Lucky Girl

I am a very lucky girl. I had an absolutely wonderful Christmas this year. My sweet husband did his very best (and succeeded) to make it a wonderful holiday. He got up some time in the middle of the night and turned on all of the Christmas lights downstairs so I would see them first thing in the morning. He also got me everything I had on my wish list, plus a few surprises. One of the sweetest surprises was a DVD of the movie Eloise. He bought it for me because he knows the book Eloise at Christmastime is very special to me since it was a book I read at my grandparents house every year over the holidays. I was so very touched by his gift.

I am also lucky because I have the ability to spoil my husband, friends, and family at Christmas. I enjoy picking out gifts for people, and I am glad that I don't have to worry about a particular budget for gift giving. We had a great Christmas afternoon with Bill's family. It was fun to see the nephews with their gifts, and I think my sisters-in-law (we drew their names in our annual gift exchange) enjoyed their gifts as well. We all shared a lovely meal together and just enjoyed the wonderful, albeit rainy, day.

I have also had a streak of luck lately. I won free passes to see the movie Sherlock Holmes. Bill and I went to see it last night. It was pretty good. I think Robert Downey, Jr., is a wonderful actor, and I really like both Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. I also won a contest for a DVD giveaway on Christmas Eve. I had been entering the contests all week (there was a different giveaway each day), but the one I really wanted was on the last day. I won it! It is the complete first season of the TV show The Mentalist. I have heard it is a good show, and I look forward to checking it out. Now, it I could only keep the lucky streak going and win the lottery...that would be a great way to start 2010!

Race Day, 11/22/09-The Philadelphia Marathon, Part III

I had just made the turn away from the finish line and started heading in the direction of mile 14. A woman appeared next to me and suddenly stated "Where the hell is the damn finish line?" I looked at her, and asked if she was doing to half marathon. She was. I told her she had missed the turn and needed to go back. I don't know how anyone could have missed it. There were so many signs and announcements. I guess she was pretty darned tired.

I left the yelling supporters and headed up a hill. Soon, I was in total quiet. I didn't see anyone. I was a bit nervous that I had somehow gotten off the race route, but I soon saw the sign for mile 14. I headed down a hill, then I was on a four lane highway running along the river. From there, the race was an out and back to a small town called Manayunk. I was seeing all the runners heading toward the finish, and hearing people say things like "Don't worry, you will be in Boston." I, however, would not be in Boston as I still had half a race to finish.

I was nearing mile 15 when I heard the ambulance. I never did see the person who needed the ambulance, but I did run past the emergency workers and volunteers. I was just happy it was not me needing medical attention. It was a long boring road out to Manayunk. There were not many spectators along this road, so it was harder to stay running. I did soon see our friends Gary, Kari, and Chris as they headed back to the museum. I still had miles to go.

The town of Manayunk was so cute. All of the local bars and restaurants were open and many had outdoor seating. People cheered us runners as they enjoyed their brunch. I saw several of my Galloway friends, including Eric who had run a marathon in Delaware the day before. He yelled so loud when he saw me, it really made me feel great.

I had been calling Bill all through the race giving me updates to my position. I called him again around mile 23 where I needed yet another rest stop (I swear I have never had to go during a training run, but I went twice in this race!) There was a man shouting at the runners "Pain is weakness leaving the body!" It is one of my favorite quotes, and I had to chuckle. I told him I must have a lot of weakness. A female runner next to me said that wasn't true or else I would no longer be running. She was right.

The miles from 23 to 26 went by so quickly. I was back at the museum, knowing that my goal was within reach. I saw my step brother, Jamie, waiting for me with a huge grin on his face. He ran with me and took a video of my finish. I saw my step mom, then Bill taking pictures right near the 26 mile marker. My dad, aunt, and uncle were there, too. By then, I knew there were no more walk breaks, so I just kept running. I finished in 5:54, beating my goal by 6 minutes. I was so happy to receive my medal - it is beautiful.

My family took such good care of me after the race. After all of the hugs and kisses, they went to get me water, broth, fruit and a famous Philly pretzel. I had my picture taken by the marathon sign, and even got to see my friend Hardin. It was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I am so happy that I was able to share it with my family.

After a stop back at the hotel to clean up and a good bye to my family members, Bill and I head out in search of every runner's favorite post race refreshment, beer. We went to a bar called Monk's where we had some great Belgium beer and burgers. We later met our friends for dinner and we all celebrated a great race day by eating more food and drinking more beer.

I so enjoyed the Philadelphia Marathon. It was a great race in a wonderful city. The route was good, the people were wonderful, and there are so may things to do and see. I would recommend this race to anyone. Thank you, City of Brotherly Love. I had a fantastic time!

It has been too long...

Well, what can I say? I have been pretty busy lately. It is about time I have updated my blog, so here goes...

I did it. I finished the Philadelphia Marathon. Not only did I finish, I finished faster than I thought I would. At the beginning of this training season, I decided my goal would be 6 hours. In the Galloway program, we do a measure called the Magic Mile where you run a mile as fast as you can. Based on your finish time for the mile, you can predict your finished for every length of race. My Magic Mile indicated I would finish a marathon in 6 hour, 15 minutes. I was a bit bummed because I really wanted to run 6 hours. Well, I finished it in 5 hours, 54 minutes. Ha!

Philadelphia is a wonderful city. We arrived on Friday to give up plenty of time to get ready for the race and to be able to visit my family who lives in the area. We had a great hotel right on Benjamin Franklin Parkway which is the main road that leads to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the race begins and ends. There were several members of the Raleigh Galloway running group in town for the race. Our close friends, Chris & Tara as well as Gary & Kari, were all there as well. We met up with them at the race Expo on Friday, and enjoyed a great Italian meal with them Friday night.

On Saturday, we were able to visit the largest museum of Rodin sculpture outside of Paris in the morning. We also walked up to the museum to have our picture taken with the Rocky statue, and to run those famous stairs. My dad and his family flew down from Boston to spend the weekend with my aunt and uncle. He picked us up around lunchtime on Saturday, and we spent the rest of the day with family. It was so nice to see everyone, and to know that they would be waiting for me at the finish line. My aunt and uncle are great hosts - they served an early meal of spaghetti with turkey meat sauce just for us.

Soon, it was time to head to the hotel to get some sleep before the big race. To be continued...

And a Very Merry Christmas to all!!

Merry Christmas, everyone!! What a whirlwind these last 2 days have been.

Tuesday was my first day off work (woo hoo - off for 6 days!) and the main day to get stuff done. We shopped for the last minutes gifts (Target was having computer problems and could not take credit cards - can you believe it?!?!) and groceries for Christmas Eve.

Yesterday was the big family day. Bill's parents, both his sisters, and their combined 3 children came over for dinner. It sure is something to have children in your house when you aren't used to it. The little one (1 year old) howled and cried for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. At least he was in a pack and play. Poor kid - I felt really bad for him, nothing seemed to make him happy. The older two boys had a grand time. They played with all of hubby's stuff in his office, and each received a special plane as a gift. We all sat down to dinner (under cooked beef tenderloin that we had to finish cooking in a saute pan - it turned out great, though) and dessert, and did really enjoy the meaning of the season - family. I made a gingerbread cake that rocked for dessert. Soon, everyone was on the way back to grandma and grandpa's house to wait for Santa. Peace returned to our home.

Today, we have relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of Christmas. We walked the pups (it's their first Christmas!) and came home for breakfast. We opened our stocking as is my family tradition before eating some kick butt breakfast casserole and having our coffee. Now, we are getting ready to sit by the tree and open our presents. We scaled back this year, but we will still have fun. I love to surprise hubby with gifts. It is better to give rather than receive.

Later today, we are off to the in-laws for a big traditional Christmas dinner and more gifts and good cheer. It's days like these that make you realize how lucky you are. I am very lucky indeed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!!!!

Canes, Christmas, and Craziness

My good friend, Heather, scored tickets to Thursday night's Carolina Hurricanes game. Not just any tickets, though. These tickets were on the club level. We were seated at center ice, right on the red line, in the most expensive level of the arena. We were right above the penalty boxes. Let me tell you, I have sat in many different seats in the arena, but these were by far the best seats in the house. You could see the whole length on the ice, and every part of it. In my normal seat, you really can't see anything along the boards near the goal. I had no problems on Thursday. I could also watch the action on the bench, another thing I can't see from my regular seat. It was a great game, and the Canes won 2-1 in OT. It will be hard to go back to section 338 after this experience.

Christmas is 4 days away. Things are going OK, but I still have to buy 3 more gifts. I have nothing for my brother-in-law. What is even worse, I really have no idea what to get him. We don't get to see each other very often, so I really don't know what he likes and dislikes. It is getting close to go time, so a decision will need to be made soon. Luckily, I got Tuesday off, and we are already closed 12/24 to 12/26. I hope we will be able to come up with something soon. At least I have most of the presents wrapped. Progress is happening, just slowly.

A Good Thanksgiving

We had a really good holiday. It is not the big things that matter, but the little things.

Both Bill and I were able to go for a run in the morning before we came home to cook and clean up. Bill's parents came over late afternoon, and we had some great appetizers and good conversation. Around 5:30 pm, we had our big Thanksgiving dinner. My sweet hubby is a wonderful chef, so he made a great turkey with all the trimmings. I was able to use all of the good stuff - my mom's Heron china and sterling silver as well as all the serving pieces. After dinner, our girls, Misty and Lily, got to sample their first ever Thanksgiving dinner. They got a little bit of everything in their bowl. As you can imagine, it was a big hit with the puppies.

After all the dished were washed (trust me - there were a lot of dishes), we watched TV and saw the movie Fred Claus. The movie was pretty good and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

It was a really good holiday. Family was around, the food was great, and the day was relaxing. What more could you want from a holiday?

Quote of the Week

“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” John Bingham

I really like this quote. I think about this quote quite a bit. I thought about it last week when I was talking to my sister-in-law (SIL). We have finally put aside our political differences now that the election is over (OBAMA '08!!), and we are back to normal. Hubby and I will be going to Orlando for the Disney Half Marathon in 2009. I mentioned to SIL that she should run with me in 2010. As far as I know, she has never been a runner. I thought she might laugh off the suggestion or say "yeah, right, " but I was pleasantly surprised to find her saying yes.

She has started to look at different walking and/or running groups in her area. Before we even finished our e-mails, she had spoken to a local store that was able to suggest a group for her to join. She even asked me when we could sign up for the run so she would have a goal race. I am so excited for her and so please to have a running buddy. Sure, sometimes training stinks. Sometimes it is cold outside or dark or wet, and you don't want to go. Sometimes it aches to run that far. Sometimes you wonder what the heck you were thinking. But, just as John says, it is not the race or finishing the run, it is the fact that you started at all. You can do anything you set your mind to do. The hardest part is starting.

Watch out Disney Princess Run 2010 cause we are coming!!

And Then There Were Four

So much has changed in the 5 days since my last post.

When I last wrote, I was still devastated by the loss of Sammy. Things have gotten better. Sammy came home last Thursday. We placed her ashes in her room, on the bed she loved. It seemed that everything cam full circle. Bill and I cried as we sat on the bed with her, but we slept through the night that night. We have been sleeping well ever since. Now, we can remember Sammy with good memories and no more tears.

The house has been so empty, that we decided we wanted to adopt another dog. We looked on line at the local animal shelter and saw many great dogs. We tossed around the idea, but still wondered if it was too soon and if we were cheapening Samantha's memory. We decided to visit the shelter on Monday.

I am happy to report that our visit to the SPCA of Wake County was a wonderful success. The facility was wonderful, and so were the volunteers. We had great dealings with the people in the kennels and the adoption counselors. We just didn't know if we should move forward.

I am happy to report that we now have 2 dogs living under our roof with us. Misty is a 2 year old German Shepard mix, and Lily is a 9 month old lab mix. The girls arrived today, and Bill and I have been amazed at how wonderful they have been so far. They have adjusted to their forever home very well. We will all sleep well tonight.

Missing Our Girl

As you can imagine, things have been hard at out house. The shock of losing our Sammy has not warn off. Bill and I find ourselves in tears often, and neither of us slept last night. We miss her so much.

Sammy may have been a dog, but she was one-third of our family. Our family motto was always "You, me and the pooch," and now one of the main players is gone.

I know what it is to be heartbroken now.

Running on Vacation

So far, I have been able to keep up my running regimen while on vacation. Of course, it has been easy so far because I am at my dad's house. They have a great lake here where I can run. It is was to get to, and I am familiar with it. I'm wondering if I will still run when we get to our next destination - a place we do not know. Will it be easier to continue? For each run this week, we will be in a different place. Guess I will let you know what happens.

Yesterday, we spent the day in Boston as a family. We did a trolley tour and went on a harbor cruise. It was a great way to see the city. I think we all enjoyed it - even the natives. We were lucky that it rained only a few drops even when the sky was threatening all day. We finished the day in Cambridge eating at a fantastic Mexican restaurant with fresh guacamole and margaritas. We even went through Harvard Square on the way home. Not bad for a Sunday.

Well, that's all for now. I have to get ready to move on to Maine. I will be computer-less for the rest of the vacation, so I will have to catch up when I get back. Have a great week!!

New Nephew Alert!

My new nephew was born on Wednesday. His name is Michael Arthur Cruz. He was born early - there were some issues with the pregnancy. He is about 4.5 pounds and will be in the hospital for another month. He has a head full of dark hair, and otherwise looks good for a newborn. He has some fluid issues, but we are all hoping and praying that he will be fine.

I guess another sticking boy is not that bad...

Made it to Boston

I arrived in Boston yesterday to spend some time with my family and enjoy a vacation. I shopped in downtown Boston yesterday, and met my stepmom for lunch. We had a lovely dinner with my stepbro, and I got to see the dog, Shatzie. I have not seen her in a year, and she had grown from a puppy to a real dog.

This morning, I went for a run around the lake, then had breakfast with my little bro. I am going to head to town soon (had to wait for the Celtics parade to end - yeah Boston!). I hope to see the Isabelle Stuart Gardner museum/home this afternoon. My dad should be home tonight, so I am excited to see him, too. Got to go!

Yet Another Boy

My sister-in-law is pregnant with her second child, and we found out yesterday that it is a boy. For you folks keeping count, that's my fourth nephew. Yep, we are 4 for 4 on the bot count in this family. I am pretty disappointed. I really thought the odds were with us this time. Oh well.

It is a lovely Good Friday here, and I am getting ready to enjoy my day off by heading to the mall. Hope everyone else is having a lovely day!

Christmas 2007 Remembered

2008 is great!

We rang in the New Year with great friends last night. Our friends, Janet and Dan, called on Saturday to see if we wanted to do something for New Year's Eve. Janet had seen a restaurant in nearby Hillsborough that was having a special dinner. We went to dinner at 9:00 and enjoyed a wonderful 4 course feast. The food was really delicious. We were able to sit at our table until just before midnight when we headed to the bar to watch and participate in the countdown. It was so nice to ring in a brand new year with friends.

So, now, 2008 is here and it is time to make resolutions. I have never been really good with resolutions, but I do have some things I want to accomplish this year.

1. I want to manage my weight again. I have been way too easy on my diet - heck, I have not followed one in over a year. I need to watch what I eat. Period.
2. I want to continue running and work up to at least a 10K this year. Bill and I have already checked out runs for this year and found a few we want to do.
3. I want to continue to try new things and do the things that I have always wanted to do. I have already signed up for a beginning yoga class and an Indian cooking class in '08.
4. I want to decide if I should stay in The Junior League. It may be that my attention would be better used elsewhere and for a different organization. I know at least 2 people think I should quit the League.
5. I want to travel this year. I want to go to Germany as well as visit family and friends.
6. I want to de-clutter my life. I want to get rid of the stuff I don't need and simplify my life.
7. I want to continue to enjoy my job and my co-workers.
8. I want to spend time with my husband, my dog and my friends.
9. I want to earn that plate on the wall at The Flying Saucer!
10. I want to be more flexible and more relaxed.

So much to do and no time like January 1 to start!

Workin' is for Chumps!

5 1/2 days off and now I am back to work. Thanks goodness I only work today and a 1/2 day tomorrow. This working thing stinks!

Here is a brief recap of our holiday:

December 21 - I worked a 1/2 day, and Bill came to pick me up. He finally got to see our offices and meet a few colleagues he had not met prior to this visit. We ate lunch, went to the bike store to get his Christmas present (new pedals and shoes), then the museum. It was so wonderful to see a special exhibit when there was no crowd. There was no pushing, little noise, and we could really appreciate the landscapes at our own pace. We finished the day with a stop at Big Boss for a beer, dinner at Tyler's, and home for a DVD (The Simpsons Movie).

December 22 - We went down to Southern Pines to help Bill's parents. Bill cleaned their gutters while his mom and I supervised. I can't even remember what we did after coming home. I think we watched The Sting.

December 23 - We hung out at home, but did take our sweet puppy Christmas shopping at Pet Smart. She loves going there and picked out some treats for herself. We sent the evening at a Christmas party with friends. When we got home, we watched The Bourne Ultimatum.

December 24 - The entire Morrison clan was together for the first time in 2 years when the crew came up to our place. We met our new nephew, Ryan, and had lunch with the family. It was a nice day to play with the kids and socialize. That evening, we watched Christmas Vacation.

December 25 - We got up and followed the Krueger family tradition. We opened our stockings first, then ate breakfast before opening the remainder of our gifts. I think Bill really enjoyed the gifts I got him and I know I love the gifts I received. I got 2 new ornaments for the tree (a high heeled shoe and a handbag), a book, a robe, and 2 special surprises. Bill gave me a box filled with rocks. I thought it was part of another gift, but Bill said I should check the entire box. At the bottom, I found a gift card for a hot stone massage. I can't wait to get that - I have always wanted to try it. Bill also upgraded my diamond earrings. I have been wearing them every day since Christmas. I got running gear from Dad, Bunny, and Jamie, and chick lit books from my best pal in California. We quickly dressed after opening our gifts, and headed to So. Pines once again. The kids were already hyped up when we arrived, but seeing more gifts made them even crazier. They really liked the cars we got them, and played with them the rest of the day. We had traditional turkey dinner, and just enjoyed family for the rest of the day. When we got home, we watched the first half of The Holiday (which I received with Harry Potter 5 and a gift card from my favorite store, Nordstrom, from my sister-in-law) and will watch the rest tonight.

December 26 - I got up at 6:00 am to go shopping. Bill thought I was crazy to be wasting a vacation day. I got to the mall at about 7:20. It was not too crowded, except for the hundreds of people waiting outside of Crate and Barrel. I bought some holiday things at Pottery Barn, gift wrap and stickers at Hallmark, 2 shirts at Banana Republic, and a few other odds and ends. I was out of there by 10:00. I went to Barnes & Noble to exchange 2 books, then to Target and lunch. I got to the other mall, but did not stay long as I was very tired. The shopping this year was not as good as I expected. I think the fact that it was raining did not help either. I headed home at about 1:30 pm. Bill came home about 4:30 and we headed to a nice dinner before seeing the stage play White Christmas. It was a very nice way to end the holiday.

I wonder what we will do for New Year's?

As I pass into my 36th year on this planet...

Today marks the beginning of year 36 for me. This morning, during my run (yes, it was very cold outside), I started thinking about my past relationships - past loves, past regrets, past mistakes, past chances that failed, and past chances never taken. I had a few fond memories in the bunch, and more than I few memories that I wished to forget. I thought about the people who have affected my life, and wondered where a few of them are now and what they are doing. I remembered a few people that I wish I had never let in my life.

For better or worse, these people made me the person that I am today. At the ripe old age of 36, I find that I am happy. I have a wonderful husband, a sweet dog, good friends and family. I have a job that is decent and a home that is warm. I have love and I am loved. I think that is pretty much all we want as humans. The first 35 years have been good - I hope the next 35 continue to bring more of the same. Happy birthday to me!