Baby, it's cold outside!!

Brrr!!! Temperatures have certainly taken a dip today. Mom and I made a quick dash into town to ship some packages and buy what we needed for Christmas dinner. The unfortunate timing for this trip was the fact that a huge winter storm was quickly approaching our area--and the whole East Coast for that matter--thus crowds of people overflowing the grocery store. We managed to escape our adventure unscathed. Actually, it was far less crowded when we were ready to check out than when we walked in with one of the very last carts available. Seeing as how I was left navigating the chaos with the cart as my mother darted about unencumbered, I told her that she got to treat me to Starbucks!

After loading our loot into the car, and seeing as how it was cold enough to NOT worry about the food spoiling, we walked down to Blockbuster hoping to find a good rental for our snowy weekend. Apparently, judging by the line and the empty shelves at 11am, we were a bit late in our plan of action. My boyfriend managed to take a quick break from work and had coffee with us at Starbucks where we enjoyed piping hot beverages, tasty treats and amusing (i.e pick on Jordan) conversation.

Mom and I beat the snow home, but not by much. It started around 5pm, and as of 9:30 we have about 8 inches with more to come. Current forecasts say anywhere from 18-24" by the time it's all said and done. I certainly plan to thoroughly enjoy the snow tomorrow. However, I have several friends who have to work through the night and tomorrow, so I worry about them seeing as how their job is basically driving around responding to the accidents caused by people who felt the need to drive in the "blizzard" and other emergencies that may arise. Judging by friends' Facebook posts, traffic is slow moving--literally 2mph all across the county.

But, the snow makes everything look beautiful and peaceful. Despite the snow that was way above my boots, I had to take a nighttime photo of my house. Cozy is what comes to mind. Now it's time for pj's and hot cocoa. Tomorrow is soon enough for some shoveling...and snow angels, too! :) I will enjoy this White Christmas.

just words

There are all sorts of people who say any manner of things without putting much thought into it. Often words are said because it's what they think the other person wants to hear, when really all they want is the truth. Sometimes, still, things are said just to get someone to shut it already. No matter the reason, people so often pay no attention to the meaning of what they say.

It happens most frequently in a certain type of relationship, I think. Not the lifelong, lasting ones, but the fleeting ones that are necessary to fill that gap until you find your mate, or the friends that served a specific purpose in your life to ferry you through something and weren't meant to journey with you any further. They say meaningless nothings, because it sugar-coats the moment and keeps you moving along the path. There is nothing vested in this venture; you are merely walking the same road for a short while, and so it's best to keep conversation civil and comfortable.

There are, however, those few, special people with whom you will experience much adventure. Ideally I would hope that your family would fall into this category. I am blessed that mine, for the most part, does. I count my mother and father among my best friends, my brothers are all there for me in their way, and a sister-in-law who is more sister and friend than "in law". However, family is a funny thing, because even if you'd prefer someone not be on this trip with you, there is generally little you can do about it. Perhaps this is when you find your own self guilty of meaningless words in order to keep the family peace. Family is complex, and roles aren't always so clearly defined.

But you share your life's journey with more than family. You have your friends as well. Of course there is the girl from nursery school who had to suffer through knee socks and saddle shoes with you; then there is your best friend from third grade when gossiping really begins, and on to middle and high school as cliques are formed and solidified, and finally college and your "adult" years as you begin to define yourself. With most of those friends, who were so very important to you at the time, you have since lost contact. Perhaps, though, you still laugh with your friend about those darn knee socks and the clothes your moms made you wear. The friends that survive life's journey with you are the truest. It's possible you don't see everyone as often as you would like, and you go long periods of time without talking or writing, but the words you speak are honest. If anything is sugar-coated, it's not for the purpose of deception, but to ease the truth that may sometimes hurt. There is meaning.

Lastly, there is your life partner. Your soulmate. This is the person who says silly nothings because, well, you're being silly. They love and respect you too much to offer empty words, and only give you absolute truth. Knowing that you love and respect them in equal measure, there is no fear of "saying the wrong thing". Lies are unnecessary. Such bare honesty also reflects the confidence each has of the other and the confidence you have of yourselves as a unit. You don't have to "pretty it up" on the outside when you know the foundation is solid.

It's interesting to reflect on the past and see where those you know, or have known, fall. I think it's easier done once you've moved on than when you're in the moment. You're more able to recognize the signs in the rear view mirror--the best friend you never really felt you could count on, the smooth talker who always said the right thing but never followed through. Then you see those who have explored life along with you. Generally, they're the ones who probably made you mad, because they weren't afraid to tell you the truth. They are the ones who loved you then, love you now, and will love you tomorrow. Their words are worth listening to.

A little nuts...

Wow. So not a single post in all of July. Shame on me. Needless to say I've been busy with all the wonderful things life has thrown my way. I make it through my blessedly short work week and run far too quickly through my days off. Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy my job, but working all but one day with one of the most dour, negative people I've ever met takes its toll. I wonder how someone can be in such a foul state all the time, and then I realize that once upon a time I was perhaps not all so different. BUT, I decided that being like that made me absolutely miserable. So now I am obnoxiously happy. Add to that being crazy in love and it's just enough to make your friends gag. :)

My whimsical moment of the day happened perhaps 20 minutes ago. While standing at my kitchen sink, looking out into the pasture behind my house, I see a fluffy squirrel scurry across my yard. I can tell he's carrying something, but I can't figure out what. Mid stride he pauses and looks right at the window where I'm standing. In his mouth he's carrying what looks like a hickory nut dumbbell! On either side of his face are two green hickory nuts (I assume), slightly smaller than golf balls. He was absolutely adorable and quite possible the cutest thing I've seen all day. After a brief, few seconds he continued his race across the yard to his cozy home in one of my trees. He absolutely made me smile and warranted an excited text to my very patient sweetie who always humors me in my zanier moments.

Anyhow, for now the rain has returned and the skies have darkened. I suppose I will get back to laundry and then continue my push through Japanese defenses on Call of Duty. I don't know what I'm going to do when my friend asks for her XBOX back!! Hope you are all happy and well!!

Time to start running again!

Once again I have signed up for the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler as well as its training program. The race itself is September 5. I had been doing well with running until just after the Charlottesville Ten Miler. Since then I haven't gone running even once, and sadly I've put on some weight because of that. In part because I stopped running, but kept eating the way I did when I was, and then also because once my back was out of commission, I haven't been able to do hardly ANYTHING physical. I am just now able to go to the gym again after almost 2 months, but I still have to take it easy, and can only do the elliptical or the treadmill--slowly and for no more than 30 minutes. Talk about frustrating!!!! Today is a bad back day, but I think it's a combination of the horrible chairs at work and forgetting my Rx at home.

Anyway, I'm excited about starting running again. I did enjoy it when I ran--oddly I think my favorite run was in the winter when it was 29 degrees out. Weird. But I love this race and it's a great charitable event as well. All of the funds raised go directly to the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care Program. This program provides mammograms, including a mobile mammography unit, "care packages" of information, resources and encouragement for newly diagnosed patients, plus so much more. If you are interested in helping and supporting this event, you can either "sponser" me as a runner, make a flat donation, or even add to the Motivational Mile--the final mile of the race is lined with posters bearing the names of loved ones who have fought their own battles with cancer. Last year I slowed down to read as many of the signs as I could and was a bit choked up. It's very touching to see. I'm glad I signed up early!! Registration for the race has been open for just over 24 hours, and it has already reached 46% capacity!! Lots of fun and definitely worth every drop of sweat!!

Recasting in Iraq

My friend Ben, who is also the older brother of my good friend Mary Anna, is returning to Iraq in a few short weeks. He is a former Marine (as there are no EX Marines) and has already completed three tours. However for this foray into the war zone, he is going not as Marine, but as a journalist. I've been following his blog since I met him several months ago. He writes with passion and understanding for his fellow veterans, and uses his own experiences to try to better the system that supports them when they return home. Ben has a keen interest in people and their life experiences, and a special affection for vets. He is going back as a journalist, not for profit as he won't be earning a paycheck, but utilizing his talent to tell the stories untold. His latest entry explains what he'll be doing and why he desires to go. Since he is paying his own way entirely, he has also added a link for anyone so inclined to donate to help ease his burden. I encourage you to explore his blog and support him should you be so moved.

Pain in the.....BACK

For several weeks now I've had debilitating back pain in my lower back. It's not been consistent: some days I'm just fine with just a hint of discomfort, and other days I am pretty much an invalid. Today started out rough, got better...but then it got waaay worse. After more than two weeks of advil every 4 hours and ice packs not making any headway, I finally went to the doctor. Basically he told me I was doing the right thing, but did give me an Rx for an anti-inflammitory. At least he did assure me that it wasn't a back thing, but a muscle thing like I thought. However, it is extremely frustrating to not be able to do much of anything. I can't mow the grass, I can't do any yard work, I can't even do light housework!!! But my BF comes over to help me with yardwork when he can and helps keep my sane, because on top of it all, it's boring, too. But today is day two of Rx and Icy-Hot patches. So far I'm not impressed, but I've been told my multiple people, that I just have to wait it out. Patience is not the virture with which I was bestowed. I am going stir-crazy!!!

Yay, it's June!!

Wow, so if it hadn't been for mum's birthday, I do believe the entire month of May would have gone by without a single entry by yours truly. My humble apologies, as I've been rather busy and having loads of fun. :-)

Last week I went to the Henley Middle School Spring Concert held at the local high school. I hadn't set foot inside the HS since I graduated 14 years ago--a lot of new stuff there! But my reason for attending this concert made up of 6th-8th graders was to celebrate the retirement of Mr Fagan, band director of Henley for 32 years!! He was absolutely the BEST band director, and made it so much fun that no one else could compare. When I moved on to high school, band was such a drag that I dropped it just 2 months into my freshman year (even after having spent all summer in summer school so I could have a class period open for band!). Through Facebook and other means, word spread and the HS auditorium was packed on concert night! What Mr Fagan didn't know was that about 50 former students, including one who was in the 6th grade those 32 years ago and another who flew out from CA, had gotten together to practice and then perform at this concert. A comfy recliner was brought out onto the stage for Mr Fagan to sit back and enjoy the performance while the very man who offered him the job at Henley way back when was the guest conductor for the Alumni Band. The last piece performed that evening was the very first composition of Mr Fagan's that had been published. The Symphonic Band returned to the stage and joined the Alumni Band, and together, with Mr Fagan back as conductor, they played his song. It was really a wonderful, wonderful evening with an incredible turnout and many old friends.

On another note (no pun intended) I have let my running fade to nothingness since the Charlottesville 10 Miler. However, today I once again have signed up for the Women's Four Miler Training Program. Even though my friend bailed on me last year, it was a lot of fun and by the end of the summer I did the Four Miler. It's also raises money for a wonderful cause: the University of Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation which has the latest treatments and expertise offered through the UVA medical community. Later on I will post more information in case you are interested in sponsoring me for the race or simply donating to the cause.

Enjoy June and hopefully I'll be a more diligent blogger!!

Birthday Wishes

A super most happy birthday to my most awesome Mom!!!

Just Do It!!

My dear and darling friend Sue convinced me (somehow) to train for a half marathon which is in a couple weeks. I have run but one race before, and that was totally geared towards beginners with much hand-holding. SO, in all my wisdom, I decided to also sign up for the Charlottesville Ten Miler. It would be my first real race. I decided to think of it as my long run in preparation for the Half and, "Wow!! Look at alllll the other people who decided to run today, too!!" Despite the fact that I live here and have for a great many years, I am not terribly familiar with downtown Charlottesville. Who knew it had quite so many hills!?!

Now I know.

Sue had some superb excuse for not participating in the race yesterday (mmhmm, sure!) but her (well, I guess now our) friend Kevin drove down for it. He was kind enough to run with me for the first few miles before I finally told him to go ahead and run his race. But he was a great cheerleader for the time we ran together. When I crossed the finish line about 40 minutes after him, he was still waiting for me with water and a banana in hand!

At about mile 7 I felt the beginning of a blister on my inner arch. I was torn between trying to keep jogging some and not making it any worse than necessary. In the end, I walked the last 2.5 miles or so. A friend from work was one of the volunteers/spectators (she regularly does marathons) and so she accompanied me for the last 2. That was nice, because when you are then end of the pack, it is a bit discouraging. BUT, I did indeed cross the finish line and was smiling when I did. I am not entirely certain my legs could have managed even one more mile, though!

After the race I felt great. I stretched some and then my parents took me to IHOP for post race lunch, as Sue has trained me to do. :) I even had a nice massage in the evening to help relax and loosen things up. However, working the very next day--which means sitting at a desk for 10 hours--did NOT help in the achiness department!! I pretty much hobbled for my first several steps each time I got up from the desk. But after work I went for a short walk with a friend, and that helped loosen me up some. I do plan on more stretching tonight and perhaps a bit of Arnica gel rubbed onto the sore spots.

No great break for me, though! Perhaps one more day off, and then back to work. Just a short run planned for Tuesday though--nothing too crazy. I need to make sure my legs can do those 13.1 miles in 2 weeks. Whether or not I make it under the 3 hour time limit is a secondary concern, but I just want to be able to cross the finish and say, "I did it!"

Found

Gotta be Somebody - Nickelback

This time I wonder what it feels like
To find the one in this life
The one we all dream of
But dreams just aren't enough
So I´ll be waiting for the real thing.
I'll know it by the feeling.
The moment when we´re meeting
Will play out like a scene straight off the silver screen
So I`ll be holdin’ my breath
Right up 'till the end
Until that moment when
I find the one that I'll spend forever with

`Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There`s gotta be somebody for me like that.

`Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere.
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

Tonight out on the street out in the moonlight
And damn it this feels too right
It´s just like Déjà Vu
Me standin’ here with you
So I´ll be holdin`my breath
Could this be the end?
Is it that moment when
I find the one that I spend forever with?

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There´s gotta be somebody for me like that.

`Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

You can´t give up!
When you're Lookin´ for a diamond in the rough
Because you never know when it shows up
Make sure you´re holdin` on
‘Cause it could be the one, the one you´re waiting on

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There has gotta be somebody for me
Ohhhhhh.


Nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There `s gotta be somebody for me out there.

Nobody wants to be the last one there
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There has gotta be somebody for me out there.

(to listen to song go here and click listen now)

Spring Tease

In a matter of days it has gone from 9 degrees and 10 inches of snow, to 78 degrees and fabulously sunny! I finally was able to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee while sitting on my porch steps--with my dog plastered next to me, of course.

The snow was wonderful. I find it the only redeeming factor for winter, so it was about time we had some! On Monday a friend and coworker picked me up for work. There was no way my car would even make it out of my driveway! By the time another coworker brought me home, the roads were clear and dry. At this point having tire tracks down my driveway and a few inches melted away, my car could eke its way down to the road.



This was the first time since I've had my dog that it's really snowed. I wasn't too certain how she'd react. There was a bit of uncertainty at first, but after her initial foray, she did not want to come back inside! In fact, I had to check on her, because she'd stay out for so long that she'd get ice build-up between her paw pads.






Now it's just 5 days later, and it is in the upper 70's and sunny! I've opened my front door and some windows to get some much needed fresh air into the house. I also took a couple of my plants outside so they could "breath" as well.

While I have to go back to work tomorrow and miss out on the weather then, I'm grateful I was able to enjoy today!

SWAT in Action

Working for the police department has some fun perks. Today, the SWAT team had training, and I was one of the role players. The elementary school I attended when we first moved to VA is now empty, and this is where we played today! We had a lot of fun. I knew, of course, the SWAT guys, as well as the other role players since they were other PD employees, both civilian and sworn, dispatchers and friends.

The best scenario, or at least most fun, involved Joe from dispatch being my estranged husband who was off his meds. He came to the school to kill me and the principal, with whom I was having an affair. Joe was absolutely fabulous and really did a good job for helping the negotiations team. In the end, though, he killed me mere seconds before SWAT breached the room.

My friend Amber and I got to be nutty tree huggers who were angry about all the development happening in our county. Unlike all of the other scenarios, we were NOT given a script or storyline. That made it tricky for us to really play along, as neither of us are good story spinners. In the end it became a suicide mission on my part. I used my hostage (one of the officers!) as a human shield as I walked up the hallway. He dove into a classroom we passed, so then I had to, as well. He had to pay for that, though, so that was the end of the line for him...after a few flesh wounds, of course. Since I knew they were going to come in, I was able to position myself and picked off the first SWAT guy through the door. He's one of my buddies, so I told him it wasn't personal. :-)

Despite being a long day, it was a lot of fun!! However, if you are ever an innocent bystander, I strongly suggest you comply with SWAT commands, because until they know you're a good guy, they're pretty rough, and it hurts!!

Vegas....but really Hoover Dam

Oh, goodness I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll skip all the stuff I can't remember anyway and go right to Vegas!

Last week I went to Vegas with a few friends from work and a couple of their friends. We all had fun to varying degrees. The best day, for me, was when Kelly and I went to Hoover Dam. And of course what's the ONE day of the year they're NOT doing tours?? That's right, the day we went! But that was ok; we still were able to walk around and check stuff out. They are in the process of building a bridge which I assume will relieve the dam of all motor traffic. Nothing was mentioned in the visitors' center about it, but I figure that's a safe assumption.

After leaving the dam, we stopped at a place we noted on the way which was offering helicopter rides. I have always wanted to ride in one, so I was pretty psyched. It was definitely the highlight of my trip!

The bridge under construction

Hoover Dam & bridge from Helicopter!!

Howdy

Just a hello. I've been busy and pre-occupied, but will write something riveting (i hope!) soon.

Over the moon

Saturday night had the brightest full moon of the year (guess it's all down hill from here!). I didn't take note that evening, but in the morning on my way to work....WOOOOOOOW. It was beautiful!

Needless to say, at 6:30 on Sunday morning, I am pretty much alone on the interstate. The luminosity of the moon was incomparable, and I was a bit mesmerized by its awesomeness. In all honesty I could have turned off my headlights and seen as well as in the daytime. It was somewhat like driving into the sun, though, and I had a fleeting thought to pull down my "sun" visor since the moon was affecting my night vision. I just couldn't block the view, though--absolutely gorgeous.

A running start...

Happy (belated) New Year to all! I realize it's disgraceful how much time I've allowed to lapse since my last entry. And, yet, there is not a whole lot to mention.

My parents left just a few days after Christmas, which meant all of my decorations came down too soon. There is a sense of having 'missed' Christmas this year. I think it was a combination of the stores starting with Christmas the day after Halloween--way too early--and just trying to fit too much in to my days off. It's similar to how you hear all sorts of hype on a movie, which is then a let down when you see it. If it weren't all the build-up, it would have been great. Oh well...I vow to slow down for the holidays next year and enjoy it more.

I'm still running (jogging, really, and slowly at that!). I haven't increased my distance much because I haven't been running as much as I need to. But Sue is on my case, so I can't get away with slacking too much, and now another friend is starting to check on me, too. I was thinking of an early morning run tomorrow, but might go to a park in town instead. It'll be a nice change, and Jill will get the car ride she so loves! Plus, if it's windy tomorrow, as it sure was today, I'll be running through the woods for the most part, so that will offer some protection. I also want to get a cheap pair of gloves to wear. Right now I just have fingerless gloves with a mitten-type flip over cover, but the mitten effect makes my hands too hot once I'm on the road.

Here are a few recent pictures, in no particular order.

How cute are my parents--especially silly Mom

My friend Kelly and me -- if there's mischief to be found, we'll find it.

And even Shane showed up for Christmas!