"Out of the silver heat mirage he ran. The sky burned, and under him the paving was a black mirror reflecting sun-fire. Sweat sprayed his skin with each foot strike so that he ran in a hot mist of his own creation. With each slap on the softened asphalt, his soles absorbed heat that rose through his arches and ankles and the stems of his shins. It was acarnival of pain, but he loved each stride because running distilled him to his essence and the heat hastened this distillation." - James Tabor, from "The Runner"
I made the decision last night that this morning would be the morning that I would start running again. It's been awhile. Not that I've ever been able to run very fast or very far, but I do enjoy it. And my body craves it.
When the alarm blared at 6 this morning, I hit snooze and rolled over, pressing my eyes shut. I remained huddled under my soft covers until I realized that it was taking more energy to force myself back to sleep than to actually get out of bed. Five minutes later I was slipping into my Nikes, strapping on my iPod and slipping out the door.
My feet found an awkward rhythem on the pavement, but I kept going as the sun kissed the neighborhood houses in soft pink and yellow hues. Sweat trickled from my brow, glistened on my arms, my heart pounded in my chest. I huffed and puffed. And I kept going.
Today I didn't make it too far, but the incredible feeling is still with me. And I can't wait for tomorrow morning when I can do it all over again.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I Scream for Ice Cream!
Okay, so if haven't figured it out already, I'm a sucker for ice cream. Not just a scoop here, a bowl there. I consume at least a half gallon a week, not including the occasional hot fudge shake from Sonic or an M&M blizzard from Dairy Queen. And I enjoy trying new flavors.
So when Blue Bell introduced Moo Tracks, I was giddy beyond all belief. It's fantastic. Definitely wins my vote for best flavor ever. (Sorry, Tin Roof, it was bound to happen!) I can't get enough of the creamy vanilla, wrapped in ribbons of chocolate fudge, sprinkled with chocolate peanut butter cups. YUM!
What will they think of next?
So when Blue Bell introduced Moo Tracks, I was giddy beyond all belief. It's fantastic. Definitely wins my vote for best flavor ever. (Sorry, Tin Roof, it was bound to happen!) I can't get enough of the creamy vanilla, wrapped in ribbons of chocolate fudge, sprinkled with chocolate peanut butter cups. YUM!
What will they think of next?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Around the World
So I was browsing through blogs this morning, and it amazes me how many are in foreign languages. Not that I'm too surprised -- the world is large and English only covers a small sliver -- but I was more disappointed that I couldn't read them. And, based on photos, some of them looked pretty interesting.
I found one about transit in Singapore, which must be pretty popular as there were numerous posts and comments. Another blog was about a family's journey through Germany, and they either really enjoyed snapping photos of ceramics or they sell them on the black market. A blogger from Japan clearly has an obsession for water, art and men's undies. And then one blog from Uruguay that's either a young girl's self-collection of half-nude photos ... or some guy's attempt to make some cash. Either way, I flagged it (hey, I'm all about freedom of speech ... but where the hell is her mother?).
It makes me wonder how many people come across American blogs and think, what are they trying to say? How often do our messages truly get lost and misinterpreted?
I found one about transit in Singapore, which must be pretty popular as there were numerous posts and comments. Another blog was about a family's journey through Germany, and they either really enjoyed snapping photos of ceramics or they sell them on the black market. A blogger from Japan clearly has an obsession for water, art and men's undies. And then one blog from Uruguay that's either a young girl's self-collection of half-nude photos ... or some guy's attempt to make some cash. Either way, I flagged it (hey, I'm all about freedom of speech ... but where the hell is her mother?).
It makes me wonder how many people come across American blogs and think, what are they trying to say? How often do our messages truly get lost and misinterpreted?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Two Years & Counting ...
Today is our two-year wedding anniversary -- I can't believe how fast it's rolled around! Hubby woke up at the crack of dawn this morning and brought me donuts (chocolate sprinkled -- my fav!) and a rose. Still a sweetie after all this time.
We don't have big plans for tonight as we're headed to Colorado to celebrate later in August. We got married in Wild Basin, outside of Estes Park, so we thought it would be fun to go back. Besides, we've both been slammed by work here recently, and looking forward to getting away for a week.
A few pics from our last trip:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Motorcycle Virgin
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - Hunter Thompson
Okay, so my last post was a little ... well, let's just say those thoughts have long set sail. It was just one of those nights, I suppose.
Anyhoo, hubby taught me to ride his Kawasaki motorcycle last night.
It's a hunk of rusting red metal, but it's fun as hell to ride. I was a little skeptical that I wouldn't be able to handle the beast (read: I am so out of shape I was afraid my marshmallow arms would give out and I would be squished on the pavement).
After a careful lesson of first gear, the brake and a few other pointers, I was off. Err, okay, so it took me a few minutes (like an hour) to figure out how to ease off the clutch and throttle the gas, but I eventually figured it out. I cruised around the neighborhood at a respectable 15 mph, looking like a true biker babe in my half helmet, blue wind pants and tan sneakers. At least it was dark outside.
I did pretty well, aside of pulling out in front of an RV and nearly taking out our neighbor's kids on their silver tricycles. But it was fun, and I think hubby was proud. Maybe next time I can venture into second gear.
Okay, so my last post was a little ... well, let's just say those thoughts have long set sail. It was just one of those nights, I suppose.
Anyhoo, hubby taught me to ride his Kawasaki motorcycle last night.
It's a hunk of rusting red metal, but it's fun as hell to ride. I was a little skeptical that I wouldn't be able to handle the beast (read: I am so out of shape I was afraid my marshmallow arms would give out and I would be squished on the pavement).
After a careful lesson of first gear, the brake and a few other pointers, I was off. Err, okay, so it took me a few minutes (like an hour) to figure out how to ease off the clutch and throttle the gas, but I eventually figured it out. I cruised around the neighborhood at a respectable 15 mph, looking like a true biker babe in my half helmet, blue wind pants and tan sneakers. At least it was dark outside.
I did pretty well, aside of pulling out in front of an RV and nearly taking out our neighbor's kids on their silver tricycles. But it was fun, and I think hubby was proud. Maybe next time I can venture into second gear.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Floundering
I preface this blog with this statement: I love my hubby. Without question.
I heard through the grapevine today that an old flame of mine is leaving for a 7-month tour in the military. I won't get into too many specifics to help protect all involved. What it boils down to is that when I heard the news, my stomach began to churn. It's still in knots, hours later. I've tried to convince myself that they're knots of concern, but I'm floundering in a sea of doubt.
Right now I sit before this computer, listening to the sound of rolling thunder. Hubby is working on his computer in the other room. And I sit here. Alone. Wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I cannot be having these thoughts. And yet I wonder if he ever thinks about me ...
It would have never worked out for the long run. I am happy with my life and marriage. But good byes were left unsaid, and if something were to happen ...
I heard through the grapevine today that an old flame of mine is leaving for a 7-month tour in the military. I won't get into too many specifics to help protect all involved. What it boils down to is that when I heard the news, my stomach began to churn. It's still in knots, hours later. I've tried to convince myself that they're knots of concern, but I'm floundering in a sea of doubt.
Right now I sit before this computer, listening to the sound of rolling thunder. Hubby is working on his computer in the other room. And I sit here. Alone. Wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I cannot be having these thoughts. And yet I wonder if he ever thinks about me ...
It would have never worked out for the long run. I am happy with my life and marriage. But good byes were left unsaid, and if something were to happen ...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
A Welcome of Sorts
"A smile is the universal welcome." - Max Eastman
Well, if you're reading this, then you must have stumbled onto my blog. Welcome. Not sure really what you'll find here, but I'm guessing a lot about nothing. Oh sure, I have brilliant revelations from time to time that would make Jesus blush. But, for the most part, my life is pretty ordinary.
Which is why I'm trying to do something new everyday. I find it humorous and sometimes embarrassing, but in the end I always learn something new. Or discover something I enjoy even more than my trusty ol' favorites. (But NEVER will I find anything better than my fav pair of jeans ... even if they do have more holes than Swiss cheese.)
For today, I tried the chocolate shake at Which Wich. A minor feat, but if you only knew how loyal I am to Sonic's hot fudge milkshake, then you would give me a high five or a slap on the bum for branching out in the milkshake world. Anyhoo, it was cold, creamy and kind of made my belly hurt. Ohwell.
Until next time ...
UPDATE (9/10): You may notice a few posts dated before this official "welcome". Well, I moved a few entries over today that I had posted on another site because life is complicated enough without having to keep up with two blogs. I also kept them posted on the original dates, just to make my life easier. I like to keep it simple -- so enjoy!
Well, if you're reading this, then you must have stumbled onto my blog. Welcome. Not sure really what you'll find here, but I'm guessing a lot about nothing. Oh sure, I have brilliant revelations from time to time that would make Jesus blush. But, for the most part, my life is pretty ordinary.
Which is why I'm trying to do something new everyday. I find it humorous and sometimes embarrassing, but in the end I always learn something new. Or discover something I enjoy even more than my trusty ol' favorites. (But NEVER will I find anything better than my fav pair of jeans ... even if they do have more holes than Swiss cheese.)
For today, I tried the chocolate shake at Which Wich. A minor feat, but if you only knew how loyal I am to Sonic's hot fudge milkshake, then you would give me a high five or a slap on the bum for branching out in the milkshake world. Anyhoo, it was cold, creamy and kind of made my belly hurt. Ohwell.
Until next time ...
UPDATE (9/10): You may notice a few posts dated before this official "welcome". Well, I moved a few entries over today that I had posted on another site because life is complicated enough without having to keep up with two blogs. I also kept them posted on the original dates, just to make my life easier. I like to keep it simple -- so enjoy!
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