, lived in three different countries, visited three others - and hopefully more, carried the title of U.S. Marine and now a Navy Seabee, learned how to evacuate a plane in case of fire or crash landing, make a mean bloody mary or a skinny latte with extra foam, change a bed and bathe a person while they are still occupying it, and I've even handed out water to marathoners once. Now, I can create keepsakes for lifechanging events and by next weekend, add running a marathon to this list. My life has not been boring. Challenging, though I didn't always plan it that way. I can't complain. I won't complain.
I don't plan on having kids...not everyone is meant to be a parent...but after you read this, tell your kids you knew a person who did all these things and more by her 31st birthday and that she never gave up at learning or trying something new. And that the most important thing to remember through it all, is to believe in themselves. That alone can take them anywhere.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Every good woman needs a Marathon Man.
Two weeks to go. The invitations have been sent and received. Key persons have been contacted of times and where to be. No jitters, no worries. Actually, no 'anything'. Is this an abstract form of second thoughts? Wouldn't they be the first thoughts, since I really didn't think much about the final outcome when I first started all this. I must be going crazy.
In marathon months, this has been a long courtship. He's seen me at my slowest, damn-near fattest and palest I ever been and is still willing to have me. I guess it was good that I didn't ask too much of him either. 26.2 miles. Nothing more and nothing less. I looked for no flaws, no excuses to back out this time. I met him half-way, and he did the same for me. The growth of our relationship didn't explode like TNT, nor did the flame need coaxing or fanning to keep it aflame. We both grew to enjoy each others company. Whimsy grew to like. Like grew to respect. And respect grew to love. No sparks, no fillers. A simple love of 'being' is what kept our paths aligned.
Love of my life? I don't know. Love in my life? Absolutely. You see, Marathon wasn't the cutest, the nicest, or the easiest one I could have chosen. Nor was I the cutest, nicest or easiest one to step up. But somehow, we found each other and made it work. And I am all the more better because of him.
In marathon months, this has been a long courtship. He's seen me at my slowest, damn-near fattest and palest I ever been and is still willing to have me. I guess it was good that I didn't ask too much of him either. 26.2 miles. Nothing more and nothing less. I looked for no flaws, no excuses to back out this time. I met him half-way, and he did the same for me. The growth of our relationship didn't explode like TNT, nor did the flame need coaxing or fanning to keep it aflame. We both grew to enjoy each others company. Whimsy grew to like. Like grew to respect. And respect grew to love. No sparks, no fillers. A simple love of 'being' is what kept our paths aligned.
Love of my life? I don't know. Love in my life? Absolutely. You see, Marathon wasn't the cutest, the nicest, or the easiest one I could have chosen. Nor was I the cutest, nicest or easiest one to step up. But somehow, we found each other and made it work. And I am all the more better because of him.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
"JUAN VALDEZ. JUAN VALDEZ. YOU'RE NEEDED IN THE BREAK ROOM, ASAP!"
I'm sleepy and I'm tired. Ah, such is the pity...
I awoke at 4 -what-in-the-world-:30 this morning. Called T'knesha as usual. She said I didn't sound chipper. That's because I was thinking of not running. But I figured I'd go since I'm not running this weekend. Walked out the door - eewww. It was hot. Not as hot as before, but not cool like earlier this week. I've been spoiled.
Susan stayed indoors, the rest of us ran our prized trail. Carol had her speelunker light on her dome to light the way. Picture a light bug with the light at the wrong end. It was funny when she would talk to someone because she would look at them and momentarily rob them of the night vision. Me and Lisa giggled about that. Needless to say, she took it off when we started to run...I'm sure it didn't feel good on the head while running.
At the water stop, we witnessed a convoy of large trucks rolling in on our path. I believe they were getting ready to collect all the debris from the storm. We all stood on the side of the road, waving like a bunch of kids in a third world country and seeing the soldiers drive by. They politely waved back, probably wondering why women would be out that early to run in the dark.
A neurotic imbalance, maybe.
Anyway, T'knesha showed us pictures of some wedding dresses she tried on. I liked the one with the red sash at the top, but she already picked one out that she liked. Why ask if you already know what you want? I can't figure out women.
Now I am here blogging and planning on hitting the coffee shop for a cup of java. I know, but you see, I volunteered to work at the Broadmoor shelter in Madison tonight. 6 to midnight. Yeah, what was I thinking? I'm usually in bed by nine. Oh well. I plan to make up for it on Sunday.
Have a good run ladies and gents. Don't overdo it. That so called 'wall' may be plowed down in Chicago simply from the millions cheering for you and the wonderful Starbucks Shot stops along the way. Don't worry. Piece a-cake!
I awoke at 4 -what-in-the-world-:30 this morning. Called T'knesha as usual. She said I didn't sound chipper. That's because I was thinking of not running. But I figured I'd go since I'm not running this weekend. Walked out the door - eewww. It was hot. Not as hot as before, but not cool like earlier this week. I've been spoiled.
Susan stayed indoors, the rest of us ran our prized trail. Carol had her speelunker light on her dome to light the way. Picture a light bug with the light at the wrong end. It was funny when she would talk to someone because she would look at them and momentarily rob them of the night vision. Me and Lisa giggled about that. Needless to say, she took it off when we started to run...I'm sure it didn't feel good on the head while running.
At the water stop, we witnessed a convoy of large trucks rolling in on our path. I believe they were getting ready to collect all the debris from the storm. We all stood on the side of the road, waving like a bunch of kids in a third world country and seeing the soldiers drive by. They politely waved back, probably wondering why women would be out that early to run in the dark.
A neurotic imbalance, maybe.
Anyway, T'knesha showed us pictures of some wedding dresses she tried on. I liked the one with the red sash at the top, but she already picked one out that she liked. Why ask if you already know what you want? I can't figure out women.
Now I am here blogging and planning on hitting the coffee shop for a cup of java. I know, but you see, I volunteered to work at the Broadmoor shelter in Madison tonight. 6 to midnight. Yeah, what was I thinking? I'm usually in bed by nine. Oh well. I plan to make up for it on Sunday.
Have a good run ladies and gents. Don't overdo it. That so called 'wall' may be plowed down in Chicago simply from the millions cheering for you and the wonderful Starbucks Shot stops along the way. Don't worry. Piece a-cake!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Every Breath You Take, I'll Be Watching You. -the stalker song by The Police
Good Evening. Just read some of the blogs.
Lisa. Who is Dave? I think I know who Dave is. It's your stalker. He's pretty bold. Even had a picture on the comment. He's apparently a more 'in-your-face' kind of stalker. Naples, Fl...right! How 'bout Just-up-the-block, Ms? Mine isn't that creative. Just sends miniture spy beagles everywhere I go to intimidate me; remind me he still lurks.
Anyway, I ran this morning with the Rockettes. Didn't want to. Sore from weights and pretty dehydrated. Called T'knesha as usual. She calls me back 15 min. later to say she isn't going because she's sore. I told her I'd see her there. She showed. I ran with Jan this morning. Only two breaks at the water. We ran it in 53 minutes. A course best, I'd say. She was excited. Of course we couldn't run that pace forever, but I think we got a good shot of doing it on the final fabulous five in Chicago. If we could do that with hills in the dark, we'll smoking the elite runners before they even knew what passed them. I hope the medals are made of chocolate.
I received my ticket. Had I known the pasta dinner was going to be IN the Hilton and not at the McCormack Plaza, I would have signed up. I know, but I could eat more than once that night, I'm sure. Heck, I do that now!
I'll be going now. If anyone is reading this and not with the marathon group, I don't live in Ridgeland like the screen says. I live in Pearl with a big dog, two shotguns and a cousin named Jethro...who ain't right if you know what I mean.
Take care to everyone else.
Lisa. Who is Dave? I think I know who Dave is. It's your stalker. He's pretty bold. Even had a picture on the comment. He's apparently a more 'in-your-face' kind of stalker. Naples, Fl...right! How 'bout Just-up-the-block, Ms? Mine isn't that creative. Just sends miniture spy beagles everywhere I go to intimidate me; remind me he still lurks.
Anyway, I ran this morning with the Rockettes. Didn't want to. Sore from weights and pretty dehydrated. Called T'knesha as usual. She calls me back 15 min. later to say she isn't going because she's sore. I told her I'd see her there. She showed. I ran with Jan this morning. Only two breaks at the water. We ran it in 53 minutes. A course best, I'd say. She was excited. Of course we couldn't run that pace forever, but I think we got a good shot of doing it on the final fabulous five in Chicago. If we could do that with hills in the dark, we'll smoking the elite runners before they even knew what passed them. I hope the medals are made of chocolate.
I received my ticket. Had I known the pasta dinner was going to be IN the Hilton and not at the McCormack Plaza, I would have signed up. I know, but I could eat more than once that night, I'm sure. Heck, I do that now!
I'll be going now. If anyone is reading this and not with the marathon group, I don't live in Ridgeland like the screen says. I live in Pearl with a big dog, two shotguns and a cousin named Jethro...who ain't right if you know what I mean.
Take care to everyone else.
Monday, September 12, 2005
You're Cheatin Hearrrrt... by...some singer?
I gotta be quick. I'm on lunch and don't have much time. I was breezing through the blogs since I haven't read some in a long while or blogged myself for that matter. But lo and behold, could my eyes be deceiving me? Say it ain't so Sam, say it ain't so. I feel sooo used!
I read that Rick...has been...he's been....running some other girl's intervals! Oh, the horror. I've been kicked to the curb. I bet she's younger, isn't she Rick? They always go after the younger ones I heard, but I never believed them. I bet it's safe to say she's not built like a platypus, huh? Did the spy put you up to this? Or was it the Godfather himself, Basset Hound?
I will not let this distract me from the task at hand. I have a marathon to complete and I will complete it.
And tell your little floppy-earred friend, B.H., that he may have won the battle, but, so help me, I am going to win this war!!!
He-he. Love ya Rick!
I read that Rick...has been...he's been....running some other girl's intervals! Oh, the horror. I've been kicked to the curb. I bet she's younger, isn't she Rick? They always go after the younger ones I heard, but I never believed them. I bet it's safe to say she's not built like a platypus, huh? Did the spy put you up to this? Or was it the Godfather himself, Basset Hound?
I will not let this distract me from the task at hand. I have a marathon to complete and I will complete it.
And tell your little floppy-earred friend, B.H., that he may have won the battle, but, so help me, I am going to win this war!!!
He-he. Love ya Rick!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Food for thought...and worry...and panic...and fretting...
Hey everybody!!!
Nice to see that while I was gone you all fared okay - from what I read on the forum. I have no time to read blogs. The library cut the computer times to 30 min and I have about six. So, I just wanted to announce that I have the water cooler for arrowhead water stop and that I will be running on Thursday, God-willing.
I just have one question. Why is it that during a crisis, whether I am involved in it or not, I eat like crazy? And I know it's not me. I see all of you with me at the grocery store buying up everything you really don't need to sustain life. Cookies, ho-ho's, Her-shey bars... the list goes on. Okay... this storm was a legit one due to power loss, but we don't act like this on Category 2 or 3 storms. It could be a simple thunderstorm. If it's on a Friday, we're in the grocery store stocking up. It's amazing the things we flock to when we are in worry mode. I think I've gained enough weight to be eligible for hibernation.
Anyway, I must go now. Take care everyone and don't eat too much junkfood, though, it was nice to HAVE to eat it. Well, maybe ya'll did, I never lost power so I was primarily eating out of sympathy. But I suffered with every bite...honest. He-he!
Nice to see that while I was gone you all fared okay - from what I read on the forum. I have no time to read blogs. The library cut the computer times to 30 min and I have about six. So, I just wanted to announce that I have the water cooler for arrowhead water stop and that I will be running on Thursday, God-willing.
I just have one question. Why is it that during a crisis, whether I am involved in it or not, I eat like crazy? And I know it's not me. I see all of you with me at the grocery store buying up everything you really don't need to sustain life. Cookies, ho-ho's, Her-shey bars... the list goes on. Okay... this storm was a legit one due to power loss, but we don't act like this on Category 2 or 3 storms. It could be a simple thunderstorm. If it's on a Friday, we're in the grocery store stocking up. It's amazing the things we flock to when we are in worry mode. I think I've gained enough weight to be eligible for hibernation.
Anyway, I must go now. Take care everyone and don't eat too much junkfood, though, it was nice to HAVE to eat it. Well, maybe ya'll did, I never lost power so I was primarily eating out of sympathy. But I suffered with every bite...honest. He-he!
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