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.