I Wear my Sunglasses at Night

I'm a huge dork.

We all know this. This is not news. More on that later. (keeping you in suspense!)
Got in my 5 miles yesterday. I headed to class early and got in 2 miles before everyone else got there. I pushed hard and kept up about a 9:30 pace. Which is, for me, like, almost flying. We then ran 10 min warm up, followed by three 5 min tempo runs. Of course, their tempo run is my easy run so it wasn't exactly speed work for me...but then, not everything is about me. It was great to see them working so hard! They'll be zooming past me in a matter of weeks fosh.
It's getting hotter and quite frankly, brighter. Running in the morning light or early afternoons I'm finding that my cap doesn't shield my oh so sensitive eyes quite enough. I don't want wrinkles from squinting! Or, you know, sun damage.
What else to do on a Tuesday night but to head to Target for an impromptu fashion show?!?!
Help me decide!

Sassy white Ironman specs. I like these, they fit nicely and softly on my nose.

I look pretty tough, huh? Totes like I could swim 1.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a full marathon. All in one day. Yeah, it's the glasses that will propel me.

I really liked the way the mirrored specs felt. Light as a feather! Buuuuut, blue. I'm not This Blue Girl! Plus, I think I might look a little like a mouchebag if I wear them when I'm not running. Not sure I'm BA enough to pull these off.Pair #3, the PINK ones! OC these are my faves due to the color. Difficult decisions in my life. Tomorrow is 9 miles. I'm taking some PTO and leaving work a bit early (thank you understanding boss!) to get my run on in the evening. I'll put in 6 miles on my own before the Social Run and then finish up with them. Whoo hoo to medium runs during the week. I love 'em!

Side note, the allergens are cah-razee right now. I'm all sniffly and stuffed up, natch. I've been using my neti pot and feeling much better. Do you neti? I've posted about my neti experience before. And you can read about Sue Mac's neti advice here! (thanks for the shout out)

I'm 18 Again!

Miles that is.

18 miles in 3 and a half hours. Ahem. Yes, I rock. Well, for me anyway. And compared to my last 18 miler. But we should all be living our lives to our own I Rock standards, not anyone else's.

I felt good, no, great the entire run. Especially mentally. You see, I didn't run 18 miles today. I ran 2 miles on my own, met some friends for 8 miles, continued on for another 4 miles with more friends and then parted ways and took a short 4 mile run on my own. Yeah, these all were back to back with no break, but in my little brain, it wasn't 18. Smart, huh?

Yes, well, it still felt like an 18 mile run! Can't trick the old legs now. Although, let me tell you, I sure tried. I taped up with pink kinesio tape, took an Advil to hopefully ward off swelling and stretched my hip at every opportunity. Yes, I had a few twinges of pain in my knee. Cecilia pretty much kept her mouth shut today. Nothing like last year and nothing I shouldn't expect after over 3 hours on my feet. My hip was tight on the "hills" but all in all I held it together pretty good.

Didn't hurt that today was freakin' gorgeous! 52 (11.11 C) and sunny. Well, sunny eventually. The first couple of hours were pretty dark. I'm once again encouraged and that's a good thing since my race is a mere 5 weeks away. 5 weeks! Only one more long run left! Well, one more 20 miler. I have a 14 next week, but pffffttt, what's 14 miles? Can of corn, that's what it is.

I have the best friends willing to meet me at different times to run different mileage so I'm not lonely for the entire 18. I'm a blessed girl. Don't be shy - if you want to head to Dallas in 2 weeks to get in 20 miles I'll plan a route for us, I'll even put out water!

I so want to have a great race. I'm feeling so much more confident and healthier than last time. I'm not totally run down and beat down with mileage and speedwork. My goal is to finish peeps. Don't believe any other thing I might say. I just want to finish. Okay, I just want to finish faster than my first marathon. But let's be honest, if I stay healthy, that should be an easy goal to achieve. Still, in the back of my mind there is that lingering worry, "what if I get hurt again?" I can't control that so I'm gonna focus on the way I feel right now and continue to look forward to the Flying Pig.

I almost forgot to mention the best part! I got a return "good morning" from 2 cyclists, a "haaaaaaay" when I hollerd "Have a great ride!" and, hold on to your hats, one cyclist acutally told ME good morning FIRST! My campaign is working! Yes, true, I greeted a group as I ran by the local bike shop, they weren't even moving yet and they all just stared at me confused. Maybe none of them speak English? Maybe? Whatevs, I'll take 3 good mornings and on hey!

Easter is upon us and that can only mean one thing. Chocolate rabbits. (okay, yes, so Easter actually means a great deal more than chocolate rabbits) How cute is this fellow I found at Eatzi's? He was milk chocolate so I put him back. They did have some dark chocolate ducks that I had my eye on though...At Northpark Mall they have out the Easter animal display. I live for this each Spring and make Hubs take me to the mall just so I can fight my way through the strollers and toddlers to catch a peek at the bunnies, chicks and ducks. You can't pet them but they are so fun to peer at. I'm actually tall enough that if I reached real hard, maybe, just maybe I could catch a rabbit.

That's why Hubs insists on going with me. To keep me honest. Actually I think rabbits are a TERRIBLE Easter gift. You heard me, TERRIBLE. Please do not buy a bunny for your kiddo. We used to have pet rabbits that lived in our house like cats. Free range rabbits. Loved those furry things to pieces, we did. But they really aren't very good pets for small children. They scratch and bite and usually aren't crazy about being held. I'm not hating on rabbits either. Just telling the truth. They live a long time, they get big and they require love and care just like any other pet. I hate to see all the bunnies in shelters about 3 weeks after Easter, or worse, turned loose to fend for themselves. Buy your baby a stuffed rabbit.

Okay, off my soap box.

My cousin enrolled her daughter in Marathon Kids, because she wanted to be like, aw, me. It's a free running program for elementary aged kids. She ran a total of 26.2 miles over the school year and today participated in the final award ceremony. She even got a medal, how cool is that? Don't we all run for the hardware?

Clearly, I've had a few other influences on her, ahem, wardrobe. She's a good kid and so proud of herself, as she should be. What an awesome program! Bahama Mama's 6 year old son also took part and got him medal today too. Can't wait to see his pics!

Sometimes, I have Goodcents

Last night I got a hankering for Mr. Goodcents.

I managed to sweet talk a group into going and it was deelish. Mmm. I got the veggie half with provolone and black olives. Cept they put just about every veggie on my sub. Today I learned that I do no care for pickles, jalapenos or sweet peppers on my sub. I also learned, from Charlie, that the white bread is amazing! I always get wheat, but the white was def worth the splurge. Yummers!

Did I get my 8 miles in tonight? Nope. Cecilia was still throwing a fit. I thought I'd ride instead of run but this tiny voice whispered, "Rest, TPG. That pain means take it easy."

Thanks, Cecilia, for always keeping me in line. Cecilia, you're shaking my confidence baby.

As much as I don't want to miss out on 8 miles (nearly a third of my planned weekly mileage) I also don't want to hurt myself worse. Because we all know what a pain Cecilia can be when she isn't happy!

Tomorrow we have ladders at the track. I should be able to get 4 miles in there and if I'm feelin' it, I'll add another 2 or 3 to that. Saturday is 18 and I want to be strong for 18 and if skipping 8 does the trick, then so be it!

Next topic. So, um, I'm kinda dumb about this whole blogging thing. Sometimes when I leave comments for y'all, you e-mail me back with a response to my comment. How cool is that??? Uh, pretty cool. And my desire, since about 6th grade, is to be like the cool kids. So...yeah. I get an e-mail from Blogger when you leave me a precious candy coated, sparkly, bubble gum scented comment (they make my day, really they do!) I've tried to reply to those...but it says "No reply." Just for giggles, I send them anyway. Doubtful you get them, you know, since it says "no reply" and all. Figure that means, uh, no reply. You comment e-mailers, are you using another blog host? Any of you smarties that use Blogger know how to do this fancy trick?

Cecilia, You're Breakin' My Heart

I've named my right leg.

Cecilia.

You know, as in, Cecilia, you're breakin' my heart, you're shakin' my confidence baby.

Cause, ever since my 12 miles on the dreadmill Saturday, my hip has been unbearably tight and last night, I felt that familiar nagging, stabbing pain in my knee. Um, what? I thought I was past that! I was all set to tear. this. marathon. up. So what's with the leg? Cecilia, I'm down on my knees, I'm begging you please! I'm putting off tomorrow's 8 miles until the evening.

This week has been, and will continue to be, cahrazee! This is my face this morning when I looked at my Outlook calendar this morning. How much more can I cram into one week???However, I did find a candy shamrock in my purse. Leftover from the bribes, er cupcakes, I bought my Da and Sister after the Rock N Rock Expo a few weeks ago. Not sure how it ended up in my purse!

Traffic was a special little treat today. Took me an hour and a half to go 14 miles. If I RAN home, that would be great time. I'd be pleased as punch! But driving that long? Urgh. I listened to the Great Health Care Debate on NPR for a while, but a girl can only take so much of that. Popped in Guster and jammed the rest of the way home. Uh, how come I haven't been listening to Guster all along? Love them!

So I did the most logical thing, I made cupcakes. Clearly, the best end to a busy day. I tried something new too! Made regular old yellow cake, poured it into mini muffin pans, sprinkled a cinnamon/sugar mixture on top, then with a knife, cut the cinnamon/sugar into the batter of the cupcake. Top that with cream cheese frosting and you pretty much have perfection.

Indeed.

Actually, the cupcakes server 2 purposes:

1. Bribes for my class on Generations in the Workplace tomorrow

2. Treats for Hubs and his co-workers. They've been putting in a lot of hours lately.

You know my motto: "Cupcakes cure what ails ya!"

Now if Cecilia will just co-operate...

And they all fall down

Woke up at 4:38, per ush.

You know, to go running. What else do I do these days? But I love it! Well, not getting up at 4:38, but running. Thankfully it was a little cool out; thought I had missed the mild weather all together and skipped straight to hot!

Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy

If I Fell - Beatles

Can't Help Falling (in love) - Elvis

Fell in Love (with a boy) - Joss Stone

Free Falling - Tom Petty

I get Knocked Down - Chumbawumba

No, that's not my latest playlist. I fell down today. Yep. Smack. Started off on my 8 mile run this morning, feeling fine, headlamp strapped to my head AND on. About a half mile into my run...splat!

Actually, it felt like it took me about 10 minutes to actually hit the ground. I tripped, felt it coming, waved my arms wildly trying to get them in front of me, saw the ground coming towards me both quickly and in slow motion. (after all, my headlamp illuminated the pavement) I even had the presence to think "When you hit the ground, roll, to do something with all that kinetic energy so you don't skid."

After what seemed like infinity, I bit it. My palms hit the ground, landed on my hip, rolled and finally came to a stop. I laid there on my back, stunned. Bahama Mama peered worriedly over me. She took my tangled headlamp from me and shone it on my limp body. I took inventory, realized I wasn't actually hurt and managed to croak out, "I'm okay, but I need to lie here for a minute." (or did I need to lay there?)

Yep, that's me. Fall down and OC it makes sense to just lie in the road. So safe.

I collected my wits (or what was left of them,) dusted myself off and we walked for a bit. Thankfully, I wasn't hurt. I could tell my palms were scraped up but it could have been so much worse! I'm so hardcore I managed to get all 8 miles in this morning. Whew!

Now, showering hurt. Boy those scrapes sting! I haven't fallen like that since I was a little kid. And let's just say, I have further to fall and, ahem, a little more mass moving towards the Earth. Owie ow ow.

I arrived at work, no worse for the wear, to this dreamy surprise!

A coworker surprised me with a lemon Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. It's not a cupcake, but a mini Bundt cake. So teeny, so cute and soooo delicious! I managed to wait until after 4 to gobble it all up. Self control, that's me.

Now that the day has worn on, I'm very stiff from my fall and realized that the asphalt jacked up my wedding rings. So I see a trip to the jeweler in the near future to have them fixed. At least they are easily fixable - bones aren't!

Y'all be careful out there and watch where you are going!

Pardon My Long Absense

We've had technical difficulties.

While I've been able to read your blogs, I haven't been able to post a blog. But I'm back, back again. And I feel like I've had so much to say that it's almost worth posting backdated. Ha!

Saturday I conned my mother, Da, and Sister into heading downtown for the inaugural Rock n Roll Dallas Expo. Needless to say there was absolutely nothing for them to look at at Expo. Not a fan of Expos myself, we were in and out as quickly as possible. I must say, they were very organized and I moved through all 3 lines (bib, shirt, goodie bag) expeditiously.

They did manage to pick up some free pink pom poms and here they are on the streets of Dallas pretending to cheer for me. I have the best relatives. And yes, Da is wearing a cross country tee for the middle school she works at. So true.As a bribe, er, thank you, I treated them to The Cupcakery. They have mini cupcakes now! Da chose red velvet and Sister selected Tickle Me Pink. I opted for 4 minis instead to share with Hubs. He took the Oh My Gosh Ganache and I gobbled up the Strawberry Shortcake. Because, really, it has glitter. What better reason? Sunday early (oh, time change how you kick my booty each Spring) we jumped on the DART train and headed for downtown. Smarties we are, avoiding the whole arrive at the finish line and be shuttled to the start line bidness. Who thinks of these things anyway? Plus, we arrived at the Convention Center, which was open, thankyouverymuch, and had real potties! No porta johns. Whew. OC we each ran into people we knew in the various corrales. Hugs all around. I did get to see the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, sigh. My dream job. If only I was taller, thinner and could, you know, dance.

Here is the view just after the start line. Big D indeed! The course was a good one. Uphill the first 8 miles, but only a couple of steep ones, mostly just a gentle incline. I mean, it is Dallas, not Austin. We ain't got many hills. But my hamstrings still felt it! I wore a pacing bracelet and we stayed within a minute of my 2:15 goal the whole time. I enjoyed going through downtown, uptown and Highland Park. I did not enjoy running around Fair Park. But really, who does? Not the best or most scenic part of Dallas.

Encouragement to go faster maybe??? Sprint your way out of the hood? About mile 11 we had all quit talking to one another, it had warmed up and we were all concentrating on finishing strong. Two of the girls put in their earbuds. I really felt like I had more in me to give. So I bade them farewell and took off.

Or, you know, tried to. Turns out I didn't have much more gas in my tank after all. But I was determined to make up that minute that I was off. Surely I could make up 30 seconds each mile, right? I basically fartleked the rest of the way. I knew the Longhorn Band would be at the finish line so I kept my ear turned for The Eyes of Texas, my reward. Soon enough, I could hear the drum line. I started to sprint. Drumming turned into Texas Fight. My song! I gave a good fist pump, started singing and gave it all I had.

Until.

Until I realized that the band was NOT at the finish line! Whaaaat? Cruel! I wasn't sure how much longer I had to go and let me just tell you, singing at the top of your lungs doesn't help you run any faster. So I quieted down and slowed down as well. Where in the Sam Hill was that finish line? I couldn't even hear the band anymore. Arrrrgh!

Finally, I turned another corner and saw it. I didn't even have the gas to sprint. I was worried I was going to hurl. I took in plenty of water, but they served Cytomax on the course and I've never tried it. Didn't think race day was the optimal time to try out a new drink. I'm a Gatorade/Powerade girl.

I crossed the finish, actually remembered to stop my watch, then sank down, hands my knees to catch my breath. About 4 people rushed over to see if I was okay. Um, really, thanks, but I'm fine. Don't most people need a second after crossing the finish line? 2:14 was my official time. I managed to make up that minute and then another. Whew! No PR, and I was really using this as a training run, but let me be honest, I raced this thing. I did manage negative splits and I'm pleased as punch about that. I'm sure that was ALL because it was downhill, but whatevs. Negative split is negative split.

I'm encouraged by my time though. The weather is about what I can expect in Cincy. It was uphill the first 8 miles, much like Cincy, uphill the first 6. So, in theory, if I can keep that pace for the first half and maybe just a wee bit slower the second, well, 2:14 + 2:14 and then some...hopefully = many minutes less than 5:45!!! Fingers crossed.

Sadly, I later found out that a young man had died moments after crossing the finish line, about 20 minutes before me. So tragic. He leaves behind a young family. He ran the race with his brother, who witnessed it all. Please keep them in your prayers as they grieve.

What was different about this race, is that I ran with a new group of girls. Not my regular racing crew. Bonus, it was Staci's first half marathon! I'm so proud of her - she did GREAT! Here she is after the finish. She did it!!! Here is our group, Kara, Staci, TPG and Anne. Can you believe Anne just had a baby 6 months ago and is already back to racing halfs? What a woman!

All in all it was a great race. Sure, I'd like to have broken 2:10, but hey, I'm satisfied with 2:14. Rock and Roll did a great job. There was plenty of water on the course, I enjoyed the bands and there was PLENTY of water and food aftewards. I had two orange slices, a banana and a bagel. There was more to have than even that. Usually I have to beg water off a volunteer, but not this time! Plus, the medal was huuuge, heavy and handsome. It even had glitter on the Texas Star. You know I'm a sucka for anything with glitter! Totes worth my money...but I signed up very early and only paid around $70. The fee at Expo was a whopping $125 - are you kidding me? For a half? No way! I'm thinking about signing up for next year now as it's only $55. Hmm.

Hal told me that if I raced, I could forgo my long run. So no 18 miles for me this weekend! I have a 12 mile stepdown this week and then 20 next week. I think I may do 12 on Saturday and then pack another 5 or 6 in on Saturday night. What do y'all think about that? Should I leave the 12 mile as is, or put in another run pm? I'm following the program to a tee, but my last training program was so mileage intensive, I feel like I'm slacking. Maybe I should just trust Hal who is in his 70's an run over 111 marathons. Hmm, maybe Hal knows more than me! Ya think?

Here is my schedy for this week:

Mon - 4 miles (Indian run for some speed work)

Tues - xtrain (squats, squats and more squats)

Wed - 8 miles

Thurs - 5 miles (going to try to work in some hills yo)

Fri - xtrain (prolly stycling)

Sat - 12 miles am, 5-6 pm maybe

It's good to be back!

Made my Monday

I took the day off.

It was planned. In fact, Friday was my "every other Friday" off day so I took Thursday off too, to make it a 5 day weekend.


Yes, I'm spoiled like that.

Thursday I ran around town like a crazy lady, getting all KINDS of errands done. Found this little guy at HomeGoods. Um, really, who needs a monk squirrel? I left him in the store.

Friday I painted our bedroom. More on that later.
Saturday I ran 16 miles, hung out with Da and Sister and then spent some quality time on the sofa, icing my knee and hip.
Sunday, the ush, adding in an Open House down the street from us. We loooove a good Open House, especially one in the 'hood. Who doesn't love sneaking a peak in your neighbor's home?
Today though, today was all about nutin'. I slep until I woke up. Spent an inordinate amout of time at Target (my happy place) and then came home to watch Perry Mason and cook. It's a dark, rainy, dreary day, just right for cooking some comfort food. I made a batch of veggie soup and some Santa Fe casserole. Mmm.
Needless to say, it was the perfect day to do nothing. I'm so thankful I have the time to take, a boss who is flexible enough to let me take off last minute and that the weather was the kind of make you glad you stayed home!
Made my Monday.

I'm off to class. Tonight is fartleks. They've never done fartleks before so this should be extra fun! Who doesn't love a good fartlek???

Today was a great day.

As far as days go, it is up there with my Top 100. For reals y'all. Let's start from the beginning, shall we?

Woke up to perfect running weather. 45 degrees (7.22C.) Shorts and a long sleeve shirt. I mean c'mon, it doesn't get any better than that! Good thing because I had 16 miles (25.75 km) on my schedy. Thank goodness my crew was meeting at White Rock Lake to run 9. (once around the lake) That only left me with 7 measly miles to bust out on my own. Whew.

Conversation and company was great, per ush. And, drumroll please, a cyclist actually said, "Good morning" to me. True, I said it first, but he answered me! Y'all know it is my mission to get cyclist to like runners. Or at least be nice. Or, heck, just not flip us off and yell mean things. I'll settle for no mean things. But an actual GREETING?!?! I must be living right.

Or something.

High on my little victory, the rest of the run flew by and it was soon time for my girlies to part. Sniff. I changed shirts (by now needed short sleeves) headed back out to finish my run and oh glory be it was shaping up to be a beeyootiful day! The sun was shining, it was now about 55 degrees (12.77 C) and everyone at the lake seemed to be in good spirits.

There was a team relay going on, one of Dallas' smaller races and I enjoyed watching and encouraging the competitors as they whizzed (or plodded) by. I even saw Anne's hubby pushing their second child in the jog stroller. What a trooper pushing a toddler for 9 miles!

Once I reached about 3.5 miles I turned around to head back to the car. And since (for once) the sun was out and I was alone, (with no one to bother with my incessant picture taking) I snapped away at some of the amazing houses on the lake. Now, you can live NEAR the lake in a mid-century ranch, with about 2,500 sq feet (762 sq meters) of living space, NOT UPDATED for a measly $600 to $700 K. A bargain, right? You can only imagine how much these darlin's go for. They all face the lake. This one is called Mt. Vernon. I wasn't able to get the 16 car garage in the shot. It doubles as a Party Barn in case you're curious.

It's for sale and rumored to be listed for $50 million. Oh yes, and it's owned by the Hunt family. Very old money in Dallas. They own practically everything that the Nashers don't own. You can read all about it here if you are interested. Keep in mind I took these with my phone. It doesn't do them justice.

Tara!

Whatever they are charging, it's worth it. I would totes pay it if I had it. You get to live on the lake and wake up to this sunrise every morning.

Plus, you're still only 15 minutes from Northpark Mall. A def bonus!

After my little photo sesh, I picked up the pace. I kept passing this one girl. I'd stop to take pics and she'd pass me. She's start walking and I'd pass her. Over and over. Finally I caught up to her once again and she started walking. "Oh no you don't" I commanded.

She looked at me, understandably bewildered. I commented that we kept taking turns passing each other and I wasn't going to let her stop and walk now! Ha - bossy to even strangers! I peppered her with questions. I learned her name is Jen, she's been running for a year and just ran her first half last weekend at Cowtown. We chatted for a bit and I decided Jen's pace wasn't going to get me home any sooner. So I bid her farewell with good luck for her last 3 miles of 9 and headed out for my last mile. I knew if I headed back the way I came I'd be short about 2 tenths of a mile. So I did it. I faced my nemesis. I went the long way and...

ran over the Shaky Bridge. I hate this bridge with a passion. Ask Bahama Mama, I'll moan and groan and fuss and declare I'm going to hurl all the way over this bridge. I usually sprint over it just to get it over with.

You see, it shakes. A lot. Apparently, bridges are supposed to. Something about architecture. But it makes my tummy queasy. I usually avoid this bridge like Wally World at Christmas. I have nightmares about this bridge.

But I crossed it and didn't hurl. So, win. Here is it, looming in it's shakiness.

It might not LOOK scary, but boy, wait till you run across it. Shudder. Like an idiot, I felt so empowered after crossing that dang bridge on my own without losing my Shot Bloks that I decided to sprint up the hill right after it. Ugh. My inner quads were NOT pleased with this decision. But I didn't care, I had my chocolate milk on my mind.

16 miles DONE and in the books. I always judge a run by whether or not I could keep running. If I had something light to eat, I could have easily hit 20.

Thank goodness I didn't have any food! Ha.

Just one of those days when I'm thankful I'm a runner. Thankful that God roused me out of bed and into His great world so I could see that gorgeous sunrise. Thankful that I could feel the first warm day of the season on my back. Thankful that I got to witness so many others enjoying the gift that is today.

I rolled home with the windows down, jamming to the Old 97's, taking in all of today's glory. Showered, spent some quality time with the foam roller and then headed to a new eatery to consume this monstrosity.

Under neath all that cheese is baked ziti. Carbs are good for me, right? Ooh, it was good! Hey, I burned 1600 calories this morning and all I had was chocolate milk!

This amazing weather insprired me to buy a new pair of Nike Tempo shorts because A. I'm obsessed with Nike Tempo shorts and 2. I had a gift card. I got bright blue.

I've been up to a lot of other things too, but they'll hafta wait for another post. My lap is on fire from this computer. I've got to git!

Happy Saturday y'all!

Ten on Tuesday

Several of y'all do this weekly. This week I swiped the qwerstons from Chelsea. Are you reading her blog? You should be. She is hilar!

1. If you were given an hour to use a $200 Amazon gift card, what would you buy?
I'd buy the books I'm missing from the Southern Sister's series. I'd buy several from the Perry Mason series. I'm a suka for easy read mysteries. I'd spend the rest on running & triathlon books.

2. Are there any fairly common foods that you’ve never had?
I'm sure I have, but for the life of me can't think of any!

3. What was your favorite way to use your imagination as a kid?
I made my room into an apartment. I put numbers on the door, used electrical tape to fashion a keyhole on the knob, arranged my furniture into "rooms." I even had a "guest room" in my closet. Never could figure out why friends didn't want to sleep on my camp trunk...

4. What’s your favorite state? Why?
Texas. Are you seriously asking?

5. If it was our culture to have our parents choose our spouses, do you think yours would make a good choice?
They would select someone that would make a good husband, but I'm doubtful they would select someone I'd get along with! Does that make sense?

6. What’s your favorite herb?
I don't really cook enough to have a favorite herb. Does black pepper count? Ha!

7. If you could have dinner with one celebrity, who would you choose?
This week, Apolo Ohno!

8. What’s your favorite Disney movie?
Tie between the original Parent Trap or Pollyanna. Loved Haley Mills growing up. Believe it or not, I've never seen ANY of the Disney "princess" movies. Not a one.

9. If you had to listen to the same song over and over for 24 hours, what song would you choose?
Something mellow. Probably Across the Universe, The Beatles. It's my fave Beatles song and I'll never tire of it.

10. How do you order your steak?
Um, alive? I'm a vegetarian so I don't order much steak!

Made my Monday

I had a lot to blog about.

But I've been a lazy blogger. (sorry)

I planned to blog about our 12 mi (19.3 km) run on Saturday. I was going to write about how it was just one of those perfect running days. We met a little later, so it got lighter sooner, plus, really, who doesn't love to sleep an extra hour?!?! We ended up running further (13.17 mi) than planned and much faster. I love to run with people who challenge me to push harder and Staci is quite the speedster! I love trying to keep up with her! Did I mention how hilly this route was? It was awesome! The Pig will be hilly so that is just the kind of workout I need!

I could blog about how I completely LOST MY MIND and decided we needed to head to Ikea Saturday night. I don't know what I was thinking. Ikea overwhelms me. But I keep reading decorating blogs where they find the cuuuutest things at Ikea. I was thisclose to full blown anxiety attack about 8 minutes after arriving. Hubs just crashed. Sunday we had the honor of getting to see our nephew "crossing over" from Cub Scout to Boy Scout. And on the way home...stopped by Popeyes to get biscuits! It's been years and years since I've had a Popeye's biscuit. They are smothered in butter and absolutely horrible for you. But beyond delicious!

However, all that pales in comparison to today. We've been feeding some ferral cats for a few months now. Momma showed up with babies right around Thanksgiving. We put out a pet taxi for them, filled it with warm towels and flannel sheets, making sure they had somewhere dry and comfy to spend the chilly winter nights. Each morning and evening we put out kitten food so that they have full tummies. And I spend time with them while they eat, talking to them, trying to gain their trust. My goal is to catch them, get them vaccinated and altered and then either find homes, or return them to the porch. They are wild animals, just like squirrels or raccoons. But it's hard to see them that way. Because they are so tiny and adorable!

There are 3 kittens. One, probably a male, gets closer and closer to me. He won't let me touch him, but I can tell he is very interested. We've been spending some quality time on the porch together.

Well today I propped open the front door and...

He came in the house! Isn't he adorable? He ran in and out, each time spending more time inside and exploring a little further. I'm trying to gain his trust so I just let him poke around on his own.
Eventually I heard him crunching in the kitchen. He made quick work of finding the food!

Don't worry, the other cats were put up. I wouldn't expose them to each other until he's been to the vet and checked out as healthy. I'm hoping to have him indoors full time by the end of the week so we can make a trip to see Dr. Dee. Looks like we may have a new cat. BTW, we've been calling him Barney!

Made my Monday!

Running Class tonight was great. We did 30 minutes with six 1 minute pick ups. This was the first "speed work" they had even done. I was so proud of their hard work! I'm really loving this opportunity to mentor new runners. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement regarding my stint as a new mentor!