One Moment in Time

Random


We've had actual weather activity here in San Diego. We had heavy rain, hail, thunder, lightning, and even snow in the higher elevations of the county.  (OK, stop the eye-rolling --  We're not used to extremes here. Even my fruit trees look disheveled.) Earlier in the week it was so cold that I woke up with both cats in our bed, curled up between us.  Normally, having the cats in bed drives me nuts, but it must have been so cold that I didn't even notice...  

We went to a live show for Sam the Cooking Guy.  I won free tickets from Sam's live webcast, via Facebook, and it was sort of a last minute thing.  We had been up since 5:00 am that day and were super tired.  I'm amazed that Hubs didn't fall asleep during the show, but there was plenty to keep his interest piqued, especially the smells of food being cooked and prepared on stage. 

The thing that impressed me about the show is that it was all family/friend based.  His wife was giving out bottles of water to people waiting in line, his sons were filming and taking pictures, friends manned the ticket/will call booth, and his dogs socialized with the audience:

Hailey the Golden Lab working the audience.

I sort of geeked out and waited in line for Sam to sign my book and have a photo op:

I know.  So cheesy.  I look like I'm going to pass out - I was beyond tired and probably rattled on too much about whatever I don't remember saying  when I met him.  I probably came off as one of those weird/creepy  fans.  Oh well.    He's a very cool and gracious guy, though.

"Don't eat bad food!"

Ever try to organize and end up with more disorganization? My son took it upon himself to clean out the shed at the back of the yard.  We STILL have a lot of stuff from when my uncle lived here -- It's stuff nobody wanted. It's rather overwhelming.  It's a matter of determining value, but at this point it all seems like junk to me.  Yes, before we purchased this house there was an estate sale, and we all went through the house for items we all wanted, but when escrow went through, we ended up with all of the leftover crap. I'd rather blindly get rid of it all, not knowing the value of anything.  It's all just stuff. We don't need it. My son did put a dent in getting rid of some things, but there's more of it.  It's just a matter of time and effort to clear out everything, but having time to do so is the issue. It would take a few days to clear everything out, go through it all, trash some of it and take the rest to Goodwill.  It's hard to do when you only have a few hours on a Saturday.


My son and I have been sharing the Honda Fit for a few weeks since the Exploder (AKA: 1998 Ford Explorer) was not working.  The only thing good on the Exploder are the tires.  I was afraid that car would actually explode.  We needed another vehicle.  Public transportation was not an option since you can't transport an entire drum kit on city bus. The intention was to buy a used Honda CRV, a couple of years old with low miles.  I couldn't find one that didn't already have a bajillion miles on it, and I began to look at other makes.  I ended up with a 2011 Nissan Rogue that had only 10,000 miles on it.  It's the basic model, is a little smaller than a CRV, and doesn't have a few of the fluff extras, but it has a decent ride, gets decent gas mileage for a car of that type, and the price was right.  Sold.

I mentioned something to my son about removing the "iRun" sticker from the the back window of the Fit since he'll be driving it.

He wanted to keep the sticker because it made the car more identifiable in a parking lot full of similar cars.  He has a point.


The running continues.  It's not fast, pretty or frequent as I need, but it continues.


I pulled a muscle in my right quad at track last night, even before we started to run.  I still can't figure that one out, other than getting up wrong after the group stretch.  We have a 15K on Saturday.  I might sit this one out and volunteer.  I have a few days to see how I feel. 


Last week we learned of the passing of our dear friend Ann Marie.  She was the wife of Jeff, Hubs' best friend from high school. Ann Marie and Jeff met at their 20 year high school reunion.  The school was so huge when they attended that their paths never crossed until that night at the 20 year reunion.  They came from much different backgrounds and different worlds, but together they were perfect for each other.  Ann Marie never had a loss for words and had to be the friendliest person I've ever met.  At the "Celebration of Life" many friends and family members shared about their experiences with Ann Marie.  Her daughter recalled the several times her mother would go to the grocery store and come home with a new friend, and that, in the teenage years, was kind of embarrassing.  Soon after her daughter spoke, a woman came up to the podium and said, "I am one of those people Ann Marie brought home from the grocery store."  Everyone laughed. That was Ann Marie:  Friendly and always making friends along the way, no matter where she was. Ann Marie also had a deep faith, which is something that I admire since I often question my own.  Illness took our dear friend on February 20, 2012, just 6 days shy of her 54th birthday.  It's so hard to say goodbye to someone who had so much to say.

Me, Ann Marie, Jeff at the Campgrounds near Carlsbad State Beach.

The service was held at a church located in the middle of the Temecula wine country. After the service and reception a few of us went to a winery to reflect, regather our thoughts after an emotional morning, and toast to Ann Marie.  

The view from Bella Vista - Organic Winery, Temecula, CA

It was a beautiful day to say good bye and to remember.


Song from Sunday February 26, 2012:
Hold Me Tight - The Beatles

PEACE

Love Roller Coaster

Life has been one behemoth roller coaster, and this post is full of chiche's.

LAST WEEK

The Job 
In a nutshell, it's not all it's cracked up to be. 

Running
Running is my safety net.  It's amazing how great I feel after a run, even if I run around Fiesta Island, which is considered one of the least desirable routes to run, since it's mostly flat, either dusty or muddy and not much in the way of vegetation, even though it's at Mission Bay Park. After running a loop around Fiesta Island last Sunday, I felt rejuvenated and clear minded.  I think I save myself some big bucks and travel time by running instead of seeing a psychiatrist.

Last Week's Three Day Weekend
It sure didn't feel like a long weekend. I was looking forward to that extra day off, but I'm kind of wondering where all the time went.  So much for feeling rested!

THIS WEEK

Saying Good-bye
I found out, through Facebook of all places, that one of my childhood friends, Michelle, died. We were probably about 8 or 9 years old when she moved into the pink house across the street. She lived there for only two years, but we were inseparable.   I loved her long and flowing blond hair, that parents let her have puppies and kittens, and that she had an older brother and sister who were way cool and popular -- at least in my eyes.  She was equally envious that my parents let me join Brownies, that I had a stay-at-home mom, and that I had a little sister who we could play dress up with.  We were even a few days apart with our birthdays. We wrote letters to each other for years, and then the internet in recent years. She came back to California a few times and each time we got together. We've been through Barbies, roller skating in the driveway, wearing our first high heels, first kisses, favorite music, school happenings, boyfriends, college, jobs, marriage, children and grandchildren, even though a lot of it was in written letter form. Over the past year I found out that she was dealing with liver disease. This disease had nothing to do with lifestyle, but the doctors figured she contracted some sort of virus that happened to attack her liver. She was on a list for transplants, but she lost her battle on February 14, 2011. I found out about her death last Sunday, and felt horrible that I missed any of the services or memorials. I would have dropped everything and flown out to Oklahoma to attend. I posted an excerpt from a song called "Seasons in the Sun" on Facebook, sort of to remember her, even though the song is about wanting to die. It's a little bit cheesy of a song, but at age 13 or 14 we were really into it.  She liked that song just because her name was in it, but we were young teens when that song came out and had little clue to what the song really meant, even though the lyrics are rather plain. I will miss her terribly.

Michelle ~ June 5,1959 ~ February 14, 2011

Work
I gave my two week notice at work.  Yep.  I'm skydiving without a parachute, walking the high wire without a safety net, and  running with scissors.  My husband is freaking out over my decision, but I've been battling illness, a lot of unhealthy weight loss and tremendous stress since November, and it hasn't been what I call a good time.  It's not that the job is that hard, it's just that the way the office is managed is not very methodical.  There isn't the flow that it once had.  They've been through three four staff members since May 2010. No matter who they hire after me, the new person will not work out unless they fix their internal problems. There's a lot of "don't do as I do, do as I say."  I will miss working with my patients, though. I do have other "irons in the fire." I don't want to say anything about the other irons just yet.   I must admit that Michelle's death put a lot into perspective for me, and that life really is too short to be miserable.  I'm ready to turn over a new leaf.

Running
This morning it was raining.  A lot.  Staying in bed felt so good.  After a bit of coaxing, Hubs talked me into going to the track club run in Coronado.  Time was running out.  We hurried ourselves since we were behind schedule and made it out to Tidelands Park to meet up with the track club.  We made there, but missed any  of the warm up or stretching.  It wasn't raining hard, but it was raining enough.  If I were alone I would have run 3 miles and called it a day, but I saw friends who I had not seen in a long time, and  friends who I enjoy seeing every week.  I ran some of the miles with AKA Alice, which was nice because the conversation kept my mind off of how cold and wet it was. 

Running out to Silver Strand was OK, it was the return that was a little rough for most of us. The wind picked up and the sting of the rain was a somewhat brutal. I was wet, cold, my bones hurt, my hips were sore  and I just could not speed up to keep up with AKA Alice, who became a bright yellow spot on the horizon ahead of me.  I brought a change of clothing, but I was so cold that it took hours to warm up after returning home.

Finishing up.  I promise.
My next week is all about finishing up at work.  I don't want to leave behind the legacy of undone paper work that I inherited when I started, which was from two employees ago, and I'm glad to say that most of it IS in order. 

I had a job interview on Friday.  Whatever happens, happens.

Song From Sunday, February 13, 2011: 
Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners - Run-DMZ


PEACE

Christmastime Is Here

Got the tree up! 

 2010

I went for the more traditional tree this year, (meaning: Evan helped me decorate and I pretty much left everything where he put it -- all on one branch and lopsided) with multi-colored lights and old ornaments from years past, not the mostly blue and white glam tree with pearl garlands I put up for the past four years. (meaning: I decorated it by myself.)  Having Evan help me decorate is a bajillion times more fun.

2008

2008

There has been no running since the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll half marathon .  I'm taking a self imposed hiatus from running, at least until after Christmas.  My shins, especially the left shin, were not too happy with me and are pretty sore.   Even though  I'm not running right now, I have been in motion, non- stop, since returning from Las Vegas.  Work has been extremely busy, not just with the work load, but with the physicality of it.  On the surface it looks like I would be at the computer all day, but we spend plenty of time trekking up and down the long hall at the office.  I also try to get out and walk for about 15 minutes at lunch, just to get some air.  I'm also putting in over time hours, which is amazing to me.  I can't ever remember the office being as busy as it is. I still have my Wednesday morning sessions at Rehab United, where there is no rest for the weary, and the assisted stretches (that seem so unnatural and I need to find my happy place) are still part of the protocol.  Needless to say, I'm exhausted.

Jill hosted a bloggers Secret Santa gift exchange.  After a crazy/busy day at work it made my day to receive mail that wasn't a bill!  I was super excited to receive a pair of Dry Max running socks from Ginny at Happy Feet 26-2. I put running socks on my wish list every year at home and at work, but never receive them. I guess non-runners probably think socks aren't that exciting, but I love me some running socks!  I was planning on taking a picture of the socks, but I've already worn them with my work shoes (which ARE running shoes, just black and grey) and they're now in the laundry. :)  Thanks, Ginny! 

In the midst of all the busy-ness, we had to put down one of our cats this past week.  We adopted Cruiser as a kitten from the ASPCA when my son was 4 years old .  My son is now 23.  Yes, 18 to 19 years is super old for a cat.  He was a gentle kitty, but would defend his "family" if need be.  In his later years he gave up being hissy at the dog and they would often just hang out together.

R.I.P. Cruiser  -- 1992-2010

Good bye, ol' man.

Since my crazy week pretty much wiped me out, I attempted to get in the holiday mood by watching Christmas movies while wrapping gifts.  I watched Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Polar Express.  Elf is one of those movies you don't need to think much about, it's just silly with a touch of warm and fuzzy.  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is sort of a must see for our family every year, just because we experienced "Jelly of the Month Club" ("the gift that keeps giving all year" instead of a bonus)  and having the eldest person say the blessing ("I pledge allegiance to the flag...")   Polar Express was my grandson's choice and I actually stopped what I was doing to relax, sit close with the kiddo, snuggle with a big blanket and watch the movie.  Next on the agenda is (maybe) baking some sort of Christmasy cookies.  We made Rice Krispy treats last week, but that really doesn't count.  (PS: Chopped up crispy bacon pieces mixed in the Rice Krispy treats is actually pretty good. - My son's idea.)  

Oh, hold on a second... My new Dry Max socks from Ginny are out of the dryer!

I'm still in my warm Christmas  PJ's, and I'll probably be this way ALL DAY...  HOWEVER, check out my new socks!!!!  Sweet!

Last Friday's Song (December 10, 2010):

Nothin' But a Good Time - Poison - Run-DMZ

PEACE

It Happens

I received almost ALL of my lab results back.  I'm still waiting to do the pulmonary tests in a few days.  Nothing unusual showed up which would explain my fatigue, but I was sort of stunned to see that my cholesterol was borderline high.  I exercise and run on a regular basis. My weight and BMI are within a normal range for my height. I eat really healthy 5 to 6 days a week, with a couple of splurges during the week, usually Thursday date night with Hubs and maybe a one meal splurge with breakfast or dinner on Saturday or Sunday.  I rarely eat foods that would cause my cholesterol to be high, and I eat a lot of foods that are supposed to help it stay low.  I'm perplexed, but genetics is a funny thing.

Saturday morning's group run with Rehab United turned out to be just Hubs and myself.  Everyone else had other plans or run events.  We ran from the RU 2 location near Sorrento Valley Road to the Coast Highway near Torrey Pines State Park and back.  Hubs has never run this route before and I needed to slow my pace so that he could keep me in sight, but it was just as well because of my shin splints.  We ran about 5 miles. Lucy says it was 4.9, but I forgot to hit the start button when we set out.

The novelty for the morning was sun.  All summer our runs have been with overcast skies.  We haven't had much of a Summer this year, and it figures that we're a few days into fall and we get hit with hot weather.  It was inching into the 80s by the time we were finished with our run.  I managed to get a decent photo of this stretch of run along the coast with my cell phone camera:

I almost forgot what clear skies looked like! It was gorgeous.

Here comes Hubs. He's wearing a blue shirt, almost in the center of the picture.

Just so you know, shin splints still suck. Shin splints make it hard to achieve runner's high.

My son turned 23 on Wednesday.  He didn't want a big to-do because he was volunteering at the food bank.  I made him chicken enchiladas with all the trimmings, which he later ate, and we still had a cake with candles and sang  "Happy Birthday To You" because we just HAD to.  Hubs made margaritas because I said he had to, and, well, why not?

Cheers!

Also on Wednesday, Evan came home from school with a different smile. It turns out one of his buddies at school assisted him by pulling out his dangle-y tooth.

I'm surprised Evan let his buddy pull out the tooth since he didn't let any of us near it.

A friend of ours, Tim,  is temporarily in town to say goodbye to his father who passed away last week.  I met Tim a zillion years ago at a church group function while in high school.  We dated for a few months until he thought he found the love of his life* and dumped me. It's just as well because Tim was a lousy boyfriend, but turned out to be a good friend, and I met Hubs through him.  Saturday afternoon we attended  a "Celebration of Life" for Tim's father instead of a funeral.  It was actually quite lovely.  Family and friends met at Tim's parent's house, and three military (Navy) personnel were there to present the flag and play taps. Tim,  his brother, and sister-in-law each said a few heartfelt words about their father, then we proceeded into the house for a reception, and to reminisce while viewing a slide show of happier times.  We were also able to catch up with friends from the past, such as the lady (who was the girl) Tim dumped me for, and other mutual friends. It was somewhat of a walk down memory lane.  It was a bittersweet event, not only because of the passing of Tim's father, but because his mother attended and is dealing with the latter stages of Alzheimer's disease.  It was the first time she had been back to the house in a few years, and will be the last because the house will be sold. It's hard to let go, sometimes, but there are always the memories.

Tuesday's Song:
Push - Matchbox Twenty

PEACE

*She ended up dumping Tim for someone else and got married.  ;) ... and everyone sort of lived happily ever after.  Tim now resides in Texas and is happily married to his  lovely wife Kristi, and has two teen-aged children. Tim's family could not make the trip from Texas.

Your Long Journey

Activity: Run
Date: 11/07/09 07:1208 AM
Distance: 6.08 miles
Time: 1:08:46 Speed: 5.3 mph
Pace: 11' 19 min/mile
Calories: 586

I ran with the track club today, for a change. RU was doing the train run, which is about 16 miles, and I didn't need that many miles. The track club met at one of my favorite places, Tidelands Park in Coronado. Since I have the 5k tomorrow I decided to take things easy. I ran with one of my track club friends, Kate, and we chatted the entire 6 miles. Chatting also prevented me from going too fast. I felt amazingly invigorated after this run, I'm not sure why, but part of it is probably being back with my SDTC running friends. It was somewhat therapeutic and exactly what I needed. This is not to say that running with RU isn't good, because it is, but I'm usually running alone because most everyone is faster than I am in that group, but they're all much younger, too. I am FAR from being the elder runner in the SDTC.

I've been struggling since last week on a how to handle some news I received. My last blog post was a bit fragmented, and just bits and pieces of random things, but I was avoiding what really was on my mind.

One of my closest friends informed me (through e mail) that her only son, only child, passed away last week. Nick was 29 years old. I'm not sure what happened. I don't know if he was ill, was in an accident or something else. I can only imagine the devastation and heartbreak my friend is feeling. We exchanged a couple of e mails since I heard the news, and I've asked her to call me when she's ready.

From all appearances, things were going well for Nick. He worked in the radiology department at a hospital, had an active social life, and was a very caring and thoughtful person. The last time I spoke to Nick was during the time I was in Chicago to spend some girl time with his mom (my friend) and my sister. It was a brief phone call, but he sounded like the same sweet and charming Nick I knew when he was a kid, but with a much deeper voice.

"God's given us years of happiness here
Now we must part
And as the angels come and call for you
The pains of grief tug at my heart
Oh my darling
My darling
My heart breaks as you take your long journey"

Farewell, Nick.
October 4, 1980 - October 28, 2009


Tuesday's song:
Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith

PEACE

Candle In The Wind

Last night I was surfing the net, looking for a few 5k's to run this Spring, and I just happened upon the Jackie Bristow Memorial 5k Race.

The name sounded very familiar.

I clicked on the link and found out that the race had already happened on January 3, 2009, but then I began to read on about Jackie's story and her struggle with anorexia and bulimia. My heart sank. She was the twin daughter of one of my closest childhood friends.

I spent first grade through eighth grade with my friend Joan. We attended different high schools, but we still kept in touch though yearly Christmas cards and though each of our children's births. Even though we've moved to different cities, we still kept in touch. I'll never forget when she gave birth to her full term twin daughters. She was only expecting one child at that time, and hoping for a girl, since she already had two sons. Emily was born and Joan was thrilled, then a surprise happened when Jackie followed, and the labor and delivery team went crazy because they were only expecting to handle a single birth. (Back then, the doctors didn't do sonograms unless it was absolutely necessary.) Her family was overjoyed. Twin daughters!

Joan and I kept in touch through a few phone calls, letters, and Christmas cards. Over the past recent years it just has been Christmas cards with a short note and her children's school pictures. This holiday season there was no Christmas card from Joan, but I just chalked that up to the state of the economy, and everyone seemed to be cutting back on sending cards.

I did not know that Joan's daughter, Jackie, lost her life on January 1, 2008 at age 19 until I stumbled upon the 5k race information last night. My heart is breaking for my friend and her family.




Yesterday's song:
Road To Recovery - Midnight Juggernauts

PEACE

The Power Of Good Bye

It's sort of funny when, as the older you get, most of your birthday cards from your real estate agent, eye doctor, dentist, insurance agent and QVC...

My Birthday is tomorrow, Monday, June 9. I've never had a problem with birthdays or age. I always embrace it. I love celebrating my birthday, not because of parties or gifts (even though those are great) but because I have the gift of life, and there's so much to enjoy.

As I bid adieu to 48, I look forward to 49 with even more gusto. Watch out, world!

Yesterday's song:
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Frank Sinatra

PEACE

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Today I attended an Irish funeral for one of my mother's best friends, Mrs S. The service was beautiful and it was wonderful to see so many people attend. The "weird" thing was seeing all of the faces from years past.

When I was very small, in the 1960's, we lived in a modest neighborhood where everyone knew each other. All of the kids played together, and all of the parents had barbecues and social functions together. Most of the moms stayed home to raise the kids while most of the dad's worked. There was one family who we were very close with, not just in living distance, but relationship wise as well. My siblings and I were about the same ages as their kids. Our parents were best friends, especially our mothers. Mrs S and my mother were practically inseparable. They did sewing projects together, baking, cooking, and most of all... BARGAIN HUNTING. If there was a sale to be shopped at, they were there. Coupons? You bet. At that time, my mother did not drive, so it was easy for her to just walk a couple of blocks to Mrs S' house for a cup of coffee and gossip.

When I was about 9 years old, we out-grew that small house and moved to a new development, to a larger house. It wasn't that far from the old neighborhood, and Mrs. S could drive over to visit my mom, but she really missed being close by. With in a couple of years, the S family moved within 2 blocks of us, on the same street. It was great having them close by again. It was as if nothing had ever changed.

When my mom became sick and was diagnosed with cancer, it was a shock, and especially for Mrs. S. She did keep things "real" for my mom, though, telling her about shopping and bringing her a few things (bought on sale.) After my mother died, we didn't hear too much from Mrs S and the S family, but we would see them every now and then at other social functions, like weddings, and Mrs. S would always say how much she missed my mother.

Today, after the funeral service, we gathered at their house, still two blocks away from where my dad still lives. Many of the old faces were there ~ such as the kids I grew up with who are now grown up and have kids and grand-kids, and some of the neighbors from the old neighborhood who remembered my mom and Mrs. S and their parties. Several people remembered how they would bargain shop, and said if there's a sale in heaven, you know they're both on it. Many faces looked familiar and it took a while to remember the names. Many people did not recognize me, but once they found out it was me, then they went on with stories about my mom and Mrs S. One lady even took a picture of me and my father to send to one of the other neighbors who couldn't attend the reception.

Mrs. S had several recipes that she was known for. One of her grandchildren printed up 3 different recipe cards with Mrs. S' photo on it and the recipe to give out to all of the guests. One of the recipes I do remember fondly. It was her raisin bars. I remember her baking those when I was very small, about 4 or 5 years old. Talk about comfort food. There was nothing like the sweet aroma of her raisin bars baking. Seeing that recipe card was yet another walk down memory lane.

It was sad knowing that Mrs. S had died from emphysema, from years of cigarette smoking, but the reception was full of happy memories of what a fun lady she really was.

Peace

Counting Blue Cars

Upper body circuits with resistance bands - biceps, shoulders and triceps 3 sets of 20 each.

My workout this morning seemed kind of whimpy, probably because we had a hard time getting to sleep last night due to the aroma of skunk wafting through the neighborhood... It sort of figures, though. We're having dry, summer-like weather and I was looking forward to sleeping with the windows open a little. My poor dog kept looking at us, as if to say "do something about that horrible smell!."

I'm also at the feeling very fluffy stage of marathon training. I'm now up a good 7 pounds. It doesn't seem like a huge weight gain but it's making a difference with how my clothes are fitting, especially after a good carb load. I'm also debating trying to fit in another 20 mile run this week. The muscles in my legs are feeling stiff from the run this weekend. I normally do my LSD runs with 10 minute mile average, more or less. I ran the 8k in the 8 min/mi range, with my first mile in 8:54. Granted, it doesn't sound that fast, but I haven't been doing much speed training, so I'm now feeling every muscle in my legs.

Other stuff:
We bought me a new car. We were going to get something like a lease return, but we ended up getting a new 2007 Jetta. I was driving a 2002 Volvo S80, but that vehicle is heavy, has lousy visibility, plus the gas mileage isn't great. I didn't need/want another foo-foo car. Besides, in a couple of years the Jetta will probably be my son's car, anyway, provided that he can pay for insurance and maintanance. I just get to drive it first.

We did say good-by to our beat up 1989 Honda Accord, and donated it to charity.

And on a final note...

A very good friend of mine and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter, into the world today. Welcome Alessandra!

Peace

A Little Fall Of Rain

Today was the funeral for my brother-in-law's mother. My brother-in-law, his four siblings and their families are quiet heartbroken, but the funeral was more of a celebration of life. It was a wonderful tribute to see so many people at the service. Mrs. Johnson was a very happy, spiritited lady. Her home was quite decked out with her antique Christmas ornament collections that she took great pride in displaying. She was working on a family tree project and spent hours on the computer researching geneology. She had travel plans. I didn't realize that she was as old as she was due to the fact that she was so active. She was not outwardly ill. She was 82 years old. She died peacefully on December 29th, while sleeping in her recliner. Rest in peace, Kate.