seriously hope

I am LOVIN' life right now!

2012-01-24T10:11:00.001-05:00

*note
picture courtesy of punchbowl.com

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

TODAY IS A
PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY

DAY!!!!!

Makes for one happy girl :-)

The Challenge: Week 2

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

So, last week I posted my results for Week 1 of the Do Life Challenge, and printed off the challenge for this past week. It was chock full of awesome assignments about paying it forward, something that I am ALL about. LOVE doing stuff for other people! I was so psyched! And then......WHAMMO.

We've had a bit of a family emergency this past week. I would rather not divulge into details, I'm sure you understand. I will say we are all okay and hopefully on the road to brighter days and I hope you will keep sending us positive thoughts our way :-)
So, I was not able to really participate in week 2's challenge or continue my "4 things". I can revisit a standing challenge and take a look at where I am on my 5 goals for the month:

Pushups: got it up from 15 to 20 in one set.

Goals:

Lose 5 pounds -
January 9 - 128.8
January 2 - 135.4

Keep daily food logs and include estimated caloric intake -
4 days out of 7 ain't bad ;-)

Clean my house -
I DESTROYED THE ECOSYSTEM MY SHOWER!!!!!

Organize my closets -
see goal above....need to seek therapy before I enter the closets...

Walk my dogs at least once a week with my hubby -
My poor Dum Dums. I'm such a bad mom.......But we have been having quality movie time....

So that concludes my update for Week 2. Thankfully, Week 3 starts and I have a clean slate. I didn't do too bad on my goals though...I mean, really. In all honesty, that shower can theoretically be the equivalent of like completing 20 challenges.....

Forgiveness

2012-01-12T16:31:00.001-05:00

If it's one thing I've learned, is that we are way to hard on ourselves, and our punishments are sometimes way too severe. Let me ask, does the punishment always fit the "crime"? And does the punishment really make anything better?

I've found, if anything, it just makes it worse. It's the dreaded downward spiral and it's so hard to dig out of. So, please take my advice and just don't go down there. Did you eat too many M&Ms? You know you shouldn't have. But it's done. Accept that you did and do better tomorrow. But for heaven's sake don't beat yourself up over it. Did you only run 2 miles when you should have run 4? You know what? It's okay! Don't try to do more tomorrow to make up for it. Accept it, just don't skimp out on the next run.

When I was younger, I parted ways with my closest friend. She was a sister to me. Why did we? I have no idea. I can't even remember. But for about five years I held a grudge. I held a grudge for something I couldn't even really remember. It's like that family feud that lasts for centuries and continues even though no one remembers what started it in the first place. I don't know if it was age, time or what, but I found forgiveness for her, but I still couldn't forgive myself. I couldn't forgive myself for letting a relationship so special and rare dissolve into thin air. I wanted to fix it, but I just couldn't reach out. So for a few more years, I dug myself further down the hole. Thankfully, she was there to help me back out.

By holding yourself in contempt, you're only hurting yourself and holding yourself back. Don't let yourself go so far over that you can't be brought back. Forgive yourself because you, my friend, are the only one who can.

And when you can forgive yourself, you can start to love yourself.
And that is when all the magic happens.

The Challenge: Week 1

2012-01-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

On December 31, I signed up for a challenge with the folks over at Do Live Movement. If you're not following Ben, Pa, Jed and crew, you need too. Fantastic community they've got going on, it would be a shame if y'all weren't a part of it! Maybe you should become a member....!

We just completed the first week of the 12 week challenge. By the way, there is no deadline to participate in the challenge, so if you'd like to join there is still time.

This week was about goals, how to assess them and how to actually achieve them. Keeping them small and obtainable is the key. It's okay to think big. In fact, you better! But to get there, set little goals. It's all baby steps. I'm going to quote something from the movie, The Patriot. You may ask, "how in the heck can she quote something from a very commercial movie about the Revolutionary War and make it applicable?" Watch me....

"Aim small, miss small."
People don't expect small changes to mean anything, but when you add them all up, holy cow! You'll be surprised how much you were able to change and accomplish!

There were a few tasks for this week's challenge.

1) Come up with 5 goals that can be attained in one month, and assess where you are right now. Here are mine, and the assessment follows

Lose 5 pounds - I weighed in on Monday at 135.4 (on a really miserable scale that weighs less than what I am, but we'll use these numbers because it's the only scale I have.)
note: this is the first time I have ever publicly said my weight. Might be time to do a before/after reflection....
Keep daily food logs and include estimated caloric intake - I'm wishy washy on the food logs, sometimes I keep them, sometimes I let it go; and I have never kept track of calories. I'm hoping in doing so will help me with goal #1.
Clean my house - I have a new ecosystem evolving in my shower.......
Organize my closets - This may seem like cleaning the house, but everything that you don't have a place for when cleaning your house, goes into the closets. I have a lot of stuff in my closets....and it makes me feel unorganized and anxious!
Walk my dogs at least once a week with my hubby - I have a big yard, so I normally don't walk my dogs because I think they can just run around and get exercise. But they prefer to lay on the back patio. My Dum Dums need to Do Life too! And it gives me and the hubby more time together instead of watching tv or being on our computers!

2) How many push ups can you do in 1 set? Only 15

3) Add 30 minutes to your workouts with increased intensity. If I do any more intervals to running workouts, I might stroke out. So, I've added at least 30 minutes of swimming at least two times a week and have signed up for a yoga class starting next week, because my lack of flexibility is becoming a hindrance to my running and swimming goals.

4) Identify your biggest excuse. Come up with a way to eliminate that excuse. This is a good one. I work full time and I go to college part time at night. I say that I don't have time to do homework, something is always keeping me from it and at times it does. But I don't put it first, either. I don't make it a priority. I'm a procrastinator too. So, a way to eliminate that excuse is for me to own up and stop putting the blame on others, don't let others deter me from my success, to quit procrastinating and make my education a priority.

5) Each night, write down 4 things you did well today
This may have been the hardest part of this week's challenge
Monday - finished a hellish hill workout, planned my meals for the week, went grocery shopping, enjoyed my last day of holiday vacation.
Tuesday - got to work on time, enjoyed time with a good friend over a healthy dinner I made, decent 3 mile run with some hill work, made my to-do lists
Wednesday - got out of bed!, I limited Facebook time, took my 1st swim lesson in a LONG time, completed the majority of my 1st strength/core workout scheduled for my half marathon training
Thursday - good 4 mile run, gave good advice, made amends with an old friend, did dishes even though all I wanted to do was go to bed!
Friday - went to the pool even though I REALLY didn't want to, ate well, reached out to help someone in their journey to better health and put myself out there in the meantime, made some people laugh with this blog.
Saturday - made a healthy(ish) lasagna and it was my first homemade lasagna EVER and it actually came out good and didn't stick to the pan!, helped a runner new to the group get through our long run, registered for the Boilermaker Road Race 15K, didn't raise my voice and kept calm when others did not even though I really wanted to go a little nuts too.

Reflection:
The hardest part about this week's challenge, for me, was the 4 Things. I really had a hard time coming up with some. So, I don't know if I need to do more stuff or be easier on myself. Regardless, I think this will be an exercise I will continue.

I've had a great week training for my first half marathon (The Flying Pirate, Nags Head NC in April), and I think I'm more proud of that than anything right now.

I'm REALLY excited about running the Boilermaker (Utica NY) in July with my sister-in-law and nephew. 14,000 runners in the 15K and 4,000 in the 5K. It's going to be insane! Registration is open if you're interested. It sells out, so don't take to long to decide. http://www.boilermaker.com/ Party at my brother's afterwards, even if he doesn't know it ;-)

The school semester starts tomorrow. So, here I pledge, I will dedicate at least 1 hour each non-class evening and 2 lunch hours per week to schoolwork. I will not let the tv or people deter me from finishing what is needed to complete my studies on the weekend. I need to make this commitment so I don't have a stroke trying to get caught up at the end of the semester!

And there you have it folks. Do Life Challenge Week 1 complete. Long post, I know. I hope you made it all the way through it. Tomorrow starts Week 2. You in??

10 Reasons Why Swimming Sucks

2012-01-06T20:09:00.001-05:00

10) trying to dry off with a wet towel
9) snot bubbles from my nose
8) swallowing chlorinated water makes me have to pee
7) foggy goggles
6) shower gel that smells like men's aftershave
5) dry skin
4) bathing suits that make you feel like you're fitting 10 pounds worth of potatoes in a 5 pound sack
3) doing laps in the lane next to someone that actually knows what they're doing, making you look like you're doing the dogie paddle
2) bikini bumps
1) wanting to be like the person in the next lane over, and willing to do whatever it takes...........

There is a chocolate bar and a jar of peanut butter staring at me.

2012-01-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

Thought you'd like to know.

My Resolution for 2012?

2011-12-31T17:35:00.000-05:00

Is not to make any! Let's face it, we never keep them. We have the best of intentions, but it never fails, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month in...KAPLOWEEE! Our resolutions blow up in our faces.

I've found the promises I make for myself throughout the year tend to last instead of the ones I make on New Year's Eve. Maybe because they are truly changes that I wanted to make. I made a commitment to myself without the pressure of a day or a tradition. To make a change, you truly have to WANT to do it, not just say you're going too, know what I'm saying? So, don't be pressured into coming up with something by the stroke of midnight. If anything, promise yourself that you'll look back at 2011 and see how far you've come and raise your glass as the clock strikes 12:00. And then tomorrow, ponder the possibilities of what 2012 may bring.

So, when people ask you what your New Year's resolution will be, you can say "none for me."

....Except for maybe doing food logs.....(wink)

Happy New Year! Y'all be safe tonight, and I'll see you next year! (i know, i know, corny joke, but it just never gets old!)

Traditions

2011-12-25T20:58:00.001-05:00

I don't remember much from my childhood, bugs my family to no end! But there are a few things I remember, especially our Christmas traditions.

Christmas always started for us on the Eve at Grandma's house. I was too young to realize or understand everything that was going on, but I do know the kids, well me anyway, eagerly awaited present time. You see, every Christmas Eve we were allowed to open one present only, and every Christmas Eve you could count on a new pair of pajamas!!! Pajamas we looked forward too every year, pajamas we would try on and model and then get tucked into bed so Santa could come.

Christmas morning would find mom and dad with their thermos of coffee and us kids ripping open first our stockings and then our presents while the homemade cinnamon rolls were baking in the oven for our breakfast. The rest of the day we would play with our toys, eat cinnamon rolls and watch Christmas movies (White Christmas is still a favorite!) IN our new pajamas.

As we've grown older, moved into our own homes with our spouses, most of out traditions have disappeared or evolved. For instance, Christmas Eve is now at my brother's house, I try to make it "home" every other year to be with my family, and I no longer get my pajamas. I'm not a big fan of change, might be the little bit of OCD in me. Some traditions I've tried to institute within my own family, but without much luck. I'll be honest, it's made me a little sad over the years. I know not all my family traditions could work with my new family, I mean, I married in and they already have their own traditions in place, but heck, you can't blame a girl for tryin', right?

Merry Christmas!!!

So, instead of getting sad, I've realized this morning that I can start making my own traditions...for myself. This morning, I went out for my first ever Christmas Day run. Since I don't plan on stopping running, hopefully this is something that I can do for myself every year. To come off of the holiday stress, to maintain sanity among the holiday hustle and bustle, to ward off the Christmas cookie assault! So, here I am, with a picture to prove it!

But between you and me, I still want my pajamas.

Little Lung's Return

2011-12-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

That title sounds like it could be a movie. I can see it now, the role of Hope "Little Lung" Childress to be played by Mila Kunis....

Anyway. Instead of a really nifty name like "Dances with Wolves" or "Runs with Horses" or "Speaks in Quotation Marks", I have been given the name "Little Lung." Maybe it's not as endearing as some, but it is valiant just the same and I absolutely adore my new name! The last two or three months of 2011 for me have been filled with mucus and two lungs that might as well have been underwater. I have since made a 99.9% recovery and have resumed my workouts and eating ~~somewhat~~ better, just like I told you I would. Here was my pledge list and an update in progress:

food logs will resume (Well, kinda)
workouts will resume (CHECK!!!)
lots of water will be drunk (CHECK!!!!....where's the bathroom?)
meals will be cooked at home (CHECK!!!!....Food for Thought posts forthcoming!)
no junk food will enter the threshold (um....sure?)
I will forego the Christmas cookie bake-a-thon (no bake-a-thon, but I did do one batch, and yes, I ate most of them. crikey.)
I will remain honest about my progress (See bullet points above)
I will hold myself accountable (Do Life Movement forums, a whole bunch of AWESOMENESS!!!)
I will succeed. (Still in process, but I'm sayin'.....OH HELL YEAH I AM!)

Being it's the holiday season, accountability is going to be KEY to get us all through with only limited collateral damage. Have a cookie. Have two, but for heaven's sake don't pull a Hope and eat the whole gosh darn plate!

And with this post, I lead us, and SeriouslyHope, into the holiday season. I am going to say Merry Christmas, because it is the best way I know how to wish everyone the best of wishes, whatever holiday you celebrate, and a very happy, healthy and active 2012. It's going to be a great year folks. I can feel it.

Okay Ma! It's time to put the coffee on, get out my Vixen mug, put the little piece of chocolate on my pillow that's on the blow up mattress.....
'CAUSE Momma, IMMA COMIN' HOME!!!!

Lisa DeFlamingos: 6 Days to Go

2011-12-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my sister AND my mother, I bring you a typical family conversation.

Lisa DeFlamingos: 6 Days to Go: oops. I forgot to do my blog last night. To my avid readers I would like to give you my sincere apologies. To make up for it, I will give...

The Semester is Over, The Semester is Over!!!

2011-12-15T07:19:00.002-05:00

Let your regularly scheduled programming continue. But first, a word from our sponsor....

Test Drive

2011-12-06T06:59:00.001-05:00

Okay. First, you know it's been a long time since your last run when you've forgotten your login to your Garmin Connect account and your watch hasn't been updated since Daylight Savings Time.

Today I was tasked to take myself out for a test drive and run 2 miles to see how it would go. Well. It went. It's amazing how much fitness you can lose in 5-6 weeks! My bones were creaking, my muscles were squeaking, my knees and hips were asking "but...why?" My lungs, well, my lungs were good until about 1.25 miles in. I think I had forgotten how to breath during my hiatus, so it didn't help when the lungs got heavy. A bit of a cough here and there, but no fits thanks goodness.

It may not sound wonderful, but in a weird way, it was FANTASTIC!

You see, I was afraid that since I've taken so much time off, that I wouldn't make it back. But last night, I couldn't fall asleep. I was so excited about running today. So excited that I woke up at 4:30 am, a half hour before the alarm was to begin it's daily buzz. My old routine felt like an old friend; welcoming, familiar, comfortable. I forgot how much I liked watching the world wake up and knowing that I did something good for myself.

It'll be slow going, but at least I'll be going. One day at a time and I will be thankful for it!

This has got to stop...

2011-11-30T22:31:00.001-05:00

This incessant eating. It must end. And what is scary is that I'm stuffing my face with whatever edible thing I can find. It's no particular craving. I'm not particularly hungry. And what's even scarier? I'm not walking or lifting weights; I'm not cycling, swimming or running (sadly). I'm sitting on my arse in front of stupid (but I love them) television shows and LOADING MY FREAKING FACE LIKE A CHIPMUNK WITH ITS CHEEKS PUFFED OUT.

It's time to take a step back and evaluate. I need to figure out why I'm doing this to myself. It's not like it makes me feel good. It makes me feel the complete opposite. I feel like I've let myself down. And the guilt...don't forget about the guilt. But this I pledge to you. I will NOT go back to that size 18 pant. I will NOT let myself be tempted by the temporary euphoria food gives me; it's not real. What is real is how good I felt when I was active and eating healthy; how confident I was and how I felt I could take on the world.

Tomorrow is December 1. Tomorrow is a new day and a new month. Tomorrow I will fight to get myself back. This I pledge:

food logs will resume
workouts will resume
lots of water will be drunk
meals will be cooked at home
no junk food will enter the threshold
I will forego the Christmas cookie bake-a-thon
I will remain honest about my progress
I will hold myself accountable
I will succeed.

"Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, Gobble"

2011-11-25T07:58:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday! It is a day we all should take a moment and reflect on our good fortunes and give thanks for all we have been given. It is sad however, that with many of the other holidays we celebrate, the true meaning gets a little lost. Instead of a day of thanks, it has become a day when gluttony runs rampant and is accepted. And we all participate. Present company included. And for those of us trying to trim down, eat healthy and/ or meet our "goal weight"... resistance is futile. The battle is lost before it even begins. We say to ourselves...it's just one day. What can one day hurt? But one day turns into leftovers the next day, and before you know it, we are fully immersed into our food addiction again.

I had a wonderful day with my husband's family. Lots of laughs, some tears (Granny always seems to make us cry when giving the Blessing), wonderful food. Oh my goodness, the food.

(note: I don't think it's a coincidence that turkeys say "gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble." It's like they are telling us what to do. And we listen. We listen to the turkeys...)

After our first round of vittles around 1:00 pm and a cup of coffee, we recover and what do we do? WE KEEP EATING! Even though there is no room left in our little tummies, we keep stuffing it in. And then, what do we do? WE EAT AGAIN! Golly. Why on earth do we do this to ourselves? Yes, it tastes oh so good...but it makes us feel oh so sick. Then, the only "thanks" we are offering is "thanks" no one vomited on the dining room table (I know, gross, but you know I'm telling the truth!).

And then we have what I call "The Day After Guilt." You know what I mean. Let's just call it what it was...we just had a one night stand with food. You ask yourself, "OMG, what did I do?"

What did you do? You listened to the turkeys....

After 2 trips to the doc...

2011-11-19T22:56:00.001-05:00

So, after my trip to the doc on Monday, I came home with bronchitis, antibiotics, cough syrup and Singulair. Shortness of breath, coughing fits and a very heavy chest sent me back on Thursday. With my doc worried about pneumonia, I was given a breathing treatment, 2 shots (in the arse!), new antibiotics, steroids and an inhaler.

Hopefully my lungs will stay where they are supposed to. Wish me luck.

Can't run if you can't breathe....

2011-11-14T13:45:00.001-05:00

appointment with the Doc this afternoon. Fingers crossed that Frank can fix it.

Trim the Fat

2011-11-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

When I was driving into work a morning or so ago, I had a revelation.

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. Cool, crisp days. Cinnamon donuts with apple cider. And the changing leaves. Oh the leaves! As deep as fire and as bright as the sun. The leaves just might be my favorite thing about autumn. So why haven't I seen them this year? Yes, I noticed they were changing, but I failed to actually SEE it. How can that happen?

I tell you how. I've been so wrapped up in life that I've forgotten to Do Life. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and re-evaluate what it is you actually want....and trim the fat! I had so much going on, I think I've lost track of what it was I really want and what I need to do to get there.

I was taking a water cardio and a water jogging class to help me get used to the water before I started to learn how to swim. Then I started swimming lessons. So, I've been trying to do both with limited time and limited pool access; and getting so overwhelmed that I was stressing myself out so much I wouldn't do either. I was ashamed that I always had to tell my swimming instructor that I haven't been able to practice the drills she gave me. So, I stepped back and looked at what I was really trying to accomplish. I want to swim. I won't get better if I can't invest the time or focus. So, I made a decision. I dropped the water classes. Hopefully this will allow me to get the practice time in I need in the limited time frame I'm allowed. We'll see, but I already feel better.

This past week was registration for next semester's classes. I registered for 3 classes, putting me in Charlotte at 3:30-9:15 pm on Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 on Wednesday and 3:30-4:45 on Thursday. Plus working, plus running/training, plus....there are a lot of pluses! This morning I looked at the schedule. And it's like I saw it for the first time. And then I said...."Am I sane? Do you realize what you're about to do to yourself?" I logged into the registration site and said, "goodbye Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 class!"
Note: keep your fingers crossed that it's offered again at a reasonable time slot in the future....I really wanted to take that class...

There are definitely things that suck that you need to suffer through. But there is a lot going on in my life that may not be a necessary hell. You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be taking a good look at what else I can trim, and not just from my waist line!

TTFN!

Struggling

2011-11-10T10:04:00.004-05:00

It's amazing, really. I've seen myself change, improve, over the course of only a few months. I can't express how pleased I am with my own progress. I became stronger, trimmer, faster......happier. And now, I have to admit to you all that I have not continued with my pursuit of health and happiness. My journey of re-discovery has come to a screeching halt.

About 3 weeks ago, I came down with a simple head cold. No bother, I thought. I'll be better in a few days. The following week, it got worse and to add to it, I was on vacation. Those are two big strikes against what little motivation I had. This week...week #3, I'm still sitting on my butt. So, what's my problem?

I'm struggling. I'm struggling to get back into it. I'm struggling to find joy in anything, let alone getting up at 5am for a strength workout or a speed run. I'm struggling. I'm scared. I don't want to revert back to who I was, because I was really beginning to like, no, love, who I was becoming.

So how. How do I find it in me? How do I start back?

Scary times, folks. Scary times.

Today.....

2011-10-21T13:56:00.001-04:00

we swam. Kinda.

If by swimming I mean ingesting gallons of chlorinated water, gasping and spitting? Yup, we swam.

Maybe I should have flexed.

It's Always Worth It

2011-10-20T21:05:00.000-04:00

You know those runs where everything just goes right? Where you're breathing easy, keeping a decent pace feeling you can just go on forever? Yea? Well, tonight wasn't one of those...

Today I was to do a short 4 miles, and in those 4 miles, run 3 hills all out. Well, those that have run the cross country trails at Davidson College know that there are 3 (+ a few more) hills right at the beginning, and then it levels out into a nice figure eight type loop where you can repeat for as long as you want before you make the trek back. My game plan was to get these 3 hills all out and out of the way so I could settle into a nice pace for the remaining 3 miles. Well. I ran the hills all out and out of the way, but I never did settle.

I was never able to catch my breath, foaming at the mouth and gasping for air! Well, there was no actual foam, but I did have to spit. I couldn't really enjoy the scenery

this was the view AFTER the hills of hell.

goats "hired" to keep the kudzu under control

or watch the goats watch me pass by. I was cold, I was tired, my ears hurt from the wind and I couldn't catch my breath.

At about at mile 2.5, I wanted to stop. Who would it hurt? Who would know? The answer? Me. Then I asked myself. "How in the hell are you going to get through 13.1 miles in April, when you can't get through 4 miles today?" And then I answered. "You're going to get through 13.1 because you are going to get through these 4 today."

So, I put on my big girl panties, picked up the pace and finished my 4. No more, no less, and I got the hell out of Dodge. So. Here I am, alive to run another day. I made it through. It's not always easy, but rest assured that it is ALWAYS worth it.

What makes it worth it? Today, it was a hot shower, jambalaya and my winnie pooh pajamas.

Good night Friends. See you out in the trenches!

TTFN

Well, can't turn back now....

2011-10-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

It pays to get out of your comfort zone...

2011-10-15T21:27:00.001-04:00

I had already planned on a 6.5 run this morning. I had already planned on doing it around 7:00am'ish. What I didn't plan on was the opportunity to take a step out of my comfort zone.

People, when you get down to it, I'm a shy person and it takes a lot for me to go meet people I don't know. Well, I saw a post on a local running group's Facebook page. Normally I see posts like..."heading out for 10 mile run at a 8:30 pace" or "20 mile at marathon pace" or "doing any easy 6.....at the speed of sound". These posts are intimidating! These people are scary! Not them personally of course. I'm sure they are lovely people, and reading their banter always makes me laugh and brightens my day. But let's face it. I'm not near that capablity. I don't have the distance and I don't come CLOSE to having the speed. So...I take myself out and go at my own penguin pace. Except today.

Yesterday I saw a post saying "6-8 at an easy pace". Well normally, their easy is my race pace times a gazillion. And then I saw "10:00 or slower". DING DING DING DING I thought to myself, "self, you should throw caution to the wind, and give it a go." So, though I worried about keeping up and talking coherently while I ran and my normal meet-new-people-anxiety, I went. And I'm so glad I did.

We had a fabulous run. It was a gorgeous day, and this may have been the fastest 6.5 I've ever run. Not in actual time, but the companionship and the conversation made it fly! Then, post run, we sat outside with a cup of java in front of the local coffee shop on a very busy Main St. It was nice to meet you, my new friends! I hope we get to do it again. Good times!!

So, to those reading. Don't be afraid to move outside your comfort zone every once in awhile. Sometimes it works out much better than you expect!

TTFN

Time to hop back on...

2011-10-10T12:44:00.000-04:00

So folks, since I believe in nothing but honesty, I will tell you I had a rough time of it last week. I took a nosedive off the nutrition wagon. Mid-terms just about did me in this semester. At first I thought I was handling it very well, I wasn't freaking out one bit. But then I looked down and realized I was on my third bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch...and didn't stop there.

But that was last week. Today is Monday and you know what I say about Mondays. With every Monday is a fresh beginning! So, to help myself get back on the wagon, I pledge the following:

resume my food log
plan out my meals and go grocery shopping
increase my water intake instead of alcohol intake
keep the splurges to once in the evenings and not once at every meal
keep to my workout schedule.
take my vitamins every day
to honor this pledge until Finals, at which time I reserve the right to take back everything I just said. (smiles)

I'll let you know how it goes....

TTFN!

Time flies...

2011-10-05T22:26:00.000-04:00

Wait...wasn't it just August?

Holy cow how time is flying. I can't believe it is already October. I can't believe it's already mid-terms at school. I can't believe it's only 50F outside and the leaves are starting to turn. I can't believe it's almost time for our annual fall beach trip. I can't believe Christmas is only two months away. As each day's twenty-four hours goes by faster than the day before, it's time to take stock of what we've done before we lose track of what we've accomplished. Get out a pen and paper and write down the littlest of victories and the biggest of goals you've achieved in the last two months. I'll do mine here, in no particular order:

I recovered from my injury and started back to the gym.
I paid my fall semester tuition.
I started my running back at a half mile and increased my mileage to 6.2 in 3 weeks.
I ran my first 10K at a pace faster than my last 5K.
I started to learn how to swim.
I can throw caution to the wind and wear a bathing suit in semi-public.
I quit smoking. (2 months ago as of October 4)
I've been able to drink 80oz of water in one day.
I've been able to go tinkle 80 times in one day (yes, slight exaggeration, but not much of one)
I haven't had a piece of pizza.
I survived mid-terms.

I think that's about it. Not a bad two months! I think you'll find that you'll be pleased with your results too. Just remember, it's not always about the big things. You need to take pride in the little things too, 'cause boy do they add up!

Time to hit the hay. I've got a strength workout in the morning and I'm going to REALLY TRY to do my run in the afternoon. I have a hill workout planned, and it's way to dark to do it in the morning. Cross your fingers for me. There is a reason I do my workouts in the morning...once that clock strikes 5:00 p.m., it's quittin' time!

TTFN!!

Am I okay with being slow?

2011-09-24T09:14:00.000-04:00

I was out on a 5mi run one lovely morning. The temps were not scorching, humidity was not choking and the sun was not quite that high in the sky. I felt fantastic! I felt like I was flying, barely touching the ground with each stride. I remember thinking to myself, "My gosh I'm going so fast!" At that same moment, I was passed by two people. I couldn't believe it! Really? If I'm flying, they must be launching into orbit! And then...I looked at my watch and it revealed to me the Turtle pace I was actually going. But the Turtle beats the Hare, right?

A slow pace just feels good. It feels like I can go on forever. And when I'm done? I have a high that carries me all day long. All is right with the world! But, there is one small problem.

I don't like to be passed, and I don't like to lose. So, how do I reconcile this feel-good feeling with the nice and easy pace with this competitiveness I seemed to have developed? What if I am a one-paced wonder? Can I be okay with that?

In all honesty, I have not done any kind of speed work and I've made all my runs this month easy runs just to recover and get the mileage in before last week's 10K. So can I get faster? It's possible. People say that intervals work wonders. Kelly has me starting speed work on Monday, so we'll see if the legend is true. For now...i'm off for an easy 5m. It's precipitating today, so it looks like I am treadmill bound today. Yes, I could brave the elements...but I'm a weenie baby when it comes to wet stuff falling from the sky.

TTFN!

Run for Green 2011 - Race Recap

2011-09-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 17, marked a busy day in Davidson, North Carolina. Not only was it Green Day, where the Davidson Lands Conservancy brings together vendors and booths that highlight sustainable practices on the Town Green AND featured a release of a red shouldered hawk from the Carolina Raptor Center; it was also the Run for Green - 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Over 650 runners on a beautiful morning in the Piedmont. What a great way to start the day!

Yours truly ran the 10K. 6.2 miles. This was my first attempt at that distance and my first race since my stress fracture. It was odd. I wasn't really all that nervous. I ran the route the previous week, so I knew I could make the distance. I think that was a huge confidence booster right there. It was a little chilly, around 52F, and I was questioning the no-sleeve shirt I had on. I stuck with it though, just kept my jacket on until the last possible moment!

You could feel the electricity in the air. Everyone was chomping at the bit....ready to get on with it! You see, we were all chasing something; a place in the top 3, winning an age group, chasing a PR, running down a nemesis or as one of my friend's boyfriend enlightened ...sometimes girls in skirts makes boys run faster ;-) Regardless...it was time to go! On your mark, set........BANG (or whistle in this case)

So, my running pal, Ellen, and I ran. Fast at first, with everyone else down the quick hill to the 1st greenway, and then we steadied the pace a bit. Faster pace for me, slower for her ;-) The first two miles went by like a blink of an eye. Easy, fun...golly I felt great! Some slight inclines here and there, but nothing dramatic. We then got a nice big downhill to catch our breath...unfortunately, that nice big downhill will end up being the uphill from hell around the 4.5mile mark. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

We started the 2nd greenway, and I think we both were feeling pretty good. Every once in awhile I'd catch a peak at our pace. Sometimes I saw 9:30, sometimes 8:30...there may or may not have been a 7:15 in there for a split second, but that didn't last long! Passing mile 4, I began thinking that I should slow down or I wasn't going to make it to the end. Around 4.5 or so, we met Patrick Johnston Lane (aka: uphill from hell) head on. Or for me, it was head down and truck my big 'ol butt up it like the Little Engine That Could. And I did! Maybe I could have walked it faster, but I wanted to RUN the whole distance. It was my own personal goal!

Now, from here on in, it seems there is nothing but inclines until the finish line. And I'm not really making this stuff up. Good news? I only had one "omigosh-I'm-gonna-die" moment and that was with only like .75 to go. At around .5-.25, I can't help but speed up. I mean...that's what I do. My legs just go faster. I don't tell them too. I think they just want to be done, so they go as fast as they can go. So they did. I even passed someone going UP hill.
So a public apology:

I'm sorry gentleman in black, I don't know what happened, I just started going fast. It was a little rude of me, especially since I was behind you for pretty much the whole race. But, I guess it is a race, and you were between me, the finish line and free beer. Thanks for understanding. -H

Here are some pictures coming in for the finish, which came to be 1:02:11 at a 10:01mile pace. Not fast compared to the rest of the field, but a PR for me, and better than my last 5K pace of 10:35. I'd like to take this moment to direct you to check out my leg muscles. I now have some! Awesome.

All in all? A fantastic day! Probably one of my best runs. Ever. And what makes it even better?
You guessed it....free beer. Cheers!

It's almost tomorrow, already?

2011-09-16T06:08:00.003-04:00

Rewind to July 16, 2011. I believe I was in San Francisco at the Google Geo Summit, and I was stylin' and profilin' looking pretty sexy with my peg leg. I was 2-3 weeks with my boot, looking forward to when I could walk without sounding like a creeper in a B horror flick.

On July 26 and still a creeper, I met with Kelly to go over my "come-back" plan. "Kelly, I'm supposed to run a 10K in September, but I don't know how realistic that is." With neither of us really knowing, there it was on my calendar for September 17. 5K or 10K. On August 1st, I ditched the peg leg and started my way back to the gym, but according to Frank (the doc), still no running for 3-4 more weeks. September 17 seemed far away, yet it was around the corner.

On August 21, I hit the track. Now, 4 weeks and 38.5 slow miles later, it's almost tomorrow, September 17.

Tomorrow. September 17. Run for Green. Time to get excited!

Tomorrow. It's you and me, Mr. Road. 7:40 a.m. I got your 6.2m. You can try to stop me, but I'm coming after you and you're goin' down.

Dear Dad,

2011-09-11T17:36:00.002-04:00

I haven't written or spoke to you in awhile. And to be honest, I don't think about you as much as I used to. I don't know why. I guess I've just been busy with life? I do miss you though. You'd be 68 today...

I really don't like this date. 9/11/1991. 9/11/2001. It's 5:30 p.m. on 9/11/2011 and so far all's quiet and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Dad...do you think maybe you could talk to the Big Guy Upstairs and ask him to make something absolutely wonderful and happy happen on this date? Something that can erase all the sad?

Anyway. I just wanted to write and say hi. I love you and miss you. Maybe you can visit me sometime when I'm sleeping...I could really use a hug.

Love you lots,
Your Pigwart

Running as an Addiction

2011-09-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

Hello. I'm Hope, and I have an addictive personality.

I'm thankful and lucky that this has not led me down destructive pathways as it has for many, but I am an addict nonetheless. Some of the addictions I've overcome border on trivial and idiotic, like Diet Coke and sugar; heck...I'm addicted to chapstick for heaven's sake. True story. If that little tube of lovliness is not in my pocket, and I need my fix...my hands get sweaty, my heart beats faster...I can't concentrate, I'm on high alert and get extremely aggitated. But one of my addictions had become a bit too serious and I had to become a quitter. As of 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011, I have been four weeks smoke free. (YAY!!!)

But I wonder.....have I again substituted one addiction for another? Have I replaced one high for another? Is running an addiction?

Easy answer, and I think most will agree, is yes. Now, we know I'm not scientifically gifted, but let's think about it. After we run for a significant period of time, chemicals are released in our body and when we're done, we experience a feeling of sheer invincibility, euphoria...it might be different for each person, but I'm confident in saying that this is the endorphin rush or "runner's high" that people speak so fondly of. It's truly a remarkable rush. It's...well, it's addicting. We all know it. Now, we may not talk about it, but we know it. Even Nike picked up on it and incorporated it into a (brilliant) marketing tool: http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/if-running-addiction-nike-wants-be-your-dealer-133617

So now I ask....is running a healthy addiction? Most wouldn't think twice about saying "well of course it is!" But let's look at it a little deeper. This rush. It makes us do things we normally wouldn't do. I think my mother would agree with me that no way in hell would I wake up a 5:00 in the morning to exercise. But guess what? 5:00 and I'm up....I need my fix. This rush. It makes us keep coming back, no matter what. I mean we push ourselves constantly, to run further to run faster. We become obsessed with PRs and splits. And then we push harder, punishing our bodies until we injure ourselves. And then we are forced to stop. Withdrawal symptoms set in; irritability, lack of focus, depression. We crave the rush so badly that we may ignore the fact we are hurt, ignore the pain, and in the end just hurting ourselves more.

This is actually a pretty interesting theory I've got going on here and I could probably keep writing on and on. But, I'll spare you! I guess i just want all my friends to be careful. Run. Always run. Please do! But always be mindful that any addiction, no matter how "healthy" you think it can be, can also be as destructive.

Now...I'm off to run my 5.5m ;-)

TTFN!

So...I tried on a pair of old pants last night,

2011-09-08T11:07:00.001-04:00

and they fit. :-)

Food for Thought

2011-09-06T17:42:00.000-04:00

As my mother would be happy to tell you, I'm not really a cook. But, sometimes I come across some things that even I can make! Now surely there are other kitchen challenged folk out there, much like me, eager to travel down their path to healthy living and healthy eating. Those of us with the best of intentions, but not always the best ideas.... So, I thought I'd give Food for Thought a spin. My intention is to offer things I find, some tricks I come across and maybe some great substitutions you can make. Now. I am in NO WAY an authority..I am the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Queen after all, but I'm trying to learn. So...maybe we can learn together? Let's give it a whirl!

Salsa Chicken with Spanish Rice was on the menu last night. After a long day at work, school or errand day, you can't go wrong with this, honestly. It's easy to put together and even harder to screw up. My kind of meal! Now, I prep all my stuff first, like the chopping and the slicing and the portioning and the seasoning and the...well you get it. So get your prep done, throw it in the oven and simmer it on the stove! We've got two recipes we're about to cover, but you can do them simultaneously.

Salsa Chicken
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast 1 cup salsa
4 tsps (or so) taco seasoning mix 1 cup (or so) shredded cheese
2 Tbsp sour cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken breasts and pour salsa all over it. Bake at 375 F for 25 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is tender and juices run clear. Sprinkle chicken evenly with cheese, and continue baking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with sour cream if you want.

hope's notes: I portion out 4 oz raw chicken before baking. I make my own taco seasoning (lower in sodium!) and use low/reduced fat cheddar cheese and usually NOT the whole cup (it's a lot when you think about it!) and skip the sour cream (use fat free if you need it!). Recipe source: allrecipes.com I think.

Spanish Rice
2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup uncooked white rice
1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups water (or chicken broth) 1 (10oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
2 tsps chili powder 1 tsp salt

In a deep skillet over medium heat add vegetable oil. Add rice, onion and green bell pepper. Saute until the rice is browned and the onions are tender. Stir in water (or broth) and tomatoes and green chilies. Season with chili powder and salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Makes 4 servings.

hope's notes: I substitute brown rice. For this, you'll probably need to increase the liquid and simmer longer than 30 minutes. I haven't mastered it yet, so if you come up with a good combo of liquid and time, let me know! Also, I go the extra virgin olive oil route and use water, but if you choose to use broth make sure you go the low sodium route. Recipe source: blogchef.net

Add a nice green salad with fresh veggies and a balsamic vinaigrette, and viola!

For the next Food for Thought entry, I'll try to take pictures :-)

TTFN!

Progress Update

2011-09-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

So. Today marks the third week back to running after that pesky little injury. I had a nice 4 miler on Saturday morning. North Carolina is still a little muggy, but it was a pretty day in the Piedmont. I'm not one for personal photo ops, but I recognize that they add a little somethin' somethin' (and I'm secretly beginning to like it but don't tell anyone). So I may look it, but I'm really not in pain. My hand was all sweaty and almost dropped my phone.

Today? I'm up to 4.5 this morning! (and the crowds roar with applause and cheers). The goal? To run this dag nabit 10K next Saturday slow, steady, healthy and happy. Feeling pretty good people, feeling pretty good!

Now...it's possible that I may have picked up (I hope) a few readers over from the Do Lifers (LOVE THEM) on Facebook. Which would really help since I feel like I'm talking to myself all the time....

So, I'd like to take a moment to say: Welcome, laugh, tell me I'm dork, laugh more, and let us all Do Life together...because THAT my friends, is what it's about, don't you think?

Today I leave you with my Top 5 random thoughts (in no particular order)

Tornado warnings are interesting on a college campus.
Do those Tempur-Pedic pillows really help?
Stability balls are still dangerous.
Did you know that you can make clothes out of thread recycled from plastic bottles?
I love Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. (citrus mix to be 100% exact in case you wanted to send some)

TTFN!

My Feet Had Wings...If Only My Lungs Had Air...

2011-08-21T20:46:00.000-04:00

Today was my first day running after that stupid little fracture. What a beautiful morning it was. I was out of bed and dressed at 7:30, kissed the hubby goodbye and out the door I went. Destination: The track at Richardson Stadium at Davidson College.

It was suprisingly busy for a Sunday morning. I thought I'd have the whole track to myself, which was my intention in case I had a nervous breakdown or something. Anyway, two 'ol Gents were chatting away as they walked lap after lap, another woman all in white walked like the demon was chasing her and another woman ran a lap and would then do stairs, and repeat. Alot. I had experienced admiration in between thoughts that she was insane. But I digress.

I laced up my snazzy new shoes, played with my watch to get all the components to work and the sun began to shine. Very bright.

And then I was off! I can't say I ran like the wind. In fact, if I had to compare, it was more like the doldrums. The pace was slow (very), but the legs felt strong and the foot/toe hung in there. I mean it's still attached so that's good. Today's workout was to be .5 - 1 mile. The legs could go all day; but my lungs decided that they were done after .75. I hung in there for the mile though. I didn't break any PRs or the sound barrier or anything, but I'm a happy girl :-)

TTFN!

While I was at the store...

2011-08-16T13:03:00.002-04:00

buying my snazzy new running shoes, I started eavesdropping on a family's discussion:

little boy: Daddy, Daddy....
mother: Honey, how about these shoes. They look like they may give you more support.
little boy: Daddy, Daddy....
father: Oooh. Those look much better than what I'm wearing right now. And they...
little boy: DADDY!!!
father: Oh my gosh, what!?
little boy: Daddy. You really need to get those orange ones over there. Orange makes you fast and you will win all your races.

I agree little man, I agree. Now if only I can find some sneakers with flames on them....

Progress....

2011-08-13T07:40:00.001-04:00

First, I'd like to send a big shout-out to my big sister, Lisa DeFlamingos! Welcome to the blogging world! Follow her. She's hysterical, mindful and a whole bunch of loveable :-)

And now, an update on progress. I'm two weeks in to my new routine and things are slowly getting better....meaning I can walk and turn over in bed without my muscles screaming at me. So, I'm putting that in the "win" column. I have one more week of nothing but cross training and then we start running . I'd like to think I'm starting to feel stronger, but then again, it has been only two weeks...how much stronger can I be? Anyway, it makes me feel better, so i'll keep thinking it .

Today, I'll close out with:

The Top 5 Things I'm Learning
1) Stability balls are dangerous.
2) Resistance bands are evil.
3) 4oz of cooked chicken is NOT the same as 4oz of uncooked chicken.
4) Chocolate Vitamuffins are a product sent from heaven.
5) Summers go by faster every year.

TTFN!

Getting Back on Track

2011-08-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

So, a bit has happened in the past few weeks. The hubby and I took off to the west coast. A couple nights in San Francisco, trekked up north to a creepy town called Arcata and from there drove close to the Oregon border. Then back south to Mountain View and made some great Pano and Google friends. A whirlwind trip to say the least...AND...I did it all in my boot. Anyway, if you'd like to see some pictures of where our adventures were, you're welcome to take a look! http://www.panoramio.com/user/hopeamber.

I have been sans boot for two weeks now. The first week I had to reteach myself how to walk. This past week started a new workout schedule. I've decided to get some help and enlisted the expertise of triathlete, Kelly Fillnow from Upgrade Lifestyle. Doctor's orders still insist on no running for two more weeks, but that doesn't mean Kelly is taking it easy on me ;-) I'll be honest, it feels good to have sore muscles again! The foot is a little sore and that has me a little nervous, but I'm still "recovering", so we'll see how it goes.

The 5 things I'm most battling are:
1) getting up early in mornings again.
2) core exercises. I still don't have any core, and if I don't have it, how the hell can she expect me to do some of these dang exercises!
3) avoiding my most favorite foods. Carbs and Chocolate.
4) drumming up the courage to do exercises that look really dorky in front of people.
5) I still don't want to clean my house. Can I just throw EVERYTHING out and start over? I need another building just to store all this crap....

TTFN!
(or as Tigger would say, "Ta ta for now!")

Top 5 Good Things About my Peg Leg

2011-07-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

one leg is mosquito bite free.
I get to walk almost literally to the beat of my own drum.
excuse to go to bed earlier (since that is the only acceptable time to be sans boot!).
something about me is a size small.
early aircraft boarding for those "that need assistance or a little extra time"...most of the time.

2 down, 2 to go

2011-07-08T14:13:00.000-04:00

2 weeks in the boot, and I think I'm getting the hang of things. I won't deny I've been out of sorts, but I've come to terms with it.

On one of my low days, I picked up my Runner's World that came in the mail hoping it might pull me out of my funk. This edition did a feature on runners who were also cancer survivors. I say it like that because they didn't want to be defined by their disease. They are runners who overcame hellish obstacles. And here I am, complaining about a boot and a little stress fracture.  It was at that moment I made a decision. Stop complaining!

So, I'm taking this In-between to rest, be a little lazy, eat some chocolate and indulge in some guilty pleasures. I can do this because I know I'll get back on the road. I wasn't so sure I would, and I think that is where most of my anxiety has been coming from. But, I've found myself day dreaming, making plans...BIG plans.  And that is when I realized I don't have to worry anymore.

I'll make it back.

It'll be a long road, but I've got BIG plans. Eager to get started!

But for now.........where's my jelly beans?

And the countdown begins

2011-06-28T20:22:00.000-04:00

Finally got an official diagnosis. Turns out it was a stress fracture. I've been in a boot for the past week....only three more to go.

Now what? Well, I've been taking count of the things that we take for granted.
1) walking normal.
2) not sounding like a creepy murderer with a peg leg in a horror flick.
3) moving our feet up and down at the ankle joint.
4) wearing pants so I don't have to shave my legs.
5) walking barefoot.
6) running.

I miss it. I really do. I'm scared that when I'm healed, that I'll do it again. Which makes me wonder if I shouldn't be exercising/running under some kind of supervision, be it a group or a trainer, someone to notice things that I don't know enough to notice yet.

Regardless, I'm still looking ahead, hoping I can train for the 10K in September. Hoping that I have it in me to get up off my butt again. I did it once, can I do it again? Do I have the will and the strength? It's so easy to fall back into bad habits, which I'm already starting to do. Time will tell, I guess. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Waiting Game.....

2011-06-21T19:36:00.000-04:00

Weeks have passed and I'm still sitting on the sidelines. Everywhere I look, people are running. If I can't get moving soon, I might punch someone. I'm not trying to be Ms. Negativity or anything, but DANG IT.

Dr. Frank ordered another image, a nuclear scan. It better show something that they can fix, or Dr. Frank is the biggest poopyhead EVER.

Something has got to happen soon. My food choices gravitate to pasta and jelly beans, I can't wake up in the morning and I'm beginning to be a bit hard to live with. So, for the sake of my sanity and the sanity of those I love....PLEASE DR. FRANK, SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!

Phew!

2011-06-02T07:14:00.000-04:00

See? I told you Frank was wrong! Results came back and he found nothing...nada...nill. I am fracture free!

He had my heart beating a bit faster, I won't lie. So what a relief. Now, I just need to stay chill for seven more days. I'll take seven over fourteen or twenty-one, that's for dang sure. I definitely need to find some things to do in the meantime though. I went and did weights this morning for the first time in a week, and let me tell you what....getting up that early was rough. I need to get back in my normal routine. That is fo sho!

Staying active and staying positive (and maybe a little ibuprofren) is the key. I've been feeling a bit down this past week and it's wearing on me. Emotionally and physically. But, this good news put a spring in my step...well, with the right foot anyway.

So, for now, I'll be stuck inside the gym but at least I'll be doing something and soon, my training will start. Thank goodness!

He said the F word...

2011-06-01T06:59:00.000-04:00

Fracture. Actually...POSSIBLY a fracture. But as soon as I heard the *f* word, all the bells and sirens started going off and it stopped when I said "DUDE. You have GOT to be kidding me." Yes. I said that to my doctor. He just shrugged his shoulders, said he was sorry, sent me off for some xrays and went on his merry way with me saying "But.....but....but...." until the door closed. Now, I don't blame Frank. I mean I can't really talk him out of the restrictions he's put me on. If I were him, I would have ran out the door to escape the eye darts I was giving him.

So. Here I am. Day 6 of "rest" and I'm going freaking bananas and waiting for the results. Now, I like Frank. Frank is cool. But Frank, I think you are wrong in your diagnosis. We shall see, Frank, we shall see.

Maybe we should start taking bets. Make it a little interesting. C'mon...mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Sidelined.

2011-05-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

I'm writing to you today more out of frustration than anything. I'm afraid my worst nightmare is coming true. Injury.

It all started this past Monday or so. A slight soreness in my foot, more like the ball of my foot. It was a little ouchy, but it seemed minor so I kept going. I ran my normal routine that morning, weights as usual on Tuesday and running on Wednesday. Well, after Wednesday's run, I began to have trouble walking and it has steadily gotten worse. I thought if I just chilled, took Friday off from activity that maybe it would get better and I thought it had. Now today, I'm struggling.

I didn't feel like myself yesterday, I don't know why. But, when I was eating breakfast this morning, trying to figure out what the heck I could do for some activity without doing any damage, I came up with nada. Nothing. And then I knew what was wrong with me yesterday. I didn't do anything! This whole correlation between exercise and mood experts keep talking about...I think they're on to something.

So, what am I battling today....fear, depression and let's be honest...just pure bitchiness. Training starts Monday, but the way it's looking, I'll be heading to the doctor. I'm scared that they'll find something that will put me on the sidelines which brings me to my ultimate fear...if I stop, will I start again? I'm feeling sad, I feel like I want to DO something, but what can I do? Hiking is out, walking is a struggle, the bike is out (pressure on the ball of my foot is like driving a nail in between my toes), the eliptical is out and I've already done strength training for the week. Any more and my muscles will never talk to me again. So, what do I do?

Scary times for me, people. Scary times.

Time flies.....

2011-05-25T13:13:00.000-04:00

I happened to look at my Google calendar and almost had a panic attack. Just as soon as I got used to the In-between (and loving it!), this "10K Madness" training starts in five days. FIVE! Inconcievable. That means only one more run-whatever-the-heck-I-want-too day left! I am beginning to question this decision. Seriously, what in the world was I thinking?! Am I going to be able to handle this Fartlek thing? Can I really increase my speed and do I really want to? I'm kinda liking my turtle speed right now. Hill training? WTF. Am I sane?

Regardless of all the questions and hesitation I have right now, bottom line...I got myself into this, now I have to finish it. I've already put my money down and opened my mouth; and since I said I was going to do it, I have to follow through. I'll keep reminding myself this will bring me one step closer to running the Boilermaker in July 2012 with Mr. Cross Country Runner Extrodinarre, otherwise known as my nephew, Adam (and any other Dunlaps and relations that may want join in the ~~torture~~ fun).

While I still question my sanity, training starts with an easy 3 on Monday. The bright side? That's pretty much what we've been doing already, so that's a plus. Bad news, the following Monday is a 4 mile Fartlek. Once I figure out what that is, I'll let you know.

Wish me luck...and stay tuned. This might be entertaining...

The In-between

2011-05-14T21:06:00.000-04:00

Merriam-Webster defines in-between "as a state or position that is in the middle between two other things." I'm finding myself within a few in-betweens at the moment. In-between school semesters, in-between a crazy-busy time at work, and I find myself in-between running goals. You may have read, I participated in a 5K race a week or so ago, not a great showing I might add. My next running adventure will include a 10K race mid-September. Of course I'm nervous, excited and eager to get our training in gear. But, the training schedule doesn't start until June 1. So, I find myself at a loss of what exactly I should be doing from now until then.

Yes, I need to work on speed. Yes, I need to work on endurance and yes hills are still my nemesis. But all these things will be included in our training plan, a plan created by someone who knows what there doing. So. What should I do?

After that 5K, I discovered something. I'm not comfortable. Not at the pace I've been doing. I kicked it up a notch before I was really ready to, and tried to maintain that. The consequence has been misery.  Nothing felt right and getting 3 miles in was becoming more difficult and frustrating.

This past week, I just ran. I didn't worry about time and I really didn't worry about distance. I simply ran.  Yesterday I did a route that I'd been struggling with, always walking right after a certain hill, feeling like I was going to stroke out. But yesterday, I slowed down and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to do the 3 miles without much problem or discomfort. For today, I planned to do 4. Midway through, instead of taking the right onto Crescent Rd toward home, I went left! Inconceivable! What is even crazier is that after I finished what turned out to be 4.9 miles and was walking back to my car, I realized that I had it in me go go further. I don't know how much further mind you. Just, further.

I can't tell you what an accomplishment and confidence booster these past two days have been for me. So, I've realized what I will be doing in this in-between. Get comfortable. That's my mission. I can work on the other stuff in a month, and I'm not going to worry about it until then.

So if you find yourself in an in-between, just run.

p.s. if you happen to be driving and see me in the road, please don't run me over :-)

Race Recap - Town Day 5K for Davidson/Cornelius Day Care

2011-05-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I've seen better days. It all looked promising with my new running apparel, hot oatmeal and successful attachment of the timing contraption to my sneaker. Pre-race was alright. I was a little anxious....they posted a different course and there was a lot more people there than my first race, but still, all was well. Kevin was happy taking pictures at the Farmer's Market and he promised to be at the finish line. And then....we were off.

My friend, Eileen, was just ahead of me, and she slowed her pace so she could run with me for a bit. 1st mile was good. Imagine my surprise when dude called out 9:35 at the mile mark....11 seconds off my previous pace! I was in good shape to finish under 30. Then WHAMMO. The entire upper portion of my abdomen felt like it was under a vice-grip. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't concentrate...holy stitch Batman. I couldn't stretch it out, I couldn't breathe it out. I had to do walk. Then, when I started walking, ligaments started snapping over my ankle bone. Not an uncommon thing, but not an easy thing to deal with. It would have been okay if I could just relax my entire body, but the pain in my stomach combined with the pain in my ankles...all I could think of was "Well Shit. How in the hell am I going to finish?" I even dropped a few choice cuss words, and I apologize to all those around me...it was a family friendly event after all .

Thankfully, Eileen stayed with me. She didn't have too and I felt bad that she did, I mean, she gave up her own race because she was worried about me. Don't get me wrong, I'm THANKFUL she did, because I don't know if I would have kept going if it was for her. Then we made it to the around-3-mile-mark. At that point you can hear the finish line. Everything magically went away for a second. It was like I felt my legs working for the first time in 30 minutes, and we crossed that wonderful red line...in 32:50-something.

Not the best morning. And I was very disappointed I didn't beat my PR. And then after some reflection, I've come to a conclusion and I said to myself "DUDE! You're still a beginner. You're still figuring this all out, and it takes longer than less than a year of running on a treadmill and 2 small races in the past 2 months. Cut yourself some slack!" So I've made up my mind to focus on the positive:
1) I finished. Looking back, I should be proud for finishing. You see, my abdomen is still in pain. Something must not have been right if it's still being ornery. And I still finished.
2) A hug from a running mate always makes things better.
3) I got a cool shirt.
4) It was another experience that brings me another step closer to being a runner.

So...when's the next one?

Race Day

2011-05-07T07:22:00.001-04:00

So. Today is the day. My second "race". I'm awake, so that's a plus. I've got my oatmeal cooking, so I've got that going for me. I have my running shorts on , sneakers laced and Body Glide ready to go. Hubby is up and out of bed and his coffee awaits. 2 hours 'til the start...and how do I feel?

Excited and nervous, and a bit apprehensive. I know I can finish, I proved that to myself a month ago. So why am I so worried about it? Is it all about beating my PR? Maybe. I can't quite put my finger on it. Hopefully after a few more races under my belt, this uncertainty will go away, but until then I will just try to go with it, eat my oatmeal and be happy.

An hour until we leave. Hopefully that's enough time to figure out this timing contraption I have to put on my sneaker.....

Will it be under 30 today? We shall see....Town Day. Be There!

Are you sure today isn't Monday?

2011-05-04T18:07:00.000-04:00

...because it sure as hell felt like it!

It started with a 5am wake up call to get to the gym to get in my last workout before the race on Saturday. The monsoon was slacking off, but was still raining pretty good so we had to go inside and hit the treadmill. I was still a bit sore from yesterday's spinning deal (worst 35 minutes of my life), I mean whose idea is this cross training thing anyway. So, this morning was a battle just to get 3.1 in and it makes me doubt myself for a good personal performance on Saturday. I'm not going to sugar coat it. It felt like crap. Am I ready for Saturday?? Here's to hopin'.

Then, by 8:00 am I'm in the dentist chair with a screeching drill jammed in my mouth. After a river of drool and a numb mouth, I'm out the door with a temp crown that has be replaced in two weeks (I'm so excited that I get to do that all over again.). I try to make some consultations to find a way to save my plum tree that is about to take a nose dive in my back yard courteousy of the previously mentioned monsoon. I'm on my way to work, without coffee, without cigarettes (today is supposed to be my quit day). I stop at my go-to Exxon that has the best coffee in town....except for this morning. WORST CUP EVER! Now I'm stuck with this stop-smoking herbal tea concoction. Whatever.

I get to work. I log onto my machine like I do every day. Open Outlook and necessary software applications including Pandora. I must work with music. Silence drives me absolutely batty. Then whammo. Pandora....why aren't you working? After a losing battle with Pandora and Grooveshark...I remembered the 'ol stand by: Media Player, it's better than nothing.

So, after suffering through music I thought was cool ten years ago, the day didn't get too much better, but what are you going to do? Here's to a better tomorrow. Cheers!

Let's start a movement. Running Wear for Real People

2011-05-01T19:38:00.000-04:00

Now I know I'm not a big girl, but I'm not tiny either. But when I try on a pair of shorts, I don't need to be lookin' like I got a big 'ole bubble butt or have these things riding up my woohoo. Seriously people. Why don't you make some clothes that are more friendly for those of us who don't have the racer's body? I'm not sure if they're doing it to try to motivate us? If so...it ain't working. How 'bout you design something for us that will make us WANT to put it on and run proud instead of stuff that makes us want to hide behind trees when a car passes by?

I think that's all I have to say about that.

Race Envy

2011-04-30T21:01:00.001-04:00

So....I haven't posted in a while. Okay. A long while. And a lot has happened since the last time I did. You see, a couple friends and I started "running" about a year ago. A minute at first, then three, then before you knew it, we were running for 10 minutes none stop. Now, this may not seem like much but for me it was a victory. I've never been able to run....unless something was chasing me. I've made a lot of progress to say the least.

A month ago, I ran my first 5K race and I had a blast. My numbers? Well, I'm trying not to dwell on those, but if you must know, I finished in the middle of my age group with a time of around 30:06. But, considering I've always run on a treadmill, afraid of the road, didn't walk and no one had to give me mouth-to-mouth, I say I kicked that race's ass!

Today, I had a strange thing happen to me today. I got up early....on a Saturday, and ran 4 miles to get ready for my second race. Outside. With Hills. For those that know me know that this is a personal best and I did it in 38 minutes. I'm kind of proud of myself. I came home and got ready to go on an easy hike with my husband and step-daughter. On our way, we passed runners. Lots of them. Turns out there was a 5K race in town today. I looked at them and I had a wave of different emotions run through me.

I wanted to join them! WHAAA???? I know, crazy. But I wanted to run. Not to try to beat them, just to run with them. I was jealous! I was jealous I was in the car. Then I was happy. I was so happy seeing people do what I'm now actually learning to enjoy. I can't quite describe it. And then I said out loud "that's okay, my race is next weekend." Kevin didn't quite know what I was talking about, but I did, and I felt content.

So, I think my blog will now become a journal of sorts on this adventure of my re-discovery. I'm changing, inside and out and wondering where it all will lead. Next weekend, I hope it will lead to a 29.59 5K ;-)

The Hopester Goes International

2010-07-08T16:28:00.000-04:00

For those that know me, you know I'm a close-to-home kind of girl. Well, all that changes in less than 48 hours. Hubby and I are hopping on that big giant bird and heading across the pond to the place from where the US of A was born. Watch out England! Watch out Scotland! Because here we come!

We came to the decision to take our vacation abroad on a whim. I think we surprised each other when each of us said "Let's go!" No doubt it will be quite the adventure as either one of us has really been anywhere. So, come Saturday we will be Britain bound for a week and a half.

I look forward to castles abound, the British Museum, trying on the Crown Jewels and embarking on my first whiskey tour. Not looking forward to the rental car and hubby's driving.....but maybe they sell xantax over-the-counter there???

wish us luck!

Here's to New Beginnings

2010-07-01T12:56:00.005-04:00

So. I just read a blog that a friend of mine had started and it inspired me to revisit mine. Then I saw my last post was in .........2008? Really? Can that be true? In all honesty, it could...but I really thought I've written since the Wildcat Frenzy all of us Davidsonians experienced in the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. But then again....I could be wrong (and I am, more often than not!)

I have decided to give this blogging thing another whirl. Theme? It might help, but 'we don't need no stinking theme!' The theme is me. The theme is a 30 something finding her way again. Things are getting interesting so hopefully I can keep you entertained and maybe help some other 30 somethings out there along the way. You're not alone! And if you are? Head to the Brick and I'll meet you there! We'll partake in a few adult beverages, solve the world's problems and maybe a few of our own along the way.

So, sit back, relax, read and laugh. Make sure you comment because that's what makes this fun. Got a topic you want my take on? Send it my way, but be forewarned. I will tell you what I think, you may get mad, you may think I'm an idiot, and I might make you laugh so hard you'll pee your pants! I've been known to have that effect on people.....

GAME TODAY

2008-12-06T07:38:00.002-05:00

Okay everyone -
see if you can find me on t.v. today

Davidson vs. NC State
December 6, 2008
Time Warner Cable Arena

Televised on Fox Sports South

GO 'CATS

Top 10 as She Sees 'Em

2008-07-12T09:25:00.010-04:00

Welcome to the first edition of seriously hope's Top 10 as she sees 'em!

This week's edition:

The Top 10 Reasons Why People (like me) Don't Write on their Blogs

10) We are actually earning our paychecks instead of writing sarcastic comments on our blogs. Can we get paid to write sarcastic comments instead??? That would be SWEET.

9) Too busy playing the Never-ending Movie Quiz on Facebook.

8) Forgot our log in to Blogspot due to lack of use.

7) Grey's Anatomy Withdrawal (during the writer's strike). This is a very serious condition. If afflicted, you must seek professional help at your local tavern immediately.

6) Grieving for the cancellation of Deadwood.

5) Imagination dysfunction

4) Fear - People may discover our talent and are afraid the fame will go straight to our heads.

3) Serious addiction to Netflix.

2) Short term memory loss - forgot we started a blog....

1) Does anyone really read this stupid thing?

This Just In.......

2008-07-11T11:37:00.003-04:00

My fellow TV peeps.....you're not going to believe this! Scott Bakula is back on the tube!!!

According to TVGuide.com, TNT has cast him along side Ray Romano and Andre Braugher in a new drama Men of a Certain Age.

The top 5 reasons I will give this show a chance

1) I am in love with Scott Bakula
2) Ray Romano. In a drama? Very interesting....
3) It's time the "Everyone" loves someone else....like Scott Bakula
4) Ziggy is bound to make a cameo apperance
5) Sinbad may come back for a football reunion???

For more on their scoop, visit http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Casting-News-Scott/800043051

Coming Soon.............

2008-07-09T15:16:00.000-04:00

A new post. Guaranteed. Really. I'm not kidding!

It's still a Great Day to be a Wildcat

2008-03-30T20:52:00.003-04:00

so, there weren't any honking horns on my way home tonight. There should have been. Wildcats came within two points. With other Elite 8 blow outs that occured last night and tonight, we only came within two. Just ten more seconds......that's all we needed for a three or to force the game into overtime, and then it would have been ours. What other defeated Elite 8 team can say that? NONE. Hell of a game from our boys in Red. I couldn't be prouder, a little sad I have to admit, but PROUD.

I have never cried at the end of a basketball game until tonight. Only because they deserved to win and I feel bad that Jason, Thomas, and Boris's collegiate career had to end tonight. But guys....you did us proud. I hope you can remember and take with you the inspiration you had given those who didn't have any, and gave us all a dream we could believe in, and still can for time to come. THE MAJ-S-T (and B for Bryant!) EXPRESS....you've given me the hope and inspiration that I have lacked for a very long time.

YOU Can do ALL things!!!!

I hope they make them eat their words.

2008-03-30T10:55:00.005-04:00

Kansas Jayhawks....blah blah blah. Picked to win by 10 blah blah blah.

Okay, so I'm supposed to be studying for my class tomorrow night, but I just can't seem to tear my eyes of the tv or my fingers off the blogs and the news. I keep looking at the clock, counting down the hours, the minutes, yes the seconds until tip off. I don't claim to know much about basketball, but I know enough to get by. But what I do know is that you CAN NOT dismiss this Davidson Team.

I've been watching this stupid, yes stupid, CBS College Sports show all morning. They had highlights from Saturday's games, of course everyone is in love with Tyler Hansbrough; they had a big interview with Memphis on tonight's match up with Texas; and here I am, eyes glued waiting for our game breakdown, Davidson vs. jayhawks....

You know what I saw? About 2 lousy minutes with a bunch of Kansas vs. Villanova clips. Haven't they figured it out yet? Have they not learned anything????? 8 seed down, 2 seed down, 3 seed down.......

Kansas Jayhawks......blah blah blah

Time for me to done on my "It's a great day to be a Wildcat shirt", my red hat. Get ready for dinner at Grandma's (her "dinner" is lunchtime. Being from the north, it took me awhile to understand that....) and then I'm gone to grab my seat front and center at the Brickhouse Tavern. If you're in town...stop by and say hello, (I might let you buy me a beverage!) and understand what makes the College, the Town and Davidsonians so great!!!

GO 'CATS!!!!!!!!

I knew Wildcats liked to eat Badgers......

2008-03-28T22:47:00.003-04:00

Wisconsin Who? and Where is that exactly? Who knows. Who cares? Not I.

I just witnessed the most fantastic basketball game of all time. And if people don't know where Davidson is now, or have an idea of what Davidson College is all about, then I pity you. I wish you could have been with me on my way home from the Brickhouse Tavern. I wish you could hear all the horns honking. I was one of them. I saw people walking down the street. I didn't know who they were, but I saw them wearing Davidson red and I knew. I honked my horn, hand out the window, and you know what? They screamed and waved back. That is what is so special about this town and this TEAM. They are bringing a close knit town even closer. It feels like we are on the court with them, we feel, we scream. Hell, you would think that crowd at the Brick was there in Detroit. Screaming, "Lets Go Wildcats", "DAV-ID-SON"!!!! I wish you could have been there. I don't think I have ever been a part of something so special, so amazing, so inspiring. Davidson Darlings? Cinderella Story? Glass Slipper? None of those fit, because this team deserves to be there. Kansas......you better run 'cause I'm not sure you can stop JAMST Express. Jason, Andrew, Max, Stephen and Thomas. Bryant, I would have put you in there took, but I couldn't make the acronym work (as well as it did anyway!) 'CATS, I love you all, and you are the spirit, heart, and the breath of this town!

Around the sets....

2007-08-30T13:17:00.000-04:00

So, I've come across some scoop and casting news that you may or may not be interested in, but thought I would share anyway!

Dancing with the Stars
Returning pro's with 1 new addition:
Cheryl Burke, Edyta S(don't know how to spell it...) you remember, she danced with Cliff from Cheers!, Kym Johnson (the cutie petutie from down under), Karina Smirnoff, Tony Dovolani, Jonathan Roberts, Maks, and last season's newcomer, Julianne Hough. Her brother Derek will be joinging the team this year. It think I'm still missing 2 pros? Oh well.

The stars:
Melanie Brown (Scary Spice?)
Sabrina Bryan (sorry, never heard of her)
Helio Castroneves (Indy driver)
Mark Cuban (don't know him, think he's a NBA team owner)
Jennie Garth (back to 90210)
Josie Maran (??)
Cameron Mathison (is this Ryan from AMC?)
Wayne Newton (get outta town!!!)
Marie Osmond (oh, please....)
Albert Reed (??)
Jane Seymour (has Dr. Quinn cut her hair yet?)

Should prove to be an interesting season......

Grey's News:
Burke's momma will be back (loved her!!) and also, I guess George will be joining the interns again for another round.

That's all I got for now. Catch 'ya on the flip side!

Long time, no post...........................

2007-08-15T11:54:00.000-04:00

So, I'm not sure how many people out there even read this thing. But to those loyal readers, please accept my sincerest apologies for neglecting you. The important thing now is that seriously hope is back on-line!

What have I been up to all summer? I've been in deep mourning for Christina and Burke, for Mer and Der, for George and Izzie, for Alex and Ava, for the Chief and Adele, for Addison leaving (after further contemplation, I have decided that I will be a loyal watcher of Private Practice premiering on 9/26 if I can get my husband to buy me DVR for my birthday). I have faced my grief and am ready to join the staff of Seattle Grace in the coming season's adventures. MARK YOUR CALENDARS the premiere date is Thursday September 27.

What else have I been up to? Just finished my summer course at UNCC, and after only a week off, I start back on Monday. I will be attempting two courses this fall semester, so wish me luck. I bowled in the USBC Women's Nationals in June and my team came in 116 in Division III. I think I might get $20 bucks out of it, so that's a plus! I have received my copy of Deathly Hallows, but I have not read it yet. Why you ask? Because I don't want it to end! I've started rereading Goblet of Fire and will continue to Order and Half Blood Prince. Then, I'll read the last of Harry Potter, maybe. I'm trying to make it last as long as possible!

With that, I leave you, but I promise to keep writing, as long as you promise to keep reading!

And an eerie quiet falls over campus

2007-03-15T14:40:00.000-04:00

So, the 'Cats have fallen. Losing to the Terrapins 82-70. An amazing and exciting game. The lead had switched hands many times in the first half, Davidson never letting them get more than 4 points ahead. Then the 2nd half came down to the last 10 minutes spelling foul trouble for the Wildcats. Alas, losing the game by 12. I am, however, proud of these players for what they do on the court and off. Way to go 'Cats!!! We are with you all the way.

a quick note...

2007-03-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

To my few, but loyal, readers. My sincerest apologies for neglecting seriously hope. I have been diligently working on my mid-term essay, which I handed in last night. WOOHOO!!!! It's a little on the lengthy side, but good in content. I think anyway. I won't know for 2 weeks if my instructor thinks so, too!

Anyway - need to make this quick. 2 thoughts.

1) Davidson Wildcats vs Maryland Terrapins. 12:20 p.m. TODAY. Watch and cheer on the 'Cats through their first round game of the NCAA Big Dance!!!

2) So Claire is Jack's half sister. Go Figure. Next week - the wheelchair mystery is revealed!!!

Gotta run. I need to get my work done so I can watch the game!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO 'CATS!!!!! Do us proud.

Sometimes a Miracle

2007-02-25T18:33:00.000-05:00

I was never a big "Denny fan" until tonight. When he and Izzie touched before he walked into the light, gave me shivers (along with tears). Of course, by that time I was crying rivers of tears. Did you know that there is now a new body of water named the Hopean Sea??? See? come to seriously hope and you learn new stuff like this!

Some of my co-workers and my mother don't particularly like Meredith. I will admit that she does get on my nerves sometimes. But, what makes her character so great, is that she is the embodiment of the "dark and twisty" in all of us. And it is just as Alex had said, "Meredith always makes me think - screwed up people have a chance." It's true. We cheer for her because there is a little piece of each one of us in her. Now, some may contribute more pieces than others.........

I can't get into the whole episode (since I have just recently recovered!) but I will give some of my highlights:

Derek telling off Meredith's mother.
Addison demanding Derek to pull it together.
Christina going on a shopping spree at the 99 cent store and then showing Joe her goodies while coping (getting hammered)
Burke telling Christina to be there to say goodbye to her friend.
Callie should have hit Izzie.
The Chief saying goodbye to Ellis Grey.
Ellis finally telling her daughter that she was anything but ordinary.

Now, these are only a few points. The entire episode was great. The entire arc was superb. Way to go Shonda and the rest of the Grey's Anatomy crew for an AMAZING ride! Because I said this and I completely adore all of you, I can say:

I BEG YOU. NO SPIN OFF.

And that will conclude this edition of seriously hope. Now, I don't think there is a new episode this week, but I'm sure I'll find something to talk about! I hope you'll join me!

I need to vent.

2007-02-21T21:45:00.000-05:00

I don't know if anyone really reads these. But I'm having an issue.

I understand I look young. I normally don't get upset when I get carded for things. In fact, I usually have my license ready for them. So yes, I understand I look young. But when a store associate takes 5 minutes to look at my id, then ask me how old I am, rub my license to see if it's a fake, and then proceed to ask me for additional forms of ID, and then takes another 5 minutes to determine if I am at least eighteen years old, it does not make me a happy camper.

Now I have to go search my empty fridge for something to eat before LOST comes on.

Good tidings to y'all. Thanks for listening.

Drowning on Dry Land

2007-02-15T22:02:00.000-05:00

Holy Shit.

Can they really do this to us? Can they really take the Grey out of the Anatomy? I still can't see straight, my eyes are blurry from the tears, and my head is starting to hurt. I can't even comment. I can't even be my witty self. Shonda Rhimes, what have you done!!!!!!!!! And how do you expect us to wait until next week. How much more can these interns take? Is there a show with out Meredith? How can this happen. To many questions, to many emotions, and Denny is back. And the cutie pie, Dillon I think his name was, is back. You remember him. He's the one that got blown to smithers from the bomb they extracted from the dude's body cavity. You know, the two episode arc after the Super Bowl last year. They are back. So you know what that means. That Meredith is on her way to those Pearly Gates. Will Denny tell her that there is still work to be done on earth? That she can't leave Derek yet? Or will he hold her hand and introduce her to St Peter? Oh my gosh I can't think straight. I don't know if Derek or Christina can recover from this. Even Addison felt bad, you could tell!!! How will Seattle Grace cope with that loss. Two brilliant Greys. Lost.

What the heck???

2007-02-15T06:54:00.000-05:00

Is there anyone else in LOST La La Land that is just as confused as me? I thought they promised us answers. All we get is that Desmond has lived this life before and he relives it over without the power to change anything. So, he still looses Penny, still lands on the island, still turns the key. And then we find out our favorite hobbit will soon die. Are they doing a Lord of the Rings 4 and no one tell me? And we still don't know whyDesmond woke up naked after the hatch went caput. I'm sorry, naked men running around in the jungle disturb me. I need some closure....

The highlight of the night for me? Seeing Ed get hit by the bus in last week's episode that reaired at 9:00. CLASSIC JJ ABRAMS!!!

All I have to say is this. The executive branch of LOST has made some serious mistakes this season. This "let's show 6 episodes and let everyone forget about us and then show 16 after a 20 month hiatus" thing just didn't work. Now it looks as though "Michael" has found a new job and may not be back. Now Charlie is going to die, probably because he found a new job too. Why you ask? Because they needed to eat as well during the break and had to go out and find a supplement.

As you may already surmised, this was not my favorite episode. It just confused me more. How did the key make Desmond go "back in time"? And why did he WAKE UP NAKED?????

Oh - Happy St. Valentine's Day everyone
p.s. I got the best present ever!!!

Walk on Water (part I)

2007-02-11T15:04:00.000-05:00

First I'd like to say that thanks to my beloved husband for being so very gracious and understanding, and an angel this weekend. Without complaint or opposition, he has driven me, my big brother and sister-in-law to Atlanta and back safely within twenty-four hours. He allowed me to see family that I haven't seen, as my uncle had put it, since I was knee high to a grasshopper. On that note, I would like to tell the Dunlap family how happy I am that I was able to see you all this weekend (and meet some of you for the very first time), and I hope we really do stay in touch!

Now I would like to thank ABC for showing newly aired episodes on the internet. Since my VCR had eluded me once again, I was in a panic. And then it came to me at 7:30 this morning. ABC.com. I quietly crawled out of bed, grabbed my lap top and made my way to the living room with my coffee cup. So, while Kevin, Gabbi, and Bailee slept, I indulged in my guilty pleasure.

Again, this was one of those episodes that evoked multiple emotions in a very short period of time. And this was only part one of a three episode arc. I don't know if my heart can handle the other two hours!

I'm really not going to go into Meredith's issues. I've been on an emotional roller coaster ride all weekend, and this did not help. Did she really mean to end it in the bath tub? What if Derek didn't come into the bathroom? Would she finally come up for air? Or was this some kind of glimpse into her future? All that could really come to my mind was the scenes from the Mothman Prophecies when Laura Linney was describing the dream where she "dies", and would have come true at the end if Richard Gere did not take the plunge and dive in after her.

Since there was so much devastation in this episode, let's talk about the cuteness! How cute was the Chief and his hair? How 'bout Christina with the little happy smirk on her face when she was trying to tell Meredith that she and Burke were engaged? And what about Addison, once again showing that Alex may be stirring some feelings within her when she observed him with the woman he pulled out of the water that was about to go into surgery? And Bailey. Gotta love Bailey!!!

Well folks. That will wrap it up for today. I have to go hit the books. Don't forget part 2 will air this Thursday at 9 and LOST is non-stop until the end of the season. I think we have 15 more episodes? So, until next time!!! (p.s. I hope my editor reads this soon. I am infamous about my typos!!!)

And the saga continues.......

2007-02-08T09:21:00.000-05:00

It was 9:00 p.m., and I was still in the classroom. My professor obviously didn't realize that the most anticipated night of Wednesday tv was almost upon us. At 9:05, he must have remembered and freed us from our chair and table things I always get stuck in. So, I'm in my car and on my way by 9:15 and make it home at 9:45. Just in time to go potty, change into comfy pants and spoon some cold spaghetti on a plate for supper. And there, with my pillow and blanket, awaited for the time to turn 10:00 p.m. (which is way past my bed time) so I could once again, get LOST!

I wasn't completely impressed, but yet I wasn't completely disappointed either. We got a little peek into Juliet's past, and how she ended up on the island, but how sad is it that she has no idea if she has a niece or nephew, or even if her sister is still alive. I honestly don't blame her for letting Ben live just for the desperate chance to go home. But how crazy is it that you're sitting there watching her tell her ex-husband that her work was a success and then WHAMO - hit by a bus. It's always something, I tell ya! I was having Final Destination flashbacks. I guess that was the Dharma Initiative's "design".

So, Sawyer and Kate escape with their castaway Carl. Jack heroically fixes the ruptured artery and removes Ben's mass from his spine. A happy ending? I guess we'll see!

Tonight is Grey's, and I hope to have another post for you soon, however, I do have to go to Atlanta tonight so I'm not sure if I can once again teach myself how to program a VCR. A happy ending?? I guess we'll see!!!!

My first BLOG!

2007-02-06T10:36:00.000-05:00

First, I would like to say WELCOME!!! If you made it here, that means you obviously got my e-mail giving you the link. I know what you're asking. Why on earth did I start a BLOG? Well, being an avid BLOG reader on certain topics, I got tired of writing comments on what other people thought. Why not let the world read what I've got to say! So, here I am, finding my voice on the vast world wide web. Maybe it will be discovered, maybe not, but hopefully I'll be able to entertain my nearest and dearest friends and family that will show their loyalty and visit and comment quite often (hint, hint).

So, what can you expect from seriously hope? Well, you know you'll get some great scoop and comments on the best tv drama to ever hit the air and kicks CSI's butt every week! You might find some LOST commentary, maybe House. What else will you find? One never knows! How 'bout we just take it day by day and see where we go? I do hope you'll stay onboard for the journey and visit me often!

So that's the end of my very first BLOG ever! Tomorrow night, we do have the most anticipated mid season premiere of LOST. So, hopefully I'll have another entry soon! Love you all!