I RUN 4 RON

Last week we got an e-mail from our Fleet Feet running group that posed the question, "Why do you run?". It was actually a segueway into telling us about Nashville's race series, 'I Run for the Party', but it got me thinking, why DO I love to run anyway?! I love to run because growing up it was something my Dad and I shared together, just us :) He was the first person I called when I finished my first half marathon two years ago, and he could not have been prouder. He was there to see me finish last year, and even though he is no longer here, I know my biggest fan is smiling down on me saying, "Come on lil' Jessi!". I feel blessed to have spent that time with him growing up and that he introduced me to such a challenging sport, and now everytime I lace em' up, I am running for Ron.

**This pic was taken at the last race we ran together! It was the Elvis 5K in Memphis, 2006. Please notice Dad's throwback Elvis T from the 90's...he never missed one! Please don't notice my awfulness in this pic.

And with race day upon us, next Saturday(eee!!!), I would like to share with you last year's race experience...

My original plan for last year's race was to run the full marathon with Team in Training. Unfortunately, I suffered an IT band injury 2 months out and ended up doing the 1/2 instead. I never thought I would be disappointed I could NOT run 26.2 miles... My parents were coming in for the weekend for the festivities and I was super pumped to have them at the finish line. They arrived the Friday night before the race, we went out for some 'carb loading', and called it an early night because the next morning was going to come early! I let my parents have my room and I slept on the couch, (something I don't recommend before a race). 5am came quick! My dad and I left for Centennial Park around 6am and finalllly made our way there. There is no telling how he got home, EVERY road was closed and he is directionally challenged, wonder where I get it from?!


The CMM is a fantastic race, I would highly recommend it for any first timer (although, it is a smidge hilly). The Rock n' Roll series does a great job. Everything is very organized, plenty of water and Cytomax along the course, and the volunteers and supporters lining the streets are unbelievable. You are so distracted looking at everything the course has to offer you might even forget you are running! Miles 1-4 are by far my least favorite, running wise. My legs haven't warmed up yet and it feels like i'm never going to hit my stride. Luckily, the first miles along the course are jam packed with spectators so it makes the time go by fast! Miles 5-9 are the bomb.com. It takes you down and back on Belmont Blvd. which I think is the most exciting part of the course. This is always the strongest part of my run. This is also the point in which I run by work peeps, so I have to at least appear like i'm running fast! Miles 10 & 11 suck. There's really not much else I can say. I don't enjoy that part of the course, spectators get a little scarce and I'm just plain tired. The last 'hill' around mile 12 is pretty brutal, many senior citizens were passing by me at this point. But once you get up to the bridge that takes you down to Titans stadium, it is smoooth sailing!! It is the most amazing feeling running that last tenth of a mile with people cheering you on - it makes all the grueling training, early mornings, lame Friday nights, poop scares, GU gels and injuries worth it!

Now, I told my parents very specifically, 20+ times where to meet me after the race. The GIANT purple Team in Training tent by the finish area. I would not have my phone, so it was very important they went there around 9:30 am and waited. As long as it took me to get there, do not move from that spot. I had a bit of a breakdown, knee wise, around mile 10-11 so I had to walk those 2 miles, which set me back a bit in time. They figured they had missed me, and strayed from their post. Let me just say hunting down my parents in a sea of people was the last thing I wanted to do after running 13 miles. I borrowed someone's cell phone and got a hold of my parents, who were up at the fences looking for me to come across the finish line and told them where to meet me. I remember sitting in the grass and seeing this lady in a rather large brimmed straw hat coming closer...

Ahhh...oh wait. Sorry Mom ;) Our next conquest was to find the car. We logged about 2 more miles trying to find where they parked only to remain gridlocked in the parking lot for another hour. Kill me. At this point the ol' bowels start a rumblin', (my dad was in the same boat). Not a good feeling my friends. In hindsight I could have probably walked home faster than it took to drive. We finally got rolling and were almost home when we realized all the roads to my house were shut down for the race. At this point, my dad and I were ready to park the car and run home to use the facilities. We parked a couple streets down and Dad grabbed the 5 gallon bucket out of his car 'just in case'...we rolled up to the front door and wouldn't you know it - no key!!! Locked out. We were on our way to use the bucket in the back yard when one of Leah's friends who was visiting opened the door and rescued us! Hallelujah - I didn't have to share a poop bucket, with my dad, outside, with no toilet paper, in my backyard. Never thought I would have to be thankful for that. Man, what a race day. All in all it was a great weekend and a great race experience that left us with many memories.

This upcoming race weekend also holds a special place in my heart because it was the last time, one year ago, I got to see my dad before he passed away. This race is for you Ace!!

Happy running everyone!

Badge of Honor and new running duds

Well, well, well. You will be happy to know I am not writing this to you from the grave because I survived the 'Percy Warner 11.2'!!! And quite well I might add ;) I finished my 12 miles in under 2 hours, (yes, I know the course is 11.2 but if you know me, you know I am likely to 'misplace' myself sometimes.) You may also be thinking that 12 miles in 2 hours is not that speedy, to which I would reply, "bite me". The run went a little something like this...

It was around 40ish degrees when we started with a light drizzle and I was ready to rock and roll - ipod loaded and GU gels stuffed in my pants. I headed out with the 10-minute pace group and we began our journey. The first 4-5 miles were pretty solid; gorgeous scenery, great pace, strong legs - feelin' good. I kept looking ahead for the 'Mile 9 hill' (*we ran the course backwards so this hill came first) so I could size it up and mentally prepare, and then out of nowhere- BAM. We started climbing. I literally stayed about 2 feet behind our pacer, who had gigantic calves, and stared at his legs the entire time - osmosis? Maybe. Imaginary tiny ropes tied from his legs pulling mine behind him? Possibly. Whatever it was, it worked! We made it to the top and took a much needed water break. And...breaks over. Back to it. We continued on and made it to the Belle Meade entrance which was about half-way. At this point the full marathoners broke off for their extra 8 miles, which meant my inspiring man calves were gone :( I started again with a smaller group and started to hit my stride. I knew we had one more monster hill so I was trying to be mindful and save some energy in my bag of tricks. Finally, we got to it and I was ready to power through and then get ready to finish up the last few miles and BE DONE. This hill was much steeper, but also shorter, that should have been my first clue... I remember thinking, man, that wasn't too bad, psshh... I cranked up some Salt-n-Peppa "now push it real good.." and started to pick up the pace. Well...by the time I got to the actual 'Mile 3 Hill', I.was.spent. I was seriously scared that if I stopped running, I wouldn't be able to start again. It was that bad. And it never ended. Turn after turn, I snail-paced it up to the top. Victory. With just a few miles to go I was desperate to be done, my legs were in pain, I was tired, irritated and cranky. And then I got lost. .8 miles felt like 10, especially when its uphill. When I finally noticed I was running in the opposite direction of the cars I about broke my neck trying to turn around and get back on the right trail. Finally the run came to an end, and as I made my way to my car (why the hell did I park so far?!) I couldn't help but be proud. I conquered the Percy Warner 11.2 and lived to tell about it.

After such a grueling run, I figured I had earned at least 2 treats :) Here is my new running gear!

How cute are these?! Pink, sparkly earbud covers for my headphones! Everytime I come around your city bling, bling...thank goodness I moved to the 'burbs - can't be sporting these in the hood.

I know what you are thinking, they are kind of borderline lezzer, and I wasn't really sure how I felt about 'sports' glasses in general, but they are really functional and don't slip around on your face when you are running, so...hopefully the sparkly earbuds will balance them out.

The Percy Warner Experience...pre-run thoughts

This Saturday I will be embarking on what is known to Nashville area runners as a 'rite of passage'. It is called the 'Percy Warner 11.2 Loop' and after reading about people's first experiences with this course, I am quite intimidated - to say the least. This is kind of what i'm picturing in my head right now, for 11 freaking miles...(pictured above). The course is throughout Percy Warner park, which is right by Steeplechase for all you horse race fans. I have heard it is beautiful and has several breathtaking views at its highest points. I hope I will be able to see this gorgeous scenery through my tears...

This is a blurb from the e-mail we received from Fleet Feet earlier this week regarding the run.

"Part of this experience is going to be leaving your Garmins and watches at home. The goal is to complete this route. Pace does not matter. Time is no issue. You are experiencing a route like no other route and what I want each of you to focus on is the experience. Slow yourself down to run with others. Stay in a pack to encourage each other up the hills. Share why you are out there training while most of the city is still asleep in warm beds. You will leave the group a changed person, a stronger person, a blessed person."

Now, I realize this was probably meant to be inspiring and encouraging, but to me it sounded more like, "Don't even bother bringing your watch, it will probably run out of battery because it's going to take you so long to finish. Also, remember to bring a rope to pull each other up the hills, otherwise you will prob get lost and die in a cold, wet pile of leaves." Ok, ok, maybe i'm exaggerating just a tad ;)

In a twisted way, I am looking forward to this run and to pushing myself waaaay past my comfort zone, and also learning how to run while blacking out. Unfortunately my two running buddies will be MIA this weekend, Jenn is recovering from a foot injury and Mauri is away visiting her familia in Arkansas. I may or may not be cursing you both at some point during the run :) Love.you.mean.it.

I found this little diddy when I googled "Percy Warner 11.2 Loop" the other day...

"The first of the fabled hills falls just as you begin to climb towards the third mile, and stretches beyond it. This hill winds in and out, from side to side. Its wickedness comes from the combined effects of its grade and from the fact that you cannot see the efforts ahead of you; they are hidden, each, behind the next curve. Every time you approach what you perceive to be the end of the madness, you round a turn and see more beyond. By time you have reached the top, just past three miles into your trek, your will and energies have been sapped."

and this one...

"And at that moment, you face the great hill. As you mount its asphalt, the entirety of the effort ahead visible to you (but somehow unknown) there is no pace that is correct. Run too fast and you will not have the necessary fuel in your depleted legs to make it. Run to slowly and the mount will outlast your will. Best just to put your head down and go on blindly. When you reach the connector road, you are only halfway up. By time you reach the top, weakened and poor, you do not have the focus to look around you at the grand vistas on display."

If you need me, I will be busy overnighting these to myself.

Pure Barre - Ballet is not for sissies.

This is pretty much what I looked like last night...HA! Not even close...I was the girl with noodle-like legs gripping the ballet bar for dear life.

I am a newbie to this whole pure barre/barre scuplt/(ballet,pilates,yoga) fusion thing, so here is a brief description of what it's all about. The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body. Pure Barre is an intelligent exercise technique- each strengthening section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create strong, long, lean muscle without the bulk, while increasing range of motion. Pure Barre will not only quickly transform your body, it will clear your mind, help you focus and contribute to a happy and healthy life.

I must admit I was quite intimidated walking into the studio for the first time, but the instructors were super nice and welcoming at put me at ease immediately. (I went to Seren Motus in Cool Springs for those that may be interested - http://www.serenmotus.com/). We gathered all the equipment we would need for the class which was just a mat, a hand strap, and some hand weights. I scoffed when I was advised to just grab the 1 pound weights...um, excuse me but have you seen these guns?! But about 5 minutes into the upper body portion of the workout I was practically begging for a spotter. After arms we moved over to the ballet bar where the real fun began: thigh work. The idea is to work your muscles to fatigue, at which point my body started shaking. I think she even referred to one of the moves as the 'Ring of Fire' or something...literally muscles.on.fire.

Imagine sitting in a chair position (already tortured) and doing sets of exercises in this position while holding onto a barre. Imagine standing on your tiptoe, gripping the barre, as you sink your knees into a squat and then slowly (but repeatedly) tucking your butt in just for a extra shot of pain in your lower thighs and your gluteus maximus. Imagine sitting beneath the barre, pushing up with your hands while lifting your heavy legs up using your abs. This was what we did for 55 minutes...

I survived the Pure Barre Class and all I have is the pain in my gluteus maximus to show for it. In addition, it is my prediction that I will be bootylicious in no time. For anyone who is seeking for a different fitness experience, try Pure Barre. Your bathing suit will thank you.

Here is a video that shows what it's all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NNwnFp7RxU

All the mocha lattes, you gotta do Pilates...

Well, turns out Kanye knew what he was talking about when he referenced Pilates in his song, "The New Workout Plan". As you know, or may not know, my first love is running - but I seem to have re-occuring injuries whenever I start upping mileage and/or training for a race. I have injured everything from the hip down...IT band, to knees, to shin splints, black toenails...not a fun list, and definitely not fun to deal with when you are running upwards of 8-10 miles. So since I just started training again for the Country Music Half Marathon, (with my wonderful running buddies, Mauri and Jenn) I have decided to try something completely new for my 'cross-training' days.

We are running with a group through Fleet Feet, (an awesome running shoe store here in Brentwood). The schedule calls for running 3 days a week- 2 shorter runs (3-6 miles) during the week and a longer run (6-14 miles) on Saturdays. It is recommended that you do some sort of low-impact cross training on the other days - swimming, weights, spin class, etc. Well, weights and the elliptical are getting really old so I looked into some alternatives and discovered the pilates reformer! It is amazing! The Y offers traditional Pilates mat classes, where you are just on a mat on the floor - but they have recently started offering Pilates reformer classes, which are on a machine instead. I have seen these machines on info commercials featuring Chuck Norris, so I figured they MUST be legit, right?! I think Chuck Norris actually invented Pilates...

The first two intro classes were relatively easy, very different than anything I have ever done before. The moves focus intensely on your core - your abs are supposed to be engaged the entire time, during every move. They like to put a racquetball on your stomach, and if it rolls off...they call you a fatty...kidding, but its supposed help you stay tight and focused. It not only helps with strength, but helps lengthen and elongate your muscles and increase balance and flexibility. Well, I was in for a suprise because the beginner/intermediate classes took it up a notch! The moves have gotten much harder - and require a lot more flexibility. But after every class I feel amazing - its like 4 people grabbed my arms and legs and just pulled and everything stretched out and loosened up. I feel like i'm already getting stronger and the best part is that it is low-impact on your joints. I talked to my instructor and she said it would be a great compliment to running because it would keep everything nice and stretched out and help reduce the risk of injury. Anyway - just wanted to share what I was up to these days in regards to exercise. I will leave you with two videos; the first one shows basic moves and is about the level of difficulty I am at right now. The second one is bananas. This lady must be a Pilates master...I would definitely be hanging from the straps if I attempted what she is doing.

This picture is just funny and relevant to this post...

Pilates Video #1

Pilates Video #2

I just re-watched these videos...and I hope no one thinks I am a weirdo. I am realizing they look a little strange - I promise I don't listen to Enigma while I am working out!

Stole this post from Mauri! Happy Friday!

If I were a month, I’d be June.
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Friday night.
If I were a time of day, I’d be 8pm.
If I were a planet, I’d be Mars.
If I were a sea animal, I’d be a seahorse.
If I were a direction, I’d be South.
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be fluffy L-shaped couch.
If I were a liquid, I’d be an ice cold Blue Moon.
If I were a gemstone, I’d be an embarassingly large diamond.
If I were a tree, I’d be a palm tree.
If I were a tool, I’d be a hammer.
If I were a flower, I’d be a black-eyed susan :)
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be the opening day of patio drinking season.
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a piano.
If I were a color, I’d be PINK.
If I were an emotion, I’d be all of them, twice a day.
If I were a fruit, I’d be a banana.
If I were a sound, I’d be meow.
If I were an element, I’d be silver.
If I were a car, I’d be a Range Rover - white, with off-white leather interior. Don't even think about getting one - I will key it.
If I were a food, I’d be a pizza.
If I were a place, I’d be any beach!
If I were a material, I’d be a soft fur blankie.
If I were a taste, I’d be spicy.
If I were a scent, I’d be amber.
If I were an object, I’d be Mr. Bear!
If I were a body part, I’d be a scooter.
If I were a facial expression, I’d be rolling eyes.
If I were a song, I’d be Memphis rap.
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be sparkly Betsey Johnson heels.

What The Flock?

If you are looking for something to pass the time at work, and want to do something besides actual work- you have to read this blog: www.2birds1blog.com. I had to leave my desk several times yesterday because I was laughing so hard and couldn't control myself. It is written (the majority of it) by a 20-something, graphic designer. I feel like she is writing about my own life...and I'm sure you will too!! It's a must read. Now go. Read.

Some of my favs so far...

*I sketch myself out, so why aren't YOU sketched out...?
*Embarassment of the day. And it's only 9 o'clock.
*FML reads like my diary

Any of the 'Fan Favorites' are very entertaining :)

The Last Slumber Party

So it's been a while since my last post, (I say that every post). A lot has happened since then- my life has been forever changed and turned upside down. I feel like this post and possibly other future posts will actually be more like therapy for me, as opposed to entertainment for readers. So, read at your own risk -I'm not feeling like spreading the sunshine these days, and this post may be completely inapproriate for a blog, but I don't 'journal' so here goes. That is my disclaimer...

If you are still reading, let me just start by saying that I hope you never have to go through what I am going through/been through. I know that we will all eventually have to deal with a parent(s) passing away, I just hope it's a long way off- and they go peacefully in their sleep.

Something changes inside you when you watch someone die. Like, literally take the last breath they will ever take on earth. It is the single most painful thing that I have ever experienced. I used to feel fortunate that I had never had my heart broken, by a guy, or friend, or whatever the case may have been- I believe God was saving up for this one instead. I remember getting 'the call' from my mom- it was the call I had been dreading for 3 1/2 years- she said "Your dad is not doing well at all, you need to come here as soon as you can." I remember going into a state of shock - I left the pool, drove home and started looking into flights- there was no way I could have driven 7 hours. At this point in the game, we were still hoping for another surgery- and that just maybe he could still go to rehab. As the afternoon went on, we found out that was not going to be a possibility. He maybe had a couple of days. I just remember pacing around my apartment over and over. I couldn't focus on anything, I couldn't pack; thinking, what if he doesn't make it through the night? Do I jump in my car and drive now? I ended up taking the first flight out that next day- I remember thinking, "Wow- I am getting on a plane because my dad is about to die." It was such a hard thing to wrap my brain around. There is always that tiny glimmer of hope in the back of your mind...maybe i'll get there and he'll really be fine! Then this nightmare will be over. I guess that is why they call it hope.

As soon as I landed, my mom picked me up and we headed to the hospital. He had been at Winston-Salem Baptist Hosptial for about 2 weeks now. They moved him into ICU that same morning- he was in a back room because there was nowhere else to put him. I hate hospitals. I hate the smell, all the white, the feeling they give you. Horrible. My mom had been there everyday so she knew what to expect. I wish she would have given me a heads up. We went up to the 4th floor and entered ICU, it was a big, open area with about 8 beds, all full. I could see through to the room in the back- and that was the first time I saw him. I almost threw up. We had to put on nurse robes and gloves before we could go in and see him. There he was- in his little gown, IV's in both arms, a respirator hooked up to his mouth, brusies all over, and his wrists tied to the bed with restraints. I wanted to rip everything out and carry him away with me.

We eventually had to make the decision of when we were going to take him off life support, his wish was to not keep him alive with a machine. We knew his family would be there the next day, so we decided to wait. Once in hospice, they did everything they could to just make sure he was comfortable. The seizures had subsided so he looked a lot more peaceful and calm. His family finally arrived late afternoon (his brother, mom, and sister-in-law), we gave them some time to be with him alone. The next day we were going to take him off the ventilator, so I wanted to spend the night with him. It was just me, dad and Mr. Bear- all snuggled up. I talked to him the whole night- I don't know if he could hear me, but I like to think he could :)

The next morning we were prepared to say our final good-byes, (as prepared as one can be anyway). We said a prayer, gave him a hug and kiss and then prepared to play the waiting game. At that moment, my mom was by his bed and he opened his eyes- for the first time in almost 4 days. It was a sign- like he knew was was about to happen, and that was his final goodbye. I was sure to shove my face in his line of vision :) He survived about 6 hours on his own. I remember I got up to freshen up, wash my face, brush my teeth and when I got done my uncle had come in the room and my mom had just woken up. The three of us sat down around his bed and just watched. I knew it was time. Everything slowed down, and then just stopped. Wow. It can happen that quickly. I still can't wrap my brain around it. The phrase "Life is precious" had never been so real to me until that moment.

It's been almost 2 months now. Coping is a part of my daily life that I am trying to get accustomed to. I had no idea it would be this hard. I have found some comfort in talking about it, maybe that is why I am writing and putting all of this out there. If anyone is still reading...I hope you haven't cut your wrists yet. More fun posts to come...I promise.

Can't you just smell the Jack and Coke?!

Well it is officially football time in Tennessee!!! Nothing else like it! We are in for a new and exciting season- I hope our new fearless leader, Lane Kiffin, doesn't dissapoint! I will be in Big Orange Country in a few short weeks for the UT/GA game on Oct. 10th! It's my favorite game of the year. Last year I spent it in Athens and was overwhelmed with all of the horrible red and black everywhere. And let's be serious...Smokey is 100x cuter than Ugga. It will be nice to be home this year; where you can drink Jack and Coke for breakfast on gameday, and being decked out in bright orange from head to toe is completely acceptable. Hope you all have a fantastic gameday tomorrow- Go Vols!

Power T!

Me and Mel at the UT/Arkansas game

Ace Lefty & his Time Machine

This post is not a very fun one, but I just wanted to give an update on how things are going with my dad.

You might be wondering who Ace Lefty is...that is the nickname my dad has given himself. You see, he sends himself texts messages to remind him to do things, and he didn't like having to scroll down to 'R' for Ron, so he came up with 'Ace Lefty'; Ace because A is the first letter in the alphabet, and Lefty, well, because he is left handed. We have been blessed with many of these little gems lately.

So here is a nut shell version of what has been going on the last 2-3 weeks. He had been complaining because he had no energy, and was extremely tired all the time for about the last 3-4 months. Couldn't even manage to hardly eat, which, I know I have rarely missed meals even when I was very sick- so I know he was feeling pretty bad. So he goes in for his MRI check-up and the doctors discovered the tumor was back. So, they immediately admitted him to the hospital and performed brain surgery that next day to remove what they could. Luckily, the tumor had grown back in such a way that is was operable. The surgery went well and he was allowed to go home and start recovering. About a week or so later, he still wasn't feeling any better so they went back and the doctors told him he has fluid on his brain, and they are going to insert a shunt in his brain that will alleviate some of the pressue and drain the excess fluid. (*A shunt is a thin tube that runs from the brain all the way to the stomach, where the fluid is deposited and exits the body like normal.) They tell us it is a pretty common procedure, and will hopefully help with his lack of energy as well once the excess fluid is gone.

He was scheduled for the shunt surgery last Friday (7/31) and everything seemed to go fine. They kept him overnight and said he would be released to go home on Saturday. The nurses told us he decided to sleep on the floor that night too! Ha! He told them "it is more comforable down here!" He is so silly. She also asked him to give her a thumbs up, and he flipped her the bird! haha...always the rebel. So after multiple x-rays, the doctors come back and tell us that the shunt is in the wrong place...and they have to go in AGAIN to fix it. Um. Hello lawsuit. So he has the 2nd surgery Saturday. Unfortunately after this surgery, things started to go downhill. I feel like we are already at the bottom...but I was wrong.

Each surgery leaves its lasting side effects, such as memory loss, lost language, and just overall energy loss. This most recent surgery along with the fluid on the brain is causing him to have symptoms as if the tumor is there. (It is always there, but very small since most has been removed again.) Right now he is very physically weak, can't sit, get out of bed, or stand up by himself. He is working on being able to feed himself again. He can say words, or phrases, but is unable to hold any sort of conversation. My mom said that you can talk to him, but he doesn't really understand what you are saying or what is going on. The doctors asked him what year it was and each time it is a different year-currently it is 1968- in case you were wondering ;) The doctors also asked him if he had any children and he said he had one! I was thinking awww... :) and then he finished with: "A son, named Ronnie." Dangit. haha...you have to laugh!

Since he is in this state, they can not release him to go home. Mainly because my mom is not physically able to help him. So they are sending him to an assited living/rehab facility where he will re-learn how to walk, feed himself, and hopefully re-gain his language. They don't know if he will ever be 100% back to how he was, but we are hoping he will at least be well enough to do normal activities, and be able to talk and understand us pretty well. We will just have to wait and see how well he responds to all of the rehabilitation. *Praying it all goes well!* I want my dad back for a little longer. He seems to be in good spirits and working hard to re-gain everything back so that is a good sign!

Thank you so much for the prayers!! I just pray for some more time and that he is in no pain during all of this. I will keep you all updated, go tell your mom's and dad's you love them- you can't say it enough!!

When in Rome...

So over the 4th of July holiday I got to experience the 1st blended family vacay in Gatlinburg, TN...and I couldn't tell if I just looked like the older sister, or a teenage mother. Regardless, we had a blast and I was absolutely exhausted when we got home. We did everything you could possibly imagine, and then some. From go-carts to bumper boats to mini-golf- we did it all...twice. I forgot what it was like to go non-stop all the time! I also forgot that children have the ability to ask an unlimited amount of questions...and only a 30-second memory to go along with it! Thank god for Nintendo car games and Ambien. Kidding...I didn't give them the full dosage at least ;) Since we were in the land of all things redneck, my only request the entire trip was to get an air-brushed t-shirt. Luckily, there were many to choose from. *Sidenote: Apparently "Doyle" is a popular name in those parts, it was used for every name on all the example t's.* So we decided all four of us would need one for the fireworks and festivities Saturday night. And I must say...we looked fantastic- especially Jon, because he took it up a notch with the sleeveless T! Here are a few pics of these precious gems.

He looked a little too real...the tatts were really a nice touch.

I mean, if that doesn't scream "I'm in love!" I don't know what does.

Short one today- that's all for now!

Skinny Girl Poses and Margarita Cupcakes!

Does anyone read this anymore?! I have fallen off the blogging world map for a bit... Well, to my 4 faithful followers, I just recently had a birthday- the Big 26! Whoop! It's not really 26 that scares me, but the few following years. I'm over half-way to 30- when did that happen?!
I spent last night with some of my BEST friends and we had a blast! We started the night at the ever so trendy Lime for dinner and drinks. *Sidenote* They charge $20 if you bring your own birthday dessert! The hostess was all, "Well, we have our own pastry chef." Um- does he make birthday cupcakes?! Doubtful. Sorry your friends forgot your birthday- quit hatin' on mine.
Anyway- the drinks were flowing and folks were feelin' crunk! After dinner we moved on to another bar down the street and tore into some Gigi's cupcakes- (if you've never had one, you're missing out!) Compliments of Taylor, and they were amazing! They were Margarita flavored...how cool is that?! And being the icing w**re that I am, I was happy to eat everyone else's icing as well :) It was a fantastic night and I am so thankful I got to spend it with such a great group of gals! I will leave you with some pics from the evening...

Mauri and I at Lime! (notice the skinny girl arm poses...a neccessity for looking your best in pictures.)

Kelly, Leah, Jess and Meggan- everyone still looking fresh at this point...

It's my birfday! Hollllla!!!!! Lucky I even shared them...

Me, Taylor and the most awesome shirt ever... I HATE Hawiian themed anything- so they thought it would be funny to make me wear this for part of the night...

Hula dance break...sadly Tami found this shirt in her fiance's closet.

Me and Kels- Don't chaaaaa

Me, Tami and Meggs! Sitting under the dripping air conditioner...it really added some zest to the guacamole.



Gosh...we are so skinny!! LOL

Mary-Kate pose...uber thin.


Came across this little gem today...couldn't resist!

I Should Be a Doctor By Now...

Drumroll please.....I am pleased to announce that I will be joining the University of Tennessee's graduating class this Spring, 2009!!! Now, I realize that everyone else has been admiring their nicely framed diplomas for about 4 years now...but I am thrilled to say the long road to becoming a UT alum has come to an end. Many of you have followed my trials and tribulations along the way and I would like to thank you for your continued support! Along the way I have taken an "At-Home" course, (which I don't think even made it out of the box), an online class at Tennessee State University with all the sista gurls and brothas, and last but not least, Nashville State Community College- where a 50 year old man with a speech impediment and reading disability earned a higher grade in the class than me...can we say t-t-tr-tr-tris-triste... (that is 'sad' in Spanish.) I couldn't be more excited!! Btw...if you all were here right now, I would make you stand in a circle around me and sing Sir Fidel. Go Vols!!!

Ice Baths and Warning Labels

I'll try to keep this posting as non-graphic as possible, but I'm not making any promises. Read at your own risk. So this past Saturday I was set to run 14 miles for my marathon training. This is the longest I have ever run in my life- so I had been mentally preparing myself all week. Last year when I ran the half (13.1) there were thousands of screaming fans...er...spectators cheering me on, so this time it was up to me to pump myself up.



The past 8-10 Saturdays I have gone through the same ritual: alarm at 5:30am, get dressed in my professional running gear, eat a power bar on the way to the run, warm-up, and hit the pavement. Now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it right?! Well, this past Saturday I decided I needed to switch up my breakfast 'power' bar. Doesn't sound like a big deal right? WRONG. Started out great- made it through mile 3; then made it through mile 8; I even made it up what looked like Mt. Everest on mile 11; so close!! Now, about mile 14 I was faced with a dilemma that stopped me dead in my tracks. I could either sprint to the end and find a bathroom, or...well...poop in the middle of the road. I managed to run/walk/hobble/clench my way back to the store where we started only to find they didn't have restrooms. I'm thinking...ok...somehow I'm going to have to make it home. I got to the first stop light and peeled into the Exxon; I think I took out a mexican. I almost left my car in the intersection and ran in. Had that lady not opened that door when she did, well, we would have had a clean-up on Aisle 7. Now, I know most of you are thinking- Doss, this is gross. And I would have to agree, but it is amazing what my body has experienced throughout this training process and I felt the need to share.



Two gas stations stops later, I made it home and I'll be damned if I didn't dig through the trash to find that 'power' bar wrapper and see what was in it. Not suprisingly, this is what I found printed on the back: WARNING! This product contains sugar alcohols that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. This product may have a laxative effect. Well no shit! Literally.



After my bowels calmed down, it was time for my 1st Ice Bath! I had all the neccessary materials- warm coffee (which didn't help my current situation), magazines, phone, etc. I sat down in the tub, with my running tights still on- sweatshirt, scarf and hat- and turned on the cold water. I let it fill up above my legs and then dumped in 15 pounds of ice. After I came back from my black-out, I stayed in for 15 minutes. My feet were screaming and my body was completely numb from the waist down. *Thank you Mauri for distracting me this entire time!* Once the alarm went off, I shout out of that tub so fast only to discover I had no feeling in my legs- I looked like Bambi on ice. As of Monday- my legs feel spectacular-ish...and the ice bath will now become a part of my Saturday training ritual.

The moral of this story is- don't take laxatives before a long run. And I would also like to thank Pure Protein for overshadowing one of my greatest physical accomplishments.

B***ch this ain't a charter bus...

So I feel a little awkward having the first word of my first blog title starting with the word "B***h." Oh well right?! Moving on... MLK Day, one of my favorite holidays, is one of my favorite times of the year because me and some of my closet girlfriends all get together for a long weekend. This year, we decided to head to the Dirty, Dirty (that's ATL for those of you that aren't as urban) not only for our girls weekend, but for Monica's bachelorette party. I have never seen a bachelorette rap Salt-n-Peppa's 'Shoop', while also including her fiance's name in it, as well as Monica- big shout out to Mo' Lynch for her multiple on-stage performances.

The reason for this entry; every year we have been enlightened with some truly jaw-dropping YouTube videos. Last year we were introduced to "Two Girls One Cup" and the "Alabama Leprechaun." Well in true gansta fashion, Atlanta did not disappoint this year with their city's lastest rap video- "B***ch you ride the MARTA bus" The rapper's clever lyrics were a great addition to Saturday nights festivites!! Sunday morning we all went to brunch- and upon leaving I could not resist this photo op (above): just posted up at my spot, tryin to get to my government job.

Tomorrow morning I will be partaking in a 14-mile run for my marathon training. If I survive, I will be venturing into my 1st Ice Bath when I get home. Stay tuned for details...