My Plans for Tonight

Results, part II

I joined a gym and started working with a trainer in September. I don't recall the specific breaking point, but I'm sure it was a combination of clothes not fitting and feeling lethargic. About six weeks later, I started seeing results.

I measured yesterday. Here are the results compared to September...

Body Comp: lost 3% body fat

Weight: lost 5 lbs
- lost 9 lbs fat
- gained 4 lb muscle

Here are some other results that are not as easy to measure...
- wearing pants that I couldn't even button before
- tying the string on my workout shorts so they don't fall off
- moving up a notch on my belt loop
- fitting into one size smaller blouse, comfortably
- no back pain
- stronger legs when I'm running uphill
- compliments

Had a bad day........

'Tis the Season

...for these kinds of things!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

gift bags

2. Real tree or artificial?

my first real tree this year!

3. When do you put up the tree?

when I get around to it

4. When do you take the tree down?

when I can't stand it anymore

5. Do you like eggnog?

not really

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

my Cabbage Patch Kid doll

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

no

8. Hardest person to buy for?

different person every year - this year it's Gareth

9. Easiest person to buy for?

me

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

no idea

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

mail

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

Miracle on 34th Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

at the last minute

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

no

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Christmas cookies!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

clear

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home?

stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's' reindeer?

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and Rudolph

20. Angel on the treetop or a star?

star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

cheesy advertising on TV

23. What I love most about Christmas?

time off - to spend with friends and family

NOW....POST YOUR OWN!

Merry Christmas :)

A Learning Run

This week's long run had me doing 16 miles around Austin. Yikes!

These are the things that I learned on my run...

1) Eat more food the night before
2) Eat more food the morning of
3) Take a gu every 5-6 miles (one gu for 16 miles isn't cuttin' it!)
4) Don't wear a sports bra that's too tight...tough to breathe!
5) Don't wear socks that are too tight...hurts the tootsies!

Glad to learn these things before the marathon...hopefully next week's long run will go better now that I'm becoming an experienced runner.

My World Right Now

I stole this idea from Kris, but hope she doesn't mind...

I'm wondering if the contents of my desk says anything about my life. Hmmm? If so, here's a glimpse into mine right now:

• framed photo of me and my sweetie
• Peace of Mind candle from Origins that burned out today
• notes on the group review sessions that I have scheduled and need to schedule for the last week of school and finals period
• an opened bag of Starburst
• post-it notes waiting to be used
• my file of loose end items for mentors and tutors
• my list of part-time staff to reappoint next Spring
• an empty notepad
• office phone
• adding machine (the accountant in me couldn't refuse it!)
• pen holder with pencils and pens - all colors of the rainbow
• a lamp inherited from the co-worker who officed here before me
• a limestone business card holder with the Longhorn trademark, stocked with business cards (in case anyone forgets how important I am - ha!)
• a candy jar - filled with Peanut M&M's and peppermints
• a reference that needs to be delivered across campus this week
• a sympathy card for a co-worker who recently lost his mother-in-law
• tutor reports that need to be filed
• bamboo plant - that has thrived for years but started withering in the past few weeks
• tape dispenser
• stapler
• water bottle - just less than half-full of water
• work cell phone
• stray pencils, pens, highlighters, and binder clips

That is a surprisingly long list...and what's most shocking is that my desk is relatively clean right now?! I don't know what it means, but there it is.

Ornery Children

My brother and I received this photo from my Mom this week. She wanted us to know what to expect when we see her over Thanksgiving, as she lost her hair two weeks ago in chemo treatments.


My response
Tell Dad he better enjoy this! It's the only time he won't be the baldest person in our family.

My brother's response
Now you know how Dad feels.

Neither of us had seen the other's response. Ha!
I guess sometimes...humor is the best medicine :-)

What the...?!

The last time my hair was too short for a pony tail, I was in kindergarten. Enjoy the photos of my experience!

Before

During

After



Donated 10" to Locks of Love in honor of my Mom!

Our Race for the Cure

I have the greatest group of friends!

post-race at Z'Tejas for mimosas

My mom is currently fighting breast cancer, and for the first time in 13 years ever, it is extremely hard on me to be so far away from home and from her...

In a show of support for me and my mom, my girlfriends registered Team "For Jane's Mom" for Austin's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 5K race was held two Sundays ago. My girlfriends' gesture meant SO MUCH to me! It also meant a lot to my mom.

Our team walked 3.2 miles with tens of thousands of others, and raised $375 for the cause! Everyone on the course was running/walking for a purpose, which made the event even more special and meaningful. My purpose is found in the photo to the left. I think I started to cry four of five times along the course...but it was good.

More photos from race day can be found here.

My mom is a very strong woman (obviously, she's had to put up with me as her daughter for 32 years)! While what stands out most about this woman is her kind heart, don't be fooled...she is a fighter!

Positive at every turn, and not giving up! Next October, we will walk Omaha's Race for the Cure together.

I do have the greatest friends. I also have the greatest mom!

A Daughter's Words of Wisdom

Today was the UT Women's Hall of Honor induction ceremony. I was there as part of my work responsibilities, but also in support of my teammate who was being honored this year.

I was touched my many things about this ceremony, but one anecdote in particular stood out to me as important. I want to share that here.

Fran Harris, was being honored for her contribution to the Women's Basketball program. She thanked many people and told a handful of meaningful stories about her experience as a Longhorn.

Among those stories, Fran spoke about how much the support of her family meant to her, especially in her freshmen year when she wasn't seeing much action. She found out many years later that her sister had this conversation with their dad before one game...

As the family was getting ready to make the drive from Houston to support their daughter in her freshman year...Dad says to his family, "You know, Fran isn't playing all that much this year. Maybe we don't need to make the drive for this game?"

Fran's sister reminded him, "Dad...this is the time that she needs us the most." The family did not miss the game nor any that followed.

When I am a parent, I hope that I remember this.

I Voted Today

Drawn to the polls by Prop 15, I voted today at the elementary school just a few blocks from my home. It was a pretty uneventful election...no candidates running for office. I still feel like I made a difference though, and it felt good being civically responsible.


So, a post on my blog to announce to everyone...I Voted Today.

My friend Mike voted today, too. His first election as a US citizen!!

An interesting idea...

A running friend made this statement two weekends ago:

I put on a pair of pants, which clearly did not fit. I didn't change out of them, though. I made myself wear them all day so I could teach myself a lesson.

My First Good Run

I made it to the 14 mile long run this past Saturday.

I ran alongside Loril and Carol the whole way and it was great (relatively speaking)! It was the first run of any kind that felt good since I started training this marathon season. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't horrible either, and I was thrilled about that!

The three of us ran slow enough to enjoy the neighborhoods and weren't afraid to stop at the historical markers on our route. We talked about families and houses and dogs.

To celebrate this running accomplishment, I skipped my workout this morning to sleep in! (Don't ask for the logic behind that move...but for the record, I do intend to make it up on my own tomorrow after work.)


A big thanks to my brother who showed me how to post my run online!

Results

Latest results (from the past two weeks)!

Body Comp: lost 1% body fat

Weight: lost 2 lbs
- lost 3 lbs fat
- gained 1 lb muscle

Measurements:
- lost 2 inches in my waist
- lost 3/4 inch in my hips

HIGH FIVES FROM MY TRAINER!

Where I'm From

I am from backyard playscapes, Candyland & Holly Hobbie, and big family reunions

I am from Pepperwood, from hugs and “I love you”s, from belly laughs that make you cry

I am from potted flowers given on Mother’s Day and the same imitation Christmas tree every year

I am from thriving under pressure, from loyalty and privacy - even at the cost of kindness and friendship, from Winkels and Kenneys, from Dan and Carolyn, from John, Pearl, David, and Carole

I am from hard work and frugality

I am from heated confrontations, but I am also from meaningful apologies, true forgiveness, and unconditional love

I am from the sign of the cross and holy water, from church on some Sundays, catechism, and hoping others think we are good people

I am from Kansas City, Missouri, and Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, from french toast at breakfast and Mom’s signature roast beef and green beans

I am from athletic success found on the volleyball court, from national attention, interested college coaches, and a crowd of fans and supporters; I am also from the hurt, confusion, and embarrassment caused by one seat left noticeably empty

I am from competition, from the treasured experience of representing Texas and wearing the burnt orange and white, from an education found in the classroom, on the court, and in the relationships built and torn down through the process

I am from the crushed dreams of a young bride with romantic notions of happily ever-after, from stubbornness in refusing to admit I was not the one for my love, from the heart-breaking rejection found in confessions of “I wish I never…”, but I am also from the courage painfully found to ask for more

I am from a world shaken by critical questions, prescriptions, and judgments, from a soul in love with God but tired of God’s people

I am from margaritas, queso, and Fat Gurl Sundays

I am from Austin, Texas, from real faults, daring honesty, big fun, and the thrill of being genuine - of being me
--
I was inspired to write my version of this poem by an old friend. If you would like to share your version, you can find instructions here.

I look forward to reading about you.

Full Menu at 6AM

I saw Sonic's commercial last night announcing they are now open at 6AM with a full menu, and this struck me as odd.

Seriously. Sonic now has their full menu available at 6AM?!

I guess this is great news for those of you who couldn't find a place to get that chili-cheese dog you were craving for breakfast. Now, you can have your hot dog and some cheesy tater tots, too!

Is there anyone who does get this? Could you explain it to me?

My Favorites!

Good friends...

Plenty of booze...

A reason to celebrate!

How Far We've Come

One Lucky Girl

One year ago today, I went on my first "date" with Gareth...a bike ride.

In the past year, I have found a lot to love about this wonderful man!


While this is not the complete list, here are a few things that stand out:

He is kind.
He is handsome.
He is strong.
He is trustworthy.
He is fun.
He is athletic.
He is smart.
He is successful.
He has great friends.
He likes to have a beer or two...or more.
He can install a ceiling fan.
He can fix a flat tire.
He makes my computer work.
He likes to buy the top of the line.
He thinks I'm pretty.
He hugs me when I cry, even if he doesn't know why I'm crying.
He picks me up from the airport.
He records Grey's Anatomy for me.
He is learning to appreciate that I love Texas.
He tries to make me happy.
He challenges me.
He puts up with me!

One year ago, Gareth and I only vaguely knew each other. Brief introductions many years ago, chance encounters around town and phone calls left unreturned...

Today, he is my roommate, my friend, and my love.
Today, I don't want to imagine my life without him.

Public Service Announcement

Do not E-V-E-R ask a woman if she is pregnant! EVER!

You should not ask this question, even if the woman is so pregnant that her water just broke. It is considered poor form and quite frankly, is insulting if the answer is "no"!

I have a blousy shirt that I wear periodically. I have been asked if I'm pregnant no less than 6 times in the last 1 1/2 years when I've been wearing this shirt. I love the shirt and I'm not going to stop wearing it just because people are idiots.

Blousy shirts are fashionable right now.
I am not pregnant! So STOP asking...IDIOTS.

New Pants

I bought two new pairs of pants about 1 1/2 months ago. I ordered them online and, depressingly, neither fit when the package arrived. For some reason, I held onto them.

Normally, I'm not the type of person to set a goal of fitting into an outfit or piece of clothing, but I decided to hold onto these for some reason. Maybe it's because they were really long?!

Today, after a grueling quality workout of 400m repeats, I put one pair on.

...and guess what? They fit!!

New Time Trial, New Goal

18:22....Best time trial before 9/11/2007
17:09....Time trial on 9/11/2007

4:45:00..Best marathon time
4:30:00..New goal marathon time

Messages of Love

I am reading the book, Fat Girl right now.

No one recommended it to me, it simply caught my attention on the shelves in the bookstore. It is a memoir. An account of one woman's life. Her struggle with weight, her struggle with family, her struggle with friendship and with love.

My heart broke to hear the messages that were communicated to her as a young child. Messages from an absent father. Messages from her mother and grandmother.

You make me sick. Just look at you.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You with a face not even a mother could love. You.

Reading Judith Moore's story made me sad. The adults in her life should have taken more responsibility for the impact of their words on this child. She should have been loved. Instead, she was ridiculed by her own mother.

The story also made me reflect on the messages that I communicate to my loved ones. It made me reflect on the messages have been communicated to me...

My mother went through surgery this afternoon to remove a lump in her breast. As she was preparing for surgery she had a number of tests, blood draws, vital reads. She told her family that she was tired of being poked at and ready to "get the show on the road." :-)

In the midst of her frustration, she shared a message of love. "That's okay," she told us. "It will be worth it. Just look at the two beautiful children who came out of the doctor's poking and prodding me during my two deliveries."

My brother and I are her beautiful children. A beautiful message.

Need-More-FUN

Too-much-work...
Need-more-fun!

Here are a few small moments found in the past two weeks...

two fun co-workers during freshman orientation

Lindsey, Jenna, Michelle and I before the home opener

my kegball partner

getting away from the city

surviving Sunday in the Austin heat

a frozen mimosa with fun running friends

Keep Moving Forward

I went out for my first long run three Saturdays ago.

The long run was 7 miles. This is 5 miles longer than I've run in recent months. It was hard. Very hard. I wanted to stop almost from the moment that I started.

Instead, I kept moving...kept moving forward.

Life has been challenging for me lately.

The hours at work have been very long and it has been a drain on my energy both physically and emotionally. There have been moments that I've thought to myself...

"I didn't think it was possible, but I may have lost my Texas Spirit."

This is not because I do not like what I do. In fact, I find that my job is very fulfilling. It's just that even though I really enjoy what I do for a living, I don't want to work 50-60 hour weeks. I don't want work to be the last thing on my mind when I'm falling asleep and the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning.

In addition to my long hours, I learned that my Mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer nearly a month ago. This news shocks and scares me. While her prognosis is good and her doctors are excellent, it is still difficult to deal with the news.

Keep moving forward.

All of these things in my life came to my mind during my long run. During my long, long run. I kept moving forward though on that morning...and I will keep moving forward.

My training is only just beginning and in February I will run a marathon. Between now and then, I hope that my determination will help find relief and routine at work. I hope that my love and perseverance will help my mother battle in her fight against cancer.

In the next six months, I will have many more runs in which to be challenged. I suspect that life will continue to throw challenges my way as well...just as it usually does.

I have already decided. I will keep moving forward.

Keg Ball 2.0

Labor Day Weekend Fun

Priceless

Hours worked last week...62
Hours worked this week...22 (it's only Tuesday!)
Nights asleep before 9:30pm...5

Making it through the last night of Orientation 2007...PRICELESS

Finding Order

I am a first-born. A type A personality. I like forms and procedure. I like having a place for everything. I am logical. I like to know that if A happens, I should proceed to B. The only problem is...

Life isn't always so cooperative.

At the end of May, I moved into a new office and took over new responsibilities at work. Since then, I feel like I have been able to find some semblance of order. I feel like I have been able to develop a routine that will help me through these first weeks of school and first long semester months of this job. It will be a stretch, but I will be able to manage.

I moved into a new house in June. I have never been good at unpacking, but this particular move has presented additional problems. I moved in with a man...who had already lived in this house. So now, I'm not simply finding a place for all of my things...I'm "negotiating" a place for my things.

After looking at the piles still left unpacked, things that I have yet to deal with, I realize that I am becoming tired. I don't really like living in the mess, but I'm too tired right now.

Hopefully soon, I will find renewed strength and bring order to my home in the same way I have managed to bring order to my office.

Yes. Hopefully soon.

You Say It's Your Birthday

Happy Birthday Ulmann brothers!

Since you are becoming old men, it is fitting to reminisce about the good 'ol days. Here are some of my favorite times with the two of you...


Learning from Chris that it is possible to pass out (just about anywhere), wake up...and still rock the party!

Late night dance parties at Chris's. Waking up the next morning and needing a group effort to remember how much fun we had.

TEXAS vs. OU

Partying at the Lake. Blues on the Green. Crown & Anchor. UT Club.

"Marjet's refusing a free glass of wine,
and I'm over here workin' on a blackout?!"
- Chris, describing his vacation with Megan, Jeff & Marjet

"Jeff, you've really outdone yourself!"
- John Gump, after Jeff spent 10 minutes trying to fit into a parking space.

"Jeff, you truly are an idiot!"
- John Gump, finding out that Jeff was hiding his poker chips in his pocket.

California Trippin'

Favorite Quote of the Weekend

Day One at the Manhattan Beach Open

AVP Announcer (to a men's player taking the court on the main stage): Ladies and Gentlemen, you can't teach "fat"!

A Note From a Friend

It has almost been a year since I got this simple note from a good friend.

It was good to see you last night, Banana. Remember that you're oil.

I remember the conversation that inspired the note, and I remember how this friend was encouraging me. It's nice to have people in your life who think that you are valuable...and it's nice of them to say it out loud every once in awhile.

I'm thankful for friends like that.

Seven Footer

I returned to Austin yesterday from a bachelorette weekend in Vegas.

I traveled with nine other ladies honoring my fun friend Megan, who will be married this September. It was your typical wild Las Vegas bachelorette trip, and I had a blast!!

I learned several things about myself this weekend.

Among them, I learned that I'm a "seven footer". What's a seven footer, you might ask? Well, I'm not exactly sure, but I definitely am one. Based on the context I overheard it used about me (although never spoken directly to me), I'm guessing it means a really tall woman.

I'm also guessing that this is a compliment. Although, again, I don't know.

Either way, it gets added to the list...

"You're tall!"
"How tall are you?"
"I feel short."
"Do you play basketball?"
"You're a tall drink of water."
"Damn, she's a seven footer!"

Modern Marvels

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...FOR SURE!

I'm not talking about Gareth. I'm talking about our plumbing.

For the past three weeks or so, Gareth and I have been without fully functioning indoor plumbing. We've stopped washing dishes and washing our clothes. We've had to not flush, or even worse "hold it".

I never realized how much I LOVE indoor plumbing.
I L-O-V-E it and I don't want to live without it!

Rumor has it, the plumbing will be fixed tonight. I HOPE SO!

I'm Allergic...to Everything

Do you have allergies?

I've been a cronic sneezer since I was in elementary school. I am one of those people who will rattle off 5-10 sneezes in one breath. People get tired of "blessing" me?!

As an adult, it's become more apparent that I am allergic to something. There are days that I feel like I have the flu or a cold, but just know it has to be something else, something in the air.

On the advice of a co-worker, I went to see an allergist a few weeks ago.

I've tolerated the symptoms for so long. Plus, being the competitive person that I am, I was hesitant to communicate with my doctor that essentially, "I might not be tough enough to handle this anymore". Silly, I know. He must have heard through my "I'm tough" routine, because I went through the battery of tests a few days later.

Scrapes on my back and 29 shots in my arm! The results...

I'm allergic to almost everything! Well, not everything, but a lot. I'm allergic to something in every season here in Austin. My list includes cedar, ragweed (big in the Midwest), grasses, molds, fall elm (among other trees), cats, and cockroaches(!).

The good news is that he gave me medicine to start immediately that should relieve my symptoms and keep them from returning. Even better news is that I don't have to go on shots (yet, anyway)!

Here's today's forecast...

I now know that I do, in fact, have allergies. I know exactly what I'm allergic to, and I know that I'm doing something to keep me from feeling itchy, runny, and foggy because of it.

Even though the molds and fall elm are through the roof, it's a good allergy day for me in Austin, Texas!

A Trip for Two

Gareth and I just returned from a vacation in Banff Springs, Canada.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies! Here are three of my favorite photos...



We went canoing at Lake Louise, mountain biking on the Spray River Trail and Sundance Canyon, white water rafting on the Kananaskis River, and hiking through the town of Banff. Gareth even indulged me for a trip to the hotel spa together!

Here's my mountain man during one of our bike rides.

The best part of the trip for me was having time to spend with Gareth. It was so surprising, that sometimes we didn't know what to do with ourselves!

The grind of everyday life sometimes makes it tough on us to find that time together...our jobs, housework, exercise routines, and time with our own friends often get in the way.

For these five days, though, it was so nice just to be with him...

In Stores, Oct 2nd

Exile on Mainstream by, Matchbox Twenty...

I'm driving in my car, fliping the channels on the radio and settle in on a station. The sound is familiar, but I've never heard the song before.

Wait a second! Who is that?! I know that voice!

I wait a little longer, and hear the chorus..."let's see how far we've come".


I'm listening to, "How Far We've Come"! Matchbox Twenty's new single. I only just learned that the band was recording again a few days ago.

The album will be in stores this October, but the first single has already been released.

I can hardly wait for the tour...woo hoo!

Austin Quote of the Day

Radio DJ: I am so sick of this rain, I wanna kick every cloud in the crotch!

Five Friends Every Woman Should Have

Story found here.

By Michelle Burford

(OPRAH.com) -- "Friends are the family we choose for ourselves," writer Edna Buchanan once said.

I consider the "family" I've gathered -- with five kinds of pals I count on for completely different things -- among the wisest choices I've made. If you can find even one who embodies any of the characteristics that follow, you can consider yourself fortunate.

The Uplifter: This woman's favorite word: yes. You could tell her you're trading your six-figure income for a career in offtrack betting, and she'd barely pause before yelping "Go for it!" Don't you need someone who looks past the love handles to notice the extraordinarily gorgeous you?

The Travel Buddy: When the hotel in St. Lucia is a bust, one characteristic becomes all-important: flexibility. This agreeable companion need not be the girl you traded pinkie swears with on the playground; it's enough that she's comfortable with quiet (between gabfests) and is a teensy bit mischievous (as in tequila after midnight).

The Truth Teller: Intent is what separates the constructive from the abusive. Once you've established that the hard news is spoken in love (not in jealousy or malice), you'd be smart to seek out this woman's perspective.

The Girl Who Just Wants to Have Fun: One Saturday a pal and I -- and yes, we're both over age 12 -- pored over every glitter lip gloss in a drugstore aisle for an entire 45 minutes. Forget the crisis download (for that, see the Uplifter); this partnership is about spontaneous good times.

The Unlikely Friend: "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive," Anaïs Nin wrote. My friends -- some twice my age, others half, some rich, others homeless, some black like me, others Korean, Mexican, Caucasian -- have added richness to my life that only variety can bring.

United Sucks

Arrive at Calgary airport 2 hours early; three hour layover at Denver airport...
Plenty of time for bags to be put on Austin flight?

Wrong!

No luggage in Austin. BOO for United!

The Way I Are

I'm SO Happy for You!

Congratulations are in order for a few of my dear friends...

Jeremy & Tiffany
...on the birth of their daughter, Bella Anne!

Blair & Dawn
...on their recent engagement :-)

Damn, It's Hot!

Last night's Quality Workout took Camp Punishment to the track at the Texas School for the Deaf...in 94 degree heat. The assigned torture workout was to run 6 800's at 5K pace with 200 recoveries. I was the only one who had raced on Sunday to opt for straights and curves.

I ran straights and curves for 2 miles around the track.

Straights and curves is not a difficult workout. I'm glad that no one reminded me of that last night, though! I made it through 5 laps and was sweating profusely. Sweat was dripping into my eyes and I couldn't see...it was a disaster! I stopped for water, and finished my 8 laps.

I saw my heart rate skyrocket each lap on the half of the track that was in the blazing heat (which I knew thanks to my handy Forerunner)!

I don't think that I ever really cooled down and I was especially exhausted last night following the workout. Right now, I'm sitting in my office and I still feel hot.

One of my teammates summed it up best when I asked her how her workout was going...with a smile on her face, she told me, "it's miserable!"

Tri it Again

Rogue Women's Tri

Sunday, 8am

300m swim, 12M bike, 2M run

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one doesn't get rained out!!

...and so Little Time!

I am looking forward to the Fourth of July! ...to a day off!

The whole day - to do anything I want to do. It seems like an infinite amount of time as I sit here on a Tuesday afternoon, waiting for tomorrow to arrive.

Whenever I have a day off, inevitably, "my eyes become bigger than my stomach". I accumulate a list of things to do that becomes so long and so unreasonable that I end up frustrated. I find myself sitting on the couch, watching movies, and doing nothing...after all, it IS my day off :-)

Here is my list for this day off...

What I HAVE to get done:

- trip to the grocery store
- quality run workout (that I'm supposed to do tonight and won't)
- swim (since I just signed up for a tri this weekend, yikes!)
- fireworks downtown

What I also WANT to get done:

- sleep late
- watch a movie or two
- turn in my keys to the old roomie
- get at least one part of the house "settled"
- buy some new lamps
- order photos
- read a good book

So, here's to hoping that I find the energy to tackle these lists tomorrow. I will probably find myself on the couch for an hour or two, but that's okay...I've still got a shot at being productive!

Always so much to do...

Moving...

(grrr!)

This week is the last week that my "official" residence will be on Croslin St.

I have been moving my things here and there, very slowly, over the past few months. I've sold some of the belongings that I won't take with me...and still, I am amazed at how much crap I have!

Why is it always the last few loose ends that are the most frustrating in any move? That's all that I'm left with right now. Thanks to the "clutter clearing" that I have done in the past 6 months, this is the least amount of final loose end crap that I've ever had. Making the move by far the easiest one yet.

Don't be fooled...it still sucks!

I think I move more than any person that I know...in the past 4 1/2 years, I have moved 6 times. Which is insane! I don't understand why I continually make myself do something that I hate so much??

I'm hoping that this will be the last move for a long while.

That would be nice.

The Celebration Continues

Graduation Day!

Graduate School ceremony, 9am at Bass Concert Hall.

Main Ceremony, 8pm at the Tower (and the party that followed).

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me along the way, who witnessed the pomp and circumstance at graduation, and who celebrated with me when all was said and done!

This was truly an experience that I will never forget...

...but one that I am certainly glad to have behind me :-)

I Don't Like to Hurt, Either

A new blogger...
A new link under Favorite Blogs.

I don't like to hurt...

I love the quote in her header and 'cause I love it so much, I'm going to share it here, too.

"I'd say the most important thing a marathoner must have is the ability to suffer. If you do not accept that, you will not be a successful marathoner." - Steve Sisson

Welcome, Melissa! I look forward to reading about you.

Best Macaroni & Cheese

Joe's Bar & Grill

I ordered the Macaroni & Cheese last Thursday at Joe's on a whim. I'd never had it before and don't usually make a habit of ordering "new" food. Turns out, it was one of the best decisions of the night :-)

It was the most amazing Mac & Cheese that I've ever eaten!!

Macaroni shells, cheese, cheese, more cheese, plus a hot dog sliced into the dish. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.

I ate the leftovers yesterday...still good!

Act Like It

It's a phrase that I've heard plenty. Sometimes, it's only a joke the photographer tells to elicit a smile. Sometimes, though, there is a sad truth behind the request...



"Act like you like her!"

I recall old photos with people who I am acting like I like...or who are acting like they like me, but there is no twinkle. There is no joy. There is only a half-hearted smile and that's about all.

It's interesting how much of a story a photograph can tell.

The photo of Gareth and I was taken at my cousin's wedding a few weeks ago. The story that it tells is this: I am happy that he is with me, and he is happy to make me happy.

Gareth drove with me from Austin to Kansas City and back again in one weekend. I think we spent more time driving that we did in Kansas City!

I know that he had plenty of "more fun" options if he had stayed in town that weekend, but he knew that it meant a lot to me for him to join me...and he did and was wonderful!

Not just in photographs, but in the small moments and decisions in life, it's nice to have someone who doesn't just act like they like you from time to time...it's nice to have someone who really means it.

What Do You Tell Yourself?

When I was frustrated and afraid that I was not going to meet my deadline for graduation, I would repeat this phrase to myself, "I am smart!"

In the car, "I am smart!" In the office, "I am smart!" As I was falling asleep at night, "I am smart!" Anytime thoughts of failure started creeping in I would tell myself this over and over until I believed it.

Today I feel tired, and need a pep talk again...

I am smart.
I am healthy.
I am beautiful.

What do you tell yourself?

Welcome Transitions

Nobody likes change.

Isn't that how the saying goes? As I look back to consider this thought, I can certainly pinpoint a few changes in my life that were not entirely welcome.

- the end of my volleyball career
- the beginning of life in the "real world" (i.e. no summer vacations)
- friends leaving town
- roommates getting married

For me though (most of the time), change is exciting! I have far more transitions in my life that I have looked forward to and embraced. Change is a chance for a fresh start, it is hopeful, it promises new, better, fun-er experiences!

I am currently going through a number of transitions.
Each one of them is very much welcomed...

- time spent on the completion of my Masters degree -> time spent training
- a new office at work and new responsibilites
- a new home! I move in with Gareth this month :-)

Hopefully each of these things will bring a little bit bigger smile to my face.

As I say good-bye to the journey of my education, to the comfort of the niche I have found in my career, to the independence that I have experienced living on my own...I am looking forward to the opportunities for health, growth, and love.

Some people do like change. For now, I am one.

Congrats Mama Moore!

I can't wait to see the WHOLE family this July...especially that sweet, new little Princess!!!

My First Tri

On Memorial Day, last year, I volunteered for "body marking" at the CapTexTri in Austin.

I was told there'd be a lot of good looking guys! (Eh, there were some.)

Once I had finished my volunteer duties, I ran into some friends out watching the event. All of us spent some time together watching the cyclists come through one of the turns. From our vantage point on the bridge, we could see all three events. It was really exciting!

I made a pact with these friends...that we would all do it next year.

True to my word, although I rarely spoke to these friends about it, I have registered and will compete in my first triathlon on Monday. I'm not in great physical shape, but I think I'll be able to finish.

At least I won't be on the sidelines this year...and that's something!

An Anniversary Tribute

My parents celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary last Saturday!

My dad can often be heard saying that the day that he married my mom was the best day of his life. It is always in the same breath that he tells us how certain he is that it was the worst day of my mom's life. "You should really feel sorry for her, having to put up with me for all these years," he says. This is his way of extending a compliment to her.

(My dad has an odd sense of humor!)

Below is a tribute to both of them...

A Beautiful Mom

I was thinking a lot about my mom this weekend, what with it being Mother's Day and all...

I was thinking about how much my mom loves me and about how lucky I have been to have such a wonderful mother!

These are some of the many reasons I know she loves me... She will cheer for me even when it's not my best day. It makes her happy when I am happy. She is proud of me; I know she is proud of me because all of her co-workers know about anything remotely good that I have ever done. On my birthday, every year, I know that she wakes up thinking about me. She wants to stay on the phone with me for as long as she can, even if we've both run out of things to say.

I do not have a daughter, and I don't know what it is like to love a child of your own. I do see how my mom loves me though, expecting nothing in return. Both her and my dad have told me before, the best thing that I could do to repay them is to love my own children and help them when they need help.

When I have my own children some day, I hope to love them even half as well as my mom has loved me. Happy Mother's Day (again), Mom!

Your love is beautiful and so are you.

Quote of the Weekend

Lindsey (to me): Todd just informed us that if his team makes the playoffs, he has signed up to pee his pants

I couldn't stop lauging...

How'd the Ride Go?

I met up with Camp Punishment for the Armadillo Classic this past Saturday morning. We all were up and moving before the sun...and put in a hard workout before lunchtime. Here's a group of us at the start line (thanks Erin), waiting for the...um...the "you can go ahead and go"!


I rode 42 miles, and tried to do a 10 min run afterwards (I only made 5 minutes before I started seeing stars and decided it was best to stop...I'm still counting it though!).

I still by myself because I'm too slow to keep up with the rest of the group, but I think that riding my myself is making each ride harder. I'm about to start working hard to get up to speed. Hopefully I'll be there soon.

Here's how the day went for some of the others:

Erin
Lulu
Panther

My MS 150

I need to thank everyone who supported me in this ride. Together, we went above and beyond the required donation ($400) and even beat the fundraising goal that I had set for myself ($750)! THANK YOU!

In the end, we raised $900 for the National MS Society! Pretty amazing, I think.

Several of you shared with me that a friend or family member suffers from this disease. Thank you for sharing their names and stories. In the moments when I wanted to stop (and there were many). I thought of them and continued on.

I had support far above the financial kind and I want to thank those people too...the ones who thought of me, who wished me luck, who cheered for me as I rode beside them, who met me at the finish line...THANK YOU!

It was an amazing experience.

Day One

Day one covered 100 miles between Houston and La Grange.
(Photos above catch the highlights.)

The day started overcast and rainy, but by lunch time had turned to sunshine. It was gorgeous! Scenery enveloped us as we rode through Saturday with green fields and wild flowers. It smelled like Spring.

After the first 40 miles or so, it got REALLY hard. This was kind of scary because I was not even half-way to the finish for the day. I stopped at every single break point and made it through.

Thanks to my friends from the David Weekly Team that caught me between the last two break points. I was about to give up when you rode up beside me and struck up a conversation. I wouldn't have made it without you.

I crossed the finish line 100 miles and 10 hours later, and I immediately started crying...then tried to hold back the tears to maintain my dignity (it didn't work). I had run a marathon the year before, and as far as I was concerned, what I had just accomplished on this Saturday was just as hard!

I only found enough time to shower and eat before my body needed to turn in for the night. Accommodations are shown in the photos: a sleeping bag...on the ground :-)


Day Two

The second day started at 5:00 AM. That's how early I needed to wake up to make it through the pancake line! It was worth it...yummy pancakes (but not as good as Gareth's)! We started for Austin a few hours later, about 7:30 AM.

It was a much easier day. We rode 65 miles instead of 100. Not quite as scenic, but definitely not as hard. I made some new friends, tried to ride in a pace line or two (which I found out is much easier than riding alone), and made it to Austin by 2:30 PM!

I don't know what it is about me with finish lines, but I cried...again.

Gareth found me at the finish...


...and we drank a celebratory beer with a couple of his friends.



This may have been the most physically challenging weekend of my life.
Cheers! To meeting challenges! To good causes! To good friends!