Southern Cross

by Crosby, Stills & Nash
(or Jimmy Buffett, depending on who you ask)




Got out of town on a boat for the southern islands
On a reach before a following sea
We were making for the trades on the outside
And the downhill run to Papeete

Off the wind on this heading lie the Marquesas
We got eighty feet of waterline nicely making way
In a noisy bar in Avalon I tried to call you
But on the midnight watch I realized why twice you ran away

Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me, larger voices calling
What heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten
I have been around the world
Looking for that woman girl
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will. And you know it will.

When you see the southern cross for the first time
You understand just why you came this way
Cause the truth you might be running from is so small
But its as big as the promise, the promise of a coming day

And I'm heading all the way, my dreams are dying
And my love is an anchor tied to you, tied with a silver chain
I have my ship and all her flags are a-flying
She is all I have left and music is her name

Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me, larger voices calling
What heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten
I have been around the world
Looking for that woman girl
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will. And you know it will.

So we cheated and we tried and we tested
And we never failed to fail, it was the easiest thing to do
You will survive being bested
Somebody strong comes along, makes me forget, forget about loving you
And the southern cross

Hey Fat Chicks! No One Finds You Sexy.

Oh, you KNOW I had to say something about this if you've seen it in the press...

See this girl??


She's actually about my size. I'd roll around in rose petals like that, no problem. Find me some, I'm all over it.

The question is though - is she hot? Is that a sexy photo? Would that turn men on?

The ad, if you can't read portuguese, says that no, she is not hot. The print says "forget it, men's taste will never change." The ad is for light yogurt. In other words, if you're at all over weight, you better lose it or no man will ever find you hot. No man will want you, no man will find you sexy, even if you pose naked with only a few rose petals strewn about. I have a weight problem and a serious problem with food. I'm overweight and I fight it every single day. I look at myself in the mirror on some days and say "ugh, I am frickin' ugly and fat." Yet, I don't even believe this bullshit. Come on, people. Plenty of men like heavier women. Plenty of men like a variety of women of different sizes. LOTS of men are going to think that ad is smokin'.

Even better, I think most fat women would agree with me. Plenty of women are heavier than that. I don't see any fat women running out to buy that yogurt because of this ad - I see them scoffing at it in much the same way that I am. I have no idea why ANYONE would think that this ad is going to sell products. The only people that are going to be fooled by this are those who are already skinny, shallow or anorexic. Trust me.

This doesn't even deserve an On notice.

More...
From Wendy (Pound)
From Hoyden about Town
From Shakesville
From Kate Harding

I'm a Proud Mommy!!!!!

That's right, I've adopted.

A turtle.

Meet Mango. She is a female hawksbill turtle who is being tracked after laying her nest in August in Nevis. She finished laying her nest and then made a beeline towards Belize. I guess since she layed eggs, I'm a grandma, too, huh?

French Kissin' Life

by Kenny Chesney



Don't really know what day it is,
Been rocking nine days in a row.
All I know is it's hurricane season,
And any minute she's gonna blow.

I need a shave and I need some rest.
I know some people are worried about me,
But I'm french kissing life square in the mouth,
Sailing out on the sea...

Went through customs and immigration,
Still this feels like home.
I'm floating 'round through Gorda Sound,
With a cooler and a bong.

Maybe I could've been a pirate,
Maybe in my next life that's what I'll be.
French kissing life square in the mouth,
Sailing out on the sea...

Tonight I don't need to feel famous.
Out here all I feel is free.

French kissing life square in the mouth,
Sailing out on the sea...
Maybe I could've been a pirate,
Maybe in my next life that's what I'll be.
French kissing life square in the mouth,
Sailing out on the sea...

ON NOTICE: Speedo USA

Look, Speedo. I placed my order for my new bathing suit on May 30. I got the email confirmation and then I kept checking the order status and it said "Pending." The email confirmation said that it would take 1-2 days to ship. A week later, I canceled the order by email because a week was just too long to wait. Alas, another two weeks passed and now today I get an email saying that you were unable to process my credit card because my address didn't match the address on the card. So, you were canceling the order.

Look, jerks. Yes, when I looked again, the address was wrong. I have too many addresses and I have one address on one card going to my PO Box and one address on another card going to home. But that's only because my one credit card company refuses to let me use my PO box as my address. This confuses me and messes me up when I order things - not to mention that my address has changed recently. You could have called me and asked me to correct my address. You could have emailed me. You could have RESPONDED to my emails about my order. Or, you could have at least canceled the order THREE WEEKS AGO.

I can get it cheaper at SwimOutlet.com anyway, so forget you, stupid Speedo.

SpeedoUSA, you are ON NOTICE.

Incredibly tough choice as to who to remove from the on notice board, I'm going with Dandelions since Clover has been seen a little more lately.

A Goal

Saturday was my 29th birthday. In just one year, I will be 30 years old. And I have a goal. By the time I turn 30 (which will be June 16, 2008), I will go skydiving. I will jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

And I've already had some volunteers of people who want to go with me!!

Running Update

I've been trying to write about this all week, but things have been crazy-busy-hectic with me, so I keep not doing it. I don't remember what I've discussed here and what I haven't, so bear with me if I'm repeating myself.

I'm slow. I don't like being slow. So, in order to help correct it, I asked Jeff Galloway what to do. He recommended his book Running: A Year Round Plan, so that I would know how to do things like speed and hill drills. I purchased the book on Tuesday and read or skimmed the entire thing by Wednesday night. It's a GREAT book! So, now in addition to following my marathon training schedule with my group, I'm going to be switching up my Weekly runs with speed drills, cadence drills, hills, and acceleration gliders.

What really makes me happy about this is that I can keep my 2 weekly runs and my 1 long run and work all of this in around it, not having to add in an extra day of running in the process. Jeff also sings the praises of cross-training, so that is also awesome. Although this week has been busy enough that I missed the cross training on Wednesday (Happy Hour, plus the weather) and I didn't run last night (work until 10pm... bleh). Last night should have been hills, though. I should get some cross training in tonight. Fingers crossed that the weather is nice so that I can swim!!

Wardrobe Update: Swimwear

Yes, I bought that bathing suit like 2 weeks ago. I ordered it directly from Speedo. This was stupid, as they still haven't shipped it. I'm irritated and can't seem to cancel the order either, so that swimsuit will remain a mere figment of my imagination.

I went to Dick's today because I was figuring that I would need to try on a swimsuit anyway. I hate trying on swimsuits. Here comes a little self-loathing and humiliation writing up ahead.

I tried on this suit...


It's the same basic suit as I bought from speedo, but a little more stylish and I tried on one that was one size smaller than the one that I actually ordered. It was clear from this experience that the size I ordered is either the right size or closer to it because the one I tried on seemed shocked by the enormousness of my boobies, and it was clearly straining to hold them in. No, I'm not going to fall out of them, but I would be uncomfortable with the speedo death grip going on.

Next came this little number from Nike...
I had seen this suit on the web and I LOVED it and I was quite pleased to see it in the store. I also loved it on the hanger. I showed my shopping buddy, who gave it a thumbs down. I had to agree, but I needed a second opinion because I had liked it so much before I put it on. On the hanger, it seemed like it would say "I am athletic but stylish. I like to workout and swim and I am a tough swimming chick." However, once I put it on, it said "Look! A pretty green and black casing on this overstuffed sausage! How about you grill this one up with some peppers and onions?" It looks good in the picture, though, doesn't it?

I did buy one, because there was one that fit reasonably ok and wasn't too embarassing to wear. I can't find it on the internet, though, so I'll just say it's a blue tankini. I didn't have any time to try anymore on, because it was my lunch break.

I hate buying bathing suits. You have a small window of time to find them, then they don't have your size, or you look like a beached whale. I have a lot of shit to worry about - large boobies, big hips, fat, ginormous scar that I at least attempt to cover. I made a decision today that the scar is the least of those issues, so it will be sticking out just a tad with the new suit. If someone has a problem with it, they can kiss my ass.

Wardrobe Update: Running Shirts

Please tell me which shirt I should buy...

• I am a marathoner


• Mile 20 - I thought I was dead, Mile 22 - I wished I was dead, Mile 24 - I knew I was dead, Mile 26.2 - I knew I had become too tough to kill.


• Marathon: The Pain is Temporary, The Pride is Forever


• I'd run faster, but I have no idea where we're going.


• I run only to eat more cupcakes.


• (not a shirt) You should try running a marathon... you should try sticking knives into your eyes.


• 26.2 - not as easy as your boyfriend was last night.


• Let's see you do this at MY weight...


• Slow! It's the new fast!

Runner Dies from Ben Gay

Yikes...

What killed her was too much methyl salicylate. I use Biofreeze and not Ben Gay. Biofreeze doesn't contain that ingredient, thankfully. And Biofreeze works really well.

1990s Pop Lyrics Quiz #2

These aren't as embarassing...

1. You said you called because you want me and one day you let me go. WN & Mary - Lisa Loeb, "Stay"

2. Since you've been gone, I can do whatever I want. I can see whomever I choose. Mary - Sinead O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U"

3. I've got my eggs, I've got my pancakes, too. Mary - Jewel, "You Were Meant For Me"

4. By now, you should have somehow realized what you've got to do. WN - Oasis, "Wonderwall"

5. Shall I stay? Would it be a sin? (note: this is an old song, but I want the band that covered this song in the early 1990s... I think it was 1994.) Nick got UB40, foxdeath got "Can't Help Falling in Love"

6. North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe. WN, Nick & Mary- Billy Joel, "We Didn't Start the Fire"

7. "They all want me, they can´t have me, So they all come and dance beside me." WN - Los Del Rio, "Macarena"

8. You'll say we've got nothing in common, no common ground to start from. WN & Mary - Deep Blue Something, "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

9. Mama tells me I shouldn't bother, that I ought to stick to another, a man that surely deserves me. foxdeath - The Cardigans, "Lovefool"

10. Don't you think I know exactly where I stand? This world is forcing me to hold your hand.

11. Pack it up, pack it in, Let me begin. I came to win, Battle me that's a sin. foxdeath & Sandra - House of Pain, "Jump Around"

12. One last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer. WN, Nick & Mary - Semisonic, "Closing Time"

13. "Situation is serious, Let's cure it 'cause we're running out of time."

14. "And we all want something beautiful. Man, I wish I was beautiful." WN & mary- Counting Crows, "Mr. Jones"

15. "Off the mic with a dope rhyme, jump to the rhythm, Jump jump to the rhythm, jump" foxdeath - C&C Music Factory, "Gonna Make U Sweat"

16. "I've got me a car, it's as big as a whale." WN & Mary- B-52s, "Love Shack"

17. "You and me, we come from different worlds. You like to laugh at me when I look at other girls." WN - Hootie and the Blowfish, "Only Wanna Be With You"

Quote Quiz - Crap from the Past

Music Quotes... Taken directly from the 90's Pop Launchcast station. I specifically chose songs from 1990-1997. There should not be even one song on this list that isn't embarassing to know the words to...

1. You've got no one to blame for your unhappiness. You got yourself into your own mess. - foxdeath: Wilson Phillips, "Hold On"

2. Here's the story and the story goes - you give love, you get love... hint: horrible song, horrible video starring Keanu Reeves... This was Paula Abdul, "Rush, Rush"

3. It must have been good, but I lost it somehow. foxdeath - Roxette, "Must have been love"

4. If you want my future, forget my past. hint: next line is "if you wanna get with me, better make it fast." Mary - Spice Girls, "Wannabe"

5. Even my mamma thinks that my mind is gone! hint: first line is "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left." - WN - Coolio, "Gangsta's Paradise"

6. I ain't talking about playboy because silicone parts are made for toys. Mary - Sir Mix A Lot, "Baby Got back"

7. Legit -- either work hard or you might as well quit. foxdeath - MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This"

8. Share my life, take me for what I am, 'cause I'll never change all my colors for you. hint: next line is "Take my love, I'll never ask for too much, just all that you are and everything that you do."... This was Whitney Houston, "I Have Nothing"

9. Girl, you make me feel real good. We can do it till we both wake up. Foxdeath - Color Me Badd - "I Wanna Sex You UP"

10. To the extreme, I rock a mic like a vandal. foxdeath - Vanilla Ice, "Ice Ice Baby"

11. In the night, I dream of love so true. foxdeath - "Another Night" but who is the artist?

12. Yo! It's about time to bring forth the rhythm and the rhyme! hint: next line is "I'm a get mine so get yours, I wanna see sweat comin' out your pores" another hint: This guy was nominated for an academy award this year. If you don't know it now, then you totally suck at pop culture. Mary - Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, "Good Vibrations"

13. But the rain don't mind and the rain don't care. foxdeath - Milli Vanilli, "Blame It on the Rain"

14. ... Milan, New York and Japan... foxdeath - Right Said Fred, "I'm Too Sexy"

15. I'm taken with the notion, to love you with the sweetest of devotion. hint: this one shows up in the movie "Mr & Mrs Smith"... this was Amy Grant, "Baby Baby"

16. I realized quickly when I knew I should that this world is made up of this brotherhood of man. hint: chorus goes "And so I wake in the morning, And I step outside, And I take a deep breath and I get real high"... this was 4 Non Blondes, "What's Up?"

17. I see the passion in your eyes, sometimes it's all a big surprise. hint: Miss America. WN - Vanessa Willliams, "Save the Best for Last"

18. Come on baby, come on over. Let me be the one to show you. foxdeath - Mr. Big, "To Be With You"

19. Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me, 'cause I'd already know. - foxdeath - Extreme, "More Than Words"

20. You marry him, your father will condone you. foxdeath - Spin Doctors, "Two Princes"

21. I love myself, I want you to love me. hint: Austin Powers. Nick - The Divinyls, "I Touch Myself" ha!

22. It's like you're always stuck in second gear. Nick & WN- The Rembrandts, "I'll be there for you"

23. I asked her her name she said "Blah blah blah." hint: "You... you got what I need.." WN - Biz Markie and the song is "Just a Friend"

24. I thought we'd get to see forever, but forever's gone away. hint: first line is "How do I say goodbye to what we had?"... This was Boyz II Men, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye"

25. Don't Worry about nothin because it won't take long. We're gonna put you in a trance with a funky song. hint: Brother of the artist of #12. - WN & Mary - New Kids on the Block... song was Hangin' Tough, which WN got, I think, for some reason I was thinking it was The Right Stuff. Sorry about that.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Mom and Shelly (and a crab) at our family reunion in 2005

Hope you have a great day!

Race for Our Kids 10k - 2007

I thought that I might be slower this year, and I was. Overall, I didn't do as bad as I would have expected I'd do, but I was still slower. Oh well. A week less training and out of shape at the start of training, plus 15 pounds heavier... that'll do it.

We met in the parking lot of Pimlico Race Track. Davida asked me to take pictures, so I went around and took some. ErikaM was also out taking them, so that was good. I only got a few and didn't take my camera with me for the race out of fear of rain.

The race was brutal. Kristy, Natalie and I ran together, and Debra stayed right behind us for a while, until she caught up with us at mile 4 or 5 or so. The whole thing is just frickin' up hill. That totally sucks. Still, I managed to conquer every single hill without ever taking an extra walk break.

As for the rain... well, rain it did. Hard. Starting around mile 3 or so, it sprinkled and by the time we reached the finish line it was pouring. It wasn't that bad, though. Really, it helped keep us cool. In general this was a good race for us to just chat about things and get to know Natalie, since she's new to us.

Results

And here are some photos...



Todd, Lori and I'm still learning people's names this year and I don't know that guy's name.


Amanda, Kristen (???) and Natalie



Me, Andrea and another guy that I don't know yet.


Group photo

Blue Moon Run

Note: I wasn't sure if I should treat this as a race or a weekly run. It was sort of both and neither. So, I'm treating it like a race.

Here's my nutbally running thing for the week. I ran the Blue Moon Run Friday night. Basically, we apparently are having a blue moon now, and so they had this run on the trail in the moonlight. No lights were allowed, but all 600 of us had glo sticks. It wasn't a race, it was just a 7 mile run on the trail from Paper Mill up to Sparks.

So, we got down to the trail area at 9pm. There was a shuttle running from the shopping center down the street to the Paper Mill parking lot. There was a big accident at the intersection there, but it wasn't a huge deal for us. Apparently, they were supposed to have 2 shuttle buses but one didn't show up, so there was a bus and a U-Haul van. We got the U-Haul van and made it down to the very dark parking lot, where I knew that I would never find Joanna or Caryn. So, we waited by the shuttle bus and finally found Joanna.

I couldn't find Caryn (and her new guy Doug), but we started the run at 10pm. At our first walk break, I found Caryn! It was a really cool run. Todd and Doug ran our pace for the first mile and a half and then took off at their own pace. Caryn, Joanna and I stuck together. It was dark and there was lightning all around, which was pretty cool. It was cloudy, and we finally saw the blue moon on the last mile. We ran a total of 5 miles, at a faster pace than I normally run for a weekday run. It was a good time.

Review: zPizza

I had lunch today with a friend at zPizza. I'm really impressed with this place. It's new, I just happened to spot it the other day on my way to Chipotle. They have a wide variety of interesting pizzas, calzones, salads and subs, and everything has nutritional information on the website. Pretty much anything on the menu will fit into a calorie counter's diet without much effort. And it was GOOD. I had the Napoli pizza, the small, and I ate 1/2 of it, making it 540 calories. Very reasonable for lunch and also filling and tasty!

There aren't very many of them right now, but hopefully soon there will be more! Give them a try.