While completing my long run (15 miles) last week I had what I thought to be a genius idea. I'd love to hear what you think about it, possible logistic problems, benefits, etc.
I always carry my phone with me during long runs for safety reasons. What if I trip and fall and can't make it back to my car? (A long shot, I know. Ahem) What if someone tries to kidnap me and calling 911 then getting a picture of the car's plates is my only means of defense??
Can you tell my mind is very active during these long runs? When you've got 3 hours and only the thoughts in your head to entertain you it takes you to some interesting places.
Last week was the one and only weekend I'm ever expected to work. Our big Winterfest kickoff even requires some weekend planning when its on a Monday, and since I'm the coordinator's right hand gal Saturday work happens.
Since I was going to be in town for my long run anyway, I volunteered to meet the guys dropping off our tents. I was told they would arrive from 10-12, so I had to start my run a little early. For my long runs, I typically map an out and back course so that I don't go past the same point more than twice.
If they called at mile 12 of 15, there would be no way for me to cut it short in order to get to them sooner.
When I heard the beep of my voicemail alert at mile 11 I almost panicked. Sure enough it was the driver telling me he was on his way. I called him back and he kept saying a location that was not associated with us.
Thankfully he had just gotten the tickets wrong. He was on his way to his first stop, and called us by mistake. I hurried and called our event coordinator - he had called her when he wasn't able to get in touch with me and she was coming into town to meet him. Thankfully, I caught her as she was just leaving her house so she could turn back around.
While all of this was going down, I was running. Sure its not very professional to be panting in some one's ear (at least not in my profession) but he was early so I didn't feel too bad.
Making those phone calls made the time go by much quicker, which led me to wonder. I mean what else am I going to do for the final hour of my run??
What if I wore my blue tooth during the race? I'd have to carry my phone any way to meet back up with Jay, Kirsten, Karena, Roo (you're still coming right??) and Christie O. Why not clip the ear piece in and have it turned on.
I thought about talking to friends/family and setting up a schedule. At the top of every hour have someone different lined up to call and chat for a few minutes. And if I hit the wall and needed someone to talk me through it, I could pull out my phone and call someone up.
What do you think? Do you runners think its a good idea? What sort of issues might I have?
For you non runners, how would you feel if someone asked you to do this for them? Am I being self centered and presumptuous?
The race starts at 5:30, but I'm sure for the first hour or so I'll be just fine. If I started the shifts at 7, my mom (an insomniac) and sister (mom to a 2 year old who doesn't believe in sleeping in) could handle the early morning hours and then normal humans could kick in.
I would love your input. I think its a great idea, but since I came up with it I might be a little bias!!
November 12, 2010
November 10, 2010
Weekly Check In Time!
No, I'm not referring to the lack of consistent blogging here recently, (That should start to change next week) but rather the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jean's Weigh in/Check in Wednesdays.
Even before the new challenge was posted, I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. I need the accountability. I still want to pursue the Intuitive Eating route and I never want to be chained to the scale again. However I desperately need to break the fast food and coke cycle I've been on lately.
Today I will run 7 miles. That's my medium distance run. 16 this weekend is my long. My body needs fuel full of nutrients. My body also needs proper hydration something it hasn't been getting with my 1-2 a day Dr. K habit.
Each Wednesday I want to check in, let you know how marathon training is going as well as asking you to hold me accountable for my food choices. I'm not going to consider it a big deal if I eat a cookie after lunch, UNLESS I don't accompany it with good foods.
Like today I had a ham and cheese sandwich w/mustard on wheat bread, tortilla chips, mixed veggies w/ranch AND cookie. I consider today a success.
Monday (which was crazy because of work so I'm taking a free pass) would be considered a big fat fail. I had 2 donuts for breakfast, 3 pieces of pizza and a can of Pepsi for lunch, nachos and cheese for snack, and a corndog for dinner. Where's the fuel there?
I'm not beating myself up for it because Winterfest Kickoff (Monday's event) is the most insane day of my work year. I didn't have a lot of options available to me. Sure I could have packed a more appropriate breakfast/lunch/dinner but I didn't.
And I felt like crap for it.
I don't mean I mentally beat myself up. My body felt horrible. Like I had pumped it full of toxins and it was struggling to get rid of them.
I really think that's what I needed to get back on track. I don't think I can go so far as to say "no cokes" and "no fast food". April is right - they are my weakness and need to be limited. I've just found lately that whenever I put the "off limits" sign on something it makes it all the more attractive.
I pledge to you, but mostly to myself, that I will make sure my body's nutritional needs are met. Then and only then will I allow myself an indulgence. I am starting back meal planning - my key to successful eating. I will be thoughtful about when I don't feel like cooking (7 mile run after an 8 hour workday anyone?) and I will plan in advance.
I'm doing well so far. Baby steps. Last night we had veggies and a baked potato with chili. Tonight is Mexican Bean Soup in the crock pot. Both healthyish meals (compared to pizza rolls at least), both easy to make.
Now to our final order of business - the Sisterhood has challenged us to create our own teams for the new challenge we're starting on the 17th. I'd like to be on a team that focuses more on taking care of ourselves more than the number on the scale (though I'm confident the number will move as we put more thought into what we're putting in our bodies).
Please let me know by Monday if you're interested in being on my team. Also I'm not sure how we'd track progress. Meals planned and executed? Water drank? Miles logged? Or a variation. Even if you don't want to join a team your advice on this would be greatly appreciated!!
EDITED TO ADD:
We need 4 more team members! So far its me, Jaime, Kim, and Terri. I'd love for some of you non-sisterhood bloggy friends to get involved.
Even before the new challenge was posted, I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. I need the accountability. I still want to pursue the Intuitive Eating route and I never want to be chained to the scale again. However I desperately need to break the fast food and coke cycle I've been on lately.
Today I will run 7 miles. That's my medium distance run. 16 this weekend is my long. My body needs fuel full of nutrients. My body also needs proper hydration something it hasn't been getting with my 1-2 a day Dr. K habit.
Each Wednesday I want to check in, let you know how marathon training is going as well as asking you to hold me accountable for my food choices. I'm not going to consider it a big deal if I eat a cookie after lunch, UNLESS I don't accompany it with good foods.
Like today I had a ham and cheese sandwich w/mustard on wheat bread, tortilla chips, mixed veggies w/ranch AND cookie. I consider today a success.
Monday (which was crazy because of work so I'm taking a free pass) would be considered a big fat fail. I had 2 donuts for breakfast, 3 pieces of pizza and a can of Pepsi for lunch, nachos and cheese for snack, and a corndog for dinner. Where's the fuel there?
I'm not beating myself up for it because Winterfest Kickoff (Monday's event) is the most insane day of my work year. I didn't have a lot of options available to me. Sure I could have packed a more appropriate breakfast/lunch/dinner but I didn't.
And I felt like crap for it.
I don't mean I mentally beat myself up. My body felt horrible. Like I had pumped it full of toxins and it was struggling to get rid of them.
I really think that's what I needed to get back on track. I don't think I can go so far as to say "no cokes" and "no fast food". April is right - they are my weakness and need to be limited. I've just found lately that whenever I put the "off limits" sign on something it makes it all the more attractive.
I pledge to you, but mostly to myself, that I will make sure my body's nutritional needs are met. Then and only then will I allow myself an indulgence. I am starting back meal planning - my key to successful eating. I will be thoughtful about when I don't feel like cooking (7 mile run after an 8 hour workday anyone?) and I will plan in advance.
I'm doing well so far. Baby steps. Last night we had veggies and a baked potato with chili. Tonight is Mexican Bean Soup in the crock pot. Both healthyish meals (compared to pizza rolls at least), both easy to make.
Now to our final order of business - the Sisterhood has challenged us to create our own teams for the new challenge we're starting on the 17th. I'd like to be on a team that focuses more on taking care of ourselves more than the number on the scale (though I'm confident the number will move as we put more thought into what we're putting in our bodies).
Please let me know by Monday if you're interested in being on my team. Also I'm not sure how we'd track progress. Meals planned and executed? Water drank? Miles logged? Or a variation. Even if you don't want to join a team your advice on this would be greatly appreciated!!
EDITED TO ADD:
We need 4 more team members! So far its me, Jaime, Kim, and Terri. I'd love for some of you non-sisterhood bloggy friends to get involved.
November 07, 2010
The New Old Married Couple
Its official - Jay and I are no longer newlyweds. And since I'm working a 12+ hour shift at work on our anniversary (Monday) I haven't gotten into a very romantical mood about it. Since we were out of town for our anniversary last year, we never got around to eating the top tier of our wedding cake. We'll be doing that, as well as enjoying a bottle of wine we bought in Napa last anniversary.
If you'd like to read the sappy account feel free to click here and here for a complete walk through the day (pictures included). Other wise grab a can of Natty Ice or PBR out of the cooler and settle back to enjoy some random facts from my wedding day.
If you'd like to read the sappy account feel free to click here and here for a complete walk through the day (pictures included). Other wise grab a can of Natty Ice or PBR out of the cooler and settle back to enjoy some random facts from my wedding day.
- I seriously considered wearing camo flip flops under my dress.
- My father yelled out the car window into traffic "If you wanna see a bear go to the d@mn zoo!"
- Dressed in my veil and full bridal makeup, I flipped off another vehicle as we sped by.
- My flower girl didn't wear shoes.
- There was no electricity in the church.
- The father/daughter dance was to a song about a homeless man.
- My tuxedo clad husband crawled under
hisour vehicle to bang the starter with a hammer so that we could get the honeymoon started.
November 02, 2010
Radical Response - Chapter 7
For the past 7 weeks Marla has been hosting the read-a-long of David Platt's book Radical. I was excited to join along. I've already read the book in its entirety, thanks to my pastor mentioning it in a sermon several months ago. Its definitely the kind of book you have to read slowly, chapter by chapter, to take in the full intent.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to actually participate in the weekly discussions. I could give you a list of excuses, but it comes down to the fact that everyone has time for what they want to have time for. Its just a matter of priorities and what you value most.
Sad that something this life changing wasn't high on my list.
After my first reading of the book I was prompted to want to do more. Jay and I have been very blessed. All of this saving and frugal living isn't just so one day we can be millionaires. While that day will be nice, that status is partly desired for the impact we could have in others' lives.
My immediate reaction to the book was to play the "spiritual mismatch" card. Not a believer himself, Jay would never agree to giving until it hurts when it comes to Christian organizations.
I immediately caught myself. How would I know without asking? What if I was using his unbelief as a crutch for myself, keeping me safely in my comfort zone? I prayed that God would show me my out.
As always, He stepped up to the plate. That week I felt prompted to "pay it forward" and pay for the person in line behind me at the drive-thru. Of course I couldn't think of a phrase that didn't sound fake or preachy, so when the cashier asked me why he should tell them I did it I said "just because".
This chapter addresses one of Jay's big hangups with the gospel.
The same week I read this, a missionary spoke at church. He and his family commit to a single people group, travel there, and immerse themselves in the culture. Its only then can they begin to build a Bible translation in their native tongue. Their newest location doesn't even have a written alphabet. No wonder it takes 15 years to provide a translation!
I brought a brochure home to Jay and asked him how he felt about donating. I was shocked when he said he'd like to, especially since it addresses his "but what about the people who don't know" question. When he asked me how much I wanted to give, I told him I wasn't sure.
He then proceeded to mention an amount over twice what I was thinking. Without a moment to waver, I said "yes" to that amount and wrote out the check.
I was humbled a few weeks later to receive a thank you card from the couple. Her wording (well I assume it was her - do men ever write those?) floored me. "sacrificial gift"
Only it wasn't. That gift, although substantial, wasn't sacrificial for us at all. Have you heard the song with the line "Put a twenty in the plate but I never give till it hurts?" While this was more than $20, it certainly didn't hurt us to give.
As I drove home this weekend, from friends who are unbelievers, I cried. Because I truly don't know how to be a light for Jesus. My life is different because of Him, but I don't know that any non-Christian types could see that. My friends certainly don't.
While I truly believe those without Christ won't be with me in heaven, I find myself praying for their salvation far too little.
I'm not down on my knees every night praying for my husband. Begging God to do something - anything - to change his mind.
I'm not being the "deeds not words" kind of wife I should be.
I don't live - and give - like I believe it.
Lord forgive me.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to actually participate in the weekly discussions. I could give you a list of excuses, but it comes down to the fact that everyone has time for what they want to have time for. Its just a matter of priorities and what you value most.
Sad that something this life changing wasn't high on my list.
After my first reading of the book I was prompted to want to do more. Jay and I have been very blessed. All of this saving and frugal living isn't just so one day we can be millionaires. While that day will be nice, that status is partly desired for the impact we could have in others' lives.
My immediate reaction to the book was to play the "spiritual mismatch" card. Not a believer himself, Jay would never agree to giving until it hurts when it comes to Christian organizations.
I immediately caught myself. How would I know without asking? What if I was using his unbelief as a crutch for myself, keeping me safely in my comfort zone? I prayed that God would show me my out.
As always, He stepped up to the plate. That week I felt prompted to "pay it forward" and pay for the person in line behind me at the drive-thru. Of course I couldn't think of a phrase that didn't sound fake or preachy, so when the cashier asked me why he should tell them I did it I said "just because".
This chapter addresses one of Jay's big hangups with the gospel.
The same week I read this, a missionary spoke at church. He and his family commit to a single people group, travel there, and immerse themselves in the culture. Its only then can they begin to build a Bible translation in their native tongue. Their newest location doesn't even have a written alphabet. No wonder it takes 15 years to provide a translation!
I brought a brochure home to Jay and asked him how he felt about donating. I was shocked when he said he'd like to, especially since it addresses his "but what about the people who don't know" question. When he asked me how much I wanted to give, I told him I wasn't sure.
He then proceeded to mention an amount over twice what I was thinking. Without a moment to waver, I said "yes" to that amount and wrote out the check.
I was humbled a few weeks later to receive a thank you card from the couple. Her wording (well I assume it was her - do men ever write those?) floored me. "sacrificial gift"
Only it wasn't. That gift, although substantial, wasn't sacrificial for us at all. Have you heard the song with the line "Put a twenty in the plate but I never give till it hurts?" While this was more than $20, it certainly didn't hurt us to give.
As I drove home this weekend, from friends who are unbelievers, I cried. Because I truly don't know how to be a light for Jesus. My life is different because of Him, but I don't know that any non-Christian types could see that. My friends certainly don't.
While I truly believe those without Christ won't be with me in heaven, I find myself praying for their salvation far too little.
I'm not down on my knees every night praying for my husband. Begging God to do something - anything - to change his mind.
I'm not being the "deeds not words" kind of wife I should be.
I don't live - and give - like I believe it.
Lord forgive me.
October 28, 2010
Thursday's Ten - Halloween Style
The following is a repost from last year. Some of you weren't around to enjoy it, so I thought I would share it again. That and I'm super busy right now.
I've never been all that creative when it comes to Halloween costumes. My mom was the time that would throw something together and call us a gypsie. Some of my costumes have been more creative than that, and some just fell flat...
10. Two years ago I went to a "famous singers" themed party.
So I curled my hair, but put on too much makeup and went as J-Lo. The effort is lost since you can't see the velour track pants in the picture. Or not.
9. Cowgirl is a common one that I do. I've got the boots and the hat. Its too easy.
8. Then there was that time I went as Laura from Little House on the Prairie.
Oops...wrong holiday - that was Easter.
7. I had a horrible cut/color experience last October that left me looking like Elivra...
6. Then there was that time my sister and I got into my mom's makeup case and used her pink lipstick to draw a star and the words "Jem" on our faces.
5. I've been known to dress as a runner a time or two...
4. Or don a football jersey (with my dad)
3. One year, I borrowed my dad's pants, wore my throwback Lou Gehrig jersey, wrist bands, chain and padlock around my neck, and went as WWE Superstar John Cena.
Everyone thought I was Eminem.
2. I had a brief stint as a UT Vol cheerleader (That's my dad again - back in the day he was a dead ringer for Earl Hickee)
But my #1 all time best costume ever, was the year I went as Cowboy David. My aunt had recently married a guy named David. He wasn't a cowboy, but a music minister for a Baptist church. Not sure where I came up with that one. As we were scanning in the pictures for the wedding - Jay commented on how cute I was in my minnie mouse dress "but who's that little boy."
PS - The one in the dress is my sister.
I've never been all that creative when it comes to Halloween costumes. My mom was the time that would throw something together and call us a gypsie. Some of my costumes have been more creative than that, and some just fell flat...
10. Two years ago I went to a "famous singers" themed party.
So I curled my hair, but put on too much makeup and went as J-Lo. The effort is lost since you can't see the velour track pants in the picture. Or not.
9. Cowgirl is a common one that I do. I've got the boots and the hat. Its too easy.
8. Then there was that time I went as Laura from Little House on the Prairie.
Oops...wrong holiday - that was Easter.
7. I had a horrible cut/color experience last October that left me looking like Elivra...
6. Then there was that time my sister and I got into my mom's makeup case and used her pink lipstick to draw a star and the words "Jem" on our faces.
5. I've been known to dress as a runner a time or two...
4. Or don a football jersey (with my dad)
3. One year, I borrowed my dad's pants, wore my throwback Lou Gehrig jersey, wrist bands, chain and padlock around my neck, and went as WWE Superstar John Cena.
(source)
Everyone thought I was Eminem.
2. I had a brief stint as a UT Vol cheerleader (That's my dad again - back in the day he was a dead ringer for Earl Hickee)
But my #1 all time best costume ever, was the year I went as Cowboy David. My aunt had recently married a guy named David. He wasn't a cowboy, but a music minister for a Baptist church. Not sure where I came up with that one. As we were scanning in the pictures for the wedding - Jay commented on how cute I was in my minnie mouse dress "but who's that little boy."
PS - The one in the dress is my sister.
October 26, 2010
The One Where You Give Me Advice - the Halloween Edition
Help! I'm going to a Halloween party this weekend and I still don't have a costume.
I hit up my local discount stores at lunch today and the selection is pretty poor. Unless I want to pay $20 for the privilege of being a "Twilight Vampiress", a rebel fairy, or Lady Gaga (which I don't) then I'm out of luck.
Right now I'm considering one of the following choices. Please vote for your favorite. Or even better, leave a suggestion of a cool costume I can piece together with the stuff I have at home.
1) 80's girlHow to accomplish: Hair teased and put in pony tail on the side of my head
blue eyeshadow and pink lip gloss
black tank top, layered under black tee torn to fall off one shoulder.
Denim mini with black leggings
Jellies-eque heels
Possible problems: exposed legs, cold arms
2) CowgirlHow to accomplish:Cowboy hat
Plaid shirt
Denim skirt (or jeans)
Boots
Possible problems: Mistaken for my regular wardrobe, exposed legs
3) Brett Favre caught with his pants downHow to accomplish:
Favre Jersey
Cell phone pointed toward crotch
tiny shorts to be worn (unseen) under jersey
Possible problems: fellow party goers don't know who Brett Favre is, exposed legs
4) John Cena
How to accomplish:
Throwback jersey (Lou Gehrig in my case)
Matching hat
Hubby's denim shorts
Tennis sweat bands
Possible problems: Mistaken for Eminem.
5) Fairy
How to accomplish:
Pink dress
wand
glitter
Possible problems: cold arms, exposed legs. what for shoes?
6) Miss TennesseeHow to accomplish:
formal gown (I have a 50s style)
crown
heavy makeup
heels
Possible problems: how to make sash?
So that's my list of ideas. What do you think? Which is your favorite? Or do you have a great idea that would be easy for me to put together. Please dish!!
I hit up my local discount stores at lunch today and the selection is pretty poor. Unless I want to pay $20 for the privilege of being a "Twilight Vampiress", a rebel fairy, or Lady Gaga (which I don't) then I'm out of luck.
Right now I'm considering one of the following choices. Please vote for your favorite. Or even better, leave a suggestion of a cool costume I can piece together with the stuff I have at home.
1) 80's girlHow to accomplish: Hair teased and put in pony tail on the side of my head
blue eyeshadow and pink lip gloss
black tank top, layered under black tee torn to fall off one shoulder.
Denim mini with black leggings
Jellies-eque heels
Possible problems: exposed legs, cold arms
2) CowgirlHow to accomplish:Cowboy hat
Plaid shirt
Denim skirt (or jeans)
Boots
Possible problems: Mistaken for my regular wardrobe, exposed legs
3) Brett Favre caught with his pants downHow to accomplish:
Favre Jersey
Cell phone pointed toward crotch
tiny shorts to be worn (unseen) under jersey
Possible problems: fellow party goers don't know who Brett Favre is, exposed legs
4) John Cena
How to accomplish:
Throwback jersey (Lou Gehrig in my case)
Matching hat
Hubby's denim shorts
Tennis sweat bands
Possible problems: Mistaken for Eminem.
5) Fairy
How to accomplish:
Pink dress
wand
glitter
Possible problems: cold arms, exposed legs. what for shoes?
6) Miss TennesseeHow to accomplish:
formal gown (I have a 50s style)
crown
heavy makeup
heels
Possible problems: how to make sash?
So that's my list of ideas. What do you think? Which is your favorite? Or do you have a great idea that would be easy for me to put together. Please dish!!
October 25, 2010
Training, Trophy Wife, and Birthday report
This was a full weekend for Super Boo and family. Friday night was spent...okay so Friday night I didn't do anything but play on the computer and watch TV. But the rest of the weekend was busy!!
Saturday morning started with my 13 mile training run. Since the mileage is getting up there I'm having to get a little more creative with where I run. The Parkway here in town is a straight shot through 2 of the 3 major cities in my county. I knew that I'd be able to go out and back 6.5 miles no problem.
What I didn't count on is the million and ten crosswalks I'd have to stop at along the way and almost getting ran over by a coworker's teenage daughter. In her defense she was trying to be sweet. What most drivers don't know about runners and bikers, is that as a general rule we'd prefer you to go first.
Things go much more quickly (assuming everyone sees everyone else) if you go ahead. We only have to slow up a bit then we continue on our way. If you stop, we're gonna slow up too. We don't trust you. Then we have to be stopped long enough to trust that you're not going to run us over. Then we go.
And the cars lined up behind you are cussing us both.
The route - with a good parking area as well as bathroom facility - ended up being 13.33 miles. My longest run ever. Hard to believe that in the next couple months I'll double that mileage. I had more in me today (I quasi-sprinted out the last quarter mile) and could have gone further, which was encouraging.
After the run I headed back to the house to get some cleaning in. The In-laws would be arriving later that night and I wanted to get everything picked up/clean before they got here. Between twitter, facebook, and my messy house, it took every bit of the 3 hours I had to get the job done.
Then it was time to get showered up and play trophy wife.
One of Jay's clients had recently married, and invited us over to their house for a post wedding celebration. They'd called it a hoedown and mentioned that polo's and khakis were too dressy. Jay assumed that they just wanted people to be comfortable casual.
I hate my wardrobe. It really sucks. Especially with this up and down business my weight has been doing. I only had one pair of jeans that fit that can be worn with flats (and I wasn't crazy enough to try heels after that morning's run). Since they were black in color and low in rise I had to be picky about what top I put them with. I picked out a cute white (long) polo and a sweater.
Jay took one look at me and said "I pictured you wearing something like...um...well...um" as he looked through my closet. He ended up finding a really dressy button up shirt I wear with slacks to work. His suggestion had been less than helpful. He told me I'd probably get too hot inside in the sweater and to wear something else.
So I picked out a cute short sleeved top and we headed out.
I wanted to kill Jay when the host greeted us outside in a wife beater and overalls. It was a country bumpkin themed party and we were the only ones who didn't dress to theme. On top of that most of the party took place outside on the screened in porch in the cool fall air. Thankfully the hostess offered to lend me a jacked so I didn't freeze to death.
I was nervous since I'd never met any of the party goers, but I quickly found that everyone was friendly and easy to talk to. In our treat bag, I found an invitation to next years event. They want to make it a yearly thing. Next time, we will come dressed appropriately!
We had a great time and stayed much longer than we'd anticipated. When we got home we found Jay's parents asleep on the couch. As per our usual, we stayed up late chatting until we finally called it a night around 3AM.
Yesterday was Jay's birthday so for lunch we headed up to the land we just sold for a picnic.
The four of us, plus my parents met up there for pizza and homemade cobbler (is it still homemade if I used canned peaches?) After that we headed toward another development - this one with a creek - so Jay could get more pictures.
Then it was back to the house to hang out and watch the birthday boy's favorite new show - Ice Road Truckers in India.
Is it any wonder that I'm exhausted?
How was your weekend??
Saturday morning started with my 13 mile training run. Since the mileage is getting up there I'm having to get a little more creative with where I run. The Parkway here in town is a straight shot through 2 of the 3 major cities in my county. I knew that I'd be able to go out and back 6.5 miles no problem.
What I didn't count on is the million and ten crosswalks I'd have to stop at along the way and almost getting ran over by a coworker's teenage daughter. In her defense she was trying to be sweet. What most drivers don't know about runners and bikers, is that as a general rule we'd prefer you to go first.
Things go much more quickly (assuming everyone sees everyone else) if you go ahead. We only have to slow up a bit then we continue on our way. If you stop, we're gonna slow up too. We don't trust you. Then we have to be stopped long enough to trust that you're not going to run us over. Then we go.
And the cars lined up behind you are cussing us both.
The route - with a good parking area as well as bathroom facility - ended up being 13.33 miles. My longest run ever. Hard to believe that in the next couple months I'll double that mileage. I had more in me today (I quasi-sprinted out the last quarter mile) and could have gone further, which was encouraging.
After the run I headed back to the house to get some cleaning in. The In-laws would be arriving later that night and I wanted to get everything picked up/clean before they got here. Between twitter, facebook, and my messy house, it took every bit of the 3 hours I had to get the job done.
Then it was time to get showered up and play trophy wife.
One of Jay's clients had recently married, and invited us over to their house for a post wedding celebration. They'd called it a hoedown and mentioned that polo's and khakis were too dressy. Jay assumed that they just wanted people to be comfortable casual.
I hate my wardrobe. It really sucks. Especially with this up and down business my weight has been doing. I only had one pair of jeans that fit that can be worn with flats (and I wasn't crazy enough to try heels after that morning's run). Since they were black in color and low in rise I had to be picky about what top I put them with. I picked out a cute white (long) polo and a sweater.
Jay took one look at me and said "I pictured you wearing something like...um...well...um" as he looked through my closet. He ended up finding a really dressy button up shirt I wear with slacks to work. His suggestion had been less than helpful. He told me I'd probably get too hot inside in the sweater and to wear something else.
So I picked out a cute short sleeved top and we headed out.
I wanted to kill Jay when the host greeted us outside in a wife beater and overalls. It was a country bumpkin themed party and we were the only ones who didn't dress to theme. On top of that most of the party took place outside on the screened in porch in the cool fall air. Thankfully the hostess offered to lend me a jacked so I didn't freeze to death.
I was nervous since I'd never met any of the party goers, but I quickly found that everyone was friendly and easy to talk to. In our treat bag, I found an invitation to next years event. They want to make it a yearly thing. Next time, we will come dressed appropriately!
We had a great time and stayed much longer than we'd anticipated. When we got home we found Jay's parents asleep on the couch. As per our usual, we stayed up late chatting until we finally called it a night around 3AM.
Yesterday was Jay's birthday so for lunch we headed up to the land we just sold for a picnic.
The four of us, plus my parents met up there for pizza and homemade cobbler (is it still homemade if I used canned peaches?) After that we headed toward another development - this one with a creek - so Jay could get more pictures.
Is it any wonder that I'm exhausted?
How was your weekend??
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