Friday, June 30, 2006

Shoe Porn

C'mon.....

Admit it.

These are some sexy shoes.




I'd like to introduce you to The Girls in my current lineup. From left: Mizuno Wave Precision 6, Brooks Burn 3, Mizuno Wave Rider 9. They all get along quite well...no in-fighting yet, that I've noticed. I try to rotate my time between them so no one gets jealous. So far, so good.

Did 7 miles today, rather than gamble on the weather tomorrow. I should have waited.

I felt like crap. Literally and figuratively.

I was about 3 1/2 miles in and I realized, "My stomach isn't feeling oh so great." Needless to say, I spent the majority of my time nursing my gut, which coincidentally felt as if someone were wringing my colon like a washcloth.

About 3 miles into my run, I came upon a major intersection. I did the usual and waited for the light to go my way. Upon seeing the little walk icon, across the street I went. Apparently some d***head decided that I shouldn't have stepped foot off the sidewalk. He honked.

I reciprocated with the "number one salute" and we're not talking about my index finger here, Faithful Reader.

He deserved it.

As a result, a few others in cars watching the whole debaucle applauded my reckless abandon.

Relieved he didn't pack his nine.

Oh well...all our training runs can't be great, can they?

In any event, I finished, and we went and had some dinner. I'm beat....nap time for me and The Girls.

Distance: 7 miles
Time: 75 minutes
Pace: 10:42/mile

Thursday, June 29, 2006

There's a New Girl in Town


and her name is Wave Precision 6.

I've added her to my stable of current running shoes. She did NOT disappoint today on my 3 mile run. WOW...these are great, too. There's just something so great about a new pair of shoes, isn't there? I always feel like it's the first day of school when I peer downward and see a blinding white pair of brand new shoes.

Don't step on 'em, for God's sake!

Tomorrow, I will post pics of all the girls so you can see what a sexy lineup I've got going.

Thanks to Liv, I've posted a few tidbits:

four jobs I have had in my life:
1. travel agent
2. realtor
3. human resources administrator
4. Footwear sales at KMart

four places I have lived:
1. North Carolina
2. Ohio
3. Vermont
4. New Hampshire

four tv shows i love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Trauma: Life In The ER
3. Whose Line Is It Anyway?
4. American Justice

four places I have been on vacation:
1. Cozumel, MX
2. Key West
3. Belize
4. Grand Cayman

four websites I visit daily:
1. Runners World
2. National Public Radio
3. Yahoo
4. Runbud

four of my favorite foods:
1. French Fries
2. mom's cornbread
3. mom's homemade tuna fish
4. shrimp (any way you wanna serve it to me)

four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Chicago
2. Caribbean
3. shopping in Chicago
4. Las Vegas

four favorite bands:
1. Led Zeppelin
2. Imogen Heap
3. The Karlz
4. Cowboy Mouth

four bloggers I am TAGGING!!
1. Mark
2. Mike
3. Animal
4. Jeanne


Distance: 3.0
Time: 29:47
Pace: 9:55/mile

It Is Done

Pharmacology is behind me now.

Thank you, sweet Jesus.

I ended on a high note...I received an 89% for a final grade. I was *this* close to an A, but all things considered, I'll take the 89%. If Ron the Pill Don is anything like he was for all our quizzes, he'll throw out a few questions, and I'll be back in the "A" range. Ah well, such is life.

So, for now, I rest and no longer dream about

Isocal
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Kayexelate
Catapres
Levophed
Nipride
ACTH
Solucortif
Prednisone
Ifosfamide
Phenothiazides
Barbituates
V-TAC
A-FIB
asystole
AF
DUR
BID
CONTIN

I could go on and on, but really, what's the point?

It is over. I am one step closer to

Lisa Stanley, RN

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

"Come On Down!"

You're the next contestant on "Let's Take a Full-Time Position".

Yep, that's right.

I was offered the full-time position that I applied for a few weeks ago. Human Resources called me this morning to officially extend the offer.

What does this mean?

I'll actually start reaping the benefits of being a full-time employee. Since I started at Genesys almost five years ago, I've been working full-time hours, but my official job status was part-time. Ah, no more. I'll actually accrue time off at a decent clip, never worry about my benefits, have a set schedule.

I told the HR rep it felt like I just won a game show. She chuckled and said it made her day to make someone so happy.

Needless to say, I practically skipped while running today. The exuberance is practically bursting from every pore. As a result, I pushed a bit harder on the treadmill. Heck, I didn't even mind having to run on the treadmill this morning. Who cares?

I'm full-time.

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 37:30
Pace: 12:30/mile

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Bicycles and Benzodiazapenes


First, let me publicly thank my husband for doing something so unexpected, so wonderful, so thoughtful and so him.

My bike was in a state of absolute disrepair. The tires were practically falling off, they were so dry-rotted. The chain was rusty, the wheels grungy. Basically, the whole bike needed a serious intervention.

Unbeknownst to moi, hubby bought me new bike tires, new tubes and put 'em on last night while I was at work. He also cleaned up the grimy rims, oiled the chain, dusted the old gal off and got her back in fighting condition.

While I had mentioned that my bike needed some TLC, I never did get around to taking her anywhere for a tune-up. Mark being the intuitive and clever man that he is, remembered this, and he took care of it himself. No prodding, no requests from me to do it, no nagging.

Make this #11 on the list of reasons why I love him from the birthday post.

11. Your bike repair skills are top-notch.

Thanks for being such a thoughtful, selfless and wonderful human being. I'm grateful and blessed to have such a decent man share my life.

Now, on to the second point of my post.

It's crunch time, and I'm not talking about Captain.

Final exam in Pharmacology is on Thursday morning at 10am EST. I am going to do my best to kick some ass and take some names. I can miss 11 questions and maintain my A. I'm going to go for that, but if I don't attain that, I'll be happy just to be finished with the class.

For those who are always interested in learning:

**If you take your daily ASA (aspirin) without water, the chemical reaction inside the stomach produces something called Salicylic Acid. Sound familar? It's good ol' Compound W wart remover.

**Sulfa was the first systemic antiobiotic invented. Prior to that, infection killed more people than many other forms of disease combined.

**The estrogen Premarin is obtained and synthesized from the urine of pregnant horses. Giddyup!

**The diuretic known as Digoxin is derived from a beautiful plant called a Foxglove.

In the quest of life-long learning, I find it intrinsically satisfying to share these little tidbits with you. Lord knows, I could bore you with details of pharmacology, but I'm all about keeping this fun, folks.

So, the proverbial pharmacology ball is in my court, and I will spend the next 48 hours studying as I've never studied before. My goal is to keep the A I've worked so tirelessly for this semester. In the absence of that, I'll simply be happy to take the passing grade.

Go ahead, Faithful Reader, I'm ready.

Quiz me.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Burn, Baby, Burn

Have you seen sexier running shoes?

Not me.

It was pretty much love at first ogle on Saturday morning.

Went to the Columbus Running Company while in town this weekend in search of another pair of running shoes to add to the stable. I tried on some trusty Mizunos, the Wave Elixir to be exact, but this sexy pair of Brooks Burn 3's kept calling me.

I heeded the call.

I tried them on and practically gapsed when I felt the responsiveness and the way they hugged my foot. After a quick trot around the store, I proudly proclaimed,

"These babies are coming home with me."

Tonight I took them out for a spin. While Sunday is normally a day of rest for me, these sexy shoes were calling out to me for the entire day. The whole ride home from Ohio, I almost put them in my lap, but didn't for fear of my husband accusing me of loving a pair of shoes more than him. When we arrived home, we went out for a leisurely dinner to belatedly celebrate said hubby's birthday with mom and Bob.

When we pulled in the driveway after dinner, I knew what I must do.

I went upstairs, put on my running gear, took the new babies out of their confining box and wrapped them around a nice, clean pair of Wright Socks.

OOOOOooooo, they felt divine ALREADY. I knew this was the beginning of something wonderful.

Distance: 3.0 miles
Mile 1: 9:37
Mile 2: 9:29
Mile 3: 9:54
Total: 28:20

Burn, baby, burn.

As an aside and as a statement of my love for my Wave Riders, I can't post this without mentioning my WONDERFUL, AWE-INSPIRING run on Saturday morning. I did 6.2 miles in wonderful Sharon Woods in Columbus. The weather was fantastic, the trail was divine, and my Mizunos didn't let me down. Those Wave Riders are not too shabby, either.

Saturday
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 1:00:13
Pace: 9:47/mile

Now, girls, let's all get along....there's room in my heart for both the Wave Riders AND the Burn 3.

(Don't tell the girls, but the pair of Wave Precision 6's will be here sometime this week from my friend Jamie.)

Friday, June 23, 2006

Happy Birthday

to Mark! My hubby is celebrating his 44th birthday today. I don't think he'd mind me publishing his exact age, do you? Nah, it's just a number.

I love you for:

1. being such a wonderful father
2. your patience
3. your silly puns
4. the easy conversations we have
5. your support
6. technologically-advanced skills (i.e. Computer Support)
7. your handyman abilities
8. your hugs
9. your kisses
10. you

We're off to Columbus today to visit some family and friends. We'll return on Sunday. Tomorrow I've plotted a 6+ mile course in Sharon Woods. Amazing how I NEVER set foot in that park when we lived there, but now I'm going to make getting there a point.

Have a great running weekend, Faithful Runner.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Rounding out the Week

Today was another 3 mile run for me. I squeezed it in early this morning, before my Pharmacology class, so I hit the treadmill. Doing 3 miles on it is no big deal, but much more than 5 miles or so, and I'm starting to get a bit antsy.

We're heading out of town tomorrow for the weekend, so I'll have to map a course for my 6-miler on Saturday.

First week of training is almost in the bag. 17 more weeks to go.

On another note: grade to-date in Pharmacology: 90%. I'll take it and run (no pun intended).

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 35:44
Pace: 11:54/mile (I'm getting slower!)

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Noah, start building the ark...

it's been raining all morning here. I'm talking some serious downpours. The storms are coming in torrential waves, so every hour or so, the sky will open up and down come the huge raindrops. I keep glancing at our pool, thinking, "Geez, I hope I don't have to actually DRAIN water from it!"

Since it's a rainy day, Tyler decided it was a good day to do some baking. We made some chocolate chip/M&M cookies from scratch, and now we're moving on to brownies. I have a little Emeril on my hands here. Lord knows, he didn't get that flair for baked goods from me, but rather from Mark. Either way, it's been fun.

Did my 3 miles on the treadmill this morning...kicked it up 6.0 mph for the first mile, then settled in at 5.5 for the remainder. After running 5-6 miles midweek consistently, this 3 mile stuff is sorta nice. I'll do it again tomorrow, and then rest on Friday, and the long run will happen Saturday with 6 miles.

I think I can do this.

Distance: 3.0 miles
Time: 34:26 (treadmill)
Pace: 11:28/mile

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Let's Get It Started

Land of The Gods
(Give it a few seconds to load completely)

I guarantee the hair on the back of your neck will stand at attention and you just might get tears in your eyes.

If this clip doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

Good day, Faithful Reader.

Run on.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Day One

of the rest of my marathon training is in the bag.

Did my 'required' 3.0 miles today.

Splits:

mile 1: 9:24
mile 2: 9:40
mile 3: 10:18
total: 29.22
pace: 9:47/mile
Time of day: 5pm
Temp: 86F

The heat really started to get to me in the last mile. I felt almost nauseous. Blech! I took it easier than normal, so if I had felt better, perhaps I could have turned in a bit faster time. No worries, though. I mean, come on...it's THE FIRST DAY OF TRAINING!

while Higdon's plan called for my 3.0 mile run tomorrow, I decided since I'm off work today and I have the opportunity to run out-of-doors, I would do just that. I always feel so much better when I can run outside, rather than on the treadmill when it's a beautiful sunny day.

Okay, first training run down. Many more to go.

Random thoughts:

I find it quaint and charming that my husband listens to a streaming audio version of an AM radio station out of Columbus, OH. We used to live there about six years ago, and while I'm sure he would never admit it, I think a part of him misses it. His mom, sister and a few good friends reside in the Buckeye (gulp, I feel the bile rising in my throat at the mention of the word BUCKEYE) state. In any event, I always get a smile on my face when I hear the traffic report for I-270 and 161 coming from his office.

Mom traveled down to Ann Arbor today for radiation treatment #4. She had to cancel last Friday, due to illness, so she's back on track today. I hope they were able to find out the reason for her extreme fatigue (other than radiation). I keep telling her that we just have to get through this last push, and the finish line is ahead.

Tyler hosted his first sleepover last night. It was a great success. Of course, the boys were up and at 'em around 6:45am, but I didn't mind. They dined on chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and then hit the backyard by 7:30am to run around, play, swing and be boys.

Needless to say, Tyler is napping on the couch and has been since 4:30pm. It's now 6:10. :)

Sunday, June 18, 2006

The Time Has Come

to begin marathon training.

Tomorrow I embark upon this journey. I am about to meander my way along the path that will hopefully lead to the end of the 26.2 miles. I'm unsure of my feelings, but I hope that as time goes by, I will gain confidence, a bit of speed and a whole lot of endurance.

I'm still up in the air about which training plan to use, but I think I'm going to consult both Galloway and Higdon. The only thing I'm leery of when perusing Higdon is that he bunches up the mid-week runs together. I'm used to running almost every other day. I'm still not sure how to approach this.

Unfortunately, as summer is here, it also means that Tyler is out of school. It's difficult to plan runs knowing that Tyler is home with me. I dread hitting the treadmill for the majority of my mid-week runs, but I may have to do just that. I haven't ruled out the possibility of running in the very early AM before Mark leaves for work.

Okay, tomorrow we begin this journey together.

I have never needed your support more than I do now, Faithful Reader.

Let us begin....

Saturday, June 17, 2006

What a Scorcher!

Today's high is projected to be 92 degrees.

I was smart enough to start my run by 8:30am. ;) Finished okay, but I did stop a few times. I'm certainly not going to beat myself up about it. I logged my miles, period.

Must keep this short, as the backyard oasis (a.k.a. POOL) is calling my name.

Stay cool, Faithful Reader.

Distance: 5.09 miles
Time: 56:23
Pace: 11:03/mile

Friday, June 16, 2006

Let the Games Begin

T-ball for Tyler, that is. We have begun the rite of passage for all young boys. Tyler has joined his first t-ball league. Today was the first practice. What a sight. It was amusing, fun and the kids had a great time. I took a few pics, and I'll share 'em once I figure out how to upload 'em from my phone!

Did another 5 miles on the treadmill today. Really killing me to not get outside, but what's a girl gonna do? I'm just grateful that we have such a wonderful treadmill to use. It could be worse, I suppose.

Tonight, I'm at work until 3am...ugh. BUT...gotta love the overtime, right?

Tomorrow, I run outside.....don't fence me in.

Distance: 5.0 miles
(treadmill)

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Another day, another run

Just another casual run on my treadmill yesterday. Five miles. It about killed me to be indoors on a beautiful day like yesterday, but when you have a 7-yr. old who is home for summer vacation, there's not a lot of options. Our neighbors are nice enough to allow Tyler to come over at all times, so I may see if I can sneak in a run while he's over there playing at some point. We'll see.

Marathon training starts in earnest next Monday, June 19th. I'm gettin' nervous....I think I'm going to combine Galloway (for distances) and Higdon (he has a special Chicago Marathon program) and come up with something on my own. Any ideas?? I'm open.

Until we meet again...lace 'em up, head out and make me proud.

Distance: 5.0 miles
(treadmill)

Monday, June 12, 2006

Listen here, all you drivers!!!

I'm sick and tired of playing dodge 'em with cars who pay absolutely no fu@$ing attention to anything or anyone else outside of their vehicle. Three times today, I had to run behind cars pulling out of businesses, driveways, etc, because THEY WON'T PAY ATTENTION. Hell, I even had a guy turn left in front of me. Good thing I was paying attention or else this post would have come to you from the ER.

It's frustrating.

I mean, come on. How difficult is it to truly look both ways, not only at oncoming traffic, but pedestrians, too?

I beg you, drivers, pay attention. Watch out for those of us on two wheels and/or two feet. A runner or biker will thank you. I always make a point to wave to those considerate drivers who stop and give me plenty of room to pass in front of their car. Just letting them know that I appreciate the consideration.

Also, I've decided to do a few of my runs without a watch. I want to focus more on listening to my body cues, rather than my watch. I'll do a few runs per week this way. You'll see that at the bottom.

Getting a bit nervous as my marathon training begins on June 19th. I'm still deciding which marathon plan I'm going to use. I've looked at Galloway, Higdon, Runner's World and a few more. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I just don't know where to begin!

A public thank you to my friend, Mike. Your friendship is one that I truly cherish. You're a keeper. I know you may be going through a few speed bumps in life, but ride 'em hard and see 'em through. You'll come out on the other side better for having hung in there. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that in some small part, I played a tiny role in your newfound love of running. It's the best gift I could give a friend. Just doing my part to pay it forward. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, crank up the MP3 player with your favorite tunes, lace up your shoes and hit the road. I promise, you'll feel better.

Distance: 4.3 miles

Sunday, June 11, 2006

I Just Had To

take a run today. While Sunday is usually a day of rest for me, I just could NOT resist the weather today. When I set out, it was about 60 degrees, bright sunshine and a nice breeze. I did 6 miles, but left the watch at home. I did it in about an hour or so, as it turns out.

We're headed to the Villages at Rochester Hills for some browsing. I've never been there, so I thought it would be fun to head to an outdoor venue today.

Studying is on tap when we return home. I have two quizzes tomorrow in Pharmacology, and since the semester is winding down, I have to really bring it home. Tomorrow's topics include autonomic nervous system drugs, including adrenergic, cholinergic, antiadrenergic and anticholinergic. Also not to be missed: anti-inflammatories, anti-asthamatic drugs and immune system. Should be LOADS of fun. Don't you wish you could take the quiz with me?

Enjoy your Sunday, Faithful Reader.

Distance: 6.0 miles
Time: approx. 63 mins.
Pace: 10:30/mile

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Happy Birthday To You

Today we celebrate Jules' birthday....Happy birthday to you! :)

Have a good weekend, Faithful Reader.

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 51:20
Pace: 9:52/mile

Thursday, June 08, 2006

The Day After

Although I'm still basking in the glow of my new PR of 29:46 for a 5K, I went back at it today. The usual route, and I purposely held back a bit. I didn't really care about time, but I just wanted to stretch the legs. Felt great..heat was not too bad, and I was properly hydrated before I left. Makes me realize how important good ol' H2O can be.

On another note, I just wanted to speak my mind on a certain topic.

Galloway


What or who is Galloway? No, he's not a flutist (that's James Galway). Jeff Galloway is a person who has pretty much pioneered the run/walk method of finishing races of all distances. Now, while I'm not saying that his method is for everyone, it's a method that worked well for me when I first started out running just one year ago.

Why bash him?

I hear so many negative comments about Galloway. It makes me truly wonder if I want to be a part of an elitist society that seems to have no patience for those who choose to follow a different path to arrive at the same destination.

What's wrong with walking for a few intervals here and there?

For that matter, what's wrong with following a structured program that calls for intervals throughout the entire run?

Nothing.

I'm living proof that the Galloway method works. By following the principles of this method, I was able to build my endurance, speed and proper form. I have no doubt that I wouldn't be here basking in the glow of my post-5K race without him. His principles allowed me attain the previously unattainable. The thought of running a straight 5K would NEVER had occurred to me a year ago. I'm stronger, faster and as a side benefit, 45 lbs. lighter.

It happens daily to me now.

No, I'm not a paid spokesperson. I just know it worked for me. Before people bash someone else's techniques, understand their motivation. Perhaps their motivation is to simply get up and move more. Maybe one day, they will build upon what they have learned. Maybe not. Either way, it's in no way less valuable than any champion runner's results.

Here in mid-Michigan, we have the Crim road race in late August. This year is our 30th anniversary. While Flint, MI has very little to be proud of, this is our gem. The vast majority of runners utilize the Galloway method. Most of our newest runners have never run a race in their lives, but they train for the summer with the culmination being the 10-mile race. It's a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I completed my first Crim last year, and I'll be there this year. How can a method of training be so bad if it allows otherwise sedentary people to get up, move their bodies and run a race?

So, Faithful Reader and Runner, be mindful of the other runner on the road or trail or treadmill. Remember...we all started somewhere. Some of us are perfectly content to continue on the path of Galloway while others move on.

It's all good.

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 54:15
Pace: 10:26/mile

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

00:29:46


Kickin' it in at the finish line


Notice the time?


Me and my biggest fan


Me and my 2nd biggest fan

I DID IT!!

I finished in 29:46. In my age division, I was 13th out of 28 and overall 254th out of 440 runners.

I could have cried. No, wait. I did cry. I was so overwhelmed at the end, I actually covered my face for a brief second and had a little micro-mini moment. I felt inspired, amazed and most of all proud of what my body had just accomplished.

Thanks to the following for keeping me focused and moving toward the goal:

The girl in the bright yellow shorts. You were a beacon. I passed you somewhere along the way, but I notice in the first photo, you weren't too far behind.

The mother/daughter team. What a wonderful bonding experience, and it was a pleasure to listen to your easy banter.

The guy carrying the POW/MIA flag. You were nice enough to compliment me on my 'perfect running form', and I managed to somehow find a bit more in reserve to kick it up a notch.

A bit of perspective:

Last year's 5K result: 38:30

Today: 29:46

Tonight, I rest

and gloat.....just a bit.

Flushing Evening 5K Run

Wish me luck.

Of course, it's supposed to rain most of today. I just hope for a window of clear skies between 6:15pm and 6:45pm.

Goal: 30 mins or less.

Stay tuned....

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Tuning In

to my body, that is.

I headed out on a run yesterday for my usual loop, and the first three miles were PHENOMINAL. I did my first mile in about 9:25. Two miles it was 19:10 or something similarly ridiculous. 5K time would have been under 30 mins.

Then,

THE WALL.

I couldn't get a deep breath, I couldn't keep it up.

I knew it.

I started out too fast. I finally did what everyone talks about doing. I was like a filly in the starting gate at the Derby when I set out originally. I got carried away (literally) and it bit me right in the ass.

Needless to say, the remainder of the run was UGLY. I ended up walking a few sections, and my time to finish was nothing to write home about. I think it was 56:20. Pee-eww.

Today is field trip day for Tyler, so I'll be joining him and 27 other first graders at Genesys Athletic Club for a day of swimming in the pool, playing on the splash pad and lunch. The nice part is that it's located right across the street from the hospital, so I can just head to work from there. Should be a great time. I'll have my camera in hand. Jules might even pop in to say hi.

Tomorrow is a nice, easy 5K. At least I know I can run like a bat out of hell for 3.1 miles. My goal is to keep it under 30 mins. Send me swift running vibes...

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 56:20
Pace: 10:50/mile

Saturday, June 03, 2006

00:49:58

Yep, that's right, folks.

I kicked ass and took names today.

All elements of the pyramid were present:

mind
legs
lungs

I set out today on my usual 5.2 mi. route, and I knew about 50 yds. in that it was going to be a GREAT run. Not just a GOOD run, but really GREAT. Here are a few of my splits:

mile 1: 9:39
mile 2: 19:15
mile 3: 29:20
(5K): 29:59

I almost experienced an out-of-body moment a few times. I felt myself pushing ahead, noticing that my lungs weren't burning, the legs were responding and said to myself, "Uh oh, here she goes." I felt propelled by something other than myself. Difficult to explain, but a rush nonetheless.

It's all good.

Today I truly felt like a goddess in running shoes. All elements were perfectly syncronized.

Fellow runners: Put a little 'loco' in your motion.

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 00:49:58
Pace: 9:36/mile

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Back to School

Yep, the holiday is over.

It's time to head back to class. Pharmacology more specifically. It's a 7-week shortened semester course that I need for my nursing degree. Once I have this under my belt, I only have one more pre-req course, that being Microbiology. I'm currently on the waitlist for nursing clinicals. You know, the part where you actually get to give someone a bed bath, clean puke, wipe butts. All that glamourous stuff. Bring it on. I couldn't be more excited.

On another note, I put in for a full-time position at the hospital where I work. One of our 2nd shift full-timers left for greener pastures on day shift, part-time, so the opportunity presented itself. It was a given that I would apply, as I currently am one of those crazy part-time employees who works like a full-time one. I'd like to get the official status, so I can then accrue more time off and have my benefits free and clear, without having to worry about how many hours I've worked to make sure I qualify for the cheapest premium amount.

Keep your fingers (and your toes, if you're so inclined) crossed that I at least get the call from Human Resources.

And, last but certainly not least....

This goes out to
my friend
my rock
my best cheerleader
my confidante
my partner in crime
my husband.

10 years ago, we had our first 'date'. My...how time flies when you are fortunate and blessed enough to spend your days with someone who completes you.

I love you.