Daddy Issues

You might be married to a younger version of your father if...

 

1. The lady at the gas station near your house exclaims "I know who you are!" by just your last name and your request for 2 cans of long cut natural Red Seal tobacco. (Apparently my dear husband is the one that requested they keep that specific kind in stock.)
2. Your husband insists on listening to David Allen Coe (living room window open, stereo at full volume) while working outside in the yard. Ever hear "Would you lay with me in a field of stone?" Only my father and my husband could enjoy listening to that macabre song and find it poetic.
3. He's 31and already balding...
4. And it seems to be falling from his head and making his chest hair thicker. Don't know about you ladies but I < 3 chest hair. I am, however, bracing myself for the day it starts sticking to his back. *Shudder*
5. Because of said balding he wears a cap everywhere but church. Even out for a run. In the 70 degree weather.
6. He spoils me rotten - although unlike my father, he's not ashamed to admit it.
7. He does sporadic exercise, but isn't consistent. My father sprints on the football field every Friday night come August, but doesn't bother to exercise beyond that. Jay exercises when he's bored and needs to reaffirm how much more awesome than me he is. :P
8. He wants a pickup truck for his next vehicle - even if it has to be a 4 door version so that he can use it to show property to clients.
9. They love chatting with one another about random sports events or the latest UT Vols news (be it a new recruit or an arrest.)
10. He loves me - despite the millions of reasons he shouldn't.

So there you have it - proof that I've become a cliche and married a man just like my father.

 

I will say, however that I desperately hope it doesn't take such extreme measures for Jay to quit dip as it did my dad. Daddy had to watch his own father die a slow and painful death from lung cancer - not to mention the trips together for my Papaw to receive radiation treatment.

 

Are you married to your father? A spitting image of your husband's mother? Tell me all about it!

Thankful Monday's Ten

I've decided to combine Thankful Thursday and Thursday's 10.  Sure, its Monday already, but its my blog and I can do what I please!!

1. My familyThey are the greatest thing ever.  Really. 
2. Black Friday shoppingI didn't need anything, just enjoyed the experience with my parents and Jay.  This isn't something I get to do when we're spending Thanksgiving with Jay's family.  The town's only store is Dollar General and I've never heard of them having door buster sales. 
3. My In-LawsWhile I don't think they understand my desire to run (neither does my family) they went out of their way to help me get my 17 miler in yesterday.
4. Good healthIts trite, sure, but after the year my family has had its not something we take for granted.  My anemia, my grandmother's foot surgery followed closely by congestive heart failure, now my mom's thyroid issues.  Hopefully 2011 will be a more healthy year, but I'm thankful that we made it through and even got most everything either fixed or diagnosed. 
5. My runningThe ability, both physical and mental, to run 17 miles.  15 of which was on a treadmill.  Yes, I know I'm incredible.  But thank you for noticing.  Also the incredible change in my running since getting rid of the anemia.  11:30 for a long run?  Who'da thought it was possible??
6. The BibleI'm exploring new parts, thanks to my read the Bible through in a year plan.  Of course I was supposed to be done back in May.  And I'm no where near close to being done, but I'm reading Isaiah for the first time.  Can't say I'm enjoying it, but its important to wade into uncharted waters.
7. ReadingBeyond the Bible, I just love reading.  I lost it last year, just because I had trouble balancing training for races with other parts of life. This year I'm very close to my 52 books read for the year (with a little help from audio books.)  I'm currently listening to a fiction book by one of my favorite authors (Anita Shrieve) and reading a non-fiction book by a financial guru (Larry Burkett).
8. The InternetI've said it a million times, but its worth repeating.  Yall are great :)
9. My jobSometimes its hard to get up and get to work.  Sometimes the job itself is stressful, but over all I can't complain.  I have great benefits, great flexibility.  Who else in the world (besides professional athletes) gets paid to work out??
10. My bathroom remodel!!!!!Um...sorry...I meant my hardworking husband who has done well enough this year to allow for the master bath being gutted.  Hopefully sometime next week I'll no longer have to hold my ankle in my hand in order to shave my legs!

Even though Thanksgiving has passed - I don't think it hurts to consider our blessings.  What are you thankful for this November?

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.

(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.

Things that make my heart sing

Before I went to weights class I told Lora I'd link up to Thursday's 10.  Then I went to class wore my new size XS Nike sleeveless top...and spent most of the classing looking like Dora the Explorer. 

While the top fit me perfectly everywhere from the belly button up, it didn't like my hip area all that much and kept riding up to my mid section.  Seriously am I banished to a world of loose t-shirts for the rest of my life? 

I'm glad I committed to this list because I need to focus on the positive instead of something so trivial.

1. A roaring fire in my fireplace.

One benefit of a 100+ year old house is a wood burning fireplace.  And a husband who's willing to do the hard labor to make that fire happen.  Which brings me to...

2. The Mutant

He loves me unbelievably.  When the 7:55 PM alarm goes off and I'm too lazy to get up and take my pill, he gets into my purse, brings me my pill and a beverage.   He works both smarter and harder to provide for our family.  When I want to spend time with my family, not only does he not complain, he's exited to get the opportunity too.

Which leads me to...

3.  My niece and nephew

In the picture is the Mutant, the Little Man and the Irishman (my BIL).  Those kids are wonderful.  You know that.  I could go on for days but I'll just say that I have the best. niece & nephew. ever.

4. Reading

I love books. I'm currently reading Mockingjay, the 3rd in the Hunger Games triology.  I haven't plowed through this one the same as I did the other two, but mostly because I'm afraid of how its going to end. 

 I'm team Peeta and am terrified that she's going to end up with Gayle .  Or that the Capital will win and they'll all die.  Or something even worse that I haven't thought of yet.

These books are good.  I was leery at first, given the disturbing premise of the book.  A friend insisted and once I got into the first few chapters and really got to know the characters I was hooked.

5. Hiking

I've told the Mutant before - I'm blessed, he's smart.  I'm blessed because I was born in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He's smart because of all the places in the country he chose here to live.  (And smart for choosing me :P)

Of course the picture leads me to...

6. My friends. 

Family is great, but they are stuck with me.  Its great knowing that I have wonderful ladies out there that spend time with me not because they have to or are obligated to, but because they choose to.  Friends to talk you out of through a stupid idea.  Friends that encourage you when you've had a bad day.  Friends who interview potential boyfriends to make sure they are worthy.  (FYI - They only interviewed one and he passed.)

7. Running

That should go without saying.  But I heart it too much not to mention it.  Its good therapy.  It provides me with countless non scale victories (which are crucial since yall have banned me from getting on the scale).  Its why I will be able to enjoy retirement by hiking the Appalachian Trail.  (Lord willing and the creek don't rise.) 

8.  Toasted Almond Iced Coffee w/skim milk and 2 splendas
(Dunkin Donuts)

Yum!  My sister got me a NY Yankee reusable cup when she was headed home from Cape Cod this summer.  Since its an official Dunkin cup I just get charged $1 for a refill whenever I use it.

9. Shoes. 

I love shoes.  I typically wear pumps, but have a pair or two of "f" me heels.  I had a lady comment that I was dressed down because I was wearing flats with a dress - in a work place where cargo khakis and baby tees are common place. 

Don't get me wrong I love my flats too.  And my tennies.  And my flops. 

*Note to self - take picture of kick-a shoe shelving system that the mutant built me.*

10. The Internet

I can't choose which I like better: blogs, twitter, facebook, message boards.  I've met quite a few online friends IRL.  I'm thankful for the love and support I get from all of you.

If only I had a home computer that could go wireless so I could enjoy you from my front porch swing...

You might be married to a redneck if...

aka - Lord help me I've married my father!





I hope Lora doesn't mind me coming up with my own Thursday's 10 - I thought we could all use a light hearted break today.

You might be married to a younger version of your father if...

1. The lady at the gas station near your house exclaims "I know who you are!" by just your last name and your request for 2 cans of long cut natural Red Seal tobacco.  (Apparently my dear husband is the one that requested they keep that specific kind in stock. 
2. Your husband insists on listening to David Allen Coe (living room window open, stereo at full volume) while working outside in the yard.  Ever hear "Would you lay with me in a field of stone?"  Only my father and my husband could enjoy listening to that macabre song and find it poetic.
3. He hasn't yet turned 31, and he's already balding...
4. And it seems to be falling from his head and making his chest hair thicker.  Don't know about you ladies but I &lt;3 chest hair.  I am, however, bracing myself for the day it starts sticking to his back. *Shudder*
5. Because of said balding he wears a cap everywhere but church.  Even out for a run.  In the 70 degree weather.
6. He spoils me rotten - although unlike my father, he's not ashamed to admit it.
7. He does sporadic exercise, but isn't consistent.  My father sprints on the football field every Friday night come August, but doesn't bother to exercise beyond that.  Jay exercises when he's bored and needs to reaffirm how much more awesome than me he is. :P
8. He wants a pickup truck for his next vehicle - even if it has to be a 4 door version so that he can use it to show property to clients.
9. They love chatting with one another about random sports events or the latest UT Vols news (be it a new recruit or an arrest.)
10. He loves me - despite the millions of reasons he shouldn't.

So there you have it - proof that I've become a cliche and married a man just like my father.

I will say, however that I desperately hope it doesn't take such extreme measures for Jay to quit dip as it did my dad.  Daddy had to watch his own father die a slow and painful death from lung cancer - not to mention the trips together for my Papaw to receive radiation treatment.

Are you married to your father?  A spitting image of your husband's mother?  Tell me all about it!

I < 3 Planning

I love planning and organizing things. Call me a dork but its just plain fun. In the world of housework I love making a "to do" list then having a mini celebration (in my head) every time I mark something off.


With exercise and racing, I love finding a training plan then adding it to my calendar immediately. Who cares if its 4 months worth of training. I love being able to look today at my calendar and see what I'll be doing 6 weeks from now.

As much as I loved weight training, getting up at 5:30 in the mornings was killing me. I either had to be in bed by 9 or I crashed the following evening.  Great for strength building, not so great for getting my new home together.

I've been working a little on the house all week this week and I feel good about the progress I'm making.  This will be my first Saturday free in a long time, so I'm looking forward to opening the windows and making some real progress.

Because I'm crazy like that, I've already started planning my 30th birthday party.  My birthday isn't until June, but I figure I need to go ahead and decide exactly what I want, so I can present Jay with the details of what he's going to do for me ;)




Lora doesn't have her Thursday's Ten up yet, but I decided to choose my own adventure and give you a list of ten goals I have for myself this year.

1. Complete most of the races I ran last year so that I can have an apples to apples comparison of how much I've improved.  This starts on May 1st with the SMARM 5K Rescue Run.  It was my first race ever.
2. Complete my first triathlon May 31st.  Even though its "just" a sprint distance, I've got a lot of work that needs to be done between now and then.
3. Have my house finished by the time my birthday party rolls around.  I've got a gorgeous home and I want to be able to show it off to friends and family.
4. Open Roth IRAs for both Jay and myself and contributed our maximum alloted amount.
5. Read 52 books.  I tried that last year - a book for every week, and didn't quite make it.  Right now I've got a lot of catching up to do if I'm going to hit it this year, but I still have plenty of time left.
6. Find my maintenance weight and stay there!  I want to be able to be very low maintenance about my food.  I don't want to obsess about every little calorie, but I also don't want to gain back all the weight I've lost.  I have confidence it can be done.
7. Pay extra on our mortgage.  We want to be able to be completely debt free in 5 years.  Doing the math we've figured out approximately how much we'll have to pay down each year in order to acheive this.  Especially with other savings goals, it won't be easy.  A lot of hard work on Jay's end (making money) and on my end (budgeting) and I have faith we can do it.
8. Shave 15 minutes off my half marathon PR.  They've changed the course this year, so there is no killer hill at mile 8.  2:30 isn't quite as embarrassing as my current PR.
9. The Disney marathon.  That's technically not until 2011, but my training will begin as early as September. 
10. Enjoy life.  Sometimes I get so caught up in my planning that I don't take the time just to sit back and enjoy.

Thursday's Ten (a day late) - Valentine's Edition

Lora fired up the bat signal yesterday, in search of Valentine's ideas for that special someone.  Only I was to busy rambling to answer the call.  I shall remedy that today.

1. I love Cherie's suggestion of kidnapping them and forcing them to have fun. 

2. Making a coupon booklet - a tried and true cheap way to say "I love you" on Valentine's day.  I think my FIL might have made fun of me for over using this idea yesterday...not sure though. 

3. A homemade candle lit dinner.  (Lame?  Maybe for your s/o.  Mine loves food.)

4. A heart rate monitor.  Nothing says "I <3 you" like a heart rate monitor.  Perfect for that exercise/calorie counting junkie wife of yours.  (This will probably be the one day Jay doesn't read my blog.)

5. (For her) Flowers.  Not roses, but her favorite flower.  Skip this option if you have to ask what her favorite flower is.

6. A massage - they're wonderful, take a lot of effort on the part of the giver, and now days everyone is stressed enough to need them!  Just be sure to light candles so its at least a little romantic.

7. A love note.  Not a card with your name signed at the bottom.  But an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper filled with your favorite memories together, reasons you love your s/o, and general happy thoughts about them.

8. A 6 pack of beer.  (Once again totally not lame at my house.  I took Jay a 6 pack to the farmhouse last night and you would have thought a Playboy bunny had just stopped by for a visit.)

Which brings me to...

9. A new outfit.  For you to wear.  For him to enjoy.

10. A kiss (or ten) for every Valentine's day you've spent together.

And if all else fails, grab a card and write "I love you - most - est - final" at the bottom.

What other ideas am I forgetting?

Happy Friday!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday & Thursday's Ten - Thanksgiving Style

Today we're continuing the Sisterhood Shrink-a-versary celebration as well as starting our Thanksgiving a day early!!

First off to the scales - this will be my 2nd to last time weighing because I'm starting a new fitness venture.  A friend of mine (you know the one that gets an idea and the next thing you know I'm running a half marathon?) has been reading up on weight training and the benefits of high weight, low rep.

Since February of this year, I've been doing a class twice a week with low weight, high reps.  Yesterday, she and I skipped class to familiarize ourselves with the weights machines, and different exercises.  Starting next week instead of doing squats with two 10 pound dumbells - we'll be squatting 60 pounds with a barbell.

The hope is that we'll build muscle, which in turn will burn up all of our fat in order to fuel itself.  With the weights program we're doing, we know that its quite possible we'll gain weight.  She's as neurotic as me, so keep ourselves from going crazy we're not going to step on the scales.

I'm going to have Jay take a "before" picture of me in a tiny little outfit to track my progress, as well as trying on my skinny jeans weekly.  They fit me almost perfectly now, so I'll be able to judge by them if I'm shrinking or not.   I'll also know if they get too snug that I'm letting fat creep back on and I need to change up something.

I'm excited to get started and you'd better believe I'm still going to be reporting in on Wednesday even if I'm not officially "weighing-in".

Now to what I'm thankful for:

1) New opportunities

I hate to sound so vague, but I'm trying not to get too excited until I know for sure its a solid thing.  I'll post more when I know more.

2) Acheiving goals

Just in case you missed it - I ran a half marathon last weekend!!

3) Setting new goals

This year, when writing my New Year's resolutions - I know they won't just be empty hopes and dreams.  Last year I told myself I was going to lose weight and get more healthy, and here I am!

4) Christmas with my family!!

When Jay and I got married, we decided that holidays would be rotated yearly - one year we'd do Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with mine, then the next we'd do Thanksgiving with mine and Christmas with his.

Last year, I asked for Christmas with my family (just to get things started) because it was the Little Man's first Christmas.  Which meant this year it was Jay's turn to have Christmas with his family.  I've been bummed about it, whenever I think of Christmas.

Earlier this week, Jay asked how I would feel about switching it up.  His alma mater is playing a big game the day after Thanksgiving and he wants to go.  So this year we're doing Thanksgiving with his family (since OU is just an hour away) and I get Christmas with my family again!!

5) My brother-in-law

Now, if my family is reading this they might be offended - but they know I'm thankful for them.  Its easy and trite to say we're thankful for our families.

But I'm truly blessed to have a great brother-in-law.  He was one of those people who didn't think I could/should be able to run a half, but was one of the most proud of me for actually doing it.

6) My job

Also a little trite, but I don't care.  I have a secure job with great benefits.  Two things that bring me much peace of mind - and is much needed considering Jay is self employed!  Not to mention the free gym access!

7) The Blog-o-sphere

I have met so many wonderful people through the bloggy world.  I've grown as a person and a writer because of you.

8) My type A personality

I'm good with money.  I'm good at meal planning.  I'm good at keeping track of all the bills.  My need to have everything just so might drive Jay crazy sometimes, but it keeps our household running smoothly.  And I get a high off marking that last thing off my check list.

*note to self, write out Thanksgiving packing list*

9) The Sisterhood

This past week was the 1 year anniversary of the start of the sisterhood.  I haven't been with them since the beginning, but I can promise that if I never found them I'd have given up on weight loss.

10) Hobbies

I love reading, hiking, running and get to do them all on a regular basis.  Trust me, I understand that each of these is its own blessing. 

There are many, even in this country, that don't have the ablity to read.  Then there are people like my father who just doesn't enjoy it.  Not to mention all you moms without the time. 

I'm blessed to live in an area surrounded by great hiking trails.  And am blessed to be healthy enough that I can hike and run no problem!


What about you, what are you thankful for this week?  Are you thankful for how you did on the scales?  Talk to me.

Thursday's Ten - True Confessions

10. I don’t like sweet tea. Don’t let that get out or else they’ll revoke my Southern status.


9. I missed a run. Once. A couple of weeks ago.

8. I pick up after Jay way more than I would admit to my single self who insisted that it wasn’t her job to pick up after someone just because of her gender.

7. I’m a little burnt out on my weights class and think this two week vacation from it will do me good.

6. I would run from my sister when she would try to make me feel her pregnant belly. It grossed me out.

5. This morning I saw my leg in the mirror and thought “hey, that doesn’t look half bad.”

4. Then I looked at my abs and thought “d*mn you’re hot!”

3. I don’t like my church. Its where old people go to retire in the faith. There is no fire. But I go because that’s what it takes to get Jay to church.

2. I’m more like my father than I ever care to admit.

1. I’m not sure how I’m going to survive on vacation without being able to check in on the bloggy world!!

Head on over to Lora’s for some more true confessions.

Thursday's Ten - Halloween Costumes

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. Last year 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.

Hallmark's 10

Lora has a great list that Hallmark should take note for her Thursday's Ten blog.

I'm not quite that creative, but I'll give it a go. Cards that Hallmark has overlooked:

1) Happy Birthday to my Mother-in-Law - you're not my mother so I'm not going to put a lot of effort into this card. If you're son is too lazy to care what kind of card you get, why should I?

2) Happy birthday you, a guy I've only been out on a few dates with. Or was it just friendly gatherings? Yeah, whatever, happy birthday dude.

3) (Serious one) Happy grandparents day - grandpa! (I looked and looked for Jay's Papa a card and found ones that said "to my grandmother" and "to my grandparents". Guess they don't expect old grandpa to outlive grandma.

4) Happy bosses day! (Even though you forgot administrative professionals day.)

5) Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents - I'm constantly amazed that you never divorced.

6) You're Having twins! (I'll be sure to add you to my permanent prayer list.)

7) Happy birthday to the boss's wife. I promise, he didn't ask us to take you to lunch. Even if we barely know you we thought of it ourselves.

8) Congratulations on your engagement. I have no doubt you'll make it - even if everyone else is just giving you 6 months.

9) Happy Fall Festival! We won't call it Halloween because that's a pagan holiday - throwing a seasonal name on it will make celebrating on the 31st not sinful!

10) I'm sorry I don't want to be your facebook friend. No matter how many times you ask. So please leave me alone. And no, this card isn't an attempt on my part to connect with you.

There you have it! I hope I was able to make you chuckle a little. If not, give it a whirl yourself then head to Lora's and link up!!

Top Ten TV Junkie Loves

I'm really not sure I watch 10 shows, but I'll give it a try!

1. Lost

I will cry when its over.

2. Heroes

Its what gets me through the tv season till Lost comes back on in February

3. Chuck

Do I really have to wait until March of next year???

4. Flash Forward

The 2nd episode will air tonight and I'm looking forward to it. I hope this newbie lasts.

5. The Biggest Loser

Not sure why, but I love it!

6. So You Think You Can Dance

Once gets out of the audition rounds, Jay hates it. I'm a big fan.

7. Big Brother

Jay was more hooked than me, but we tried not to miss an episode.

8. Everybody Loves Raymond

In sindication, of course. Although its becoming less and less funny as it becomes my life.

9. Fraiser

I wasn't a fan while it aired, but Jay and I watch it every night we're home between the hours of 7-8. No cable makes you do strange things.

10. What Not to Wear

The one and only show I miss in my cableless life. I <3 Stacy & Clinton.

For more Thursday's Ten fun, head on over to Lora's!

Thursday's Ten - My Bucket List

Lora, over at Take Me the Way I Am, hosts "Thursday's Ten" and provides a new topic each week. This week, she's sharing the top ten things she'd like to accomplish before she kicks the bucket. I've been meaning to join her for several weeks now, but I always get my Thursday blog up before I remember.



Here are mine:

1) Live happily ever after

Too generic?

2) Build/pay off our dream farmhouse.

I figured since building seems to be in our 5 year plan, paying it off could make it a more long term goal.

3) Travel to new places

One of those open ended items,but I don't have one specific place I want to go. I just want to go all over the world experiencing new cultures and locations.

4) Read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Not because I have any interest in this 1,000+ page book, but because I want Jay to quit asking me to read it every time I pick up a new book.

5) Take my niece to NYC her senior year of High School.

Its something I said I'd do when I was in NYC 5 years ago, when my sister was pregnant with the Princess (referred to as P-nut at the time since we didn't know she was a girl yet).

When her mommy and daddy went to NYC 2 years ago, I helped babysit the Princess and told her that when she got to be a big girl I'd take her. When her parents got home and were showing their pictures, she ran back to her room and started packing her bag. When my sister ask what she was doing she said "Boo say she take me to new yerk when i get to be big. i a big girl now!"

6) Maintain my weight loss
I know I won't stay 125 for the rest of my life. I could get pregnant or else just grow old and not want saggy skin. Either way I want to stay as fit and healthy (or better) as I am right now.

7) Complete the half marathon, no walking

Last night was my 7 mile run, and short of 15 second water breaks, I never stopped. I'm not talented enough to drink water and run on a treadmill at the same time. And I'm sure I won't be talented enough to jog while I stop by the porta-potty during the race, but you know what I mean.

8) Run a marathon

Just once, to say I have. We'll see how the half goes before I pursue it more.

9) Be content

Most of the time this feels like an impossible dream, but I know that if I rely on Christ, I can do it.

10)Write a novel

We'll save the most lofty for last. My great-grandparents have a remarkable story - I'd love to make it into a book. The longer I wait the more difficult this one will be. My great-grandparents have already passed and my grandmother and great-aunt (their daughters) are in their 70s.