20 Years Later

This summer marks my 20 year reunion from high school. It is so hard to believe that it has been 20 years already, yet not hard to believe at all. It is such a strange feeling. I feel so distanced from those days. I even have a hard time coming up with memories.

Through networking sites like Facebook, I have already reached out to many old friends from high school. It has been great getting back in touch with folks, seeing what they look like now, and hearing how their lives have turned out. At the same time, it is so strange to be hearing from these people again. What do I have in common with any of them? Nothing , really, except the fact that we all lived in the same place at one point in time. It makes me wonder if I should even go to the reunions. Will it be fun or will it be uncomfortable?

Luckily, I have until at least August to think about it. The funny thing is that hubby's 20th college reunion will be in November. I am looking forward to that more that I am my own. I know his friends will be fun, and I know I will have a good time.

Coach Bubba 20K

This past Saturday, I competed in a first for me - a 20K race (that's about 12.4 miles, if you were wondering.) I did this race last year, but I participated in the 4 mile version. I remember looking at the folks waiting for the start of the 20k and wondering if they were all crazy for running that far. Now I know the truth. Distance runners are crazy.

The course started in Downtown and wound through a neighborhood called Forest Hills. Yes, hills was accurate for the first 5.5 miles of this course. The ups and downs were exhausting, but soon I was past the pretty houses and on the American Tobacco Trail. The trail has a slight rise in one direction, but otherwise is a pretty flat, nicely paved trail. We finished the last section of this race on the trail - going out, then turning around to finish back downtown.

I finished right when I thought I would. I knew I could run a 10K in 1 hour, 20 minutes. I actually finished this race in 2 hours, 40 minutes. Yes, I was near the end, but I did finish.

Usually, I would be upset to have finished so far in the back. I know there were no more than 10 people behind me. In past races, I would have been feeling sorry for myself and wondering why I run so darn slow. I didn't feel that way on Saturday. I actually liked where I was. I ran quite a bit of the course by myself. It was nice just to be out and enjoying the day. It was like a really long training run - peaceful and steady. I felt less pressured than I had in past races. People would pass me on the out and back course and say things like"Good job - keep going!" I would just respond "Thanks - you, too!"

Maybe I am coming to terms with my slowness. Maybe just being there is half the battle. Or maybe I need bigger races so I will never be the back of the pack.

2 more people??

This past weekend. hubby asked me if he could add Alyssa Milano and Jessica Beil to his list. I said sure.

Melanie suggested Hugh Jackman. I think she is right - he is definitely list material. Especially after this weekend's award show...

I think I may have to add Daniel Craig, too.

5 People

There was an episode of Friends long ago where the gang was listing out the 5 celebrities each would be allowed to sleep with and not get into trouble with their significant others. I thought this episode was a good one then, but I think it is particularly funny now.

I know at least 4 of my hubby's five people. In no particular order, my husband's list includes:
1. Eva Mendes
2. Kate Beckinsale
3. Claudia Shiffer
4. Danica Patrick

He says I am number five, but I don't think I can qualify for this list. I think his list is pretty good.

So far, I have one on my list. I can't think of anyone else right now:
1. Jason Statham

Really, with Jason on the list, I don't need much more.

So, I am taking suggestions. What male celebrity should make my list?

I am addicted

On Sunday, our home computer died. It was an ugly death - a crash of massive proportions. Luckily, the unit is under warranty, so the replacement parts are on the way to us. Sadly, it is not fast enough for me.

I am so addicted to the Internet. Every morning between about 7 and 8 am, I check my e-mail and Facebook accounts. I also check out random other sites. If I can't get that access, I feel like I am totally disconnected in the world. I need my fix (and usually several times a day).

Yesterday was my day off. I would have had several hours to sit happily in front of the computer checking in with friends, playing games, and answering e-mails. I had to go to the library instead to use the public computer. I could not handle one day away! It is a sickness.

I just hope that our computer gets fixed soon. It needs to be fixed so I can get my fix.

Be My Valentine?

Today is Valentine's Day - a wonderful made up holiday when you tell your loved ones that you love them. This year, I asked my husband that we not exchange gifts or cards, but just spend time with one another.

Of course, my sweet hubby ignored me and got me a very cute card with some wonderful sentiments written inside. He also got me a gift (but said it was from the dogs) of a very creative collage of pictures of my pups. I got him nothing.

I makes me wonder if holidays like Valentine's Day are really just for women. It is an opportunity for our guys to come out and say "Hey - I love you" without having to feel weird about it. They can become extra mushy and it is a good thing. We women even give them extra points for doing this on February 14 versus February 15.

I have been under the weather lately, but I hope to feel better this evening. I want to stick to our original plan to spend time together by having a nice meal out. Of course, we did have a date night just Wednesday night, but it feels like something we should do tonight. After all, aren't those the rules for this made up holiday?

Pet Peeve #1

I have lots of pet peeves. We all do. There are little things that get under our skin and irritate us. I have a new little one that just irritates the heck out of me.

I am a runner. I have been running for almost 2 years now. I have done 3 half marathons. I cannot stand it when people tell me "Wow, that's so cool that you ran a half marathon. I could never do that!" Ugh - I just want to strangle someone who says that phrase to me.

I could never do that. Well, of course you can do it!! Do you think that I started out as a half marathoner? NO. When I started, I could barely run a half mile, let alone a half marathon. It takes time, perseverance, practice, and effort. These things are not just necessary for training for a long distance run; they applicable for anything you want to do in life.

We can't all be Olympic runners, but that doesn't mean we can't be runners.

I will need to remember my own advice that next time I am in yoga class and think to myself "I will never be able to do that pose..."

A Different Kind of a Race

This morning I participated in The Krispy Kreme Challenge. For those of you who may not know, Krispy Kreme is a donut maker naive to North Carolina. This race was dreamt up by a few NC State College student a few years back. The first year, there were about 11 participants. This year, there were over 5000 participants.

The Challenge is to run 2 miles from the NC State campus to the Krispy Kreme store. Once there, you eat 12 donuts as fast as possible. Then, you run the 2 miles back to where you started. This entire event must be completed in one hour to satisfy the challenge.

I participated as a casual runner. This means that you can eat (or not eat) as many donuts as you please. When I reached the KK store, it was so crowded with people that I just grabbed one donut and tried to find water. I never found the water, so I decided to head back.

It was a very hilly course, but I made it back in one hour and 7 minutes. In terms of running, it was one of my fastest 4 miles ever. I felt good even after eating a donut.

There were many people in costume - everything from people dressed as donuts to superheros to pirates to 2 guys in Speedos. There was even two guys who pushed their friends along the course in a shopping cart (he had broken his foot about a week ago). Even ESPN was there to cover the race - check your local listings for airing information.

It was a fun event and I am glad I did it. I think it is one of those things that it is good to say you did it once, but don't have to do it again. I have no desire to do the full challenge - the caloric content alone is enough to make me say no. At least I burned off the single donut I ate today. None of the challengers can say that.

Fair Weather Fan?

I am beginning to wonder if I am a fair weather fan. I have not been very interested in the Canes season this year. For the first time, I bought a season ticket package for just myself. I don't mind going to the games by myself. I take a magazine for the intermissions, and that is really the part of the game when I would miss others. I am starting to find that intermissions are my favorite part of the game.

I am starting to get bored with the hockey. It seems like the same thing over and over again. During the last game I attended, I didn't even stand when the Canes scored. I used to go crazy when I heard that horn. I also didn't stay for the whole game. I left with minutes remaining in the third period while the game was tied. The Canes did win the game -I heard it on the way home. I didn't even miss missing the end. I was just glad to be on my way home.

It sounds to me like the nine year run of being a season ticket holder is coming to an end.

What's Your Name? Part 2

I feel remiss to have forgotten two other people I see while running in our neighborhood.

1. There is a man who wears a parka and corduroy pants (in almost any weather) and carries a 1x4 piece of wood. He never looks up and never says hello. We just call him the crazy wood guy.

2. There is a walker who always has a huge smile for me. She always says that I look like I have lost so much weight and compliments me on how great I look. I call her my favorite person in the neighborhood!

Susan's Ring of Honor Party

Last night, I achieved one of the goals on my Bucket List. I got a plate on the wall at my local Flying Saucer. A two year quest had come to the end. I drank 200 different beers, and now will be forever memorialized on a plate with a saying of my choice.

I decided to make mention of that Bucket List goal, but I also wanted to thank my beer drinking friends who have supported me in this endeavor. So, I added a shout out to my buddies B, T, H, M, and J. I think the best part of the evening was that BTHMJ were all there with me when my plate was unveiled. Good friends, good beer - what more could a girl want? Thank you, J, for the photos!

What's Your Name?

My husband and I are both bad at names. For me, it takes at least 3 times to get a name correct. As soon as you say your name, it goes right out of my head. Sometimes, we don't know people's actual names, so we make up names for them.

There is a young woman who runs in our neighborhood every morning. We don't know her name, but we know we will see her if we are out walking the dogs any time before 7:00 am. We call her little blond girl because she is petite and wears a blond ponytail. So, if either of us mention little blond girl, we know who the other is talking about.

We had all of these names when we were regulars in the gym...Loud sweaty guy, Cell Phone Boy, Girl with the Nice Butt, and so many more. I wonder what people would call me...

25 Random Things About Me

There is this thing going around Facebook right now where you write 25 random things about yourself, then send it to 25 friends. I have really enjoyed reading about my friends. Here is what I had to say about myself:


1. I don't think I have ever fully grieved my mother's death. I prefer denial to dealing with painful things.
2. I am a complete chicken. I hate confrontation and will do anything to run from it.
3. I love to shop and read about fashion, but I don't think I am fashionable.
4. I finished my third half marathon two weeks ago. I never thought I would be able to do such a thing.
5. I don't like talking on the phone. I much prefer e-mail and Facebook because I can think about what I want to say and type it out. I am afraid I will be an idiot and say something stupid on the phone.
6. It should be obvious by now that I have lots of problems with self esteem and self confidence.
7. I love to read, but I don't always enjoy my book club. I prefer to read what I want to read.
8. I am a fairly liberal Democrat. I believe that women should be able to chose what is right for their bodies and that any two people who love each other should have the right to get married.
9. I have lived in Pennsylvania, California, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.
10. I really like beer and will get a plate on the wall of our local bar next Wednesday night for drinking 200 different beers.
11. I spent the summer of 1992 in Europe. I was studying in Innsbruck, Austria, but also travelled to Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Czechoslovakia.
12. I do have a "Bucket List". I knocked a few items off the list in 2008, but wonder if I will ever get a tattoo or jump from an airplane.
13. My best job to date was working for Midway Airlines.
14. I am going to try to be more active in community service in 2009. I want to make a difference, even if I'm not really sure how to do it.
15. I can't believe my 20th high school reunion is this year.
16. I adore my two dogs, Misty and Lily.
17. My husband inspires me to be a better person.
18. My favorite time of year is the fall.
19. I would love to live in a big city like Chicago, San Francisco, or New York City.
20. I usually drive without the radio on. Some people think that is weird.
21. I don't feel like an adult.
22. I took a skills assessment a few years ago to find out what my perfect job would be. I was pretty upset to find out I should be an accountant.
23. I think the best vacation I have ever taken was a Caribbean cruise with my husband in 2003.
24. I wanted to play the drums ever since elementary school, but my mom thought it would be too loud.
25. I believe in the goodness of people. I think people are born good, but circumstance can change it.

Just Relax

I have a tendency to let myself get very frustrated. Frustration then turns to anger. Cursing has been known to follow. Black moods come as well.

We have installed a new software at work. The transition has been very difficult. The system was not properly tested. There was little to no training. Things have not been working. I haven't been able to find the things I have needed. It has made for a very frustrating few weeks.

I hate that I can't control my emotions when I am frustrated. I can't let go - things follow me home and make me dark and depressed. Eventually, things get brighter, but it takes time. I wish I could have the Zen patience. I wish I could breathe my frustrations away. It just never seems to work.

The Sun is Up

The sun is up, a new day has dawned. The snow will be melting soon, and the world (at least my world) will be returning to normal. The world in general is facing a new day, too. What will the new norm be?

Quote of the Day

And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from
the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that
America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a
future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more...

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

A Truly Historic Day

I am glued to the TV getting ready to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th President of these great United States. Mother Nature certainly wanted us North Carolinians to stay home today, we have had snow! It is still snowing right now, and seems to be accumulating at about 3 to 4 inches.

I am so glad my office is closed and I get to enjoy this amazing day in US history. As you know, I have been an Obama supporter from the beginning. I truly believe that he is the right man to be leading our country at this point in time. I believe in him, and I think our country is heading in the right direction.

A Visit to the Emergency Vet

Last night was a first for Bill and me. We took our bigger dog, Misty, to the emergency vet last night at about 11:30pm.

We noticed that Misty's right eye looked a little strange earlier in the evening. It seemed a little bit puffy, but it didn't look bad. We started to watch a movie. Later, we paused the movie so I could go to the bathroom, and Bill could see Misty's eye was far worse in just a few short hours. There was quite a bit of red in it. We checked online with our normal vet office and a few other vet offices in the area. All suggested the same emergency vet clinic. We called them and they suggested we bring in Misty right away.

Luckily, the office was about 10 minutes from our home. We were also the only ones in the waiting room when we arrived. It turns out that Misty has a small ulcer on her eye from a trauma (we think Lily either got her with a claw or a tooth), but that she should be fine with a topical ointment and some pills.

The staff could not have been better with her. They were very soothing and made us feel very safe having Misty in their care. She may be canine, but Misty is our baby. We love her and Lily so much, and would be so upset if anything happened to either of them. It is good to know there is great around the clock care so close by, even if we hope to never have to go there again.

Stomach Bug

I wasn't able to go to work yesterday due to some sort of stomach bug. I was sick into the afternoon, but feel like I am on the road to recovery after two days of rest.

I hate calling in sick for work. It makes me feel weak. I always second guess myself, wondering if I really am sick enough to be staying home from work. Yesterday was rough, because I knew how much work I have to do, and what a bad time it was to be away from the office. I still feel guilty now. I know it was the right thing to do. It would have been horrible to get sick in my office, or to drop to the floor so I could lay down while the dizzy spell passed. I still have an awful lot of work to do, but I guess Monday is soon enough to worry about it.

New Year, Same You

I can't take credit for the title of this blog update. t same from my yoga teacher, Sage Rountree. She is right, though. Everyone says "New Year, New You," but it really the same old you in a brand new year. You are no different than you were at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2008. The question is what will you do with the new year that stands before you.

I, for one, have never been big on resolutions. I have never really made any. This year, I have thought of goals for myself. This year is going to be about making a bigger impact in my community. So far, I think I am off to a good start.

I have volunteered to be the Community Outreach coordinator at work. I started the year asking for my colleagues to suggest charities that they like to support. I have picked from those suggestions groups that will receive a monetary contribution from our company. I am also trying to do tie in projects once a quarter. Yesterday, we kicked off our very first project which is collecting food and toiletries for a local shelter. we will see how it goes. Regardless, I see more projects in the future such as a 5K race and maybe a building day For Habitat for Humanity.

I am also doing more with The Junior League. Today, I attended a kick off breakfast for The Great Human Race - a local race to raise funds for any community agencies willing to register. I am happy to say that I will be coordinating our efforts on behalf of League. I am very excited about the prospects of this project. I will definitely keep you posted.

So, this year, the New Year isn't about me. It is about giving to those who need help.