"And you run and you run to catch up to the sun, but it's sinking, and racing around to come up behind you again. The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older; shorter of breath, and one day closer to death."


See my lovely playground? It all belongs to me on Sunday mornings.

Bob and I set out for a 10 miler today. He left about 25 minutes before I did, so I knew that I would see him at some point. I am still sketchy about running when it is too dark because the potential of confronting of snakes is pretty high. I don't know what it is, but I have seen more snakes here in the last couple of weeks than I have in years. So I am going to be REALLY queer and post my run in pics. It was supposed to be a long, slow distance...but it actually ended up more of a moderated tempo run. It was fantastic, and I get to this warm and silky smooth place within my soul on mornings like these; when I feel so damned grateful to be alive to smell the jasmine that grows rampant along my route. The honeysuckle are on their way out for the season, so the overripe sweetness hangs in the air like a grandmother's perfume. It's all just so much in it's simplicity, that I can't fathom a greater emotion--but for the love I have for my husband and children.

Treadmill Blues

It's so horrifically hot and humid outside, that I am resigned to going into the gym in a couple of hours to do my run on the treadmill. I also have to do legs, chest and shoulders, so I will be there for awhile. I DESPISE the treadmill. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Have I mentioned how much I also despise Microsoft Vista???? But that is a whole other bitch session I won't subject you to.

I have the saddest of news. Bob and I did not get into the New York city marathon. Bummer. WE were going to defer it, and run it as my 40th birthday celebration in 2009. Who knows, maybe we will make in next year. Bob has done it several times, so I don't think he is quite as disappointed as I am. But oh well, it was only my first time applying.

Even sadder--we have to remove this gorgeous, majestic water oak tree in the backyard. We live on over half an acre, and this thing is so huge, it helps to shade the pool in the summer months when even the pool water is hot. It's root system is growing into the paving around the pool, and compromising the foundation of our house itself. The tree surgeon said that tree could be as old as 400 years old. I feel such incredible guilt about it, but I can't mess with the house. We are going to be here at least for the next 15 years.

I am going to have to remember to take the camera for my run this weekend so that I may post the beautiful St. John's river in all its pristine glory for this blog. If I can get my lazy ass up early enough to get there at sunrise--meaning I will have to run in the darkness for the several miles to the river...getting to the river at sunrise is a sight to behold. We shall see. My only fear is running into another black snake fiesta and not being able to visualize it until I am right there in it.

Kids are out of school, can't say if this is a good or bad thing yet.

Talked to Kathy about our high school reunion this year. I think we may just go.

Lazy Day

I have neglected my blog and my weight training, but that is ok with me! I am still so sore from S3 (my last official class) the other day. Bob and I decided we had enough skill to embark on our own, and apparently others think so too...so they are going to join us. I think that is such a great shot in the arm for my gentle giant. He is the sweetest man ever.

Last night I had an evening out with the girls and I was lured into seeing the "Sex In The City" movie. Two words--IT SUCKED. I can't believe I sat through that mess, and it was excrutiatingly LONG to boot!!!

I am going to run tommorrow...and what I should do is take some photos of my River Road. Despite all the issues with money and life (I may have to sacrifice the triathlon because of the fees), I am loving where I am right now. Loving my solitary runs, loving my family, loving the river and the wildlife who greet me in the early hours (sans the SNAKES, EW!).

My eldest won two major choral awards, and I am so proud of her. I love watching her with her Fender Strat....

ODE to friendship

I don't mention them near enough.

I just want to say that I am OH so embarrassed to have been part of an online community. It can come back and bite you in the ass. I have enough at home and in my own circle of friends, that I can't believe I even put myself into that. Stalkers and such! The internet is such a tricky symposium. No doubt "symposium" is the source for the word "poser". I feel so sorry for the bullies who make that their world. Especially when in real life, they would probably have their asses handed back to them in spades. So be better than that. I know I am.

The lonely and socially inept put their eggs in that basket. I understand that in spades. Be careful. EXCEPT, of course, for the site I participate in with local moms (my friends). That is truth and reality. It is a nice place to stop and be me, and not be "mom", "wife", etc.

My friends are fantastic. They are there whenever I need them. I love being here for them. It gives me great satisfaction that I can reciprocate all the wonderful things I am thankful for each and every day.

I truly am blessed.

Black snakes and the wonder of life.

One of my best friends in the world had probably the scariest experience this Memorial Day weekend. Her husband had a stubborn GI hemorrhage that ~~~AGAIN~~~ puts life into perspective. I love Natalie and her husband dearly, and I am still amazed that a 34-year-old sweet father of one could be on the brink of mortality. I pray nothing but the best in his recovery, and it just goes to show one can never take anything for granted.

It brought lots of memories back of Danny (my first husband). He will be gone four years on June 12th.

Life is so precious.

We have been keeping Natalie's daughter through this ordeal, so Bob suggested we get to the gym this afternoon for some weight training. I am done; rather, my shoulder is done. I am putting my right shoulder on hiatus for two weeks. I know I have arthritis and tendonitis to boot.

SO, the focus du jour will be running. I will log in the miles, baby. But I reverted to recent habit Saturday morning--I ran my ten miles way too fast and found a good excuse to slow down at mile nine. SNAKES!!!!! A SLEW OF THEM!!!! Inches from my final step and when I jumped to safety, I jumped RIGHT in front of another one! Sickening "hiss" and a slither.

Maybe the snakes are tying to tell me something, lol!

I am getting my body fat measured again

I want to see if the S3 training has helped. No doubt I am fitting into a 5 or 6, but it isn't that. It's just that I am so much faster lately. If I can just remedy this pinched nerve in my right neck/shoulder area. It has become such a nuisance. I need to get this taken care of...never been to a chiropractor and I am seriously considering it.

I ran my sweet seven and a half this morning....damn how I love that loop. Total negative split with an easy 10 minute the first half and a solid eight minute mile the second. It doesn't get much better than that. But the pain and numbness from my right shoulder affect that arm, and I have to dangle it every mile or so. It is very awkward.

There is a local 5k this weekend I know I can do well in, but Friday I have my first triathlon ocean practice swim. So it is a no-go. PLEASE G-D, don't let me redline in the water. I can do this. I can do this. Then I need to seek medical attention about my neck and shoulder.