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

We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place

My husband and I took a mini break this weekend for a concert and overnight stay at the concert venue. It was great. They upgraded our room to a junior suite, dinner was fantastic, seats were 4th row center, and the concert was outdoors and the weather was perfect. We enjoyed the concert - Heart rocks - even after all these years, but the concert seemed too short. The next day we got up and went for a long walk/talk and watched the ships go by. After checkout, we cruised over to the beach and went boogie-boarding, more walking and out to dinner. The two downsides were having to come back home to reality and making the mistake of weighing myself after a long "free" day. I know it's mostly water retention, because I did splurge and have a few drinks at the concert dinner, but it's still brings things back to reality. I know that by Wednesday or Thursday my weight should be back to normal. Hubbie has some things to handle at work, so we're probably not going to leave again until Wednesday or Thursday. We're just going to pack the car and go somewhere, no where in particluar, probably up the coast.

I need to get out and run.

Have a great day!

Peace

EDIT -- I actually ran at the bay around sunset!
Activity: Run
Date: 09/11/07 06:27 PM
Distance: 5.58 miles
Time: 0:56:26
Speed: 5.9 mph
Pace: 10' 06 min/mile
Calories: 534

Break

The dust is gathering where I stand.
Now I know there's a crack in this plan.
After a while there just ain't no more magic, man.
I've got a need
I've got to know
Tell me the truth
Who is running my show?
Tell 'em I'm sorry but I just had to go.
My patience ran out
I've got to run
Out of a habit that used to be fun.
I just wanna break
Shake it , shake it, shake it off
Take off, break it off
Break, break
Break me out of here
You know what it's about
Now let me out
Get me out
Break...
I've got no more respect for the big man
Pulling me down to what he understands
He can't get his mind around no bigger plan.
No one's gonna tie me to this machine
Giving me formula, force-fed dreams
Get more hold on me than it seems.
My patience ran out
I've got to run
Out of a habit that used to be fun
I just wanna break
Shake it, shake it, shake it off
Take off, break it off
Break, break
Break me out of here
You know what it's about.
Now let me out
Get me out
Break...


If you hadn't guessed, I'm taking a break from blogging and posting on other sites for the next few weeks. There's just so much going on between my 30 year high school reunion (yeah, I know, I'm THAT old) , family visiting, run events, work, getting back to serious working out and everything else. In all of the chaos I need to gain some perspective with "people situations" and promises not kept (one of my biggest pet peeves) which I have no control over. I've been conscientious about leaving negativity out of my posts, and if I don't take a break now, my posts will take a very negative turn. I don't want to go there. I like being happy.

I'll be back to posting sometimes after the Fourth of July holiday.

Peace