Single Christian Running

Pamlico Jack?

2011-08-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

I think I have lost my mind. I have been the slackest of all slackers this summer. Actually, I have been the slackest of all slackers since, umm, April. When the marsh fires began and my spring was ruined by asthma attacks.

I've been hiding. From all of you. From running. From life a bit.

And now, I've done something insane. sigh There's something seriously messed up in my head, y'all.

I signed up for the Pamlico Jack Challenge. What is that? Well, as you all know, I've walked/run the OBX Half Marathon twice now. I had vague plans to maybe sign up. And then the marsh fires. And then "no running allowed" and suddenly now it is August and I got a wild hair up my bum and signed up for not just the OBX Half Marathon but also the 8k for the day before.

gulp

Did I mention I haven't run except twice since April? And those two times were wrought with coughing, wheezing and gasping.

Oh boy.

I think I need to get my head examined. I should have started training on Monday for a November Half. Today is Thursday and I still haven't laced on the shoes to even go for a walk. And it doesn't help that temps are in the high 90s with a heat index of 105 in the shade and 92% humidity.

Jamoosh - how do you do it? Cause I need some real inspiration right now!

The treadmill is a big no-no for training due to the ITBS from last year. I can use it at most once a week.

Help?

Run on.

Listening to: By Your Side by Sade

Verse: ““This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV

Looks like God hears me, even when I'm writing a blog post!

Tonight, tonight, tonight

2011-06-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

Ha. I've been listening to 80's music at work today. I like to mix up every now and again.

But tonight, ahh, tonight. I'm going for a run! As soon as work ends, I'm headed home to pull on my running clothes, lace up my new Brooks and run the hills around my neighborhood. Neener neener, doc. I don't give a darn about no smoke.

Jealous?

Run on.

Listening to: Tonight, Tonight, Tonight by Genesis - I love Phil Collins!

Daily Verse: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;” Psalm 103:13 NIV

Now what?!?

2011-06-15T17:28:00.001-04:00

We have been issued official news regarding our local marsh fires. It appears the fires are set to burn for the next 5 months. FIVE MONTHS! What kind of BS is that? I can't wait five months. Oh but the best news is yet to come. They also inform us it could be A YEAR before the fires go out. Our only chance of redemption? A tropical depression dumping over 8 - 10 inches of rain. Never, in all my life, have I prayed for a tropical depression. And yet, a tiny part of me wants to...

I am taking the advice of my two commenters, Jamoosh and Danny, and tying on my running shoes to go for a run. I know it will look more like run 10 steps, walk for 8 minutes, run 10 steps, walk for 8 minutes. Puff away on the inhaler to clear away the wheezing. Run 10 steps, walk for 8 minutes. But yeah, I'll be outside running.

Anyone want to visit me at the beach? It's a great spot for running, as long as you don't mind sucking in marsh fire smoke.

Run on.

Listening to: Goodnight Moon by Shivaree

Daily Verse: “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” Proverbs 23:24 NIV

What do you mean...

2011-06-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

Ever began a question this way? Sure you have. Countless times, I am sure. Mine ended with "I still can't run?" B*)#^&# doctors. I need to run for my sanity and to keep all my coworkers breathing. I work in a circus, I mean a property management office and it's summertime. Do you want me to go to jail? Why can't you understand that I just need to run?

It has now been almost 2 months since I last ran. Stupid freaking marsh fires. (I totally stole Emz' freaking. Of course, I think mine is being used in a much more abusive way. But hey, whatever works.) Smoke blows.

The doctors have informed me the cough I have developed due to marsh smoke inhalation will not go away until the fires go out. And the fires are now expected to last all summer. Even running indoors is frowned upon. Shoot, I'm not supposed to do any cardio, no bike, no Zumba, no Body Pump, no strength training. Stretching and yoga are fine, though. Pilates is okay and hey, why not concentrate on core work? Whoop de do da day. Stretching does not keep me from wanting to pick up a fork to stab someone in the eye. Running does.

And you know what? I've had it. Poo on that. I am going for a freaking run. Otherwise, someone might get shanked. Or stabbed in the eyeball. Or hit with a darn shoe.

I need my sanity, people. So, here's my new response to the doctors who say no: Shove it, I'm going for a run. Neener neener.

Run on. I will. Even in the b@%#(%& smoke.

Listening to: Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

Daily Verse: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Smog

2011-06-01T12:43:00.002-04:00

I live at the beach in a part of the world that is relatively full of clean air. We might get 100% humidity and the air might be heavy and wet, but it's pretty much clean.

Until the fires. Oh, you thought only the West had forest fires? Well, they do. We have marsh fires. And there is a lot of marsh around here. A lot of marsh.

So, we now have smog. It's a different type of smog than what you might find in, say, a big city. This smog is a combination of the humid air and the smoke from the marsh fires.

I have been out of commission for over a month. Partly due to work reasons, mostly due to health reasons. See, I'm allergic to marsh fire smoke. Truth be told, I'm allergic to pretty much any smoke, and a bunch of other stuff too.

Not only do I have allergies to the lovely smog, I also have allergy-induced asthma.

Smog + allergy-induced asthma = upper respiratory infection. Fun.

I now sound like I am hacking up a lung. (I know, nice imagery) Still, it's true. I sound horrendous. Although, I do sound much better this week than I did last week. Must be all the drugs the doctor gave me. (Note: these drugs are antibiotics and inhalers to help my lungs function in the smog. They are prescription and not illegal.)

Still, Doc tells me I will probably keep having issues until the fires are out. And I'm not allowed to run or do any type of physical exertion that will tax my lungs until I am fully healed.

Last check, they had them 75% out. Can we get the other 25% too please? I'd like to go for a run.

Run on.

Listening to: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash - appropriate, no?

Verse: After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12

Missing...

2011-04-27T11:35:00.000-04:00

I've been slack, peeps. I've been hiding from blogger-land for almost a month. I've been (mostly) silently stalking all you peeps and reading what you're up to. But I have stayed close-mouthed (with the exception of a handful of comments tossed out at random).

Where have I been? Around.

What have I been doing? Not much running, that's for sure. And to prove it, I went to the gym last night and got on the scale. Let's just say, I then went home and tossed the chocolate Easter bunny Boss Lady gave me.

I got a great cardio workout in last night. Treadmill, bike, elliptical for a total of... a lot of miles. I'm not certain the exact number, but I've got it marked down on my phone. I just have to remember to update DailyMile. Then it will show up on the bloggy.

Work has become a major time suck with a lot of changes occurring. People leaving and no one being hired to replace them means I am doing the work of three people. Fun!

Thank goodness for running. I'm using it as my stress relief right now. I've got another evening at the gym planned tonight. I need the sanity running gives me to make it through the rest of the week.

Plus, my birthday is Monday. Ummm, yeah. Another year down and I'm still stuck. Right. Where. I. Was. Oh well, at least I'm moving my body, right?

Run on.

Listening to: Blood in the Tears by Demon Hunter

Verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10

Cupcake Virtual Half Marathon

2011-03-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

So, Jason over at Cook Train Eat Race held the Cupcake Marathon. It was a virtual marathon or half marathon. Being the 13.1 girl I am, I chose the half.

My Bib for the Cupcake Marathon 2011

What I loved about this virtual half is that I could break up the runs into several or I could do them all at once. I broke it up into 4 different runs. Here's how it broke down.

Run 1: 2 miles

Time for run 1 was 24:48, which comes out to a 12:24 pace. Not all of that time was running, as some of it was stretching the IT Band due to all the hills in my neighborhood.

Run 2: 2.79 miles - only 2.04 recorded

So, I ran .75 miles before realizing I hadn't turned on DS. Duh. So, I hit start and began again. I'm only counting the 2.04 that was recorded as, well, the other .75 wasn't recorded and they wanted pics of each run. So. The 2.04 took me 27:02. Run 2 took place the day after Run 1 on the same hilly path. Due to the earlier non-recorded .75 miles, I was somewhat slower than the day before. Plus, those darn hills were really doing me in!

Run 3: Running with the Leprechauns 8K - 5 miles

The hills. Oh the hills! Run 3 took place when I ran the Leprechaun 8K. Stretching became the name of the game and I ended at 1:01:00 for time. Pretty darn good. I'll take it.

Run 4: 6.13 miles

The final run was done on the elliptical machine (really hope this still counts, Jason!) due to IT Band distress caused by my hilly adventures. I did 6.13 miles in 65:00, or 1:05:00. Truthfully, this run should have been 4.6 miles but I couldn't simply stop at only 42 minutes something, I needed a more even number. So I kept going until I hit the hour and then did a 5 minute cool-down.

All in all, I liked breaking up these runs. Now that I'm getting back into training more frequently and have added in cross-training, strength training and core work, I think I would be able to do less runs with more miles. Like 2 runs at 6.55 miles each. Could be fun...

Run on.

Listening to: the SVP across the hall talking on the phone to an agent, it's really funny

Today's Verse: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” - Isaiah 53:3-4

Running with the Leprechauns 8K

2011-03-22T16:13:00.000-04:00

What a crazy weekend! Friday night, I did not carb load for my Saturday 8K. Why? Oh boy.

I arrived to pick up my race bib only to find out I was not registered. Hmm. I distinctly remembered registering for the race in February. What happened?

I returned to the office bib-less and started searching for a receipt for my registration. I couldn't find anything anywhere. What did I register for?

Apparently, I registered for a race in May. Same course, shorter race. How in the world did I do that? I'm still trying to figure that one out.

So, in order to race on Saturday, I had to go back to the bib pick-up spot and register for the correct race. $30 later, I was registered to race. Woo hoo! My first 8K ever.

I headed back home and gathered up my race gear for the next day. I was running in an awesome green shirt (see pic below), a black Champion running skirt (ugh) and a green headband from SandyBands. They're pretty okay, similar to Bondi Bands. Still, I totally prefer the Bondi Band for staying put during long runs.


Great shirt, right?

So, I was in bed by 10 pm. Early night due to the race day the next day. Around 3ish, I was woken up by my cat... peeing on my leg. What? I was mad, to say the least. Luckily, it didn't make it into the mattress. Thank you, Lord. After stripping the bed and putting on fresh sheets, I scrubbed my leg and pushed the cat out of the bedroom. Then, I climbed back into bed for a few more hours of sleep.

The alarm went off at 7 am. I crawled out of bed, walked Miss Sadie and had a stern talking-to with Miss Kit. She has been banned from the bedroom since Friday night. We'll see about letting her back in soon.

I downed a cup of coffee and a PBJ sandwich, then sucked down some Powerade Zero. I filled my cup with water, changed into my race gear and realized the T-shirt was going to be too hot. Shoot. So, I cut off the sleeves.

I loaded up in the car and headed to Kelly's Restaurant and Tavern. Quick potty break and then I got on the shuttle to the race start. I found Friend from work and we hung out until the start, stretching some and just hanging out. It was great to have someone to chat with before the race started. I would have loved to have raced with her, but she's speedy and I'm a turtle.

After another quick potty break, we got in line for the race. At promptly 9 am, the race began with the gunshot. Friend and I said quick goodbyes and headed out. Not even 1/10th of a mile later, she was gone and I was running along happily at a nice 10:43 pace.

Have I mentioned before how much I hate hills? Well, I guess I should have waited until after this race to proclaim my hatred. This race was 80% hills. Ugh. Up and down and up and down and up and shoot. Stop and stretch. Up and down and up and shoot. Stop and stretch.

At one point, I turned off my music. I was feeling the hills and I was feeling pretty defeated. I was only at mile 1.5 and I knew I had 3.5 more to go. So, I started a little chat with God. God and I, we're tight. I told Him I knew I ran to bring glory to Him and I wasn't really feeling the strength to go on. I didn't have the strength, but I knew He did. I told Him I was going to finish this race with His strength as I was too weak and hurt to make it alone.

The whole course was a comedy of errors for me. I would run along and my IT Band would start twinging. Stop, stretch, shake my leg out and continue on. I walked for a bit here and there but did more running than walking. Still, those hills were killer on my IT Band and it screamed to let me know it.

I ate a pack of Curious George fruit snacks around mile 2.75. There was supposed to be a water stop but I hadn't seen it yet and I was mad I hadn't brought along my water bottle. I finally happened upon the water stop at mile 3.something and grabbed a cup. I drank my water and then started running again. More than halfway there.

I played a game of leap-frog with another runner. He started out in front of me, I passed him, he passed me, I passed him. Back and forth. Every time I would stop to stretch, I'd keep my eyes on how far in front of me he was and then scurry along to catch back up to him.

The last hill on the course was the worst of them all. Up, up, up a steep hill, even out for a bit, then up, up, up again. I stopped on the even out part and stretched again. My leap-frog buddy passed me but I knew I'd catch back up at some point.

After making my way out of the hilly 80% and the beautiful Nags Head Woods, we ran through a neighborhood where I lived at one point a number of years ago. We even ran passed my old house. I knew that neighborhood well from walking Miss Sadie, so I knew how close I was to the finish. Still, it couldn't get there fast enough!

After the last turn, the straightaway was still about 1.5 miles before the finish. I ran along, sometimes on the grass, sometimes on a sidewalk. When I saw the finish line, I increased my speed a bit and ran past leap-frog buddy. I guess he didn't like that because shortly after he passed me. Oh no. Not gonna happen, buddy.

I kicked it. Oh boy, did I kick it! For some reason, when I am within that last 2/10ths of a mile, I am inclined to sprint for the finish. And boy did I! I passed by leap-frog buddy and slammed into the finish line a good minute ahead of him. Woo hoo! God's strength carried me across the finish line, just as I knew He would. I love being a Jesus Girl!

I grabbed some water and Friend found me. She had cheered me at the finish line and was laughing about how I totally passed that guy. (I guess I can chick someone after all, Jamoosh!) I sat down to stretch out my leg more fully and then we headed inside. Guinness time!

Ice Cold Guinness!

Friend and I grabbed a Guinness and huddled together at a table to talk race. We bumped into some runner friends of mine from Boot Camp days and we all talked race. It was great! Friend grabbed some food and we continued to hang while she ate. After finishing up her Guinness and food, Friend headed out and I headed for some grub. I grabbed some food, found a quiet spot and ate while I finished up my Guinness. After finishing, I headed out.

After the middle of the night wake-up call and leaving it all out there on the race course, I was still wired. And hungry. I stopped by Momma's shop and hung out for a while then headed for some food and a nap! I never got the nap, but boy did I eat up a storm! I can't wait for next Saturday when I'm running another 5 miles. This time, it will be just for the run.

Oh, and time? Well, with all the stops for stretching and the occasional walk break, I finished in 1:01:01. I know, that's a lot of ones! Still, pretty good in my mind. And a new PR for me.

Run on.

Listening to: Do You Know What I Mean by Lee Michaels

Verse: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Finally, The Recap

2011-03-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

I took part in Detroit Runner's Virtual "I Just Felt Like Running" 5K about, oh, 2 weeks ago. I'm lame because I haven't posted this recap before and because, much like Jamoosh, I just really haven't felt like I had anything to say. So, here it is, almost two weeks later, and I'm finally recappng my run. But only because tomorrow I am running an 8K race and thought I should have the 5K recap done before I recap the 8K. Make sense?

So, here's how it went down. I was teetering between running on my best buddy, Treadmill, or running outside with all the lovely spring allergens, pollens, etc. The decision was finally made when temps soared into the 60s and, well, I was tired of running on Treadmill.

I gathered up my gear [shoes, RoadID anklet, PiPod, Drill Sergeant (that's my garmin, FYI), Spibelt to carry phone, water], threw on my Half gray tank and my running skirt (shush, I can look pretty when I run if I want to), and tossed my hair into a pony with a Bondi. Love me my Bondibands.

Next step was climbing in the car to head down the road a ways to the start of the running path along a local road. It's shaded and separate from the actual road. I had never run the path but I knew it was approximately 1.5 miles long as this road is the start of the OBX Marathon and there is a 1 but no 2 marked on the road.

After stretching my legs in the 5 million stretches I must do lest I anger the mighty IT Band, I turned on the PiPod and headed out on the path. It was beautiful. Winding along and running at a fairly quick pace (10:13), I came upon my first surprise.

What surprise? Oh well, it was lovely. Really.

Just around the first corner, I hit it. The surprise. Hills. On the running path. And not gentle slopes, oh no, steep little suckers that were unexpected and a little annoying. I'd been running along, la la la, and wham. Hill. Then running along, la la la, and wham. Another hill. I started to get a little peeved at this path. Why hadn't I ever paid attention while driving alongside this path on the road to notice the hills? Why? Because the road doesn't have hills, that's why.

Well, there was nothing to be done but to suck it up and run the 3.1 down and back. My little race suddenly became a hill workout. And I hate those. With a passion.

I ran along coping as well as I could with the sudden appearance of hills from out of nowhere and finally made it to the halfway point. I had to stop to stretch the legs as the hills were killing my IT Band. I left Drill Sergeant running as I didn't want to show improper results. Still, for 4+ minutes, I did nothing but stretch.

After I felt stretched out, I headed back the other way. And met with surprise number 2. PiPod shut off. Battery? Dead. Oh, bummer.

Yet, what an opportunity for me! I always keep a running commentary going in my head, even with music playing, speaking to God and telling Him all sorts of things. Now, I was going to have to do so sans music. The thing is, my steps fall into the same tempo of my music. Comes from so many years of ballet, I guess.

The best part? I ran that last 1.6 miles with no music faster than the 1.5 with music. Maybe I need to turn off my music more? Or maybe, I finally let God's strength come through on my run by turning off the distraction and following His lead fully. Even those annoying hills didn't phase me on the return run.

Now don't get me wrong. There was some walking on this course. Especially after one particularly steep hill, I walked down the backside instead of running. I am sometimes clumsy and trip over air, so I thought it best to err on the side of caution. And then there was the sudden onslaught of sweet-smelling flower pollen that choked me up and almost had me pulling out the inhaler. But, I sucked it up and walked through. Why walk? Because when you can barely take in a breath without coughing, it's not a good idea to run. Just saying.

So, I finished up my 3.1 miles, stretched for about 10 minutes, then piled back into the car to head home for some fuel and a shower. I was sweaty, hungry and so very thirsty. I definitely didn't bring enough water with me!

I finished up my very first 5K ever with a 37:48:01. Minus those 4 minutes for stretching and I would have ended with 33:48:01. About 11 minute miles, which is pretty great for me coming from little to no running the past few months.

So there you have it. My 5K recap. Tomorrow morning, I'll be joining 200 others for the 3rd Annual Running of the Leprechauns. I have an awesome shirt (yes, of course it is green - Jamoosh would be proud of it, too - you'll get to see pics tomorrow or whenever I recap that race) and a new black running skirt to wear for the race. Best part? Guinness at the after party. Oh yeah.

Run on.

Listening to: What About Me by Moving Pictures

Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

To 5K or not to 5K

2011-03-04T09:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my first, my very first, 5K "race". I say "race" because it is a Virtual Race. I will be running by myself for 3.1 miles. But... I will be competing, or "racing", against others thousands of miles away. And I am excited and nervous. The weather is supposed to be crummy, cold and windy. A windy day on the Outer Banks means winds in the 20s and 30s. Not conducive to running, really.

So, I need to decide if I should run on the treadmill, my good buddy, or outside in the cold. I'm thinking outside in the cold would be more interesting and I am kinda over the treadmill. If spring would just stick around, I wouldn't be in this dilemma.

I have an 8K coming up in two weeks. I will be running with a girl from my office. Maybe I shouldn't say "with" since she's speedy and I'm, well, a turtle. Still, we're gonna meet up after the race and hang out at the after party. It will be nice to have someone to hang with after running those miles. And guess what, Jamoosh? There will be plenty of beer. More specifically, plenty of Guinness. And you know I love me a Guinness!

I have finally gotten my laptop up and running! So, now I can start blogging from home. Sorry I've been missing around the interwebs and not commenting on everyone's blogs. I've got about 1000 blog posts to catch up on and I simply don't know when I'll find the time. Sorry, everyone, but I think I'm going to have to start from scratch and mark all your posts I've missed as read. I'll get caught up, though. I promise.

I'm really excited about this weekend. After my 5K "race", I'm going to be working on my guest room/office. I'm turning the closet into an office space and I really need to get a lot of it organized this weekend so the room doesn't look as if a tornado hung out in there. Plus, getting it cleaned up will mean more time for fun stuff and less time searching for things. Time to put my handy dandy label maker to use!

Other excitement this weekend includes a birthday party tonight for one of "my girls". Since My Girl moved away last August, one of her friends, we'll call her Helper since she helps me out in Lil K, has become my "kid" of choice. We hang out quite a bit and really enjoy one another. It's like having a little sister to share my wisdom with and to help guide down the road. I love Helper, even when she messes up.

Anywhoodle, Helper's birthday is coming up and she invited me to her party! I know. All these teenagers and me. Weird? Well, it seems I am the cool adult and they all like to hang with me. Who knew?

Tonight I will make my way to the church for her big party, where we will play Just Dance on the Wii and eat cake and make merry. Helper is having a sleepover, but I'll be passing that one up since I have a 5K in the morning. Still, I'm so glad to be invited and that I have the time to go!

This weekend even ends on a high note, y'all! On Sunday, two (that's right, 2!) of my Youth kids are being baptized. Now, it's still winter and the water is frigid. So, we'll be at the local Y for the baptism. Water is water, y'all. God doesn't care if it's the Sound (where I was baptised and given a concussion), the Ocean, a river or stream or, yes, the pool at the Y. He expects us to obey and baptism is one of his commands.

I've been spending a lot of time lately praying and studying my Bible. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to find my Special One to spend the rest of my life with and have a few kiddos. Well, it hasn't happened yet. I'm trusting God that He has a plan, and a man, for me. And I'm jumping in with both feet to stop waiting and start doing and fulfill His purpose for me during this time in my desert.

Run on.

Listening to: Unforgetful You by Jars of Clay

Today's Verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Running... behind

2011-02-24T18:57:00.000-05:00

These days, it seems as if there truly aren't enough hours. Not in a day. Not in a work-week. Not in a full-on seven-day week. Poor blog has been neglected. Work has stacked high on my desk. Dental and Doctor appointments have been made, cancelled and re-made. Still, as life trudges on, I have found myself running... behind.

The sad part of all this running behind is there has been no actual running. I have a 5K, 8K and some other Fun Runs planned in the next month and alas, I'm not fit. Oh, I will do these runs, though they'll be more like walking-with-a-bit-of-running. I'll be glad to cross the finish lines of each race. I'll be surprised to cross the finish line of each race.

Why aren't you running, SCR?

We've had a lovely rush on Spring here on the Outer Banks. The pollen fairies have come to play and brought back my allergies. With the onslaught of warm weather, oaks and pines and grasses have pollinated to their heart's content. And brought my running to a grinding halt.

It's really hard to run when you cough every five seconds. And when you have problems breathing through your nose. And your nose is runny, yet stuffy, all at the same time. And your sinuses are so compacted with allergens you are surprised your head hasn't exploded yet. Spring - you are my nemesis.

So, while I chug-a-lug my cough syrup and allergy meds, suck down my steroid inhalers to get all this gunk out of my lungs, I dream of lacing up my sneakers and going for a short 5 miler along the beach. Perfect time of year for it - if only I could breath.

Run on.

Listening to: nothing, the office is silent and peaceful. For once.

Run, Jen, Run

2011-01-26T17:24:00.000-05:00

I went for a run.

Oh yes, you read that one right. Last night, I trekked in the rain to my gym, suited up and stretched my little heart out. Then I climbed onto my favorite treadmill (yes, I have picked a treadmill at the gym that is my bestest friend). And I ran.

Okay, first I walked. For about 6 minutes, I planned out my strategy in my head. I would walk 5 minutes, run 5 minutes, walk 5, run 5, walk 5, run 5 and then a cool-down. It took me the first 6 minutes to get this plan ready to go.

Then I started running. And ran for almost 7 minutes.

No, no, the plan is already screwed up. I was supposed to walk 5, run 5. Now I've walked 6 and run almost 7. What do I do? What do I do?

So I walked for 4 minutes. Then I amped up the speed to an 8 something minute pace and started running again. Pause for some water and a bit of stretching. On again for more running at this abnormally fast pace. Pause again. Water. Stretch. Run. Slow way down to a pace that doesn't even give me a time to walk for a few minutes. Back up to an 8 something pace to run a bit more. And I ran until 30 minutes hit and the machine began the cool-down.

Well, there went that plan.

Still, I ran. And it felt great! After showering and putting on comfy clothes, I realized I was in need of some RICE and all my compression gear was at home. So, I texted my girls (Nurse Jen and Ber) that I was bailing on girls night, went home and pulled on the compression sleeves (I bought some full leg socks, you know, the kind that come up to your private bits and cut off the foot part. I didn't like feeling as if my feet were being squeezed.). I rested, iced, wore my silly compression sleeves and elevated the legs. They were twitching for quite a while.

This morning, though. Oh yeah. I felt amazing this morning. No soreness, no pain in the right knee, stairs were easy. Bliss.

I have plans for another run tomorrow night. If today's beautiful weather hangs around for tomorrow, I'll be outside running. Otherwise, I'll visit my bestest buddy and get my run on.

Run on.

Listening to: Nothing. It's the end of the day and I am heading home soon. Yeah Wednesday!

But I don't wanna...

2011-01-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Just a little disclosure before you start reading this post - there is a lot of talk about faith and my relationship with God and my church. So, if that's not your cup of tea, no sweat. Just skip this post and stop back by soon!

This weekend is our first annual (if it's the first, can it be an annual thing? I mean, it's the first one. Shouldn't the annual title be added when you reach the second?) youth ministry team retreat. I know, that's a lot of words right there.

I said I would go before Christmas and Winterfest. But... I don't wanna.

I did not enjoy Winterfest this year as I have the past two years. I don't believe I will make the trip again. Too many things happened that I didn't agree with and that I think were just plain wrong and left me feeling as if I were not respected, not part of the team, not wanted. Maybe, I thought, I am in the wrong ministry.

So, I took our class at the church titled "Discover My Ministry". Admittedly, I have taken this class before. I enjoyed it the first time but I was a baby Christian with not even a full year under my belt. Almost three years later, I've learned and grown a lot but I'm still in the "youth" phase of being a Christian. More Mature in my faith and more secure in my beliefs, but still learning so much every day about my relationship with God and others.

Something I learned in the class the second time around was one of my gifts. Gifts, you ask. Oh yes, the Holy Spirit bestows upon us spiritual gifts when we become Christians. We are charged to figure out our gifts and use them for God's glory. First go-round, I had no clue what my gifts might be. I know my talents and my passions but my gifts? No. Clue.

Come to find out, one of my gifts is Mercy. I know, struck me stupid too. I am not very sympathetic but apparently I have an uncanny ability to discern when others are hurting. Some might think this comes from a lifetime of hiding my own hurt that allows me to decipher others' hidden pain or from my love of observing others. Still, I believe wholeheartedly that I was gifted by the Holy Spirit in spite of those things, not because of them. The Holy Spirit gave me this gift because He knew I would use it for good. (a la Star Wars and the force - I will not become Darth Vader.)

My greatest passion in life is kids. No, I don't have any of my own (unless you count the four-legged variety and then I have two). Yes, I'd dearly love some of my own. No, I don't work as a teacher or in any type of profession that plays on this passion. I worry about burn-out and I want to offer my heart for children in the right way, as a way of honoring and glorifying God.

Right now, I have "children". No, they're not mine by biology or by relation. But they're mine. One day a week for an hour and a half, I have children. Oh, they're all so individual, so different, so loving and funny and mischievous. And they're mine. I am part of the village that is raising these amazing little people. It fills my heart with joy to know that the least of these is impacted by my love for them and the Lord.

My other "children", well, they're teens. From 11 to 18, these children are also individual, different, alternately loving and moody, sometimes funny, mostly mischievous and mine.Though they are older and more "set" in their lives, I am still part of the village that is impacting these teens into the people they will become.

So, where does Mercy and my passion for kids meet? Well, it's been giving me some food for prayers. There are so many kids who are hurting. So many kids that are tempted to do things that are harmful. With my history and experiences, I believe I have a link to these kids. I've been there, I've probably done what they're thinking about and while I made it through, there was every possibility that I wouldn't. Without the adults in my life that impacted me, I probably wouldn't have made it out of my teens. I probably would have wound up with Aids or have had an overdose or just followed through with that bottle of Captain Morgan's and bottle of sleeping pills. (Thank you, Momma Terri, for being there whenever I needed you. I can't wait to see your beautiful face in eternity one day!)

The first time I tried to kill myself, I think I was about 7. We had a babysitter over, I can't remember her name but she had red curly hair and was just awesome. Something happened, I don't remember what, and I decided it would be better if I just wasn't there. So, I tried to suffocate myself. Didn't work, obviously, but that first act created a roller coaster of ups and downs, drugs, sex and rock-n-roll - or in my case, drugs, sex and suicide attempts. There are still days I think it would be better if I just wasn't there. Nowadays, I turn to God and pray my way through.

What does all this have to do with anything? I'm sure you think I'm rambling. I'm not. I'm getting to the heart. The meat.

You see, all those life experiences I had have led me to where I am today. They have led me to the person I am today. One who could accept that I was flawed but beautiful, imperfect but amazing. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who is loving and merciful.

Yes, there is that word again. Merciful - full of Mercy.

My heart is heavy with an unfulfilled desire to connect with these hurt kids in a more meaningful way. While I have dearly loved being a "kitchen queen", my spiritual gift of Mercy is going unused, untapped, unfulfilled. I can almost feel the hurt emanating from some of these kids. And I am locked in the kitchen, unable to make a true connection with them to one day get them to open up to me.

So, while I don't wanna go to the retreat this weekend, I will go (mostly because D-Momma said I needed to and she is so amazing and I love her so much and she is like a true mentor/best friend/momma that I listen when she says things). I hope to find the time to discuss with the Youth Pastor my unfulfilled desire to connect more closely with these kids. To get out from behind the kitchen bar and interact with these kids in a more meaningful way. I would love to lead a group but I think it goes even deeper than that for me. I have a very real desire to counsel these kids, to be a sort of therapist they can talk to about anything and for them to know I will never judge them. How can I, when they are just thinking these things and I, well, I've probably done them. I cannot cast the first stone, nor the second, nor the last. For I have sinned and am flawed and have no desire to be judged by others.

So, for those of you who have made it through my whole saga here, send up a prayer for me that I will make it through this weekend and will take the initiative to speak with the Youth Pastor about my unfulfilled desires. My SHAPE is changing, it is adjusting to the gifts I have been given by the Holy Spirit and I want to use my SHAPE, my gifts to the glory of my Lord.

Run on.

Listening to: not a thing - I haven't turned on Slacker in a week. Gasp, I think I'll turn it on now!

So Many Ones

2011-01-11T14:11:00.001-05:00

Happy 1/11/11! That is a lot of ones. And it only comes around once every one hundred years. Hee hee, even more ones.

I got a blogger award! Nice segue, right? Angie over at Kimbo's Breakfast bestowed this lovely gem on me. (go visit her. now. are you back yet? okay. I'll wait.)

Back now? Good. Here is my lovely award.

Isn't it pretty? I never get stuff like this. Ever. I seem to have some kind of bad luck when it comes to awards, giveaways, call-in radio show winnings, lottery, slot machines... you name it, if it has to do with luck, I don't have it. So, it was so lovely to find myself the recipient of this award because it means someone out there actually likes me. I have no clue why, but still, it gives you a nice little glow.

The rules of the award state that there are four things that you must do after accepting your award.

Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won!

So as I am sure you're totally excited about what I will share with you. Here we go, 7 more things you never wanted to know about me.

I love being on stage. After years of dance recitals, plays, musicals, karaoke, fashion shows and what-have-you, I crave the lights and the frenzy. But I hate to speak in public. So, there you go.
I sometimes sit on my couch and stare. At nothing. For long minutes, I just sit there and stare. This act used to drive my family nuts. I'm really using this time to think deep, dark thoughts, but to everyone else, I just look like I'm sitting and staring. It's a great way to creep people out.
I read constantly. Yes, yes, I know you know I love to read. But what you don't know is that if I'm not stuck inside one and/or more books, my brain slowly starts to seep out. Just kidding! My mind does require constant feeding and one of the ways I feed it is by constantly reading. Which leads me to number 4...
I read the same books over and over and over. Because no matter how many times I've read something, I will always find something in the book that I missed.
I don't take vacations. I have vacation time through my job, but I don't normally take an actual vacation. I just use up the days randomly throughout the year. And no, I don't count going to Winterfest with 16 teenagers and 9 other adults and one 4-year-old a vacation.
I hate peas. No reason other than they are round and smell gross when cooked. Plus, I think they have a weird flavor and texture when you eat them. And they turn you into Pod People. (Just checking to see if you were still with me. Hello? Are you still with me?)
I love green beans. Like, we're best buds. I could eat green beans every day for a month and still love them. I've actually done this before when... well, maybe I'll tell you about that later.

So, next step in this little award process is to pick out 15 recently discovered great bloggers and give them the award. I wish I knew 15 recently discovered great bloggers but since I still do not have a personal computer (the laptop is still waiting for the HDD to be installed and well, I've been really busy) I only have a few hours of the week to look at blogs. However, I have visited some really great bloggers and I would like to give them the award.

Fire Wife Katie
Faith Fitness Fun - who, while I want to grace with this award, has a pass on actually following through due to the fact she just had a baby. Srsly, she just had a baby. Like last night. And then she posted on her blog with a vlog and everything. Visit her, you'll see what I mean.
Crap I've Made
Stuff I Think About
Date Girl Diaries
Girl Evolving
Linds Loves Miles
The Hotlegs Runner
Mommy's Going for a Run
Run Faster Mommy!

What do you mean that's not 15? Look, you people are lucky you got 10. Because the last 4, well, I've been stalking them for a while. Still, I haven't got time to run around trying to find another 5 bloggers to put up here. So, 10 it is.

Now, I've got to find the time to contact all 10 bloggers and let them know they have "won" this award from me.

Run on.

Listening to: Hurricane by Jimmy Needham

Great News!

2011-01-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

Well, folks. It looks like you will no longer be hearing me whine about riding the bike! Or not, as the case may be. All 500 things on that stupid "Must be able to do with no pain in the IT Band" list are now able to be done with no pain!

I believe champagne is called for. Except, I don't like champagne, it gives me a headache. So, maybe Jamoosh will send me some beer options to consider. Or I could just go for a run. And then drink the beer. Yes, option 2 it shall be.

Honestly, though, I'm so glad to get back to running. I've learned my lesson, y'all. I will cross-train, I will stretch religiously, I will not solely train on the treadmill. And I'll get new shoes. wince I think that one will hurt the most!

Ahhh, the long-awaited easy run originally scheduled for the day after my Half in November shall be greatly enjoyed. I. Can't. Wait. But I will have to wait until next Monday. Busy, busy, busy weekend helping out Momma with the Outer Banks Wedding Expo and taking part in the Fashion Show. Ahh yes, I love the Fashion Show.

Run on. Because you know I will be!

Listening to: Just When I Needed You Most by Randy VanWarmer

New Workout?

2011-01-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

So, last night I went to my gym. First visit since, well, since before the Half in November. They have a Body Sculpt class at 6:30 on Monday nights. It sounded like a good plan. Yeah.

Body Sculpt. totally. kicked. my. tuchis. My tuchis - totally kicked. By the end of the 40 minute class, I was laying on the floor in agony. Quads - on fire. Tuchis - screaming. Abs - don't ask.

Ummm, I guess I really need to get to the gym more?

On a brighter note (or not, if you're me), I got on the bike last night for a 30 minute "ride". This was after the tuchis-kicking Body Sculpt class. I did a Level 2 (of 25 - hey, I haven't worked out in a month and half and I just endured 40 minutes of tuchis-kicking) Random workout. Not sure what that meant, but it was interesting. Or not. I did enjoy reading all the Us magazines just lying around.

I'm not sure I'll go back to the Body Sculpt class. It interferes with Small Group on Monday nights, which will be meeting again next Monday at 6:30. So, instead, I'm going to try out a new class tomorrow morning at 7 am. It is called Jump Start. I'll let you know how it goes. Provided, of course, it doesn't kill me.

Run on. While I glare at you from my seat on the bike. I can still only do about 3/4 of the "Must be able to do with no pain" list so no running for me yet. Soon, though, I am certain of it.

Listening to: Courage by Orianthi

Another year past

2011-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm always a little sad at the end of a year. I know that my time here is limited and realizing that the days are slipping away so quickly gives me a clutch in the tummy. Time passes and so much changes. It makes me realize how very blessed I am to still be here, to still be sharing my thoughts with all of you, to still be laughing and crying, to still wake up in the morning and know I have another day to live.

2010 will forever be the saddest year of my life. Yes, I've lost a great many who have meant so much. Bubba passed almost 9 years ago and 2002 pretty much sucked. But 2010, ahh, 2010. 2010 carries so much heartache for me. Triumphs too, when you come right down to it.

This year, as I have the past two years, I will celebrate the coming new year at Winterfest. A gathering of thousands of teenagers and their youth leaders at Liberty University in Lynchburg. We'll listen to amazing music, hear the Word of God from Clay-uhn. (It's really Clayton, but you say his name Clay-uhn. No T.) We'll eat great food and fellowship with one another. And around midnight, I'll send my customary text of Happy New Year. Except this year, I'll only be sending it to Sissy and Big Sis. Big Bro will get a silent cry of Happy New Year this year, as he will every year I am still here to experience the amazing transition of one year to another.

So, while sadness pervades my thinking this time of year, the realization of spending another year on the Earth with all those I love gives me a feeling of joy and peace. I know what it feels like to cross the finish line at my second Half marathon. I know how it feels to stand in front of a room of folks and read a poem I wrote a few nights before Big Bro slipped into eternity. I know my strength, my weaknesses, my hope and my dreams. I am ready for 2011.

Happy 2011, bloggies. May your dreams, your hopes and your blessings increase this year and may you hold strong to the memories of yesterday.

Run on.

Listening to: Probably loads of teens screaming and singing - This lovely post was created ahead of time and set to post first thing on January 1, 2011. Welcome to 2011.

Tidbits

2010-12-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

Whew boy. Have I got some randomness for you today!

Went to the dentist yesterday for some emergency dental work. By mid-afternoon, my mouth was so sore I had to give in and take some pain meds. I hate dental work and they're not even done yet. Oh no, I have to go back in January to finish up the pain.
Been feeling pretty crummy lately - mostly because of the junk I've been eating. Cookies, pies, cakes, fudge, donuts, fast food, yada yada yada. (Like my Seinfeld impression of George?) One of the bloggers I ~~stalk~~ follow is giving up sugar until after her marathon in March. Check out Linds and jump on board by giving up something. Me? I'm giving up the junk and soda. But not my coffee. I need that right now (since I can't run) to stay sane.
My grandfather is in the hospital right now. He had a heart attack on Sunday morning and is scheduled to have bypass surgery tomorrow. He is currently in the same hospital where Big Bro was and I am terrified to go there. Absolutely terrified. Plus, I'm absolutely terrified that he won't come back out again. So, send a little prayer up for my grandfather and our family.
I think I may have freaked out most of my 30 readers with my last post. But I am who I am who I am. And I have accepted that not everyone believes the same and not everyone will like me and not everyone will like what I have to say. And that is okay.
Jamoosh - I am a little bummed that you gave 0 hints as to what Lady J is getting for Christmas. Okay, really bummed. Just a tiny hint? I won't tell, I promise. And I can pretty much guarantee she does not read my little blog. Please? Oh and Santa, he and I are best buds. Ya know, he makes all his Christmas gifts too in his warehouse with his elves. Why wouldn't he love me and be lenient?
My Christmas tree is up. It has been for about two weeks now. Sadly, it still is not decorated. KitKat sits beneath it and stares up into the branches with a look of "what is this doing here?" on her face. Total cuteness. Sadie, well, she's so used to Christmas trees that it doesn't even register anymore.
Did I mention I finally got my furniture into my apartment? I've only lived there since May and my dad and I moved the furniture into my place two Saturdays ago. My mom was the first to see it furnished. Now, I just have to get the guest room all done up. Like this weekend, before I leave for Winterfest and D comes to house-cat-dog sit for me.
My Girl will be staying with me one night before we head out to Winterfest. I can't wait to see her, it has been forevah since we have had one-on-one hang time and I miss her to bits.
I had a rough day on Saturday. Sitting in my mom's shop, working on some ads for her and Daddy (he's a wedding officiant and minister), and missing Big Bro like no tomorrow. The tears just popped out and made me very grateful there were no customers. Those random downswings into grief just really knock the wind out of me.
Saturday night was my company Christmas party. It was... interesting. I stayed until 9:30 and then headed home. Food was pretty great and I enjoyed spending time with some of my co-workers who are also friends. I did not, however, enjoy the completely unprofessional behaviour by many there. Especially in front of business associates (think banker, accountant and lawyer) and many of our clients. I shudder to think of the behaviour before them. It. Was. Bad.

Well, that's all I have for now. Too much randomness going on right now and not anything to give a great post. On the running front, well, still no running. I'm going to the gym to hit the dreaded bike tonight. Nurse J cancelled on me and Ber is out of town, so no Girlfriend Night tonight. Looks like the bike and I are gonna hang for a while.

Run on. While I ride the stupid bike and wish I were allowed to run. Zerberts to you.

Listening to: White Christmas by Bing Crosby - I love Bing. I can't wait to watch White Christmas and Holiday Inn on Saturday while cuddling on the couch with my animals.

Naughty or Nice?

2010-12-18T12:38:00.002-05:00

Seems I've been a little naughty - well, at least so far as keeping my blog up-to-date is concerned! Otherwise, I truly believe I would fall into Santa's "Nice" list.

The Holiday season is, to say the least, crazy. Gifts to make, gifts to wrap, parties to attend, parties to hostess, concerts and plays and services, oh my!

Did you catch that one about "gifts to make", children? You did? Excellent.

Oh, you want to know why I am making gifts and not just out buying whatever it is I am gifting?

Well, I'll tell you why. It is a little thing called Advent Conspiracy. Basically, the idea is to move away, far far away (ha ha, like Shrek), from the materialism of Christmas and closer to the true meaning of the season.

This year, I am taking part in the conspiracy and plan to spend my Christmas worshipping fully - that Jesus came to this Earth as a baby to live a sacrificial life for ME; spending less - stepping away from the mounting debt that Christmas brings and using my time and skill to create personal gifts for those I love; gifting more - by giving my whole self, including my time, my skill, and my love; and loving all - including those who I might have a hard time considering lovable.

Advent Conspiracy is really a return to a time when Christmas meant celebrating Christ's birth. It should be a celebration! It's His birthday!

Okay, here is my challenge. There are 7 days left until Christmas, including today. What can you do this year to join the Advent Conspiracy? Even if you're not a believer, there are so many ways you can change how you view and celebrate this holiday season. And if you are a believer, if you have that personal amazing relationship with God and His Son, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones and those around you to skew your viewpoint. Celebrate Christ this Christmas, not the material things. Step away from the Me mentality and look upon those around you in need. Help out at the Food Bank, share a smile and a kind word with the check-out person, drop a few dollars into the bucket. Whatever you do, do it with love in your heart.

Run on.

Listening to: Dancing with the Angels by Monk & Neagle

On the running front: sigh Well, it appears the ITBS is not improving very much. The one, and only, run I went for left me in agony afterwards. The run itself was great! So, I have a new stretching DVD on its way which should help me out some. Send out some prayers for healing of my leg - I desperately need my sanity and stress-reliever returned to me soon. Otherwise, well, I might turn into a crazy lady. Oh wait, too late. I'm already there!

Just some pictures...

2010-12-03T17:15:00.001-05:00

I know you're so excited by my recent lack of blogging. Well, life intrudes, we get busy and then we are all ready to drop. Still, sometimes I take a moment out to grab a shot of life. Here are a few images from my 'hood lately.

These three images are all from my half on November 14. The first two I took at the top of the bridge. They are the only photos I took during my half.

The third image was taken by my mother, somewhere along the trail. I believe I was in Nags Head, or maybe Roanoke Island. Not sure. The picture shows me walking so I know it was after the ITBS had started to kill my pace.

Finally, the debut of Miss KitKat. She is the kitty I rescued back in July. KitKat is one of 6 kittens that were born out behind our office to a Momma Kitty we have been trying to catch and spay for over a year. She has had 3 different litters in that time. The last litter had 4 kittens. Two found their forever homes with a friend of a friend. The final two found their forever home with AMB and Callie, one of the KitKat's sisters. The other four kittens from KitKat's litter have found homes with other co-workers.

Isn't she pretty? This is her, why are you waking me up, look. Silly girl, she was just sitting there snoozing while I was hanging with Little Girl on Saturday. I so love this crazy kitten.

Sadie wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get a good shot of her. She likes movement, that one. Still, I hope to have some good pics of her for the bloggy world soon.

Run on.

Listening to: Day 3 of 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas is Coming by The Vince Guaraldi Trio

It's that...

2010-12-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

time of year, when the world falls in love, every song you hear, seems to say, Merry Christmas, may your New Year's dreams come true...

Okay, no, I'm not normally a sentimentalist. But. It is the most amazing time of year. I. Heart. Christmas.

Why?

Let me list a few reasons for you...

Jesus was born. His birthday is the reason for this amazing day and I am so very blessed to be able to celebrate the true meaning with my loving family. (Even if we are having our Christmas celebration on Boxing Day. What? You don't know when Boxing Day is? Well, it's December 26.)
I love Christmas decorations. Lights and ornaments and trees, oh my.
Traditions. Most people would be surprised to find I am a tradition junkie. Yep. I admit it. Some important traditions at Christmas for my family include: my mother and I decorating the Christmas tree together, buying Daddy another Santa Claus ornament from Hallmark (yes, it must be from Hallmark), searching for some snowman doodad for Momma, Christmas breakfast... I could go on, but I don't want to bore you.
Decorating my place. This year, decorating is going to be so different from prior years. I now have a big enough place to really go all out, plus my furniture is still in the garage so lots of room to maneuver still in my place. I can't wait to get to it.
Spending time with friends and family. We can go all year long forgetting that the people in are lives are in our lives. Christmas seems to have some magic that makes everyone step back and reflect on those around us. Personally, I am very thankful for that this year.

Well, I could go on forever. But I won't. I just sent the first Holiday email from our company and I'm planning the company Holiday party, so I've been in a festive spirit for a few days. Still, sometimes it is just time to reflect.

I know this holiday season will be rough. With Big Bro gone, there will be an empty spot at the breakfast table and his teasing smile and laughter will be greatly missed. Still, I know he is celebrating with us. Just like during the Half when I felt as if I couldn't take another step, I know he is always with me and he is going to help me through the last few painful steps.

Merry Christmas, peeps. I pray all of you experience the magic, the wonder and the love of this amazing time of year.

Run on.

Listening to: Day 1 of 25 Days of Christmas, thanks to my good buddy M. Jingle Bells Instrumental is our first song and boy, is it beautiful!

PS - I am still stretching it out with the IT Band. No biking yet. No running, either. Stretches are boring. I can't wait to run again. Oh and no more pain! Maybe I'll be running soon?

New gear...

2010-11-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

I broke down and bought some gear way back in August. And never told anyone about it. Except Zombie Queen, but then she was with me so I didn't really have to say much.

Some of the new gear included a fuel belt, 2 running skirts, compression leg sleeves in pink, and a headband thingy. Both skirts are from Saucony. Not sure who the fuel belt and headband are from. The compression leg sleeves, they're Zensah.

So, I'm in love with the skirts, the compression leg sleeves and the fuel belt. Hate the headband. It is just way too skinny and feels like it is squeezing my head. What's a girl to do?

Get some new ones. So, I did. I visited Bondibands because, well, I kept reading about them and thought, why not. I ended up with 5, yes 5, different Bondibands and a really cool magnet for my car that says "Runner Girl". I would have gotten the pigtail hat too, but figured I really should check out the headbands first.

Here's most of the loots:

Yes, that's right. I have one plain pink, one black with a girl skull, one black with silver guitars (which I am still trying to find lessons for learning to play), one navy with a pink baby chick that says "Biker Chick", and finally my favorite, one pink with silver "Jesus is my running coach". The last one has gotten me on my feet a number of times over the last months when I wanted to sit on my butt and be sad.

The only item not showing here is the car magnet. It went on the car immediately upon arrival.

I'm totally in love with these headbands. They are wide, they keep the wispy hairs off my face and even kinda hide them, they don't slip and slide, and I look really great in them. I'm definitely gonna get that pigtail hat! Since Bondibands were at the Expo this past weekend, I picked up about four more of these great headbands. I even got one for Mini-Me and one for My Girl. Bondibands get my extra credit score of A+++++++++++++.

So, in September, I got another package in the mail. This one was from Oiselle. It was an awesome tank that I had signed up to get for free. Yes, that's right, for free. It's a poly/cotton blend and I love it, I love it. It was lightweight and I didn't feel like I was being squished by too much spandex. After years of dance, spandex and I are tight buddies. Still, when I'm running and sweating like a stuck pig I don't want tight clothes sticking to me. Even if they're Dri-Fit or whatever the heck you call it. Tight is tight is tight. And I like a bit of looseness. Still 100% cotton is typically too thick and hot.

The orange color they sent me actually looks good on me and I have enjoyed running in this tank a number of times at the gym. I would definitely purcahse more tops of this style. So, on the SCR scale, this tank got a definite A.

Oh, and no one asked me to write about their products or do a review or anything. These are strictly my opinion. The freebie from Oiselle was open to the first 500 runners to sign up or something like that, so it's not like they contacted me and asked me to try it out and review it. Still, I love it and I wanted to share.

My Janked Up Knee

2010-11-18T08:30:00.002-05:00

So. Now I guess you wanna know about the janked up knee, right?

I made a visit to Dr Sports Med (by the way, what is the deal with the hottie Ortho docs? SRSLY, all the sports med docs here are to die for, and sadly, married). We did X-Rays and some poking and prodding that hurt. really. bad. I have a great looking knee joint for my age, I was told. Umm, I'm 31, not 61. Ahh yes, but with my history of dance, cheerleading, color guard and now running, my knee looks great. Woot?

After torturing me for about 15 minutes, I was told I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

Huh? Who gets that?

Apparently, runners.

Why do I have it?

Well, it appears I have Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome due to the following:

running in shoes that were, well, ready to retire about three months ago
running on an incline on the treadmill for about 95% of my training
not stretching enough that morning
oh, and a cumulative effect of all these things combined together, yippee

I have a list of stretches to do and a prescription of 2 Aleve every 12 hours and no running until I can do about 50 things with no pain. I am allowed to ride the bike (boo) and do strength training (yeah) but no running for now. Oh, and I have to get new running shoes after getting my gait analyzed at the running store.

I am bummed as I was looking forward to going out for a run with absolutely no regard for distance or time on this past Monday.

Anyone want to trade IT Bands? Someone not using theirs, maybe? I mean, all a girl wants is a nice run. And instead, I have to settle for the bike.

Run on. (while I envy you and sort of hate you)

Listening to: Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers - kinda appropriate the way I'm feeling with no running on the horizon for a few weeks

At last...

2010-11-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

my long-awaited Race Recap from Sunday's Outer Banks Half Marathon. (ha ha, I keep writing Marathong - which is totally inappropriate and I probably shouldn't share that, but oh well. I'm not perfect, I just have a perfect Saviour.)

I guess I should add this...

Disclaimer: This is gonna be a long post. So if you just want stats, scroll to the bottom. Otherwise, enjoy.

Expo - Friday, November 12

This expo was only my second one, the first being the OBX Half Marathon expo last year. While I am not sure what others are like, I will say I was a bit disappointed. I don't expect a massive blow-out as we are but a small event on a small island with very little places for an expo to be held (like a massive expo center - yeah, those don't exist here. We just use the High School, Middle School, or in this case, the Youth Rec Center.)

Upon arriving at the Rec Center, I went in to search down long pages of paper to find my Bib number. Once I had that, I then went into the gym and searched for the Half Marathon bib section. No signs meant it wasn't easy to find. I did find the right table easily as there were signs for the bib numbers. I picked up my bib and then proceeded to grab my "booty" bag. Did I mention the Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon have a pirate theme?

The "booty" bag didn't really have much in it, just a few small samples of things like rice and some shaving oil stuff. No, I did not eat the rice (white rice does not tempt me).

I tried some really nasty "juice" made from some weird fruit and some kool-aid tasting recovery drink. I was not impressed and did not buy any.

My next stop was by the SPIbelt booth. I picked up a SPIbelt, black with a hot pink zipper. I really wanted the pink polka-dot one, but it just didn't go with anything I own clothes-wise for running. So, I made the concession and just grabbed the one with the hot pink zipper. I am in serious love with this thing! It even had these little clip thingies for my bib, so no safety pin or safety pin holes in my shirt! Woot.

After the SPIbelt booth, I wandered a bit before going back to the booth next door to SPIbelt. Bondibands was there. Yeah! I love Bondibands. I had 5 of them before the expo and now I have 4 more! I even picked one up for Mini-Me and My Girl. My favorite one has a turtle on it and says "Wanna race?"

After choosing my 6 Bondibands (the 4 for me plus the 2 for the girls), I left the expo. There really wasn't anything else I wanted and I wasn't very impressed with the rest of the booths there. Although, I will say, the Outer Banks Running store's booth was pretty sweet.

Saturday, November 13

I had a wedding to attend and was out early searching for a dress. The weight loss in the last year meant none of my special event wear fit and I was desperate to look cute. Lil Sis, younger sister of one of my BFFs, was getting married and I wanted to celebrate with them.

After getting up super early for a non-work day, I made my way to the TJ Maxx and found an awesome dress - for my company Christmas party. Nothing that would work for a November wedding, even if it was an amazingly warm day.

Who do you call? Momma. That's right. I spoke with Momma and went to her bridal salon to find a gown. Boy did I find one! I am so in love with the dress that I got (or that Momma gave me, I should say) that I was ecstatic to wear it. When I got home, I realized I even had a pair of shoes the exact same shade!

I attended the ceremony at 2 that afternoon and then made my way to the Reception. I hung out at the Reception for about two and a half hours and left there by 6:30. Right as they were getting ready to do the bouquet toss! What? I don't care that I'm single, I don't want to catch the bouquet at a wedding!

I got home and immediately made some pasta for dinner. I had eaten some great food at the Reception but not enough to be full. Plus, I knew carb-loading was necessary. I ate a bowl of pasta with a 32 ounce bottle of Powerade. After eating and walking Miss Sadie, I settled down in bed to get some sleep around 8:30. And yes, I slept like a rock and fell asleep with little difficulty. I wasn't worried about the half the next day at all. I knew I could finish and that was the only goal I had.

Half Marathon - Sunday, November 14

I woke up at 4:30 am on Sunday morning. It was dark out and Miss Sadie was not too excited to be woken up so early. She gave me the stank eye and then ignored me.

I ate a nutritious breakfast of a wheat bagel with cream cheese and bacon. MMMMM, bacon. Yes, real bacon with all the yummy fat. I had planned to scramble up some eggs but just couldn't bring myself to eat them. I detest eggs. They're so... eggy.

After walking Miss Sadie, who still had not forgiven me for waking her up, I got suited up in my racing attire. Sorry, no pics on the outfit as I still had sleepy head and didn't even think about it until after the race was over!

I left the house around 6 to get to the race early. The Half Marathon started at the halfway point on the Marathon route at 7 am. The Marathon started at 7:30 am. When I arrived at the parking lot, I got out and immediately walked over to the Port-a-Pots. I needed to go after drinking another Powerade.

After visiting the facilities, I went over to drop off my gear bag and realized I had left my PiPod in the car. That would have been very bad for me. I need tunes to run with! I headed back for the car, assuring the event staff that I was just grabbing my PiPod and was not DNFing the race! Once I got the PiPod and made sure I had everything in my SPIbelt, including my Bib, I headed back to the UPS trucks and dropped off my gear bag. Then, I headed to my corral to wait for the start of the race.

I stood around for almost an hour, shivering a bit in the cold air of the still sun-less morning. I am so not a morning person. Still, I did make some new friends, including TJ from Raleigh. We kept one another amused for the standing around portion and she and I talked about tons of stuff.

Finally, it was time to start. I was in the fourth corral, which somehow ended up being the second corral. It seems the speedies weren't there for the race and so they grouped corrals 1 and 2 together and 3 and 4 together. Ummm, did I mention I'm a turtle? I run slow. I should not be grouped in with people who run 6 minute miles. This idea is just bad, bad, bad.

The gun went off and I made it across the start line, clicking on my Garmin as I did so. DS and I were ready to rock. The PiPod was jamming and I started at a nice pace. 11:24. Hmm. Good. There were a few gentleman in front of me that seemed to be on the same pace plan as I was, so I just kept in step with them.

Miles 0 - 3

I rocked along during these miles with very little effort. Everything was going great and I was really pumped. I grabbed water at the first water station at mile 2. I was hoping for Hatorade but they were only offering water. I walked through the water station and then headed back quickly to catch up with the two men who were acting as my pacers, unbeknownst to them.

There was a super quick potty break just after mile 3 and I headed out from my quick stop with excitement. This was gonna be my best run ever! I could just tell.

Miles 3 - 7

When I came upon Mile 4, I placed a quick call to Momma to warn her they had better get to the Finish line quick-like, as I was making better time than I had originally anticipated. No answer, so I left a quick message and stuck my phone back in my belt. I ran the whole time but had very little trouble speaking.

Mile 4 saw a second water station, this time with the dreaded Hatorade. Still, I learned during my long runs that I need the electrolytes and sugar from these types of drinks and drank my Hatorade as I walked through the water station. I had walked very little at this point, perhaps as much as 5 minutes of my time.

Just before I hit Mile 5, I got the best surprise of my life. I looked over at the spectators and saw some signs saying "Run Jen Run" and even one with a turtle and a medal. These four people were wearing shirts that said "Team Jenny" on it. It was my family! Surprise, surprise, Sissy was even there! She had told me she wouldn't be able to make it due to familial obligations but there she was. Best Surprise Ever!

I got a huge hug from Sissy before I headed out again. If you look closely, you can see the red Vic on my left leg. Big Bro, aka Vic, ran with me during this Half and even carried me through it.

After leaving the family, I ran through some beautiful neighborhoods on my way from mile 5 to 7. I walked through the mile 6 water station and this time grabbed water and some Hatorade. That Hatorade left a really ucky taste in my mouth after drinking it, so I used the water to get rid of it. Uneventful and yet still rolling along at a great pace, I was really pumped to realize I was more than halfway there when I hit mile 7.

Miles 7 - 8

My family was hanging out around the 7.5 mile area, again cheering me on. Daddy got a shot of me as I waved bye to him. My knee was hurting a bit, but I was still going strong at this point.

Around mile 7.75, I ate my Scooby Fruit Snacks. (Yes, I am sometimes still 12 and these are a great way to get some sugar without eating those nasty gels. Plus, those gels cause me to have seizures while I'm still awake and I don't like that.)

I walked while I ate my Scooby snacks and was feeling a bit tired, but still pumped. I began running again shortly before mile 8 and noticed some pain in my right knee. Nothing new, I stopped to stretch it out and went along my merry way.

Miles 8 - 10

Umm. This is when everything went from awesome to really bad. At mile 8 water station, I grabbed water and Hatorade and also stopped at the First Aid station to rub some Bio-Freeze on my right knee. Even walking was becoming increasingly painful and I was worried about what the impact of running up and over the upcoming bridge would do to my knee. Still, I was gonna finish even if I was crawling!

I got through these miles with more walking than running. My pace had dropped down to somewhere in the 16 minute area and I was not happy. When I reached the uphill portion of the bridge, the mile 10 marker was beaming down at me from the top. I ran up the bridge, knowing I would need to walk back down to keep my momentum from overwhelming me. When I got to the top, I again reflected on how I live in Paradise.

Miles 10 - 13

Bad. That is the word I would use to describe the three miles after the top of the bridge. I alternated between running and walking, stopping at the water station immediately after the bridge for more water and Hatorade plus more Bio-Freeze. I don't remember much about mile 11 and 12, except for one more stop at the mile 12 water station for more Bio-Freeze.

I knew I was close. I ran into Momma, Daddy and B-Man just slightly before the Mile 13 marker. I was feeling very beat at that point and my knee was hurting so badly that I didn't know if I would make the last .3 miles. Momma looked at me and said, "You've got this. Now do it."

So I did.

Mile 13 - 13.3?

Yeah, isn't a Half Marathon supposed to be 13.1? I guess not.

I ran past the 26 mile marker for the marathon and knew I had (or should have had) .2 miles to go. Okay, Jenny, less than a quarter mile. You've so got this. Now get your tooshie running.

So, I did. I started running and after the first excruciating steps, I forgot all about the pain in my right knee. Mostly. I did feel like maybe I was gonna be sick or faint from the pain, but mostly I just pushed it down and ran.

I came around a corner and saw the Finish line. Just. In. Front. Of. Me. Like, less than .1 miles away. Somehow, I dug in deep and started sprinting like mad. I was so ready to be done. Just finished. Plus, I was leaving it all out there on the course. Every. Last. Bit.

I finished. I looked up and who was there smiling at me? Drill Sergeant from Bootcamp! He placed my medal around my neck and gave me a hug. "I told you I'd do it" is what I said to him. Then I limped over to my friend L-Dawg who is an EMT, gave him a big hug, and then said "I think my knee is janked up pretty bad."

Sissy was there waiting for me to cross the Finish line, just like last year. She got a picture that shows the intense concentration and focus I had on my face when I just wanted to be done. I'm even gonna be kind enough to share.

I made my way to the First Aid booth and got some ice for me knee, grabbed a water bottle and some more Hatorade, then made my way out of the runner's chute to meet Sissy. We found somewhere for me to sit down and to meet up with the family.

I also met up with my two BFFs, Nurse Jen and Ber. We met over by the results area and I went to see my time. Although, I knew it was 3:00:01 (gun time) when I ran over the finish line, as evidenced by the above photo.

After slugging back my chocolate milk and asking where my Guinness was (they thought I had been joking. The horror, Jamoosh. No Guinness and the only beer they had at the party was Bug Lite or some kind of Miller something. Ugh. Gross.), I proceeded to find out my results. Needless to say, I was excited, proud and well, excited. Even with my janked up knee, I pulled off the Half Marathon and made it in under 3 hours! Pretty good for a turtle with a janked up knee!

After the Half was over and I limped way to pick up my gear bag and then to Sissy's Hummer, we headed to Grits Grill for some pancakes. I ordered 3 pancakes and, yep, bacon. My pancakes were gone quickly and I even ate about half of one of Sissy's pancakes. They were yummy!

Once I picked up my car (Thanks Sissy for dropping me off at the race parking) and I headed home, I was pretty much exhausted. It was about 1:30 when I got home and Miss Sadie and KitKat were excited to see me. Miss Sadie and I went for a very quick walk and then I settled into my bed with a sleep mask. My 3 hour nap was great and my knee, well, it was bad. I iced it, babied it, and then realized I was gonna have to make the call on Monday to Dr. Sports Med and get an appointment. So I did. Sigh.

Race Results:

So, here are my race stats:

Gun time 3:00:02
Chip time 2:55:31
DS (Garmin) time 3:02:32 (I forgot to shut DS off for about 7 minutes or so)
13:24 pace - I totally blame this on the janked up knee and those 16 something minute miles I was walking
340/383 in my age group - yeah, I wasn't dead last!
1915/2387 in the Half marathon

So, would I do another half? You bet your bottom dollar! In fact, Sissy and I will be doing the Flying Pirate Half in March or April 2011. Oh yeah. The bug has swept through the family and Sissy is wanting to take a taste of the glories of the 13.1!

Would I do a full? Umm, no. 13.1 is a great distance for me and I really have no desire to do a full at this time. Will that change in the future? Well, anything is possible. For now, I'll stick with my 13.1 and hope I can beat this year's time at my next half.

Run on.

Listening to: quiet. The office is empty except for me and it's really quite nice.

Oh, did I mention I broke my time for last year's half by 58 minutes? Oh yeah, I've gotten quite speedy in a year!

Woot woot!

2010-11-14T11:23:00.002-05:00

Forgot the post about what I was wearing today for my half mary. So here is a quick rundown on my clothes, sans pics.

I wore a gray Danskin tank with a gray Champion sports bra. My shorts are an off brand from TJ Maxx. My shoes are Asics but they don't make them anymore. I wore a pair of Moeben arm sleeves - which are my new favorite thing. I had my Garmin and my Spibelt.

Okay. Tomorrow will have my recap but for now I just have to say, " I did it! Woot woot!"

Location : 2-598 Water Plant Rd, Manteo, NC 27954,
Posted via Blogaway

Last Long Run...

2010-11-08T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well, for this training cycle at least. I did my 12 miler on Saturday at the gym. Still in love with the scenery, Jamoosh. I has a need for it!

I think I did pretty well. Finish time (from start without taking out the 20 minutes I spent trying to recover my tee from the treadmill) was 3 hours 8 minutes. Didn't I tell y'all I'm a turtle?

So, yeah. See, unlike the awesome Emz, I do not, repeat, do not have a rock hard tummy. No, no, not even close. Though closer now thanks to Jamoosh and The Hard Core Club. Still, there is a verrry long way to go before my abs are even close to rocking like Emz.

I got hot at the gym. Really, really hot. Like, so sweaty hot that I felt like I was in the swamp in 110 degree heat with 100% humidity. It was bad. So, I took off the tee and ran in the sports bra and shorts. Trust me, you're glad you weren't there.

I draped my tee over the arm of the treadmill and kept on my merry way. Pounding out the miles. All of a sudden, my teee fell off the arm and wooshed away. Eh, no prob. Not gonna worry about it. Until my treadmill goes into the slo-mo mode. Umm, wait, I'm not done. I'm only halfway through. Why are you stopping you stupid machine?

Why?

Because my tee was caught in the treadmill's death grip. Oh yeah, that baby just sucked my tee right in. My tee was now wedged between immovable piece of metal and the runny part. (What do you call the piece that moves? A conveyor belt, like in the grocery store?) So, I sat down and began the 20 minute process of removing the tee from the death grip of the treadmill. Treadmill + My tee = total loss. But, eh, who cares. I still had 6 more to go!

So, I got back on and started running again. About mile 9, my knees started aching. I thought that Glucosamine stuff was gonna help? Maybe it takes more than a few days, huh. Well, okay, I figured I could make it just fine. Until...

I fell asleep. While running. Kind of. I closed my eyes for just a second (staring at the screen trying to watch the Navy v ECU game was making my eyes blurry) and fell off the back of the treadmill. I was still running, just apparently half asleep. Has anyone else ever done that?

The final 2 and half miles were eh. I ran, I stopped, I stretched, I walked, I ran, repeat, repeat. All in all, I did 12.3 miles.

I know I'm ready for the Half on Sunday. Of course, I'm still scared out of my mind. But, I am totally gonna rock it. Last year, I walked the Half in 3 hours and 53 minutes. I weighed a whooping 178ish and was ecstatic to cross the finish line in a sprint. This year, my goal is to run the Half (no time goal, just to run it) and I'm currently weighing in at 143. That's 45 pounds lighter, a whole heck of a lot of weight off my body!

So, I've decided my 100th post will be my race recap! Since this post makes 98, I figure I'll post one more before my race recap next week. Not sure what, maybe my outfit? That seems like the girly thing to do. Of course, I'm totally jealous of Emz awesome new Sugoi polka-dot arm sleeves, but I'm gonna find some totally awesome ones for myself. I wonder if they make Happy Bunny arm sleeves?

Run on.

Listening to: nothing - the rest of the staff is G O N E for the day and I'm supposed to be finishing up one last project before I too head for the hills. Instead, I'm posting this. Bad me.

Today's number is...

2010-11-04T09:32:00.000-04:00

well, not 100. Yet. But I'm almost there. Today's number is 97. Ah ah ah.

Why?

Because this is my 97th post. I'm getting a bit excited to know that soon I will reach 100 posts since I started my blog almost 2 years ago. Tells you how bad I am about keeping this bad boy updated. Soon, that will end.

Why, you ask?

Because my laptop is almost done. One more techie piece, the HDD (or Hard Disk Drive to you non-techie geeks) is going to arrive sometime next week and I will be all set and ready to go. I can't wait! That way, I'll be able to go online at home and post from there, instead of pilfering away some time at work to do my posts.

So, with my 100th post looming, what should I post about? I could do a run-down on my last year. But, that would mean dredging back into Big Bro's death and I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I could answer questions, but let's be honest, I don't really get those. So, I'm asking you, my followers. What should I post about?

My stomach is all jumpy today because I realized I only have 11 days until I run my Half. I'm excited and so nervous. Still, I can't wait. Saturday will be my last long run and then one more run of a short 3 miles.

One thing I can honestly say, I'll be glad when training is done. I'm ready to get back to running just because I can. And not because I feel like I have to. I'm hoping to start back down at 3 miles a day. Of course, the best part is being able to choose how far I want to run that day and not being hampered by training.

Run on.

Listening to: Hole in My Hand by Day of Fire

PINT: November 2

2010-11-02T11:38:00.000-04:00

It's almost here...

2010-10-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

The long-awaited trip to Wake Forest is almost upon me. I am waiting with all kinds of excitement and bated breath!

Sissy called me the other day and asked if I would be willing to bring Littlest Man along with me. (Littlest Man is Big Bro's youngest son. I call him that because his big bro, Purple Haze, was called Little Man when he was younger. Since Purple Haze was Little Man, Littlest Man had to be Littlest Man. Make sense?) He is 6 years old, smarter than a 5th grader, and cute as pie. Of course, how could I say no? He had called Sissy up to tell her that he missed her and really wanted to see her. She offered my services as chauffeur and he was ecstatic!

So, off we will go in the morning to Wake Forest and Sissy's house! Just me and Littlest Man. We are leaving at 9:30 and hope to make it to Wake Forest in time for lunch. My Girl and Mini-Me are both getting out of school early, which is great! Littlest and Mini-Me are only about 4 months apart and are really close buds. They'll keep one another out of trouble... maybe.

Littlest Man is truly Evil Knievel reincarnated I think. If it is scary, death-defying or just plain nuts, he'll probably do it. I love that little guy because Big Bro was like that when he was younger. I see so much of Big Bro in Littlest and I know Big Bro would be so proud of his little guy.

My Girl will be enjoying the State Fair from the viewpoint of a wheelchair. What? you ask. Sigh. Well, it appears My Girl has ripped her hamstring in dance and is now sidelined with the injury until gasp January. Sigh. No dance recital this year. So, she will have to enjoy the ride in the wheelchair. Hey, on the bright side, we'll be able to get to the front of the lines quicker by using the handicapped line. Can you say woot, children? Very good.

This week has been slowly eroding my mind. Day after day of sitting in that conference room with the same two people, plotting out ways to slowly disappear from the space and yet being caught in the tightening web, well, it's been pure and utter torture. I haven't been able to go for a run - which is really starting to get to me as I am feeling the brain burn-out of not being out there running along blissfully in my state of Zen. Plus, my first time running the OBX Half Marathon is coming up in just 4 weeks and I feel all kinds of out of shape for it.

It's halfway through the day and I just have to make it a little while longer... Run on.

Listening to: White Flag by Dido

It's Friday!

2010-10-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Normally, this would incite loads of excitement into my system. Alas, I will spend the weekend (and much of the next week) inside a conference room with two other ladies as we proof our 2011 catalog. Can you say shoot me now, children? Good job.

I've worked for my company for almost 7 years. I've worked the same insane schedule for our yearly catalog for the same amount of time. And yet, this year, all I want to do is go outside and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather that has finally come to town. I want to swing on the swingset and go for long meaningless walks on the beach with Miss Sadie and cook Fall goodies and go out for amazing training runs. Well, maybe next year...

The one good thing about being stuck inside a conference room for who knows how many days? Next weekend, I am going to see Sissy in her new digs out in Wake Forest! And, we're going to the North Carolina State Fair on Saturday! Woot. We have never been to the NC State Fair and we've lived in NC for 20+ years. Sad, but true. So, we're heading there for a fun-filled Saturday of just the girls. Me, Sissy, My Girl and Mini-Me. (Mini-Me is actually a miniature replica of Sissy. And yes, she's just gorgeous. Just like My Girl.)

So, while my thoughts are going to be with Funnel Cake Factories and Fried Twinkies for the next week, my body will be stuck inside the conference room proofing pages for our next catalog. Good thing I got that Degree in Writing, yeah?

Run on.

Listening to: Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Knight

Not me...

2010-10-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

Seems there has been some bad press about Healthy Lifestyle blogs and their possible impact on readers. I've read the article, I've read the rebuttals, I even read through some of the blogs that were tossed on the skillet and fried crisp. And I am mortified.

My blog is not a Healthy Lifestyle blog. You'll probably never read about me eating something healthy, like Brussel Sprouts or Broccoli, you'll probably never read anything about how few (or too many) calories I've put away in a day. My diet, for the most part, stinks. I eat pizza and burgers, steaks and french fries. I love chicken alfredo and drink too much coffee. Water and I are good friends after the Dehydration issue, but still, I'd rather have a Coke (even if it is Diet). I run when I want to, not because I have to or because I'm obsessed with being skinny. I rarely, if ever, cross-train or lift weights. I do my HCC training religiously because, really, I would love to have a flatter tummy like Emz.

When I read the article, I was horrified. A blog is a personal story, a personal journey, an adventure that is unique to each individual. These 6 women are being sacrificed on the altar of Journalism and sensationalism. While we all take our lives and put them on the line for everyone to read out there in the big old internet world, we aren't aware of how much we are opening ourselves up. This article could have been about us. Those runners that love to run, the healthy eaters who blog about their meals, the exercise enthusiasts who exercise to stay healthy. It could have been me.

So, while I am on my personal journey, telling my story, and living the life adventure God has placed before me, I would like the world to know: this is not a healthy lifestyle blog.

I do hope I inspire someone out there who was told "No, you can't do that" at one point in their life to step up and say "Neener neener, yes I can" and get out there and do it. I did. Not to show the world or to blab about it online. No, I did it for me. For my life. And yes, Dr Walker, I can run. Neener Neener.

Run on.

Listening to: Earth Angel by The Penguins - Totally adding this one to the playlist for when I RUN my FIRST HALF MARATHON. Last year's doesn't count on the scoreboard, I only walked.

Oh my...

2010-10-11T14:07:00.000-04:00

Bloggy peoples - please accept my most sincere apologies on my complete and total lack of posting lately, on keeping up with your blogs and on commenting to my bloggy peoples. No excuses but I will offer a one-word explanation.

Bronchitis.

Those who have or know someone with Asthma will understand my inability to do much for the last 2 weeks. But, now I'm back... to let you know... I can really shake it down.

Run on.

Listening to: Maggie May by Rod Stewart

Addicted...

2010-09-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am addicted to running. It all started in February of this year when I signed up for a Bootcamp at the local Knuckle-Up Fitness. For the next 6 weeks, I ran twice a week, sometimes more.

Yeah... I really have a problem. Because today is supposed to be a rest day and I am jonesing for a run. Just a short one. Really, it only has to be like a mile. Or 5.

My long run for last week happened on Saturday. Now remember, you 26.2 runners, I'm working on my first half marathon. So, a long run for me is half what you would run. My long run was slated for 8 miles. I finished with about 8.5 miles. I didn't want to stop, but I knew the gym was getting ready to close. My plans for a long run outdoors didn't happen when the air quality was, well, poor and the humidity was, well, high. Bad air quality plus humidity plus asthma equals one unable-to-breathe runner.

I finally talked myself into doing some strength training, so I popped by the gym Sunday after church. 30 minutes later, I figured I'd finish up with a slow mile recovery run. 15 minutes tops. When I was at about 13 minutes, I thought, it's not that much further to 20 minutes, I'll just keep going. At 20 minutes, I thought, well, let's just go to 30. And on and on it went until the machine shut down at 60 minutes. Nope, not happy. I was less than a half mile from hitting 5 miles and I was gonna finish that 5 miles, darn it! So, 9 minutes later, my 15 minute slow recovery run had reached 69 minutes and 5.24 miles. Umm, oops?

So, I'm addicted. And I figure, at least I'm addicted to something good for me this time. Still, now I'm jonesing for a run. And it's raining. I love to run in the rain. Maybe I can squeeze in a mile before Bible Study with Twisted Sisters* tonight.

Run on.

Listening to: Waiting by Fireflight

*Ha ha, I think it is hilarious that the ladies in my Bible Study chose this name and had no clue Twisted Sisters was an eighties hair band. When they saw the pictures of the band and listened to a song on YouTube, they were rolling on the floor laughing. It was too hilarious! One of them said we should dress up like them for Halloween. The rest were like, we're not wearing spandex!

P.I.N.T.: Back in the Saddle, 9/21

2010-09-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

P.I.N.T.: August 31

2010-08-31T13:39:00.000-04:00

Ugh..

2010-08-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

Great title post, I know.

Today's workout of 30 minutes cross training and HCC (Hard Core Club) has been postponed. It appears that I have been extremely lax in my intake of appropriate beverages. Apparently, coffee, Diet Coke, a beer and occasionally some water are not appropriate when expending so much energy and sweat. So, I am now dehydrated.

J-Nurse was so kind as to help me out with what I could do to avoid going to the ER for an IV and fluids. My current plan of action is to take today off - sigh - and drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water and 64 ounces of an electrolyte-based drink. I am also to remember to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.

So, in order to help me out with getting all that drink on. I brought this cup from home with me.

I have also been told that I need to drink 32 ounces of an electrolyte-based drink after each run or workout. Within the first hour, that is. So, fun for me.

Anyone else having issues taking in enough liquids? How are you dealing/coping with it? I feel like I'm floating already and I've only had 16 ounces of Powerade so far.

Run on.

Listening to: the carpet guys outside my office door gossip about people in their office - too hilarious really

30 Days of Truth: Day 3, August 27

2010-08-27T00:02:00.007-04:00

Disclaimer: This is a long and emotional post. I wanted to tell everyone that this wasn't easy for me to write, it wasn't easy for me to share, but it is something I have needed to tell, to share, for years. And 30 Days of Truth is finally giving me an opportunity to do so. Please don't judge me too harshly after reading this post. My past is gone. My Saviour bought me and freed me from my sins. So even the most horrible thing I have ever done has been forgiven by his sacrifice on the cross.

So, even though I am horrible at counting, this really is Day 3 for me in the 30 Days of Truth. It has taken me a long time to write this and to finally make myself share it. I couldn't move on to Day 4 without doing Day 3, so here we go.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Oh boy. Where to start on this one. Something I have to forgive myself for. Well gee. There is something that is so huge not many people know about it. Something I did because I was told to. Okay. Time to spill, I guess.

I became involved with a guy, we'll call him Stan, very quickly. As in, less than a month after meeting, we were like peas and carrots. (Ha, I'll use a Gump-ism. I need a little humor for this story.) Now Stan was a very controlling guy. Oh, just like any abusive man, he eased his way into it. I never had any idea that he was cutting me into little pieces until after... well, we'll save that for another time. He wasn't physical, no, he was a mental and emotional abuser. By the time that first month was over, I honestly believed every word he said. I wasn't pretty. I wasn't smart. I needed him to take care of me because I was too stupid to do it myself. If I got upset, he withheld sex and affection. Oh yeah. He was good at cutting me down and making me small.

So. About 2 months in, I started getting queasy in the mornings. I thought nothing of it until I also realized I hadn't had my period in a while. So, I called J-Nurse. We went to the doctor.

I was pregnant.

Oh, the emotion that swept through me. I always wanted kids. Here was my chance to have a little piece of Stan and me. I was over the moon happy. J-Nurse and I went to La Fogata's to celebrate. I called in to work (Stan worked there as well) to tell them I couldn't come in that day and to tell Stan I needed to talk to him. I floated on clouds until that night.

That night. My clouds were ripped out from under me. Stan turned cold and so evil. When I told him I was pregnant, he became like stone. How stupid was I? Did I really think he wanted to have a child? Well, he certainly didn't want one with me. I was to immediately get an abortion. Stupid girl. That's what he said to me. Stupid girl.

The next thing he said to me wounded me so very deep that even though it took a year and half before I finally left, even though it has been almost 7 years since he said it, I have never forgotten it. He told me that I wasn't fit to be anyone's mother. Ever. And that if I had his child without his consent, he would do everything in his power to ruin me and make sure I never saw my child. Ever.

I'm a strong person. I have a very strong mind and personality. But Stan had literally made me small and weak. And so, I did what he told me. Like a good girl. J-Nurse and I made a trip to a different doctor's and I had an abortion.

Oh God. Just writing that down is horrible. Saying it out loud makes my stomach burn and churn and my heart throb with pain.

I never in my life thought I would get an abortion, that I would kill my baby. That is the single thing I have done in my life that I have never been able to forgive myself for. I was 24 years old, I was in an abusive relationship, and I killed my baby because the man I loved told me to.

Stan rewarded me after the abortion with lots of affection and TLC. Well, his version of TLC. It was horrible and yet I wanted so badly for him to love me and forgive me for being stupid enough to get pregnant.

So. There it is. The one thing I have to forgive myself for. Although, actually, it is more like two things that are tied together. I need to forgive myself for allowing another to manipulate me into doing what he wanted and to make me feel less. And I need to forgive myself for getting the abortion.

Sometimes I think about what Baby would have been like. I was 6 weeks along when I got the abortion. I don’t know if I would have had a girl or a boy. Part of me would have liked a boy to play in the mud with and be crazy with. Part of me would have like a girl to dress up and take to dance class. Whatever Baby would have been, I would have loved Baby with every drop of my being. Honestly, I love Baby with every drop of my being to this day.

So, I need to forgive myself.

As a Christian, I strive daily to be like my Saviour, Jesus Christ. If He can forgive me for killing my baby, why can’t I forgive myself?

Maybe because I haven’t really spoken about it to anyone. Maybe because I’ve pretended it never happened. But one day a few weeks ago, I told Niece. She asked a question about Sissy and if she had ever considered having an abortion when she got pregnant with her or B’Man. And I told her no. Sissy would never have done that. Ever. Then I told her the truth. I trusted her with the one thing that seems so huge and overwhelming in my life that I have kept it hidden, not even letting the love of my Lord touch it.

Well, I’ve brought it out into the open now. Shining a bright light on it for all the world to see. This isn’t an easy thing to share, and I’m sure there are those out there who will condemn me and believe that I am an evil person. And that’s okay.

Because my Saviour has forgiven me and loves me and his sacrifice washed clean my soul, my past, my slate.

Because I have finally forgiven myself.

And because I know that I will always have Baby with me in my heart.

Run on.

Listening to: Life After You by Daughtry - pretty apropos, wouldn’t you say.

TYVM: 8/19/2010

2010-08-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

I got this from The Daily Dribbles, so head on over to Kmama's blog to grab the button, link up and start your very own Thank You Very Much day.

To the SVP for deciding that he was going to be a complete and total lame-o by trying to get Big Boss to assign me e-blasts to our owners, thank you very much. Did you never consider that I have enough on my plate with all the stinking contracts (400! 400! AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH) on my desk and the ads I have to design and the catalog I have to put together and the blog to update and the photos I have to take? At least Big Boss knows how swamped I am and said, No.
To Big Boss for then sending me an email telling me to buy a Droid and start tweeting random photos of the area, thank you very much. When am I supposed to find time to actually leave the office to get these random photos? Hmmm? I have so many contracts sitting on my desk (did I mention there are 400? And I have to process every. single. one. And then enter them into the database.) and I haven't even been able to leave for lunch most days until almost 4 pm and still have to come back for at least another hour of work.
To my niece for not calling me until the last day you were in town, thank you very much. Did you think I wouldn't want to spend time with you? Darn it, you're my girl. I miss the dickens out of you. Calling me on the last night you're here when I have to work is just mean. Mean.
To the stupid program I bought to burn the DVD of B'Man's program, thank you very much. It would be nice if we could hear the program and not just see it. After all, he is singing and there is dancing and music and it just is stinky that you won't work.
To the stacks of contracts on my desk, thank you very much. If you had come in when you were supposed to, I wouldn't be so stressed right now trying to get you all entered. I am having nightmares about you every night. Right now, I would like to run screaming into the brilliantly sunny day and never. see. you. again.
To Daddy, thank you very much. You couldn't wait until I was home to bring over the furniture from Sissy's house so we could move it into my apartment, could you? Oh no, it's an easy enough task to just stick it in my garage. Where it will continue to sit until I can find someone to come help me move it. Up to the third floor where my apartment is. Not like I wouldn't like to have a couch to sit on so Girlfriend Night could be at my house. Sigh.

Okay, well, I feel a little better. Now I have to go enter in some more contracts. Did I mention there are 400 of them? Oh wait, that's right, we've got some new listings too. So make that 405. Gee, that just makes me feel so much better.

Run on.

Listening to: If It's Love by Train

P.I.N.T.: August 24

2010-08-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

P.I.N.T. - August 16

2010-08-17T14:50:00.000-04:00

30 Days of Truth: Day 2 - August 12

2010-08-12T19:21:00.003-04:00

Did you think I had forgotten? Alas, I have not. Today marks Day 2 for 30 Days of Truth. [Okay, so maybe I'm not so great at doing things in a timely manner, but hey, I'm doing it!] And today's prompt is super-easy for me.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself

Well, there are many things I love about myself. I could wax eloquently on the way I can bake like a master (well, in my mind at least) or I could tell you rambling stories about how funny I am. I could amaze you with so many things I love about myself, but I'm only going to share one. Just one.

Alright, okay, maybe it is more than one. But still, they all tie in together.

First, I love my willingness to reach out to others. I'm a very outgoing person and I love to make new friends.

Second, I love that I am an awesome friend. Proof? Here's some for you in the form of a picture.

Meet Lola - The Good Friend Fairy

My friend Paula picked out Lola for me. We were looking at a book of fairies and she said that The Good Friend Fairy was me, personified. So yeah, I'm an awesome-tastic friend.

I love my loyalty to others. Once you have my friendship, you have my loyalty. I will stand by you, before you, with you and at your back whenever you need me. Unless you seriously wrong me, nothing and no one will make me stop being your friend and being true blue.

I love my willingness to forgive. This is not an easy trait and while I would dearly love to hold onto all the pain and anger someone may have caused me, once you say those three magic words - I am sorry - I will forgive you. I may not forget what you did and may be a little less likely to trust you next time, but I will forgive you.

I love my sense of family. To me, a family pulls together and fights for one another through thick and thin. It doesn't matter what bad feelings might exist. When it is for family, that is it. My family is quite large and diverse. It includes blood family, friend family, church family, work family and so much more.

I love my chaotic mind. There is always so much going on inside there that it is hard to let it all out. Sometimes I wouldn't want to let it all out for fear that others might run screaming into the night. [And yes, I know this one has nothing to do with the others and yet it has everything to do with the others. I know it is part of what makes me such an awesome-tastic friend.]

I could go on. Seriously, I could bore you to tears with things I love about myself. From being a dancing queen to enthusiastically cheering on my loved ones [I was a cheerleader once... but that's another story.], from my inner struggles to my loving acceptance of God and Jesus as my personal Saviour, from my weight gain to my weight loss, I love so much about myself. Because without all of the things I love, and don't love, about myself, I wouldn't be me. And I really love me!

Run on.

Listening to: I Wanna Be A Cowboy by Boys Don't Cry - Ha ha, love the 80s! Great song, I'm gonna download it to the PiPod now!

PINT: August 10

2010-08-10T13:57:00.001-04:00

Monday Minute & 30 Days of Truth: 8/9 Edition

2010-08-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

Okay, normally, Monday is Monday Minute with DDoR. I've got the Monday Minute Q & A plus a little something-something extra.

This week's co-host is Kendra from Baby Bits. Not only that, she wrote all five questions. Go say hi and show her some bloggy love.

What was your "oh no, I'm turning into my Mom/Dad" moment?

Um, I don't think I've had one yet. Does this question require kids?

No, wait, I am remembering something... a comment made to one of my youth kids... nope, it's gone.

What current commercial do you find the most annoying/funny?

I don't have TV. So...

If you could only eat one color food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Wait, why only one color? Cause most foods have more than one color mixed in. But if I had to choose I would say brown. Because chocolate is brown and cookies are brown-ish and potatoes are brown. So, brown. Definitely.

What is your current Facebook/Myspace/Twitter status?

No clue. I also do not have a home computer so I don't really get to update these three things. In fact, I can't even remember my Myspace account. Twitter was probably some kind of giveaway. Facebook, well, no idea. I'm not big on Social Media. Just blogging.

Friend, Marry, Kiss from this list below. Women pick from the men, men pick from the women. [Sorry, Kendra. Your "F" and Kill are not options for me, so I have changed it to Friend and Kiss.]

•Snookie (from Jersey Shore), Ellen DeGeneres, Betty White

•Regis Philbin, Justin Bieber, Perez Hilton

So, I would be Friends with Perez Hilton, Marry Regis Philbin and Kiss Justin Bieber. I say Kiss Justin Bieber only because a kiss can be on the cheek and is over quickly. I would Friend Perez because he gives the best dish on celebs. [yes, I know it is a sin to gossip. I'm working on it.] I would Marry Regis because he would let me live my own life.

During my rambling around in the good ole Google Reader, I have been running into numerous blog entries about 30 Days of Truth. I have no clue where the original came from but the list I have came from Angel Believes, found after clicking on a link on The Random Blogette. Angel Believes gives credit to Dionne of Homesick Cajun. Dionne in turn found it somewhere, but can't remember where. So...

Day 1: Something You Hate About Yourself

Well then. I could just start a bulleted list of things like my thighs and my frizzy hair but I think I should limit this a bit. Because otherwise I might just have a mini-breakdown and that is not a good thing.

So, without further ado, the #1 thing I hate about myself is that I allow my family to use and abuse me. Yes, I do. It is something that I have been doing and allowing all my life. And I really don't know how to stop.

Need someone to babysit but don't want to pay them for their time? Yep, I usually end up doing it.

Need someone to sit with you all night long in the ER? Yep, that's me.

Need someone to always be the scapegoat? Yoo hoo, over here.

Need someone to be the one who is always wrong, always a liar, always out of step? Why yes, I do that so well.

Need someone to talk you over your insecurities until the wee hours of the morning? Oh, of course, I will definitely be here.

Need someone to download music and burn a CD because you don't have time or know how? Well, you know, I do have a background in IT. And even though I don't have a computer at home, of course I'll spend what little downtime I do have this evening taking care of that for you instead of showering.

Need someone to complain to about other family members? I guess I can try to remain objective and impartial.

Need something, need someone? Yep. The answer is me.

When I need, my family tends to take about 500 steps back. So yeah, I hate that I allow my family to use and abuse me. Saying that out loud (okay, writing that in a blog) doesn't make it any easier to accept.

Run on.

Listening to: Hallelujah by Alexandra Burke

Post-It Tuesday: I love Post-Its

2010-08-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

Do you wanna play? Of course you do. Who doesn't love post-it notes? Go visit SupahMommy to hook up to Post-It Tuesday. This was fun, I might have to join in again next week...

Monday Minute: August 2

2010-08-02T17:47:00.001-04:00

That's right! It's time for Monday Minute with Ian from The Daily Dose of Reality. What? You haven't met Ian? Well go right on over and say hi then.

This week's cohost is Jenn from Brown Eyed Girl. You haven't met her either? Okay, go say hi to her too. I'll be waiting here when you're done.

Now for the questions of the week:

Describe your life in one word.

Bearable

Is there something you wish you had learned how to do as a child?

I wish I had learned how to play the guitar. Big Bro got to play the guitar. Sissy and I had to take piano lessons. They were okay but I wanted to play the guitar. Still do. Even have an Acoustic Hondo Daddy bought for me when I was 16. No, I don't know how to play it. Yes, I'm keeping it.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

That is a tough question. So many people have influenced my life in so many ways. But, since Big Bro is at the forefront of my mind, I will say he was. His giving spirit, his love of life, his ability to move past the hurt and grief and pain, his ability to work hard and well at everything, his ability to love without strings. I guess he would have to be the biggest influence.

What is your greatest dream/hope/aspiration?

My greatest dream/hope/aspiration would be to get married and have children. I've always wanted rug rats. Luckily, Big Bro and Sissy were kind enough to share theirs but having your own is a different story.

Do you believe you have reached your potential? Why/why not?

I don't think so. I won't reach my full potential until the day I die and I step foot in Eternity. Then my potential will be fulfilled. In the meantime, I will keep striving to reach my potential because once you stop reaching, you stop living. And I pray I have a very long life to live still.

Run on.

Listening to: Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli

PYHO - Late Edition

2010-07-30T12:49:00.000-04:00

I got this from Shell over at Things I Can't Say. I'm late on this. It is supposed to be Pour Your Heart Out day on Wednesday. But it's Friday. And I need this. So please excuse my tardiness.

I seem to be chronically late. Ever since Big Bro passed, I am physically incapable of getting anywhere on time. Work? Late. Girls' night? Late. Church? Late. Running? Super duper late - so late that it ain't happening.

I am worried about myself. I don't normally admit that to anyone because I am supposed to be Super. Super-worker, Super-friend, Super-sister, Super-daughter, Super-runner. Super Jenny. Yeah. Not so much right now.

I don't sleep well. I cry at the most random of times. I feel like a huge hunk of myself has been bitten off and tossed into the ocean. And now, Sissy is moving. In just 10 days, the only other person who understands exactly what I am going through right now is moving 4 hours away.

So, I'm late. Constantly. Daily. And I am not really caring about that, which is absolutely abnormal for me. I'm worried about me. And I'm Pouring My Heart Out here, instead of IRL, because I can be not-so-Super Jenny here.

And I have realized lately that I am mad. I am so angry that I cry. (which I only do when I am at my breaking point - srsly, if I start crying when I am mad, run as fast as you can for the exit. do not stop. leave quickly and quietly.) I am mad at Big Bro, I am mad at Sissy, I am mad at my parents, I am mad at the idiot who pulled out in front of Big Bro, I am mad. I want to yell and cuss and throw things and hit something. I want to curl up in a ball and just exist for a while. I want someone to hold me and tell me it will be okay. One day, I will not be mad; one day, I will be able to smile again and actually mean it. One day, I won't be acting a part. One day, I won't be late anymore.

As I type this, I remember how Big Bro was late. For everything except his birth and his death. He was early for both of those events. Maybe that is why I'm late. After all, I always wanted to be just like Big Bro.

Run on.

Listening to: I Never Told You by Colbie Caillat

Sheer Amazement

2010-07-26T11:33:00.000-04:00

I hit up Jamoosh's Last Mile Lounge this morning to see what he and Lady J have been up to training-wise. As my little eyes are reading from the actual blog and not the Google Reader, they stray slightly to the right and I gasped. There in all my [very small] glory is a link to my blog. On his list of blogs he ~~stalks~~ follows and suggests to others as a way to have time sucked away quickly. I was flabbergasted for two seconds and now am only smiling like a crazy person (which admittedly I can be). Thanks, Jamoosh! I strive hard to be one who will suck up peoples' time, much like a vacuum or black hole.

Run on.

Listening to: Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds.

Monday Minute: 7/26/2010

2010-07-26T11:05:00.002-04:00

Once again I am linking up with Ian at DDoR (Daily Dose of REality - go visit him, he's funny) and his awesome co-host, Kmama of The Daily Dribbles (Visit her too, love love love her!). Kmama came up with the first four questions, Ian added the fifth.

1. Who is your "what-if" person?
(What-if person being what if I married this person or am now in a relationship with "this" person)

There is a guy at my church that I guess is my "what-if" person. He's a Christian, single, plays a mean guitar and sings with our band. We both graduated from the same college, too. No names.

2. What is your nickname?

Bookworm, Jen, Jenny, Old Ugly (that's my Daddy's nickname ONLY), Wilson

3. If you could choose how you died, how would you like to die?

Quickly and with no pain. But only after making sure everyone who touched my life and made an impact knew how much I appreciated them and that my loved ones had a chance to say good-bye. Watching my brother take his last breath really brought home how important it is to me to not put my family in that position again. Ever.

4. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have picked?

I always hated being a Jennifer - there were like 30 in my graduating class in high school. We had 190 students. That's a lot of Jennifer's. But now, I like my name. So, unless I become Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, Jennifer I will stay.

5. Who were you named after or for what reason did your parents choose your name?

My parents didn't think they would have a third. In fact, Momma found out she was having me when she was preparing to take care of that. So, they used up their names on Big Bro and Sissy. I got my very own, never been used before (by our family, at least) name. Only to later find out that I was not actually unique, there are tons of us out there.

I love this meme or merry-go-round or whatever you call these things. I find out lots of new stuffs about people and share the same about me. Link on up, just hop over to DDoR, grab the button, then the questions, and plop them down in your blog. Link your blog on Ian's page and shoot me an email SCR. I'd love to learn more about you too!

Run on.

Listening to: Still on the Classic 80s station, You Spin Me 'Round by Dead or Alive - rocking out 80's style

Monday Minute: 7/19/2010

2010-07-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

I missed out on Monday Minute last week - too busy being excited about my new fun toy, DS. We've had a great week. Can't wait for tomorrow's run to see what more we can do.

Well, it is that time.

What's your real name?

Jennifer

Have you ever fabricated a story or anything on your blog?
Why would I? That would just be a waste of my time. Plus, God kinda frowns on that.
When in the car do you listen to the radio/CDs/iPod/etc?
Most days it's the radio - I really like the classic rock station. Sundays, it's CDs because I'm listening to praise music.

Describe the 'sexiest' item of clothing that you own.
Umm, I have a pair of boots that are really hot.

Would you be willing to breastfeed your friend's three year old child?
Why would a kid still be nursing at 3? That's just wrong in all kinds of ways. Feed that kid some mac-n-cheese!

Wanna link up? Today's Monday Minute is being co-hosted by Michelle over at Mommy Loves Stilettos. Go visit her and give her some bloggy love. Then head over to The Daily Dose of Reality and link up!

Run on.

Listening to: Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

I gots me a button

2010-07-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

Yes I do. Just finished the creative work necessary to get that button up and running and it is too cute, if I do say so myself.

Check it out. It's over there, on the right in the sidebar, just above my ~~stalkers~~ followers and just below the photo of Miss Sadie, wonder dog and BFF extraordinaire.

I had a lot of fun coming up with a design for my button. Now I must come up with some reason to make more. Unless someone out there wants one? I like to do small graphic projects to keep my skills happening between ad campaigns creation and not let my creative mind go stagnant.

This post really was just to brag that I now have a button. That is all.

Run on.

Listening to: All Through The Night - Cyndie Lauper. I downloaded about 60 80's songs last night to the iPod. Can't wait for tonight's run with new music!

7 Random Things

2010-07-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

Katye over at Long Legs on the Loose (love her, go visit and show her bloggy love. Now!) won The Versatile Blogger award and then she decided to tag all green-eyed readers to do a post about 7 random things about them. I curse my moss green eyes. I always wanted brilliant blue like my Daddy or chocolate brown melty-goodness like my Momma. Alas, I got stuck with strange moss green that likes to change colors with what I'm wearing. *Sigh*

Okay, 7 random things about me
1. My favorite movie of all time is Monty Python and The Search for the Holy Grail. I used to make all my girlfriends watch it when they came for a sleepover. Ahhh, the fun.

2. I prefer action and/or horror movies to sappy sweet romances or comedies. Not that I don't like sappy sweet romances or comedies, because I really do, but I truly enjoy Bruce Willis in the Die Hard series and Mel Gibson as Mad Max and on and on.

3. Sticking with the movie genre, I adore Johnny Depp. In everything I have ever seen him in. Which is pretty much everything he has ever done. I think. My current favorites: Sweeney Todd (wish I had seen it in the theatres) and Alice in Wonderland (who could do a better Mad Hatter? No one, I tell you. No one.)

4. I guess it's movie things. If I go to the movie theater, I insist on eating the horribly wonderful butter-filled (cause I have to have extra butter) movie popcorn. Which costs almost as much as the ticket into the theater in the first place, but is so absolutely what I want when I'm sitting there watching some flick.

5. I also require some type of chocolate candy and Twizzlers. I go all out here people and even drink a REGULAR coca-cola. *Gasp* I know.

6. I especially like to watch movies at home after a good, hard workout and run, curled up in my sweats with eau de Icy Hot wafting around me. I know. Weird.

7. Finally, (I know you're all ready for this to be over) I have a love-hate relationship with cartoon movies. I love them but I hate that people look funny at you when you go to them as a single adult. Yes, I'm single, yes, I'm over the age of 12, yes, I like cartoons. PPPPPTHTTHTHTHTHTH. Get over it.

So, there you go people. 7 Random Things about me (and my movie habits) you totally didn't want to know. Ever. Except maybe the first one, which is only the most amazing, totally awesome movie ever and if you haven't seen it, well, stop by the OBX and we'll set up a viewing in my house. Sans eau de Icy Hot. Or with, whichever you prefer.

Oh, and if you read this, you're totally tagged to do one on your blog.

Run on.

Listening to: Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leopard - Ha ha, I love this song. It's totally going on the new running playlist.

Presenting...

2010-07-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

DS and Single Christian Running! Ta Da.

Fresh home from run/walk # 1 with DS - I was totally stoked

(Please excuse poor photo quality - these were taken with my phone.)

I went out for my first run/walk since May on Tuesday. DS and I, we're best buds already. I let DS load up the GPS Satellites while I did my stretches and some walking warm-up. Then, we let her loose. I forgot to push the Start/Stop button until I reached the end of my street. And I guess I was just ready to run because the pace for that first stretch was 8:54. Whoa Nelly. That is super fast for this turtle.

Of course, it wasn't long before I slowed down to a walk with a pace of 14:30. (Can you tell I love DS so much? All the nifty little numbers, ahh, they're so wonderful to know!) I alternated walking and running and that worked pretty well for me.

It was somewhere in the upper 80s with about 96% humidity. Not exactly the best weather to run in, but the overcast sky and occasional showers did make things more bearable.

I did 2.11 miles (not sure how long the street is that didn't get included but I'd guess about 1/10 or so of a mile) in 28:58. My average pace was 13:44, which is okay for a first run/walk after a 2 month hiatus. I'll get back in the groove soon, I know.

Thanks so much to everyone who was encouraging. I never would have gotten my tooshie out there if I hadn't had support and of course, my new BFF, DS.

Hot, sweaty mess. I love it!

Run on!

Listening to: Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carne - I'm totally getting some 80's music to run to, it has been a blast relieving the music of my childhood during work.

It's here, it's here.

2010-07-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

My new fun toy is here. I can't WAIT to try it out tomorrow morning.

What is it, you ask? I know many of you have been speculating and wondering. Toy, she says. Hmmm, what could it be? For runners, she says. That makes it even more intriguing. Whatever could it be?

Well, here it is:

TA DA! My very own Garmin Forerunner 305! Woot woot! Now I will know paces and distances and GPS maps and times and all those fun little things I couldn't ever get from my borrowed pedometer (Thanks JQ for sharing) and my cell phone.

I have decided to call my new fun toy DS. Yes, that is bookworm-speak for Drill Sergeant. I am going to get it tied into my Daily Mile account and learn all about the fun features and racing myself and oh boy oh boy I am so excited!

Tomorrow will be my FIRST run since May. And it will be my FIRST run with DS. This new fun toy is just the incentive I needed to get my tooshie up and out the door. It's not even as unnaturally large as I once imagined it would be. After reading all the different opinions out there, I was ready for a watch the size of a 1980's cellular bag phone. But no, it really isn't too much larger than the guys' watch I typically wear (because it's larger and I can read the digital readout without my reading glasses.)

DS - My New Fun Toy for Running

Run on.

Listening to: Patience by Guns N' Roses

My BFF

2010-07-11T09:00:00.039-04:00

I saw this on Emmy's blog, Emmy Mom - One Day at a time, and thought it would make a great post. So here it is.

There is a group of friends that are bests. Bests from elementary, bests from middle, high and college. Each one is best because of one reason or another. Some hang around, some fade away, some simply drop you. I've experienced all three of these, though more noticeably the second and third forms of best.

My BFF is also a Jennifer. We met the first day of 7th grade at the bus stop. I walked up to her and said, "Hi, my name is Jenny. What's yours?" Imagine my surprise to find out, she too was a Jenny. Except she went by Jen. Okay. Wanna be friends?

Honestly, Jen didn't have a choice. She gave in quite gracefully, actually. We started hanging out and went through 2 years of middle school and 4 years of high school as BFFs. Of course, there would occasionally be another girl or 2 added to the mix, but mostly it was always just us. Inevitably, there were arguments and fights. There was a lot of trading boyfriends (trust me, the guys didn't mind) and studying and having fun with our pack of guy friends. For some reason, the 2 of us were the only girls in our group of 6. Nothing like having the advantage, huh?

When it was time for college, we went our separate ways. To an extent, that is. Even with 5 hours between us, we were still very close. We only saw each other during random vacations and talked rarely on the phone. Yet, each time we got together, it was instant reconnection. Every. Single. Time.

College ended and we both ended up back here on the OBX. Time passed, we hung out, we didn't see one another, we hung out again. Through it all, if there was a call made when one of us was in need, the other was there. Her crazy boyfriend, I was there. Mama Terri passing, I was there. My crazy boyfriend, she was there. Big Bro passing, she was there. Boy was she there. Even while on a honeymoon in Europe, she thought about me. And loved me from thousands of miles away. And then came and sat at the hospital with me.

Friends like Jen don't come along every day. You have to nurture the friendship, you have to be self-sacrificing, you have to let go and be yourself. For most of us, that isn't easy to do on the day to day basis. With Jen, there are no pretenses. She knows my deepest, darkest secret and she loves me anyway. That is what a BFF is. Someone who loves you, who knows you, who gets you. Someone who doesn't have to spend every minute with you and yet when you do spend moments together, it is as if you've never been apart. That is Jen.

These days, I'm rooted here & Jen wants to plant herself in Salem Mass or Winston-Salem NC. Even for all our differences, we still draw closer every day. So no matter if there is 5 minutes or 15 hours between us, Jen will be my BFF until we are little old ladies sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch. And no matter how much time passes before we chat or hang together, it will always be as if we just left one another moments before. You can't find a better friend than that.

Thanks, Jen, for being my BFF. You bring sunshine on my rainy days and rain to make my flowers grow. Loves you!

Run on.

Listening to: Hurricane by Jimmy Needham

*Sorry no pics. Will have some posted soon on a new page I am working on, The Monkey Brigade.

Woot Woot

2010-07-09T14:32:00.000-04:00

Order Number#: W0942300

Order Date#: 07/08/10

Order Status#: Packed - Ready for carrier pickup

My new fun toy is packed and ready to be picked up by the carrier. Woot woot! Should be here on Monday! Can't wait to show you my new fun toy and to use my new fun toy.

All you fellow runners are gonna be jealous. Or maybe not because you probably already own one of the fun toys and I'm the last one on the block to get the cool fun toy. But that's okay, because I will have it soon!

Run on.

Listening to: Advertisements on Slacker.com Radio

Everybody's working for the weekend

2010-07-09T11:35:00.001-04:00

Yeah. That song from Loverboy way back in the 80's. That is exactly how I feel today. Like I'm working for the weekend. Except, the weekend never gets here. *Sigh*

So, I have taken a hiatus today from my normal Slacker.com radio station and am listening to some hilarious 80's music. It's great. I had forgotten how much fun the music in the 80's could be to just rock out. I'm thinking I might need to add some of these songs to the iPod for my upcoming runs.

Which brings us to the real crux of the matter - running. *Double Sigh* There hasn't been any of that going on here. I have found myself in the abyss or the black hole or bottomless pit of despair and haven't been able to claw my way free just yet. Which I could quite probably do if I would just strap on my shoes and get on with it.

It gets me that the people who know me best make inane comments like, "It's okay to be sad, you have to work through your grief" and "Don't worry, you'll get back to running once you work through your grief." Crunchsicles. I hate that patronizing tone and the loving concern in their eyes. I just want to scratch them out. LOL.

What I need is someone to say "Put on your big girl panties, strap on those shoes and get on with it." Or better yet, just to yell "Wilson" in that scary do-what-I-say tone. You know who would be good at that? Drill Sergeant would be good at that. One prob, Drill Sergeant is at the gym where I always worked out with Big Bro. I haven't been able to set foot in there since the accident. The two times I tried, I ended up sitting in my car crying. Not so good.

So, I am going to have to be my own Drill Sergeant. That might be a bit easier now that I have a new fun toy coming. What is it you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. And since Ian requires pics or it didn't happen, there will be pictures too. Ooooohhh what a treat for you all!

Run on.

Listening to: Call Me by Blondie - SRSLY have to get some 80s music for the iPod. May just add another pep to my step!

TYVM: July 8, 2010

2010-07-08T13:29:00.001-04:00

It's Free Therapy Day!! That's right, it's Thursday, which means it's the Thank You Very Much day. The way it works is that you take out all your frustrations on people/things that peeved you off during the week and thank them in a very sarcastic way (whiny, nasal voice is optional) for being who or what they are/doing what they did.

I got this from The Daily Dribbles, so head on over to Kmama's blog to grab the button, link up and start your very own Thank You Very Much day.

-To stupid laptop desk for getting in my way, thank you very much. I totally wanted lovely bruising on my elbow and pain whenever I bend it. Yippee.

-To stupid laptop for dying on the ONE DAY I wanted to work from home, thank you very much. I truly enjoyed spending the day running repairs and scans on you to try to fix you. Only to have the IT guys tell me you were dead and I have to get a new one. Joy.

-To idiot neighbors for not finishing the new back deck and stairs for 2 weeks, thank you very much. I enjoy lugging my laundry down the stairs and around the apartment building to the laundry room so very much. Perhaps you could wait until next year to finish the deck and stairs, mmkay?

-To really annoying co-worker who refuses to do her half of the work for Big Boss Lady, thank you very much. I am now four days behind in all my other work and am still working on your half of the project. Didn't that special software you just had to have finish up your half?

-To my stupid brain for refusing to start Training for the Half in November or the 2 5K's coming up in August and September, or the 10K in October, thank you very much. You do realize that you have paid good money to take part in these events, you know you love running and the kick it gives you, you know you need the free mental therapy it offers, you know your body is jonesing for it, and yet you refuse to get up, go out and run. When you miss those 5K's, 10K and Half or perform poorly, it will be no one's fault but yours. Suck it up, Buttercup!

I feel a bit better now. If only I could get my brain to cooperate about running, I would feel a lot better!

Run on.

Listening to: Resurrection by Nichol Sponberg

Monday Minute: July 5 fun

2010-07-05T14:01:00.001-04:00

I'm caving in. I'm following the more popular bloggers out there and taking my Monday to follow Ian over at The Daily Dose of Reality.

Sorry I've been noticeably missing around the interwebs. New friend @ home (more on this later - with pics cause I hear that Ian says no pics, it didn't happen), life's insanities, Big Bro's 34th birthday, crazy email arguments with Momma... well, the list is long and I will eventually share. Just not today, because today is

Who of all your blog friends would you like to meet and/or who have you met?

Okay, there are a lot of bloggers I think would be totally awesome to meet. I don't know that I would officially call any of the bloggers I read my blog friends yet, we're just getting to know one another. But off the top of my head and only picking three, I would have to say: Jamoosh & Lady J - because I want to visit the Last Minute Lounge and have one of Jamoosh's beers plus I bet they are just awesome and fun; Beth from Shut up and Run! - because I love her sense of humor and I bet she would be the best running coach ever; and Double Wide Mom - because she is the most hilarious Southern Baptist preacher's wife I have ever had the pleasure to listen to and read.

What kind of vehicle(s) do you drive?

Chevy Prizm, which I would trade in for a Harley any day of the week and 50 times on Sunday. Yes, I would. Even if Big Bro was on a Harley when he got in his accident, it wasn't the bike's fault. It was the other drivers' fault for not paying attention and pulling out in front of 3 guys on bikes. Idiot.

What kind of cell phone do you have?

Work - LG Venus (it's pink)
Personal - LG Neon - I hate it, it doesn't work right, and it's blue.

What's the most annoying thing you wish bloggers would stop doing?

HA HA HA, I actually wrote a post about something I find annoying. Most annoying thing? Different things annoy me on different days, but the inability to write using proper spelling and grammar is probably the biggest pet peeve. You can read a bit about my soapbox on this subject here.

and finally...

What's the one thing that you still have on your bucket list to do before the year is out?

The biggest and probably most important to me is to run the Half Marathon in November. Next, going to ECU's homecoming (I celebrate my 10 year class reunion this year - Go Pirates!), actually going out on a date (because I have not done that in a really long time - and that is a really long story ), lose another 10 or 15 pounds, and quit smoking again (I got sucked back into the nicotine train when Big Bro was in the hospital and it has been my crutch ever since - I need to knock the sucker to the street! Bring on the boxing gloves, I'm ready for the ring.).

Want to play? Head on over to The Daily Dose of Reality and link up!

The number of the day is...

2010-06-23T14:27:00.000-04:00

10! Ah-ah-ah.

Didn't you just love Count von Count on Sesame Street? Even though I abhor math (not because I stink at it, I'm actually quite good in math), I loved the Count. Next to Oscar the Grouch, he was my favorite character.

What are we counting you ask? Well, I am so very excited today because my blog now has 10 followers! *applause* That might not seem like much to some of you, but when you've been around a while (like almost 2 years), have changed the name of your blog twice (both times - best move ever), and have only recently begun to start ~~stalking~~ visiting, commenting and loving others in the bloggy-blog world, 10 is a big number.

In honor of my 10 followers, I will now share 10 things about me you never wanted to know.

1. I am allergic to onions, flowers, trees, grass, pollen, dogs, cats, perfume. Pretty much the world.

2. I was totally excited when my left big toe turned half-purple. It meant I was truly a runner.

3. My BFF taught me how to put on make-up - when we were in college. Before that, she just did it for me because I could have cared less. I was a tomboy, not a girly-girl.

4. I once tried to ride my scooter and roller skate at the same time. Didn't work out so well for me. I now have a scar on my knee left over from that escapade. Maybe if I had just worn one skate, that might have gone over better. Hmm, I might need to try that one again.

5. I once ate a mud pie Sissy & Frank made. They told me it was chocolate. They lied.

6. I used to like to sit at the top of Pine Trees (which I am seriously allergic to) and read books. Yes, I believe I am part monkey. I think I could probably get up there even now.

7. I secretly have the desire to be a doctor or a chef. Both require more schooling and since I don't want to go back to school, they will remain secret desires. Except now 10 people know about them. You all must swear to keep my secret desires a secret. Pinkie swear!

8. I have a BA in Writing and am only inspired to write when I have major emotional upheavals in my life. Or mass quantities of tequila in my body.

9. I consumed 23 shots of tequila on my 23rd birthday. I wrote mass amounts of poetry that night and then passed out in the hammock outside A's house. TY hang gliding boys. You made my life hades and heaven all at the same time.

10. I tell Big Bro every night that it is now his job as my GA (Guardian Angel) to find me a husband. I have not done such a good job at this myself, so now it is his turn.

Thanks for being my ~~stalker~~ follower. I love "meeting" new people in bloggy-blog land. Maybe one day I will meet you IRL.

Run on.

Listening to: my cell phone having a Rave in my purse

Jen-ology

2010-06-18T17:19:00.000-04:00

Let others know ~~a little~~ lot more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by “ology.”

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?

A. Caesar

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

A. McDonalds - I love their fries.

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

A. La Fogata's (Mexican)

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?

A. 20%

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick off of?

A. cheesecake

Q. What marathon would you run if you could run ANY one you wanted?

A. Athens Greece

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?

A. Bacon, Italian Sausage, Pepporoni

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?

A. peanut butter

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?

A. cinnamon

TECHNOLOGY

Q. Number of contacts in your cell phone?

A: a lot - they aren't numbered and I have 2 phones

Q. Number of contacts in your email address book?

A. which email address book?

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?

A. King PanPan's Freddy Kreubear.

Q. How many televisions are in your house?

A. 1

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?

A. both

Q. What’s your best feature?

A. my legs - thank you ballet and running

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

A. yes

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?

A. touch

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?

A. two years ago

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?

A. I just moved - lots of heavy stuff was lifted.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

A. Nope.

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

A. No, no, no.

Q. Is love for real?

A. Yes

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

A. Princess Consuela Banana Hammock

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?

A. Magenta

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?

A. I run. So, yes.

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?

A. Yes

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?

A. Yes. Thanks Daddy for giving me the Heimlich while the rest of the family just stared at me choking to death.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?

A. Sure, of course it would have to be dark and there could not be a moon. But ok.

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000

A. I'm kinda attached to those, so no.

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?

A. I must journal in some way - else I might kill someone. So, no.

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?

A. While I love a good hot sauce on my barbecue, no way.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?

A. Since I don't actually have TV (by that I mean, no cable or satellite) and I love to read, easily.

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket

A. Not a thing

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?

A: Are babies cute?

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?

A: Both

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?

A: Why would you sit in the shower? Wouldn't that be a bath? Duh.

Q: Could you live with roommates?

A: If I had no other choice

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

A: a lot - I've never actually counted but probably like 6 or 7 pair

Q: Where were you born?

A: Fairfax, VA

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: a ballerina

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8

A: I don't have a top 8. Top 8 for what, anyway?

LASTOLOGY

Q: Friend you talked to?

A: Barbie

Q: Last person you called?

A: Big Sis

Q: Person you hugged?

A: Laura

Q: Person you kissed?

A: Either PH or Littlest - can't remember. On the cheek, guys, on the cheek!

Q: Number?

A: 562

Q: Color?

A: pink - are there other colors?

Q: Season?

A: winter

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?

A: Big Bro

Q: Mood?

A: tired and sad

Q: Listening to?

A: the office ladies chattering

Q: Watching?

A. No TV, so, not a thing

Q: Worrying about?

A: Momma and Daddy

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?

A: down the street to walk Sadie

Q: What can you not wait to do?

A: Have Jennifers' Night with BFF - it rocks when your BFF has the same name as you. Although if I change it to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, we wouldn't have the same name. So, maybe I wouldn't do that. But we have decided there should be a second Heathers movie and they should call it Jennifers.

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?

A: Nightmare on Elm Street

Q: Do you smile often?

A: I think so

Q: Are you a friendly person?

A: It depends

Q: Now that the survey's done what are you going to do?

A: Check my time to see if it is time to go home yet. TGIF!

Let others know a little more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by “ology.”

Run on.

Friday...

2010-06-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

It's Friday. Oh, I am so glad it is Friday. Only a half day of work tomorrow followed by an afternoon of basking in the sun at the beach. Bliss. This beach afternoon will be my very first of the year that isn't all about running. So, I plan on enjoying it as much as possible. Because after tomorrow, my beach time will be... dun dun dun... pre-training for the OBX Half in November.

That's right, 8 weeks of pre-training will be followed by 12 weeks of real training. Hey, I have a half to be ready for in November. The second half of my life, the first one I'll be running. Training is a must.

I am trying to find a good place to get some T-Shirts made up for my training and the actual race. Well, maybe they should be tanks instead. Because I sweat, a lot. What will be on my shirt, you ask? Well, I don't have the illustration done yet but the name is... dun dun dun... The Monkey Brigade.

Now you're wondering where that name came from because my nickname is bookworm. Well, the story begins a long time ago with Big Bro's pet gorilla (it was stuffed) named Chewbacca. When we were kids, he used to make Sissy and I sing Happy Birthday to that gorilla. When I was in college, I worked part time at K-Mart one semester on top of my full-time gig as a writing tutor and school. As I walked down the aisle of toys, I spied a large gorilla that was the exact replica of Chewbacca. OMG, that has to be given to Big Bro for Christmas. I bought it and so The Monkey Brigade began. Every birthday, Daddy day, Christmas, Big Bro got some type of Monkey. One year, it was the Green Monkey Cookie Jar - that was such a score. Last year, it was the slingshot monkey. Which PH, Littlest and Big Bro broke within 10 minutes because they had slingshotted the monkey continually. Poor monkey. There have been big monkeys and small monkeys. Curious Georges and Chewbaccas. The Monkey Brigade paraded through our lives for the last 11 years.

Since I have dedicated all my races in 2010 to Big Bro's Memory, I thought I needed to have a team and a team name. What better name than The Monkey Brigade? Family and friends will be able to have shirts, providing they want to cough up the bucks to buy one. All proceeds will go to PH and Littlest. So, The Monkey Brigade will begin pre-training on June 20, 2010. Actually, June 20 (this sunday) is a rest day on the training log, but still, it starts.

Anyone know a great shirt company I can get tanks and tee's made up with my illustration? Cause I'm super stoked by this. And if you want a shirt, once I find a company, I'll get prices to you.

Run on.

Listening to: the sound of my keyboard as I type

TYVM: 6/17 Edition

2010-06-17T13:59:00.000-04:00

Barefoot Angie Bee: Sweet Refreshment Giveaway

2010-06-16T14:24:00.000-04:00

Head over to visit Angie and check out her giveaway. It has been 1 year since she started running barefoot and she is celebrating with a great giveaway. 3 tubes of nuun, a nunn water bottle and a super cool SpiBelt for the first winner, plus two more winners will get three tubes of nuun and a nuun water bottle.

Never tried nuun? Well, neither have I but according to Angie it's much better than Hatorade or that other stuff. Shoot, I'll probably get some to try even if I don't win. I'm always looking for something to get the electrolytes back in that tastes great. And Angie is an Ambassador for nuun - so she really knows her stuff!

Run on.

Listening to: the GM's super loud computer fan making an annoying noise

TYVM: A Day Late, June 11

2010-06-11T16:40:00.000-04:00

It's Free Therapy Day!! That's right, it's Thursday, which means it's the Thank You Very Much day. The way it works is that you take out all your frustrations on people/things that peeved you off during the week and thank them in a very sarcastic way (whiny, nasal voice is optional) for being who or what they are/doing what they did.

I got this from The Daily Dribbles, so head on over to Kmama's blog to grab the button, link up and start your very own Thank You Very Much day.

I'm a day late on TYVM. But that's okay. Things have been crazy and intense and I really need TYVM therapy today. So, here goes.

-To man who drove the truck that caused Big Bro's accident, thank you very much. I just love the fact that I am now 1 sibling down and have only 2 sisters left to deal with. Maybe you could just take them out too.

-To downstairs neighbors who are taking apart the scooter inside the entrance to my place, thank you very much. The noxious fumes of gasoline and grease really just make my life soooo much better.

-To doctors who were "taking care" of Big Bro, thank you very much. Keeping us informed of his true condition couldn't possibly have been important to us. Oh and not reading his charts was simply intelligent.

-To Hospital Administrators and Hospital Lawyers who refused to keep Psycho Ex out of Big Bro's room, thank you very much. Dealing with hysterical Sissy and Momma is just such a fun time. Being the only calm, strong, fearless person in the room has been my lifelong goal. Guess I've reached it now.

-To Psycho Ex who showed up late Saturday night to try to make us cause a scene, get kicked out of Big Bro's hospital room and park your skanky psychotic butt in his room, thank you very much. I wanted to spend the last few hours of Big Bro's life guarding the room from your insanity. No words can express how thankful I am for your actions throughout this amazing journey.

-To Microsoft Powerpoint, thank you very much. I really didn't need any sleep the night before Big Bro's memorial service. To spend hours and hours working on you to get the slideshow to run, only to have it break and have to be created again, and then again, was also a lifelong goal. I can rest easy now.

Whew. That helped a little. I hope to get back to my regularly scheduled program - wait, I don't really have one. Well, then. I hope to get back to some normalcy in the days ahead. It won't be easy, it won't be pretty, and it won't be short. But one day, I'll get there.

Run on.

Listening to: Forever Young by Rod Stewart

Going home...

2010-06-07T10:20:00.000-04:00

On Sunday morning, June 6, Big Bro went home to be with our Lord just shy of his 34th birthday. His fight to stay with us ended at 3:56 am that morning when he succumbed to injuries sustained during his motorcycle accident on May 21.

He left behind two pieces of himself in the forms of PH, 13, and Littlest, 6, his 2 boys and the center of his world. Big Bro was a loving man, with a giving heart and a helping hand for any who needed it.

Big Bro is now with some other family members who went before, including PH1 and Bubs. They were waiting to greet him and had a place ready for him full of things to fix.

I am not a fan of goodbye's because I know that I will see Big Bro, PH1 and Bubs one day on God's celestial shores. So, instead, I am going to say rest well, young Prince, and know that one day I will be standing beside you on the edge of the shore again.

Big Bro
June 30, 1976 - June 6, 2010

“I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star. Everyone stops, points up and gasps "Oh look at that!" Then- whoosh, and I'm gone...and they'll never see anything like it ever again... and they won't be able to forget me- ever." -Jim Morrison

Sometimes it's too much...

2010-05-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

My 5K on Saturday did not happen. Not because of hip pain, though that is still twinging a bit. Not because I forgot (which would be somewhat typical of me) and didn't show. No, those would be normal things and what did occur to make me miss my very first ever 5K was so much bigger and so much worse.

My older brother, my only brother (I have two older sisters as well), was in a very bad motorcycle accident on Friday night. By the time my family was informed, more than an hour had passed. He is in an excellent hospital with excellent trauma doctors. He is being surrounded with love and laughter and general family craziness. But, he is my only brother and he is laying in a hospital bed. So not normal.

This is me and Big Bro doing the Hubba-Hubba dance (which he created) at the Ice Skating Rink.

Yes, we're slightly off. It's all good.

At my mother's wish, I am not publishing the injuries. Big Bro is in Trauma ICU and is critical but stable. He continues to improve daily. The family and extended family (we have so many family friends that are adopted family members) are being kept informed through Momma and Old Man (that's my daddy) but even our information is limited. Which is just fine with me.

So, my 5K did not happen. I am still scheduled to move - with the help of Zombie Queen and her BF - to new digs on Friday. I am surrounded by loving friends and family. I must say, God blessed my family with so much love. Kool Mama has been my rock and my port in this storm. I thank God for her every day because without her, I probably would be a huddled mess on the floor.

Big Bro at Christmas 2009 - yes, that is Momma's exercise ball he's sitting on... and smooshing.

Good looking guy, huh?

I have lists a mile long of people who are praying. But, I'd love to add to those lists for Big Bro's sake. Please pray for Big Bro. Or whatever it is you believe in. We have a long, long road ahead and every single prayer, good vibe, positive thought, every little bit of energy directed his way will only be helpful. My family and I thank you.

Run on.

TYVM: 5/20/2010

2010-05-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

It's Free Therapy Day!! That's right, it's Thursday, which means it's the Thank You Very Much day. The way it works is that you take out all your frustrations on people/things that peeved you off during the week and thank them in a very sarcastic way (whiny, nasal voice is optional) for being who or what they are/doing what they did.

I got this from The Daily Dribbles, so head on over to Kmama's blog to grab the button, link up and start your very own Thank You Very Much day.

-To Rental Manager who told me I had to move only to tell me that you have not actually spoken to the owner, thank you very much. I enjoy stressing to find a new place to live and then stressing over whether I will be able to move or not. It is just what I needed on top of the rest of the stress I am currently carrying.

-To idiot doctors who can't figure out what is wrong with Lula, thank you very much. My sister and Lula are really enjoying all the poking, prodding, sticking, riding, sitting and general stupidity that comes along with your inability to figure out what it wrong.

- To more idiot doctors for thinking G'ma had pneumonia when she really had a pulmonary embolism from hip surgery, thank you very much. I love being scared to death when my mother calls to tell me they have rushed G'ma to surgery again to extract the embolism.

-To homeowner of place I rent for being such a jerk that you are making me stress about moving even more because you won't return RM's phone call, thank you very much. It isn't enough that I have to move because you are friends with neighbors from hades, oh no, now you have to jerk me around even more.

-To stupid right hip pain that appeared out of nowhere after my 4.4 miles on Tuesday night, thank you very much. My plan to train today for my 5K on Saturday wasn't just completely screwed up by this nor will my run suffer on Saturday because of it. Thank you very much that I have problems even walking and sitting and standing. No amount of stretching seems to appease you and constantly applying Icy Hot is getting a bit annoying.

I think that about wraps it up for this week. Be sure to check out The Daily Dribbles and get in on TYVM. It sure is a lot of fun!

Saturday's Six: 5/15/2010

2010-05-15T11:29:00.000-04:00

Saturday is the day I will share 6 things from the past week - good things only! This is a No Complaint zone. It could be something I saw on a website or blog, it might be a song I heard for the first time, it might be a new accomplishment or a compliment I got. It will be 6 different things and I hope you enjoy them.

I finally sent in my application to join the Outer Banks Running Club and got an email with a Welcome back. I am so excited because I will have people to run with now. Having someone make me accountable is very necessary for me in training and now I will have that! Yeah!
I found someone else who will be my Check-In buddy for those solo runs that I do at crazy times. Kool Momma is a wonderful friend and she is willing to let me use her for a check-in buddy anytime I'm going out to run solo. I have some of the bestest friends!
Another bestest friend, Zombie Queen, has a neighbor that might be moving out. If said neighbor moves by the time I need to move, then it is very likely I will be living next door to Zombie Queen. And we can watch all the Freddie and Jason and Pinhead we want. And Miss Sadie and Honey (Zombie Queen's dog) can play together every day. Yeah!
Miss Sadie makes me smile. Sometimes I just look at her and think, I am so blessed to have a healthy, happy dog that loves me so much. She puts up with my crazy hours and general weirdness and loves me unconditionally. That is truly awesome.
I went to the new TJ Maxx - we just got this sucker less than a month ago and I am totally excited. I had a gift certificate - okay, 2 actually but I only used 1 - and wanted to check out their active wear section. Scored two pairs of yoga shorts, some running underwear by Nike (only $9.99, SRSLY), a totally cute Nike tank I will be wearing for my 5K next Saturday (check back for some pics of that one - hopefully), and an awesome Champion sports bra that holds my girls in place really well. Plus, I got two regular shirts as most of my current clothes don't fit (yeah, yeah, that means I'm losing weight).
Finally, I got up this morning at 7:30 and went for a run at 8:30 - because I wanted to. Saturday is the ONLY morning I get to sleep in and I decided to get up and go for a barefoot beach run instead. It was wonderful. I ran into my boot camp instructor - he seemed pretty impressed that I was still running, which totally made my day. That and the icy hot currently scenting my house and keeping my leg warm.

So, I sure had a busy week and I sure had a fun week! Check back in next Saturday for more Saturday 6. What are the 6 things you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them!

Run on.

Listening to: the fan in my room and the birds outside the window

Pet Peeves: Spelling

2010-05-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am not the Grammar Monster - although my colleagues and boss have called me such. Also, many friends and the occasional family member have called me this as well. Yes, I have a BA in English - Writing. Yes, I am a big fan of spelling correctly, using grammar correctly and even writing in complete sentences. Most of the time, I am a fan of all these things and more when it comes to writing.

Lately, I have been seeing the following two items that are spelled incorrectly and it truly bothers me. The correct conjunction for the words 'you' and 'all' is "y'all". Not ya'll. Yes, I am a southerner. Yes, I say this quite often. Yes, I know how to correctly spell it.

The second incorrect spelling is something you should have been taught in elementary, or grammar, school. "Alot" is not a word, it is in fact two words - "a lot".

Please, if you are going to use these words, then learn to spell them correctly. Spell check will help you with this endeavor.

And I will get off my soap box now.

Run on.

Listening to: the keys on my keyboard as I type this

Giveaway at Skinny Runner!

2010-05-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

Skinny Runner is giving away "A big fat PINK giveaway" today! Head over to her blog to find out how to get in on this particular giveaway.

Compression socks are new to me and I haven't used them quite yet. They are on my list of things to get for my half marathon in November. Zensah makes some pretty great stuff, too, so I've got them bookmarked under my Running Gear folder. I think these pink compression socks would look just wonderful on me.

So, everyone who reads this and runs, head over to Skinny Runner and find out more.

Run on.

TYVM: May 13

2010-05-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

It's Free Therapy Day!! That's right, it's Thursday, which means it's the Thank You Very Much day. The way it works is that you take out all your frustrations on people/things that peeved you off during the week and thank them in a very sarcastic way (whiny, nasal voice is optional) for being who or what they are/doing what they did.

I got this from The Daily Dribbles, so head on over to Kmama's blog to grab the button, link up and start your very own Thank You Very Much day.

Okay - here we go with the very first TYWM on Single Christian Running.

-To GM, for deciding to give me work that does not currently fit into my schedule and not asking first, thank you very much. The plans to leave work on time for the next week have been ditched.

-To the company that made my pedometer, for making such an inferior product and then "giving" it to me as a gift with purchase, thank you very much. I truly enjoyed running an additional 2 miles for fun. {Okay, actually I did enjoy running but still, I had planned for a 3 mile run not a 5 mile run and that extra time really screwed up my schedule.}

-To the doctors at the local hospital, for not being able to diagnose Lula* for the last 6 months and finally sending her to King's Daughters, thank you very much. I know she just loves being poked and prodded and stuck and sitting in a hospital bed for a week to be poked and prodded and stuck some more.

- To the neighbors from hades, for being unable to pick up your children's toys strewn about the driveway or your trash that is strewn about the yard, thank you very much. I love having to stop my car half-in/half-out of the driveway to move toys so I may pull in.

- To the company I ordered post cards from, for printing them on paper that does not allow us to run them through the postage machine, thank you very much. I am sure my specific request that appropriate cardstock be used was taken into consideration before you printed all 2000 and mailed them to me. Having to stick a blank label on the top to run the cards through the machine is so much fun and certainly what I had planned to do with my day.

Well, I think that is all for now. I feel much better having said all of that. Hmm, guess I'll be doing this again!

*Lula is my 6 year old niece. She has been on hard-core antibiotics off and on for over 6 months now and the doctor's have no idea what is wrong. She has had numerous tests and diagnoses, but every single one has turned up wrong. Please pray for her to get well and for her new doctors to have the knowledge and wisdom to diagnose her correctly so we may get her the treatment she needs. And no, Lula is not her real name. That is a nickname that we call her.

Run on.

I'm a little... confused

2010-05-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's run was interesting. I had planned a route to run that included a starting/ending point of my sister's house using Daily Mile. The route I planned was 2.98 miles - so pretty much a 3-miler. I've been doing 3 miles for a while so I was pretty okay with staying at this distance. Sissy is trying to get into a running plan and so I knew she might need a few stops - also okay because, heck, if nothing else I get my 3 miles in.

Unfortunately, Sissy had to cancel. Not a problem, I figured, I'd run a similar route and take my new FREE pedometer out for a run. I was certain that the pedometer would keep me on track. It didn't. I'm not sure the exact mileage, but the Daily Mile route I mapped today said 4.92 miles. Hmm. Okay. So about 5. Which sounds more accurate than the 1.67 I got from the pedometer. That's what I get for using a free pedometer, right?

And now you're probably wondering how 2.98 miles became 4.92. Well, I'll tell you. I started out with a plan to run once around a local monument - which I have now learned is approximately 1 mile around the base - and began at a nearby park. The run from the park to the monument was about .9 miles. Okay, if I had simply run from the park to the monument, around the monument and back to the park, I would have been at the 2.98 miles. Alas, I was relying on the free pedometer and not my common sense.

I made it to the monument fine and proceeded around the base. For those of you familiar with the Outer Banks, you'll understand this next bit. I decided to run to the top of the monument. Not such a bad feat, I did it during boot camp. Except the side I chose to run up was the steep side and it seemed like I was going straight up. I made it up the first incline, stopped to rest a bit, then ran the rest of the way up. Once I got to the top, I took a moment to clear my head - I was feeling a bit dizzy - and then ran around the top of the monument. Talk about a gorgeous view. Now I know why I live where I live!

I headed back down the monument the same way I cam up and proceeded the rest of the way around the base. When I got back to the trail leading to the park, I checked my pedometer. Hmmm, it says I've only gone .47 miles. Well, I figure, I'll just run around the base again.

My goal of 3 miles was about to be reached and surpassed greatly! I ran the second lap around the base and proceeded down the trail to head back to the park. At the first turn in the trail, I stopped dead. There were about 9 deer across the street staring at me. I stared back before slowly reaching for my phone and snapping some shots*. I waved at them and then kept running.

On route to the park, Sissy and her girls drove by and honked. I gave them a friendly wave before continuing on my way to the park.

When I was closing in on the park, I decided to check my mileage again. It now read 1.69 miles. Crunchsicles, still not even at 2. My body was telling me differently but my head said that the pedometer was right. Who was my body to tell me differently? The pedometer was a machine, it was flawless, it was right. All hail the mighty pedometer. Or not.

So, I took a detour to run around a pond near the park. After finally returning to the park, the pedometer read 1.76 miles. Wow, I fell really short. That was the thought running through my mind. My feet and hips said differently however. I immediately took of my shoes, thought about looking into barefoot running - hate shoes, love to be barefoot, love to run, hmm that might work - and walked a bit to cool down before hopping in the car to head back home.

Sissy got the obligatory "I'm done" call - along with griping about the pedometer which had to be malfunctioning and what did she think - and I headed home. Once home, I jumped in a cold tub filled just to my waist. Brr. Don't know if it helped or not, but I sat there for about 15 minutes. Don't think I could have done ice water, but after the half in November, I might try it.

So, I guess that was a pretty good run. I didn't feel horrible afterward and I did run about 5 miles. So now I'm thinking I need to keep up with the 5 miles. Except on Thursdays, when the 3 miles is all I can squeeze into the day. But Tuesday and Saturday are on for 5 miles.

Anyone else have one of these stories? I'd love to hear them.

Run on.

Listening to: Diverse City by tobyMac

*Pictures to be posted once I figure out how to get them off my phone. Hmm, that might take a while.

Pictures on the run...

2010-05-10T18:26:00.000-04:00

I promised pictures and at last they are here. I took these with my Nikon Coolpix and not the mega-Olympus that I use for my hobby photography. Way too heavy to carry on the run.

This is me before my run.

This is the view from the top of the first hill.

This is just one of the gorgeous views on this trail.

This run starts at my work and heads through a subdivision to a really great trail that then hits another subdivision. It's 1.38 miles one way - or 2.76 for the whole there and back again - and I've run it twice so far. I really liked it and hope to keep doing this one - adding on the additional .24 miles to make it to 3.

This bench mocks me when I run past it. It says, "Just sit down for a minute, it will be ok."

Stupid bench.

Once I hit the halfway point, which is Kitty Hawk Road, I turn around and head back the way I came. I really like doing the there-and-back-again but I wish I could do a one way at some point. I'll need a running buddy - or a driving buddy - for that one!

When I hit the top of this hill for the second time, I know it's all downhill from here. Almost home!

Here I am at the end of the run. Pink-faced and "glistening" from sweat. Note the wispy hairs around my face and the kinda smile - first run after a week off was a tough one!

Well, I hope you enjoyed a look at one of my trails that I run. I'll post some more pics as I get them shot. Once I run my first 5K on May 22, I'll have even better pics because they'll be race pics! Stay tuned.

Run on.

Listening to: Consume Me by dc Talk

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T13:10:00.000-04:00

To my beautiful, inspiring, loving, generous, sweet, kind, sincere Momma. I pray that today brings joy and laughter the whole day through.

To my amazing Grandmothers, who have loved me through all the seasons but never spoiled me.

To my Sisters who have raised children on their own. Your strength and juggling skills induce awe in me.

And to all the other Mother's out there - even if you are the Mother of a pet. Happy Mother's Day!

Run on.

Listening to: Love Has Come by Mark Schultz

Saturday's Six: 5/8/2010

2010-05-08T09:17:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday was my birthday and I turned 31. I made it through the first year in my 30's and have only a few bruises and bumps from that year. My teenage helper in my Lil' K class (I teach "Sunday school" to 3, 4 & 5 year olds) had all the little kids sign a birthday card for me and THEN they all sang to me. It was the BEST part of my day. Oh, that and the Death by Chocolate cake Denise made. That was truly awesome.
I also got a compliment from a very nice man on Sunday. It was the father of one of the boys I always joke around with. (I call his son 'hoodlum' jokingly because he can be a bit disruptive in class.) The father - whose name completely escapes me - told me that I looked great that day and that I always look very nice when he sees me. Hmmm, someone noticed. Nice.
The search for a new place to live culminated with the possibility of a townhouse near my parents that is available through a friend of the family. It is the right price, bigger than necessary - bonus - and in an area I feel safe. Bigger bonus: no upstairs neighbors. I am going to look at it next week sometime. Please keep my hunt for a new home for me and Miss Sadie in your prayers.
I've had some new visitors to my blog! And I've changed the layout and the theme! I've even started blogging more - as is evident from this particular post. Comments have occurred as well. I'm so excited about finding blogger friends and reading about what is going on with them. I just - finally - added the Follow Me button and hopefully I will get some followers at some point. Hmm, we'll see.
I found the most awesome post ever from a fellow blogger. It is called 'Thank You Very Much' (said sarcastically) and is about telling whoever upset you or ruined your day or whatever how thankful you are to them. Of course, this is all done in a very sarcastic voice with a very nasal tone - at least in my mind it is. So, watch out. I think I'm going to join in on that one! Go visit The Daily Dribbles and ROFL from Kmama's TYVM posts.
Two days with two runs and a much better frame of mind. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the oomph to finally get out there and get my run on! Let's keep going with a nice 3 miler today, please.

So, that's it. The Six for this Saturday are over. Do you have six things you can share? Join me in Saturday's Six to share what good things are happening in your life.

Run on.

Listening to: That's Exactly (How I Like It) by Newworldson

Icy Hot smells so nice...

2010-05-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

I love the smell of Icy Hot. :) Or Bengay or any of the muscle rubs that you can find. I don't know why.

I'm sitting here with Icy Hot smeared all over my leg and I am just loving the smell of it. Which I realize is slightly off and really strange. Most people HATE the smell.

I had a really good run and now I am sitting happily in a pair of sweatpants and a tank top in my Icy Hot-ness and loving it.

Anyone else love the smell of Icy Hot?

Run on.

Listening to: Savior by Skillett

I did it...

2010-05-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

I went for a run last night. I felt so bad for not going running since last Thursday that I finally said get up and go.

So, I did. And I felt soooooo much better. Like I knew I would but I just had no oomph.

I ran a new trail, total of 2.76 miles, in about 31 minutes. Some of that was walking as I was still huffing and puffing as I went along, but I did have a great run. I'm going the same trail today after work. I'm even going to get a picture to put up here. Yay! The trail runs right by Albemarle Sound for part of the way and I seriously enjoyed it.

I sent Sissy a text message to let her know where I was going and then took off. Once I got back, I sent her another. I love Sissy, she is so supportive of my crazy schemes and my general insanity. I think I've talked her into coming with me tonight, even though she hasn't been running in quite a while and she's just not sure if she'll be able to finish. I believe in her - she can totally do it.

I love, love, love my new RoadID anklet. It's pink and I didn't even notice it was there when I was running. Plus it has this really cool reflective strip that sparkles in the sun. Sparkly, Yay! Pink and Sparkly, Double Yay! If you don't have one of these, please get one. They're not expensive and they could be a life-saver.

I'm looking at getting some new running gear. Thanks to the 6 weeks of boot camp and the continued training, I've lost enough weight that my current gear is a bit too big. It's not too bad because I can tighten the drawstring on my capri's but I have to keep tightening the string throughout my run. Maybe I need some pants that don't require a drawstring to hold them up. I'll have to hit up the Danskin site to see if they have anything on there like that. I love my Danskin Now gear I got at the local Wal-Mart. I know, not really "running" gear, but I used to dance in Danskin leotards and tights, so I'm used to their products. I wonder if they make a running skirt? I'd like to give one of those a try. Hmm, food for thought.

My Asics are doing great. I'm really glad I got two pairs when I bought them. They're wearing out pretty evenly and if one pair is soaked from running on the beach, I still have a pair I can wear to keep running. I just wish I had gotten a third pair when they were on sale. I don't think they still have that style but I might check at the local Rack Room just in case. I'd hate to have to find a new shoe before the Half in November and I don't think my current two pair will last until then if I keep to my training schedule.

Did I mention TGIF? I am so very glad it is Friday. Tomorrow is an empty day. No work at all. I have a Baby Shower at the church at 3 pm, but otherwise, nothing to do but clean and go through junk to get rid of. Because I may have found a place to move! I'm supposed to look at it sometime next week and that makes me very happy. Yay!

Run on!

Listening to: Jesus, Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood

Not Motivated

2010-05-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

I have not been motivated the last three days. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten all (okay, most) of my work done and I've spent time with Sadie and worrying over where I'm gonna move and how I'm gonna fit that into my busy May. But I have not been motivated to lace up the sneakers and pound the beach. Or the pavement. Or the high school track. And I have a 5K coming up on May 22. This. Is. Not. Good.

I'm still waking up at 6 am. And then I promptly roll back over and go back to sleep. Which is making me super tired and cranky-girl all day at work. Not. Good. Either.

I'm in a funk because of the neighbors from Hades and I can't shake it off. I need to. Because I know I will feel loads better AFTER I run. That still isn't making me pull on the cute running outfit and lace up my Asics and head out for three pounding miles on the beach. Or anywhere, for that matter.

Anybody else feel blech?

Listening to: Hurricane by Jimmy Needham

Worst. Night-Before-Birthday. Ever.

2010-05-04T14:30:00.000-04:00

I will not go into gory details. Needless to say, I was up until 2 am May 2 because of issues that arose with my upstairs neighbors from Hades at 11 pm on May 1. I had to call the police and now am looking for a new place to live. Which might not make sense, but I am scared of what these people may do and feel it would be best if I simply move. The rental company agrees and is assisting me in every way possible to get this done.

Posting might be even more sporadic than I had originally planned. I am hoping to be moved by end of month, if not sooner. Hopefully sooner. It all just depends on what I can find and when it is available and if they will work with me on rent and security deposit. I have a few possibilities, one of which I pray will work out.

If you live on the Outer Banks and know of a long-term rental, please let me know. And if you're reading this and are a Christian, please send up a prayer for me that I will find the place God wants me to be.

It's my birthday...

2010-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

and I'll party if I want to, party if I want to, party if I want to.

Just kidding. Since the majority of my day will be spent at NHC (Nags Head Church for those of you not from the Outer Banks - oh wait, Nancy goes to NHC and she knows what it stands for - never mind), I guess the partying will be limited to getting some of my beloved McDonald's french fries and lunch at La Fogata's. MMMMM, I love La Fogata's. I am hoping to talk Denise, one of the other youth leaders, into making me a cake. Her's are the best, well, after my own and my Momma's.

I'm taking the day off from running. Except to walk Miss Sadie. Just up the street and back. Or maybe over to the beach, since we're running out of beach time.

I will be putting up some pictures soon. Something I haven't really done on here, but I think it might be time. Some from last year's birthday and some from this year's birthday, I think. Just a mild comparison of what I looked like last year and what I will look like this year. Of course, I will have to wear the same outfit for the pictures, but then I will probably change. Cause I don't want to be such a nerd that I wear the same outfit every year for my birthday. Although, my shoes were pretty hot. I'll definitely wear those. Or buy a new pair.

Happy Birthday to Me and all the May 2 babies!

Fartleks and the High School Track

2010-04-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

Last night's run was interesting. Still gasping for air. Had to take a walk break between mile 1 and 2, as well as another short walk break during mile 2. I am such an airhead sometimes that I completely forgot to grab my powerade and water bottle to take with me. So, I had to make do with the water fountain at the track.

I've put off doing Fartleks because, well, I'm a turtle and I wasn't sure I could do them. Doubting Debbie was way off. I waited until the end of mile 2 to start the Fartleks and, amazingly, I was able to keep them up for one lap around the track. It was my last lap, minus the walking lap I do to cool down before stretching, and I am glad that I did it. Because now I know I can. And I think I will take one of my running days to work more on Fartleks. I really would like to up my speed and I have read that this is one of the ways to do so.

Today is my day off from running. Tomorrow is my long run day, which for now is going to be 4 miles. I am praying the lungs will cooperate with me and allow me to get my run in. I hate that I'm having so many problems.

I called Sissy last night to let her know where I was going and what I was doing. I'm trying to talk her into running with me, as well as my friend Momma Bee. Momma Bee already runs a bit and Sissy has run before. I think it would be great to have my sister running with me. We're pretty close.

Sissy was busy last night, or she would have met up with me at the High School. I guess it is harder for her since she has kids to deal with and her own business plus her regular job. She was on her way to dinner with the kids and her man friend.* So, she's gonna think about going with me tomorrow.

I really wish I already had my Garmin so I could try out some new courses. I am getting tired of seeing the same scenery every day. I guess I will just have to keep trekking without one for now. I'm getting closer to the $350 mark with my savings and if I can order it before the end of May, I can get $50 back. Woot! I should be able to make it - just have to keep going with the saving.

Hope everyone has a great Friday! I'm off to the movies tonight with my gal pals to see Nightmare on Elm Street. Can't wait.

*I was gonna type boyfriend, but then I thought we're in our 30s and isn't time to stop calling them boyfriends. But then, what do you call them?

Running during pollen season...

2010-04-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

can be dangerous if you suffer from major allergies, as I do. Ugh. Last night's run went from 3 miles to 2 miles on the beach as I struggled, gasped, clawed for air during the last mile. It was not pretty. One would think running so close to the ocean would clear out all the allergy issues. Alas, there was a strong, sticky-sweet flower smell wafting my way as I headed North on the beach that killed my lungs. The trek back was extremely difficult, but I made it.

I have decided a trip to the Allergy Specialist is in order to, hopefully, get some stronger allergy medicine and replace my inhaler. The inhaler I have now is actually out of date - not so helpful when needed, I can tell you.

I finished my 2 miles on the beach at right around 30 minutes, which is good considering I was struggling with pulling in air. I'm hoping to increase my speed over the next few weeks, as well as getting back up to the 5 miles I was at before. I know I can do it, it is simply a matter of doing it.

I read a post on a blog by someone called Tall Guy Surfing and it was talking about running solo and taking safety precautions. I never really thought of that before and since I am single, female, and live alone with my dog, I realized it was something I needed to think about. I will occasionally go out for an early morning run (I hate mornings) or a late night-time run. I pretty much always run by myself, too. I don't tell anyone I'm going, they have no idea what route I am taking or that I am even gone. It could be days before someone realizes I am missing. So, I have decided that I will start checking in with someone before and after each run. Giving them route and mileage and even expected return time. Not sure who this lucky person will be, but probably my Mom or my friend Beth. I'm trying to talk Beth into running with me, but so far, no potatoes.

I did purchase a Road ID tag, which should be here on Monday. I told myself it was an early Birthday present. Of course, I'm still saving up for the real Birthday present this year, which is a Garmin 405cx. I love techy toys and running techy toys are sooooo very cool. I know, I'm a nerd. That's okay.

I'm hoping to get some new running gear too. A Camelback is on the list, although now that I have read CAUTION: Redhead Running's blog, I might change my running program to passing by some convenience stores to pick up the necessary items. Or not, because I sweat like a pig when I run and I hate to even look at people when I am soaking wet from sweat.

Today's run is another 2, but on the road this time and a route that I used to walk daily when training for the Half marathon I walked last year. A year ago, if you had told me I would be running and training to run a half marathon, I would have said you were crazy. Now, with my 31st birthday coming up on Sunday, I can't imagine why I never ran before. Oh wait, that's right, I have allergy-exercise-induced asthma. Right.

Single training begins...

2010-04-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Ahhh boot camp. What an adventure that was. Two great things about boot camp: 1, I know I can run 5 miles easily and not die. 2, I lost some weight. Finally.

The last day of boot camp was great. I got to be the emergency car and missed out on the first 2 miles of the 5 mile run. As I waited at my position for the runners to come by, I stood out on the walkway to the beach and just stared over the water. It was peaceful and beautiful. Little did I know that the first 2 miles were being run on the road. So, I got to run down the loooong walkway, down the beach access, to the road to catch the runners. We ran up to the top of Wright Brothers Memorial - which is a harder climb than the bridge to Manteo was during last year's half.

After making it to the top, we all had a few moments to catch our breath and find out who won what title. Being the turtle that I am, I was lumped with the two guys that were also slow. We finished, that's all I'm saying.

When we had caught our breath, we headed down the Memorial and back over to the beach for 2 miles on the beach. My job to be the emergency car was starting to stink because I only got in the one mile run to and from the Memorial. As the last guy was heading up the walkway, Matt asked me if I wanted to run back with everyone. Yeah! I haven't been training for nothing. I ran the 2 miles back, even passed 5 people. Matt was surprised that I could and did come from being the last person to passing 5 others. Well, that's what happens when you train exclusively on the beach.

At the end of the 6 weeks, I was glad I had done it. I lost 8 pounds, could run 3 miles on the beach, and felt better about myself. I didn't sign up for the next 6 weeks. Though I was glad I had done the first, I am simply not crazy enough to sign up for more. No, I will go it alone now. Kind of.

I took off the last two weeks to allow my ankle time to heal. What happened to my ankle? Well, you see, I have a weakness for high heels and one day during boot camp, I stepped wrong in my heels and tweeked it. It's doing fine now and I don't even have to wear the brace anymore to do kick-boxing. Tomorrow morning, I will be back out on the beach running my 2 miles. I'm starting small again and will work my way back up to the 5 miles by end of May.

I have a 5K coming up on May 22 in Corolla. It's the first year for the Scute, but it should be fun. This will be my very first 5K and I am so excited. My goal is to finish the 5K in 27 minutes, which puts me at 9 minute miles. We'll see if I can reach it or not!

I am going to sign up for the Outer Banks Running Club. They meet once a week to run and I think I do better when there is someone relying on me to pull my weight. I look forward to meeting some of the people and making some new friendships.

As of now, I have lost a grand total of 13 pounds. I lost the additional 5 after boot camp ended, which is simply amazing to me because I haven't been doing anything other than kick-boxing and 1 mile runs before class. I hope it keeps coming off!

*For Nancy, the one person who actually reads my blog, I apologize for not keeping it up better. I seem to forget to put up posts. I have decided to pencil myself in time to write posts at least twice a week to keep you up to date.

Time slips away - Days 12 to 18

2010-03-19T13:24:00.000-04:00

Who knew time could fly? We all say it, but rarely does it really compute that it is going by so quickly. Time seems to just slip away...

So, what has happened the last week? So much has happened. Tuesday's boot camp involved a 5.8 mile run. Little did we know that was how much we ran, but it was. I will fess up and say I didn't run the whole time. I did more of a walk-run finale for the last 2.5 miles. The beach really did me in - which seems to be the case all the time. I really have to start training on the beach during my off days!

Thursday was a bit different. We ran in teams carrying a board. Six people per team, 3 teams. Since I am a turtle*, I was part of the team that ran slower. There were two women running in our group that probably should have been in the next group up. At the end of our 3-plus miles, they started pushing to run faster. When you've been a couch potato for 4 months and have asthma, you get kinda snarky when someone pushes you at the end of an exhaustive run. I told them I couldn't go faster. They pushed again. I snapped a bit. I did apologize later, but it still upsets me that they were unwilling to accept that I was close to the end of my rope and we still had to get across the major road (5 lanes).

I didn't walk at all during that 3-plus mile run. Not even when we were on the beach. I didn't want to let my team down. I guess having someone relying on me is a big deal for me. I wasn't the strongest runner in the group - there were 2 girls stronger than me - but I wasn't the weakest either. I tried to be encouraging to the others and step up my own running to compete with the stronger two. I guess Matt knows what he's doing after all.

Today is a 2 mile day. I will be running after work ends, along with my other exercises I am supposed to accomplish each week. I am setting small goals to achieve each week. This weeks is to run 6 out of 7 days. So far, I've run 2 days. Since I took Wednesday off, I have to run for the next 4. Shouldn't be too hard, just have to make it a priority.

Anyone else out there working on their own goals? What is your fitness goal this week?

*Turtles may run slow, but we always finish the race!

Days 6 through 11

2010-03-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it through two more boot camp days - though not without struggles. Tuesday, March 9 was trying with problems still being caused by calf cramps. The cramps appear to be coming from my left ankle and I have found a solution to this problem - a brace. Thursday, March 11 I had no problems with my left ankle nor with calf cramps. I did, however, have a very bad migraine. Exercising helped, while I was exercising. Once I stopped, the migraine came back full steam ahead and included some unpleasant shaking. I ended up in bed all day.

I think the workouts are getting a little bit easier, though I am still struggling once we hit the beach. I know I am getting stronger and plan to keep at this. I will not be a quitter. I will not be a sandbagger, either. Yes, I found out what this means. It means someone who is performing below their actual skill level. Hmmm. I do not want to be that person. Therefore, I have a new policy to enact for boot camp. NE. No Excuses. I plan to have this "tattoo" put on my hand with a Sharpie. (No, I won't get an actual tattoo of NE on my hand, that would be silly when a Sharpie will do.)

Today is another 1 mile run day, with my additional exercises that I will be performing. I hate sit-ups with a passion. Crunches, no problem. Sit-ups, demons. I have to do 100 of them, too. Ugh. By the time I am done, my abs hurt so bad I have to do the push-ups and the squats in between the sit-ups and the crunches - which I have 100 to do as well. Maybe I'll finally have some good-looking abs. Of course, I still think I will always have the Botticelli belly.

Since the weekend is coming up, I'll be crazy busy with cleaning house and church. Saturday, I do plan to do a three mile run, including the stops for push-ups, squats, crunches, sit-ups and jumping jacks. Some of that foolishness will be done on the beach, gasp! Luckily, Sunday is my day off, with only the additional boot camp 100's to do. Ah, such is life.

Anyone else having fun doing their workout or shape-up for the summer? While my goal is a bit more extended than that - running the half marathon in November in 2 hours - I am hopeful that this boot camp will help me to really get in shape for summer. I would like to spend some time at the beach this year, feeling comfortable in a bathing suit for the first time in years! What are your plans for the summer shape-up?

Day 4 & Day 5

2010-03-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well, most of Day 4 was spent in the company van driving to DC. Talk about an exhausting trip! Even though it was only 4.5 hours of driving, it was still a very trying experience.

So, I fell off the bandwagon a bit - I ate some fries. Oh, and a cheeseburger. It wasn't fast food, it was in an actual restaurant, but still I don't think I am supposed to eat these items. It sure was good though!

I did my necessary exercises before we left and even walked a number of blocks to get to and from the Convention Center. It is 2.5 blocks from our hotel. We also walked to the CVS, which is also about 2.5 blocks from our hotel. Of course, it is in a different direction from the Convention center, but still, it should count.

Bedtime was kinda late, I think it was around 12 before we got to sleep. I was so tired by that point. My alarm went off at 4:30 yesterday morning, though I hit the snooze button until sometime after 5. This morning, I slept in until 7:30. I didn't have time to go do my normal exercises, so I went ahead and planned on going tonight.

The day was long and really busy. We were at the Convention Center for about 7-plus hours. It was a long day. We did hit up Starbucks before we headed over, which was a good thing because I was having a hard time getting going this morning. I ended up eating a really nasty hot dog and some Frito's at the expo. The only good food I ate today was at breakfast, which was another big meal for me today.

When we got back to the hotel, I suited up and headed down to the fitness room. I'm really glad they have a fitness room at this hotel so I can do my sit-ups, push-ups and squats. Plus, I ran my 3 miles. I'm still struggling a lot with the running, but it is getting better. I know if I keep at it and keep running daily, I will be able to keep up with the rest of the boot camp team. I feel like I am letting them and me down by not being able to keep pace with them all.

I think I'm doing pretty good for a girl who hadn't done any real exercise since November, not including the 6 kick-boxing classes I took before starting. I'm still not doing as good as I could - and I know I'm not pushing myself as much as I should. So, I plan to push harder, work more and hopefully get myself up to par.

Keep up with me during my next 5 plus weeks of training. It's gonna be a crazy, wild, bumpy ride.

Day 3: What was I thinking...

2010-03-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

What have I gotten myself into? It was not a good idea to go from a "couch potato" to a boot camp attendee. I say "couch potato" in quotations because while I used to be active, I had taken off most of the winter. Attending 6 kickboxing classes before delving into 6 weeks of intensive training may not have been the best idea!

Well, I signed up, I showed up and now I am gonna shut up! For the most part. I will still mumble* under my breath but I will do more to become better. Running is not a sport for the wimpy. Then again, neither is ballet and I did that for many, many years. I was, of course, much younger and very stupid, but if I did it once, I can do it again.

In order to stop being a "sandbagger" - what does that mean? - I am stepping up my game. We have been running 3 miles for both training days of boot camp, so I will be running an additional 4 days - Sunday will stay my only day off. Not the short little runs I've been doing, but the long more intense runs that Matt seems to thrive on and love to do. I will be adding in some short sprints on the beach (400 feet, I believe it was), which will hopefully help my stamina on that end as well.

I know I'm a slow runner. I definitely wasn't built for speed on endurance runs. Give me a sprint to do and I can run it pretty darn fast. When I set a slower pace on a run, I do okay. I don't have to stop and walk - which is when I get yelled at - nor do I feel like throwing up. My calves don't cramp up either. Still, even with a slower pace, I definitely have to do more. More days running seems like a good compromise.

There is one other slow runner. His name is Eric and he seems to be about the same pace as I am. That is great because today towards the end, we were able to run together and really give one another encouragement. He has a bad hip, I have bad ankles/calves. I think I will be looking for him to run with from now on. Like I told him - we might be the last ones, but we do finish.

Okay, stay tuned for more! I leave for DC in the morning for work, but I plan to make good use of the gym at the hotel. I also plan to pack some fruit to take with me to eat for pick-me-up snacks during the long work days. I've found that my stomach is almost always growling - which is weird and different. At least I'm actually eating more, which is something they told me I needed to do. Keep following and I'll keep updating.

*I mumble under my breath that Matt is the devil a lot, but I know that isn't true. He's actually really nice and is only doing his job by yelling at me and telling me to stop being a "sandbagger" - seriously, what does that mean?

Day 2

2010-03-03T13:37:00.000-05:00

So, Day 2 was definitely better than Day 1. I got up, did some sit-ups, push-ups and squats. Went on to work and had a fairly productive day. After work, I went to KU for kick-boxing class. Matt is the teacher for that class and it was definitely a good one. I wasn't too sore, before or after, though I did have a few instances of 'I'm gonna throw up' happen. Ugh, that is never fun.

It appears that when you have the feeling of nausea, it is not caused by what you did or did not eat. It is, in fact, caused by your blood flowing away from your core and towards your extremities. You learn something new every day!

I was in bed by 9 and out by 10:30. I have beefed up the water intake, as well as electrolyte restoration through sports drinks, magnesium and fruits. I'm trying to eat more, as well, which is a major deal for me. I tend to forget to eat most of the time, but now my stomach isn't letting me!

Keep following for more of my journey through Boot Camp!

Day 1: Boot Camp Begins

2010-03-02T16:07:00.000-05:00

For those who have read the blog, you know I became a Christian in June of 2008. Well, in July of 2008, I smoked my very last cigarette. In the year plus since that time, I put on some weight. How much - I'm not telling. Suffice it to say, I seriously needed a major kick in the butt to get myself on track.

In November 2009, I participated in the Outer Banks Half Marathon. I walked the 13.2 miles and crossed the finish line. I also picked up a new addiction - marathons. Or half marathons to be more precise. The training, the anticipation, the nerves, the actual effort, crossing the finish line, crossing off an item on my Bucket List - all of those things combined together to give me the fever. So, I decided then and there that I would be running the Outer Banks Half Marathon in 2010. Yes, I said running.

For an ex-smoker who hadn't exercised since 2007, beginning training to walk the Half Marathon was grueling. Now, I have decided to take on the task of training to run 13.2 miles in the Outer Banks Half Marathon. Gulp!

One of the ways I am getting started on training is to actually use my membership to Knuckle-Up Fitness OBX. I joined in 2007, went for 5 months, and then promptly fell off the band-wagon. So, two weeks ago, I stepped foot back into KU and started classes again. Matt "Drill Instructor" Costa was the instructor. I think he must be retired Army or some type of military guy because he is really good at the scary motivation!

When I shared my goal of running the Outer Banks Half Marathon, and the desire to do so in under 2 hours, Matt told me I should sign up for his Boot Camp. So, I did. Why not, thought I. I can do this. It will be a piece of cake.

Did I mention Matt is like a Drill Instructor? Scary motivation and all?

I woke up at 4:35 this morning and got ready for the first day of boot camp. Camp meets twice a week for 6 weeks. Camp starts promptly at 5:30 am and ends around 6:45 - though it will probably be closer to 7 am I am told. During that hour and 15 minutes or so, I belong to a team. I am not an individual, I am a team member. No one gets left behind - although today, I thought I might.

Taking only 6 kickboxing classes before beginning this level of training might not have been such a good idea. But, Matt assured all of us that he NEVER would have let us sign up if he didn't think we could make it. That is a huge vote of confidence, but I kinda think I needed more physical activity before starting such an undertaking.

For the next 6 weeks, I am going to be my Type A self and apply every ounce of everything I have to this endeavor. Today was tough - I ended up with a major cramp in my left calf and nearly went down a couple of times. The only thing that kept me going was reciting my life verse repeatedly through my head - "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. Sometimes, I was begging God for the strength to keep going. I had to slow down to a walk sometimes, and even that about put me on my knees.

I want to run that half marathon and I want to do it under 2 hours. So, I am going to train as Matt tells me to and I am going to eat as Matt tells me to. I will be ready for November and I will kick some major Half Marathon tail. Keep track of my journey with me - it should be a very interesting trip!

So much to do...

2009-07-20T19:37:00.000-04:00

I feel a little overwhelmed lately with all the projects I am involved in. Between work and church and family, I feel like maybe I've bitten off too much. I have a hard time saying "No" and I know that can lead me to major stress and burnout.

I don't want to fill my life with just projects. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the fact that others trust me with these projects. I just feel like maybe my life should be about more than just those projects.

Let's see, it has been two months and eighteen days since I turned 30. It has been over 3 years since I had a serious relationship. It has been over a year since my last date. Wow, I sound pretty pathetic.

But, that time seems to have flown by because I have too many projects going on all the time! I let them take over my life and I hate that!

So, no more projects right now. Next one is going to get a "No". I need to spend more time with friends and family and less time working on this or that. Yeah, now if I can just follow through on this one...

Too much to do, Too little time

2009-07-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

Ever feel like 24 hours in a day just isn't enough?

I feel that way today. I'm at work, it's 6 pm, I'm already feeling pretty overloaded on the brain, and I will have to go to the grocery store when I finally leave here at 7:30. I have a pile of work on each of my desks (there are two total) and I have barely had an opportunity to even look at the stuff today. I've been busy putting out other fires and helping others get their work done.

Right now, I am simply thanking God for granting me enough sleep last night. For giving me so much work to do that I feel overwhelmed. For allowing me to live in a country where I can complain about these things freely and openly. For being able to take five minutes to write this silly blog post that no one will ever probably read. I thank Him for everything and I praise Him for being so amazing and wonderful.

So, even though I complain about being overloaded on the brain and tired and working late, I'm thankful to God that I am overloaded on the brain and tired and working late. Because He is providing for me and He will carry me through this. For all of this and more, I thank Him.

New Title, New Post

2009-06-19T19:02:00.000-04:00

I've changed the name of the blog, from 'Books of My Life' to 'Single & The Christian Life'. I figure, there really isn't anyone out there reading this [except maybe Nancy], so I can do as I please with it.

I haven't had a chance to update or post on the blog for a while. My life has been pretty busy lately. I must admit that work and stress from work are seriously taking their toll on me. I have slept poorly for the last four nights, and I know a good part of that is due to my work. Perhaps I have bitten off more than I can chew right now.

But, I'm reasonably certain that I am exactly where God wants me to be right now, doing exactly what He wants me to do. Being the control freak that I am, I keep wresting the wheel from God's hands and trying to make Him follow my plan. That is what I believe is driving the many sleepless nights I have had this past week.

I've come to some conclusions about my life that aren't pretty and I don't like. There's a lot that has to be changed and I'm scared and worried about changing. Change is always scary. I am putting my trust in God, though, and praying throughout these upcoming changes. I know God won't let me down, I just hope that I don't let me down.

Single and The Christian Life, 3

2009-05-15T14:19:00.000-04:00

For those of you just joining in, click here (Part 1) and here (Part 2) for more of 'Single and The Christian Life' and to catch up. I'm starting to think I should make this a separate blog, but I'm not really sure. Hmm, this requires more prayer time, methinks.

So, where am I at now a mere 13 days after turning 30? Freaked, that's where I am.

My job has gotten even stickier than it was before, taking all sorts of tolls on me and my life outside work. I have pushed myself hard for any number of years and feel like I am still falling short of where I want to be. Maybe it's because I've been pushing myself so hard. Hmm, something else to devote some prayer time to.

Big news... that I'm keeping to myself. I will simply ask those of you out there to pray for me that I make the right decisions on this one. It could potentially change my life completely, and I don't want to say any more than that.

Still date-less right now. I haven't even met any single, Christian men in a very long time. At least, none that are old enough to date. Most of the Christian men I meet are either 10 years or more too young, married, or they are engaged. Perhaps I'm not looking in the right place? Or maybe I just live in the wrong place. Anyone have some suggestions?

So, for now, my nights will be full of hanging with the dog and an odd evening with my girls. Like tonight, for instance. The girls and I are heading to the movies for an evening with one another, popcorn, candy and, sigh, Matthew McConaughey. I know, probably not the best way to spend my evening with the girls. It's Matthew McConaughey, though. So, sigh.

Since it is about time to go meet the girls, I'm heading out. I'll keep you up to date on what is happening in my life in the next 'Single and The Christian Life' posting! Until then, praise God!

Work & Eternal Busyness

2009-05-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't had much time to post anything up here, and I really don't have a lot of time now. But, I just wanted to say, "It's been a crazy, hectic week here at Kitty Dunes!" Between meetings, meetings, website, changes, corrections, more meetings, and some general insanity thrown in, I haven't had an opportunity to think straight since Monday.

That's all for now. Maybe more next Monday...