Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"Drive" - Incubus

Fast check-in.

busy.
busy.

this is for all my awesome people coming to the Rock-N-Roll Marathon here on 1.16.11

HOW TO DRIVE IN PHOENIX‏:


1. You must first learn to pronounce the city name, it is: FEE-NICKS'.  There are other names to learn such as Awatukee (Ah-wa-Too-Kee) but that will be included in the advanced course.
 
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 7:00 pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday afternoon.
 
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 85 mph. On Loop 101, your speed is expected to at least match the highway number. Anything less is considered 'Wussy'.
 
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Phoenix has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, East Valley, SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
 
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.  Red lights and STOP signs are merely suggestions.
 
 6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.
 
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in Phoenix. The detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting.  Cones are there to test slalom skills.
 
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cows, horses, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, squirrels, rabbits, crows, vultures, javelinas, roadrunners, and the coyotes feeding on any of these items.
 
 
 
9. Other things to know:


* Maricopa Freeway, Papago Freeway and the '10' are the same road unless it's the part of the I17 that is also called the Maricopa Freeway.

* SR202 is the same road as The Red Mountain FWY unless it's east of the 101 and then it becomes the SanTan, then it ends, and then becomes the SanTan again.

* SR 143 is a street AND a freeway at the same time. Either way, it's the Hohokam Expressway.

* No one really knows what purpose SR153 has exactly.

* SR51 has been called both the Squaw Peak Freeway and Piestewa Freeway. Depends who's talking to you.

* US60 on the east side is the Superstition Freeway. On the west side it's a diagonal road with lots of traffic lights that's best avoided altogether.

* Sometimes you'll hear things on the traffic reports that refer to 'the inner loop.' No one (besides traffic reporters) ever called anything in Phoenix by that name. Matter of fact, I'm not sure where that is exactly.

* Dunlap and Olive are the same street.

* Jefferson becomes Washington, but they are not the same street.

* SR 101 is the Pima FWY east of I-17, which is the Black Canyon FWY (south of the 101, north of the 101 it is Veterans Memorial HWY) unless you are south of the 202 then the 101 becomes the Price FWY. SR 101 west of I-17 (at all times) is the Agua Fria FWY.

* No one is quite sure where Bethany's Home is.

* Lastly, Thunderbird Rd. becomes Cactus Rd, but Cactus Rd doesn't become Thunderbird Rd because it dead ends at a mountain.
 
10. If someone in a Toyota or Honda actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been 'accidentally activated'....they never use them on purpose.  Ever.
 
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be 'flipped off' accordingly. If you return the flip, you'll be shot.
 
12. For summer driving, it is advisable to wear potholders on your hands.
 
13. It's a sport to make a yellow light from at least 500 feet away.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

"Not Gon'Cry" - MJBlige

frustrated.
confused.
tiny bit stressed.
ticked.
*^&%@.
grateful.

all feelings I'm experiencing [pretty much] all at the same time.

I'm just special like that.

Not that this is the most important one.  But it's the part I'm choosing to share.  Because it made me grateful.  and grateful is way better than the other five words listed above.

Today's long run . . .

not great.

Why I am all of the sudden experiencing calf cramps is beyond me.  I got my 18.5 miles in at a 7:30 pace but it didn't feel good.

The Pita had called as I got into the pool [to ice].

Pita: you crying?
Me: runny nose mixed with a few salty eyes.
Pita: so your crying?
Me: a little.

I went on [and on] to say something like, "I know it's running.  It's not life.  I'm just frustrated with my leg cramps....you know how bad I want this PR.....I'm not used to finishing a long run feeling deflated . . .[blah, blah, blah]

He didn't say much.  Could hear him typing away on his end.  to say he's "busy" at work . . . HUGEST understatement ever.  Told me to stay in there [pool], have a hot shower, eat, dry my hair so I don't get sick . . .

Said, "thanks", "Love you", "Have a good day".

Then I found this in my inbox 10 minutes later.

"I was pushed by myself because I have my own rule, and that is that every day I run faster, and try harder." Wilson Kipketer, when asked if the $50,000 on offer, tempted him to break the world record‏.

He did not write anything else.  day. made.

Do me a favor.  Today, thank someone who supports you & your goals.  Your parents.  Your spouse.  Your partner.  Your dog.  Your friend.  Your coach.  Your sister.



To say we reach out goals on our own . . . . [to me] is a lieI'm motivated.  I'm driven.  But I'd never be where I am today without the support from. my. loved. ones.



I'm "Not gon'cry".  But I am going to be grateful.

Happy Thursday.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

"Girls" - Beastie Boys

girls day.

r o c k e d.

Here's a mostly wordless view.






And this.......

What?  there is a "No photos of Peanut clause" that has been added to my blogtract [blogging contract] .  yikes.

That guy had the coolest hat on outside Costco.

And yes, I'm all about "self-promotion". 

Ask me if I care that possibly you and others think it's weird.........nope. ;)

HAPPY [holy crap it's already] Wednesday!

Two days until my/our Kiwi's arrive.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

"Black & Yellow" - Wiz Khalifa

okay.
truth.
time.

I'm lacking time today.

I think this belt buckle might be weighing me down.  You must check out this post.

Way too awesome.



Got 13 miles in this morning [87% happy with it].  Thanks to the song above [clean version] - this song is working for me right now.
The 13% of unhappy was mostly due to the guilt I felt while running with my Peanut awake and it's "girl's day" today.

So quick post and we will be off.

Got this yesterday from my friend Judi . . . Thought this was hilarious [so I'm sharing it].

Truths For Adults 

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

3. There is great need for a blogging sarcasm font.

4. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

5. Was learning cursive really necessary?

6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment, when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

12. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

13. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.  *****

14. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with a beverage than Kay.

15. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

16. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

17. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in the front.

19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

21. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Happy Tuesday!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

"Just A little Bit" - 50 cent

or a lotta bit[s].

Oh. ya. baby.

It's random fact / photo day.  Because my weekend was a whole bunches of random.

Friday was pretty great.  I mean how could it not be . . . I was wearing my "Duck's" T I got from from Laurie.  Soooooooo, awesome.


What's even awesome-R is that it came with these. 

YUM. 

And get this . . . . looks like we'll be going to the bowl game here in AZ on 1/10.  You bet cha I'll be wearing this top!

I highly recommend these:
Dill.
Pickle.
Pringles.

h e a v e n.

But seriously, run [don't walk] away from this.  Now this is one yogurt container I did not cut my tongue on.  holy. gross.


Saturday.  was not as pretty.  which also means less zero photos.

Why?  I'll explain in [ = ] signs

Tennis with Peanut  = a track run for me. 

A track run for me = an 11 year old stealing my iPhone.

an 11 year old stealing my iPhone  =  me reporting it to a [Scottsdale] police officer who was at the school[Saturday Church gathering in auditorium].

me reporting it to a [Scottsdale] police officer who was at the school  =   he could have cared less.

 he could have cared less  =  me turning into EMZ 007.

me turning into EMZ 007  =  me finding the little brat in a corner.

me finding the little brat in a corner  =  me threatening him to give it BACK to me or I'll walk him over to the police man by.. his.. ear.

me threatening him to give it to me or I'll walk him over to the police man by his ear  him telling me, "my dad will sue you if you do".

him telling me, "my dad will sue you if you do"  =  [well that equalled a  lot of things....none of which I will write. ;) ]

I got MY phone back and I'm pretty sure he'll be on the "naughty" list come 12/25.



In better news - I got my SS gift.  Andrew rocks.  A bundle of Canadian goodness.  Peanut went right for the PEZ and the [uber quiet] train whistle. ;) And even wore the earrings to church on Sunday.

Saturday night was the "grandkids party".  This is just a crazy awesome thing my parents do with all of their grandchildren.  19 of them.

Sunday.  church.  awesome. 

Always love the Sunday before Christmas.

Yes, even though I puked right before I was to help out in the teenager [girls] class acting as one of the 10 virgins.  Yes, I was a good/prepared one......with "oil in my lamp" and a little puke on my chin.  [don't worry, I carry a travel size toothbrush in my monster carry-all {purse} ].

Came home. 

The Pita & Peanut made our house the freakiest on the block.  Very "Griswold" like . . . which. made. me. happy.  It's borderline "ugly"

but.
it's.
so.
freaking.
awesome.

Best/worst weekend moment?  Want to share?
Happy Monday!

Friday, December 17, 2010

"boys, boys, boys"- lady gaga

Email from the Pita this morning.

so I'm posting the photo he didn't want me to.  ahhhhhh revenge.

Take that.

Here's the email:

*How do you turn a fox into an elephant?


Marry her! [he. is. dead.]



*What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side.



What are the three fastest means of communication?

1) Television

2) Telephone

3) Telawoman



*What should you give a woman who has everything?

A man to show her how to work it.


*If your wife keeps coming out of the kitchen to nag at you, what have you done wrong?

Made her chain too long.



*How many men does it take to open a beer?

None. It should be opened when she brings it.



*Why is a Laundromat a really bad place to pick up a woman?

Because a woman who can't even afford a washing machine will probably never be able to support you.



*Why do women have smaller feet than men?

It's one of those 'evolutionary things' that allows them to stand closer to the kitchen sink.



*How do you know when a woman is about to say something smart?

When she starts a sentence with 'A man once told me...'



*How do you fix a woman's watch?

You don't. There is a clock on the oven.



*Why do men pass gas more than women?

Because women can't shut up long enough to build up the required pressure.



*If your dog is barking at the back door and your wife is yelling at the front door, who do you let in first?

The dog, of course. He'll shut up once you let him in. [I'm changing the locks on the doors]



*What's worse than a Male Chauvinist Pig?

A woman who won't do what she's told.



*I married my 'Miss Right'.

I just didn't know her first name was Always.



*Scientists have discovered a food that diminishes a woman's sex drive by 90% ..

it's called a Wedding Cake.



*Why do men die before their wives?

They want to.


*Women will never be equal to men ..

until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

"Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" - Shania Twain

Yes.  It can happen.  Even after the not so pretty moments of Sunday's race.

And yes, EVEN after my totally grown up birdie flip-off.

This morning I am feeling like a woman.

Why?

Well, because of this:



I was lucky enough to be able to review this skirt from "Go Girl Sport". [and meet "S" at the expo in Tucson!]

Now.  Please know .......

I am guilty.

I am.

I always tell others how much I love the skirts they wear.  And in all honesty, I do.  But when it comes to me [personally] wearing one . . . . My little judgement fairy in my brain whispers, "but no one will take you seriously Emz, if you wear a skirt when you run."

[deep sigh]

I. said. I. was. guilty.

I.
received.
I.
ran.

I.
Love.
It.

All. Of. It.

The one I received is the "tuxedo skort" .


I have worn it on three runs [prior to this review].  Longest run of the three was eight miles.

Truth be told, I was concerned about the inner lining.

Even though the item description said:

Don't save this skirt for a black tie event! The Tuxedo Skort is great for racing, hiking or kickin' it at the gym - and destined to be a staple in your athletic wear wardrobe. This flattering design features a low rise waistline with a wide band to keep things smooth. Front and back mesh panels will keep you cool and pique the interest of those around you. Attached 3" inseam boy short has offset seams, sewn outward to avoid chafing.

I was still a little concerned about the "chaffing" as the fabric didn't hug my legs very tight  - - - but no chaffing.  awesome.

It.
was.
awesome.

The Pita gave me flack about it, when it arrived [as was expected - he knew of my feeling towards skirts]. 

But it "passed".

Yes. It. EVEN, passed. the. Pita. test . . . .
 . . .
 . . .

which, well, let's say . . . . does NOT happen very often.

happy.  emz.

Now, to forward a little love on to you . . .

Here's a code that will save you 20% upon check out:  20SHEGO

You can also check them out on FACEBOOK [here] .

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

"She's Actual Size" - TMBGiants

Dawn.


I. heart. Dawn.  Click on her name. [yes, now]

This girl is running 12 marathons in 12 months.

incredible.

I met up with her & Slowmo in Tucson [I sadly only saw Slowmo for a few brief moments but he'll be back to Rock RnR AZ . . . one day soooooooooooon!! ;) ]

I didn't even get a photo with him. boooooo!  You rock SlowMo!!

Found Dawn at the expo.  Loved her immediately.

You bet cha, we met up for dinner with all my fam.  awesome.

Honestly, the best dinner [company, conversation, laughs] I've had in the longest freaking time.

She's not short.  I just like love my heels [yes, even, on race day eve].
Ya, know when you meet someone and the very next day you [and your mom are inviting them to stay at your house come January].  It was one of "those" meet-ups.

Dawn, see you [ & CO ] in January.

happy. emz

Oh and you bet cha I bought this photo.  My parents & family are so proud of me and my adult humor.

I'll get you all a better/clearer version when it arrives but until then . . . .

flip. off.  X.  2






Take.
That.Tucson.
Marathon.

I'll be back, next year.
For the last 10 minutes you owe me.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"It's Tricky" - Run DMC

Well and it's a little sticky, salty, sweaty, crampy, musty & ugly.

But it's also weirdly lovely, pretty, funny, crazy & [possibly my] favorite----y.

In the words of Tone Loc . . . "Let's do it"

The first two miles are crazy.  Like.  crazy.  downhill. 

Now......unless you can run the course or have some insane downhill areas in your neighborhood.  I. have. no. freaking. clue. how. you. train. your. quads. for. this

But if I run this again next year, I'm going somewhere to train.

I'm going to keep this [mostly] simple with little [pace] data.  The numbers show I didn't do it right.  That's that.

Gu'd at 9 [usually wait until 13 but thought better safe than sorry.....choked it down]

Low-fived a male BQ'er at mile 10 and he said the words"We've banked two minutes."  I knew that "b" word    trouble. 

From what I know . . .

you.
don't.
bank.
minutes. 

you. just. don't.

banking = you've gone out too fast/too hard

[yes, my Dad was a real "banker" . . . save. save. save.  It's in my blood.] ;)

Anyway.

the gross. [sorry mom, dad & any family . . . .it's what runners want/need to know]

at 11 ummm had to do the duty. 

I have never.ever.ever.[one more time] ever had to do this during a race [ya, never] so I use my running turn signal and go left off in the dirt about 5' off course [kinda behind a car] drop the pants, turn to see if anyone can see [uhhh ya, hello! like 22 eyes a blaze . . .] one guy yells out"hey Spot [yes, he's referencing my arm sleeves], you are not discrete, there's a P-o-P at 13?!.. [laughs]".

Uggg.  fine.  up they go and I'm running, again.
Get to 13.  feeling.  has.  passed. 
so I pass the P-o-P.

I'm feeling not so fab.  But I know that once I get past 13, the rest is "easy".  But.  I. Need. water. and salt pills.  IT.  IS.  HOT.

blah. blah. blah.  getting dizzy.

[stopping to drink at every station]  I didn't stop once in Portland [yep, my 3:20 marathon PR, {click on 3:20, if you need proof, I clicked on it 44 times already} I did actually run fast back in July, uggg.]. 

what's. freaking. going. on?

At 19. 


I see these:

PLUS.  the.  Pita.  in.  his.
freaking.
happy. emz.

little.  mishap. on the salt pills I was to pick up here but.  it. is. what it. is.
it. was. what. it. was. big smooch to MY Pita.

on. we. go.

oh wait.. ..  .. .. ..

not so fast.

19.2 it's "go time".  Yep, that "go time".

All I could think about what SUARLike WWJDWWSUAR do?

So I went about 7' this time out to the Tom Petty, "great wide open" and "drop[ed] it low". [sorry, I just love that song].

Then the comments came flying in from fellow runners.

The ones I remember:

"at least your a$s isn't white.  nice tan."

"Oh L*rd, why didn't you go off course a bit more?"

"I've never seen a woman [at least he called me a woman] be so blatant about [cuss word]+ing."

Grabbed the biggest/smoothest rock I could find and.......
yay. freaking. me.

back. in. semi-business.

Now here's just a crazy amount of photos.








Toes cramped at 19.5 stayed cramped throughout.  Have a 1" blister from the toe overlapping issues.  nice. 

Toe cramps..............I CAN handle.

Calf cramps.
Quad cramps.
Not so much.

You can't talk your legs out of a cramp.
When they want to collapse.
They will.
And they do.
And they did.

Who walks at 24.1?  Me.

I could NOT physically run.  It wasn't a mind over matter thing here.  It was a cramp taking over my body movements thing here.

It was sad.
It was depressing.
It was what it was.  not. my. day.

I'm to [cuss word] stubborn to keep walking so I keep trying to run.  Each time making it about .2 of a mile before my foot wouldn't make it under my body weight in time.

[don't read this mom & dad]

At 25.1 you know where the photo guy was last year.  when I was all pollyanna kind of happy. [I asked him first] but .......... I. flipped. him. off.

with. both. hands.

Sorry, the Pita's trick is rubbing off on me. [that's my excuse anyway]

I think the contrast of 2009 to 2010. will. be. awesome. to. see.

At 25.5 I saw KP & CP who had their shirts on and had asked the DJ to play "walk this way" [run dmc] for when I came around. 

The "walk" this way part did sting a bit. ;) but it was awesome.  Oh ya and she's the girl I grabbed by the arm at mile 25 at RnR AZ last year and said, "you don't freaking walk at 25".  Yes, my foot tastes awesome though.

I have a girl pass me as my legs gave out [once again].  I let out a too loud, "hell no!" yes, I had a potty mouth this day. 

I had .3 left. 

I was not letting her cross the line before me. 

MY. DAD. WAS. here.  He's the reason I try and sprint at the end

This was going to be ugly.  And it was. [Matty-O, make a comment on my form and I will hurt you.  That right calf . . . . I have no clue how it was landing under my body.]


but. worth. it.


You bet your bum, I passed her.

Done.
3:26:14


But I want to know what this kid was doing?

Pita's long lost little brother?!

1.16.11

you. guys. rock.

and again.
huge "thank you" to my family & friends.

love you.

Monday, December 13, 2010

"That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" - The Smith's

Ever tried to write a "it wasn't too bad but NOT good" Race Recap/report before?!

A lot of typing mixed with a lot of deleting.

Was completely freaked after Race Packet pick-up when I saw my number was "911"
Yep,  9 - 1 - 1.


Like 9-11 [twin towers]
Like "911, what is your emergency?"

Reminded me of this: 911 is a joke - Public Enemy [flavor Flav].

I was happy when the Pita & Laurie reminded me of this song.

"Fire Burning" - Sean Kingston  . . . . . "someone call 911! . . .Shawty [Emz]fire burning on the dance floor whoa!"

Truth be told.  I was not liking this.

I. am. not. superstitious. [ha]

Thanks to all of you who sent kind words through email and in comments.  greatly appreciated.

I did stumble upon this this morning [a la Jason] :
"stotanism"
The definition, according to Mr Burfoot[author of the book he was reviewing], is that stotanism is about toughness, though it doesn't imply an insensitive, superman [I'll add super WO-man] approach. The stotan must be willing to stand on his[her] own, to resist pain, to stick to his[her] ideals. A stotan is quietly self-sufficient. He/she accepts the challenges of training, injuries, races, and disappointments without complaining, because [s]he understands that simply by keeping on, by sticking to the path [s]he has chosen, [s]he will get stronger and better.

* * * * * That last part: * * * * *


[s]he accepts the challenges of training, injuries, races, and disappointments without complaining, because he understands that simply by keeping on, by sticking to the path he has chosen, [s]he will get stronger and better

And.
I AM going to add "faster". 

Because.
I.
want.
to. ;)

So that being said . . . . . .

 . . . . .  .I am hard on myself.

I expect a-freaking lot of myself.
I can do better than I did. 
I have done better than I did.
No question about it.....I'll get that PR.

Real. Race Report tomorrow.  And trust you-me . . . It's a doozy.
Once you add in all the gooey/painful/gory/gross details.

Emz official time was 10 minutes slower than I hoped but 10 minutes faster than last year.


3:26:14

Yes. 
There.
were.
tears.

BUT . . . .

[they were at the hotel. when I was alone]
on a positive note . . . . I didn't throw toss [lightly] my medal into the dirt/grass this time.  yay me.

Got to enjoy being with my friends and family at the finish line. Smelly hugs, salty kisses and a whole lotta [black] RUN EMZ shirts blazing in the AZ sun.
Trying to dance [while experiencing flipping bad cramps] to the "cupid shuffle" with the Pita [pretending he didn't know me].  awesome.

I have the most amazing support group [cheerleaders] any person could dream of having.

I.
Am.
Blessed.

AND

I AM getting that PR in January.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

"Whatever You Like" - T.I.

Fortune cookies.

[mentally] mess me up.

Yesterday's fortunes were no exception.

The first one I opened said this:

Then the second one I opened said this:

I guess this is why they are so stingy on "one per person" at Chinese food places?!

So where does it leave me on this?



Come on . . . it really is somethin' "special". 

Okay, f i n e

I'll sell it.

Soooooooooooooooooooo,

Does anyone know where I can buy a "PR"?

No?!  o k a y .

Off to Tucson.  Happy Saturday, My Friends.

Friday, December 10, 2010

"Posse In Effect" - Beastie Boys

Mooshy, put his beer down long enough to slap me with these questions . . . running edition of "tag".



What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?


This.

Hands down.

A top four moment in. my. life.


Call me dramatic [you'd be the 4,444,444,444th person to do so] but it was a life changer.

Anyone can do a 50 mile run. I just thought doing it with horses would be cooler.

And.
it.
was.

Running goals for 2011?

a 3:10 marathon.

I want to BQ like a man.

It's a personal thing. [don't slap me with rude comments.......ummmmm, please].

Why should a woman get to qualify in 3:40 [for my age] and a man my age has to qualify in 3:10?

I think it's lame.

** So I'm going to BQ like a WO-man in 2011. **

My favorite race?

To date....... Tucson 2009. It was my first marathon in 9 years.

Second marathon over-all. Smiled. the. whole time. I knew I had it in me to BQ.
And I was freaking happy.

Yep, [once again] this was me in this race in 2009 [at mile 25.2]. All. smiles.


Favorite Holiday Guilty Pleasure?

I'm an over-thinker.
I don't think any holiday pleasure should be labeled "guilty".
It's Christmas.
Christmas never  ='s guilt in my book.
My favorite thing to eat at Christmas . . . my mom's caramel nuts with popcorn sprinkled throughout. ;)


Most embarrassing running moment?

Oh you mean other than being followed by a medic with a "5 barf buffer" at Top Of Utah, last September.

Nope, that's about it.

NOW.
who to tag?
who to tag?

SUAR - no doubt.  I mean I put her sticker on my most prized possession.
Caroline - look at that photo with her kids.  Adorable.
Pam - the girl just ROCKED Vegas!
Happy Freakin' Friday!!

"Cooler Than Me" - Mike Posner

So
Somehow
I forgot
to
post
on
this [click on "this" for my menu]
awesomeness.

Semi-plagiarism below:

He does a post called “The Athletes Plate” where he features a girl who loves her buckle, semi-young, up-and-coming athlete and designs a special PERSONALIZED menu for her [or them] using info that he gathers through intense "research" .


Seriously.  Jason.  Rocks.

Oh and he has a shirt too.  because he won it.  From me. [shameless plug].

If you have not checked out his blog yet.

you.  must.

[here] .

Thursday, December 9, 2010

"Shut Up" - Black Eyed Peas

So I got my highly anticipated "SUAR" sticker [a while ago].

and
it
sat
there.

And it sat there.

And. It. Sat. There.

Where do I put it?

Marlene pretty much one-upped all of us with her "go to" place.

Awesome.

I tried it here:

[deleted]

But Peanut and I agreed, it wasn't appropriate to post on my blog. 

So we settled for the EXTREME close up.



Guess the body part?!

Hmmmmm, wonder if SUAR would sponsor me to run a marathon with it there?! [joke.  joke.]

After the hurt like *&#!$*@# band-aid-like  rip-off.

I settled with here. [I don't use that TV.]

Heck, my day starts here!

I'm super happy with it.


Happy Thursday!

"Brain Stew" - Green Day

Mark Gungor - Men's Brain / Women's Brain



Five very funny minutes.

Enjoy.

Oh and I'm a guest blogger.  Can you find me?!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"See The sun " - Dido

Today's  post in [mostly] photos.

Very happy about this:

"See The Sun" on Sunday . . . . YAY me!!



Saw this at the Hallmark I frequent:


I received this from MY Mom yesterday.

Yes, Mom it's the little things to me.  They make me happiest.  It is my favorite Christmas gift.

Got these from the Pita yesterday.  I think they enhance the loveliness of the tree, personally.

Yes, we have a shooting and/or falling star.  I.  Give.  Up.

But, hey . . . . I got this early for this Sunday's little trot [ewwww] run [from the Pita]!


You bet cha' Baby!  "RUN EMZ".  I heart this.

I also hearted the email from a company telling me of my "other" Christmas present.  HILARIOUS.  Note to husbands:  If you buy your wife something . . . . make sure they do not have your wife's email on file.

That was the most awesome email I have ever forwarded.  ever.

His reply, "Merry Freaking Christmas!  SUR-PRISE! SUR-PRISE! sur-freaking-prise!"