A little whimsy

Baby, it's cold outside!!

2009-12-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-26T19:37:00.007-04:00

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...

2009-08-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-06-21T13:39:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-10T21:48:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-06T19:40:00.003-04:00

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!!

2009-06-03T19:46:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-03T16:54:00.003-04:00

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

Just Do It!!

2009-04-05T20:05:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-27T20:57:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-07T15:06:00.006-05:00

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

2009-02-18T20:41:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-18T20:06:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-23T14:07:00.002-05:00

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

Over the moon

2009-01-12T17:47:00.003-05:00

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...

2009-01-08T19:43:00.006-05:00

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!

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-25T14:45:00.001-05:00

Christmastime is near...

2008-12-23T18:29:00.002-05:00

Whadda you know---I'm off for several days again! This year I get to be off for Christmas which is wonderful.

With the help of Mom (and Dad, too!) my Faerie Door is properly decorated for Christmas. How cute is it!?!?

Mmm...tasty treats!

2008-12-17T20:24:00.003-05:00

I am off for the next few days--hooray! My plan is to do gobs of baking. Mom and I have made a list of things we'd like to try, so we better get busy. Last week we didn't have much time, so we stuck to simple things: sugar cookies, spritz, and Mom's favorite, mincemeat cookies. Tonight I'm making some treats to bring to friends at work, and tomorrow we plan on a cheesecake and some bar cookies. But we saved some recipes for Friday, too!!

Not even 2 more weeks!!

2008-12-13T17:09:00.002-05:00

Ok, I get that I'm like a kid with Christmas--I love it!!

My mom and I have been getting into the holiday spirit--decorating the house, the tree, the house some more and then today was a cookie-baking marathon. I am finished with my shopping, so I can sit back and enjoy these last couple of weeks before Christmas.

Last night Phil and his friends JC & Lyna, along with their 3 kids, came over for dinner. It was an extremely enjoyable evening.

Funny story: shortly after we moved here (to Central VA from Long Island) my mom called a pizza parlor to order a large pie. The girl on the phone, rather confused by Mom's request, replied, "We don't sell pies," to which my mom's response was, "You sell pizza, right?" Anyhow, my mom has been telling this story for years and last night we found out that it had been Lyna on that phone!! Who knew?

And just when is too cold to run??

2008-12-07T11:28:00.003-05:00

Methinks I spoke to soon about not seeing Sue! I drove up to NoVa on Friday afternoon for a 20 hour whirlwind visit! We went for dinner at Chipotle (I think this is her fave place!!) with her friend Katherine and then stayed up until the wee hours unpacking and rearranging, and rearranging again!

Of course since Sue recruited me for the Charlottesville Half Marathon, she wasn't going to let me get away with NOT running, so we went for a run in the 29 degree outdoors and then rewarded ourselves with brunch at OHOP...mmmmm!!

Unfortunately I had to be back in C-ville for work, so our visit was cut short, but very enjoyable!! It's always fun hanging out with Sue!

It's not caffeine, but something's got me!

2008-12-04T10:49:00.003-05:00

Yippee! I am now off for the next 3, count 'em, THREE days! No big plans, just putzing around, getting stuff ready for Christmas (have I mentioned how much I LOVE Christmas??). I was going to help Sue unpack, but like her shirt suggests, she is Wonder Woman and has it all under control! (I've been in my house for about 4 years and still don't have it together the way I want!)

Today is going to be a good day as it had a near perfect start that will have to carry me through the weekend.

Hope you're all enjoying the pre-Christmas fabulousness!!

Christmas Poem

2008-12-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

Karaoke Queen

2008-11-21T20:44:00.005-05:00

Last night I went out with some of my friends. First a few of us played some pool. That was fun, and thank goodness I didn't embarrass myself! Then afterward I went to another friend's house where, essentially, we had a karaoke party!! Here I had too much fun to feel like an idiot. Who'd have thought that I'd become a microphone hog!! It was sooooooo much fun, because everyone is equally terrible, so no one cares.

Today Mom and I did a little shopping and made a little headway with our Christmas lists. But it sure was cold out, and throw on top of that the brutal wind and it was just plain freezing cold!

I am glad to be cozy inside now and about ready for bed. good night!

150 Days to Go & Counting

2008-11-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

Brrrrr, it's getting chilly out! :-)

Dad and I went for a bike ride today. We didn't go terribly far, though. While it looks beautiful and sunny out, the wind will catch you by surprise! There were a few times on the ride where I was suddenly pushed to the side by a hefty gust.

I've started my training for the Half Marathon. While it may be 5 months away, I haven't a week to waste. That's why dear Sue is sending me accountability emails, to keep me motivated and in line. Since I have no one here to train with, she's my long-distance trainer (although I'd like to have "Hot Trainer" as she does!! LOL).

Other than that things are pretty much the same. Tonight I'm going out with some friends from work. I don't know if we'll wind up bowling or playing pool, but either works for me since I enjoy both. I don't think I've bowled since college and I haven't played pool in several years. At least I'm not an embarrassment bowling, and I am surprisingly decent (but not good!) at pool; I probably owe thanks for that to my brothers.

Lodgers

2008-11-12T17:46:00.003-05:00

It's been a hectic week or so, and I don't see it slowing down in the near future. The most exciting event is that my parents arrived at the house on Monday night! They'll be here thru the "most wonderful time of year."

Tomorrow, despite being a day off, I have to get up crazy early to bring Ms Jill to the vet. She's having her teeth cleaned (and probably a couple extracted) as well as a tumor removed from her eyelid. But, while she's having all of that done Mom and I will go out for breakfast and then do some shopping. My friend Kelly may join us if she's awake and aware of the world that early! LOL

Anyway, just day 2.5 of...45ish?? We'll see.....

Hello

2008-11-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

Just saying hi. I'm in an incredibly good mood and feeling a little feisty.

Hope you're all doing well!!

Countdown

2008-11-08T09:20:00.005-05:00

Well, I have about 22 weeks before this half marathon (for which I still don't see any registration info on Ms Sue!!). There is supposed to be a training program starting next weekend, but I've yet to receive the email for it, soo......guess I'm on my own.

I've looked around a bit online, and generally training programs start at the 10-week mark and assume you already run about 2 miles or at least 30 minutes non-stop. Since the Women's 4-Miler in August, I've returned to non-runner status! BUT, I still have the info for that training program which, obviously, can get me to 4 miles in 12 weeks. If I do that again, by the 10-weeks-out mark, I'll be past the minimum starting point and can then follow that training program.

"Believing in people before they have proved themselves is the key to motivating people to reach their potential. " --John C Maxwell

WOW

2008-11-04T07:06:00.002-05:00

I got my tushy out of bed early so that I could vote before coming to work. I arrive at the poll at 6:07 and there is already a line which I estimated to be 3-4 hours wait!! Since I have to head to work by 6:30, I turned around and went back home for a bit. Hopefully it will be better this afternoon (hopefully!!). I'll bring a book with me.

Eeks!

2008-11-01T17:19:00.006-04:00

Oh, Sue, what have you gotten me into??

Henry Ford said, "If you think you can, or can't, you're right."

Miss Sue has convinced (coerced?) me into signing up for the Charlottesville Half Marathon in April. While I may have managed to run out 4 miles in September, I haven't run a step since! I am basically back to where I was before training for that--and for those who don't know, a half marathon is 13.1 miles!! So again I say, "EEKS!"

I have almost 6 months to train for this, and I'm trying to keep a positive mind set in thinking I can. I absolutely plan to take advantage of my parents 2+ month visit for the holidays, i.e puppy sitters! Working 10 hour days cut into my gym time, so this should give me the flexibility to go to the gym and take the new dance class I plan on signing up for (truthfully, I think my dance classes over the summer made a huge difference in my fitness).

While I had originally planned to tell as few people as possible (not even Mom and Dad!) for fear of making a fool of myself, I decided that this will help keep me accountable since I have no one to train with this time around. Now you all know and can get on my case if I become a slacker!!

Equal Opportunity

2008-10-24T11:01:00.006-04:00

Ok, so it's not just men who don't read directions, I admit it. I just glanced at the package to see how long it was supposed to be in the microwave. While it's cooking, I look and think, "Huh, that looks like it's going to explode." Sure enough a few seconds later it did! I missed Step 2 so plainly visible on the package--tear to vent. Oh well....at least it was an easy clean up!

I'm such a geek

2008-10-20T21:05:00.003-04:00

I should be going to bed (and I will) but I'm sooooo wanting to watch Star Wars!! I LOVE Star Wars!

--I even have the box set!!--

But, A New Hope just finished and The Empire Strikes Back is my least favorite of the 3. (I disregard the new trilogy) Fear not! Return of the Jedi will be on in a couple of nights! :-)

....hmm, odd...I can't seem to find my boxed set. Does this mean I have a legitimate reason to buy the DVD version!! LOL

Alas, a day off!

2008-10-18T11:49:00.003-04:00

Phew, what a week! Today is my first day to relax since getting back from Boston last week. Thursday was dr appts, grocery shopping and cleaning and prepping for a dinner party last night. Yesterday was the final touches and dinner, which was yummy, by the way! I served pancetta-wrapped pork loin which has fabulous flavor from a garlic/rosemary/thyme rub. I almost added parsley and sage, because while I was making the rub I had Simon & Garfunkle's Scarborough Fair playing in my mind! Anyway, I served that with mixed veggies, wild rice and bread with dipping oil. Mmmmmmm... It was a hit, and everyone enjoyed dinner.

All I have to do today is some never-ending laundry. I might take out the rest of my winter clothes. There's a freeze warning for tonight, so I think that's a sign that our 85 degree days are over!

Will Nov 4 be Doomsday?

2008-10-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

Is there anyone more arrogant or snide than Barack Obama??? The man is such a condescending snob.

Boston...if only it wasn't home to the Sox!

2008-10-12T08:30:00.006-04:00

Alas, I have returned home. I had a wonderful time in Massachusets with my parents. We did a lot in the short time I was there. Boston is great and I would love to go back again--despite this hangup they have with the Red Sox.

We checked out the Samual Adams brewery just outside of Boston, visited my nephew Scott at his college, spent some time with my Aunt Bess, went on a lovely bike ride and , of course, went shopping! The weather was PERFECT for my visit. I love autumn.

My flight landed around 10:30 last night and got home around 11:45ish. I unpacked (easy when you've only got one bag!) and went to bed. About an hour into my blissful sleep my smoke detector started chirping, so I had to get up and take the battery out. A few hours later I had to get up for work, and here I am. yippee.

I'll put a few pictres up in the next day or two!

Yowzers!

2008-10-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

Holy cramoly! Gas on base is $2.99/gal!!!! Almost enough to make me wish I drove!!

WOW

TJ Maxx Couture

2008-10-07T21:00:00.002-04:00

I'm here in Bedford, MA visiting my parents at Hanscom AFB. There's no doubt that there's an abundance of wealth in the area as both TJ Maxx and Marshalls have a wide selection of Gucci and Cole Haan merchandise!! Of course it seemed that no matter what pair of shoes I picked up, they never had a price tag reading less than $250.

Tomorrow we're going to Boston. The little devil inside regrets not bringing my NY Yankees hat. I'm being smothered in Red Sox propaganda.

"Beauty" can be deadly

2008-10-03T19:25:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I had 3 moles removed from my upper arm. This is a fairly regular thing for me. To date I've now had...9 removed and will go back in a couple of weeks to take care of another one on my leg. A friend of mine called them beauty marks, but mine can kill me. I'd kinda like to avoid that scenario if I could! Generally I'm fine with the whole ordeal, however this time there's a catch. I am a side sleeper, and I sleep on my right side, and for the time being that is out of the question! Perhaps in a couple of days, after the soreness has passed, I'll able to sleep comfortably again.

small blessings

2008-10-02T19:08:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days where everything is going wonderfully, but there's just that one-last-thing that would make the day absolutely perfect? That was today, for me.

Well, not really; I got my one last thing -- my day was perfect.

ECO them NOW!!

2008-09-26T17:53:00.002-04:00

Did you guys see this on the news? Unbelievable!! See, now in the US they would have been tazed at least--I HOPE!

Make sure you scroll down for the video---CRAZY!!

Excellent

2008-09-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

Yep, this is a great week. Things are going great, and I could not ask for more!

Gadget

2008-09-25T18:41:00.004-04:00

Ok, I'm a big gadget fan, but I can't believe there are people out there (and I'm sure there are plenty) who would be more than happy to spend $24 on this!! But hey--it does let you get "35% more" out of your tube of Crest (which only cost you $4 to start with!). You'd have to buy over 15 tubes of toothpaste before this paid for itself. Personally, that would take me almost 3 years to accomplish!! :-)

But the Museum of Useful Things does have some 'interesting' stuff!!

Hike, bike and....stand?

2008-09-25T15:32:00.003-04:00

The last week has been incredibly busy.

Last Friday I took advantage of the perfect weather we were having and went for a longer bike ride than my norm. It still wasn't terribly long--just about 7 miles. I finally decided I was ready for some real hills, and this route had a couple plus a real killer--not very long, but very steep. By the time I had my moment of dismay realizing, "I can't downshift anymore," I was pretty much at the top of the hill already! (just to note, I had more gears, I just had waited too long and had too much chain tension to downshift again) After my ride I cleaned up and then went to the range to help pre-register shooters for the VA Commonwealth Cup. Basically that meant chit-chatting with old friends I haven't seen in eons and checking off the early birds. Afterwards a bunch of us went out for dinner, which was a lot of fun.

Saturday was the actual match and I volunteered to be one of the Safety Officers. I wasn't the primary SO for my stage (not even the secondary!) so I basically just called out shooter order and collected their score sheets! Like the good red-head that I am, I applied my sunscreen often! But it was still a long day, even though I didn't do much. Standing for hours wears you out!! After we tore down all the stages and everything was complete, several of us went out for dinner again! We ended up staying later than I expected, but that's ok. I'd missed my friends.

On Sunday my legs protested the last 3 days of torture.

Humpback Rock

2008-09-19T09:57:00.008-04:00

Yesterday my friend Teri and I went hiking up Humpback Rock. It's a great hike just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. I haven't been since middle school, and I vaguely remember that. We met at the top of Afton Mountain at the old, deserted Howard Johnson's (now that is a staple in all childhood roadtrip memories!!) From there we took one car about 5-6 miles down the Parkway to the base of Humpback Rock. It took us 37 minutes to climb up (sign says it should take 40!), and no matter how long it takes you the view is definitely worth it!!!

Teri taking pics of the fabulous view

Me at the top and waaay below you can see the road we came in on

Friends for ages, and always smiling

Chores

2008-09-14T07:54:00.004-04:00

Ah, Saturday's.

I accomplished a lot in the house with cleaning--and not just picking stuff up cleaning, but cleaning! I did, of course, get a little sidetracked since I had the TV on and some of my all time favorite movies were on!! I watched a little bit of Strictly Ballroom, Notting Hill, The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally. The first is a little corny, but I LOVE it (so does Mom!!) and NH is probably my very favorite.

"A life lived in fear is a life half-lived."

Fran, Strictly Ballroom

As random as I get....

2008-09-13T02:08:00.004-04:00

Ever crave breakfast food right smack in the middle of the afternoon? I do, sometimes, and I am thrilled to discover that an IHOP is being built a mere 4.25 miles from my house!! YEA!!

Anyhoo, just back from a casual evening hanging out with one of my friends. We had a scrumptious dinner and then went to a local HS football game where her best friend's son was on one of the teams. After that we just hung out at her house.

OH, on the way to dinner, we drive past 3 gas stations with cars lined up at every pump!!! We finally figure out it's because of Ike pummeling the Gulf Coast and the lines being shut down for the storm. The worrisome bit, though, is that we stopped at one of them for some coffee after the game, and from what we heard it sounded like they were running low on gas--already!! I might have to get up early to fill my tank, seeing as how I'm at 1/4 tank from all my driving the last couple of days! It may not be a Prius, but thankfully my Corolla gets a sweet 37mpg!!! :-)

Patriot Day

2008-09-11T09:34:00.002-04:00

In Memory

The storm and me

2008-09-06T11:27:00.003-04:00

What a day to sleep in, then later curl up with a book and a cup of tea.

I haven't gotten to the book and tea, yet, but it is most definitely on my list! The storm that had been Hanna arrived just before midnight, and has been pouring out rain ever since. I love the sound of the rain beating down on the roof. I find it incredibly relaxing--thus the sleeping in! I'll be curious to see how much rain we get. My adorable rain gauge goes only to 6", so I guess I'll have to rely on the weatherman! HA

Nothing else has really been happening. I had an incredibly busy week at work. On Thursday I went shopping. My intentions for shopping had been to check out shoes at Macy's and buy "special" earrings for my mom and godmother which have only been found in this one store. I found the earrings, Macy's was a bust, but Dillard's had some sweet deals on shoes! I bought an irresistible pair of red patent leather Ecco pumps and comfy Cole Haan Mary Janes sneakers for less than $70 total!! Several years ago I almost bought the same Cole Haan's but in the color for that year. Guess I'm consistant in what I like! :-)

My plans for yesterday went down the tubes. I knew it would work out that way from the time I got up. It's kinda sad to have an expected disappointment come true, despite hoping for the contrary. There are just times when being right sucks.

The wind is now picking up. Seeing as how there are few trees left to weild destructive consequences, I am quite enjoying the storm.

the "chips" fall as they may (not near the clock!)

2008-08-31T18:14:00.005-04:00

The race results have been posted--yea! My "chip time" was 56:49 with which I am quite happy. I wish the local paper published chip times instead of gun times, because that put me over an hour! Oh well....

One cool thing, though, is that I pretty much started and finished the race with the wife of one of my co-workers! I've never met her, but recognized the name in the results, and he told me that was indeed his wife. I just think that's neat.

Donations and support are still coming in and being added, but as of now, this race has raised a whopping $302,170 for the UVA Breast Center!!!! W-O-W!!! That is an incredible amount, I think, and for a worthy cause.

4 Miler

2008-08-30T19:24:00.009-04:00

WOW!! I DID IT!!

Today was the Charlottesville Women's 4-Miler, and I am thrilled that I've completed my first 'race.' The day started early--I had to leave my house at 5:45 to arrive at Foxfield Racetrack by 6:45. I am usually blissfully unaware of the 5 o'clock hour as I am generally quite content and cozy and in bed--sleeping!!! But today I had plans!

The course is scenic with some gentle hills since no where in central Virginia are you going to find a flat road! The last several weeks I haven't been running as much as I should in preparation for this, but that wasn't going to keep me from running the race. My goals were simple: finish, and do it under an hour. The day turned out to be rather hot and humid, unfortunately, but almost everyone worked through it. The farm fences along the last mile are decorated with banners bearing the names of loved ones' who've been affected by cancer of some sort. It's very touching to see all the names, recognize some and see runners taking pictures with "their" banners after the race. It really does remind you what you're running for and gives you that extra push you need to finish up that last hill (little hill, but looong).

When I crossed the line the clock read 1:00:25. Unfortunately I forgot to take note of the time on the clock when I crossed the starting line, so I'm a couple of minutes under that--I won't know until tomorrow when times are posted.

All in all I'm very pleased and plan on running the race again next year. No worries that I'll become a runner, though! Someone had mentioned I should do a triathlon since I also bike ride, and I must admit that swimming is probably my only natural athletic ability. BUT I am soooooo not near being ready for something like that. My friend Sue is doing her first triathlon this fall, and she's a lifelong athlete. Maybe I'll keep this up, train for the Charlottesville Ten Miler in the spring (one of the nation's favorites, I might add!) and see if Sue wants to do the triathlon again next year. Hmmmm.....

Post race I waited in line for almost an hour for a therapeutic sports massage. Aside from pestering my mom to rub my shoulders, I've never had a real massage before. During this time my dad called thinking I'd be done and on my way home--I texted my parents shortly after I finished to say YEA!! And my best friend called to check on me and see how I did and tell me the nicest, "I told you so" ever. He was one of my few encouragers for this race and never doubted that I could do it and never called me crazy for wanting to try.

Early morning arrivals

About 30 minutes before staging

After finally getting my massage and ready to head home..my car, alone by the tree

Daddy's (grown up?) Little Girl

2008-08-25T19:26:00.003-04:00

Sarah was kind enough to mail pictures that her photographer had taken at her & Tom's wedding. This is my favorite!

Jogging Jillian

2008-08-24T19:52:00.005-04:00

Since I left work late today, I skipped the gym and went for a quick run when I got home. I also decided to take Jill with me. I've walked her before, but this would be our first jog together. She does very well!! Of course, she still manages to look like a show dog prancing for the judges. Our only mis-hap was when she was on my left, but something sure smelled mighty interesting on my right. Needless to say, I almost wiped out as a 100lb dog darted out in front of me! I've also decided that she's a city dog, because the cows at the farm down the road were soooooooo interesting that she was reluctant to them. But in all fairness they found her interesting as well.

All in all she makes a great jogging partner. :-)

NYC Bike Messengers

2008-08-23T19:40:00.003-04:00

All I can say is, "WOW!!!" I think I had my eyes covered for most of this video. People talk about NYC drivers, but it's the guys on the bikes you need to look out for!! They're nuts! I think this was for some race/contest they had, though. (there are a couple iffy things in it, but I think it can be overlooked for the overall video)

Have bike, will travel....

2008-08-23T17:26:00.004-04:00

I've been on the hunt for a bike rack to cart my bike to and fro. I came across the Saris Bones 2-Bike rack. It sounded fabulous and had great reviews. They also have a 3-bike version for just $30 more. While one that carries 2 should suffice, it doesn't hurt to have the ability to haul 3 just in case. While checking things out I stumble upon the Saris Bones RS bike rack. It is the Lamborghini of bike racks. While I would have been quite happy and content with the regular Bones rack, now I want this one!! However the Bones RS costs a tidy sum, so regardless of how much I may lust after it, it is simply out of reach.

Meanwhile my dad is checking things out for me online as well--he's a fabulous researcher. He comes across a guy selling the Saris Bones 2-bike on Craigslist in the Boston area. COOL! But I can't get my email to cooperate in writing to the man, so I miss out. But I think, "Ooh, that's a good idea. I wonder what's on Craigslist here?" I check it out, and it's a strike. A day or two later I look again: strike 2. BUT I give it one last shot and knock it out of the park!! A guy is selling the RS at a loss, brand new!! Turns out it won't work for his car and selling it for less than 70% of what he paid is better than return shipping costs + 15% restocking fee!! SWEET!! So a few emails later and I'm on my way to meet him and check it out. Needless to say I came home with my brand new Bones RS for just a few bucks more than the Bones 3-Bike!

What do you think??

R U Reading?

2008-08-22T16:14:00.001-04:00

Hey, Dad! I rode my bike today!!!

Happiness is...

2008-08-22T12:06:00.003-04:00

...the perfect pair of pants. For the past few years I have been on a quest to find the perfect pair of khakis/chinos. Truthfully I didn't have much criteria: casual but nice enough to be dressed up a notch and they had to fit. While that's not much, the past several years have focused on capris (of which I am SO not a fan) and cropped pants. That made plain, regular pants of any type hard to find in general. The tricky part here, however, is fit. My waist is way smaller than my hips, and until recently nothing was cut to work around that: low-rise had been the only option. (Come to think of it, I find this rather odd since I think a fair number of women have a waist significantly smaller than their hips...is an hourglass figure that rare??) So usually I try on size B, which fits my curves but is then baggy on my legs and gapes at my waist; size A is perfect at the waist and below my thighs, but, um, a little snug in between, and size C is just crazy big. My other pant purchasing problem is that despite my height, I've got wee little legs. "Then buy petite," you say? Alas, if only it were so simple. If the only difference between petite and regular was the inseam, I'd be in business, but the whole fit/cut is different and the rise is then all out of whack. I have come to accept that having pants hemmed is just a condition of the pant-buying experience.

Anyway, I walked into Eddie Bauer yesterday, saw pants that looked to be exactly what I wanted. I tried them on, and VOILA!! THE PERFECT PANTS! Yea!! I love these pants: I feel fabulous in them and look good, too, if I do say so myself! So, on top of my normal happy-go-lucky mood, I am super happy today! :-)

The FURminator!!!

2008-08-08T20:34:00.003-04:00

Ok, totally worth an immediate post. I LOVE THE FURMINATOR!

In less than 10 minutes I had a WHOLE bag full of nasty undercoat. The more amazing part, for me, was that I didn't have to fight Jill when it came to grooming. She even sat down for me and leaned in!!!

Another 10 minutes tomorrow and we'll be under control. I have less angst about having her in my sparkly clean new car, too!

I'm not sure I want to give this back to Jay!!

And yet, there's still one more!

2008-08-08T19:43:00.002-04:00

What a great day! I really like this 3 days off bit!!

After a most excellent morning, I pondered what to do with the rest of my Friday. I decided to take Jill for a walk to see how she'd do in case I decide to take her jogging one day. Due to the whole invisible fence deal, it took quite a bit of coaxing to get her onto the road. But we made it, and had a lovely walk. We went maybe a mile or so and talked with our neighbors Jay & Amy on the way back. During our chat I mentioned Jill's never-ending shedding. With that, Jay brought out the FURminator!!! I've pondered one of these for a while because all I hear are raves about it, but it costs about $60!! I'm so excited to try it out and see how well it really works!

After our stroll through the neighborhood, I finished raking up all the rocks and "stuff" where the sheds used to be. Now I'll be able to run the mower over the scraggly grass that's persevering in the dust bowl without worry about slinging rocks everywhere.

Now I'm just enjoying the lovely evening. In the morning we'll see how much my body decides to protest the hours of raking, though--just in time for my Saturday morning running!

Don't run dumb!!

2008-08-07T19:17:00.004-04:00

At work we have now switched to 4, 10-hour days. I think I'm really going to like having an extra day off. This is the first week, so we'll see how it goes.

I'm continuing my biking, running and dancing, though each has shifted in varying degrees. Biking and running have increased (hey, they're free) and dancing has downsized (very unfree). For this month I am taking only 2 private lessons for dance. I was so busy last month with dancing that my running was put on the back burner. With the Women's 4-Miler coming up at the end of the month, I really need to put in more mileage. BUT, I am going to figure out a way to budget in 1 lesson per week for September and hopefully beyond. I absolutely love it!!

Just a few miles from work there's a pretty nice park with a great running/walking/biking trail which winds alongside the Rivanna River. I have been a couple of times with other people, so I decided to go after work the other day. I went on a Sunday after work a few weeks ago, and it was almost totally deserted which kinda spooked me--too quiet and no one around if I needed help. I was hoping for something different on a mid-week evening when people usually bring their dogs (dogs are allowed off-leash at the park Tues-Thurs). While I got different, it wasn't the different for which I was hoping. Guess I was too early. There were more people around, but not many. At one point I passed a group of 7-8 kids (17-20 yoa) hanging out at the river. While I'm sure the chances that they would bother me were slim, I was acutely aware of how alone I was, I'd only passed 2 people so far on the trail, the fact that I left my phone in my car and the realization that while I might have a chance against one (possibly two) people, I have none against a group. I was also disappointed in myself that I had been so sure that all would be fine, that I lost common sense. As a lone female running through the woods I need to take more safety precautions. Needless to say, if I go again I won't be alone and I'll have my phone. I think I'll see how my dog does running with me--she'd be good, attack-discouraging company!!

I have also managed to get in a couple of bike rides lately. Still short ones, but I'll be lengthening them soon. I told my dad that I might make Thursday an official "bike ride" day. Even sleeping in I can get a ride in fairly early, so I'll have low traffic volume.

I'm now looking at my dog, resting peacefully in the living room. She has no idea that as soon as I post this she's getting a manicure. Unlike me, she hates them!! I'll just give her a few more minutes of ignorant bliss!!

Presto, presta!

2008-08-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

Ooooh yea!!!! I FINALLY got to go on a bike ride! It may have been short, but at least I spent some time on the road. After a tire valve issue (no one explains the finer details of how things work on your $1000 bike!!) which required a little Googling by me and a little investigation by Dad, I finally, finally hit the road. Just a quick jaunt on a perfect day--mid 80's, low humidity and sunny with a gentle breeze!! If I hadn't had silly issues (thank goodness it wasn't a serious issue) I could have gone out for a longer ride....alas.

I love my bike

Scrumptious!

2008-08-03T20:04:00.003-04:00

Mmmmmmmmmmm! Last night for dinner I decided to make chicken fajitas. Talk about taking the easy route: My sister-in-law showed me how easy they were to make; I took the simplifying one step further--almost to lazy! AND, instead of the fajita seasoning I used a yummy raspberry chipotle sauce I stumbled across in Texas. Now, usually stuff I make turns out tasty, but even I am impressed with this! And the leftovers are even better!

Start at the crack of dawn....

2008-08-02T16:53:00.004-04:00

So this morning started with another running/training session. I met my friend and it was off to the UVa track. Today's run was 3 miles through some of UVa Grounds (heaven forbid you call it a campus). While I did not run the whole 3, I ran most of it and finished middle of the pack. It was a tad on the humid side, but the sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds. Thank goodness for small favors! My friend has decided that she will not be running the race. I think it mostly has to do with her dissatisfaction with where she's at, but.... I am looking forward to the race and seeing how far I've come!!

So at 9:45, after the stretching we do after each run, I'm driving my friend back to her car, and I see that I have a voicemail. So I listen to the message from one of my most favorite people who had the gall to suggest I was still sleeping at 9:30!!! Hmmph! I was out the door by 7am thank you very much! Don't worry, though, a proper harassment and grief-giving session has been completed! LOL

After I got home it was right to the mower for a properly done job this time. It looks good, and I've decided that it will really look great for next spring. Now just some relaxation and laundry.

BTW, tomorrow starts my 10-hour schedule. I've thoroughly enjoyed finishing my days at 3, but getting a 3rd day off in exchange for just 2 more hours a day--I think I like!!!

Crayola in Motion

2008-07-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

How cool is this photo!?

from Post Secret

2008-07-28T20:31:00.003-04:00

I absolutely agree with this

Overheard in NY

2008-07-28T20:23:00.002-04:00

Ok, this was just too funny (to me, at least). I can absolutely envision this scene, too. It's from Overheard in NY which is a little...course, blunt, risque for some--like Dad! :)

(waiting in line)
Four-year-old kid: Mommy, I really want a lollipop!
Mom: Uhuh, move up here honey.
Kid: Mom! Just give in, I want a lollipop, okay?
(mother ignores him)
Kid: Just give in, it's okay, I want one. It's okay to give in, mom.
(pause)
Kid: Mom, this isn't going to work for me! I want a lollipop!
Random guy in line: Resist!

Cha-cha-chatter

2008-07-28T19:53:00.003-04:00

I'm trying to figure out how to say all I want to say and have it flow, but I just don't think that's gonna happen! Since I happen to me having dinner at the moment, I'll start by saying that I highly recommend Barilla's Black and Greene Olives sauce. It's excellent! And speaking of tomato sauce, my plan is that when my parents are here, my mom and I will make real sauce the proper way. I've done it before, and it turns out pretty well, but you can't make just a little! So I need to do it when I have family here. This is one of many times when I wish my grandfather was here and he could show me how he made it.

Nothing beats drifting off to sleep to the steady cadence of crickets. A couple of nights last week would have been perfect for such. However I'm not in an area where you can leave your windows open at night....such is life.

Dance classes have been going exceptionally well! I absolutely LOVE them!! They have, however, kept me incredibly busy as I had classes M, T & W. Monday: Salsa, Tuesday: Cha Cha, and Wed was a private lesson. With this being the final week of the month, it is also my final week of classes. I am undecided where to go from here. The 'group' class is a lot of fun, but I learn so much more in the private lessons--fine tuning, we'll say. While talking with mum last night, we ended our conversation with the understanding I would only do one group class (Foxtrot). After my lesson tonight....not really wanting to give up the private lessons. Dollars might decide for me, though. They really do suck you in with the "Introductory Package"!!!!!

OH, and training for the Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler is still going ok. With the race coming up in about 5 weeks, I have decided that regardless what I do with dancing, I have to cut back. I need more days to run on my own and also try to get in some bike riding, too. And don't fret, there's still time to sponsor me or the run in general for any dollar amount or for $50 you can sponsor a sign for the Motivational Mile--the final mile where signs are posted in remembrance and for encouragement for that last bit. While I'm pretty sure my time will not ever be mentioned on this blog, I will finish the race and be pleased with my accomplishment.

Oh Happy Days!!! :)

Bees make us look bad

2008-07-20T07:42:00.004-04:00

I could never be a bee. While being busy is good, it is not a mode I could sustain for too terribly long. I've been crazy busy the past several weeks, albeit by choice! Since I started my dance classes, I have them 3 nights a week, plus running & race training, plus the everyday things that are edging their way towards the back-burner! My poor pooch feels abandonded since she hardly ever sees me, so I have to revamp my schedule a bit.

Friday, my first day off, I woke up, talked with a friend, visited a friend, bought a new coffee pot (just $20!!), gave up and went home. There I dilly-dallied for a bit then got my act together and started mowing. But then one of my friends wanted to have a girls' dinner, so I wrapped up mowing as quickly as I could (didn't finish, but found a stopping point), showered and went to dinner. Fun was had by all--girls' night is always good. OH! On the way home the moon was beautiful!! It was full and low in the Eastern sky and an awesome orange. If it wouldn't have been a road hazard I could have just stopped on the side of the road and gazed at it. It was just one of those things.

Saturday started waaaay too early. I met my friend in town and then we went to Sat AM training at the UVA track. We were timed so that we'd know what our pace-group is. My time isn't impressive, but I am 6 minutes ahead of my friend. To look at us you'd think she's 6 minutes ahead of me instead. Odd how that happens.

Anyhoo, after running I went to the range to bring some things to Phil and visit folks I haven't seen in ages. Due to the sheer number of shooters, I don't regret not shooting the match. I wouldn't have left until....? So I caught up with some old friends, found out 2 are now engaged (YEA T & Hope!!) and shared some good-natured harassment with others. Told one of my friends I would procrastinate and not finish mowing and would spend the rest of Saturday doing nothing. While I didn't mow, I didn't do "nothing" either. When I got home I spent quality time with my neglected dog (ie brushed her for about 15 minutes!), washed dishes, washed my car, watered plants, pruned bushes, vaccumed, showered and then did nothing! :)

Now it's Sunday, and my work week has started all over again. yippee. I am toying with the idea of running down by the river after work. I brought my gear so that I can go. Hopefully today will be a good day.

does everything come in 3's?? (hope not)

2008-07-17T21:12:00.002-04:00

Following the sudden death of my coffee pot has been the slow death of my birthday flowers. It was finally time to toss them out. BUT my Shamrock plant actually flowered!!!! I've never had a plant that flowered like it's supposed to! Yea! :)

OH the Horror!!

2008-07-13T20:18:00.002-04:00

That's right--the horror!! My coffee pot DIED!

If you have ever had the opportunity (blessing was the first word to mind) to be around me any number of mornings, you would realize the gravity of the situation. This means that tomorrow I'll have to swing by McDonald's on the way to work, keeping my fingers crossed against continuing my poor trend of success at the drive-thru. That made no sense, but I'm already frantic about my caffeine(less) situation for the morning! AND IT'S MONDAY, TOO--EEK!

Pushing the envelope

2008-07-11T14:43:00.003-04:00

Jill must be bored today. While I'm mowing, I spy her out of the corner of my eye. She's standing in the driveway about 15 feet from the road. She's not all that far from the SHOCK line, and she sorta knows this but seems to be thinking, "I haven't been shocked in a long time. I think I might be able to do this now."

Now me, I'm a little nervous. I'm wondering if her collar is still tight enough (she's lost weight and her winter coat); will she bolt through it and not want to come back; will she be zapped yet find her newfound emancipation so exhilerating that I will have a continual containment problem???

With every other pass of the mower I am facing her, and so I watch her debate and creep forward one little step at a time. After 10 minutes of inching forward I see her jump up and back before running to the safety of the porch!

It may be mean, but I thought it was pretty funny. I was also rather relieved that she was shocked and that is still a deterrent.

Hold the chips!

2008-07-07T20:05:00.002-04:00

Tonight I had my first Salsa lesson!! SO much fun! I signed up for the Intro package which gives me 4 private lessons and as many group lessons as I want to attend for the month. After the salsa class was a Tango, but between running a couple of miles on the treadmill at the gym and an hour of salsa there wasn't much 'oomph' left in my legs.

However I plan on going back tomorrow for the Cha-cha!! :)

Finally!!

2008-07-06T19:45:00.003-04:00

Finally!! I finally got to go for a bike ride!! It was a short one, but the sky was a tad too dark for my comfort. I also had my first, "Oh my goodness!" moment and my first, "Bleh" moment. The first was when I came upon some small birds on the side of the road. As I approached they took off and 'stuff' hit my face: "Oh My Goodness!" Luckily it wasn't what I thought it was, just bird seed or sand--phew!!! My 'bleh' moment came when, while huffing and puffing, a wayward bug found it's way into my mouth: BLEH!!!

So now I'm relaxing with Christmas in July movies on some girl network. Why is it Christmas in July? Seems to me that Christmas in June would make more sense!!!

Mmmmmm, coofffffeeeeeee

2008-07-06T13:01:00.002-04:00

Every now and again one of the guys at work will bring me a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. Today I really needed it, and with my first sip I could feel the warmth and caffeine course through my veins, waking my mind and de-frosting my fingers! Mmmmmmmmmm....

BTW

2008-07-05T10:41:00.005-04:00

June was a busy month. One of my best friends had a birthday, as did my dad, one of my sisters-in-law and MOI! I am now officially in my 30's, not just dipping my toe in the water, but actually IN (but still the shallow end - LOL). July, I hope, will be more low-key.

Training for the 4-miler is going well, but was rained out this morning. It's going to be a wet weekend. Just as I finished changing clothes for a bike ride yesterday, storms rolled in, and it has been raining ever since. Guess I'll focus on indoor chores today.

OH--they came and got the dumpster yesterday. With that out of the way you can really see how barren it is outside. Plus, I have only 3 boxes left to go through. I am pretty sure everything inside of them is ok, but one needs to be repacked since the trunk/footlocker pretty much fell apart! As soon as I finish up those last few boxes, I'll post before and after pictures of the yard.

Here are my birthday flowers: aren't they lovely!?

#2 is 34

2008-06-26T07:12:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday

Saving boobies everywhere

2008-06-20T13:44:00.005-04:00

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I will begin the Training Program for the Charlottesville Women's 4-Miler. The race is actually on August 30, and training began last week while I was in NY. My friend Diana and I decided to do this together for both accountability and encouragement.

The race is largest all women race in the state of VA and it is done as a way to raise money for the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care Program. Breast Cancer has affected many women in my life: it is the reason I never met my paternal grandmother and 2 of my aunts and my godmother are all survivors. The program also helps women affected by ovarian cancer, which is more difficult to detect in early stages, and I have had friends affected by that as well. Last year the CW4M raised $230,000 for the UVA Cancer Center. If you would like to make a donation and support me while I train for this event you can use the link above for the race. As of today it doesn't look like you can donate online, although they say it will be available soon. If that's not up and running, and this is something you'd like to do, you can mail in the donation. Checks should be made out to "Charlottesville Women's Four Miler" and mailed to:

Women’s Four Miler
c/o Ragged Mountain Running Shop
#3 Elliewood Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903

You can include my name for sponsorship, BUT the important thing is to raise the money, not for me to get credit.

Another option, if you are interested, is to support the Motivational Mile. All along the race route, names are posted of the loved ones we race for--a reminder and motivator to keep on fighting and running. The Motivational Mile link is directly beneath the donation link on the Race home page.

I am excited about the training program and the race--how cool to go from not being able to run all that long or far to finishing a four miler??

and there is so much more to the stories....

2008-06-19T20:02:00.007-04:00

All I can say is, "wow." So much has happened since last week; I don't even know where to begin.

What I couldn't mention before, but can now, is that we surprised my dad for Fathers' Day and his birthday! Mom was participating in the Strawberry Festival in Mattituck (Long Island) and it was the perfect cover. Greg and Paulette hosted a whole lot of family for the weekend--talk about a full house!! Phil, Shane, Phil's buddy JC and I all drove to NY on Friday, arriving mid-afternoon. Friday night my Aunt Bess, Aunt Myra, dad's childhood friend Linda and her husband (all from out of state!) and my godparents, Dr & Mrs Vaccariello, all came over to celebrate. It was a fabulous weekend, and I am pretty certain that it is the first time all of my brothers and I have been in the same STATE in....roughly ten years.

not a touchy-feely group, eh?

Due to the Friday departure, I took all of Wednesday and Thursday cleaning up what I could of the mess and hours worth of phone calls. It's a good thing I just got an 'unlimited' plan, because I used more minutes in one day that I do in a whole month!

Anyhoo, in an attempt to make my crazy long story only moderate in length: AWESOME weekend in NY (wish they were closer!), car is totaled, trees are gone, haven't picked out a snazzy new shed quite yet.

now my flower circle looks to be in an odd spot

I found out my car was totaled right when we arrived in Southold. SO I spent the whole weekend worrying about what to do, while also realizing there was nothing I could do until I was back in VA. The trick here is that if my car was being repaired, I get my rental for about 3 weeks, BUT since it was totaled: only until Monday (I was in NY), but the insurance guy extended it until Friday for me. Still a little pressure, though, to quick find a new car I can afford.

I am back to work bright and early on Tuesday. As soon as I get home I am car shopping like crazy online and trying to find financing. I secure a loan for an '08 Corolla at CarMax, then discover I can get a better rate buying new from Toyota. After work Wednesday I drive my tush over the mountain to Harrisonburg (recommended dealer, and prices are better there than in C'ville). No dealer will trade them a gray Corolla for one of the tan ones. I hem and haw, they drop my monthly payments by $20/month, and I drive home in my 2009 Corolla LE in Desert Sand Mica (read: tan).

I LOVE my new car. It is fabulous, payments roughly the same as I would have paid for the '08, and it is exactly as I want it--except for color, but it was my second choice!

LOVE my car!!

Aaaannnnnd, today was the first day in over a week where I could just go home and do NOTHING if I so desired. AMEN!!! Plus I finally got to ride my bike again. :)

Mother Nature Redecorates

2008-06-11T18:51:00.010-04:00

Well, apparently my landscaping needed some re-arranging and a 2004 Corolla needs replacing, right? (clicking on the picture will make it bigger)

You can see the small shed, but the bigger one is blocked by the mammoth tree that squished it.

What's left of the bigger shed.

The trees in the front came tumbling down, too!

Poor little shed.

At first we thought my car might be okay.

We were wrong.

On my way to becoming a Pedal Head

2008-06-08T20:50:00.003-04:00

I finally got to ride my bike more than a couple of miles...a whole 5.5!! LOL

However, I did discover that my foot became numb about 4 miles into my ride. It would seem, then, that bike shoes might wind up being a necessity. This is a new bummer because HOLY COW they're a wee bit pricy! The cheapest ones I found were - On Sale - for $100!!

Shoot 'em up

2008-06-07T19:09:00.008-04:00

Sheesh, what a week!

Today I participated in the Crime Stoppers Skeet/Trap Shoot. I had always thought that it looked like fun, and today I confirmed that it is! I am absolutely terrible, but at least I didn't miss them all! For those of you who know what "Five Stand" is, that was the format used. For those of you who don't, I'll do my best to explain.

There are 3 trap houses from which clays are released. One directly in front of you, one to the left and one to the right. The clays from the center go either straight up or up and away from you. The clays from the left are released going right, and the ones from the right....gotcha! One is the "rabbit" which runs along the ground and the other does, indeed, go out to the left. The five shooter positions arc away from the houses like the tip of a fan. At each position, or stand, you have an assigned combination of clays at which you shoot. Once everyone on your team of 5 has cycled through their 3 combos, you rotate stands and cycle through again. This continues until everyone has shot all 3 combos at all 5 stands. I'm sure there's an easier way to explain this, but it's new to me so I'm probably making it sound way more complicated than it is. Despite the 101 degrees and 97% humidity, I had a lot of fun!!

The cages you see are stands 2 & 3, and the green houses are 1 & 2.

This shows a bit of 5th stand and the 3rd house which releases the wascally wabbit!

The 5 Stands:
1) Trap, High 1 & High 2, Rabbit & Teal
2) High 2, Low & Trap, High 1 & Teal
3) Low, Teal & Trap, Rabbit & High 2
4) Teal, Low & High 1, Trap & High 2
5) High 1, Rabbit & Low, High 2 & Teal

House 1 (on shooters left) throws High 1 and High 2 (both got across to the right)
House 2 (center) throws Teal (straight up) and Trap (up and away)
House 3 (shooters right) throws Rabbit and Low (mid level, across)

When I got home I decided to go for a quick bike ride, seeing as how I was already gross and sweaty. I've only been able to ride my bike a few times thus far, which is a bummer. It's been raining (massive understatement) and then when it's not, it's been upper 90's with near 100% humidity. Not exactly weather in which I'm dying to ride in. But again, I had fun. I love my bike!!

Decisions, decisions

2008-06-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

What's a girl to do??? I'm trying to relax and enjoy my evening, so I look to see what movies are on TV. I am torn between The Princess Bride and You've Got Mail.

It's chick-flick night!! And if I flip back and forth, it's essentially commercial free!!

Happy (early) Birthday to ME!

2008-06-02T19:53:00.005-04:00

For my birthday, my parents contributed a hefty share to buying a road bike for me!! YEA!!

When my parents were here, I went on several bike rides with my dad and have since become hooked. I absolutely love it. I'm sure it helps that it's extremely picturesque near my home, too!

I looked at several bikes and tried out a couple and settled on the Fuji Finest 2.0 women's road bike. For just an extra $200 I could have gotten the next model up, but I like the gear set-up on this one better (and the colour, too). Philip met me at the bike store after work this afternoon to bring it home for me: it won't fit in my little Corolla & he has a spacious Explorer.

After I got it home, adjusted my helmet and looked at all my cool accessories, I took it for it's first taste of the road. I didn't go far, maybe a little over a mile total, and think I will be super happy with it. It'll take some time to get used to the riding position and the shifting mechanism, but then I remember it took me a while to get used to my standard shift car!! I'm going to have SO much fun!!!

Faery gateway

2008-05-31T20:40:00.004-04:00

So, I have found a home for my nonsense purchase which is nothing more than whimsy in its purist form! I can already feel various friends and family members rolling eyes, but that just means they need more whimsy in their lives!! :-)

Road trip!

2008-05-31T20:32:00.004-04:00

On Friday I drove down to Roanoke to visit my friend Teri. We've been friends since middle school, although neither of us can recall when, exactly, we met! But we've stayed in touch and finally got our schedules to sync. We had a great visit and didn't realize how quickly the day slipped past.

Her daughter Olivia took zillions of pictures but this is one of the best.

...just a hint, enough to tease

2008-05-26T19:31:00.003-04:00

As I enjoyed what was left of the day when I got home, I was rewarded with the intoxicating breeze perfumed by a harmonious mix of peony and honeysuckle. I wish I could have flowers everywhere!!

I'll be sad when the blooms have faded, but for now I savor them.

McDonald's...oh, I don't think so

2008-05-25T14:56:00.002-04:00

Apparently, McDonald's just isn't in the cards for me -- ever. On three seperate occasions I have attempted an early morning caffeine fix at their drivethru, and have thrice been denied.

1. drive thru not opening until 7, but I've got to be at work by then!
2. I'm 4th in line and the guy ordering must be ordering for at least 5---gotta go!!
3. at first glance the drive thru isn't open, but today I've got time, I'll go inside. NOPE, they're not open at all!!! (apparently the manager partied it up a little too much and didn't make it in!)

Guess I just need to make sure I set up my coffee pot every time...

It is: whimsy

2008-05-22T21:11:00.002-04:00

SO-this very cute item that I ordered way back when finally arrived this afternoon. I can't tell you what it is just yet, but I assure you that it is the epitome of whimsy!

As soon as I find the perfect spot for it and it's all set, I'll post a picture. And your mockery has no effect on me!!! :)

Rain, rain, go away...

2008-05-16T14:45:00.004-04:00

My but it's been rainy. Last Fri pm my super-cute frog rain gauge measured 4.5 inches! Then Sat pm another 1.5. Most of my work week was without rain, so of course on my day off it's a bit wet out! It rained last night -- 2 inches!! -- and is raining yet again. But that's ok...drought one year and then continual flood warnings the next.

Playing in the dirt

2008-05-16T10:46:00.007-04:00

Well, I can't believe I totally forgot to mention my plants! Last week (or was it 2 weeks ago?) I met my landscaping sibling at Lowe's. He gave me some pointers about what to look for and what to avoid, but basically told me to, "Buy what you like."

SO, with that pearl of wisdom I bought some Asiatic Lilies, Wallflowers, and Dianthus. There was another plant that I liked, one variety had purple flowers and another white. However, I wanted the white, but they only had that in one gallon containers. Also, I didn't care for any of the hanging plants in their selection. When I was done at Lowe's I just moseyed down the road to Southern States where I found beautiful Snow in Summer to fill in my white flower needs and GREAT hanging plants which, as a bonus, were on sale! I don't know what the hanging ones are, I just know they're gorgeous and look fabulous hanging around my porch--every wrap around porch requires flowers to grace it! Mom said they sounded like petunias, but I don't really know.

I had SO much fun picking out my stuff. It doesn't look like much yet, but I'll go back in a few weeks when different plants are in bloom to pick out new additions. YEA!!

trying that 'green' thing

2008-05-14T19:05:00.007-04:00

Ok, so I'm not so wacky nut who: drives a hybrid (or a Subaru Outback!), has my own bags which I bring to the store, eats only organic, is a vegan, etc. I am a average gal who figures it doesn't hurt to make a few adjustments and take a few steps towards being more "green".

(if some of the above apply to you, no worries-as long as they ALL don't apply!)

Anyhoo I bought some of those new energy smart light bulbs for my living room. Well, they're TOO LONG for my enclosed fixtures!! So I guess I'll just have to keep on using my energy eating, global warmers.

Hey, I tried.

Cell (phone) support

2008-05-09T10:13:00.004-04:00

Each of my brothers is very good to me in his own way. Yesterday was Phil's day.

Last night crazy storms came through Central Virginia, and my dog was more antsy and whiny than her norm for storms. So I check online to see what's going on and lo, and behold, there's a tornado warning for my area!

Generally I wouldn't think much of this, except last year one touched down about a mile from my house and tornadoes seem to no longer be an anomaly in VA. Literally seconds after I discover this tidbit (sometimes ignorance can be bliss) my phone rings. Phil is calling to check on me and see if I knew what was swirling about outside my home. I am really quite nervous and just a few steps shy of panic: all that's keeping me from crossing that line is trying to keep my mutt calm and the realization that there is absolutely nothing that I can do about whatever happens.

But Phil emails me the link to the local radar and we both watch it on our computers---the cell is just about to come bearing down on me, we talk about nothing, the cell is overhead (which I could tell even without the radar!), we continue talking about nothing, and finally it has passed. All in all about 20 minutes during which he kept me pre-occupied and (almost) worry free!

Thanks, Phil! :-)

Mamma Bella!!

2008-05-03T09:59:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

I pick this picture of my parents dancing, because yesterday they celebrated 15,000 days of marriage!

Achy, Breaky...everything!!

2008-05-03T09:56:00.003-04:00

Two days ago I decided to weed-whack the areas the mower can't go. Nothing makes me feel less feminine than doing this, but it needs to be done, right?

45 minutes later when I finished, I realized that I could barely use my arms or hands, and even today I am still achy all over!!!

I need a massage!!

All Aligned

2008-05-02T21:09:00.003-04:00

Today I finally got around to replacing my expired county sticker for my car...only two weeks late! While I am not as controlled by my OCD hangups the way "Monk" is, I do have my share of idiosyncrasies. One thing that drives me bonkers is the trunk lock cover on cars, you know the swivel kind that flips aside to reveal the lock? I get antsy when I'm driving behind a car where the cover is still flipped down or slighty askew. All I want to do is just r-e-a-c-h out and flip it back in place. My carrying on provides a certain degree of entertainment to any travel companions in the car with me.

This brings me back to my county sticker which is displayed right next to my inspection sticker. Let me start this anecdote by saying: I love Goo-Gone. When I had my car inspected last August, I had flashing thought that I wouldn't ever go back to this guy again. Now, he's been great to me, took care of the ongoing crises with my last car and so on. My problem was that the sticker was bubbled a little bit and some of the goo from the old one was still on my windshield. Because of the small separation between the two stickers, though, I couldn't really get to the goo to remove it without ruining my stickers. I have been looking forward to April and removing the county sticker just so that I could clean up the goo!!

So I clean up my windshield and get ready to apply my tidy new sticker. As I'm j-u-s-t about to apply the sticker...static works its magic and pulls the sticker to the windshield. DRAT!! And once these babies are on, there's no removing them intact. So for a whole year, I will be tormented daily by my crooked, mis-aligned sticker.

(non)Devilish Dreams

2008-04-26T21:21:00.003-04:00

Every time I vacuum with my imPOSsibly lethargic Dirt Devil, I dream of the Dyson Absolute Animal DC17!!

Trauma, drama and shoes!

2008-04-25T15:10:00.003-04:00

I absolutely love this weather! It's gorgeous!! Kinda makes me wish I had a laptop so that I could do my online stuff outside (but not badly enough to put "laptop" on my list).

This morning I took Jill to the vet, and she feels absolutely traumatized! She already gets stressed once she recognizes the waiting room, but today was more involved than usual. First she had blood drawn from one leg for routine checkup tests, but when the vet was concerned about her crazy weight loss (she's lost 30 lbs since her last visit) we had to have more drawn from the other leg for some more extensive testing. Poor thing. The vet told Jill she lost a whole dog's worth of weight! Even I hadn't realized how much she had lost and was surprised when the scale said 73-- she's supposed to be in the mid-90's. We also have a small tumor on her eyelid which, for now, isn't a problem but might get removed later on. Budgetarily that is out of the question until June, so I have time to mull it over and plan accordingly.

Speaking of June (my most favorite month of the year!), one of my friends and I decided to sign up for the training program for the Charlottesville Women's 4-Miler in late August. It starts on Saturday, June 14 and goes for the next 12 weeks. Several years ago I had started to do it with my sister-in-law Kim, but at that time I was never awake at a reasonable time, so getting my tush in town by 7:45 wasn't something I was ready to do each week! Kim kept with it and ran the whole 4 miles by race day!! So we'll see how it goes. But, if our plans work out neither of us will be here for the actual race--we're planning to go to the beach with several other friends that Labor Day weekend!!

OH--went shopping yesterday with another friend from work. I was on a shoe hunting mission. I wanted cute espadrilles and new boat shoes. I found and acquired both! :) My espadrilles are cute blue/white nautical stripes with a peekaboo toe, and my boat shoes are plain brown. My mom will tell you that those are the best, but I used to have a light blue pair which I wore almost daily and absolutely loved!! While these new ones are nice, they aren't as fun as my blue ones. I finally made myself acknowledge that they no longer make the blue ones, so I just have to get over them!!

Anyhow, I love you all, but I am going outside now!!

Birthday Boy

2008-04-23T21:15:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Gregory!!

(that's Greg on the left!)

I have friends who RUN!!

2008-04-19T20:04:00.003-04:00

This morning I awoke rejoicing in the fact that it was yet another day off! Yea!!

After enjoying (well, trying--I'm weaning myself off my scrumptious creamer, yikes!!) my morning coffee and checking email (too early since I missed some, and to you I say, "ME TOO!"), I got ready to meet Sue and her friend Susan for lunch. They both drove down from DC to run the Charlottesville (half) Marathon. I believe they both finished around 2:10 or so!! Way to go, guys! Anyhow, we had an enjoyable lunch and a lot of laughs. After lunch they both headed back to NoVa as: Sue has a soccer game in the AM and Susan is running a 10K!! WOW!!

With the gorgeous sunshine and teasing breeze I decided to finish mowing. I felt so bad while I was mowing, because it was pretty dusty in some spots and the clouds drifted across the street to my neighbor's house. Oh well...it can't really be helped, right?

Anyhoo, back to work tomorrow. wahoo...

OH--but before I go...I have to get my stuff ready for work and pack up my gym bag. These past couple of days I was thinking about how nice it would have been to go for a bike ride. My dad really got me hooked, I think. I might have to do something about that. I know, I'll put it on my list!! LOL

Kicked Murphy to the curb!

2008-04-18T20:43:00.002-04:00

All is right in the world once again.

Shane called, and as one of the few who can tell immediately if I'm not okay, asked what was wrong. So I told him about the mower. He had the same answer as both Phil and my dad, but he came over to check it out! It was one of the safety switches that went bad. Shane fixed it and I mostly finished my yard. I at least have enough done so that it doesn't look ridiculous, and if it rains like it's supposed to, I won't be upset that more didn't get done. Who knows if I just made any sense.

So, that makes up for most of the crummy things that happened earlier (there were more), and all is in harmony once again, and all are forgiven as usual. :-)

My affair with Murphy's Law

2008-04-18T17:59:00.004-04:00

Ever have one of those days?

I had this plan, see, to get all sorts of things done--mainly mow the yard. I get the mower out of the shed, I engage the blades and off I go! Well, I get about 30 minutes into it and the mower starts to die. Thinking it's a low gas issue, I run down the road to fill up the 5 gal gas tank, and $15 later find out that the mower had a nearly full tank of gas!! So I try starting it up again and *crack* it backfires, scaring the daylights out of me. Now I'm worried, and I know nothing about engines or mowers or whatnot. I call Phil: voicemail. I call Dad: voicemail. So now what?

Phil calls back shortly thereafter. We talk about a couple of things, and his best guess is that one of the safety features is malfunctioning. Well that's just great. So I now have a mowed slash through my yard and no way to finish and no immediate hope of having the rest mowed. I push the mower back towards the shed and, well, try to get over it. (obviously not doing so well!)

So I decide to wash my car. That, at least, goes ok. Then I figure I should probably water the plants. I put the spray nozzle on, turn the hose back on and find myself soaking wet! The spray nozzle has reached the end of its lifespan and thanked me by cracking on the side allowing the pressurized water to hug me--how sweet.

I'm now a little peeved, so I don't care how many more things are on my list, I am not doing a single thing more! I get my chair out of the shed and plop right in the middle of my unmowed yard and read. While I'm reading a friend calls. Why do people ask you how you are and how your day went if they don't really want to hear the answer? I'm not even sure they noticed the fact that I said my mower died.

Anyway, any single event that happened today would generally bug me and nothing more, but the compilation of them all...that's a different story. I've decided Murphy loves me.

As an unrelated aside, I'm taking off the National Geographic daily photo thing. They have such fabulous pictures, but they seem to be keeping them in the vault as I've only seen one that I've liked so far. Oh well....