Canes Tie a Team Record

Last night, I attended my second to last hockey game. It was a grudge match between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Ottawa Senators. After two periods, there was no score. I know I was a bit nervous, and maybe others were, too. There was a lot at stake - not only a playoff spot, but also a record. I should not have worried. Ottawa did come out and score the first goal of the game, but the Canes soon answered. The score remained tied for a few minutes until Anton Babchuck let go one of his great booming shots. With some good defense and great saves by Cam Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes won. They remained in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They also tied a franchise record - nine straight wins at home.

It seems that as soon as I decided to quit my season tickets, the Canes started to pick up their game. Attending hockey games has actually become fun again. Still, I have decided to retire. I just hope I go out on a good note with a strong season finish by my team. I would not mind a new record for games won at home, either.

My Race Report - Shamrock Half Marathon, 3/22/09

Bill and I were unable to leave for Virginia Beach until Saturday before the race. No worries, though. Since Virginia Beach is only about 4 hours away, we made it to the expo with hours to spare. We picked up our race numbers and received a shoe bag (which also doubled as the checked gear bag) and a short-sleeved tech shirt in Shamrock green. After the expo, we checked in at The Cavalier Hotel, the perfect pick for this race. We were literally across the street from the starting line. We had a fantastic pre-race dinner at Aldo’s (look it up if you are in VA Beach) and called it an early night.

We were up before sunrise to prepare for the race. Luckily, we walked out of our hotel, across the street, and into our corrals. The temperature was chilly, but not too cold. A long –sleeved shirt and tights under my running shorts were just the right weight. At 7am, we were on our way.

The course headed north on Pacific Avenue. There were several people on the race route as it was a nice residential area. There was even a booth where people were handing out beer on the route, just in case you couldn’t wait until the finisher’s festival. After about 3 miles, we made the turn onto Shore Drive.

The route turned from residential to a quiet tree lined street. There were a few speaker stands along the way, and the only live band played around mile 5. I felt great as I ran along this flat course. I had high hopes of a PR. When I checked my watch at the 5-mile mark, I knew that it was a definite possibility.

At about mile 6, we headed into Fort Story. There were signs posted along the route with funny quips and interesting bits of trivia. I can tell you that the old lighthouse is 90 feet tall. I learned that at about the time we ran the road between the old and new lighthouses.

I was still on course for a PR by mile 10. I was running better than ever and I felt wonderful. The flat course was really helping me out. We looped back to Pacific Ave for the final stretch. I still felt great at mile 12 as I headed into town. We made the big left turn onto the boardwalk where the crowds cheered as we finished the race. I had made my PR. I shaved 8 minutes from my previous best. Bill also made his PR.

I got my medal, a nice bottle of water, and a Mylar cape. As I made my way through the gauntlet after the finish line, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a hat embroidered with the logo of the race and the phrase 13.1 Finisher. I also received a reusable green lunch bag filled with beer tickets and food. Those tickets did not last long. They were quickly exchanged for Yuenglings (title sponsors of the race). We also enjoyed a fine Irish Stew while local bands entertained us. It was the best post race party I have ever attended.

In summary, perfect weather, a flat fast course, great swag, cold beer, and hot Irish stew makes for the best half marathon I have run. We are already planning a return trip for next year.

Why can't I wake up?

Ever since Monday, I have had problems waking up in the morning. I know it is because of daylight savings time. It is so dark in the morning that your mind feels like you should not be getting up. I know others have been having this same problem; Bill hasn't been getting out of bed as quickly and my colleagues have been commenting on the same problem.

It is difficult because we do things in the morning. Our dogs have been getting shorter walks. I had to cut one on my runs this week down because I left the house so late. For the other run, I went as far as I wanted, but I was very late for work. I am ready for the days to get longer. I like waking up to a little bit of daylight. Getting up and going out for a run in the dark is tough.

Thank goodness for the weekends. It should be light when I wake up tomorrow!

Where have you guys been?

The Carolina Hurricanes play tonight, and I will be in the stands to see them with my friend Heather. I am very hopeful that we might see a won tonight against the NY Rangers considering the events of the past few games.

Carolina seems to be on fire. They have outscored opponents in the past three games 20-6. It is like it has finally sunk in that their post season is hanging in the balance. A day ago, this recent surge put them in a 3 way tie for 6th place. As most things go, this placement did not last long, and they are back to #9 - watching the playoffs from the outside.

The tide has really seemed to turn in the past few games. The Canes have been playing quicker, smarter hockey. If only they had been playing like this since October...

So, how long will the Canes on fire last? At least through tonight, I would hope.

Only in NC

On Monday, less that a week ago, we had 2 inches of snow. It was quite unusual for there to be snow here in March, but here it was. I frankly enjoyed it very much because it gave me an extra hour and a half before I had to go to work. Tuesday was bitterly cold. I ran my normal morning run. I had to dodge icy patches all over the sidewalks, and some water from my water bottle even froze while I was running.

Yesterday, it was about 75 degrees here. I went for a morning run with friends wearing just shorts and was too warm in my long sleeved shirt. I even got a little bit sunburned on my face. Today, Bill and I took out our bikes for a nice long ride downtown where we ate outside very comfortably. I almost feel like I should turn the air conditioner on.

Only in NC can you go from one extreme to the other in less than one week. What a great place to live.

My Obsessive Nature

I have a tendency to become obsessive over fictional characters. I have no idea why this happens to me, but it does happen with an alarming frequency.

My latest obsession is the Twilight book series. I had heard so much hype about the series. I knew several people at the office were reading it and several of my Facebook friends were making comments about it. I also found out my sister-in-law was reading the series.

The four book series chronicles the lives of the citizens of Forks, WA. It is basically a story about great love that transcends the human world to a world of magic and mystery. I fell hard for the first book, Twilight, and the two lovers Bella and Edward. I read this book in the car on our way to Florida for the Disney Half Marathon. The book was wonderful, unique, and amazing. I finished it between the trip down and the trip back.

Last night, I was reading the final saga, Breaking Dawn. I have become so obsessed with the story, I stayed up past midnight reading. I still have about half the story remaining (each book weighs in between about 620 pages to 754 pages). I could not sleep after reading the big bombshell. I finally fell asleep for about 2 hours, then continued to toss and turn for the rest of the night, still thinking about the story. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. I have been thinking about it all week, trying to guess what will happen next and how the series will end. I feel a little crazed as all I want to do is read. I am trying to decide if I am a loser or if the book is just that well written.

I am so glad to have a wonderful friend in the office who had been able to talk to me about the books, as well as a great friend on Facebook. They have helped keep me partially sane during this process. I will be glad to finish the series, but I think I will miss the characters. I don't think I will miss the obsession. I will be very glad to let it go and move onto the next book that I can read like a normal human being.

Of course, the DVD version of the movie comes out in about 2 weeks...

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.