Nike Girl has come home from school the past two days stating that she has been chosen to be a cheerleader for the boys kick ball team at recess. I asked her why she was not playing kickball because she loves kick ball. She said that all the girls need to cheer on the boys to make them run faster. I asked if she liked cheering and she said I guess. All the other girls do. End of conversation.
This morning she dressed for school with a white button down dress shirt with ruffled sleeves and a pink tailored skirt. She still chose her mountain climbing shoes. She had her hair pulled back in a slick ponytail and parted in the middle. Very flashy earrings.
I said , "Well don't you look ready to take on the world." She looked at me and said, " I have decided to be an attorney for the boy's kickball team in case someone gets hurt and needs legal counsel." Yea. I had the same reaction. I just looked at her and said, "Great plan Erin Brockovich, get your lunch we are going to be late." She just gave me one of those you are crazy mommy looks.
Peace.
The " New Balance" Gal
8.26.2010
8.25.2010
Date Night
Aww..date night. Over the years, we have found ourselves evolve through two very distinct phases of date night. The first I shall refer to as Pre-Kid Era Date Night. The night would start as soon as we got home from work. I wasn't really even tired. I would actually shower again then fix my hair, apply foundation, eyeshadow with a brush, and even mascara followed with that medieval eyelash curling device that makes you cringe every time you use it. Then I would iron my trendy new outfit and put on jewelry then head out the door. We would usually find a new restaurant, go to friends' houses, take in a ballgame or sit through a late night movie. Ok, maybe not late night as I have never been much of a night owl. The end of the date we would usually take the dog for a long walk when we got home admiring the night sky. We admittedly took this phase for granted.
Now we have entered the Post-Kid Era Date Night coupled with middle age. Sigh.....I know there are many disturbing descriptive words used in that last sentence. This last Friday night looked something like this....I wanted to celebrate Converse's birthday with something special. So I made reservations at a quaint little bistro that looked affordable but charming. I decided to be a little fancy for the evening. So I started to straighten my hair. A simple task in theory. In the process of straightening my hair, Weebok decides to find a marker and within a flash of a second she is tagging her entire face and body. Nice honey, paper next time please. So I run some bath water and clean her up. Half my hair is straightened. She gets out of the tub and smiles again only this time nature called on the bathroom rug. Back in the tub she goes. Take rug to laundry. Nike Girl enters the picture and wants to fix my hair. So I let her try. Rules though of no big bows allowed. She actually was very helpful. Despite sweating with all the heat that had built up in the bathroom, I managed to apply foundation, eyeshadow applied with finger as I can not find the brush, and even a little mascara. All I need is lip gloss. Hannah Montana lip gloss would have to do as I couldn't find mine. Wow I am going all out. Throw on a wrinkled dress. Tell the girls bye and we head out the door only 10 minutes late. Pretty good. The evening was fun. We actually were able to finish sentences. The night ended with a lightning storm from Mother Nature. Thank goodness we parked close to the front doors. Converse enjoyed his birthday and so did I.
I guess Pre-Kid and Post Kid Date Nights really are not that much different when you think about it. Both result in great memories despite the path you have to take to get you ready to head out the door.
Happy Birthday Converse!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal
Running Report: 11miles on Sunday early am. Lots of rolling hills.Good solid run. Not the best not the worst. The build up is always so slow and hard. Once the miles get up there running becomes fun again. I am waiting, patiently. I think all the carbs I ate at Date Night helped. Maybe we should have date night again this weekend. Wishful thinking.
Now we have entered the Post-Kid Era Date Night coupled with middle age. Sigh.....I know there are many disturbing descriptive words used in that last sentence. This last Friday night looked something like this....I wanted to celebrate Converse's birthday with something special. So I made reservations at a quaint little bistro that looked affordable but charming. I decided to be a little fancy for the evening. So I started to straighten my hair. A simple task in theory. In the process of straightening my hair, Weebok decides to find a marker and within a flash of a second she is tagging her entire face and body. Nice honey, paper next time please. So I run some bath water and clean her up. Half my hair is straightened. She gets out of the tub and smiles again only this time nature called on the bathroom rug. Back in the tub she goes. Take rug to laundry. Nike Girl enters the picture and wants to fix my hair. So I let her try. Rules though of no big bows allowed. She actually was very helpful. Despite sweating with all the heat that had built up in the bathroom, I managed to apply foundation, eyeshadow applied with finger as I can not find the brush, and even a little mascara. All I need is lip gloss. Hannah Montana lip gloss would have to do as I couldn't find mine. Wow I am going all out. Throw on a wrinkled dress. Tell the girls bye and we head out the door only 10 minutes late. Pretty good. The evening was fun. We actually were able to finish sentences. The night ended with a lightning storm from Mother Nature. Thank goodness we parked close to the front doors. Converse enjoyed his birthday and so did I.
I guess Pre-Kid and Post Kid Date Nights really are not that much different when you think about it. Both result in great memories despite the path you have to take to get you ready to head out the door.
Happy Birthday Converse!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal
Running Report: 11miles on Sunday early am. Lots of rolling hills.Good solid run. Not the best not the worst. The build up is always so slow and hard. Once the miles get up there running becomes fun again. I am waiting, patiently. I think all the carbs I ate at Date Night helped. Maybe we should have date night again this weekend. Wishful thinking.
8.18.2010
One Foot In Front of the Other
Entry Three:
The months and eventually years went by after I announced that I was going to run a marathon. I continued to run most days but never could bring myself to sign up for even a 5K. That inner voice always said that I was a jogger not a runner. That inner voice existed until we moved to Dallas and I met a co-worker who forever changed my running path.
One day at work running came up. I mentioned that one day I would love to run a marathon but then mumbled how impossible that sounded. My friend asked why that would be impossible. I mumbled several excuses in a row. She invited me to run with her the next weekend. I am so glad I showed up that morning. She took me under her wing. After several months of running with my friend, she had talked me into doing my first race which happened to be a half-marathon.
I remember the half-marathon, which was 10 years ago, like it happened yesterday. I was so nervous I ended up running it somewhere between 10 and 11 minute miles. I vividly remember getting beat by two yellow labs and their owner. Converse loves to tell that story. But I finished and I was hooked and very very crippling sore.
Within 2 years we had moved again so no more running buddy. I did, however, find, a wooded trail that circled the most beautiful little lake by our new house. That was where I started training for my first marathon. The Walt Disney Marathon, it was suppose to be flat and fast. Sign me up.
During the training runs, which I did by myself, I learned about blisters, chafing, poor fitting shoes, and the importance of water and food. During my training runs, I saw lots of snakes and eagles, raccoons and deer, rain and sunshine. I was one with nature on that trail. It did my soul good. After 18 weeks of training, I was ready to get on the plane and follow by dream to the land of promised record speed and entertainment at every mile. I was goin' to Disney World baby.
To be continued.....
Peace,
The "New Balance" Gal
Running Report: Still training. I run 3 days a week and then one long run followed by a short work out the aches and pain run the next day. I took on a monster hill last weekend. It was relentless. God sent me a distraction though as there were two beautiful fuzzy lost dogs with collars and tags on running along side me. I tried to reach for their collars to get their names but they thought it was a game. Once we all made it to the top of the hill they darted into a neighborhood like they knew where they belonged. It was early in the am so not much traffic, thank goodness. I am running around 9:20-9:40 minute miles over the distance. Slowly getting faster. Fingers crossed. Hope you have a blessed day.
The months and eventually years went by after I announced that I was going to run a marathon. I continued to run most days but never could bring myself to sign up for even a 5K. That inner voice always said that I was a jogger not a runner. That inner voice existed until we moved to Dallas and I met a co-worker who forever changed my running path.
One day at work running came up. I mentioned that one day I would love to run a marathon but then mumbled how impossible that sounded. My friend asked why that would be impossible. I mumbled several excuses in a row. She invited me to run with her the next weekend. I am so glad I showed up that morning. She took me under her wing. After several months of running with my friend, she had talked me into doing my first race which happened to be a half-marathon.
I remember the half-marathon, which was 10 years ago, like it happened yesterday. I was so nervous I ended up running it somewhere between 10 and 11 minute miles. I vividly remember getting beat by two yellow labs and their owner. Converse loves to tell that story. But I finished and I was hooked and very very crippling sore.
Within 2 years we had moved again so no more running buddy. I did, however, find, a wooded trail that circled the most beautiful little lake by our new house. That was where I started training for my first marathon. The Walt Disney Marathon, it was suppose to be flat and fast. Sign me up.
During the training runs, which I did by myself, I learned about blisters, chafing, poor fitting shoes, and the importance of water and food. During my training runs, I saw lots of snakes and eagles, raccoons and deer, rain and sunshine. I was one with nature on that trail. It did my soul good. After 18 weeks of training, I was ready to get on the plane and follow by dream to the land of promised record speed and entertainment at every mile. I was goin' to Disney World baby.
To be continued.....
Peace,
The "New Balance" Gal
Running Report: Still training. I run 3 days a week and then one long run followed by a short work out the aches and pain run the next day. I took on a monster hill last weekend. It was relentless. God sent me a distraction though as there were two beautiful fuzzy lost dogs with collars and tags on running along side me. I tried to reach for their collars to get their names but they thought it was a game. Once we all made it to the top of the hill they darted into a neighborhood like they knew where they belonged. It was early in the am so not much traffic, thank goodness. I am running around 9:20-9:40 minute miles over the distance. Slowly getting faster. Fingers crossed. Hope you have a blessed day.
8.17.2010
Summertime means........
 |
| Surfin' |
 |
| Carefree Wild Hair |
 |
| First Carousel Rides |
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| Backyard Fun |
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| Super Hereos |
 |
| Brown Backyard Grass |
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| New "Enjoyable" Experiences |
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| Make-Believe Cooking Shows |
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| Fun Redneck Water Slides |
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| pseudo-Cirque du Soleil |
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| Nature Hikes and Waterfalls |
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| Running and Running and Running some more |
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| Flower Child |
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| Butterfly Gardens |
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| Sand Art |
 | |||||
| Long Naps |
Good Times, Good Memories, Good Summer.
Great God.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Gal
8.01.2010
Sally on the Mend
We started naming our cars after taking Nike Girl to the movie "Cars".She insisted in the parking lot of the movie theater that Converse's truck would be Mater and our family car would be Sally. The names have stuck after all these years.
On Friday, Sally got a boo boo as Weebok simply states.(Yes, she is still speaking her second language, BooBoo). She has no idea, of course, how thankful we are to not have real boo boo's. In a split second, things could have changed for all of us. I was driving along minding my own business with Nike Girl and Weebok in the back. Nana was in town visiting, so she was in the car, too. I remember entering the busy intersection when all the sudden I had to quickly hit my brakes as the traffic slowed in front of me. I glanced in my rearview mirror only to see a car approaching us from behind not even hitting the brakes.
I remember briefly thinking, this is going to hurt. My mind and body prepared for the crunch. I can not even tell you how fear overcame me instantly with the girls in the backseat. It felt like I hesitated a moment to even turn around. Then I heard Nike Girl say, " What just happened Mommy?" I , of course, usually a non-crier, was instantly crying and told her someone hit us with their car. Weebok was just sitting in her car seat looking at me. She is a quiet soul anyways so I made a funny face at her and asked if she was ok. There was the dimple on her cheek when she smiles that big toothy grin. She was fine. After Converse arrived on the scene, we took her to the doctor just for our peace of mind. Nike Girl had no complaints other than the tight seatbelt across her shoulder. We were all shook up but fine even the driver in the other car. So very, very thankful!
Once we got home, I had a chance to talk to Nike Girl. I said that Mommy is very thankful to God that we were kept safe today. She looked at me and said, " You know mommy, I already talked to God upstairs in my room. I told him thank you and he said , "Your welcome". No words can describe the feeling you have when your child takes it upon themselves to talk to God and start building that personal relationship. Warm fuzzies!
So Sally is on the Mend. I am not sure how they will fix her. I do know for sure that thankfulness is the word of the week.
Peace.
The " New Balance" Girl
Running Report: 10 today in the early am before the heat index rises to an unbelievable number. It was a great run with a running buddy I hadn't ran with in awhile. Lots to be thankful for as my mind drifted on the run this morning. Hope you have a good day!
On Friday, Sally got a boo boo as Weebok simply states.(Yes, she is still speaking her second language, BooBoo). She has no idea, of course, how thankful we are to not have real boo boo's. In a split second, things could have changed for all of us. I was driving along minding my own business with Nike Girl and Weebok in the back. Nana was in town visiting, so she was in the car, too. I remember entering the busy intersection when all the sudden I had to quickly hit my brakes as the traffic slowed in front of me. I glanced in my rearview mirror only to see a car approaching us from behind not even hitting the brakes.
I remember briefly thinking, this is going to hurt. My mind and body prepared for the crunch. I can not even tell you how fear overcame me instantly with the girls in the backseat. It felt like I hesitated a moment to even turn around. Then I heard Nike Girl say, " What just happened Mommy?" I , of course, usually a non-crier, was instantly crying and told her someone hit us with their car. Weebok was just sitting in her car seat looking at me. She is a quiet soul anyways so I made a funny face at her and asked if she was ok. There was the dimple on her cheek when she smiles that big toothy grin. She was fine. After Converse arrived on the scene, we took her to the doctor just for our peace of mind. Nike Girl had no complaints other than the tight seatbelt across her shoulder. We were all shook up but fine even the driver in the other car. So very, very thankful!
Once we got home, I had a chance to talk to Nike Girl. I said that Mommy is very thankful to God that we were kept safe today. She looked at me and said, " You know mommy, I already talked to God upstairs in my room. I told him thank you and he said , "Your welcome". No words can describe the feeling you have when your child takes it upon themselves to talk to God and start building that personal relationship. Warm fuzzies!
So Sally is on the Mend. I am not sure how they will fix her. I do know for sure that thankfulness is the word of the week.
Peace.
The " New Balance" Girl
Running Report: 10 today in the early am before the heat index rises to an unbelievable number. It was a great run with a running buddy I hadn't ran with in awhile. Lots to be thankful for as my mind drifted on the run this morning. Hope you have a good day!
7.27.2010
The Fishin' Hole
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| One cold spring fed river |
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| One rock eater ( notice smores on her face) |
 | |
| Two trout catchers ....who kept crossing lines.....all add up to FUN! I don't even mind that mama has been doin' a lot of laundry since we got home. |
7.26.2010
One Foot in Front of the Other
Entry Two
I started thinking the other day...when exactly did I start running? Ever since I was young I have loved being outdoors. Growing up on a farm was ideal for me. I spent my free time stomping on ant hills, attempting gymnastics on the propane tank, climbing trees, shooting hoops and riding my cowgirl bike. I loved to speed down the lane and hit the brakes to see how far I could slide on the gravel. I tried to jump ramps and do pop-ups before Xtreme sports were even popular. I also liked to walk down the country road with my dog Scampie Joe in tow looking at the clouds and just thinking. As I got older my walks turned into jogs.
My most memorable jog on the farm happened one summer. I was running from telephone pole to telephone pole listening to the wheat blow in the wind. I noticed a buzzing sound that started getting louder and louder. I looked around and saw nothing. The noise became so loud I stopped in my tracks. Headed right for me was a wave of bees as far as I could see. That is when I first experienced a pace outside my comfortable 10 minute mile. I looked like the roadrunner on Wild Coyote cartoons.I just knew the killer bees had arrived! I don't think I have ever ran so fast in all my running career. Somehow ,I am sure it was divine intervention, I made it home safely charging into the front door yelling, " Bees, Bees". The family just looked at me. Not exactly an easy thing to explain.
So from there I moved off the farm to college and my running continued. Then I met Converse and continued to run together. I never ran a race just jogged because I liked to find different trails and be outside. Then one day , I remember clearly, I announced to Converse that I was going to run a marathon someday. I was twenty-something, sitting on the balcony of our first apartment in Denver. He said if that is what I felt like doing then I should do it. Simple enough. I know deep down inside he was thinking this is another one of my off the wall ideas like starting a calligraphy business, when I had never written with anything but a ballpoint pen, or the time I told him I wanted to start an organic dog biscuit company but only made one batch of biscuits that the dog wouldn't eat. He wanted to believe in me so he did. Next I called one of my best friends and told her. She too knows I can get some crazy ideas but she did not judge me. She simply asked Why? I really could not answer her then. But she cheered me on. So the dream of my first marathon began. I had no idea what it would take or how to go about running 26.2 miles. I did know inside I wanted to try to do it as crazy as it sounded. Of course, life then happened. Only 8 short years after making the announcement, I made my first personal running dream a reality by putting one foot in front of the other.
To be continued.....
Peace.
The" New Balance" Gal
I started thinking the other day...when exactly did I start running? Ever since I was young I have loved being outdoors. Growing up on a farm was ideal for me. I spent my free time stomping on ant hills, attempting gymnastics on the propane tank, climbing trees, shooting hoops and riding my cowgirl bike. I loved to speed down the lane and hit the brakes to see how far I could slide on the gravel. I tried to jump ramps and do pop-ups before Xtreme sports were even popular. I also liked to walk down the country road with my dog Scampie Joe in tow looking at the clouds and just thinking. As I got older my walks turned into jogs.
My most memorable jog on the farm happened one summer. I was running from telephone pole to telephone pole listening to the wheat blow in the wind. I noticed a buzzing sound that started getting louder and louder. I looked around and saw nothing. The noise became so loud I stopped in my tracks. Headed right for me was a wave of bees as far as I could see. That is when I first experienced a pace outside my comfortable 10 minute mile. I looked like the roadrunner on Wild Coyote cartoons.I just knew the killer bees had arrived! I don't think I have ever ran so fast in all my running career. Somehow ,I am sure it was divine intervention, I made it home safely charging into the front door yelling, " Bees, Bees". The family just looked at me. Not exactly an easy thing to explain.
So from there I moved off the farm to college and my running continued. Then I met Converse and continued to run together. I never ran a race just jogged because I liked to find different trails and be outside. Then one day , I remember clearly, I announced to Converse that I was going to run a marathon someday. I was twenty-something, sitting on the balcony of our first apartment in Denver. He said if that is what I felt like doing then I should do it. Simple enough. I know deep down inside he was thinking this is another one of my off the wall ideas like starting a calligraphy business, when I had never written with anything but a ballpoint pen, or the time I told him I wanted to start an organic dog biscuit company but only made one batch of biscuits that the dog wouldn't eat. He wanted to believe in me so he did. Next I called one of my best friends and told her. She too knows I can get some crazy ideas but she did not judge me. She simply asked Why? I really could not answer her then. But she cheered me on. So the dream of my first marathon began. I had no idea what it would take or how to go about running 26.2 miles. I did know inside I wanted to try to do it as crazy as it sounded. Of course, life then happened. Only 8 short years after making the announcement, I made my first personal running dream a reality by putting one foot in front of the other.
To be continued.....
Peace.
The" New Balance" Gal
7.20.2010
Charlotte Lives!
I really dislike spiders. We have had many spiders in our house the last few weeks. I know they really have never hurt me but I have heard stories and we have all seen movies with hairy scary spiders attacking the innocent in their sleep. This week I had to face one of my biggest fears. Unfortunately, it had to be witnessed in front of the children.
I had just stepped out to sweep off the deck when Nike Girl started screaming, "Spider! Spider!" I arrive in the kitchen and see a medium sized spider crawling on the rug under the table. It was picking up speed, actually record speed, heading right for Weebok's bare toes. I hesitated only for a second then grabbed the first piece of junk mail I could find. With Nike Girl's Halloween screams filling the air and Weebok yelling "Bug...bug...bug." I went into mommy mode and swatted that poor innocent spider like Albert Pujols in the home run derby. Story should end.
No, no...not exactly....to my utter surprise, 50 or more little babies started running in all directions! Yes, this is a true fact of horror. I had swatted and missed the mama spider who obviously was very very fertile. At that point, I commenced screaming LOUDLY sweeping Weebok up into my arms. Nike Girl saved herself by jumping onto the kitchen table. What in the world do I do now? The girls are depending on me, I have to be a role model. Converse is in the Gulf cleaning up a different kind of mess. I have to be the adult! I dislike being 40! I want my mommy!
So I believe divine intervention lead me to the sweeper because I was not able to make a coherent sentence. I managed to get the child proof outlet cover out in one shot without breaking a nail. Plugged that Kirby in, and with Weebok on my hip and Nike Girl on the table I sucked the baby spiders up. I felt sad and scared at the same time. These poor little baby spiders. But what was I to do?
After a few minutes, we all calmed down. Then I realized I couldn't find the mom. The hunt was on. She was nowhere to be found. Then we found her in the corner. I couldn't suck her up nor could I hit her again. Nike Girl found a jar and I trapped her. She was quite defensive. That poor mama spider had a really bad day and needed a new beginning. So I threw her over the fence. Sorry neighbors we do not know. I called the spiderman the next morning. I had been procrastinating all week. But not now, the battle is over. He informed me some spiders carry their young on their backs. Wonderful news. So now we wait until he shows up to spray. I just know Charlotte is going to leave me a nasty gram on the arbor one of these mornings. "Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print." (Charlotte's Web, 1978). Charlotte lives! I just hope in the neighbor's yard.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl
Running Report: Hot and humid make long runs difficult. Did 8 miles this weekend. Continuing with my speed work which is not fast at all. Not nearly as fast as Charlotte going for my babies' toes! Stay cool in the heat!
I had just stepped out to sweep off the deck when Nike Girl started screaming, "Spider! Spider!" I arrive in the kitchen and see a medium sized spider crawling on the rug under the table. It was picking up speed, actually record speed, heading right for Weebok's bare toes. I hesitated only for a second then grabbed the first piece of junk mail I could find. With Nike Girl's Halloween screams filling the air and Weebok yelling "Bug...bug...bug." I went into mommy mode and swatted that poor innocent spider like Albert Pujols in the home run derby. Story should end.
No, no...not exactly....to my utter surprise, 50 or more little babies started running in all directions! Yes, this is a true fact of horror. I had swatted and missed the mama spider who obviously was very very fertile. At that point, I commenced screaming LOUDLY sweeping Weebok up into my arms. Nike Girl saved herself by jumping onto the kitchen table. What in the world do I do now? The girls are depending on me, I have to be a role model. Converse is in the Gulf cleaning up a different kind of mess. I have to be the adult! I dislike being 40! I want my mommy!
So I believe divine intervention lead me to the sweeper because I was not able to make a coherent sentence. I managed to get the child proof outlet cover out in one shot without breaking a nail. Plugged that Kirby in, and with Weebok on my hip and Nike Girl on the table I sucked the baby spiders up. I felt sad and scared at the same time. These poor little baby spiders. But what was I to do?
After a few minutes, we all calmed down. Then I realized I couldn't find the mom. The hunt was on. She was nowhere to be found. Then we found her in the corner. I couldn't suck her up nor could I hit her again. Nike Girl found a jar and I trapped her. She was quite defensive. That poor mama spider had a really bad day and needed a new beginning. So I threw her over the fence. Sorry neighbors we do not know. I called the spiderman the next morning. I had been procrastinating all week. But not now, the battle is over. He informed me some spiders carry their young on their backs. Wonderful news. So now we wait until he shows up to spray. I just know Charlotte is going to leave me a nasty gram on the arbor one of these mornings. "Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print." (Charlotte's Web, 1978). Charlotte lives! I just hope in the neighbor's yard.
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl
Running Report: Hot and humid make long runs difficult. Did 8 miles this weekend. Continuing with my speed work which is not fast at all. Not nearly as fast as Charlotte going for my babies' toes! Stay cool in the heat!
7.15.2010
Nothing Says I Love you......
Today I saw a flashing sign in front of a retail pharmacy chain store that read, " Show Your Love...Buy a Flu Shot Gift Card." Now I don't know about you, but if Converse came home with one of those on our anniversary, he might find himself eating cold cereal for supper, bran cereal, maybe even with a fork. Forget Tiffany's.... nothing says I love you like a flu shot!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl
Running Report: Still hitting the pavement and the treadmill in the heat. It sure is hot! Love summertime!
Peace.
The "New Balance" Girl
Running Report: Still hitting the pavement and the treadmill in the heat. It sure is hot! Love summertime!
7.13.2010
Life is Good
On the farm growing up, I learned that you should never complain about rain especially when it falls in the summer. I know the flowers weren't complaining in our yard. The foliage has been amazing this year.
Hope you find peace today.... even if you find yourself standing in the rain.
The "New Balance" Girl
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