One Random, Several Photos, and One Scary Video

Seriously.  Is it bad that I'm even too lazy for these LAZY hairstyles?

Anyyyyyyway, I realized that, with jumping right back to work on Monday, that I didn't post any pictures from my trip to Dallas.  So here ya' go.

D'awwww...!

True story:  I got this mug for my Mom when I went to Puerto Rico in 2007.  This was the first time I have seen it since.  :\

I was trying to get a picture of the four family members (Mom, Dad, Abby the Yorkie, and my dog, Kayla...of course she yawns...).

We got lost while trying to find the Convention Center to pick up Harry's race day packet, so I started snapping pictures.

And we finally found it.

And then found this as we were leaving!  I immediately sent the picture to Sophia.

BBQ and Blue Bell.  That's Texas, y'all.

Two days later, I think I can take off the hospital bracelet.  People might mistake me as an escaped mental patient.  We head off to downtown McKinney.

Harry REALLY likes candles.

I thought these were some interesting reads.

And I was obsessed with the floors and carpets in one shop.

AND THESE.

Sunday morning.  We dropped Harry off for his race, then went to eat pancakes.  We didn't feel bad about that at all, other than the fact that the pancakes weren't that awesome.  We drove around my Mom's old 'hood where she grew up, then stopped at a local donut shop to pick up some post-race noms for Harry.  It included a BLUEBERRY FRITTER!

Harry LOVES blueberry, so I was super stoked that they had this!

Heading home.  I asked Momma if I could borrow a book to read on the plane.  Of course, I found this in the front section of the book.

Airport noms.  Not half-bad.

And finally, the Blue Line scare of a lifetime!  Harry and I had been there several hours before this happened, which isn't to say "OMG THAT THING COULD HAVE HIT US!", but more of a "*le gasp*...dang...that was close?  But not really...?".

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Do you have any "close call" stories?

What do you do with all of your photos from trips that you don't post?  
I had to delete many.  Several.  Tons.

It's WEDNESDAY!  Do you have any plans for the weekend yet?  Races?  Tell me!

Random Thoughts [And Upcoming Acts of Kindness]

Gahhhhlee.  I don't know what has happened to me this past week.  My focus has shifted from all things athletic and productive, to work and...well...obsessively looking over budgets and finances.  Harry and I have big plans in the next couple of years, and looking at every single penny was apparently more important to me than many other things, like my training.  (FYI:  This blog is the BEST financial inspiration I've ever seen!)  I have been excessively tired this week, mostly in the early evenings, barely making it home by 6:00pm some nights, and even slept almost 12 hours Friday and Saturday nights.  I skipped all but one run last week.

What I can't tell is if it's just a simple miscalculation of focus and priorities, or if I just got burnt out.  One could have caused the other for all I know.  What I do know is that I have to *wake up* at some point, and come back to reality.  The reality is that I have a half marathon in Austin in a week, and I cannot simply ignore my training and let my fitness go seven days out from an event.  I decided long ago that I would not go for a PR, neither course nor time, for the Austin Half Marathon, but the hills alone are going to be the biggest challenge.  I'm not going to lie, I'm frightened.  All I can do is get out there and have fun and smile; and who wouldn't in my hometown?!  Harry and I have a very iffy plan.  He is a much more experienced racer and runner than I; he definitely has his ducks way more in a row than I do.

While discussing this very loosey-goosey plan, I realized something that was even more disheartening:  I do not know what my pace is right now.  I have been going from the treadmill (which I loathe) to the icy, snowy sidewalks.  I have done some speedwork outside; running over the ice makes me pretty conscious about my footfall, which I'm sure has altered my stride.  Believe it or not, I think that this is messing with me!

Source

My only solution to this?  Blogging all of these thoughts out, talking things out, and being honest with myself.  I have a better chance of realizing what my problems are by typing this crap out and observing through type as to what I'm going through.  I refuse to let a lack-of-training induced case of ennui tear me down at this point.  I have better things to worry about.  I think that there are heavier things that I'm slowly processing, but being able to see things typed out on this blog helps me organize and prioritize.  Here's to putting the "GRRR" in gratitude again!

Now that I've gotten that off my (lack thereof) chest, this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week!  The Social Worker at the school I teach P.E. at organized a sort of "Secret Santa" type activity for us for this week.  I'm super excited about the teacher I got!  I have so many ideas that will hopefully put a smile on her face.  :)  Can you think of anyone to do kind things for this week?  It doesn't cost a dime to make someone smile...be inventive!

Check out the website above to get some ideas, and put a smile on someone's face this week!

Finding Balance and Blessings [in Recent Moments]

I still can't believe I live here.  Seriously.  I have been living in Chicago since May of last year, and I'm still in awe every single day that I've built a comfy little life here!

I'm blessed to be able to feel blessed.  What a silly thought.  It sounds redundant, but I consider myself lucky in so many ways, and the actual act of being grateful is one of them.  This particular trait is something I usually have a strong affinity and passion for; but as of late, I feel like I have missed some steps!  We all learn to balance, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, environmentally, and socially (+hormones for SOME of us).  Sometimes all we feel we should be working on is balancing in just one of those areas; sometimes in several or all of those components.  One thing is for certain, most of us don't make a conscience effort to actively work on the balancing act of life.  For me, the effort begins with gratefulness, blessings, and joy.  Not just happiness.  But JOY.  Have you ever considered the difference between the two?  

From a short run in the morning, to working with some amazing kiddos, or just hanging out with Harry and Sophia (Harry's six year-old daughter), I am finding the balance and blessing in those moments.

Blessed to be running in gorgeous, early morning scenery.  This is the park near our home.

I get to work with kids with literally no fear.

Sophs and I are never want for finding ways to sabotage Harry.  Poor guy.

Cookies from the most fantastic Running Foodie!  So blessed to call this lady my friend!

At this very blessed moment, I'm enjoying a cup of coffee, watching some "30 Rock" and gearing up for a going for a run.  How about THAT for balance?  Have a beautifully blessed, balanced Friday, y'all!  

Find your JOY!

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OH and before you go, check out Fit Not Fad's Pose of the Week!  I'm stoked to participate in the series as she posts and encourages new and dynamic poses.