Little surprises

Today is Wednesday - and it is my least favorite day of Boot Camp class. Wednesdays are "long run" days. We meet at 5:15 am and the teacher takes attendance and suggests a route.

I say "my least favorite day" because I have a mental block, a big one, that I just can't get past. I have a hard time running for more than 4 minutes at a time. If I know the distance - I often quit running after a 1/2 mile.

I'm sure I could go further - but when my legs hurt and my lungs burn - I just can't seem to make myself push through the pain.

This morning, I decided to tag along with two ladies (just cause it was so dark & a little creepy out) and I mentioned that I would try and keep up but not to worry if I couldn't. They gave each other a "look" and we started at a quick power walk pace (think "high school shuffle").

Once we were a few blocks away (and out of the teacher's sight) they slowed a little and said "We are just walking today. If YOU want to run, we might fall behind."

What a simple phrase to make me so happy. We walked just under 3 miles and were finished by 6 am. I decided to celebrate and have some chocolate for breakfast. I hope the rest of the day is just as good.

Spell Check

This sign is less than a mile from my house. I am baffled that a company (or the state) would pay $ for a sign and not make sure that it is spelled correctly. Seriously Virgina - what exactly is a "constrution" area?

On another note yesterday at church a 9 month old giggled, squealed and clapped her hands when her Dad started giving his talk. I'm pretty sure that it was the cutest thing I have witnessed this year.

Last for today - I went back to my boot camp class after taking a week off. It is less than 12 hours later and I'm almost positive that my legs are turning into jello.

PS - My roommate made baked Brie with orange marmalade last night and I ate WAY more than my share. TG!!

New Jar

Today I'm finding joy in small and simple things.

Like a fresh jar of Goober Grape. I know I've talked about this product before but I just wanted to say that today it made me smile again.

Another item to note - yesterday when I was talking to my nephew on the phone, he reminded me that I need to come visit him and while I'm there I should probably take him to see a movie. I love the honesty and "straight shooting" of a four year old. Wouldn't the world be a simpler place if we could all just say what we think & how we feel?


Lastly - this past Tuesday I was able to experience my first earthquake. It was a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered about an hour south of my home. I was working, listening to some loud Daughtry on my iPod, when I noticed that my water bottle was dancing on my desk. By the time I realized what was happening the earthquake was over.

I'm in the mood for a good disaster movie - anytime you want to come over and watch "The Day After Tomorrow" just let me know. That would make me happy too.

Summer Time Favorites

Not to long ago, I was just sure that I hated basil. I was so sure that I would buy the Cosi T.B.M. and I would pull off the basil. Then one day a wonderful accident occurred. I was at Panera for lunch and I got the Frontega Chicken sandwich. I was so hungry - I didn't want to waste time pulling off all the chopped basil - and after the first few bites I was in LOVE.

Now my favorite summer time treat includes heirloom tomatoes, either goat or mozzarella cheese, aged balsamic vinegar and lots of basil. This year we are growing genovese, purple and lemon basil out on our back deck.

Best way to enjoy summer - fresh and full of flavor.