Brand New Day

I had intended to blog before the year was up, but we were going out, having people over, and dealing with other everyday life happenings. I had very little computer time. I think I did manage to stop over at a few blogs to put in my two cents, but I wasn't much in the mood for writing about anything from my end. Not even filler. I was pondering doing a synopsis of 2008, complete with bullet points. I also though about writing out my goals for 2009. I have no energy to do either. I'm still a wee bit tired from ringing in the new year with our close friends. (The food and champagne were awesome, by the way.) The sentiment I've been hearing amongst friends and family is that 2009 needs to be a much better year, and so far, it's off to a pretty good start. I might work on my 2008-2009 lists with in my next post or so.

As usual, my husband and I went on our New Year's Day walk in the neighborhood this morning. Notice the look of utter joy and liveliness on my face. I'm still half asleep... Yes, I did get my hair chopped off. I'm guessing about 4 inches of length is gone. Kelly, my hair stylist, came up with "how about we do something different?" I was all for something different, and she was kind of surprised that I was so agreeable. I trust Kelly. If she thought shaving my head would be the best option I probably would have gone with it. (No, not really, but there's a huge level of trust -- I started going to her after someone else wrecked my hair color.) I do prefer my hair longer, but all of the medications I was on caused my hair to become weak and break off. It's growing back, but my longer hair looked quite stringy between the new growth and the the length I already had. I'm not used to my thin hair, and I'm also not used to this new hair style. It looks better than how it was, though. Kelly and her magic beauty tools helped my hair to appear a little fuller.

Yet another view of Mission Bay:

Before I forget, here's a couple of pictures of the bathroom. Keep in mind that it used to have a cheesy white particle board vanity with a faux green marble sink, light pink and mint green aluminum tiles that should have been replaced YEARS ago. Yes, you've read that right, aluminum tiles. They were gross and falling off. I'm so happy with how it looks now.



I have plans to put in a nicer shower curtain rod that goes behind the arch instead of below it. My family needed to used that shower, so we just put up a standard curtain and rod until I can take the time to actually make the curtain the right way. We still need a towel bar for the sink and a curtain for that window on the left, but the major remodel is done. The glass block window and round mirror were already there.

Monday's song:
Joy To The World - Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Vanessa Williams, Julie Andrews, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, etc. - Run-DMZ

PEACE

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