My Blog

I am a College Student. . .provisionally

melissa — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:52:01 GMT

I got accepted into the Masters of Public Health Program. Yay. Bad news is that it's "provisional" which means I have to get Bs or better in my first 6 credit hours of classes. Really, that shouldn't be a problem. Apparently I have selective memory of my prior undergraduate GPA. My Grinnell GPA was just under 3.0, but if you take out the major screwups my first semester freshman year, it is quite a bit higher than that. And ISU was 3.06, just by the skin of my teeth I guess. Oh well, either way I get to give it a go and see what this almost 40 year old can make of herself. Wheee!!

Mel runs a Marathon

melissa — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:39:06 GMT

Yes, I finally did it! All that hard work paid off. On Sunday October 21st I ran in the Des Moines Marathon - and I finished! The day was beautiful, the course ran through some very scenice neighborhoods, the crowds were cheering, the volunteer staff was fantastic, and I finished the race. It took me 5 hours and 21 minutes ( that's an average 12:16min/mile pace) but I finished. I felt great the whole time and there was no WALL. You know, of "THE WALL" fame? Anyway, I totally expected to hit that wall and hurt the rest of the way. But I got to mile 20, still felt great, and knew I only had to run another 10K. I've run dozens of 10Ks. If I count training runs, I've run hundreds of 10Ks. IN-THE-BAG! Along the way, I met a really nice guy from Chicago. His name is Keith and we ran a good portion of the race together. I also attribute some of my good race to him, since keeping myself mentally distracted was very helpful. Thanks Keith. I met another cool guy named Mike on the run. He broke his back a number of years ago and had titanium rods holding his spine together. Earlier this year his cousin died serving in the military. He was running for his cousin. Yay Mike. What an inspiration! So, I have to admit it, since this was such a great race. . .I can see another marathon in my future!

Jobless in Des Moines

melissa — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 21:24:22 GMT

I lost my job on Wednesday. I've never lost a job before. I've willingly left several jobs, but I've never been given the boot. Me and 12 other coworkers. They decided it was cheaper to use vendors for our role. I am totally bummed. I am trying to not get depressed about it, but that's very hard. It was "nothing personal" but that doesn't mean it hurts less. I ran 20 miles yesterday. Hey, I may not have a job but I can run frickin' 20 miles.

Cornman Triathlon Race Report

melissa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:21:10 GMT

Yes, I live in Iowa and there is a Cornman Triathlon. It's actually part of the Corn Carnival in Gladbrook, IA. Look it up if you don't believe me. This is a Sprint Triathlon, which means it's relatively short. I drove to Gladbrook (a little over an hour from my house) on Sunday morning with my friend Heather and her friend Beth. It was early, a nice quiet drive and we psyched ourselves up for the race. When we got there we managed to slip in just before the big rush, because the line of cars after ours was huge. The day promised to be a hot one, it was already 75 degrees or so at 7:30 am and the race didn't start until 9 am. I went through the usual prerace stomach upset and multiple trips to the portapotties. I got my transition area set up pretty nicely, fairly near the exit for the bike, but that also meant a kind of long "trot" getting off my bike before the run. Six of one, half a dozen of the other whether it was better to be towards the entrance or the exit. I made the decision that I would not wear socks on the run to "save" time in transition. At 845 the transition area closed and we all headed to the beach for the prerace meeting. The race began on time at 9am with racers going out for the swim in waves, beginning with the young dudes, 29 and under. My wave was last. So, I didn't start racing until almost 9:20. The water was a warm 83 degrees, and not too choppy despite the wind. For the life of me I could not get out of the pack on the swim. It was arms and legs and body parts of all sorts all over me for the whole 500 meters, except for maybe the last 50. I wasn't last out of the water. Yay. A trot through some sand, grass, and then pavement to my bike. Ooops, I ran past my bike! I've never done that before. Kind of mortifying. I managed to get my shoes and helmet on and out on the bike course with no tripping, falling, or stupid stunts. The road in the park was kind of rough, but that wasn't the worst of it. At mile 3 you hit THE HILL. Not a teeny little one. A big DAMN hill. I managed to grit it up to the top, but there were a lot of folks that simply dismounted their bikes and pushed them up the hill. I felt good about staying on my machine. The rest of the bike course was rolling hills, out and back from the park to the beautiful town of Gladbrook. . .right. It was hot, there were corn fields, a pig farm, headwinds, more corn and more hills. I made it back, dismounted my bike at the appropriate location and didn't fall or trip. Yay again. I racked my bike, grabbed my race belt and hat, and slipped my shoes on without socks. About a quarter mile out on the run course is the other side of the BIG DAMN HILL. And it's long, and very steep, and there were a lot of people walking. I made it about 1/3 from the top before I had to walk. Oh well. No shame. Mile one at the top of the hill. Hmmm, it's 96 degrees. No water station. Where is the water? "About a mile ahead." You have got to be frikking kidding me. Why did I not bring water with me. I always do. Why did I not wear socks? By the time I got to the water station, I was very hot, very dehydrated, and my feet were starting to chafe. Why no socks? To "save" 10 seconds in transition? Can't go back for them now. The last mile and a half of the run was sheer torture. Pain in my feet from chafing and dehydration and the beginnings of overheating. That was the longest 3.1 miles I have ever run. Finally, the finish! Heather and Beth and everyone else there cheering for me. Yay. I love finishing races. I downed a 20 oz bottle of water in about 10 seconds. Then I took off my shoes to assesss the damage. The right foot - a couple of "hot" spots. The left foot - at the instep a HUGE open blister about the size of a nickel. OUCH. A quick dunk in the lake to cool off - ow, the blister hurts and the lake water has who knows what bacteria. Smart move. Clean up stuff in transition. Walk back to the van. Stealth change into dry clothes there in the parking lot while holding a towel, and then off to the free post race lunch. Mmmm, food, and ice cold lemonade. Great race, despite the heat, dehydration and blister. All races are great when they're done.

Hy-Vee Triathlon Race Report

melissa — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:53:14 GMT

Thank you one and all for your support over the past six months. I met my fundraising goal of $2500 and exceeded it! Overall, the Iowa Chapter of Team in Training raised over $180,000 to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That is absolutely fantastic! This was the first time run of the Hy-Vee Triathlon and ITU Triathlon World Cup. The amateurs (including myself) raced in the morning in age group waves and then the men and women pro triathletes raced in the afternoon. The race was exceedingly well run and the fans along the course were amazing. The race events actually began the Saturday before the race. We attended a prerace meeting and then had to drop our bikes off in the transition area for the night. Race day began at 3am when I climbed out of bed, got dressed and had some breakfast. Then I packed the last of my gear in my bag and drove down to Waterworks Park to park my car. At 4:15am it was already very busy! I carried my bag over to the TNT meeting spot and Coach Jason gave us some last minute words of instruction and advice. The number one thing is to have fun!! We then trooped off to the transition area and set up our spots. With so many bikes on each rack it was a bit of a puzzle to get everything to fit right in the small space under the bike. I got my bike tires aired up, my swim gear ready (no wetsuits due to the water temperature) and did a little warm up yoga. The age group athletes assembled on the beach, we heard last minute instructions, sang the national anthem, and then we were off and going in our age group waves. The swim course had six turns and was very challenging. I only got smacked in the face once, and that was when I was almost done, but overall my swim time was very slow for me. Out of the water I ran about 100 feet to my bike, put on my helmet and gloves, had a GU, a drink of water, slipped on the shoes and then ran out of the bike transition and onto the bike course. The bike course included a few hills going west and a slight upward grade most of the way out to Jordan Creek Mall. There were spectators all along the way cheering for everyone. Everytime I saw a purple TNT jersey I yelled our motto "GO TEAM." I got plenty of "GO TEAM" back from my team mates and TNT alums and families along the course. After the half way point, the course is very flat and fast and we had a slight tail wind. The real challenge on the return trip was the increasing fatigue and the BIG hill at Grand Av. Once up the hill, it was spinning for all I was worth back to Gray's Lake and the start of the run. I managed to dismount my bike at the transition without losing my balance and ran in to rack my bike and change my shoes. Then it was off on the run course. We ran by Principal Park (baseball stadium) and into downtown. At about mile 1.5 I thought I was going to die. It was getting hot and I was tired. The run course was two loops in downtown and then a short but steep hill up to the Capitol. I got water at all the aid stations, usually two waters - one I drank and the other I poured down my shirt to avoid over heating. At last I was running up that hill pushing with everything I had left. I ran onto the blue carpet with a huge smile on my face and my husband in the crowd cheering and taking pictures. Other TNT team mates who had already finished were yelling for me as well. I ran across the finish line at 3 hours and 20 minutes. Although it was not a personal record for me, and I was slower than many, many others racing that day, being part of such a huge race and a great cause like TNT made me very proud. After sharing the joy and excitement of finishing the race with other TNT racers I went home, had a shower and then returned to the venue to watch the professional women and men do their race later in the day. It was a very, very long day, but one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I have many more races planned for the summer, but this was definitely an unforgettable way to start the season!

Sweet Melissas in San Francisco

melissa — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:28:22 GMT

Man, am I a slacker or what. I realized I'd never posted about the great trip to SF. What a change from my usual life in the midwest! I grew up in LA, but SF is quite a different animal. The best part of the whole thing was finally connecting and meeting some of the Melissas. We had a great time eating fantastic food prepared by Landy, and out at some fun restaurants. We got to see MJ's great collection of costumes. We got to hop around some of MJ's favorite shops. And we just spent time getting to know eachother. I felt so at home, and relaxed with everyone. It was awesome. I hope we can have another get together weekend some time and meet more Melissas. We are sure one rockin' group of women. So diverse, so smart, so beautiful. Love to all the Melissas!

The Yarn Harlot

melissa — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 17:10:40 GMT

Wednesday afternoon me and a couple of girlfriends (Anita & Amber) headed up to St Paul Minnesota to see none other than the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/ We had a windy but quick drive up to the Twin Cities, a check in at the hotel and then off to the Yarnery http://www.yarnery.com/community.html the LYS (Local Yarn Shop) who sponsored the event. There we drooled over some beautiful yarns and some fun projects. Then it was off to a local eatery for brick oven pizzas (we ordered one each, they were huge) and margaritas. Finally, time to head off to the local law college to get in line for the Harlot's talk. Everyone was waiting excitedly in line and knitting at the same time. We got into the hall and everyone chatted, looked at eachother's projects and kept knitting. Finally, prizes were handed out for the person who had travelled the greatest distance (Germany), groups of sisters, mother/daughter pairs, trivia questions, etc. Then we all were asked to sing "O Canada" (YH is Canadian) which we did, and YH came out on stage and sang with us. Then she was officially announced onto the stage. She was wearing her beautiful Bohus sweater! (Actually, I imagine that she's been wearing that at every tour stop for the last couple of weeks, she must be tired of it.) She spoke and we laughed and knitted. She was a wonderful speaker, every bit as enjoyable (if not more so) to hear her speak as it is to read her blog - she had us all in stitches (hahahaha knitter joke). Then when she was done, we waited in line to have our books signed and pix taken with her. Of course, my camera crapped out when it was time to take a picture with her. Luckily, Amber's camera was working so I should have a decent picture sometime! After the signing we searched for a store selling premixed margaritas, but to no avail. Minnesota has some pretty stupid blue laws - no liquour sales after 10pm. http://citypages.com/databank/24/1201/article11733.asp Hmm, the grocery store we stopped at said they had liquour, but we didn't see it anywhere. SO what happens to it after 10, does it sink into a vault in the floor or what? Ah well, we headed back to the hotel and ate leftover cold pizza instead. The next morning we headed to another LYS. The Yarn Cafe. Wow, what a shop. I wanted to buy about $300 in yarn and project supplies, but I just bought two skeins for $22 instead. Way to hold off the yarn addiction!! On the way home we stopped at Faribault Woollen Mill shop and picked up some good stuff. Perhaps we had a wool theme this weekend? http://www.faribowool.com/ Lots of fun for two days, and I got to miss work too!!

Car Karma? Cosmic car crap?

melissa — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:35:51 GMT

Pick one. It's been icy here. I will say that much. On Saturday I was one block from home and a dude rear ended me. He tried to stop, he really did. He was nice, had insurance and I kind of felt bad for the dude. So this morning, when I am driving my van to the body shop, another guy hit me as I was making a turn. He sped up to get through the red light while I was turning left to get out of the intersection after the light had turned red. Who's fault? Hmmmm. . .one guess. NOT MINE! But it must take an act of God to get a witness to stay around during "drive time." No witnesses. . .right. . .none that stayed. Dude, um excuse me, that would be a$$hole dude, says the light was green. Right. A$$hole dude has no insurance and doesn't want me to call the POLice because he's going to pay me the $1000 deductible. Cha right. I'm calling the f*cking POLice 'cause you, a$$hole dude, have no insurance and ran a red light. So the nice POLice man shows up and is the same one from my Saturday accident. How freakin hilarious is that? A$$hole dude gets a ticket for $800 for failure to have insurance. GOOD. I pay $1200 a year for the insurance on my two cars. I am obeying the law. I wouldn't even think of not carrying insurance. What do you think the chances are I'll get my $1000 deductible out of a$$hole dude? Blood from a rock, baby. I am sure my insurance company will try to get it. Problem is that this a$$hole dude is likely to fail to appear for his court date on 4/16/07 and fail to pay his fine. This of course means that he will get his license revoked. Know what happens next? A$$hole dude is then an uninsured person driving his car without a license. . .ready to hit the next person that bothers to pay for car insurance. Arrrrrrrrr!!!!

Sometimes I just give up

melissa — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 02:32:18 GMT

Cycling on the unforgiving trainer, at 1 hr and 7 minutes I was just freaking done. My house is buried in crap and many rooms need painting. I am just walking by them, with my blinders on, and sitting on the couch. I have more projects started than I can finish. But I'm a starter. I want to start another one, and I'm giving up on finishing anything for the moment. I am trying to be a good person, but some days I just give up on myself ever being one.

French Toast

melissa — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 17:12:01 GMT

I made french toast this morning for my family. Every time I make french toast or eat it, I am reminded of my grandma. When I would stay at her house I would have treats for breakfast. One morning I would have sugared cereal like Cap'n Crunch (never found in my parents' home) and french toast the other morning. My grandma made the best french toast ever, I have never found its equal. She used enough butter to clog the arteries of a horse, and that's what made it so good. That and the grandma love she put into each slice. It never needed powdered sugar or syrup. Mmmm. I miss my grandma.

Dreary

melissa — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 22:44:55 GMT

It's cold, cold and colder these days. People talk about the dog days of summer, what about the dirty days of winter. That's when there's just enough brown grass under the brown snow to make everything look disgusting. The cars are filthy. There isn't a green thing to be seen anywhere other than the occasional house plant. I'm getting outside, doing my running thing and all that, but it's very hard when I have to put on 3 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, wool socks, gaiter, hat, windbreaker and gloves. Makes me want to run for a long, long time to justify the time it takes me to dress. At least there is a little blessed sunshine today. If it weren't for that I think I'd go completely crazy. Of course, perhaps I am there already. My soul is aching for some really warm sunshine a green blade of grass, and a tiny flower peeking its head out of my garden.

My bike coach

melissa — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:24:59 GMT

Good Ol' Donny. Lance Armstrong was in town this week to let everyone know he will be back for RAGBRAI in July. Lucky Donny got to have his pic with Lance. I am sooooo jealous. Don't they make quite the pair?

Happy Birthday to my Son

melissa — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:28:33 GMT

11 years ago today I was in a lot of pain. A freakin' whole hell of a lot of pain. Then at 4:58pm Central time, the pain was over, and the work began. Some women hate(ed) being pregnant. Not me. I LOVED being pregnant. Although I was as big as a house I felt good, looked good (in my mind) and I was proud as heck. "I'm making a person. How cool is that?" Being a mom has been, well, a challenge. Everything else I've ever done with my life pales in comparison to being a mother. Some moments it is a nightmare, and other moments it makes me the happiest I could ever hope to be. I think about my mom and how she managed to keep her temper most, if not all at the time. I wonder how she made it through the worry of the teenage years. I imagine how she must have felt when I got on the plane to leave for college. Sometimes I feel like super Mom, other times I feel like I haven't a clue. Being a mom is an ever evolving wonder. I hope I can be what my son needs me to be. Happy Birthday, Baby!

I just ate raw spinach

melissa — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:16:41 GMT

In a great leap of faith, I selected the raw spinach at the cafeteria salad bar this afternoon. Let's hope my faith wasn't misplaced.

Team in Training/Triathlon update

melissa — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:54:28 GMT

Well, the first of the year has come and gone and I am well into the swing of my training season. I finally ran more than three miles last Friday. It's kind of funny, really, because until I started doing these races, I never thought of myself as an athlete, athletic, or least of all a runner. And yet, here I am going on and on about running, and everything else. It is always hard to get out of bed in the morning when it's cold, windy and dark as it was this morning. But I managed to haul myself up from the blankets for a run and a swim. I feel fantastic afterwards and I tell myself it won't be so hard to get up the next time, because I know I feel this good. Alas, I must be mistaken, it doesn't get any easier. My cycling coach, Donny Quixote, is truly an odd individual. He blogs here http://www.donnyquixote.blogspot.com. Despite his weirdness, or maybe because of it, I am afraid to let him down, so I keep plugging at the cycling workouts. My husband got me an indoor trainer for the bike for Christmas. That has made my days a lot easier since I don't have to spend two hours in the middle of the day at the gym. I can hardly wait for a day warm enough to actually take the bike outside. This year, the bike will NOT be my downfall. I will NOT let Colleen Kelly http://www.star1025.com/big_ken_colleen.shtml beat me on the bike at Big Creek. I need to get some more emails and letters sent out to everyone in the world that I know to continue my fundraising for Team In Training. Our actual TNT workouts/training starts in February. I will SMOKE them all!! http://www.active.com/donate/tntia/MelsRace My New Year has started off well. I am looking forward to the adventures of another year!

What, me blog?

melissa — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 14:44:21 GMT

Nope, not for a while. Things stew in the head and then don't make it any further than that. Things I have been pondering: *George W Bush is a figment of my imagination, he can't really be in charge of this country, can he? *My son is both cool and annoying. He is crazy funny and yet so ornery. Wonder where he gets that from? *I'm thankful at this time of year for my family and friends, without whom I surely would have lost myself long ago. *I like my house much better clean than dirty. I wonder what I can do about that? *I need more than 24 hours in a day. *Training to improve my cycling portion of triathlons is killing me. I never thought I could ride a bike for that long. *I need a different line of work. There. Now I've said it. I know there was more, I've just lost it.

5 Days until Vacation

melissa — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:47:15 GMT

But who's counting. Oh yeah, that'd be me. Albuquerque for Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to being with my mom, aunt, and assorted adopted family (as well as husband and child). Most importantly I am looking forward to being away from the job for a week. A whole week. Fantastic. I am drowning in the boredom of Corporate life. I love the people I work with, but the job itself is boring squared. And the manager is an idiot. I think I would truly like to run my own business of some variety, but what it would be, I have not a clue. Oh, yeah, and I'm looking for the pot of gold too, my pocketbook is getting thin.

We have messed with Mother Nature once time too many

melissa — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:22:29 GMT

Gaea delivered sunny and almost 80 degrees on Wednesday. I'm glad I enjoyed it, 'cause it didn't last. It is SNOWING outside right now (duh, of course "outside" if it snowed inside we'd have a bigger issue). WTF is that all about? I have things to DO outside this weekend - like leaf removal. How am I going to do that? But then again. . .it is beautiful.

The day just got better. . .

melissa — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:37:54 GMT

Yesterday, November 8th, that is. Better because I had an absolutely spectacular bike ride (although unfortunately I did have to come home). And even better because Don Rumsfeld got fired! Not that he's the worst one of the bunch, but he's a rotten apple to be sure, so I'm glad to see him outta there!

So many reasons why it's a great day!

melissa — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:13:47 GMT

Today is November 8th. That means yesterday was Election Day. Which also means that today is the first day in months where I won't be smothered by the hyped up political ads. Yay! I really can't adequately express my joy in words. The other reason it's a great day is because it's NOVEMBER 8th and it is supposed to be 76 degrees today. So, today I am treating myself to leaving work early and a real ride on my bike! I've been stuck in the bike studio riding a spin bike for weeks. I can't pass up the gift of a lovely day. And on a side note, when I was driving to work this morning I wished I had a decent camera in the car. There were some spectacular views of our lovely city. The sun was just coming up, there were clouds, but not too many. The colors were spectacular. I guess I'll just have to use the camera in my mind to remember it.

8,575,931,671,198.16

melissa — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:41:34 GMT

That is the current national debt as of 11/3/06 4:32pm GMT. OMFG! Somebody has their head on wrong. How is that possible? I heard on the news today that the Republicans have spent over 200 BILLION dollars on this mid-term campaign. The Dems can't be too far behind. I was watching the news last night and the commentator said the Dems have "money" this time (whatever that means) and they have been using it. So, let's figure $400 Billion dollars have been spent on election campaigns for the 11/7/06 vote. Does anyone else see a problem here? I sure as hell do. So, here's my plan to reduce debt- *Cap political campaign spending to what you have in your personal bank account. If it ain't enough, too bad. *Pull troops out of everywhere, they should all come home no matter where they are. let them live at home with their families. *No one in Washington or any other political venue (includes State congresses, Governors, etc) gets a raise for 10 years. Maybe that will help them figure out that the rest of the country deserves an increase to the minimum wage. *Make presidents pay the US for the priveledge of being our leader. *Stop sending money to other countries or developing their economies, ours is on it's last leg and needs help. There, perhaps that will help our 8 trillion dollar deficit. *

There ought to be a law

melissa — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 15:20:33 GMT

The November Elections are 6 days away. That is 6 more days of complete hell. There ought to be a law banning all political advertisements from TV and radio. The mudslinging has got to stop. It is really quite intolerable. All the adds are talking about how the "other" candidate lied, cheated, did something stupid or some such. What they fail to realize is that the truth is subject to interpretation and that all of it is both TRUTH and LIE, and the line between the two isn't so sharp. I wonder how this country would be different if our politicians were genuinely people with no personal agendas, and were actually 100% focused on making this a better country. "Mammas don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys" ought to be changed to read "Mammas, don't let your babies grow up to be Politicians." I'd rather have my son grow up to be a burger flipper at McDonalds than a politician.

Fear of Hats

melissa — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:43:49 GMT

Ok, now that I am a knitter of sorts I have a confession to make. I love hats almost as much as I love shoes, but I am afraid to wear them. I knit myself a lovely ribbed stocking cap in rose and gray wool. It's soft, fits just right, and looks great on me. The dilemma? HAT HEAD. It was below freezing here this morning and I put the hat in my bag, knowing I SHOULD wear it, but dreading the aftermath of hair that looks like crap for the remainder of the day. So instead of keeping my head and ears warm, vanity ruled and I wore neither hat nor hood in 27 degree weather. Am I a fool or what? I have all kinds of hats to wear - straw hats, baseball caps, stocking caps, western hats, but I rarely ever wear them. When I do, then I feel like I need to wear them for the remainder of the day or people will look at me funny when I take them off and they see the mess that used to be my hair. My hair is so short now, perhaps I ought to just go all the way for the Seonaid O'Conner look and take the rest of it off. Then I can wear my lovely hats and not fear hair trauma. Perhaps I will just relent and wear one anyway when frostbite begins to settle in on the ears.

When is running the perfect sport?

melissa — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:48:07 GMT

When it's a morning like yesterday! So, I'm training for a cross country race in 3 weeks. Part of that training is doing an off road run once a week. XC is very hard on the ankles as well as other body parts, so you have to train for that or you end up in a lot of pain. I went running yesterday morning. Actually, I went running and climbing. It was cold, but not overly so. I started off by climbing down a gully/creek bed - climbing over branches, rocks, slippery leaves, etc. That was a blast. When I got to the bottom of the ravine I headed west along an old railroad track (the ties have been removed) until I got to the grassy hill/field. That was when I realized how special this day was. Every blade of grass was covered with frost. As the sun hit the field, I thought I might cry at how beautiful it all was. There was not a blade of grass in that entire field that did not sparkle in the sun. Diamonds and crystal sugar. I ran up and down that hilly field until I was too tired to run any more hills. It was very hard to leave. Those lucky deer get to enjoy running through that every day. On the days when I dread the running - too cold, too tired, something else "urgent" to do - I will remember this morning and it shall keep my feet light and my spirit smiling.

To do list

melissa — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 19:18:44 GMT

Ok, this came from another friend's blog, so I am putting it on mine and I guess the world can see what I've done. I hope I don't shock anyone too badly. Fill out your list. Post it on your blog. and maybe together we can figure out if/when we're going to fill in the blanks.... (x) Smoked a joint () Done cocaine (X) Been in love (x) Had a threesome (x) Been dumped () Shoplifted (X) Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back () Been arrested (X) Made out with a stranger () Gone on a blind date (X) Had a crush on a teacher (x ) Been to Europe ( ) Been to Canada () Been to Mexico (x ) Seen someone die (X) Thrown up in a bar (X) Met a celebrity () Met someone from the internet in person ( ) Been moshing at a concert ( ) Gone backstage at a concert (X) Lain outside in the grass and watched cloud shapes go by (X) Made a snow angel (X) Flown a kite (X) Cheated while playing a game (X) Been lonely (X) Fallen asleep at work (X) Fallen asleep at school ( ) Used a fake ID () Been kicked out of a bar (x) Felt an earthquake (X) Touched a snake (X) Slept beneath the stars (X) Been robbed (X) Won a contest (X) Run a red light ( ) Been suspended from school () Had braces (X) Felt like an outcast (x) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night (X) Had deja vu (x) Totaled a car ( ) Stolen a car (X) Hated the way you look (X) Witnessed a crime (X) Been to a strip club () Been to the opposite side of the world (X) Swum in the ocean (X) Felt like dying (X) Cried yourself to sleep (X) Sung karaoke (X) Paid for a meal with only coins (X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t (X) Made prank phone calls (X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue (X) Been kissed under the mistletoe (X) Had a bonfire on the beach () Crashed a party () Seen a tornado (X) Had a wish come true ( ) Gone bungee jumping (X) Screamed in public ( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them (X) Had a one night stand () Kissed a mirror ( X) Had a dream that you married someone (X) Gotten your fingers stuck together with super glue ( ) Been a cheerleader (X) Sat on a roof top () Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours straight (X) Stayed up all night (X) Not taken a shower for three days () Made contact with a ghost while playing a Ouija board (x ) Had more than 30 pairs of shoes at a time ( ) Gone streaking (X) Been skinny dipping (X) Been pushed into a pool/lake with all your clothes on (X) Had sex in a public or semi-public place (X) Been kissed by a complete stranger (x) Broken a bone (X) Caught a butterfly (X) Mooned/flashed someone (X) Had someone moon/flash you (x) Cheated on a test (X) Forgotten someone’s name (X) Slept naked