Spreading a little cheer

Devine Night Out was last Thursday.  This is an event when all the shops along Devine Street stay open late and host a street party.  I saw an email saying that the Red Cross needed volunteers to help man tables so I checked the calendar and that night was free.  We were working on trying to get cards signed for the troops for the Red Cross's Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.  Our table was set up outside of Southern Pottery (which is home to some amazing art and local talent) and we worked for three hours trying to get as many people as possible to make cards.  And we did good.  With the exception of one girl who flat out said no, everyone else who walked by wrote a note to some of our service members.  This is such a little thing and many people think that they don't have time to volunteer, especially around the holidays, but this was three hours.  Such a small commitment but a large return.  So I encourage everyone to do something this holiday season, no matter how small. It may be the best present you can give to yourself...  And I am stepping off my soapbox now :)  

One of the other volunteers took pictures and I will post pictures as soon as I have them.

They say things come in threes...

I really needed a new gym bag... and now I have three.  Which really need to be put to use now that we are in the thick of the holidays.  Not so much for the food (though that is a factor), but for the stress and everything else that goes on at this time of year.  So I will take this sign and keep packing the multiple bags.  That way in the mornings I can just grab one on the way out the door.

Tales from the land of online dating

 So most of you know I have been trying online dating and boy are there some interesting people out there.  Lots of nice ones, but some others...
So lets start with the basics.
Photos.  Please. I have posted examples of two of my favorites.  The laying on the couch shot (I see my running shoes and other crap I drop when I walk through the door) and the bathroom mirror pose (I think I gain points for the attempted duck face and the double mirror, but my lose some because you can't see in my shower or see my toilet) .  These were taken post run so I am extra sexy :).  I don't know why everyone posts these on their profile.  They don't make me want to start up a conversation.
Then there is the actual profile.  I would like for you to tell me things about yourself beyond your profile reading "I'm an open book.  Ask me anything you want."  But it also shouldn't be longer than a George R.R. Martin novel.  And my personal favorite profile is, as follows,  with my thoughts- and I am sure yours (I know at least one other friend echoed my thoughts almost verbatim when I let her read this) edited in:
"I'm ___ I'm 29 and I just recently turned single."  I like how he turned single.  So can I turn coupled?  "I work at ______ I'm a _____.  I don't wana be doing it for the next 5yrs  I'm gona do my best to move up even higher."  Ok,  you do that. "I'm a great Singer and awesome dancer.  I learned how to dance from a stripper so I have talent in other areas as well."  Ok, I just feel like this statement also means you might be bringing some extra baggage to the table which requires monthly treatments. And I know that is probably not an accurate assessment of the health of strippers but it is my first reaction.  And the most awesome part of the profile... " I'm awesome in bed I can literally vibrate while I... you know that's all I'm saying"  Really that is where you decide on discretion?  I would have started around the dance section.  Needless to say I did not respond to him.  A honorable mention for profile WTF is:  "I'm Mexican and my love is like a Mexican."  What does that even mean?
And once you are past the profile it is onto messages.  I have previously talked about the text speak and it is still rampant.  Please at least write a full sentence in introduction.  "hey u cute send me something back kisses" is not going to get a response ever.  I also love the overuse of emocons and exclamation marks.  I use them a lot (I know this, more importantly you know this about me).  But if your message is made up of about half of these there is an issue.  From my inbox (I had previously responded back to a hello message and this is what I got back):  "I'm good!!!!  And you????  My name is _____!!  What's yours? :)"  And then when I did not immediately respond I got this "How come you won't talk to me???"  "Did I scare you off already??? LOL!!!"  And while he is probably a very nice person, I know also know that he is way to needy for me.  Way too needy.
Last, if anywhere in your profile you say you are married it ain't going to happen and separated is still married.
I think I am done for now.  I will probably have more very soon...

You win this round, Governor's Cup!

Not sure what this is, but it's pretty.

Start line

Last weekend was the Governor's Cup where I was supposed to run in the half marathon... You can probably tell by that statement things did not go as planned.  I will admit that I had slacked off slightly in the weeks leading up to the event, hadn't run more than six at a time since the weekend before the Mud Run.  But after picking up my packet I went to look at the course one more time and saw something that I had missed up until now.  The course was closing 30 minutes earlier this year.  Which meant that there was a good chance that the race would close before I finished.  And I don't know how Columbia does it, but many other places will completely pull you off the course... and I was not willing to take a chance on being pulled off at mile 12.  So I dropped down to the 8k.   The good news is that this year I got to cheer for my dad at the finish line.
So half marathon... you win this year.  Next year I will make sure I can finish in under three hours and I will show that course it won't beat me.

New stuff

This week I got some new things (or at least new to me). 
My couch bit the dust and luckily a friend was selling one that met my criteria (no cats) so with the help of my dad we got the couch to my apartment and all set up.  I also got a new hair cut.  That's pretty much it...

Runway Run

So, last year I ran this race thinking when would I ever get a chance to run on a runway again without being tasered by the TSA.  With that thought I signed up for the event.  And they did it again this year!  Although, this year I waited to sign up until after the Mud Run to make sure I could even walk. 
The weather was cold and kind windy but I was with some fabulous people.  Icing on the cake this year was that they gave you your pictures for free (normally they cost a small fortune- $20+ a picture).  So here are mine!  :)


1)  And we're off!
2) Where's Waldo... or Melissa?  I'm in here, can you find me?
3) Almost there.  Pierre giving a little finish line encouragement.

Getting a little dirty...

Finally!  If you haven't followed the mud run saga, I was originally supposed to do this event last April.  However due to team switches and tornadoes (or the threat of) my dad and I were pushed back to the fall event.  And in moving we gained two great new team members, Brooke and Mitchell.

The night before the race Mitchell sent out some advise from a mud run veteran.  "Channel your inner four year old."  So I went into the event with that mindset.
Saturday was beautiful and we were ready to go at our 11:03 start time.  And we started at 11:03 on the dot.  They were very precise.  Which, if I think about it shouldn't surprise me since the event was put on my retired Marines.
The mud run was comprised of 5.2 miles and 34 obstacles.  Two were closed due to hornets or yellow jackets or bees (some flying stinging things) and in their place we had to do pt type exercises.  Otherwise we attempted everything else and only had to take a pass on the 10 foot wall.  To the right from the top is our 'before' picture.  Followed by me attempting to swing across a mud pit.  As you can see, I didn't make it.  Bare hands+ muddy rope +  little upper body strength = me sliding down the rope.

To the left is the 15 foot wall, a random picture along the course and our after shot with a member of our other team who came to support us.  She was pulled from the event by her doctor (only to then find out she could have participated :( ).
I then, after taking a few showers, went to babysit that night.

The next day, I did not want to move.  While I had embraced my inner four year old, no one had warned me that my inner eighty year old was coming to visit.  I popped ibuprofen like candy all day (especially since I had to go work).

Once I got home from work I made a huge mistake.  I broke out the 'menthol pain relieving gel.'  And put it on like lotion.  Which led to me curling into a ball while my body tried to figure out why it was on fire and cold a the same time.  Lesson learned.  One body part at a time and use sparingly.  Previously I had only used it on a small area and it worked and felt good then...

Yesterday, I was down to feeling like I was in my sixties so I decided to go for a run to loosen up before class and it helped so much.  I then came home and broke out the bottle of ibuprofen again and the menthol (which I scaled back my usage drastically).

Today, I felt thirty-seven.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be thirty again :)  Countdown to next year has begun. 

Disney Wine and Dine Half

 So, on Friday morning the parents and I packed up and started the drive down to Orlando for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon for which I had been raising money on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (where we- you and me- raised $2800 dollars for this amazing cause!).

On the way down we had to make a stop at the GOASIS in Brunswick, Ga.  I don't normally take pictures of rest stop restrooms, however, the GOASIS is the nicest truck stop/gas station EVER and you should know to stop there if you are passing through.  They also have a great assortment of snacks, movies, and random other treats that are not at your average stop.

 We arrived at the Disney Contemporary Resort which was where the Team in Training participants were staying and I got checked into this fabulous room.  Below and to the right are pictures of the room, patio, and garden at the resort.  My roommate was a really nice, fun girl from the Florida Chapter.

After checking into my room we left to check my parents into their room at a local resort that was very generously donated for use by a coworker.

It was then about time for dinner where we were meeting the other members of the South Carolina Team.  We were meeting at Portobello's  in Downtown Disney.  I was the only one from Columbia, there was one from Greenville, six from Charleston, and two from Hilton Head.  We had a nice, relaxing, get to know you dinner.  From there it was some looking around/window shopping then back to the room for bed. 

 

I got up early the next morning to back to packet pickup and the expo.  Where I had to put on blinders so that I didn't spend every penny I owned.  There was stuff every where from Craisin taste tests, shoes, Greek yogurt, sweaty bands (and you know I have trouble around those), Chiquita pinko, and running clothes.  The only thing I didn't see was the one (ok two) things I was looking for.  I wanted the mickey shaped 13.1 sticker and I wanted some running ears.  Sadly, I found neither. 

But I did get a lot of awesome stuff in the the goody bag and a shirt that proclaims "I am only half crazy 13.1"  I did really well restraining myself :)

 

Then it was time for our inspiration brunch where we all mingled and heard a little more about why we are/were doing what we were.  Then we learned that the Disney group had raised over $500,000 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!  After lunch it was time to go back to the room to catch a nap before we met back up at 7:15 to get ready to shuttle to the race.

We got on our shuttle only to find out that the highway patrol had already shut down the major entrances into the Wide World of Sports (early).  So after riding around for an hour we finally found an entrance that was open.  The good news was that we were able to sit that extra hour rather than standing around waiting.

Then, around 9:30 it was time to head to the corrals.  I was in corral E so even though the event started at 10pm, my group started at 10:20. Every five minutes we inched forward a little more until finally we reached the start.

One really fun thing about Disney races is that they have entertainment along the course in the form of characters and performers. 

Along the way there were many to see, music playing, and pictures to take.  I stopped for the fairy godmothers (where I wished for the patience to deal with some of my fellow runners and to finish strong- since there was still the after party to attend) and for one of the army men from Toy Story ('cause we all know I love a man in uniform- even if he is green). 

 We got to run though the Animal Kingdom which was fun, but narrow, and is what caused me to wish for patience since people were walking five and six across and it was very hard to get ahead of them.  And we got to run though Hollywood Studios and circle the Tower of Terror.

One thing that definitely added some time to my race, in addition to stopping for pictures though out the course, and this is totally TMI, but I had to stop at every restroom I passed.  Not because I had to actually go, but because it was a night race, even though there were port-a-johns everywhere.  It was a night race.  I don't what one lit up like a spotlight, but a little light is nice.  So when I was in the parks I stopped "just in case".  Because they port-a-johns are scary enough when you can see.  If the people in front of you couldn't see I am not going anywhere near that.

And then finally I finished!  I had run for two days (hehehe).  I got my medal and I was off into the park for some fun.  I got back to the hotel around 3:30am and was wide awake (I couldn't move at this point but also couldn't sleep).  My roommate came in around 4am and we talked for about an hour.  I got up early for breakfast, but then crawled right back into the bed.

That night we went to dinner at Ohona's at the Polynesian Resort.  Which was full, so we got on the wait list.  While waiting a six top opened up, so the couple behind us sat with us so we could all eat there.  It was a family style meal that just kept coming and was amazing!  And sent me into a carb coma.  So it was to bed I went about 10pm that night.  

But first I had a purchase to make.  We were headed out in the morning and while they were not the ears I really wanted I picked up these and they are pretty cute and fun.  I don't care that I won't ever really wear them.  Although I could, maybe for another Disney race...

Come on people...

So I have forayed into the world of online dating.  And holy crap there are some crazies out there.  Along with some people who just have issues.  And a few seemingly nice, normal people.  However to keep my sanity and vent a little I would like to list out some don'ts for my fellow singles.
1. Pictures
Please no Fabio pics.  If you are not Fabio on the cover of a novel you should not be wearing a pirate shirt open to your middle.  And look like you have a wind machine.
Obvious bathroom pictures.  I know you want to do a full body picture but I don't need to see your toilet.  Also keep your shirt on.  If you want to show you're fit, how about a pic at the pool or the gym.  Not like you are greased up for a cameo on the Jersey Shores.
And lastly, no duck face please.  Or close ups of your lips, or other feature you want to highlight.  Just saying.
2. Introduction email
This has about broken me.  Please for the love of all that is good in the world use real, whole words for your first contact.  U R QT. is not going to get a response.  It's going straight into the trash.
And it that same vein "damn U R cute, you look 15 want to meet?" is going to get a response, but not me replying- it will be me calling Chris Hanson.
3. Profile
Maybe this should have been number one but we will go with this.  Pick a name that works for you like some mash up of your name/initials or your favorite activity/place/sports team.  But not THAT favorite activity.  Names like bareishowilikeit or iamjustthatnasty (changed slightly).  Because this is your first impression on the person you are trying to contact or the people who are looking for you.
And, I am just mean, but when I read a guy tying to be all walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, etc I am not believing a word he says.  Also, drama, baggage, and other cutesy stuff is not working for me.  When you start talking about being a teddy bear abandoned by a previous owner I feel that I would spend the whole date hearing about your ex.

All that being said I am meeting some interesting people.  It's really cute when you find something in the profile (other than the photo) to comment on and strike up a "conversation".  Anything romantic aside I have "met" a couple people who are pretty cool and so these people make it worth sorting through all the others.
Thanks for reading through my venting :)

It's official. I am old.

The classic rock stations have been playing the music that came out when I was in high school...

Dam Run followed by another dam run

The Dam Run to Irmo was held this past weekend and my dad and I ran it.  And if you know anything by now that means my dad and I started at the same time and he waited for me at the finish line.  :)  I managed to shave six minutes off of last year's time so that was a nice plus.  However, I then needed to do another 4.8 miles since, per my training schedule, Saturday's run needed to be 11 miles and the Dam Run was a just a 10k.  So I decide to run from the dam after the race back to my parents house.  It was a long, long run/jog/walk.  I would see an intersection and think I was in one location only to get closer and realize no, not there,  see another intersection and no... lather, rinse and repeat.   I finally made it to their house and mentioned that it had been the longest five miles EVER and my dad laughed at me and said that was because it wasn't five miles.  I was very dejected and said "it was less?!?!?".  And he said no, it was the longest five miles ever because it was six plus.  I don't know how I calculated the run on the map but I was really off.  The good news is with this 12+ mile jog that I am well on my way to being ready for the half in just a couple of weeks!  It is getting really, really close and I am getting really, really excited!

My rules: Cars v. People Etiquette

I realize there are idiots all around (drivers, pedestrians, bikers).  And I don't think any of you qualify, but just to get these things out in the open.  I try and always follow the rules when running.  Mainly because I know in a match-up between me and a car, the car will win.  I run facing traffic so I can see you even if you can't see me.  This is usually because you are: talking, texting, looking one way only when turning, putting on makeup, reading, or for some of you all of the above.  I cross at cross walks and FYI that little white man in the box means I have the right of way.  At a crosswalk you should think of me as if I am another car on your side.  I do run in the road (because asphalt is easier on the knees than concrete), but if cars are coming I jump back on the sidewalk or run on the shoulder of the road (ie. not a lane).  Sometimes the shoulders are VERY tiny and there is a ditch on the other side (see photo to the left) so I can't move over so you need to just STAY IN YOUR LANE and we will be okay.  And really you should be able to stay in your lane anyway.  If you are driving a car larger than a lane and it's not an 18 wheeler, well...
Sometimes you may want to say hello, give encouragement, show appreciation, whatever else you mean to convey to a runner.  These things are nice (most of the time) a wave, smile, light taps with horn.  But please for the love of all things holy don't lay on the horn.  Two reasons.  1.  I will feel that I am in eminent danger (maybe there is a runaway train, someone behind me, everything a horror movie has ever depicted).  2.  It's loud and it hurts my ears.  I run around traffic, so I only have one earphone in and horns are loud.  They are not toys (even if yours does play a tune).  And they are really, really annoying when it happens over and over again.  And that is it on the rules for now.

But look what I saw when out today.  Cricket!  People were playing at a local school's field.  Who knew people played that here.

Ice Cream Party

On Tuesday night several of my Team in Training teammates and I went to our local children's hospital to take ice cream around to the Leukemia and Lymphoma patients and their families.  This being a Children's Miracle Network Hospital, I have volunteered at the radiothons held yearly in the lobby with Phi Mu (our national philanthropy) and visited patents, but had never been to the cancer floors.  We split up into two groups to visit a couple of floors. Our floor had about ten rooms to visit with children ranging in age from under two to fourteen.  And let me tell you those were some of the most polite and cheerful people I have seen in a long time.  They are going through an incredibly tough time right now, and while I am sure there are some low times,  they were all in remarkable spirits.  Especially Happy.  That is what his grandmother was calling him and it fit.  When we finished our rounds Happy was starting his play time.  It was time to walk around and play and boy did he.  He flitted around from corner and activity in the play room and then we helped him shoot some baskets for a bit.  He is around three/four and I am sure he has no idea what is happening and why he has to have IVs and other equipment hooked up to him but he is dealing with it.  He is living his life.  That is what I am taking away from this visit.  We all have things we are dealing with, and we develop tunnel vision, and can only focus on that issue.  I want to focus on the whole.  Let the little things go and be grateful for all that I have.  I hope everyone got a little joy out of our visit.  I know that I definitely did.

Birthday Weekend

This blog has hit 100, I have turned 30, and this balloon has survived 23 days (it's now floating at half mast- but it's still floating). 
On Thursday night we got in a four mile run, while on the run I took a picture of this odd little mosaic compass made of plates and utensils.  I knew I had to run since there was going to be copious amounts of food eaten this weekend. And there was :)
Kimberly, Audrey, Mitchell, David, Pierre, Matt, and myself went to Cellar on Greene Friday night for some delicious food and wine and company.  Maybe a little too delicious as I didn't run the next morning.  Then Matt, Pierre, and I went to see Colombiana.  It was not bad, but it could have been better.
Tonight the fam went out to eat and in addition to good food I now also have dinner for tomorrow, too.  Which is nice since it will be a busy day.  And it ended with a delicious cake from Sweet Cake House.  Now on to the week ahead.
And if you are still looking for a present for me remember you can always donate on the right to help me hit my goal of $3000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...

And the 'What was I thinking?' sets in

Oh Gu, how I love you...
Especially on the long run you
keep me going!

This week started mud run training.  And reinforced my "what was I thinking" month that will be really felt in October.  But for now lets focus on the middle of the month and the USMC mud run.  Monday and Wednesday were spent at Riverfront doing some jogging and strength training.  So tonight we ran hills, pushups, squats, burpees, karaokes, triceps dips, and more.  Tomorrow will be an off night for me (yay!), Friday I will be cheering the girls on with recruitment, then Saturday will be a 10 mile day.  Then lather, rinse, and repeat adding in the two other team runs for the half training next week.  And then maybe a class if the professor ever responds to me.  I am still trying to pick which class I would like to take this fall and since no one has put syllabi out yet I am still undecided.

Blind Wine Tasting Party and A Long Run...

 But not as long as it should have been.  :)  This was a really busy weekend for me.  Friday night we had a blind wine tasting party to raise some dollars for LLS.  It was held at Kimberly's where we were having a chocolate and wine smorgasbord.  With Kimberly, Deborah, Christina, and myself working we got everything set up and ready to go.  I was surprised with early birthday balloons and an adorable market tote and wine stopper.  David brought a cake for the August babies (Mike and myself), a sinful chocolate creation from Chocolate Nirvana.  And when all the guests were there we got to work on trying all the wines.    Kimberly was our amazing wine goddess and was pouring like crazy.  We tasted from A-T, which is 20 bottles for those of you keeping count.  I had to laugh that when the tallies were in I had brought both the best (Pomula Wine Spritz) and the worst wine (a late harvest Chardonnay).  After taking myself out of the competition since I had made the prizes, we had some more winners :)  When all was said and done I think everyone had a great time and we raised just under $300 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Saturday was a very funny day with the work schedule and so the long run was moved to Sunday morning.  Which was still a hectic so I only got in seven, I wanted to get in nine.  I have to make sure I get that in next weekend since the half is getting very close. 

Greystone Sunday Morning