in the gym, on the road, the rain, the stretching, & just plain busy

Running:
Still only 3X a week with one of them mostly walking.
Yes, the IT Band issues are still there BUT NOT NEAR as bad.
It’s been extremely nice to run with my friends & I’ve reacquainted myself with my “East” 5 mile course. Granted my fastest pace for 5 miles has only been 10:28 but that was with hills/cool temp. (run 8 mins/walk 1 min)
I’m just excited to be out there.
Every time I even start to think of taking my bike out, it starts raining or I have somewhere to go. Running is coming first over the bike, anyway.
I still get on the trainer occasionally in the mornings in front of the news.
I’ve been obsessed with the stretching in the mornings & evenings so that’s taking some time but I stretch in front of the TV. Hopefully, the therapy stretching is burning some calories! 

Holiday:
With Memorial Day fast approaching, we’re planning to get up to MI for 4 days. Can’t wait to see pregnant Susan! The cousins & I will see “SATC 2” on Sunday. Everyone is going to the Memorial Day Detroit Tigers game.

Ragnar Relay:
Joe & I signed up for team “Agony of de Feet”. A 12 member team consisting of us, Michele E. (her hubby), Pam A. (her fiance’), Kim C. (her hubby), Tracey N. (her hubby), Melissa M., & a gal named Sonia. I’m so excited about this relay I can’t stand it. First weekend in November I will be sleep deprived but having a blast. We have “exchanges” in Jasper, Cowan, Lynchburg, Unionville, Franklin, & the finish line is downtown Nashville.

Concerts:
Yes, plural….we went to the Buffett concert the weekend of the BIG flood.
Joe bought us tickets to the “Nashville Rising” concert, June 22nd. Amazing that he got through on ticketmaster because I heard that it sold out in like 15 minutes….

Goodwill:
The goodwill of folks always amazes me in times of crisis.
Just makes me value those that step up to the plate even more.
Makes me value less those that constantly spew negativity.
I’ll never view Nashville the same after the floods of 2010.
I wish I were able to do more, give more…Joe has really done his share of volunteering from handing out water to helping sand bag Metrocenter.
So proud of him…

Goodwill Store:
Since our yard sale was rained out, Joe took the stuff to Goodwill for a nice tax write off.  I think we’ll do that for now on instead of dealing with the actual work of a sale. I usually purge my stuff every 6-8 months anyway. Nobody can ever accuse me of being a pack rat. Downsizing two households when they merge is always challenging. We know we don’t want to live in the condo simply because it’s not big enough but we may have to if it doesn’t sell quickly (in the Fall, maybe). Just depends…on so many things…so many changes going on…Our future home depends on future job sites…personally I like the ‘boro. Maybe even near the Heusers. Love the Fleet Feet there & would enjoy running there & it’s not that far from home. Home will always be the ‘homa for me.

Our Wash Out

Friday:
I did absolutely nothing as far as exercise unless you consider walking a block from the car to the Sounds Stadium exercise. I felt guilty but I'm not training for anything so there ya go... They won!

Saturday:
Our yard sale was rained out, of course, so I went back to bed & read "The Carrie Diaries". I wanted to finish it before meeting Candace Bushnell on Sunday but that got cancelled too. LOVED the book! LOVED that it leads to another book & how it explains the beginning of one of her great friendships.

We went to the Jimmy Buffett concert Saturday night & had a good time. Getting there was an adventure in itself. The area just past the fair grounds/flea mkt was flooded so we couldn't go all the way up 4th. Old Hickory to I65 probably would've been better but oh well...
As far as exercise, I did nothing on Saturday.

Sunday:
I did an hour of pilates, which I desperately needed & after lunch I trekked back to the 'homa via Nolensville Rd/41A to 840. It was a bit scary & man was I glad to finally get to Murfreesboro. As soon as I got south of Murfreesboro the rain stopped & the sun came out. I'm about tired of the rain every single weekend.

Our Memorial day weekend plans are coming together...we're trying to work in a Tigers game on Memorial Day, plus time with the cousins, & a trip to the movie theater to see "SATC 2". I see us staying in TN for July 4th & that's A OK with me. I feel like this year is flying by or washing away for that matter! ha!

This week, I will run the "Daddy Billy's 3 mile social run" & get back on the trainer. The voltaren & stretching has really worked well & FAST!

I think I’ve already lost my “shaker of salt”.

I checked the company mailbox 4X this morning looking for my “Carrie Diaries”. I’m fired up to read it even though I have already read online that there are some inconsistencies regarding Carrie Bradshaw’s high school years in the book versus what came out in the TV show. 
I can’t wait for the 2nd movie to come out at the end of the month. (Looks like I might see the movie with Patti in Michigan Memorial Day weekend!) I read it for 30 mins during lunch so far I’m picturing Sarah Jessica Parker as she looked in “Square Pegs”. If you don’t remember that show, then you’re not from the 80’s. ha!

I’ve agreed to do the Ragnar Relay (Joe’s doing it too) the first weekend in November. We will be on a 12 person team. Each person does 3 shifts of around 5.5 miles. This should be an experience to remember! I really hope it all pans out. I’ve been going over the 16 page “bible” of rules. Wow! If I run at night, I pray I don't trip over a stupid possum.

I feel like the Voltaren Dr. Holmes gave me is working well.
I’m doing the stretches & taking it easy this week. Only one 3.15 mile run with Wayne. We did a flat course at 10:15 pace. Our effort to stay at an even pace felt good. Maybe next week we’ll do 4 at an even pace. I plan to get back on the trainer next week in the mornings.

This Saturday, our yard sale may get rained out but we’ll have fun at the Jimmy Buffett concert at Bridgestone arena I’m sure… Can’t wait!

April should end now...

Death:

A few weeks ago a really sweet woman in HR dropped dead of a heart attack at her home. She lacked 2 wks having 20 yrs here. Sad. She was a smoker but who knows if she had the genetics for heart disease or if she ate well & exercised, etc… She wasn’t overweight but I’m sure the smoking didn’t help. She’s sorely missed. I just can’t help but think what if with some people…

Running-Spinning:
I’ve had a few decent little runs. Nothing really speedy/nothing more than 4-4.5 miles. Since I’ve had issues with the piriformis (muscle in the gluteal region) lately & some left knee soreness I decided to head back to the Nashville Orthopedic office. I saw Dr. Holmes this time. He’s only been here 9 months, very nice, very understanding, etc…I don’t think I’ll go chasing Dr. Johnson in Cool Springs after all. Turns out my self diagnosis was correct. The lunges in the bike shoes irritated my IT band. Not saying that was the only cause but when you are doing something & you think to yourself, “This does NOT feel good.” Listen to yourself!! Voltaren (& stretching) are my best friends right now. Last week I did have a pretty good run with Wayne on one of the cooler days we had & I walk/jogged with, Christy G, an old friend of mine. Friday morning before the doc appt, I walk/jogged hills with Joe. Trust me, it made it sore enough to pin point achiness to Dr. Holmes.

Diana’s Sweet Shoppe-Expo-CMM:
After my doc appt, we ate lunch at Diana’s Sweet Shoppe. It was nice. Has the original interior in it from Port Huron, Michigan. A little overpriced for what you get but I can say I’ve been there, done that.
Then we headed to the Expo where I got my usual “deals” & low n’ behold we meet an Olympian, Ryan Hall. Yeah, Eddie George was there but we’ve been there done that with Eddie. Ha! I was thrilled.

Joe got his autograph on the back of his bib (we protected it, don’t worry!) & I told him all I wanted was a handshake. He’s a sweetheart.

Josh Cox above won the 1/2. Remember him 5 yrs ago on the Bachelorette? ha!  He's married now.

Joe finished 2:00:59 & of course it bugs him because he knows he should’ve done better. Since the race started 15 min early, he had no idea that corral 3 had already gone when he got to the corrals. (long lines at the potties) He weaved & dodged a lot of folks who started earlier than they should’ve & of course the humidity wasn’t in his favor. I keep telling him to do Tom King. Next year, I hope we both do Tom King or some other race with better weather & not so many people. Evansville & San Antonio came up since we saw fliers for them. So, who knows… I just know I’m fired up now & I need the body to cooperate like it once did. 

Sex & the City:
A month or so ago, I ordered “The Carrie Diaries” off amazon. I got an email today telling me it has been shipped. It’s the prequel to Carrie Bradshaw becoming a writer & living in Manhattan. Can’t wait to read it since the “Sex & the City 2” movie comes out soon!

Downsizing-Yard Sale-Jimmy Buffett:
The first phase of our downsizing is getting ready for the Lenox Village yard sale. This Saturday night is Jimmy Buffett at the Bridgestone arena. Please pray for great yard sale & tailgate weather. I plan to lose a couple a shakers of salt.

The good, the bad, the ugly...

Good:
My Texas sister got offered a kick ass new job. Her pay is going up 20k!

Bad:
I'm backing off the running just a bit. Tinsy bit of soreness in shin today. Nothing to fret about but it was a reminder to go SLOW/LOW mileage.

Ugly:
NYC marathon denied me again for the 3rd time. After the 3rd denial, you're automatically in the 4th year. So, 2011 will be my year to run the NYC marathon.  Time enough to heal totally & train to the best of my ability. I wanna run the S*IT out of that marathon! 
(Terry Q. & Paul S. were denied also. Just means they have to run with me in 2011! ha!)

Long road back there but I will get there...

So, here I am making plans, juggling options, wondering what I want to do, etc…Most of this isn’t even running related, though.

Running:
Yesterday & today I ran in the heat. I’m not acclimated to heat much less running right now but it’s fun to run again even though I feel like I want to hurl. I’m GLAD it’s cooling down towards the end of the week. I don’t even care to see 80+ degrees until the end of May anyway. Ran with Wayne Monday & my stomach felt like it was turning upside down/inside out but we managed a slow 3:17 (37:07 time). Today I ran with a small group from the Mach Tenn club.  I ran with Kim C. (been missing her spin class), 3 miles in the heat but it did feel a tad bit better than yesterday because of the wind. (30:11 time)

Spinning:
I took the bike out in Joe’s neighborhood Sunday but have no plans to take it out anytime soon. I’m going to stick to the spinervals dvds early in the morning during the week. I did a 50 min dvd this morning. I see my bike being a weekend thing, possibly. I refuse to forget about it because I feel like it could make me a stronger runner, plus it breaks up the monotony of doing the same thing all the time. No plans at all to do any rides unless Terri & I decide to take off in Lynchburg to explore sometime. Who knows…

Races:
Not wasting any $ or time on them until I know I’m 100% back to where I was several years ago. Yes, there are so many Nashville races that I’ve never done & would love to do but that can wait. Paul S. & I find out tomorrow if we’re in NYC’s marathon. That will be my ONLY training focus this summer IF I’m in this year. If not, no big deal, I’ll be in 2011 for sure. I won’t be substituting a marathon this fall either…I will pick an early spring marathon & start Fall training if NYC is a “no go”. Half marathons…I’m thinking maybe the Murfreesboro ½ again. I did the inaugural one & melted with a less than stellar time. I think it was 2:02 or 2:03 & in better weather conditions I know I could have PR’d on that course but oh well….that’s the past…..

Jobs:
Yep, I know a lot of people are looking. Who isn't looking around these days? I'm looking but I’m not hurting myself looking around right now. Since Jeff & Hannah are back, Jeff is looking again. If anyone knows of a position for a Corporate Lawyer, please let us know where to send his resume. Joe is looking around & has some great leads. If you know of any Healthcare related Director/Manager Level positions, let us know where to send his resume. Ha! Ahh, life, you just have to be in it & roll with it. I cannot wait for the economy to turn around so we can all breathe a little easier. Hey, at least I get my pay cut completely back this month that I had to take last year.

Complaints:
I don’t have any REAL complaints. I’m healthy. :)

Nothing but calorie burn going on...

As I've stated before, Joe's neighborhood has too many hills, too many stop signs, too much congestion for really good bike riding. I did 14 miles yesterday anyway in it. Tested my "alertness". ha!  We walked just over 4 miles around Vandy & Cent. Park too. Got some sun! 

Saturday before the World Outreach service we had walk/jogged around the "village" for 4.5 miles Again, hills...my body isn't ready for too many hills & I felt it yesterday.  It's just calorie burn right now, not training so I'm ok with it. About an hour of pilates after Saturday's jog/walk helped loosen me up.

Backing up to friday, I did nothing. My body just wanted to "veg" so I did.

Fastforward to today, meeting Wayne for roughly 3+ miles then I plan to spin in front of the tv to "Dancing with the Stars". I am starting all over from scratch...ChiRunning form focuses...here I come.

Happy April!

It was a "Good" Friday at the Dr's office.

I went into Dr. Johnson's office worried about my ankle. (Remember the fall off the front porch last May?)  Well, since the ankle has been giving me fits the last week or so I was a bit scared. Scared that I'd have to have another MRI & not run on it. Turns out it's just some tendonitis & it's making my right calf tight. No big deal. As the doc said, "It's a good thing. It's weak & your working it. It's responding!"  Before Dr. Johnson opened the door, I could hear him tell his "observing student" this is Lisa. He must have opened my X rays & looked at them before he opened the door because he came literally bouncing in with GREAT news. He slapped the X-rays up & pointed to them. "NO LINE!"  I was stunned. I almost burst into tears. All I could think of was....New York's marathon...running with my friends again...running the base trails....finally RUNNING.  :) 

Of course, I'm not going to overdo it. I'm still doing the ChiRunning, keeping myself on some softer surfaces, etc...  I can now start pushing my pace down & running longer without worrying.  Makes me want to go out & chase down the Easter Bunny. 

Happy Easter everyone & Good Luck Oak Barrel 1/2 marathoners!

Sad

Samantha's fight ended. Praying for the family to heal.

"Chi, Chi, Chi, Cha, Cha, Cha"

This past week, 2 really good, decent, little jogs with Terri that were both over 4 miles & 1 long treadmill walk. I guess since I know I get an X ray Apr 2nd, I'm backing off a bit. I pray I haven't set the tibia crack back. Form focusing is getting a little easier, the lean is crazy. Yes, just like the book says, the more I lean the more I speed up. It seems the only pain I have right now is the bursa tissue/hip issue but that may be coming from the bike. Who knows...both Carla & Terri seem to be having hip/upper ham string issues, too. 

I've kept 3 "dates" with Coach Troy this week. Sure, I know there were a least 2 different days that I should've taken the bike out but I didn't. I wish I lived closer to work so I could allow for changes in work out plans.

Joe's running injury free so far...thank God. We'll soon find out if we have a marathon in our future. (along with Paul S., too).  I think it would be cool if all three of us got in this year.

Heard from a very old friend via Facebook this week. Sharon & I first met in 3rd grade when we both showed up wearing the same outfit. She lives in Franklin & we'll soon see each other for the first time in years.

And....please again......pray for little Sam.

Perspective...

Friday morning, I got up for a 30 min slow spin on the bike in front of the news. What's up with all the shooting of relatives, killing babies, etc...lately? What has our world come to that anyone in their right mind would want to hurt a child or an animal?!

My right calf was a tinsy bit tight later in the afternoon on Friday but nothing hurt, absolutely nothing... We got up, ate as light as we could at Dotson's, (bacon omelette/toast for me) went to the soccer fields, & ran in between Joey's & Jessica's games. We had 2 hours to kill so I jog/walked 3.62 with Joe, handed off my garmin to him, & he finished with just over 6 miles. Obviously, I held him back on his pace but that's ok. (He's doing the CMM 1/2 again) I critiqued his form. ha! Is it weird that I'm watching how people walk & run these days? Gesh!

Got a text on my way home regarding Samantha Abbott. I swear it really puts things into perspective when you hear of parents dealing with REALLY sick kids. Makes you truly appreciate the ones on the soccer fields. Please dear God, hear Dwyne's prayers...

Feeling it!

Even though Leslie ripped my soul out yet again in spin class this morning (as usual), I decided to go ahead & meet Terri for my 2nd run of the week. I was shooting for a slow 3.5 but we ended up with 4.28 slow. (Still it was over the 4 mile mark FINALLY!)
At the 3.8 mark I felt that old feeling, the urge to keep running...knowing full well, we were close to the gym. I knew I was going to stop but I could have easily done 5-6 today. It was gorgeous outside & my legs felt great! We'll see in a day or two how they feel. Can it be that I'm finally healed?! I can't wait to get that X-ray on Good Friday to see what's going on with the terrible tibia. (Apr 7th, the NYC lottery results will be in...)

The new High School track is now rubberized. We were stopped at the gate but after batting some eye lashes they let us in to run on the football field. :-)

Next week starts my new "spin at home" project. I will be spending lots of time with Coach Troy early in the mornings if I don't take the bike out in the evenings. His interval-spinerval dvd is awesome!

Ironic

I'm going to put a 2 carat ring on ebay that my ex husband gave me for Valentine's day in 1998. Wouldn't that be ironic if I used that money for our honeymoon and/or wedding? ha! I can't wait to get rid of the last thing I have of Gary Smith. ;-P

I had to size my ring down to a 4.5 & it's still a little loose. Hopefully, that looseness will be my "swelling allowed" room. Umm....

Changes

Yeah...I'm slacking on this blog thing but who cares...

Running Changes:
I’m reading “ChiRunning” in order to change my bad posture, poor running form, injury proned body, etc… I will not stop talking about it so if you’re already tired of hearing about it, sorry. ;-P
So far I’ve learned a lot & I’m not even half way through the book.
Leaning forward from RELAXED ankles is huge!
Finding the correct “lean” form will be challenging. (1-2 inches)
No more slumping for me. For years I’ve looked like a tired, slumped over old woman in race photos & it’s been embarrassing. I had learned to avoid cameras quite well before the damned tibia stress fracture. In the future I’ll not be so embarrassed. Relaxing while running is VERY important in ChiRunning. The arm swing, neck lengthening, pelvic twist, keeping the “bowl” centered (your center of gravitiy slightly ahead of your foot strike)…all so VERY important. I recommend that all runners read this book because I sure wish I had like 5-6 yrs ago. It’s about letting gravity help your legs move effortlessly behind you. NO more running with the brakes on for me!

Spinning Changes:
After Mar 18th, I’m letting the “Wreck Center” membership expire. Yes, I’m calling it the “wreck center” these days. The bikes are falling apart big time. The city of Manchester/Rec Center are too stubborn to do preventative maintenance on the bikes. An hour a week in there with a screw driver & wrench would go along way, but they don’t care. I hear the temp in the pool has been lowered, the heater in the therapy pool is always broken. The weight/treadmill/elliptical room is always filled to capacity on Monday nights STILL, & I could go on & on… The whole reason I started going there was to spin & use the pool occasionally. Well, the pool hours suck & I’m not paying for swim classes. I’m making good use of the trainer at home with spinervals. Yes, I’ll miss the class atmosphere but without Kim C. teaching 2 of the 3 classes that I was taking a week, it’s just not the same. Plus too, the time change & warmer temps are coming, God willing...

Relationship Changes:
Well, contrary to popular belief, I don’t always attract stalkers, swingers, egotistical maniacs, or just plain dumb guys who are scared of their own shadow. Ha! Nearly a year & a half ago on Halloween, I met Joe.
(Thanks Jill M.) He proposed, gave me the perfect ring, & now we’re waiting for someone to tell us what to do next. KIDDING! I have no idea when we’ll get married. It could be next week, next month, or next year. At this point in life, I try very hard not to sweat the small stuff. I’ve tossed around a few ideas in my head, though. Getting married at a finish line of a marathon has always been in the back of my brain even before I met Joe but most of the less than stellar males that I’ve dated in the past would never run a marathon. Go figure?! WIMPS!
I had wanted to be proposed to at the end of a marathon but I guess I should’ve spoken up on that one before now. Ha!

Whatever we do, will be fine. It’s going to be memorable either way. Life is Good, can’t complain much, & so many other changes ahead for 2010.

Favorite Couple Changes:
Hannah & Jeff are moving back to TN! Can't wait to have our fun friends back, who like ALL the stuff we do. I've missed her!

Nephew: Austin Jay-Love this boy!
Number 32, 3rd from left, will turn 15 on March 15th.

Tickets & new "read"

I'm in the middle of Paula Radcliffe's book but I plan to start Chi Running as soon as I finish hers. I'm going to re-train myself how to run. Seriously, I am... :)

I have Jimmy Buffett tickets coming to me for Joe's birthday (which is on cinco de mayo). It's on May 1st, which is a Saturday. Should be a blast!

So far in February...

Ok, I'll admit, I have run in snow before... I've run in 18 degree weather before...but right now I'm not running outside at all. (except that one Tues with the Mach Tenn folks & that was a slow 3 miles) I'm just not a winter person...I'm a "Fall" kinda gal, ya know... I'm over all this crap that keeps the roads messed up. Once again, this mess has hindered my driving. It took me 55 mins to get to work this morning. It's usually about 25 mins. So...YEP, I'm OVER winter now. Bring on Spring Training, the cracking of the bats, the warmth of the sun.... Bring on tulips, Bring on the out door bike riding... But more so...bring on ME outside in my new Brooks adrenalines...running...with a tanned "T" on my back from my sports bras. Bring it on!

Valentine's was low key...got some shoes from my other half (Ahnu shoes). :) I got him Columbia fleece wear, Vandy style, of course....

We saw "Valentine's Day". It was wonderful. Twists to it that I didn't expect for sure. Joey turned 10 on Valentine's day. He had a "Lightening Thief" party. :-)

Hannah's an Auntie now. Samantha was born early this morning in Indy.
What a cutie pie!
Oh and the thing on the tv right now...ya know...the Olympics is totally getting a lot of my attention. Go Team World!

My "me" weekend.

It took me 1 hr 20 mins to get home friday through the base. Normally it takes 25 mins. I was relieved when I got to Tullahoma but then I realized the 'homa streets were worse than the base. Needless to say, I didn't leave once I was at home. I got on the trainer for a very slow 45 mins in front of "Say Yes to the Dress" & "What Not to Wear". (Hi, I'm Lisa & I'm a TLC junkie.)

Sat morning, after trading a few text messages about the road conditions with people, I decided to get out & head to Harvey's. The main roads were fine. I jog-walked 2.5 miles (2 mi straight jog) on the deathmill before pilates class started. Did some weights afterwards & then errands. It started snowing just a little bit again but nothing major. I was all too happy to get back to the house to read & "catch up with the Kardashians".

I thought about going to a movie with Terri but I was way more interested in the current book I'm reading, "A Race Like No Other" by Liz Robbins (sports writer for the NY Times). I'm more than 1/2 way through the book. It follows the journey of NYC 2007 marathon runners; a recovering alcoholic VA woman, grandma runner, cancer survivor, plus Paula Radcliffe, Gete Wami, Hendrick Ramaala, etc... It takes you mile by mile on what to expect when you run the race. I had read on a NY city blog how great a read it was...& of course I ordered it off amazon.

As for the little walk/jog thing I've been doing...so far so good. If the Mach Tenn club meets up Tues evening, I may join them for a 3 mile jog.
I keep staring at the smooth area of the bone in my shin under flouresent lights trying to see if I can see the slight dip in it. Ya know the one that I've had for over 2 yrs now... Maybe I'm dreaming or in denial, but that long shin bone looks ok to me. This slow journey is killing me, though. The little 2.5 mile stretches are nothing. I'm not tired, barely sweating, & I feel as if I could keep going for 3, 4, 5, or 6 even... Apparently, endurance has never been a problem...it's the speed.
I cannot wait until I can do speed work & that's something strange coming out of me!

February, bring it on...

Football!

How 'bout dem Saints?!
How 'bout those Colts?!

I love both teams so I don't really care who wins the Super Bowl!

I can't get enough of Bart Yasso's book, "My Life on the Run".
That man has lived an AMAZING life. When I met him in NYC all I could think of was Yasso 800s, Yasso 800s... Little did I know he has been there & seen it all. I highly recommend the book even if you don't run.

Various levels of change...

Diet:
For some odd reason I’m actually eating less these days & making a conscious effort to eat better-no fake sugars-less carbs. I am starting to feel the change ever so slightly. I feel better than I did the first week of Jan for sure.

Pilates:
I’m trying new dvds & still going to Carla’s class on most Saturdays. My body needs to stretch more now than ever. It makes my core stronger, yet relaxes me… I love it!

Shin:
I’ve been told for the 3rd time in 2 yrs that I can start running again.
Here we go again… Right now I’m doing a walk/jog thing on the dreadmill for about 2-2.25 miles 3X a week. If after a few weeks of this it appears to be ok, I’ll bump it up to 3 miles 3X a week & so forth. Doc said that it’s definitely improved over the last 3 months. I’m going back in Apr for another X ray to see if I've set the progress back again. (HELL NO, I'M NOT DOING CMM at all this year.) If I’ve set it back then that may be a sign that I’ll never run again and/or a rod in my shin. Isn’t that insane?!

Books:
I may have mentioned that I read Michael J. Fox’s 2 books back in the Fall even though I don’t know a soul with Parkinson’s disease. (Very interesting/eye opening) I love a good biography! I read “The Blind Side” recently since I was told it’s better than the movie. Much more info in the book, of course. It made me teary eyed in some chapters & educated me on the game in others. Loved it! Sandra Bullock earned her Golden Globe for this one! I'm reading Bart Yasso's book, "My Life on the Run" now & so far it's very interesting. That man has a HIGH pain tolerance! I ordered "A Race Like No Other: 26.2 Miles Through the Streets of New York" today & I can't wait to get it.

Weights:
I still manage at least a day or two of weight machines/free weights. No heavy lifting but more consistent.

Overall, I feel pretty good right now…..
If I could keep the sinus & migraine issues at bay, I’d be dangerous!
Lots going on & can ya believe it’s almost the end of January?!

Bags that mean something

I want one of these one day.

Things I accomplished this past week

*Got up before 5am three days in a row for spin & time on my trainer
*Got back into my regularly scheduled workouts (3 days spinning, 1 day trainer, 4 consecutive days elliptical & weights)
*Bought a pair of superfeet inserts off amazon with gift card (thanks, Cheryl!)
*Counted calories this week even though I ate 3 lunches outside the office (arg!)
*Still ate some Japanese candies but made sure I burned them off after work
*Found out I “heart” indeed.com
*Realized that I love the SEC but couldn’t bring myself to root for Bama (blah!)
*Glad Joe’s “Chips” (Central MI) won their bowl but also glad we didn’t go watch it in person. :)
*Was reminded that cold weather running clothes are great to wear under work clothes this time of the year! (Brrrr!)
*Don’t leave gym clothes in the car all day unless you want to get a good freeze on after you put them on at the gym. (Arg!)

I’m looking forward to a 3 day weekend next weekend. (MLK Day)
My Texas sis turns 41 Jan 18th!
Oh, and Elvis, where ever you are...happy birthday!

Rough start

Both Joe & I battled sinus infections this past week. What a rough way to go into the new year... On average I'm getting a sinus infection every 5-6 months. Supposedly, that's not as bad as most people. 2-3 yrs ago, I rarely got them. As soon as we walked the dogs in San Antonio I could feel the allergies flare up. That far south rarely freezes so there was plenty of stuff to affect my allergies.

Anyway, I didn't make it to spin at all last week but I did get to Harvey's for a few workouts & on my trainer for 30 mins New Years Eve. I went to Joe's gym three days in a row. They're cracking down on passes there so I'll either have to join or not go anymore. It's only $15 a month since they did away with their classes at Urban Active. (He was paying $25 when they had classes.) I can just see it now...me with 3 gym memberships! I'm actually thinking I'll let the Rec Center lapse a few weeks so I don't have to fight anyone for a spin bike. (Rejoin in early Feb when the newbies disappear.)

I always analyze how I'm spending money every year at this time but when it comes to staying active I have a hard time cutting back. I got a GREAT deal on some workout clothes at Dick's yesterday, btw.

As for the Titans '09 season....the only true, consistent, player this year, Chris Johnson. About to watch the Seahawks game & hoping he gets at least 128 yards. :)

Has it really been 10 yrs?

January 2000: Sad

I was still very new to "divorce-hood" but learning how to breathe on my own after spending nearly 10 yrs in "married-hood".
It was getting exciting by this point & I was 33 yrs old.
I started out the year 2000 by losing my foxxie dog on New Years day. She died & I cried for 2 weeks. Then my grandfather died & I cried the rest of the month & beyond. I assure you I'm starting out January 2010 on a much better note, hopefully.

Jan 2000-Dec 2009: My "me" decade

This was the decade of new beginnings for me.
Like I stated above I went from "married-hood" to "divorce-hood" & there is only one word that comes to mind when I think of my decade, "Shenanigans". Yep, I guess you could say I sowed some wild oats, rediscovered myself, regained some confidence, & discovered that running was something that I really LOVED! Aside from finishing my degree (FINALLY!) at the start of the decade, I also bought a house (ALONE!), ran my first marathon (Plus 7 more after that), & I really learned to like myself again. True, those who know me personally know I dated a few not-so-nice fellas. In all honesty, there is only one worth mentioning that I've kept in touch with (via email) Rollin, (Mr. Big). Yep, I started out the decade being "Carrie" & then I started watching this fantabulous show on HBO & I'm like, "Hey, that's me but in a small town!" Long story short, this is why I will always be in love with "Sex & the City". Life has been interesting & without my wonderful friends & family I don't know what I would have done to get through this past decade. To all of you who read & who were there with me, "Thank You & I love you!"

Goals for 2010:

*Praying that short little Dr. Johnson sees no dreaded black line on my X-ray on the front of my shin (I'm tired of the shin-ister X-rays!)
*Praying that I don't fall off anymore porches & twist anymore ankles
*Praying that a "project" that I have going on goes well & completes by summer
*Praying for more patience & confidence concerning my "project"
*Praying that I get into the New York City marathon (this will be my 3rd try in 2010)
*Praying that if I do get into the NYC marathon that I can actually train & run it
*Praying for good overall health, job security, world peace, & good will towards men, yadda, yadda, yadda (You guys know what I mean & damn I miss "Seinfeld"!!)
*Praying that Joe doesn't wake up one day & think I'm too naggy to deal with anymore ha!

In all honesty, I'm not making too many goals. I have a few in my head but that's where they'll stay for now.

Getting back to Christmas....yes, we went to San Antonio & we did the usual fun stuff. Joe now realizes there's a clone of me that's a more conservative "Bree Van de Camp Hodge" type living in TX. ha!

Below: Joe & Debbie playing mexican dominoes. Christmas morning: Deb & I rolled out of bed to play with the dogs. Toby is always in the picture. Avery showing us his Spurs cards.
Austin, Avery, Mark, & Deb at the Spurs game, Dec 23rd.
I love this pic of Mark & Avery. It should be framed.
Eva is trying to steal a Christmas kiss from Toby & he'll have none of it. Deb & me at Spurs game. Is it wrong we talked about Tony Parker's hotness? (Fyi, no Eva Longoria Parker sighting)Eva's Santa coat said, "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas" when you pressed the buckle on the back. ;-PWe saw "Up in the Air" during Christmas. It was good but definitely not as good as "The Blind side".

The weekend before Christmas we did Christmas with Joe's kids & I didn't have my camera. Hopefully he'll send me some photos. His kids got wii's...one for his house & one for their mom's house. (wii games, clothes, books, etc...) Joe got me a HUGE bottle of glucosamine tablets & diamond earrings. ha! He also bought my plane ticket to TX. (He's so nice!) I got him a new suitcase, bathroom rugs, Central Michigan T-shirt, Titans ticket to the Dolphins game, & a sports book. Clint & Trisha's babies These three little angels are my cousin, Clint's kids. Macy & her twin brothers, Connor & Braden. I spent time with them & my Aunt Becky the day after I got back from Texas. Absolutely Adorable! It's hard to believe the twins will be one year old in January 2010!
It's hard to believe that 10 yrs ago I wasn't a huge fan of Christmas but now I'm A Ok with it. It's all about the kids, the family, & the friends who are your "family". Cheers to a new year, new decade, & new memories!

Samantha's benefit

This past weekend I realized just how much goodness there are in people. A while back some women I work with starting talking about Samantha Abbott. I put 2 & 2 together and realized her mom graduated High School with my TX sister. I graduated High School with her older sister & I had older sister's son's in my middle school afternoon program once upon a time. I'm also familiar with one of the grandmother's etc... Yes, in this small town it's like there's a "Kevin Bacon" connection everywhere with folks.

The benefit got planned pretty much inside of a month. All things considering...the state of the economy, the time of year, etc... We did good! I was all to happy to do what little I did do. I volunteered Fara & Joe, of course. :-) Last total that I heard on monday was around $11,000 in the fund right now. Ya know some people really have it to give, some people don't but give anyway, & others just ignore your emails & text messages. (I won't hold a grudge.) I'm sure there were a few of my "friends" who thought I was being a pest but I didn't give a hairy rats butt. For those locals who had parties, funerals, work, sickness, I totally understood. We had a great time at the auction (that was 3 hrs long!) & the blood/bone marrow drive went well. Like I said, all things considering, it was well done & I'd do it all over again. We may not have had the turn out we had originally hoped but there was a lot of love, prayers, & hope there. Samantha's grandma sent out an email thanking us & in it she mentioned that Sam said that she hoped she could repay the favor one day. :-) Fara & I served bbq plates & chili. She's truly an angel. Sadie Lou (who's appeared on "Ellen"btw) was there to entertain the kids, including Joe. She was awesome. Joe ended up entertaining kids too & believe me he won exactly what he wanted at the auction, too! (signed Steve Sullivan Preds jersey, Preds tickets, & some Christmas baskets)

Coworker Katrina wrapping gifts for donations. She used to work with Sam's grandma (Bobby's mom). She worked really hard on getting donations for the auction.
Brian (BB), another coworker of mine who does A LOT of auctions but this one he worked for free, of course. :-) He's good at running his mouth & keeping us entertained at work. (See Halloween posts for his wild costumes!) Quilt that Sam's great grandma made. Coffee County Mayor was Brian's assistant. These folks worked feverishly to get this together. Santa will certainly reward them all.

On my home front, the same as usual for me....spinning at the rec ctr, weights at harvey's gym, football games at LP Field, Christmas shopping (mostly online!), & work. We were told today that we will get 1/2 our pay cut back in Jan & $200 gift cards for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised. The auto industry is slowly climbing out of the gutter for us or so it seems. (Thanks to the Germans!)
We were blessed to be awarded a VW contract earlier in the year & now BMW is looking at us. Go Sales & Marketing team! Go M-Tek, Inc.! I know that one day I won't be working there but I'm pretty damn proud to be a part of the team right now. :-)

I'm counting down the days/hours till our flight arrives in San Antonio. We will be going to a Spurs game on the 23rd, a Christmas service on the 24th, hanging at house on the 25th, the Riverwalk on the 26th, & then back here on the 27th.

Merry Christmas!

Starting December with bullet blog thoughts

*Birthday was low key just like I like it. The text messages, phone calls, & facebook wishes lit up my blackberry. :)

*Woke up to a very light dusting of snow on this cold Saturday morning.
Whoo Hoo, I blinked & it was gone.

*Rode my trainer, went to pilates, worked abs, & cleaned house. Now the Christmas cards are staring at me. Ummm, maybe I'll send a few.

*Loving the fact that the Titans are on a winning streak. Yes, could it be that #10 is turning into a passing quarterback? My gut says that they won't beat the Colts but ya never know...

*I hope the Gators beat Bama but if Bama ends up playing the Longhorns. "HOOK 'EM LONGHORNS!"

*Got Joe's company Christmas party tonight. Gesh, has it been a year since we went to that?

*Preds beat the Redwings before Thanksgiving in Nashville. I don't think Joe wants to go to another Wings game with me ever... ;-P

*Looking forward to Christmas in TX. Pulled out a few old Christmas pics of me with my sisters, some of the boys when they were toddlers...so very cute! Made me smile!

*Love the pic Cheryl sent me from Rockefeller center today. *Still staring at tree in box. I may just let Joe put it up next weekend when he comes into T-town to help with the Samantha Abbott benefit. Wish us luck! Afterall that's what Christmas is really about. :)

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samanthaabbott