I'm Outta Here!!!!

We're leaving for vacation in about 14 hours! YEAH!! We're all very excited. (Even Mom, who still has shingles). The packing is almost done. I will do my "last chance workout" tomorrow with Cori (both of us on the disabled list).

I think I'm out for running the full marathon in April due to knee issues. I'm hopeful that I can still run the half, but only time will tell. I'm bummed out, but I don't want to push it - been there, done that. Cycling season starts soon and I love that even more than running. The Red Bud Classic is only about a month away.

See y'all when we get back!!!

Is It Friday Yet???

This has been a busy week. We're leaving for our trip in 9 days (yes, I'm totally counting down). My mom has gotten herself so stressed out about what to wear, what to bring, etc. that she has broken out in shingles!!! She's in a lot of pain - hopefully the drugs the doctor gave her will work well. She's still able to go on the trip and she's hoping the spots go away soon! I am very ready for this vacation. I've been so busy with work, kids, etc. that I think I've kind of shut down & have reached burnout where I don't want to do anything!

My knee started bothering me this week which really stinks b/c I'm supposed to run 17 with Cori on Saturday. It hasn't bothered me in over a year!! I'll have to play it by ear, but I certainly don't want another injury. If I have to take some time off - so be it. I hate to take time off from running!!! I know what is causing it to hurt and I'm doing everything within my power to make it better but it still bothers me. I need Tanya to fix me!!!!

So tune in next time for - - did Debbie get to run? Does Mom still have shingles? Are Debbie's clients still alive??

Frigid Five

Today was the Frigid Five - a 5 mile race in Edmond. It was a really good run, but very hilly. Have I mentioned before how much I hate hills??? I ran a respectable 45:25. My goal was to do it under 45:00, but considering all the hills - I'll take it. It was awesome to see so many friends and acquaintances there.
Since today is Valentine's Day, Scott and I went to the movies to see "He's Just Not That Into You". It was so funny!!! It related the story of several men and women and all of the dating faux pas. The sad thing - almost everything they were making jokes about was true!!! I'm so glad I'm not single!!! I have an awesome husband.
I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!!

FACEBOOK!!!

Well, I've finally jumped on board the Facebook bandwagon. I must say - it is very addictive (Natalie warned me). I have been able to touch base with people from high school that I haven't seen or heard from in 15 or more years! I love looking at people's pictures and hearing about what's going on in their lives.

Speaking of which . . . training for the Memorial Marathon is in full swing. Thanks to Cori - we're right on track. We ran 13 miles last Saturday & I felt really good. We're going to do the same tomorrow, but will bump it up the following week. I am trying to stretch, stay opened and really listen to my body so I don't get injured . . . again. Injuries SUCK!! Watching your friends run the marathon that you trained four months for also sucks, so I don't want to repeat that. My parents are very anti-running so they are not happy with my decision to train for this event. Oh well!!!

We're counting down to our cruise - T-minus 22 days and counting!!! I am so ready!!!

Barack Obama

We have a new president. I guess I am in a little bit of denial because I still can't believe that America elected Barack Obama, a man with no substantial leadership experience, as president of this country. People can argue all they want, but race was a huge factor in his election. He promised the world on a silver platter and is already starting to back down on some of those things. Those who voted for him with the idea that he would make everything all "better" will be sadly mistaken. I pray that God will watch over our nation and not allow this new president to drive us into oblivion. We are blessed with agency to make our own choices and God allows people to make mistakes - I just hope that He doesn't allow Obama to make too many costly ones. We watched the inauguration on Tuesday because, regardless of my political views and opinions, he is our new president and it was a historical moment - the changing of power and the first African American president.

I believe it was Karl Rove who recently said that he hopes Obama fails. I do not hope he fails - that would mean our country was damaged. I hope Americans can see him for what he truly is - someone inexperienced, wearing rose-colored glasses.

Happy Birthday Scott & "Stella"

We celebrated Scott's 40th birthday and Gissella's 29-again birthday on Saturday. Unfortunately, Kim, Sheri and Lynda were unable to make it, but we still had a great time. I don't know how we forgot to get pictures of our little Rock Star/Guitar Hero session, but trust me - it was a sight to be seen (and unfortunately heard).

(from left to right) Cristina, Randy, Gissella, Mary, Debbie, Ron & Donna

Scott will be enjoying some time at Pole Position thanks to Randy.

Don't let this photo fool you - Randy & Mary are usually giving each other a difficult time.

Ron, Gissella & Randy (Gissella's husband)

Homeschool Survival

I have survived the first week of homeschooling (and so have the kids). I was really stressed about how it would go, but was pleasantly surprised by how we all adapted. The kids really liked being able to work at their own pace and work ahead if they so chose. They went to homeschool P.E. through L.I.G.H.T which is a Christian homeschool group on the southside of OKC. I think they both enjoyed it. I really enjoyed having them home this week. How long will that last?? Time will tell.

Even though the temperature was in the teens with the windchill, we ran this morning. I'm so proud of Cori and I for sticking it out for 8 miles even though we were chilled to the bone. Carrie ran with us for 6 miles. I think I know what hypothermia feels like. Even with two pairs of gloves on my hands hurt from the cold. It felt like pins & needles in my legs. Next week we are scheduled for 10 miles and the weather isn't supposed to be much better! Gotta do what ya gotta do. The OKC Memorial Marathon is what I am training for & it is in about 15 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't hurt anything!!! If I didn't have Cori or other people to run with - I'd never make it through the training. That is a fact!!!