And now, back to our regular program....

Well, not quite back to normal yet. Taking one week off pretty much meant that this week was a busy catch up week for all of us.

Oh, and on top of it, it was Turbo's birthday on Thursday. I'm not sure how it happened that this little boy

 

The baby pix are not scanned yet, so this will have to suffice...he's about 18 months old here

has become this fine young man

 My baby turned 12. Happy Birthday Turbo!

Some other highlights from the week

• Ran once on the 'mill and did a threshold training workout (2 x 15 at threshold, which for me is about a 10:30 pace) with a 3 minute cool down (12:00 pace) between the two intervals. I did the 'mill instead of going to the track club workout because I stayed at school too long and didn't have enough time to get home, get changed, and then get to the track. I need to start taking my running clothes with me to school on Tuesdays and change there.
• On Friday, after a sorta frustrating exchange of emails with some work colleagues (that I won't go into there, other than to say that people who think that they can intimidate me into not speaking up about some teaching practices that I believe are outmoded and downright wrong, really don't know me that well) anyway, after THAT exchange, I decided I needed to clear my head, so I went to run here...

 

OK...I had some really, way more excellent shots of the actual beach, but they didn't download and were deleted from my iPhone...GAH, so you have to see sweaty me. Trust me though, it was a beautiful day 

• Oh oh...as I was running, I started to feel the familiar tightness in the bottom of my left foot and fear that a mild case of PF is returning. I've been a slacker about keeping up with the proper stretching and lunge matrices which seem to help, so I've got to get back to that. I WILL NOT have another round of PF...not this year...no way...
• Yesterday (Saturday) morning, I went to dress rehearsal for the play that Turbo and DramaGirl are in because I am on the costume committee.

 

That's Turbo in the Viking helmet. He's a pirate... They are doing Peter Pan this year...

• Because I was being the costume queen, I had to miss ANOTHER SDTC long run. I think most of the herd skipped it because it was POURING yesterday morning. I haven't read Irene's blog yet, but I'm sure she'll have a report of the deluge. I was sad to miss the run because I miss the group AND I am getting woefully behind in logging any sort of distance or time on my feet (I think the run was 2 hours on Saturday and I am nowhere near being able to comfortably run 2 hours...good thing that I registered for the San Diego RnR 1/2 Marathon in June and not the full).
• Instead of running in the rain, Betty and I went to the gym to workout instead. I did a 15 minute warm up on the elliptical, lifted some weights, did two sets of lunge matrices, then did 45 more minutes on the E. Needless to say, my ass hurts today.

 

Hot chocolate with whipped cream...yum

• Last night we went out with our friends Huck and Debbie to celebrate Huck's 50th birthday. We went to a local music club called Anthology. I'd never been there before, but it was VERY cool and we listed to some VERY cool music by Acoustic Alchemy, and today I have not only an assache, but a headache as well. 

 This is the beer Walter was drinking. It made me laugh

 

Debbie and I in a setting far too dark for my lame little iPhone camera

Huck and Walter and Debbie's fingers...I'm not really sure what she was trying to communicate, but it must have been important.

• In a flashback to our youth, on our way home, Walter and I went through the drive-thru to get a  carne asada burrito from Roberto's in Point Loma (perhaps you have to be local to understand the significance of consuming a carne asada burrito from Roberto's at 1:00 in the morning, but trust me, it is a completely satisfying experience).
• Finally, this morning, I registered for my first bike event. It's not a race, but it is an organized bike event called the Gran Fondo and it's next Sunday. I'm super excited, although I'm feeling kinda wussy for registering for the 32 mile ride, and not the 53 miler...but as it's my first real-life organized bike event, and since I haven't been on the bike in over a month, I thought I'd take it easy.  The course is one that we've ridden on several occasions (we call it the 5 cities tour), so I know it's doable. The very cool thing about this ride (in addition to it starting in Little Italy, and the pasta lunch at the end of the ride, and the very colorful bike jersey), is that we get to RIDE OVER THE CORONADO BRIDGE...how very cool is THAT?

So there you have it, mostly back to normal, sans the mimosas with the herd. I'm sure we'll get back to that after the ride, or after Saturday's long run...or perhaps both.

OK...I'm off to get caught up on your blogs...what have you all been DOING lately?

Holiday Blues (or Country)

I can't stand to leave whiny posts up for long. I'm really sick of my whiny-self already. I'm fine. Even though it's been an admittedly crappy, injury filled year as far as running is concerned, I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. I reminded myself of this yesterday when I was having a little pity-party for one as I drove around running last-minute Christmas errands. So, while it's a little early to do any sort of year-end reflection (I'll get to that next week), I did give myself a mental kick yesterday because I am so blessed with fabulous people in my life, which really is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...right?

I have the best Sherpa-husband ever, two amazing kids, a wonderful family including my awesome parents who are hanging in there, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, all of whom I love.

I have THE HERD, especially my running/biking partners Betty, Elsie, and Mik, who keep me entertained and motivated and who I love as if they were my sisters...which they are.

And, I also have all my blog-buddies, some of whom I've gotten to meet and hang with this year. I mean..how cool is THAT?

Thanks to everyone who left me encouraging words yesterday. I promise to hang in there. I promise to not run and re-injure myself, but I'm with Missy...I do refuse to grow up (much).

So, even though it's raining today (the SoCal equivalent to having a White Christmas), I thought I'd share this. Elsie sent it to me yesterday. Local peeps will enjoy the pix (even though some are a little dated) and Clarence can feel bad that its a EFFING COUNTRY SONG and yet no pix of Lakeside (pffft).

Gotta go bake some Christmas cookies now!

Starting off the Spring Break Right

DramaGirl and Turbo are in a junior theatre production of Oliver! this week, so that's been our central activity these past few days.

Drama and Turbo--as street urchin pick-pockets. I had to beg them to put their arms around each others shoulders...PLEASE FOR ME...JUST FOR THE PICTURE!

Check over to NikeMom for other Foto-Friday links.

Today is the start of my SPRING BREAK! Yeah! Finally!

Last night I kicked it off right. I ran 3 miles on the dreadmill. I almost didn't run 'cuz I just wasn't feeling the mojo and so I whined about it on FB, where my friend Ari told me to just get out the front door and I'd be fine.

Well, I didn't get out the front door, but I did get me on the 'mill, and I did feel much better afterward. (Thanks Ari...I needed that push).

Then, since DramaGirl and Turbo were at their show (I'd already seen it Wednesday night, and I'll see it again tonight and then again tomorrow...), Walter and I had a lovely pasta dinner, a bottle of wine, and watched VH1s 100 Top One Hit Wonders of the '80s...so now I have some new running tunes (I musta downloaded at least 12 songs from iTunes as I was watching).

Here's what I bought

1. Tenderness / General Public
2. Funkytown (Long Version) / Lipps, Inc.
3. Forget Me Nots / Patrice Rushen

4. Genius of Love (Long Version) / Tom Tom Club
5. Poison Pushy / Stanton Moore
6. Harden My Heart / Quarterflash
7. Under the Milky Way / The Church
8. Love Plus One / Haircut 100
9. What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) / Information Society
10. Lunatic Fringe / Red Rider
11. Pass the Dutchie / Musical Youth
12. What I Am / Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
13. Maniac (Single Mix) / Michael Sembello
14. Breakout / Swing Out Sister

At least I'll be entertained! (OMFG...it's 14 songs! Can't wait for the email from Apple). The top 20 OHW of the 80's is on tonight. CAN'T. WAIT.

Tales of Margaritaville...

Hooray. Elsie, Alberta, and I have made it to SF for the Nike Women's 1/2 marathon (I think Edith is probably, here but I haven't seen her yet)... So far, I can tell you that there are waaaaayyyyy too many people here--mostly wearing green and purple, and I've already spent waaaaayyyyyy too much money at Niketown on running apparel that I didn't know I wanted or needed (but the new sunglasses I bought are HAWT!!! I'll have pix later).

I'll write more tomorrow about our adventures in The City. For now, we're settled into our hotel rooms. Apparently, the hotel overbooked double rooms (go figure...ya got about 20,000 women coming into town, and we all want our own beds), so Elsie and I are doubling up tonight. COZY!

In addition, the hotel employees are "empowered to tend to our every need..."

Nice that the Assistant Rooms Executive has given me his cell phone and says that he is available to make sure I am "extremely satisfied" (he says it twice)...heck I don't get that kind of attention at home. Still...he slipped this under EVERY WOMAN'S DOOR... I think he's a player...

So, here we are, but I can't lie to you... it was a tough trip up here following last night's Jimmy Buffett concert.

Walter and I have some traditions with Buffett...I make some completely Kick-ass Gumbo, we drink waaaayyyy too many margaritas, and it typically takes two days to recover (these may also be Buffet lyrics BTW). This year, since I was/am planning to run a little 1/2 marathon this weekend, I tried to take it easy....

For those who are not Parrotheads, or for those who have not been to a Buffett concert, there are no words that describe it...so instead, I will share some trashy photos that sorta sum it up.

The people next to us set up a bar...yes, we made friends with them.

The bar was crowded once it opened.

Random woman with a blender on her head.

I'm thinking he was bottle fed...just a guess.

The reason we go with friends who own a motorhome...lines for the porta-potty or...

There are always the hills...

Our seats (not as bad as it looks...but we were pretty far away)

Fins

Finally, Shosh tagged me last week, so here are 6 random facts about me. I think that I'll make them thematic...and make them all about being a Parrothead...I'll be out and about tagging as I can this weekend.

1. I am a Parrothead.
2. I've lost count of how many Buffett concerts I've been to, somewhere between 15 & 20 I think...
   
3. My first Buffett concert was at the Hollywood Bowl in 1985.
   
4. My favorite Buffett concert tune is "Fins." For some reason, I never tire of watching an arena full of people pretending to be sharks.
5. Close second has gotta be "Come Monday" because Walter sings it to me. (everyone say awwwww).
6. I was a little disappointed last night when Jimmy didn't sing "God's Own Drunk" which isn't a very well known tune, but I'd heard he might sing it since it was on the playlist from some of his other stops on this tour. Ah well.

Good luck to Shosh, Alissa, and The Running Knitter (who are here somewhere), Yas and everyone else racing this weekend. I'm sure I'll have more news as the weekend continues and a nice race-report sometime Sunday afternoon or Monday.

Weekend Running - Sunday Version

For the first, oh I don't know, 40 years of my life or so, I ran chronically late to EVERYTHING (yes, I know that some of you are young, and I just used the word "chronic" which has a totally different meaning than my intended meaning of "constant," and if you're old, like me, and you don't hang around teenagers, like I do, you totally don't know why the young people are laughing right now, to which I say, find a teenager and ask them what "chronic" is; they'll tell you...but then they'll laugh at you because it's probably not even a hip and current word for MAR-I-JU-ANA anymore...) YES, BUT I DIGRESS!!!

Anyway, this morning I was late picking up Betty, which almost NEVER happens any more, especially where running is concerned, but this was one of those morning where I woke up late, and then wandered aimlessly around the house for 30 minutes, and not really accomplishing anything...really, truly, just spinning my wheels.

Despite my house-wandering, I still forgot my water AND I forgot my flip-flops (for after running) AND I forgot the receiver part of my Nike+. This occurred even though I spent several minutes making sure the sensor was attached to my shoe. However, without the receiver, as far as I can tell, the Nike+ sensor is useless shoe-attachment...GAH!

The worst thing, is that by the time I picked up Betty and got to Balboa Park, it was close to 9:00, so even though there was some morning haze still hanging on, it was getting a little warm AND it was really humid (72º, 80% humidity).

An aside about the weather...I know I write about the weather A LOT, which in San Diego is really rather silly. We have no "weather" to speak of here. About 90% of the time, the weather here is almost perfect. Sometimes it gets a little hot, cool, humid, whatever, and San Diegans get all hysterical about the less-than-perfect weather. You should see people here absolutely FREAK if it rains for more than 20 minutes. It's the lead news story on the local news if it rains for 5 minutes even! Local San Diegan's certainly don't know how to drive in the rain (hint: SLOW THE "F" DOWN PEOPLE!) It's crazy. I grew up in Reno, NV...and there we had SOME weather, meaning that in the winter it would snow and it would get pretty cold (like sub 10º cold...) and EVEN STILL I know that was not extreme weather. But I've lived here in San Diego for more than 20 years now, and so I consider myself something close to, but not quite, a local (I do drive more slowly than the average San Diegan when it rains). Still, like a local, I do complain about the weather whenever it is less-than-perfect...for this I apologize, especially to all of you who live and deal with actual, real, weather... I know that there may be some of you in the gulf-coast area who are about to deal with some really serious weather due to Gustav...I hope that you all are safe and sound and taking care of yourselves. Feel free to throw things at your computer screen as I finish up my rant about the relative humidity Betty and I endured this morning.

So, we get to Balboa Park, agree that it's too late to run 8 to 10 miles due to the expected heat and relative humidity and agree to run for about 45 minutes. Here's the route we took.

It's pointy...isn't it?

Here are my stats:
4.14 miles/10:48 pace

I have no idea how that happened. All I know is that I felt pretty strong the whole way. The thing about this route is that parts of it are included in several local runs that go through Balboa Park. The AFC 5K, which I ran a few years ago, is one. The Komen Race for the Cure 5K, which I've run a couple of times, is another. The end of the second mile as you turn that last curve onto 8th street, is a gradual incline. I used to think of it as a big hill and I remember the first Komen Race, when I just walked almost all of it.

I was thinking today as I ran, about how it wasn't such a big hill...not a big deal at all. Nice...

The other thing that occupied my thoughts as I ran today, was my new arm-band for my iPod Nano that I was wearing. Most of the time, I slip my nano into a pocket and I string the headphones up my shirt and through the neck because I just HAAAAAATE the feeling of the earbud cord whipping against the back of my arm or neck. I always end up thinking some nasty bug has landed on me and I no-doubt look like a total spaz, slapping at some invisible gnat, when it was, in fact, the cord. I have some serious issues with this.

So, I've been stringing the cord up my shirt and out the neck-hole. The cord does get sorta-sweaty, but it stays put and it doesn't bug me (hahahaha..bug me...get it?)

But here's the problem. I go through earphones like toilet paper. About every other month or so, I've been having to replace my headphones because one of them goes out and I can hear through only one side (which isn't such a big deal since most of the time I use only one side, so that I can hear if an oncoming car is about to squish me), or the cord begins to fray, and I can see the wires underneath, or they get damaged in some other way, and I started to wonder if this was happening as a result of the cord rubbing between my sweaty back and sweaty shirt. hmmmmmm.

So, I decided to try to look hip and cool while I'm running, which is no mean feat by the way, and I purchased an arm-band carrier for my Nano and thought that I'd let the cords be FREEEEEE. It looks like this:

The horror of my upper arm ...and yes, that is a beach towel on the floor behind me. We use a beach towel as a floor-mat because the shower door leaks water onto the floor so badly. You don't want to know what other horrors I cropped out of this photo...

So, I ran with the cords aflutter this morning, and they didn't bother me too much, so maybe I can look all cool and hip running with my tunes, and also save some money on earbud replacements.

In any event, here are my questions for you all.

1. If you run with an iPod or other music player, where do you carry it? (I know that lots of people don't run with music. I used to run withit all the time. Now it's about 1/2, unless I'm on the dreadmill...in which case tunes are mandatory)
2. Where are the earbud cords? and to they bother you? (Inside or outside your shirt, or somewhere else?)

I'd be so grateful for your feedback on the great music-listening device dilemma that I'm having.

Again, if you're in the gulf-coast area. Take care of yourself...that is, of course, the most important thing!

Concert Report and Other Concerns

I'm not gonna lie...

Cheap Trick, Heart, and Journey ROCKED...

I'll be honest...

I thought it would be fun to hang out with the girls, to drink some Sangria (which also ROCKED. Mona is a genius), and to sing along to some songs I hadn't sang for awhile (well OK, I sang ONE of them Saturday night at Michelle's '80s B-day Party), but I wasn't really expecting to be impressed by the music.

I mean, come on...how many reunion tours really ROCK and how many DON'T... So, I was really focused on the social aspect of event (e.g. hanging out with friends) But then there was this... (If you haven't seen Journey's new lead singer yet, you gotta watch this...go ahead, I'll wait...)



Seriously!!!! Effing amazing, isn't it?

So...flashback...I'm 15 years old, growing up in Reno, NV and attending my first concert (at the Centennial Colosseum...gotta love Reno for all it's subtlety). My date is a guy named Danny and there's a REALLY FUNNY SMELL emanating from some of the funny looking cigarettes many people around us are smoking. (I was such a good Catholic girl. I'd never seen pot before and that night was definitely the first time I'd been around people smoking pot...not that I did...)

Anyway, all of it paled when Steve Perry took the stage and sang "When the lights go down on my city..." I still get goosebumps when I hear it.

I've been a Journey fan ever since. I'm pretty sure it was my only date with Danny.

(BTW I am thinking of inventing another drinking game...can you tell the difference? Is it Steve or Arnell). In truth, I prefer Steve. Don't get me wrong Arnell was an incredible surprise and sounded amazingly like Steve, but he wasn't Steve.

OK...fast forward...Cheap Trick, Heart, & Journey play Cricket Amphitheater in Chula Vista, CA. The place was packed (a surprise...I mean who goes to see a concert on a Tuesday night)!

The concert started with Cheap Trick (another surprise, I thought Heart would start off), but we had just gotten into the parking lot, so even though Betty sprinted to see them, Mona and I decided to stay and drink more Sangria and eat some of the tasty food we brought...and to hang out with the way-too-young parking lot crowd, many of whom seem to be there to see this new Journey (who knew?)...either that or they were interested in the Sangria.

We eventually made our way inside and found Betty right before Heart took the stage. Ann Wilson can still belt out a tune like there's no tomorrow and Nancy Wilson still completely rocks. Watching both of these women rock-out (and I know they're older than I am) was completely inspirational...and made me think of how us "old chicks" still got it. (I'm going to be 46 in a couple of weeks...a fact about which I reminded Betty at one point...to which she responded...then you are just doing great with your running...Clearly she forgets how OLD I am!).

Here's the view from the lawn seats at Cricket...and since I'm no music critic, I'll spare you any further effort I might make at trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about where music is concerned (I've only got, "they rocked" and "it was awesome" in my music-review repertoire). Instead I'll do a run-down of my favorite moments from the evening.

• Emptying my car's ashtray with $1.24 worth of pennies into the toll booth basket, and still coming up $.19 short to pay the toll...but since there were four cars behind us (honking) we shot through the red light anyway.
• Arguing with Mona and Betty about whether or not we were going the right way (I'll just point out here that I WAS RIGHT!)
  
• Seeing an ex-student as we entered the parking lot at Cricket (oh good) and having him be NO HELP WHATSOEVER in getting us a good parking space.
  
• Mona's Sangria (which ROCKED) and which had that lovely effect of having no effect, until it did...and then that was that.
• Drinking from classy, acrylic, wine glasses (cuz we're just classy that way), which impressed the 20-somethings parked around us.
  
• Mona peeing behind a bush (pictured) again, cuz we're just classy that way.
  

• Betty sprinting to hear Cheap Trick, while Mona and I decided to continue drinking and eating in the parking lot (we all have our priorities).
• Missing Betty dance to "Surrender" (awwwwww...it's a shame)
• Betty using beer as hair product to get her hair to spike.
  
• Doing a guitar solo with Nancy Wilson during ooooooooooohhhhhhh Baaaarrrrraaaacuuuuudaaaaaaaaaaa. (dadada, dadada, dadada, dadada, dadada, dadada, dadada, da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...thank god for Wii Guitar Hero!
• Our dramatic rendition, acting out the lyrics to "Open Arms" and "Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin"
  
• Jumping up and down like a 20-year old.
• Learning how the camera in my iPhone completely stinks in low light (or dark).
  
• Finding birthday-girl, Michelle and marveling at her GIANT ZIP-LOCK blanket in a bag (pictured)

• Learning how to not-whistle, but still look like we are (pictured)

• Getting into the FasTrak lane on the way home by mistake, even though I don't have a sensor on my car, and just saying WTF, cuz we were tired chicas and it was 1:15am...way past my bedtime. (By the way, I called the FasTrak customer service line today to beg mercy and let me pay the toll fare(s), and had a really happy conversation with the customer service rep about the concert, how great it was, and how amazingly similar to Steve Perry the new lead singer for Journey sings...clearly, I'm not talking to someone in India, so I ended up getting a FasTrak-toll road sensor so I don't have to empty my ashtray pennies into toll booth baskets anymore...AND I get to pay last night's toll with a $2.00 service fee...which sure beats the $37.50 citation I thought I was going to get).

ALSO BTW...if you have the chance to see this concert, I'd go again in a heartbeat. It was worth meeting with my new employer and carting my kids around to and from all of their camps today with a hangover. Worth every penny!

Oh yeah...in running news....I HAVE also managed to run twice this week. On Monday, I managed 4 miles on the dreadmill...and today I discovered a way to pass time on the dreadmill for another 40 minutes.

About the Dreadmill...I complain about running on it (occassionally), but I am lucky enough to own a pretty good one (PaceMaster Platinum Pro), which I convinced Walter to buy about three years ago when I first started this running thing. At that time, I clearly realized that if I were ever going to keep running for any length of time, I needed a means to run that was convenient and would easily fit into the child-rearing, house managing, full-time working, lifestyle I have...thus, I needed a treadmill. Well...that was the logic of it anyway.

Over the past three years, I've developed a sort of love/hate relationship with Dread. In the beginning, I actually preferred running with Dread. He sort of saved my shins, my back, and other not-so-in-shape-parts. Three and a half years later, I MUCH prefer running outdoors. Dread is boring. He never goes anywhere. He takes up a lot of space and is aesthetically unappealing. At times, I haaaaaaaate him, but when push comes to shove, he is ALWAYS there for me. If I only have 30 minutes to run...I can run with Dread the entire 30 minutes. If I want to run in my underwear, Dread doesn't care.

But still...I can only run for so long with Dread...40 minutes is pretty much my limit.

However, today I discovered that if two 13-year old neighborhood boys are swimming in the backyard pool w/12 year old DramaGirl and girlfriend... YIKES AND HORRORS...I can run for 50 minutes without looking at the clock AT ALL.

None of the neighborhood boys are named Danny, Steve or Arnell...I guess I can count my blessings for that.

Betty, Mona, and Alice Make Plans to See a Concert...

It must be '80's week...Follow along as Betty, Mona, and Alice make plans to see Journey, Cheap Trick, and Heart...oh yeah...

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 7:24 AM
To: Alice
Cc: Mona; Edith
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

I'm game for an early leave and parking lot tailgate!

From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 7:47 AM
To: Betty
Cc: Mona; Edith
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

I can leave at 4:30, is that too late/early? I'll need time to do the Madonna hair after all..

From: Mona
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 9:56 AM
To: Betty
Cc: Alice; Edith
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

4:30 sounds goo to me - meet at Betty’s? I should use the sangria container Madge gave me and make a big batch...anyone interested?

Is there anything else we should bring besides chairs for tailgating?

Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh Baaaaarrrrraaaaacccuuuuuuuuuuuuuddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 11:06 AM
To: Mona
Cc: Alice; Edith
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

I WANT YOU TO WANT ME!

I have chairs for us all sounds good

From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 11:49 AM
To: Mona
Cc: Betty; Edith
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

I have an umbrella...and I don't mean the kind you would put in the Pina Colada...and a stand...

We should bring food...I'll bring something yummy to go with either the Colada or Sangria...what would that be????

DON'T STOP BELIEVIN', HOLD ON TO THAT FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELIN

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 12:00 PM
To: Alice
Cc: Mona; Edith; Daisy
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

AIN'T THAT A SHAME, that you can't come up with any Cheap Trick Songs off the top of your head! Why don't you SURRENDER and CRY, CRY about it! I'll still be eating salad while journey is playing or I can mix drinks.

IF YOU WANT MY LOVE, you can't have it, but I'll bring some hot wings and something sweet! There will be no crazy WILD THING dancing though without the umbrella in the drink!

and btw - just because I danced in Truckee to Surrender - doesn't mean I'm going crazy in Chula Vista!

-----Original Message-----
From: Mona
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 12:09 PM
To: Betty; Alice
Cc: Edith; Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

All I know is we're all gonna be SMELLIN' OF WINE AND CHEAP PERFUUUUUUUUUUME

I'll bring something to snack on as well. Sangria is on - brace yourselves.

From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 12:23 AM
To: Mona
Cc: Betty; Edith
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

It's THE DREAM POLICE, THEY'RE INSIDE OF MY HEAD ...that interfered with my ability to quote Cheap Trick lyrics (that and I wouldn't want to steal your thunder my friend)...

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 12:51 PM
To: Alice
Cc: Mona; Edith; Daisy
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

this "GIRL CAN'T HELP IT"
not stealing my thunder - although I am giddy with excitement!

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 1:38 PM
To: Alice
Cc: Mona; Edith; Daisy
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

here's a new one for you....

don't come to me with Open Arms unless you are a PERFECT STRANGER.

another new favorite is WELCOME TO THE WORLD

From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 1:39 PM
To: Mona
Cc: Betty; Edith
Subject: Re: Journey, Heart and CT

You are, after all, the GODDESS of Cheap Trick...

What's wrong with the line I COME TO YOU WITH OPEN ARMS. Is that wrong?

-----Original Message-----
From: Mona
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 6:26 PM
To: Betty; Alice
Cc: Edith; Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

You both'll get it ANY WAY YOU WANT IT cuz that's the way you need it.

And then the bad news...

-----Original Message-----
From: Edith
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 7:11 PM
To: Mona; Betty; Alice
Cc: Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

You guys are killing me with these lyrics!
I am sooo sad to say I am not going to be able to join you tomorrow. I have to have some emergency work done in my backyard and my handyman just called and the only time he can come do it is tomorrow afternoon :(

Have a BLAST and I can't wait to hear about it!! (And see pictures!)

Which led to...

-----Original Message-----
From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 8:11 PM
To: Betty; Edith; Mona
Cc: Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

Edith, you're a wuss for backing out...really, how long is the "handyman" going to stay? Is it TT...if that's the case, bring him along!

Handyman, seriously...

-----Original Message-----
From: Mona
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 9:15 PM
To: Alice; Betty; Edith
Cc: Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

Dude.

HANDYMAN????

REALLY???

I'm speechless.

-----Original Message-----

From: Betty
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 7:35 PM
To:Edith; Mona; Alice
Cc: Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

I'm gonna hook up with my handyman tonight!

Speaking of Handyman - let's go see some JT (James Taylor) also! Stateline, Nevada on the 26th! Sounds like a road trip!

-----Original Message-----
From: Alice
Sent: Mon 7/14/2008 9:33 PM
To: Betty; Edith; Mona
Cc: Daisy
Subject: RE: Journey, Heart and CT

Come-a, come-a, come-a, come-a, come, come
Yeah, yeah, yeah

“We can hear you in there...”

I LOVE this ad this from New Balance (Edith sent me the link)...There are several, including one where a guy is breaking up with running, but I liked this one too...could relate to the giving up partying to run (although I’m not sure I’ve gained a 1/2 step on anything or anyone).

We still don’t know who is hanging “do not disturb” type New Balance signs on Cheryl’s fence... (there was one about being hot and sweaty from running) But that’s another story...

Edith made a new friend Nick (below) ...a random guy who we accosted and then asked to take our picture) so we returned the favor and told him it was going on the blog...

I learned that maybe the problem I thought I was having with my shoes, wasn’t really my shoes at all. It was me (big surprise) and the fact that I probably hadn’t laced my shoes tight enough...which I did last night and my legs/feet hurt a lot less today.

Here’s my list of things that have made me happy in the last two days:

1. Five of us at track practice on a Tuesday night.
2. Both Betty and Elsie are running on Saturday.
3. The guy who was checking out every woman’s breasts (spotted at Track practice last night).
4. Betty’s description of a certain fellow administrator who continues to use Doug’s office restroom during admin meetings, even though he knows that everyone can hear him...just so that he doesn’t miss a minute-detail...and how Betty’s planning on seeking her revenge (it involves going into the same restroom and grunting). “You know, we can hear you in there....”
5. Whatever Betty, Elsie and I were talking about in the car on the way to track practice last night. I can’t remember what it was, but I know that I almost crashed the car because it made me laugh. (I think it was the pee-story from #4...as well as some other continued reminiscing about running and tripping over the crappy streets in Leukadia).
6. There’s another Heffer in charge of something around here (because we don’t do enough of that!) Congrats Julie!
7. Because I was up to my ears in test documents, and because we were on a different Wednesday schedule, and because I was in the library and not in my office where Judy reminds me every Wednesday to go to advisory, I did completely forget to go to advisory today until Lisa called to tell me that my advisees were wondering where I was...On this of all days, when they were supposed to turn in their Senior Project Proposals.
8. My advisees were completely freaking out when I wasn’t there and were looking for me all over campus.
9. Clarence showed me this from WeCovet (you have to read the post...) It involves something about a Muff - see the picture to the right (now you’re curious, aren’t you)
10. I sent Mona an email today in which I wrote, “You’ll get to look at your box and check out what’s inside” and she was so flustered by her billions of seniors that she didn’t even notice.
11. Panspermia

BBJ burned me a copy of some of his playlist, only the songs were titled “Track 1, Track 2, Track 3,” etc...not that I actually know the songs on most of his playlist, but he followed through and has sent me the song-list (hooray)!

We love BBJ and I’m happy to have new tunes to run to.

I really didn’t have anything else to write about...but I did want to post a couple photos from last night. Since Edith’s new friend is way too young for her, I went back and found Elsie’s Cougar Watch sign again.

Have fun in Hawaii.

Alice

4 Comments

Edith

I don't know what you are talking about w/the arms...you are looking pretty damn good in that picture...did you really run Tues night? :)

I was cruising back through some old posts and I have a question...what's with the latin next to the post from last tuesday night? Or is it italian? I tried to use a translator, but still couldn't figure it out.

Have a great run on Sat...I'll send pics of my firefighter/surf instructors!
Aloha!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 11:26 PM

Alice

OH...that's from the template. I'm supposed to put a caption there. It's gibberish (as opposed to the other stuff I write:-))

Thursday, April 10, 2008 - 01:14 PM

BBJ

That "hand warmer" covet-thing-a-ma-jigger looks like a denim overall oufit that would reveal some serious camel toes.

Thursday, April 10, 2008 - 03:18 PM

Alice

I've created a map in Map My Run for the Low-Tide Run...I'm going to turn around at Stafford Court & Surfview Court (about 6.5 miles up the coast), but I might turn around sooner :-) Here's the link:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ca/san-diego/523657453

Also, I'm going to carry water because when I'll be turning around before the second water station and it'll still be pretty far to water station 3.

Friday, April 11, 2008 - 12:46 PM

Hair-Whips and Frolicking on the Train

Where to start...where to start....

You’d think running 16 miles would garner enough information to be enough to consume an entire post...but to be honest, it’s really boring...and OH MY LORD my legs, feet, and butt ache today. Actually, I want to thank the crew for showing up...it was so much more fun (for me) to have someone to run with and more importantly to have breakfast with afterward (we found the Hideaway Cafe!)

First of all, the headline. When you all see me, you’ll notice that may hair is decidedly shorter than it was on Friday (cut off 8 inches...a real 8 inches, not 1/4” = 8” as Lloyd explained to the parents the other night...to which I giggled...Men always exaggerate that way...sorry BBJ). Anyway..one of the benefits of having shorter hair is that my long hair, when pulled up in a ponytail was really starting to bug me on these longer runs because it’d get all sweaty-wet, and then it’d start whipping the back of my neck...

Hence, I told the crew on the train that I needed to get rid of my “hair-whip.” Betty thought that was funny.

Then Paul told us that when we were done running that we could frolic in the ocean at Solana Beach, which led all of us to wonder about the last time we “frolicked” and about what...hmmmm

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the enormity of running 16 miles. For me, the first 12 (or so) were fine...the last four (or once we got to Leukadia and the freeking broken streets there) were the WORST! Alberta almost fell on her face because there was a STUPID barrier-thingy lying flat on the street that she didn’t see. I rolled my foot about 10 paces later and almost twisted my ankle. Uneven surfaces, road construction guys who won’t move out your way...the pack of Team in Training Cyclists roaring by at 150 mph (ok...I may be exaggerating, but I think I was in Leukadia when the team roared bay and it sorta freaked me out a little). I think we all agreed that Leukadia may be lovely, but it was a sucky place to run!



I was so happy to leave L, but then took a wrong turn and ended up with the pack of Paul-Groupies at the ladies room...which turned out to be down a huge hill...then we had to walk up (because it was a 45 degree incline...and even Paul wouldn’t run up it.) Then we missed the water station...GRRRR....

I am SO proud of Betty for running more than 14 miles (I mapped it....I picked you up at the south entrance to San Elijo, which is past the 14 mile marker...I also mapped my detour to the bathroom...which I think made my run longer...Mapquest says 16.32 miles...which makes me feel better about my 3 hours & 20 minutes... which includes the potty stop!). Heck I’m proud of all of us...16 miles is a freekin’ long way to run.

I told Edith this last night...(I drunk-called Edith to thank her for a nice email she sent me about my wanna-be field hockey playing daughter...in which she told me that she and TALL TIM ran 10.5 miles yesterday morning as well and that it was really hard (the run...not Tim))...ANYWAY, I’ve come to the conclusion that running with the track club makes it a heck of a lot easier to run these long distances...which is mostly mental (OK...It was physical too. I was so exhausted coming into Solana Beach, up that last hill, that I really just wanted to sit down and cry...but then Paul came up and convinced me to run up the hill with him...so I did.) In any event, I know that Edith was a little sad because running 10 miles seemed so difficult...and I just wanted to assure her that running with lots of other people makes it so much easier (for me). I don’t know why that is, but it has certainly worked for me. I hope you get to join us this weekend.

So, I’m proud of us and all...but I still want to ponder how Elvis continues to creep into the karma of this journey for me...really...he does...First of all, as you know the RnR has some running Elvi competition that they do, so a few weeks ago, there was this guy who was doing the marathon in his Elvis running suit. Then I got lost in Coronado a few weeks ago...but got through it because I happened to have Mike’s iPod with me and got to listen to Mojo Nixon singing “Elvis is Everywhere” (among other songs)...which made me laugh.

Then I ended up going to a fundraiser last night (yes...I went out last night...I’m a stud (see funny story about “stud” below...), but I was promised wine, so you know me, I went) ...Anyway, it was a really nice event and I wore HIGH HEELS! (yes, after running 16 freekin’ miles, I somehow managed to get my feet into 4” heels...don’t ask how, but I suspect the promise of wine helped.

The event was a casino night for Kuyamaay Elementary School, (Don’t ask how I ended up there...I know, I know, I don’t even go to fundraisers for the school where I work, or where MY kids go to school... again, I remind you, the wine...) but my sister-in-law is really involved in the school and invited us to go...and we’re good inlaws, and were promised wine, so we went.

Anyway, as we walk in, the first thing I notice is this guy running around in an orange Elvis suit (wig and all), and my first thought is: “What a dork!” followed by “I wonder what bet he lost that caused that...”

Then, a few minutes later, Elvis walks up to me and says something like “hey hotstuff” which makes me think,

“What an ass...”

Then I realize, it’s my brother-in-law, Richard...dressed up like Elvis...and selling raffle tickets (I so needed more wine).

OK...we’ve got 56 (or something like that...) Two months ago, I could barely run an hour...yesterday I ran for three. I figure I need to be able to run for about 5 to finish the marathon...Somehow it sounds doable now...I must be crazy.

Or seeing Elvis... Help me.

Alice

11 Comments

p.a.

You all rock! I'm so proud to have you all along and I can't believe I made it that far. I only ran about 12 of the miles but gotta run with Mik for a couple (always such a great friend) and then Bumper stopped by for a minute or two. Then Cindi ran with me for a few miles which really was great. I saw my cousin running towards me with T.I.T. (that's what I call TEam in Training - because none of them look like me). Then my aunt Wogged with me for a 1/2 mile.
I hate Leucadia and I think I'll be able to get stronger each week - especially if you keep me laughing. BBJ is so brave to hang out with us and he has become such a strong runner! He finished the 16 miles faster than the 1/2 marathon in August!

But really, today I am so very grateful for friendships! I'm looking forward to June!

Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 08:56 PM

Clarence

I am so proud of you guys! Keep it up- I can't wait to be there in June to cheer you guys on! :)

Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 09:28 PM

Alice

Oh...I forgot to add the story about "The Stud."

So...there's a silent auction at this fund raiser and at one of the tables is this basket that has home remodeling tools (or something like that) and its labeled "Studfinder" which I think is slightly funny...maybe a little more than slightly because of the wine, that and I'm at a school fund raiser...

Anyway, this random guy walks up next to me, looks at the basket and says something like "hey, I could use a stud finder."

Seriously?

I sort of do a double take...I mean, is he joking? laughing? talking to a friend? to me?

Is he gay?

So I wait...then I can't stand it anymore...I mean it was A FREEKIN' GIFT! I sort of figure he wants me to make the joke. So I say, "you know, usually I hear women use that line." and I sort of laugh, cuz I thought at the very least I was being obviously clever.

He just stares at me. Not even a courtesy chuckle...

So I just apologize and giggle something like, "yeah, I know. That was inappropriate. I don't know you." And and he's just sort of glaring at me.

Damn Tierra Santa, Yuppie, Asshole...Hated him

Went to find Mike to tell him my story...He laughed.

Which is why I love him.

Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 09:42 PM

Momma

I'm so proud of all of you - I still think you're crazy - but I'm amazed at you all!

Sunday, April 6, 2008 - 10:11 PM

Anonymous

BBJ

OK, Carlsbad is a long city, Leucadia needs to fix its streets, Encinitas went well along the beach except for the one hill by the ENCINITAS sign. What was that Taj Mahal looking place in Encinitas?

I just kept thinking after the 16 miles in Solana Beach, could I have done 10 more miles? Very inspired by Mrs. Harris, Jaime, P.A. for their efforts. Mik, too.

How was everyone's "active recovery" on Sunday? Back on the road today with the mindset that we can do this 26.2 thing. Head up, one step, one mile at a time.

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 07:44 AM

Alice

The Taj Majal place is the Self Realization Fellowship Temple. There's a kinda famous surf spot below it called Swami's.

Active Recovery? I shopped again :-) I bought toe socks.

The guy at Movin Shoes seemed to think they'd help with my blistering issue...so I'm going to give them a try with some of my shorter runs this week before the 2.5 hour run on Saturday.

By the way BBJ, if you put your name in the "Comment As" box, your name will appear at the top of the comment entry.

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 08:44 AM

Alberta

I felt pretty good until about mile 12 and then I felt like an 80 year old women who needed a knee replacement. I was very happy to have Alice to run with from mile 9 on, she kicked my butt. About mile 12 I almost fell on my face as the sidewalk jumped up and grapped me. Biggest mistake that I made was following Alice and Paul and his giggling girls down the hill to the bathroom. I wonder how much of a difference he is making in their life :) I was pissed they took me down a big hill for no reason I would much rather have pulled a Betty then stopped. I finally left them and made the mistake of following some lady with a visor up the hill who got me lost. I should have know not to follow her. Should I have asked her where her cocker spaniels were? Looking at this picture of us maybe I should have just asked here to borrow the visor!!!!!!!

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 10:11 AM

BBJ

Thanks for the ID tip on the blog.

BTW, if anyone wants some new bumpin'-bouncin' tunes to help with those tough miles, I put together a partial BBJ music list. Let me know if you are interested.

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 10:37 AM

Edith

Now imagine this conversation on Sat night...
A: "I'm wearing boots. Can you freakin believe I got my foot into a boot?"
E: "What?"
A: "But it works because they are stretchy leather. I think I am going to take a picture of my boot right now."

Seeing the blog, I felt like I was RIGHT THERE! Drunk dials are fun.

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 12:53 PM

Elsie

Great job kids - amazing to even contemplate 16 miles, let alone run it! Felt like I was there too : ) Hasta Tuesday.

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 03:26 PM

Alice

Here's BBJs playlist...

Super Hyphie Keak Da Sneak
I’m Really Hot Missy Elliott
Juicy Notorious B.I.G.
Yeah! Usher
Take It Easy Mad Lion
It’s Like That Run-DMC
Whoop! There it is 95 South & Tag Team
Electric Relaxation A Tribe Called Quest
Housequake Prince
Get Low Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Ch-Check It Out Beastie Boys
Planet Rock Afrika Bambaataa
The Way You Move Outkast
Me So Horny 2 Live Crew
Treat ‘Em Right Chubb Rock
Let’s Get It Started MC Hammer
Tender Love Force M.D.’s


LOVE IT! Will you burn me a CD? I'll repost my current playlist too!

Monday, April 7, 2008 - 08:15 PM