From Lauren:
"Dear Mom (Kechie) & Dad (Matt),
You are the best parents in the world!
Have a Merry Chrismas
Even thogh I hardly see when I'm at school.
I still love you and Dad (Matt)!
Secerly: your dathger
Lauren"
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"Are we going to stay here forever?"
Recently, my 7 year old daughter and I were involved in an accident. Something in the roadway punctured the fuel tank on our vehicle. I did not realize what had happened until a very kind woman carefully pulled up beside me a couple of blocks later. The woman seemed afraid to try and get my attention but I am so glad she persisted. When I rolled the window down so she could tell me that gasoline was "spraying" from my vehicle, I could smell the gasoline.
I pulled into a nearby parking lot, got us to safety, and started making phone calls. At this point, my daughter has started crying. When I asked her if she was okay, she asked "are we going to stay here forever?". At that moment, I realized that this was her first accident and our first time being alone in a scary situation together.
I frequently talk to my daughter about "putting on her brave arms" and being brave in new situations (riding a roller coaster, rock climbing, introducing yourself to a new friend). Those other new situations were nothing compared to our situation that day. So, with new meaning, we both put on our "brave arms" and enjoyed some tear free time together while we waited for the tow truck and a ride home.
I pulled into a nearby parking lot, got us to safety, and started making phone calls. At this point, my daughter has started crying. When I asked her if she was okay, she asked "are we going to stay here forever?". At that moment, I realized that this was her first accident and our first time being alone in a scary situation together.
I frequently talk to my daughter about "putting on her brave arms" and being brave in new situations (riding a roller coaster, rock climbing, introducing yourself to a new friend). Those other new situations were nothing compared to our situation that day. So, with new meaning, we both put on our "brave arms" and enjoyed some tear free time together while we waited for the tow truck and a ride home.
November 1, 2009
Today I ran the annual City of Oaks Half Marathon again. I finished in 2:08:41. 16 seconds slower than my course record.
Gender placement: 72/177 (41%)
Overall placement: 1084/2081 (52%)
I'll be back next year!
Gender placement: 72/177 (41%)
Overall placement: 1084/2081 (52%)
I'll be back next year!
Friday, October 23, 2009
"You're in the golden years!"
Thursday, October 22 2009
"You're in the golden years!" Wisdom shared by an 82 year old patient this week.
When I looked up the definition of golden years, I found "the time of life after retirement from active work."
However, when I hear the term golden years, I see two very young looking old people having a champagne toast at sunset on a private yacht.
The first reason my imagination is off is most Americans can expect to have less money in the golden years. This is simply because you will lose your income.
Secondly, because we are living longer now, the golden years may last 20-40 years. Meaning that at some point in the golden years, we may be hospitalized or institutionalized so that we can be cared for because we can no longer care for ourselves.
Definitely got me thinking. "I'm in the golden years!" How am I spending my golden years? Life is good. I'm healthy. My family is healthy. I spend time everyday doing things that I personally enjoy. I recently went back to school to start a career doing something professionally that I enjoy - helping others.
Are you in the golden years? If so, how are you spending them?
"You're in the golden years!" Wisdom shared by an 82 year old patient this week.
When I looked up the definition of golden years, I found "the time of life after retirement from active work."
However, when I hear the term golden years, I see two very young looking old people having a champagne toast at sunset on a private yacht.
The first reason my imagination is off is most Americans can expect to have less money in the golden years. This is simply because you will lose your income.
Secondly, because we are living longer now, the golden years may last 20-40 years. Meaning that at some point in the golden years, we may be hospitalized or institutionalized so that we can be cared for because we can no longer care for ourselves.
Definitely got me thinking. "I'm in the golden years!" How am I spending my golden years? Life is good. I'm healthy. My family is healthy. I spend time everyday doing things that I personally enjoy. I recently went back to school to start a career doing something professionally that I enjoy - helping others.
Are you in the golden years? If so, how are you spending them?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday dear Kechie
Happy birthday to me
Well almost, 11:31 pm...
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday dear Kechie
Happy birthday to me
Well almost, 11:31 pm...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
NC is "juicy"
Sunday, August 16, 2009
North Carolina is "juicy". "Juicy" refers to how humid our climate is this time of year. Training runs are brutal as humidity is usually 70 - 99 % early mornings in August. At 87% humidity this morning, it felt like I was running with a giant wet towel on that covered me from head to toe. Yuck!
North Carolina is "juicy". "Juicy" refers to how humid our climate is this time of year. Training runs are brutal as humidity is usually 70 - 99 % early mornings in August. At 87% humidity this morning, it felt like I was running with a giant wet towel on that covered me from head to toe. Yuck!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Toy Lady Runs a Half Marathon
August 3
I registered for my second half marathon. The race is November 1. That is just 3 short months away. I am excited and nervous too. I started training in July. My goal is 2:00:42. My current PR is 2:08:25. That is over 7 minutes faster. Ambitious. I know.
Stay tuned!
I registered for my second half marathon. The race is November 1. That is just 3 short months away. I am excited and nervous too. I started training in July. My goal is 2:00:42. My current PR is 2:08:25. That is over 7 minutes faster. Ambitious. I know.
Stay tuned!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
'You're sweet as sugar but you won't melt'
Sunday May 17, 2009
Sundays are my "long" run days. This week I had an hour long run on the calendar. Even though the forecast called for isolated scattered showers, I was looking forward to running for 60 minutes.
I woke up and enjoyed my usual long run breakfast of pancakes, eggs (or another protein), and coffee - of course. After breakfast, I looked outside. It wasn't raining but it looked like it would start any minute. So I waited for the rain to start and stop. That is usually what happens when there are isolated scattered showers forecasted. The rain comes and goes pretty quickly.
Two hours later, it had not rained yet. So, I headed out. Guess what happened? When I was less than a mile from home, it started pouring. The rain was steady but it was not thundering and lightning. So, I kept running. I was feeling crazy for running while it was pouring rain. Then, I passed a couple running, another woman running alone, and a man running alone. Four other crazies!
Around mile 4, I was running up a hill when I thought I saw my vehicle driving toward me. I thought I was seeing things. Then the vehicle stopped and it was actually my husband. (I always leave my running route on my pc.) When he heard the rain pouring, he thought I might want a ride home. My daughter knew better. She had told him 'since it wasn't thundering or lightning that Mom is ok.' She was right. Since it wasn't thundering or lightning, I declined a ride home. How sweet was that though!
On rainy days, I always tell the young girls I coach "you're sweet as sugar and you are not going to melt if you run in the rain."
Sundays are my "long" run days. This week I had an hour long run on the calendar. Even though the forecast called for isolated scattered showers, I was looking forward to running for 60 minutes.
I woke up and enjoyed my usual long run breakfast of pancakes, eggs (or another protein), and coffee - of course. After breakfast, I looked outside. It wasn't raining but it looked like it would start any minute. So I waited for the rain to start and stop. That is usually what happens when there are isolated scattered showers forecasted. The rain comes and goes pretty quickly.
Two hours later, it had not rained yet. So, I headed out. Guess what happened? When I was less than a mile from home, it started pouring. The rain was steady but it was not thundering and lightning. So, I kept running. I was feeling crazy for running while it was pouring rain. Then, I passed a couple running, another woman running alone, and a man running alone. Four other crazies!
Around mile 4, I was running up a hill when I thought I saw my vehicle driving toward me. I thought I was seeing things. Then the vehicle stopped and it was actually my husband. (I always leave my running route on my pc.) When he heard the rain pouring, he thought I might want a ride home. My daughter knew better. She had told him 'since it wasn't thundering or lightning that Mom is ok.' She was right. Since it wasn't thundering or lightning, I declined a ride home. How sweet was that though!
On rainy days, I always tell the young girls I coach "you're sweet as sugar and you are not going to melt if you run in the rain."
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mother's Day 2008
Did you know that the woman responsible for Mother's Day becoming a legal holiday was not a mother? It is true. She was a daughter who wanted to honor her mother and all mothers. She fought hard and won to get the legal holiday Mother's Day.
However, she later regretted her efforts and tried to get the holiday cancelled after hearing "Happy Mother's Day"and seeing greeting cards and store bought flowers purchased for Moms. She really wanted Mother's Day to be a non-commercial holiday to honor mothers. She envisioned children and spouses writing letters to mothers expressing appreciation and gratitude. Imagine that! Taking the time to write a letter instead of signing your name to a greeting card.
I was reminded of this woman's journey as I ran 7 miles in the rain on the morning of Mother's Day. During my rainy run, I observed a man with a basket very carefully selecting the perfect flowers from his yard. I am assuming he lived there. Even though it was raining, he remained selective; picking only the perfect flowers for his bouquet.
Remember next year, "on Mother's Day".
However, she later regretted her efforts and tried to get the holiday cancelled after hearing "Happy Mother's Day"and seeing greeting cards and store bought flowers purchased for Moms. She really wanted Mother's Day to be a non-commercial holiday to honor mothers. She envisioned children and spouses writing letters to mothers expressing appreciation and gratitude. Imagine that! Taking the time to write a letter instead of signing your name to a greeting card.
I was reminded of this woman's journey as I ran 7 miles in the rain on the morning of Mother's Day. During my rainy run, I observed a man with a basket very carefully selecting the perfect flowers from his yard. I am assuming he lived there. Even though it was raining, he remained selective; picking only the perfect flowers for his bouquet.
Remember next year, "on Mother's Day".
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Running Is Like Religion
Last year while training for our half marathon, I used to joke with my running buddy that running was like religion. First of all, we always met on Sunday for our "long runs". Secondly, we'd run for 2 hours. (at a pace that was comfortably hard for me) Lastly, while running "comfortably hard" for 2 hours, at some point I usually thought I saw Jesus.
Happy Spring & Happy Easter Everyone!
Happy Spring & Happy Easter Everyone!
Monday, March 30, 2009
"Locating satellites"?!@#*
I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner 205. For all of my non-running friends, the Forerunner 205 is a GPS wristwatch that runners wear to get all kinds of data while we're running. My favorite stats are pace, time, and distance traveled. I can also store mapped routes in my Garmin. As someone who has gotten lost running in my own neighborhood, I'm surprised I have not used this feature. :)
I just love gadgets and numbers. My Garmin satisfies those two loves. I wear my Garmin on every run. In my opinion there is no point in running without knowing how fast I'm running, how far I'm running, or how long I'm running. ;)
So imagine my frustration today when I headed out for a quick 4 miler and it took my Garmin over a mile to locate the satellites. Argh!
I just love gadgets and numbers. My Garmin satisfies those two loves. I wear my Garmin on every run. In my opinion there is no point in running without knowing how fast I'm running, how far I'm running, or how long I'm running. ;)
So imagine my frustration today when I headed out for a quick 4 miler and it took my Garmin over a mile to locate the satellites. Argh!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Happy National Pancake Day!
February 24, 2009Is there anything better than pancakes? If you answered no, I know something better than pancakes today - FREE PANCAKES.
In honor of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants are giving away a free short stack today from 7 am to 10 pm. (This offer is limit one per customer and at participating restaurants only. Blah. Blah. Blah.)
IHOP hosts this annual event to raise money for local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network or other local charities. If you love IHOP's buttermilk pancakes, have a free short stack today and make a donation!
I'd love to hear from you! What sides do you like with your pancakes?
Friday, February 13, 2009
I love you!
February 13, 2009
It's the day before Valentine's Day and I'm in love... We've been together for almost two years now and it still feels new. I love Running!
I used to love the benefits of running. After two years though, I find myself in love with Running. I not only love what he does for me. I love him!
Running has gotten me up at ungodly hours sans coffee to spend time with him in the dark before anyone sane is awake. No make up. Hair uncoiffed. He makes me sweaty!
Running has been there for me in good times and bad. He knows my deepest feelings and thoughts. He makes me feel strong!
Even though I love Running, we won't spend any time together tomorrow, February 14. Our next date is bright and early Sunday morning and I'm looking forward to it.
Happy Valentine's Day Running!
It's the day before Valentine's Day and I'm in love... We've been together for almost two years now and it still feels new. I love Running!
I used to love the benefits of running. After two years though, I find myself in love with Running. I not only love what he does for me. I love him!
Running has gotten me up at ungodly hours sans coffee to spend time with him in the dark before anyone sane is awake. No make up. Hair uncoiffed. He makes me sweaty!
Running has been there for me in good times and bad. He knows my deepest feelings and thoughts. He makes me feel strong!
Even though I love Running, we won't spend any time together tomorrow, February 14. Our next date is bright and early Sunday morning and I'm looking forward to it.
Happy Valentine's Day Running!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It's Never Too Late
5 February 2009
98 year old Rosario Iglesias has died. Rosario inspires me because she started competitive running at 80 years old. I'll be ecstatic just to live to 80 years old - let alone still be running.
How did Rosario start competitive running at 80? It is a great story. At age 80, Rosario picked up newspapers from distributors and ran to deliver the newspapers to subscribers covering 6 to 7 miles a day. A subscriber, who was also a runner, noticed Rosario and suggested she enter a race. Rosario entered a race, won, and started her running career at age 80. Rosario currently holds world records in the 200, 400, and 800 meters.
Run Rosario Run!
98 year old Rosario Iglesias has died. Rosario inspires me because she started competitive running at 80 years old. I'll be ecstatic just to live to 80 years old - let alone still be running.
How did Rosario start competitive running at 80? It is a great story. At age 80, Rosario picked up newspapers from distributors and ran to deliver the newspapers to subscribers covering 6 to 7 miles a day. A subscriber, who was also a runner, noticed Rosario and suggested she enter a race. Rosario entered a race, won, and started her running career at age 80. Rosario currently holds world records in the 200, 400, and 800 meters.
Run Rosario Run!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The holidays are over?
January 28, 2009
The holidays are over? Apparently so! I had a light bulb moment as I made my way home from carpool this morning. The holidays are over. A new year has begun. Even though there was no official memo ending the holiday season. If there was one, I did not receive it. The holidays are in fact over. Things are back to 'normal'. :)
The holidays are over? Apparently so! I had a light bulb moment as I made my way home from carpool this morning. The holidays are over. A new year has begun. Even though there was no official memo ending the holiday season. If there was one, I did not receive it. The holidays are in fact over. Things are back to 'normal'. :)
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