Same Old Lang Syne

As I bid adieu to 2007, I have a little time left to reflect on the year's mussings...

I actually completed a goal. Not that I hadn't before, but was satisfaction in finishing a year's long physical goal. I completed one run event per month, but I exceeded that goal. On the surface one run event per month is tangible, but I had never done that before. The run events included a marathon, four half marathons, several 5ks, an 8 miler, and a 15K. I've exceeded my goal and did a total of 14 run events.

In my quest to complete the run goal, I met many runners, bloggers, and runners who blog. I've met runners at run events who I happen to see every time. We eventually get to talking and always chat after a run event is over. It's nice to see a familiar face. Then there's the internet... Other people would always question my meeting people from the internet. "Is it safe?" "What if they're raving psycho-lunatics?" Meeting all these people was wonderful. I found a very warm and friendly running/workout community within the confines of the internet, and in person these people were/ARE great. I felt very fortunate to have met many in person. We all come from different places, different walks of life, and different beliefs, but the one thing we all share is the sport of running and being fit. It was nice to have conversations about running/working out and not have blank or bewildered faces look back, but a complete understanding about all the things we go through such as training regimens, nutrition, getting a Q time for Boston, our PRs, and tapering. I also was fortunate to get to know a few bloggers who don't run, but who I find intriguing and share the common thread of stuff that happens in every day life. I hope to get to know more of these bloggers in person some day.

My house is definetly a work in progress. The landscaping suffered a bit this past year, but I'm hoping to get it looking more like WOW instead of ick. We did finish off the garage space and turned it into our temporary bedroom. Next on the list, and not by choice, is the plumbing and heating. I wish we were at the point of remodeling the entire house and property, but that won't happen for a few years, if at all. I do love this house, though, even with all the things that need fixing. I feel fortunate to be here.

Family. Sure, there were some bumps in the road along the way, but we all still like each other, most of the time.

My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. Sometimes it's hard to believe that much time has gone by, but it has.

Sure, there's a lot more to 2007 than I listed, but I just wanted to reflect a little. Tomorrow starts a new year, full of hope and a fresh start.

Peace

Do You See What I See?

Would you believe Fisher Price actually makes a kid's digital camera?

These are just a few pictures taken by my 4 year old grandson. Yes, the camera was a Christmas present. These shots have not been edited. I think he has a knack for photography, but I'm somewhat biased.

Peace

Run, Run Rudolph

I just about passed out when my husband actually said that we should plan to get out and do a few runs before we start training with the San Diego Track Club on January 5, 2008. This comment is from the person who would rather sleep in until noon, if given the chance, the one who really doesn't run. My first reaction (in my head) was "where is my husband and what have you done with him?" Instead, I replied with a "you're right, we should get out and do a few runs before then."


Christmas was somewhat low keyed for us. It all started with Christmas Eve dinner at my SIL's house, where all the nieces and nephews attended for the first time in a few years Someone has always been away at college or work, or spending the holidays out-of-state with significant others. My SIL did an amazing job preparing the main course of the dinner, and we all brought side dishes. We came home rather late, sometimes around midnight, and we had to, *ahem*, help Santa put out gifts once we arrived home. I didn't get to sleep until after 2 am. Christmas day started rather late for us. Normally, someone is up at the crack of dawn to open presents, but it wasn't until after 9 am until we sleepily shuffled to the Christmas tree to open gifts. Santa brought my grandson an interactive play kitchen. You put a piece of plastic fruit on the cutting board or frying pan, and it tells you what it is, or it will ask you to put a particular item on the cutting board or pan, then plays a happy tune when you get it right. Of course, my grandson also received more Hotwheels cars and monster trucks, amongst other fun treasures. Santa brought my son a drum set. I am thankful that I have a garage space WAY on the other side of the yard from my house, and that's where the drum set now resides... Everyone finally figured out that I work out and run, so I received some very nice work out/running clothes that I normally woudn't buy for myself, plus my husband gave me a heart rate monitor. Later on in the evening we hosted a casual Christmas day open house for the family. I think we all had a very nice and rather quiet Christmas.

Not much else is going on around here, other than getting organized and getting in gear for the new year ahead. I'm also looking to make a new list of goals for the new year, NOT resolutions. 2007 was one run event per month for my goal. I did that and exceeded the goal. I have some ideas of what I want to do for 2008, but I still have a little time to figure out exactly what I want to acheieve for the next 12 months. I have some ideas.

Peace

12 Days of Christmas

Some things are worth sharing. I stole this off of Kyra's blog.

Peace

Christmas Cookies

Something kinda cute...

Last night I was making cookie dough with my grandson. He was exicted to add the ingredients and lick the beaters when we were done. He knows that today we're baking and decorating Chrismas cookies. This morning he asked me, "Mimi, are we going to decorate the Chrystler cookies today?" Heehee...



Peace

Silent Night

What's your favorite holiday song?

I have many favorite holiday songs but I really love Silent Night. It was one of the first songs I remember singing in a Christmas pageant in the first grade, and now that I'm just a little bit older (heh) it really gets to me in a warm and fuzzy way... Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is also up there. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bells are fun songs. The list of favorite holiday tunes is quite long. Heck... I'm a softy when it comes to holiday music. I usually purchase at least one new holiday music CD every Christmas season.

"Sleep in heavenly peace."


Peace

Feliz Navidad

I'm waiting to leave from San Diego. It had rained the night before and the weather was still cool and blustery. This shot is from the balcony on our stateroom.

First day out at sea. It was extremely windy and a bit chilly out. Even Michael felt the need to hang on to the railing so he wouldn't be knocked over by a strong gust of wind. We spent a lot of time walking around the ship over the course of the cruise, otherwise, we would have turned into slugs!

This is day two, at the first formal dinner out at sea.

It's anniversary day and our first stop at Acapulco! We went on the horseback riding, sunset and champagne excursion. Michael said it was kind of like a scene from the TV show "The Bachelor." They had chairs and tables set up for us with glasses and chilled champagne. It really was very romantic. By the way, the horses pretty much walked, so we didn't become saddle sore... (Everyone who did not do this excursion asked if we were sore afterward.)

Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa - We went with about 20 others on a huge catamaran to a cove to snorkel. It was fun swimming amongst the fish, especially with a few fish who were equally as curious about us as we were about them. We did get underwater photos but those were on a 35mm disposable underwater camera that has yet to be developed...

On the way back from snorkeling at Zihuananejo, other people on the boat were partying. Food and drink were offered and many aboard became rather drunk. I was, ahem, good... I did partake in the festivities but I did not become inebriated.

This is a resort near Manzanillo, where we could have as much food and drink as we wanted, snorkel, kayak, swim, or do absolutely nothing. We kayaked and swam. Oh, and some food and drink... This is a place to keep in mind for a future trip.

Leaving Manzanillo

The obligatory picture of towel origami, which our room attendant made for us.

On our way back to San Diego, they had a Susan G. Komen walk for the cure. It was only a mile walk, which was about 4 laps around the ship. I didn't know this was going to be one of the activities on the ship, so bringing the pink running skirt was purely coincidental. This is a picture of me with the cruise director, Ryan, after the walk.



On our way back home!



There is much more to the trip than just this, and a ton more pictures, but Blogger might explode if I post everything, such as the spectacular dinner and view at the ship's supper club for our anniversary while in port at Acapulco -- it was a religious holiday, complete with processions and fireworks, and let's not forget each spectacular sunsets along the way, dolphins, whales and turtles in the ocean as we passed, and so on. It was a trip to remember.

Peace

I Saw Three Ships

I swear, I did use the treadmill on board the ship's gym! Really! 3 separate times!

We're back from a wonderful vacation. I'll write up a synopsys of the 8 days in a day or so. Today is all about regrouping, going through mail, and doing laundry. I haven't weighed myself yet. I'm kind of afraid to, but I'm hoping the damage wasn't too bad.

Thanks for all of the lovely comments in regards to our wedding anniversary. I'll comment on those comments as well, but later.



Peace

Without Your Love

My husband and I are taking an 8 day cruise along the western coast of Mexico, which leaves tomorrow. Part of the reason for the cruise is that my husband really needs a vacation, and we're celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on December 11. It's hard to believe it has actually been THAT long. There's so many memories from that time in 1982. I recall the weeks before the wedding, when Michael called me from his apartment in Montclair, near where he was attending college, to let me know that he and his roommate went hiking at night, and underestimated the snow on Mt. Baldy, then fell off a ledge, twisting his ankle. I'll never forget when he came home with crutches. His mother just about had a coronary because he didn't tell her about the ankle prior to him returning home for the wedding... Luckily, he had me to lean on after the wedding ceremony, and the limp was just about unnoticeable... 25 years later we're still leaning on each other.

25 years ~ December 11, 1982 ~ 2007

You can show me the way
give me a sunny day
but what does it mean without your love?

And if I could travel far
if I could touch the stars
where would I be without your love?

Whenever I get to feel
down and out
I think about what what you said
and then I give out

If I could fly away
if I could sail today
where would I go without your love?

You can show me the way
and give me a sunny day
but what does it mean without your love?

And if I could travel far
if I could touch the stars
where would I be without your love?

And if I ever wander away too far
you come and looking for me
with open arms

I could forget my home
feel like a rolling stone
but who would I be without your love?

And what does it mean without your love?

Where would I be?

The above song was played at our wedding instead of the traditional wedding march.


Peace

Super Sunny Christmas

Wednesday!

I'm trying to get a ton of various chores and errands done today, so I can get packing tomorrow. I really need to do some sort of cardio before I turn into a slug. We'll see how the day goes.

I had a chiropractor appointment this morning, he made some adjustments which helped with the back pain I've been dealing with since Sunday.

I paid a visit to my niece, who works at the photo department at the drugstore. She helped me with my Christmas card photo and had me out of there in less than 15 minutes. Hooray! She used this picture, cropped it, and put a Christmas border around it:

(Cropping and border not posted...)

We tried the family photo, with all of us, but we all looked goofier than usual, so we went with a picture my husband took just this past Sunday at the park of our grandson.

It's goregous outside right now, but they're predicting rain for the weekend. I hope the rain doesn't follow us on our vacay...

Peace

An Eggnog, Some Mistletoe, And You

I found this over at Smartypantz32, so I just HAD to do mine. I never had myself pegged as eggnog...

You Are Eggnog

Rich, sweet, and probably a little drunk. Everyone who knows you tends to get a little fatter.

What Holiday Food Are You?

It's time for the list of the October winners for:"NAME THAT ARTIST /BAND/COMPOSER/MUSICIAN/ETC." For those of you who haven't played yet, it's pretty simple. I title my blog posts with song titles. Be the first to correctly guess who recorded/performed the song, post your answer under "comments," and if you are correct, the glory, and a little notoriety, is yours.

11/30/07 Red Rain - Peter Gabirel - Miss Rachel

11/29/07 Celebrity Skin - Hole

11/28/07 Cold - Crossfade

11/27/07 Feeling At Home - Anytown

11/26/07 Gold Medal - The Donnas - Barbie2be

11/25/07 One For My Baby (And One For The Road) Frank Sinatra - Barbie2be

11/24/07 Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club - Run-DMZ

11/23/07 Friends - Elton John

11/22/07 Red House - Jimmy Hendrix

11/21/07 I Love A Parade - The Boston Pops

11/20/07 Funky Stuff - Kool And The Gang - Barbie2be

11/19/07 Fill Me In - Craig David - Barbie2be

11/18/07 Pancakes - Tori Amos - Barbie2be

11/17/07 Food For Thought - UB40

11/16/07 He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Hollies - Barbie2be

11/15/07 On The Runway - Sandra Burnhard

11/14/07 Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson - Barbie2be

11/13/07 Beat Of Progress - God Of Blitz

11/12/07 Running On Sunshine - Jesus Jackson - Be A Good One

11/11/07 Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper - Barbie2be

11/10/07 Dreaming - Blondie

11/09/07 Baby, It's Cold Outside - James Taylor, Vanessa Williams, etc... Be A Good One

11/08/07 What I Like About You - The Romantics - Barbie2be

11/07/07 Rest Stop - Matchbox 20 - Barbie2be

11/06/07 Deck The Halls - Traditional - She Do Run Run

11/05/07 People Have The Power - Patti Smith - Barbie2be

11/04/07 Even Marathon Runners Need To Nap - Troubled Hubble - Smartypantz32

11/03/07 Feels Like Today - Rascal Flats - Barbie2be

11/02/07 Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit

11/01/07 Night Rally - Elvis Costello - Barbie2be

Peace

Jingle Bell Rock

I did it.

113 IRENE M 710 48 5/31 F SAN DIEGO 27:26 8:50

I met my goal of at least one run event per month for 2007. This also puts the total of run events for the year at 14.

I ran in the Jingle Bell 5K for the Arthritis Foundation at Balboa Park this morning. I also dragged my husband with me. I'm not sure if they were expecting a larger turn out, based on all the left over freebies they had. Let's just say that we scored on the freebies that we actually consume. It had rained heavily last night night, and the threat of more rain today may have kept some folks at home. It was also a little chilly out, just below 50 degrees at the start of the race. I don't think it warmed up past 60 degrees this morning, but the cool temperatures tend to make for a more favorable run. This was a fun 5k to attend. Some people dressed up in Santa suits, elf hats and ears, etc. I looked for my fuzzy Santa hat, but it's probably in that one box I still can't find. There was a group who ran as the the reindeer and Santa, as a group -- really cute. There were also several dogs with their owners, both dressed up for the occasion. The event coordinators did provide jingle bells that could tie to our shoes, or where ever. It was kinda neat to run to the sound of jingle bells everywhere. I did have a hard time getting warmed up, and even though my knees didn't hurt, they were very tight. I did OK but I hope that SOMEDAY they implement timing chips for all runs, or it should at least be an option. My time on the clock as I ran through the finish line was 27:14, but the official posted time was 27:26. My wireless run tracker had me at 27:26, but that also includes the time it took to get through the line in the finish corral (after the race) AND finding the water table when I remembered to turn it off.

I've found most of our Christmas decorations. There's a couple of boxes I still can't locate. It's not like we don't have enough ornaments, we probably have enough ornaments for three or four 6' Christmas trees, but there's a few special ones that have significant meanings, and I always like to put those out. (I used to do a lot of crafts when the kids were small, and I enjoyed the Christmas crafts most of all .) A tree is up in the dining room, and I'll probably put up lights on the house tomorrow. I still have a rock pine in a pot from last Christmas. I suppose I should hose that off and decorate it, too.

This year my grandson is very aware of Santa Claus. He's concerned about Santa going down the chimney... Will he fit?

Peace