Wrong Side of the Bed.

Since I'm leaving on Sunday and I've never left Cameron for this long (I've never left her for more than a night or two), I'm going to feature one of my favorite Cameron photos every day until I leave.  A lot of these are from when she was just a little pup, but you can see a little bit of the growing up process and why I love this little monster so much!
 


2 1/2 months old, and I can read her mind already:  "Stick!  Stick!  Stick!"

 This morning I woke up grouchy.

I would usually describe myself as a pretty positive, upbeat person, but I just haven't been able to shake away my grumpiness today.  Mom used to call it "waking up on the wrong side of the bed" (for years, I believed that if I rolled out of bed on a different side, then I was going to have a bad day).  I don't know if it's the stress of work, packing for a trip, nerves over flying, missing Cameron (already), or a combination of all of those things, but I am a grade A grumpy butt today.  To be honest, I think it started last night.

Just before I left work (at 7:00 PM, mind you), I gave myself a papercut under my fingernail.  If you've done this, then you know how much it really hurts, and it's right on my left ring finger where I type...glad I'll be working on a lot of bilat papers today - lots of typing!  Yay.  I hurried home to take Cameron for a run, and when we reached the Air Force Memorial (where we usually stop to watch the sunset), a guard wouldn't let us walk up there.  No one has ever stopped me from bringing Cam  underneath the Memorial.  I was mad and considered pitching a small temper-tantrum, but I held back (you guys should be proud) and ran along my way.

Last night, I also brought the gift home for the Koreans and tried to fit it in my carry-on.  Yep, it fits, but it leaves virtually no room for any entertainment for me.  If I am cooped up on a flight and in airports for that long, I better have a few books and my iPod, or I will not be a happy camper.  Luckily, my roommate came to the rescue and offered to lend me her Nook for the trip.  Trish, you're a lifesaver!

Now, I am a staunch believer in print media:  books, newspapers, magazines, etc., but for traveling, I totally think an e-reader is the way to go.  It doesn't take up any space, and you can store hundreds (if not thousands) of books on the device.  Last night, I downloaded a few books (in addition to Pride and Prejudice, which was free):  Bossypants by Tina Fey, Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (yes, I'm well-aware I've read it like a hundred times) and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.  I still want to download Run!:  26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss.  I'm not typically a fan of running books, but this one actually looks good.  I'll be sure to share a thumbs up or down.  None the less, those books should keep me busy for a little while!

Tonight, I have more packing and cleaning to do.  Fun.  Fun.  But, I am also making my playlist for the trip, and I'll let you guys know which artists will be providing my listening pleasure for those long flights.  The weather looks nice for Korea, so hopefully, I will get to experience a lot of it running.  And yes, I'll be sure to post photos.

Happy running!

Short and Sweet.

I'll issue a quick disclaimer here...my posts may be getting shorter and shorter as I get closer to my departure date for Jeju Island, South Korea.  To be honest, I thought about not posting today at all, but I'd rather say a few words than just let a day go by without writing.  I actually feel guilty if I don't blog...I know that will win me some major cool points.

Right now, I'm chowing down on a yummy Asian chicken salad at my desk.  I had to run across the Mall for something earlier and decided to venture into the Old Post Office Building to grab lunch before hurrying back to the office - very good decision on my part.  Not only is my salad delicious (and totally what I was craving), but the weather is way too pretty to be stuck inside all day.  My office mate and I talk about this all the time but our office is right in the middle of the Smithsonians and downtown DC, and we never take advantage of it.  I go weeks on end without leaving my desk for lunch or walking around outside the building in my spare time.

If I didn't have to shower at my office building in the middle of the day, I'd totally run on the Mall at lunch, but I can't exactly walk around smelly and sweaty the rest of the day.  My co-workers probably wouldn't appreciate it.

Well, I really have to get back to it.  Meeting prep is taking up all of my time, and since this is my first big international meeting, I want everything to run as smoothly as possible.  Tomorrow, I will do a quick Glee-cap, give you a running update and let you know where I am in getting ready to travel.

Happy running!

Busy, Busy, Busy.

I'm sorry that I haven't blogged in a few days - unacceptable.  Seriously, I've been too busy to sit down at the computer for a few minutes and write.  Let me bring you up-to-date on everything that has happened since Thursday.  At work, we would call this a "quick and dirty" (I think I just like saying that).

Now, where to begin?

As you all know, Thursday was Cinco de Mayo, so that was a blast.  The whole gang went out to the Salsa Room, then the Irish pub down the street (because that seemed like a good idea at the time), and needless to say, we had a little too much fun.  Unfortunately, I had to work Friday (nope, I didn't get my day off like I was supposed to), so I was dragging a little bit all day.  After work, I played with Cam a little bit before we went to see Thor (totally recommend going to see it if you're a comic book geek - two thumbs up).  I rode on the back of Dan's bike to the movies, and I've concluded that I totally need to get a motorcycle.  Don't worry Mom...not any time soon.

Saturday morning, I awakened way before the sun was up to throw some clothes in a bag, put on makeup and feed Cameron before hitting the road for Southwest Virginia.  My grandparents live near Roanoke, and I traveled down there to see my mom and grandma for Mother's Day.  I hadn't seen my grandparents since Christmas and my parents since February, so it was really good to spend a little time with family.  I listened to Glee on repeat for the majority of the drive, and the four and half hours there and back seemed to take no time at all.  It's an easy trip that I know I should take more often, but with work and running and taking care of Cam, it seems like I don't have time for anything else.  Regardless, seeing my family reminded me how much I've missed them.

After the drive back, I barely had time to set my bag down before I was laced up and out the door for my seventeen miler.  It rained most of my way home, and I was afraid that the rain would follow me to DC.  The weather forecasters had predicted rain mid-afternoon, and the last thing I wanted to do was skimp on another one of my long runs because of bad weather. 

I've concluded that there is something about running 17 miles that just isn't fun.  It's not - seriously.  I don't know if it's the aching in my hips or the grinding of my shoulder (a nagging reminder of an old injury), but my body just doesn't want to keep running past mile 16.  It also might have something to do with the fact that I chose to conclude my run by hoofing it up one of the largest hills in Arlington.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Today, I am moving around like a grandma.  Seriously, I am really sore and stiff today - I thought that I stretched enough after my run, but no, I'm pretty tight this morning.  This week I will have to try to fit in runs while I'm packing for Korea, cleaning before Trish's family gets here for her graduation and trying to keep Cam out of trouble.  She seems to get into more mischief when she knows I'm going out of town for a while.

Wish me luck coming out of this week unscathed.

Happy running!

Cinco de Mayo!!!

I want to pat myself on the back this morning.  Seriously.  Not only did I get my run in this morning (yay!), but I lived through an entire month devoid of  my AWS and didn't completely lose my mind.  It will be heavenly tomorrow morning to wake up when I want and relax - sleeping past 5:00 AM...what a crazy concept.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, my dear friends!  Today is my favorite holiday other than Christmas, no lie.  I cannot wait to kick back this afternoon with the crew and enjoy a few cervesas while listening to the merry sound of a mariachi band.  I think I might even tote my camera along, so you guys can enjoy the fun too!

Here's a quick history lesson on this special day.  Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, which happens to be September 16th, it is a holiday observed to commemorate the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  Though the victory at Puebla cannot be viewed as a major strategic win in the war against the French, it was a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and the resistance movement.  At the risk of sounding cliched, it was a David (Mexico) conquering Goliath (France) moment.  I'll drink to that!

The weather is great, I have tomorrow off (both work and running) AND Thor comes out tomorrow.  I'm super psyched!  Hope everyone has a great day, and if you're enjoying the holiday with a few cold ones, please don't forget to be responsible and use a designated driver/call a cab.

Happy running!

Dear Lord Tubbington

Today was one of those days that I really contemplated just rolling over in bed and going back to sleep.

After such a beautiful day yesterday, it's absolutely lousy outside today.  I'm going to blame this one on the Caps dropping to 0-3 against the Lightning...all of D.C. is crying!  It must have started raining at some point during the night, and now, it's a cold, wet mess outside.  I can handle the rain (I might whine a little bit), but the Mercury hasn't climbed over 50  yet.  Needless to say, I'm a little cold in my cute little springtime skirt!  Where are my 70+ degree temperatures?  It's May for goodness sakes!

Obviously, there will be no running outside this evening, which is kind of a bummer.  At the risk of sounding like a prima donna, even if the rain stops, there is no way I'm running in those puddles with my new shoes.  Gotta protect my kicks!  As you already know, I really do hate running inside - it's unnatural, but it does give me a good excuse to download all the Glee tunes from the past two episodes (I know, I'm such a bad Gleek for not downloading immediately after the episodes) and jam out on the treadmill.  Phils vs. Nats on the big screen and Glee pounding through my headphones...sounds like a pretty sexy workout.  If there's no one in the gym, you might even catch me belting out some Fleetwood Mac covers.

This is a perfect segway into my Glee-cap from last night.

I'd be remiss without mentioning this first, so who else LOVED Quinn's dress in the "Don't Stop" number?  Shirtdresses are totally adorable, and I'm scouring the internet right now to find out who made the one she was wearing - I want it.  Other fashion notes before I get to the meat of the episode (which I enjoyed, btw)...I loved the not so subtle homage paid to seventies fashion.  From Rachel's peasant top to Santanas overall/romperall get up, I was totally feeling a 70s comeback.  Maybe I'll trade in my skinny jeans for bell-bottoms (just kidding).

Now, for the good stuff.  Though I didn't like this episode as much as last week's (still singing "Unpretty/I Feel Pretty" in my head), Glee is making a strong push for the end of the season.  As usual, I enjoyed the music, but this episode did an excellent job tackling issues facing Americans right now, such as unemployment, without making it feel forced like an after school special.  Sam has been lurking in the shadows with his awful shaggy hair for the past few weeks, and I enjoyed having him featured front and center for once.  His little brother and sister are so cute, and I loved seeing the Glee club reach out to him (Finn, in particular).  Also, here's my weekly Santana gush...a. Love her voice and so glad to see her singing a solo; and b.  Her character gets more and more interesting every week - I'm glad she stood Brittany up on "Fondue for Two".

As for Brittany S. Pierce's little internet rumors show, "Fondue for Two", I found it a little strange, but I think she's hilarious.  I want to see more of her relationship with Lord Tubbington - hysterical.  I am so glad that we finally met the cat that's been reading her diary.

I cannot wait until next week's Prom episode - and no, I really don't care about all the drama with spoilers.  I think that the Prom King/Queen aspect might be the least interesting part of the episode.  After watching the trailer (I watched it like four times), I can't wait to see the reason behind Quinn's slap.  There was some serious venom in her face as she struck Rachel.  Wow.

Well, I must get my day started.  Here's a youtube video I just saw on my friend's Facebook, and I just had to post!

Furman Flash Mob

Happy running!

Tuesday Edition

It just feels like it's going to be one of those weeks...

After getting caught in the rain during my sixteen mile run this weekend (wearing an all white outfit, mind you) and Cameron wetting her cage in her sleep last night (yep, just like a little kid peeing the bed), I knew it was going to be a rough week.  Today, I have a conference call with my dear friends in South Korea scheduled for 8:00...that's 8:00 PM, not 8:00 AM.  Needless to say, I'm less than thrilled to be at the office until 9:30 tonight when I should be at home snuggled up with Cam and watching Glee. 

Thank God for DVR!

If there's one bright spot in the week, it's the fact that I am FINALLY getting a Friday off work, and I really need it.  I haven't had time to take my suits to the cleaners, wash my car, clean the apartment and do a lot of other things that I typically do on my AWS days.  Also, it wouldn't hurt for me to go to the grocery store - one can only live on Chinese leftovers, Greek yogurt and salads for so long.  And I found last night's dinner of yogurt and a salad less than satisfying.

I've hit a point in my training where I feel like I have a good rhythm going.  The miles are coming a lot more easily (thanks in part to the new shoes and getting in better running shape), and it actually feels like the road is coming up to meet me when my feet hit the pavement.  I'm feeling the toll of my weekend runs, but I'm also beginning to recall the sense of accomplishment I felt when I was training for Baltimore.  Who doesn't feel like a grade A badass after running 15, 16, 17 (and so on) miles?

Maybe I'm just silly, but I am looking forward to my marathon in Montana more and more every day. 

Today is super busy, so I apologize for the short post.  I'll be back tomorrow with a longer post and possibly a quick Glee recap.

Happy running!

Scary Cliffs.

 As I'm writing this, Cameron is destroying a frisbee in the floor right in front of me.

This is the post I was working on yesterday when I was being a good girl and staying in because I have to run sixteen miles today...no, I still haven't done it.  I will post after I run and let you know how it goes.  I had every intention of being good - I really did.  I was relaxing and playing the guitar with the Texas/Oklahoma softball game on in the background when I received a text from Dan.  It seemed innocent enough:  "hey...wanna grab a drink with my parents?"  I love parents, so of course, I said yes.  What happened next was a night of silliness and dancing...and I didn't roll in until 2:00 AM this morning.  Thanks Dan.
  
Yesterday, I'd planned on going kayaking on the Potomac, but Thompson's Boat House wasn't allowing 

A heart to heart with my best friend.

people on the water (something about bad water quality).  Instead, I went hiking at Great Falls National Park.  If you haven't been there and live Northern Virginia, shame on you!  I'm just kidding around, but the park is absolutely gorgeous and the trail network can't be beat.

 Cameron and I usually tromp around Teddy Roosevelt Island or hit the trails out at Scott's Run along the Potomac, but in the mood for an adventure, we ventured down Georgetown Pike to Great Falls.  Now, Cameron LOVES hiking, but she has gotten in the funny habit of carrying a toy around in her mouth throughout the hike.  Typically, it's her bumper from South Carolina, but yesterday, her toy of choice happened to be a small tire. 

From the moment we get out of the car, Cameron snatches the tire out of my hand and begins toting it around in her mouth.  She doesn't sit the toy down for anything except treats and water, but yesterday, she dropped her toy in a very bad spot and I learned two things about myself:  1.  I am very afraid of heights and 2.  I would do anything for my dog. 



Really scary cliffs...no lie.

 Great Falls isn't just known for its trails and picnic area - it is also a big hangout for local rock climbers.  Seemingly sheer cliffs jut out into the Potomac providing great overlooks and areas for climbers to test their skills.  I stepped close to the edge of the cliff to snap a picture of the Potomac, and Cameron (tire in her mouth) decided to take a closer look as well. 

At the sight of the water below, Cam's ears perked up, and she dropped her tire over the edge.  As soon as it fell, she started whimpering and I went into Mom mode.  I noticed that the tire was caught on a ledge about five feet below me and out of my reach, so I lowered myself over the edge and slid down the rock face for her toy.  Luckily, I made it, but looking down at the rapids below made my head spin - I've never been so glad to be on solid ground again. 

That's one tired puppy.


Still, seeing her tail wag wildly and watching her smile with the tire in her mouth totally made my dangerous and dumb tire rescue worthwhile.  I really love that silly puppy.

Well, it looks like the rain has let up some, and I have a long run ahead of me.  Wish me luck.

Happy running!