Musings of Kyooyoo

Yoo 277 - And then my iPhone was stolen...

2012-02-12T18:57:00.003-06:00

The Gregbeau and I went to an awesome Keith Urban concert at the rodeo last night. This post isn't about that. This post is about how tainted that experience became shortly after Keith handed off his guitar to a lucky audience member, blew copious amounts of kisses with his hair tousling just so, and hopped on the back of a truck with his band to be driven out of the arena.

The night was perfect.

And then my iPhone was stolen.

We were in the cattle drive that was the exodus from the AT&T Center when I reached into my coat pocket for my mittens, and realized something was wrong.

"Where's my phone??" I thought. Sinking feelings began.

I immediately stopped amongst the throng and started grabbing at myself as people pushed past me. Awkward. But I didn't care. Grab back pockets. Not there. Grab front pockets. Not there. Double check coat pockets. Not there.

Panic!

"Boo my phone's gone!" (Greg's "boo" nowadays...lame, I know..but it is what it is).

(quick break for a completely non-related word from our sponsors...)

And we're back.

Boo got a terrified look on his face and I could tell his mind was instantiating the "tornado warning" procedures and deciding just what move to make...or not to make.

I don't handle situations like this, uh, very well...

And I didn't handle the situation well at all. (surprise surprise).

I started playing back in my mind the last time I'd had it. I'd pulled it out to "fan" a local radio station on facebook in hopes of winning more concert tickets. I knew I'd put it back in my pocket after that and hadn't touched it since because I was frustrated with how slowly the network was moving (in the AT&T Center, of all places, *eye roll*). But, it's all I had to go on so I started racing back to our seats in the upper levels.

Well, the thing about the AT&T Center is it's brilliantly designed to get people in quickly and get them out quickly...but only one at a time. At this point, all the escalators were moving in the same direction (down) and all the people were moving in the same direction (out). I needed to go up and in. Less effective.

It took ages and all sorts of crawling thru people and over seats to get to Guest Services on the other side of the arena. And then they directed us to an elevator (out of order) and another hidden elevator (not out of order) usually reserved for people who pay more than $10 for tickets, apparently.

*elevator music*

Resume frantic searching. I tore up the stairs to our seats and my gut sunk lower and lower as I looked over and under and between to no avail.

This is where I really lost sorts and will edit to keep it child-friendly. I was fairly certain at this point that I had been pick-pocketed. The Gregdialer called my phone and someone answered but didn't say anything and hung up soon after. I said some words. We checked back at Guest Services to see if the phone had been turned in. It hadn't. Everyone was gone at this point, so that was a lost cause. I said some more words. We tried for 8 years to find a number to call AT&T and speak with a person. We eventually found a number but never could get in touch with a real person. More words.

You get the idea.

It wasn't pretty. But the Gregpatient handled the situation quite well. Except for that time he mentioned how his phone had insurance and they would replace it if it got lost or stolen. Yeah, wasn't the best time to bring that up.

I just felt so violated! Pictures and texts and emails and notes and EVERYTHING were now most likely in the hands of some creeper thief. I hated thinking about that person. And also hated that I was so attached to an insignificant object and it had such an effect on me.

It still does. I've been so depressed and out of touch without my phone. And it hasn't even been 24 hours.

Pathetic, right?

Even more pathetic was getting reminded by the Kyoo dad (after recounting the story) that until I learn to control my temper in situations like that, I'll need to get really good at apologizing. Twenty-five and I'm still being scolded by my father. *doh! Working on that...

Stupid phone.

So, lest you experience the same outrage, and, since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...here are the Kyoo Tips for Protecting Your iPhone.

Or, What I Wish I Would Have Done.

1) Set the passcode auto-lock. Super annoying but, now that I've been violated, I'm positive it's worth it. *dork stamp*

2) Install the Find My iPhone app. It's free and just might help you locate it, whether it's lost or stolen. And there's the nice "Remote Lock" and "Remote Wipe" feature. Now what they need to add is a "Self-Destruct" feature that would explode the phone...and maybe take a limb or two from the thief. But that's just evil...though I'm still not sure I'd have remorse pushing that button right now.

3) Memorize your service provider's number. Because, if it's AT&T, it's IMPOSSIBLE to find the number on their site. And you're going to want to deactivate that phone pretty quickly if it goes missing. (without throwing a tantrum and expletives and all that).

4) Sync your iPhone with your computer. More than once every blue moon. Because then you might not hate yourself as much when all your photos and recently purchased songs and apps go missing. (or you could sign up for iCloud...probably easier).

And that's that. Hope your Saturday night wasn't as eventful!

Oh...and if you know anyone selling an iPhone for cheap...send them my way.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 276 - Recent life, according to Shelby

2012-02-11T16:44:00.004-06:00

Shelby's the trusty iPhone that goes with my every. where. and she* can sure tell you a lot about the Kyoo life.

*it'd be weird if I carried a he every where, don't you think? at least, i'm pretty sure the gregenvy wouldn't approve. so the shelby phone is female.

She holds stories of a date at a cute little cafe with card games and soup and smiles.

There was an aimless walk after that led to the Sonics, of all places, with icecream, diet sodas, and more games. Oh, and a frenzied run to the car instigated by a torrential downpour. With a mushy/romantic "good night"...rain!

Shelby could also tell you about how the Greggers and I sometimes misunderstand each other and it hurts and gets blown out of proportion. But we're really good talkers and work thru everything.

(that and he still likes surprising me...though i hear that usually doesn't last forever...lame).

(now, with this next one, please ignore my backyard. there is no tarp or tent fly hanging out to dry. or rotting pumpkins left from halloween. just beautiful, green grass. and flowers. and a nice little porch swing. and friendly lawn gnome.)

Shelby reminds me all the time how I have a lot to learn about being in a relationship, but that I am slowly getting better. And really lucky the Gregman has the patience and humility that I lack...

And moving away from "couple" talk, did you know M&M McFlurries get really cool swirly patterns if you leave all the M&Ms until last?

Shelby does.

She also knows that I really wanted to buy this sleeping bag at REI. It was down and oh so cozy!

But I didn't because it wasn't a necessity. And I was spending lots of money on new bike pedals, anyways.

Shelby might even tell you about Darlene-at-work's cheesecake. Because it's amazing and you know it's a special occasion when she brings it in...because she only brings it in on special occasions.

It was part of the after-birthday bash a couple weeks ago.

Everyone loves it. (the cheesecake). (and my birthday bash). (and Darlene, for that matter).

That's about it for Shelby. It's a chilly day in SA so I'm catching up on housework and work work...before heading to the rodeo tonight. Fun times in the life.

Sure hope you're having a super weekend! (that's for you morgie...between the lines it says "quit studying and get out and have some fun!").

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 275 - A Thursday Night

2012-02-09T23:31:00.000-06:00

I didn't want to go swimming tonight.

At all.

I sat at work thinking of all the excuses I could possibly fathom.

Tired? Yes, definitely tired. Too much work? Yes, I could put some more hours in. Hungry? That too.

I'd settled in on my decision to put off the swim training until next week when the Gregmotivator stepped in.

"You need to be ready for the Ironman."

That's all the text said. Last time I inform him of my plans to skip a workout! Kidding...it was just what I needed to hear. I shoved my excuses back in the pity bag and set off to the pool. Where I swam until they kicked me out 1.5 miles later.

And thought about this Ironman. I'm excited for it. I predict it'll go one of two ways:

1) It'll be hard and I'll probably hate it and wish it was over while I'm doing it. (in between loving it and feeling so cool and awing at the scenery, of course). But fulfill a dream and pack that up in my box of memories and experiences at the end.

Or

2) I'll find my limit and have to drop out. But at least I'll know that limit, know what to do different next time, and be better for it.

I guess I could die trying? (maybe there is an option 3). But we all die from something and that's not the worst way you could go, right?

I'm kidding mom!

The suspense is already building for August!

After the swim though, I found myself in the most random and unexplainable of depressed moods and somehow ended up wandering aisles of the Wal-mart in the most aimless of ways. Does that ever happen to you? No? Well, then I'm a lonely victim.

I texted the Alishafriend about the potential catastrophe and instructed her to stage an intervention if I hadn't come out in an hour. (she knows all about the depressed Wal-mart trips).

I think what saved me with this one was, that instead of ending up in the toy aisle, I was strangely drawn to cosmetics. (there were so many colors!) And I feel like a lost child in the cosmetics department. I knew if I bought anything, I'd only have the guts to wear it in my closet whilst making goofy faces in the mirror. (whereas i have no inhibitions when it comes to buying toys, you see).

I might still be there had the Alishafriend not brought me out of a trance induced by bright red lipstick with a text informing me that, as is so common in our friendship, we were on the same, lowly, depressed page.

Except she was lost among aisles of the Michaels. With a cart full of buttons.

You do not ask for explanations on these such trips. You just smile and nod consolingly. And follow the voices.

So, to make a long story short, we followed those voices all right. Those spontaneous, adventure-finding, try something new, want to break free from the monotony of daily life voices. And we dove in.

Mustache first, of course.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 274 - Date night...roller skating style.

2012-02-08T18:33:00.002-06:00

The Gregscholar and I have two things going for our "he's still in school and I'm a tight-wad" dating life right now:

1) He doesn't have classes on Wednesday nights.

and

2) I have a not-so-closet love affair with groupon.

So, I buy exciting groupons on a whim, he gives me his Wednesday nights, and we call it a date. It's working maaaaaaarvelously.

Last week we used my roller skating groupon. I saw that one and immediately thought "childhood birthday party memories!" (fortunately I don't have any tragic experiences related to those...though I hear that's abnormal). Upon further research I also discovered that Wednesday night was this rink's adult skate. And that sealed the deal.

People watching opportunities, if nothing else. We were going roller skating!

And I'm pleased to report that this particular groupon certainly lived up to the initial hype.

Reasons number one being the carpet.

(ahhhhh that psycedelic carpet with its delicious swirly patterns and wheel-stopping texture).

Reasons number two being the door-less restroom stalls.

(not that that was awkward but...that was awkward. as if trying to sit on a toilet whilst wearing roller skates isn't enough. no. you get an audience, too).

Awwwwwesome.

Reasons number three being the backward skate song...wherein I skated backwards...and didn't fall.

(i was real proud of my gregographer for capturing the moment. i'd daresay it has some artistic quality with the focus. and all on an iphone! he got a high-five).

Reasons number four was being with this dude.

(ahhhhhhhh...just kidding, i know that probably makes you want to gag. but if you got to hang with him, you'd love it too. the laughter is nonstop).

(annnnnnd now you really are gagging. mucho sorrys!)

Well, since you're gagging and we're already on that topic...

..ba-zing! Muahahahaha! This is getting more romantic by the second! (it was a date).

Ok, I'm done with the mushy!

Now, in an effort to redeem myself, reasons number five was the included hot dog dinner.

(mmmmmm, hot dogs).

Just kidding, I'm not a huge fan But we were roller skating and it was a go big or go home night. So I sat at that table with the disco lights dancing across my arms and the speakers blaring "Thriller", smothered my dog in a thick layer of ketchup, and savored every last bite.

Which brings me to reasons number six. The people watching, of course. It was prime-time!! If you have not been to a roller rink on adult night recently, go. I am not poking fun at anyone here. I was so enthralled with the people I saw and their love for roller skating and their skill...it was just entertaining!

There was the 80-year-old man in short black shorts who could move better on skates than I can on my own two feet. Then there was the man I'll call a retired speed-skater, buzzing around the outside of the rink in competitive style. A group of friends all dressed in sick 70s costumes came skating in later. Some of my favorites were the younger guys sporting their street styles and busting all sorts of moves to the music. And the man wearing Hammer pants. And lets not forget the roller derby girls in all their risky garb, moving around like they owned the place. My personal favorite? The elderly gentleman, with a walker! He was unbelievable! Now, I know you're thinking, "Well yeah, he had a walker...I could be the next Tara Lipinski if I had a walker". And I'm here to say no. No you couldn't. He was good. Like, making his skates move in ways I didn't even know was possible good. I was inspired.

Not to roller skate. Just to be that good at something when I'm 70. Something cool.

I wanted to take pictures of my fave peeps of the night...but I thought that'd be a little rude? Especially posting them on the blog. Sorry!

Just trust me when I say, the next time you're bored, your local skate rink might not be a bad option.

In the groupon queue for tonight is a "savory" crepes dinner and glow-in-the-dark mini golf. I'm really hoping the mini golf lives up to the hype because we have to go twice...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 273 - Clipless bike pedals

2012-02-07T23:15:00.000-06:00

I began the bike portion of my Ironman training today. Probably long overdue. I'm fairly confident with the swim and the run...but that bike. Just thinking about it makes me ache.

The Katiefriend overheard me mulling about biking at one point and offered to kick me in the crotch every morning as preparation for sitting on a bike seat all day. She thinks it would substitute for hours of training. I had to decline. {Im}Politely. Though I'll admit it's hard to be skeptical about the effectiveness of that approach...

Instead I ventured into the REI last Saturday, bought the clipless pedals I've been eying for a while, and set to fixing up my dad's old road bike.

Today's goal was to install the pedals on my bike, add the cleats to my bike shoes (that I've owned for over 2 years now and still haven't put to use...), and wear my padded bike shorts for over an hour. Kind of like diaper training?

Baby steps.

I mean, just getting the bike out of my kitchen and on the road was a big (baby) step! It's been the eyesore of my house since Christmas. Well, that and the dead plant. I walk into my house every day, see that plant, think "I should replace that plant", and then get over it and move on with my evening.

It's so much of a ritual now, I think the plant will have to stay. I mean, I might miss it more than I would enjoy the looks of a live plant. The dead one's just a part of the family now. And I kind of have this thing for dead plants. In college I bought a miniature rose bush, only to have it die a few weeks later during finals week. (neglect...it was a necessary sacrifice). But I felt bad about it and kept the potted plant skeleton as decor for the next few semesters. I just couldn't part with the thing. (his name was jake).

But back to the bike.

Installing the cleats and pedals took all of 15 minutes. I was kind of disappointed because I was expecting it to be an ordeal and give me a good blog story but no such luck. A couple rice crispies and a screwdriver and the job was done.

(if you read between the lines, the instructions did suggest eating 2 rice crispies for dinner, while installing, for best results. i wanted best results.)

Seeing as how I had planned on playing bike shop for a significant portion of the evening, I took this freed up time to do some actual riding. I figured that might be slightly more effective than walking around in bike shorts all evening.

It took me a few standing practice tries to get used to the "clipping-in" of the "clipless" pedals (don't get me started on that...if something makes a distinctive "click" sound, there is clipping involved! but maybe that's just me...). But, after 5 minutes, I was ready to hit the trail.

Have I ever mentioned that sometimes I go a little overboard? Maybe once or twice? Yeah, well, tonight was no exception. I got on that bike and it was such a great feeling. The pedals are crazy good! Being able to "pull up" on the pedal makes tackling hills seem almost effortless...and kind of fun...and I can keep a good speed. It's like I was one with the bike....meditative hummmmmmmmmmmmmmm...and it made for a really good ride. Until I realized how far I'd gone...oops!

So, over two hours later, I finally made it back. I think for a first training ride, it was pretty successful. I haven't put more than 2 miles at a time on my bike since September though so we'll see how I feel in the morning!

Now excuse me while I go nurse feeling back into my lower extremities.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 272 - From Arthur's Perspective

2012-02-06T19:06:00.000-06:00

I'm back home and at it after spending another short weekend in Houston. The Gregfan wanted to drive on over for a quick escape and Super Bowl party with his family. And of course he wanted me to go, who wouldn't want my company! (??) But I was torn. Weekends in Houston are always a good time. But it was going to make for a laaate Sunday night and I had all sorts of productive things* to do on the home front.

*nap, watch a movie, maybe (finally) put away camping gear...blog? weekend productive has a very different meaning.

I debated all about it thru the week and then on into my Saturday long run (rainy!) and right into the cool down. I walked into my home in a very cartoon mood, settled into my stretching in front of the TV, and booted up the Netflix.

And that's when the Katieroommate earned some points. Arthur was already in the queue! Perfect. I loved Arthur as a kid.

I started watching the first episode of season 10, "Happy 10th Anniversary", and just reveled in the nostalgia and my post-long run stretching. And also my chocolate coconut water and yogurt. Recovery food! Before too long though, I was completely absorbed.

(this is pathetic, but here we go).

Arthur was all sorts of stressed over scholastic things and coming up with a project illustrating perspective. He kind of put it off until the last minute because he had plans to watch his fav show, Bionic Bunny, at Buster's house. The season special! However, one misfortune led to another and he found himself, not at Buster's, but instead partying it up at a restaurant in the middle of nowhere with his family.

Ummm, the show's way better than it sounds, I promise.

(i don't think i'd make a good synopsis writer...).

My point is, at the end of the episode, Arthur delivers this report:

"I wanted to be watching TV with Buster. In fact, we all wanted something different that night. But we were stuck together as a family, and it turned out to be one of the best nights of my life. For me, perspective is realizing I'm part of something larger. Like a family, a town, a country, a planet. And even though we all have our own plans, sometimes, it's just good to be together.

I listened to that, and sat there thinking, "Wow, I just got told by an 8-year-old aardvark." It's like he was speaking right to me!

So, I'll skip all the "part-of-a-something-larger-relationship-quit-being-selfish-spending-time-together-most-important" mushy stuff and say I changed my perspective and went to Houston. And while it wasn't one of the "best weekends of my life", it was way better than what I had planned.

(though the Gregdriver still insists he could do without my constant serenading in the car...i mean, of course he loves it...).

One of the highlights was finally getting a batch of rice crispies to turn out! (and devouring most of them before they had cooled, per my new rule).

Also among the highlights was a trip to REI and wrestling with the kiddos and eating lots of delicious food and watching the Gregsniffler shoot snot rockets on the way to church and what? Snot rockets?? Yeah. Allergies are gross.

It's a good thing he's not a blogger or he'd be telling you all about my just-below-the-nose pimple that made my eyes tear up. Eek!

P.S. there is something therapeutic about an easy run in the evening, as the sun sets among storm clouds and the rain is coming down ever-so-softly. It's beautiful and peaceful and really brings life into perspective. Make time for the things and people you love! I'm constantly needing to remind myself that life is about enjoying the journey and not with a "I'll be happy when I finally reach this goal" mind-set. Getting out and enjoying a nice run seems to do that in a way that speaks to me.

Kind of like Arthur, apparently.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 271 - Registering for an "Ironman"...

2012-02-04T09:11:00.000-06:00

...is a little anticlimactic.

I sat up in bed late Tuesday night, awoken by the memory of a reminder I'd set, who knows when, that had popped up on my phone earlier that evening.

"Register for Expedition Man"

I'd brushed it to the side thinking "I'll remember later and have time to think about it more before committing". Like actually committing to do a full Ironman requires thought. Pshaw.

(it should).

But then, when I woke up and realized waiting and "thinking" about it more was going to cost me at least 25 bucks, I just did it. I got up in a daze, sat at my computer, filled out all my personals, and clicked "Register".

And that was about it. I crawled right back into bed. When I woke up the next morning, I half thought it was a dream. "Did I really register for that??". Uh, yeah. There was definitely a confirmation email in my inbox.

So, August 25th is the day. It's not an "Ironman" trademark event because you should knows those are expensive, sell out early, and are generally held on Sundays. (the one that isn't sold out that isn't on a Sunday is the same day as my sister's high school graduation). (which is a shame because it was the St. George, UT one which would have been awesome). (smilmeister...you're worth it). But the Expedition Man is the same grueling distances. 2.4 mile swim. 112 mile bike. 26.2 mile run.

And, at only 275 bucks, it's way cheaper.

And, also, despite registering for it in a bit of a slumber, I did put a lot of thought and research into this before committing. It's been a dream of mine for a while to complete an Ironman.

I remember when I first heard about the Ironman. I was watching TV with my dad in our basement living room in Lincoln, NE. He was flipping channels between the Ironman championship and something else. I thought the Ironman was pretty boring. I mean, it was just a bunch of really fit people running and running and still running every time we went to that station. I didn't understand it. He tried to explain that the athletes had been swimming/biking/running all day. That didn't mean anything to me until I saw a girl collapse. She was just yards away from the finish line, and she just collapsed. That caught my attention!

"She's so close! Why can't she just finish?" I remember exclaiming.

That's when my intrigue began. This girl had nothing left. She was walking like an unbalanced chimpanzee who couldn't stay upright. Step-step-collapse. Step-step-collapse. Another competitor was gaining on her with the same routine. The will to finish was INTENSE. So intense, when they both couldn't stand back up, they started crawling to the finish! In a competition for fourth place!

It was inspiring, in a maniacal sort of way. Though I didn't set my mind to finishing an Ironman that day. The opposite, actually. The Ironman seemed like something only for super humans.

But over the years, as I swam, biked, and ran more, it started to seem a little less daunting and a little more achievable. I finished my first marathon. I swam over two miles in the pool one night. I finished my first sprint triathlon. I finished my first ultra-marathon. I ran all day. All this gave me a little more confidence. The dream of finishing an Ironman has been in my head for a while, and I finally feel like I'm in a place where I can make this dream happen.

And on January 31st, whether it was a fateful sleep-walk or not, I committed to that dream. Despite it's anticlimactic inception, this is going to be an adventure!

(random yoga picture....)

Stay tuned?

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 270 - That awkward moment when...

2012-02-02T21:32:00.000-06:00

...Kyoo tries to be a fashion blogger.

shoes: KEENS (wear them everyday, everywhere) (ugly as a peahen) (still swear by them after two years) shoelaces: stolen from an old pair of KEENS (the original ones ripped) (i'm too cheap to buy new matching ones) jeans: probably Eddie Bauer (right leg rollup to evade muh chain!) socks: thrifted (not really...but it sounds good)

That, bicycle commuting style, just happened.

Get it while it's hawt!

In other bike commuting news, I'm pretty popular with the school bus stop kids as of late. Thanks to my purchase and install of tire lights. Green ones. (amazon...5 dollars...worth it). Now when I race past, all TRON-like in the morning, I get comments shouted my direction like "Whoa! I like your bike!" and "That's so cool! Did you see her bike?!".

(it's probably a good thing I'm going downhill when I pass their stops). (i don't think the lights look as cool during my slow-motion uphill pedals).

But what more can I say? I'm popular with the K-6 crowd. It's an ego boost.

Unless they're being sarcastic. But they wouldn't do that, right?

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 269 - We had reservations...

2012-02-01T18:02:00.001-06:00

I feel a little pretentious just saying this, but, the Gregbeau and I had reservations last week. At a restaurant.

Roll out the folded napkins and army of silverware, we're going out!

Ok, it wasn't that big of a deal.

But I was nervous? I've never eaten at a place where I've had to have reservations! Well, not outside of work. You get wined and dined pretty schnazzily as a college IT hire. And then after as a college recruiter. But on my own? The fanciest the Gregdiner and I had gone was Maggianos. With a gift card. (and they pretty much sat a WHOLE chicken in front of me...I might tell you about that sometime). But never have I intentionally gone anywhere that I've had to be on my best "look like you're worth some greenbacks" behavior. (I'm really bad at that). (I'm told comments like "$12 for a single drumstick from a developmentally-challenged baby chicken??" don't help). (and also maybe my jeans and a t-shirt attire).

I wore my pea coat though! That's a step in the right direction, yes?

But seriously. I don't think I'll ever consider a taco the size of a sand dollar worth 10 bucks. Hello! Taco Cabana.

But it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be (the bill...go groupon) and we had a great time. It was probably one of the most romantic dates we've been on. And by romantic I mean there were real candles at the table and the windows were decked in Christmas lights. And the chairs were plush and hugged your body just so.

And there was a little pink carnation! It was real, too.

And there was me shushing the Gregchatter and reminding him that we needed to act sophisticated and look like we belonged.

Why did I do that again?

I don't know. But I got over it and we laughed and "mmmmm'd" our way thru the meal. And only asked "which fork?" once!

Still, the best part of the date was near the end when we almost passed out in the car from laughing so hard at the bad lip reading Ron Paul and other videos. "Free bananas!" We're pretty simple people.

(thanks to the Katiefriend for that referral).

But can you pass the Lamb Tagine? Ohhh, and the Moroccan Chicken Lollipops too, please?

And don't worry, I won't let you go without the latest "Classic Kyoo" story. Ready? Good.

This one concerns the locker room in the fitness center at work. A certain locker in this locker room, to be more specific. One I've all but put my name on.

It's my go-to locker!

Well, this past week I've been real bitter because it was locked every. day. And I kept thinking "who is stealing my locker??". And then I thought "it's prolly one of those resolutioners all gung-ho and high off January". (nothing wrong with them...I was kind of one last year...but there are problems when "my" locker and "spot" get invaded, ok?).

Well, the bitterness continued as I "hmphed" everyday after getting to work, saw it locked, and noisely turned to the adjoining locker. The inconvenience!

That is, until this morning. When I went to pull my headphones from a little pocket in my bag befor my run. And a bright yellow locker key fell out.

"That's weird." I thought. "I haven't grabbed a locker yet today."

And then I put two and two together. Sure enough! I was the locker thief.

I guess I'd taken the key last week without realizing it.

Go me.

It's like one of those church stories. Mote in neighbors eye, beam in your own. Or, their laundry hanging out to dry looks dirty but really your windows need cleaned.

Just like that.

(don't ask me how long the Alishafriend and I deliberated whether a beam or a mote was bigger). (or what a mote actually was). (we couldn't remember). (but we get the point...the one in your eye is bigger...so it still counts).

I get those lessons all the time. It's kind of painful. Should I be learning something?

Yes? I'll work on that...

Until then just don't steal my locker, ok?

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 268 - Rocks and rice crispies

2012-01-31T18:39:00.000-06:00

The kitchen fails continued last week with yet another attempt at rice crispies. With corn syrup and peanut butter this time.

After the marshmallow disaster I thought that would be foolproof.

I'm so naive.

Corn syrup is also used to make treats like, oh, I don't know, HARD candies maybe?

Yeah.

I cooked the corn syrup and sugar too long. And didn't realize this until the next morning when I almost ripped skin off my fingers trying to get one out of the pan. And then had to gnaw on it for the next two hours, chipping off one tiny piece at a time, while running on Friday. Maybe it was effective to spread the energy consumption out that long?

(I'll be funding those vacations for my dentist/orthodontist one pan at a time, yep).

I took the rice crispies camping (survival food) and they didn't get touched. I should have brought them on our hike to the falls to skip them across the river like the rocks that they were.

But I forgot.

So instead, on the way home, when the Gregman and I were feeling real hungry after stake conference, we busted them out (literally) to give them another try. It took a key and some heavy prying with the fingers to get one loose. But we giggled through those efforts and eagerly started gnawing away on our pieces.

This is about when I turned to him with a smile and said "You know, this is kind of fun." (referring more to our drive and the beautiful day and the music playing on the radio than the rice-crispy-eating endeavor).

And, without missing a beat, the Gregpica exclaims "Yeah! How often do you get to eat rocks??"

There you have it.

In a weak defense for those rice crispies, they were actually kind of chewy and still tasted delicious once you got a piece loose and broke a small chunk off. But it took waaay too much effort and made your teeth sore. So, after the urgings of some, I have adopted a new cardinal rule regarding rice crispies:

ALWAYS eat ALL of them while they are still warm and chewy.

No more rice crispies left behind!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 267 - What not to forget camping...

2012-01-30T21:18:00.000-06:00

1.) water
2.) chicken (if you plan on making chicken enchiladas, that is)
3.) the "dutch oven kit" that contains all of your cooking utensils
4.) a lighter
5.) a headlamp

Not that I would ever forget all of that in one camping trip...

...but I did.

The best part was when we realized everything I'd forgotten.

Paul: "Did y'all bring a lighter?"

Alisha (looking flabbergasted): "Paul, do you really think we'd have this SUV packed to the gills and not have thought to bring a lighter??"

(silence)

(I start to think...)

Kyoo: "Ummmm, Greg, did you move the Dutch oven kit from my car to the Trailblazer?"

Greg: "Where was it?"

Kyoo: "In the back seat..."

Greg: "You said move everything from the trunk!"

Kyoo: "We forgot a lighter."

There was some discussion (ok, a lot of discussion) about whether I'd really said the "car" or the "trunk" but we'll let it rest (i said car) and leave it at "we were minus quite a few essentials this past weekend". But we survived. Mostly because we sent Paul to woo another group of campers for their lighter. Three times. And made an HEB run.

My forgetfulness might have had something to do with me running all day and then packing/showering/leaving the house in just half an hour.

But I was starved and there were friends and a pizza buffet waiting for me!!

Cici's is one of those ghetto, cheap pizza buffets. But I love it nonetheless. I mercilessly ate piece after piece of Canadian bacon (hey Elizabeth!) and macaroni and cheese (pizza!) and spinach alfredo and buffalo chicken. (this is why I don't lose weight running...). Then I heard a group of people singing "Happy Birthday". And I thought "someone stole my birthday!" But Alisha and Greg and Paul handed my day back to me in grand style with their own, blaring rendition. Complete with a candle on a piece of dessert pizza.

Did you know I've graduated to 2 packs of candles now? No longer will a single, 24-pack cover the years.

Sigh.

But we filled our stomachs and then camped the weekend away at Pedernales Falls State Park. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was serene, and it was everything I could have asked for for my birthday weekend.

Some photo highlights!

(this is Turner Jackson). (the Kyoo mom got him for me). (he basically saved the camping trip, along with Fred Pastasaurus, because we had no utensils otherwise).

(Fred Pastasaurus).

(Paul shamelessly taking pictures).

(of these cars). (we rolled up to a gas station and I shouted "pretty cars!" while Paul started breathlessly exclaiming words like "Lamborghini" and "Ferrari" and "Corvette"). (we meant the same thing).

(and we followed them for a while). (so the boys could drool).

(the Gregchores).

(this concludes my photo dump).

(except for this one).

(my birthday cobbler). (with 25 candles). (i was basically holding a flaming bowl). (of wax).

Hopefully my wish comes true!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 266 - Runabout

2012-01-29T22:31:00.000-06:00

On Friday, I spent the whole day, sun up to sun down, running.

And it was one of my best birthdays ever.

I got this little idea from a Dean Karnazes book I read last November. (both the Kyoo mom and the Gregbeau want me to stop reading those...).The idea was to go on a running adventure. Leave my normal routes and plans behind. Pay no attention to the time or how long I'd been running or when I needed to stop. Just set out the door with a water bottle, cell phone, credit card, and some cash, and see where my feet and the day would take me.

A runabout, if you will.

Most people thought I was crazy when I told them that's how I was going to spend my birthday, and honestly I thought I was a little crazy too. But once I've set my mind to something, it's hard for me to give it up. I told myself that if the weather was bad, I'd call it off. But January has been a beautiful month to be a runner in San Antonio and the 27th was no exception.

So, shortly before 7am, I set out the door with a peanut butter rice crispy in hand, jogged to my complex gate, and decided to turn left.

Starting out, I really wasn't sure how long I'd make it or where I'd go. I just wanted to run as long as I was still enjoying the day, and then call the Gregman if I got bored or tired or found myself in a sketch part of town.

Cool beans.

It was seriously the best. I ran around with this stupid grin on my face the whole day.

I ran along Wurzbach for a while and watched the cars race by with everyone rushing off to work. Coffee in one hand. Glances to the cell phone in the dash. Some honking. Probably thinking about getting through just one more day of work.

I was thinking about my freezing hands. The beautiful sun rising above the trees. My feet slowly plodding along on the pavement. What was over the next hill.

I found a new park. And jogged along some of its trails.

Then there was a jaunt through a quiet little neighborhood. I decided I could live there. And even picked out my house.

It's not for sale yet.

And this isn't it.

I ran past a Shipley's Donuts. But I wasn't craving donuts after the binge at work last week. So I didn't stop. I kept trucking along, this time down Bitters. There are some really nice neighborhoods off Bitters! After exploring them for a while, I decided I could live there too.

Eventually I started to get hungry. So I stopped at a Valero Cornerstore. And do you know what was calling my name?

A Big Red Icee. That's what.

So I filled up, grabbed a couple pop tarts, and set back out on the road.

What would you think if you saw a girl running down the street sipping on an Icee?

I think I made a person's day or two.

And I was wearing my adventure bracelet. Forgot to mention that. It's not an adventure unless I have my adventure bracelet on. I don it for weekend camping excursions, vacations, and sometimes trips to the grocery store. Basically any time I need a reminder to loosen up and explore!

Also, did you know there's a shortage of sidewalks in San Antonio? I do. I ran down a few ditches, on lots of gravel and mud, and thru fields of dead grass. Should have wore my trail shoes!

I also should have wore a hat. I realized this, saw a Walgreens, and trotted inside.

"Two questions. Where's your restroom and do you sell hats?"

I bought the cheapest, most ridiculous hat they had in stock. And some gum. That Icee had left my teeth rotting and it was bothering me.

At some point during the morning, I decided to meet the Gregman for lunch.

We coordinated on the phone and stopped at a Subway close to his work. I sat down for about 20 minutes to eat with him. It was delicious.

Confession, I also had him drive me about a quarter mile across 1604. Safety, ok!

He dropped me off at a stoplight and I got back into stride with half of a sandwich wrapped up in my hand for later.

It's a good thing I had that too, because I ended up running along Evans road. And Evans road goes on for ages. With no stores.

It was a beautiful, relatively quiet road to run along with a nice shoulder and even a few trees. I loved it. But I was running out of water and had long-ago devoured the rest of my sandwich when I finally came to "civilization" again. Another Walgreens!

I dashed inside for water in/water out and a candy bar and Oreo's. Just listening to the cravings!

And back to smiles after hours of "drought". (with my cool hat).

It was shortly after this point in the afternoon when I started to hit my "wall" for the day. My feet were kind of tired and my mind was a little shot. I was still enjoying the day, but I'd kind of had it with running. I'll admit it, I walked a few times. And sat down at a crosswalk or two whilst waiting to cross.

But the weather was beautiful. In the upper 60s and sunny. So just being outside was exactly what I wanted.

I kept moving forward, whether that was running or walking, talked to the Kyoo mom for a bit on my phone, and just watched the scenery pass.

School was letting out so I ran with a couple middle-schoolers on their way home. They probably thought I smelled funny.

They didn't know I'd been running since probably before they woke up that morning.

Perspective.

I found myself running just below the temple. And there was this cool little alley off the street. And I was tired of being on my feet again. So I just sat down and played with rocks for a few minutes while singing primary songs.

It was quite therapeutic, I assure you.

A couple miles later, it was time for another water in/water out stop. And another Icee. Dr. Pepper this time. Maybe I wanted the caffeine?

(i probably would have downed 10 Icees if I'd passed enough gas stations). (no lie). (i don't know why i've never tried those on long runs before). (but they are amazingly refreshing).

This is kind of how I felt at this point.

Sadly, the caffeine didn't pull me out of my afternoon lull. At least not right away. About 10 minutes later, I saw this fence post that looked heavenly, stopped, and leaned up against it.

And then stared at my feet for the next 20 minutes and watched the cars roll by.

It was like I was a kid again without a care in the world.

Especially when I hit a giggle fit. EVERYTHING was funny. Boy passing on his skateboard? Funny. Two cars passing at the same time? Hilarious. Greg calling me? Gut-busting.

It sounds so stupid now but I was just giddy and laughing. Runner's high!

Or the caffeine hit.

Either way, the last couple hours of the evening passed quickly. The sun was setting and I was getting my second wind.

Traffic was stalled on 1604 so I was the one racing past this time! Muahahaha...suckers. I was surprised how strong I felt after almost an entire day on my feet. I was pushing forward with a lot of strength and covering more ground than I had since earlier in the morning.

Probably because the end was finally in sight. The Gregman was on his way over and I knew I was going to get picked up soon.

But I savored every last minute of that day.

And this stunning sunset.

It didn't seem like that long ago when I had set out and watched it rise. It's really kind of cool to see a day go by like that.

The Gregman eventually pulled up beside me, rolled down his window, and asked me how much for an hour. I gave him a big grin and hopped inside.

Success!

The day was exactly what I had wanted. I ran, which is one of my favorite hobbies. I was outside, which is one of my favorite places to be. I got to think and reflect, which is one of my favorite things to do. And I got to explore, which really makes life exciting.

So many good memories from my quarter-century celebration!

How cool are these legs? Pretty cool. They carried me over 40 miles on Friday. (i KNOW). (i thought i'd get further too). (but it was a pretty leisurely day).

I saw San Antonio on the backs of my two feet and I'll never look at this city the same again.

Adventure is everywhere. Get creative and make it.

I love running.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 265 - Of birthdays and busted doors

2012-01-26T22:24:00.000-06:00

My thumb has a heartbeat.

I just sliced it pretty good whilst washing a knife. *dork stamp*. So while that's throbbing away, let's talk about birthdays!

I've been celebrating mine at work for a week now. My coworkers have spoiled me...

...and spoiled me...

and spoiled me some more.

It's been brutally delicious. I've probably gained a pound or two. But I still have plenty of time to slim up again before the DC marathon in March...yesh.

So, tomorrow is the big quarter-century. I wasn't fretting over it until pretty much everyone at work made a BIG deal about it and told me I should be getting worried. I mean, I was just excited to finally reach the milestone of not having to pay extra fees when renting a car. But these people make it sound like I'm going to be sliding into 30 in no time. I can't say I'm in my lower 20s anymore!

It's not really the age that makes me panic. It's the crow's feet. They're starting to show. But, according to Mike at work, they're not legit until you make a surprised face and can still see them.

Mine aren't legit yet. But I'd argue they're close.

And gray hairs? Oh yeah, I've got that base covered too. Those are coming in in droves! Lets blame that on work, ok?

I work around too many old people. They complain about aches and pains and how their bodies don't work right anymore. It wears a kid down! But at the same time, it motivates me. I've got to live and enjoy and take care of my body while I'm still young and all my parts are working! I want to be one of those 80-year-olds still running marathons with a big, stupid smile on my face.

Which means I should probably start laying off more of those donuts...

Plus, the Gregyouth gets told all the time how young he looks and even miss Darlene at work swore she thought I was robbing the cradle when I introduced them. Not ok.

Now for the busted doors. My shed door won't open. Simple as that. I turn the knob, and the latch thing that's supposed to move, doesn't. That was fun to discover this morning when I went to get my bike out. Not. Looks like I have a date with more You Tube tutorials in the near future! Hopefully that goes better than my last DIY attempt...

Also in the near future is an all-day "runabout" and a weekend camping trip. Celebrating the birthday in style! I'll tell you all about it on Sunday.

Until then, let it be said that whether I look 25 or 35, I'm determined to make the best of this twenty-fifth year of my life. I've got all I need and so much more!

(gray hairs and crow's feet included).

And if you really want to make a birthday girl feel special, drop a comment with a favorite memory of us? Not much better than reminiscing with good laughs on your birthday!

Keep rockin' it.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 264 - Marshmallows can go bad

2012-01-25T18:15:00.000-06:00

Lest you make the same mistakes I made...realize that, for all rice crispy-making intents and purposes, marshmallows can go bad!!

The first batch I thought I just burned because of inattention. (not that I would ever just leave something cooking on the stove and disappear from the kitchen for an hour...).

It met the trash can. (as do you). (i know you wanted to see a picture of my trash).

The second batch though, oh I watched that batch like a hawk. I vigilantly stood there and stirred and watched and stirred and watched those marshmallows! And do you know what happened? Nothing. Those marshmallows would. not. melt. There were pools of butter in between the gloopy morsels somewhat unsuccessfully clumping together.

It wasn't pretty. And it smelled like onions. Question mark?

I was devastated! Never before, in all my many years of rice-crispy-making, have I failed that bad! And for my birthday even! Ok, lets get real, I wasn't that dramatic about it. (maybe a little). But I tried to come up with reasons why my marshmallows refused to melt and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with that package expiring in June...of last year...

Fingers crossed there are rice crispy treats in the birthday package the Kyoo mom just sent me! Or I'm going to get desperate...and might whip out the corn syrup version of the recipe. Eek. (or buy fresh marshmallows, I guess).

So that was my first fail last night. My second fail? Oh, you know, maybe sending a sappy email to the WRONG GREG in my address book?

Yeah, that was a fail.

The email went a little something like this:

Greglover,

{sappy introduction}

{tossing around of the 'L' word a bit}

{
- detailed
- shopping
- list
- for
- camping
- this
- weekend
}

"We're not going to starve!"

{sappy closing}

{Love, Your Love maybe?}

Teagan

I didn't realize my mistake until we were walking around the Wal-Mart later and I was getting real frustrated with the Gregshopper when he couldn't find the email that I'd sent him.

"I sent it like two hours ago! What is wrong with your phone??"

(classic Kyoo). (immediately assume the highly unlikely is at fault).

I started searching through my "Sent Items" email folder and ALMOST DIED when I saw that email was sent to a Greg J instead of my Greg H.

"I've made a big mistake!"

Greg J is a really good college friend, and it would be a lie to say I didn't kind of love him and his brilliant smile and infectious laugh back then. And he's still single now. Which maybe made that less mortifying? Maybe not...

Either way, I spent the rest of that Wal-Mart trip following the Gregman from aisle to aisle whilst staring at my fingers frantically typing a "Please disregard this email...can we just laugh and pretend it didn't happen?" note on my phone.

It could have been worse than it was. I mean, I think I sent it to an old email account and Greg J won't actually see it.

BUT STILL.

Let's learn from my mistakes. Don't use expired marshmallows to make rice crispy treats. (throw them in a fruit salad maybe?). (or just load up your marshmallow gun...). And TRIPLE CHECK who you are sending your emails to.

That's all. Carry on.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 263 - Overtraining and a bit of EASST

2012-01-24T19:03:00.001-06:00

Here are some "classic" signs you might have overdone it in your workout the prior day:

You instinctively start massaging your glutes as you walk down the hallway at work only to, seconds later, realize you're MASSAGING YOUR GLUTES WHILE WALKING DOWN THE HALLWAY AT WORK. <-- no one saw that, right?
You wince every time you stand up, sit down, lean to the left, lean to the right, walk forwards, walk backwards, open a door, close a door, bend over, chew, or see stairs.
Just looking at your foam roller makes you cry.
Your scheduled 6 mile fartlek of jog-sprint-jog becomes 4 miles of hobble-hobble faster-hobble.
Once fired up and hobbling straight, you find it necessary to give your muscles 5 minutes notice when a change of direction will be required.

I mean, I'm just surmising...if I ever pushed too hard...that might be how I felt the next day.

Ha. Ha.

If I ever used the phrase "I could beat so-and-so any day!"...today might have been the day I was proven wrong.

But moving on. Want to hear a funny story?

It starts with this horribly awkward flying picture:

And ends with this horribly swollen finger picture:

(notice the difference in size between my right middle finger and left...and try to pretend I'm not flipping you the bird, also).

I was traveling the east coast with the Alishafriend on our epic EASST adventure last spring and one day realized we were pretty close to the birthplace of flight. And I thought, "How cool is this??!" So we had to stop. And I wanted an amazing picture of me "flying" in front of the statue. I got all ready, Alisha got situated to snap the shot, she said go, and I jumped as high as I could, spread my wings, looked straight at the camera, and gave it my best smile. For a little too long. The ground came up faster than I was expecting and I completely ate it. My poor finger took the brunt of the fall, popped, and instantly started swelling up. It hurt so bad!!

When we got back in the car and started driving again, general conference was on. Specifically, Elder Kent F. Richards was delivering his talk titled "The Atonement Covers All Pain". Which really hit home to me right then, with a THROBBING middle finger and all.

That poor finger took months to heal and hasn't been the same since.

Want to know the worst part? You're looking at it above. The picture of me is all awkward! It was after my beautiful airplane pose! Want to see the glorious picture I snapped of Alisha?

Perfect. But I'm not bitter...

In other news, my birthday week at work has been a great success so far. Breakfast tacos and cookies last Friday. Breakfast casserole and cookies on Monday. And more breakfast casserole, an apple pie, and cake today. Granted, the cake was for another birthday, but I still got to eat it. I love it when people love me and bring me food!

And yes, I shamelessly celebrate my birthday for at least a week at work. Everyone gets real excited for it too and thanks me for having a birthday. (they like the food). (but it's like they're thanking me for being born!). Isn't that the way it should be??

Also, I tried coconut water. And I do not hate it. Though I think it kind of tasted like the plastic bottle.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 262 - 18.4 Reasons I Love Working for USAA

2012-01-23T20:06:00.001-06:00

In light of today's announcement of our company bonus, I thought I'd list 18.4 reasons I love working for USAA. I don't love every day of work, but I am so blessed to work for such a great company and I never want to forget that or take it for granted.

1.) Strong mission focus. It's not just a statement painted on a wall. It's reviewed at the start of every major meeting and all business objectives are mapped back to it.
2.) All member-focused. Genuinely. I asked a question when I first interviewed with them almost 4 years ago. "USAA advertises a strong member focus...do you feel as though that's the case working behind the scenes?". Both interviewers strongly affirmed that it was. After being there for over 3 years now, I can also strongly affirm that it's true.
3.) Great leadership. Most have extensive military careers behind them. I trust our top executives and respect them as honest, caring people.
4.) Great people. I can't complain about any of my coworkers. And just about everyone I meet there is amiable and kind and hard-working. It's a great work family.
5.) Emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. Great fitness center and classes, cheaper health-food items in the cafeterias, and you're rewarded with cheaper medical benefits for participating in these opportunities.
6.) Opportunities for employee-development. At least 25 hours is required per year and there are a variety of classes offered year-round.
7.) Opportunities for rotation. Don't like your current position? There are thousands more to choose from. And the management will honestly try to move you around if you request it.
8.) Great speakers. I've listened to and met Gene Kranz, Mike Durant (Black Hawk Down pilot), Newt Gingrich, John Blaha, Eileen Collins, and scores of other favorites. There's someone interesting coming to speak just about every month.
9.) Nice facilities. My cubicle's a little small, but the building as a whole is massive and well-cared for. There's plenty of room to roam, gather, meet, relax, walk, and just about anything else you need to do.
10.) Innovation is encouraged. Every employee, from janitors to executives, is encouraged to participate and there are excellent channels set up for this.
11.) Cool programs offered like Nuride. I get incentives for riding my bike to work like gift cards to use in the cafeterias, coupons for groceries, restaurant deals, and more.
12.) Rec sports leagues! I can play on a soccer team or a volleyball team or a basketball team or a flag football team...and the list goes on.
13.) A company band and choir! One of my favorites! I get to keep playing my horn in a company-sponsored group with other band nerd employees. We put on several really cool free concerts each year. It's a blast.
14.) It truly feels ethical. Honestly. Integrity. Loyalty. Service. These are the guiding traits that every employee agrees to live and work by and it's taken seriously.
15.) Uh, they serve our military families. Enough said.
16.) The health benefits are good. Definitely adds to my peace of mind.
17.) I kind of love having a post office, pharmacy, and medical center at work. That's convenient.
18.) I get to be a member. Best bank and insurance company ever.
.4.) They always announce the yearly bonus the week of my birthday. So it's like "Happy birthday Teagan...you have a very large paycheck coming your way." And I don't hate that.
^ this isn't a very good reason...hence why it's only .4

Don't ever let me complain about my job, ok?

That's all.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 261 - And then the boy scouts moved in...

2012-01-22T12:21:00.001-06:00

Friday night was pristine.

I left work early.

Drove through the hill country with the Alishafriend and her dog Kely.

(and tried really hard to get Kely to look at the camera).

(and finally...!)

Sang along with Colbie Caillat's album "All of You".

Went on a short hike under a brilliant night's sky full of stars.

(the stars looked like this). (sort of).

Set up camp and ate our fav Velveeta shells and cheddar. (though we def should have brought two boxes...we were ravenous again by 1am).

Tucked into our sleeping bags and started watching a movie on the iPad. (we're not minimalist backpackers...).

And were thoroughly enjoying the evening. The weather was warm. We had the primitive campsite to ourselves. Everything was perfect.

And then the boy scouts moved in.

A couple troops full of hyper young boys and commanding leaders approached with clangs and shuffles and shouts of acceptance. This was their "spot" for the night.

Awesome for us!

We listened to them set up camp and settle for the next two hours. And just when we thought peace was restored to the neighborhood, they started snoring. Oh the snoring! Ear plugs for the next camping trip maybe?

The whole situation actually wasn't that bad. We found it quite humorous, mostly. Just our luck! My favorite part was waking up in the morning to "Can anybody help me?!" shouted just feet away from our tent.

No responses.

"Guys! I need help can someone please help me!!"

Still no responses. The kid sounded troubled and desperate.

After listening to several more pleas and realizing that no one was paying attention to the poor child, I crawled out of my sleeping bag, slipped my boots on, emerged from the tent, and surveyed the scene. There definitely wasn't a life and death situation. I walked over to the boy standing next to a fishing pole and asked him what the matter was.

He needed help tying his fishing lure to his line.

Cool. Glad I got up for that. I tried for a minute to tie it myself but I was as lost as he was. He told me to get George.

"Who's George?"

"That boy over there in the red hat."

"Hmmm, ok, I'm not part of your troop or anything so how bout I watch your 'stuff' and you can go get George."

He scurried off, I watched his stuff, and all was well. Though I'm still not sure why I had to watch his stuff. Or why everyone was ignoring him. Did I mention "George" was just 20 feet away?

Poor kid.

But it was an entertaining day with the boy scouts running around. We did some hiking. Napped in the tent. Watched more movies. And ate. Basically everything I wanted from a quick weekend camping trip. Escape from civilization and the cell phone and computer. (iPad doesn't count!).

Some more favorite pics from the trip:

(I usually think small dogs are annoying but Kely is the exception). (she's a big dog in a little body). (and so entertaining).

(cookies for breakfast?) (yes.)

(Kely's quite the hiker). (we went about 10 miles total and she trotted along for the whole thing).

(sometimes we hike with our hands in the "prayer" position). (to keep our fingers from swelling). (it's weird).

(Lost Maples State Natural Area. beautiful park. highly recommend it.)

(sometimes, when Kely is crossing the rock bridges over streams, she gets confused. and isn't sure where to jump. so she'll just jump off the rock, over the stream, and wait for Alisha to catch her on the leash mid-air and swing her back to the next rock. it's pretty entertaining.)

(woke up from a nap to this ^ peering at me).

(pond we camped next to).

(we made some new friends while trying to do dishes Friday night...).

Fun times! We went camping at Lost Maples the same time last year so it's pretty much a January tradition now.

In other adventures, I finally took down my Christmas decorations (you can judge, that's sad), hated Costco for closing too early on Saturdays (6pm...really?), lit a lighter for the first time (also sad, but it hurts my thumb!), and tried a Thingamajig candy bar (not as good as a Whatchamacallit).

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 260 - Friday Favorites

2012-01-20T15:13:00.002-06:00

Let's kick right off with the Friday Favorites:

1). Creamy peanut butter with all its hydrogenated oily goodness. Yes, it's probably horrible for me. But I hate having to stir natural peanut butter! The oil spills everywhere and before you even get a good sandwich out of it half the jar is gone. And then it's like impossible to reach the stuff on the bottom so it's just this really hard layer of goop. So I will soak up the convenience and sugary goodness of my processed stuff and let you know if I die early.

2). Wearing shorts in January on my bike ride to work. Comfortably.

3). Corkscrew to push press. This is my favorite lift right now. Has been for a while. (eye candy is a bonus...you're welcome).

4). The paper towel in salad greens trick...to keep them fresh and not-slimy. Am I the last person to figure this out? It works so well!

5). Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. My team at work always bugs me about making cookies. Something about how I promised to bring them cookies 12 times after asking one of them to guard my desk for me on April Fool's day. (it was necessary). (i would have been on the phone with the IT help desk for 8 hours had my desk remained vulnerable). Apparently they expected cookies for 12 days in a row. I didn't come through. Now there's interest and I pretty much owe them cookies for life. So I surprise them every now and again. The ones I made for them last night were so good! (just chiselin' away at that debt, I am).

6.) I decided it would be ideal to camper van New Zealand. In one of these. (estimates for a 15-day trip for two are only around five grand right now...)

7.) The way a light beam looks on a misty morning. With all the rain particles dancing around. It's eerily cool.

I had a lot of days this week where I woke up with a "seize the day!" attitude...that all too soon slipped into a "cease the day!" attitude. In a matter of a couple hours. It was a struggle. And I kept fantasizing about leaving work and just sitting in my basketball shorts with a bowl full of popcorn and Netflix "playing all" of some show.

It was really pathetic. And then I heard the Kyoo dad in my head laughing at my pitiful state and reminding me how good and easy my life is right now. Which was strangely helpful...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 259 - Flashback to Summer 2010, Pt 2

2012-01-19T22:58:00.000-06:00

Since you were eagerly anticipating and asking (you weren't...but I like to pretend) for more blog dumps of my trip down memory lane, spurred by old iPhone photos, I thought I'd continue.

There was this one time everyone at work knew I loved free food. (ok, it's all the time). And so they told me about Einstein Bagel's marketing campaign when they were opening a new store. "First 50 customers get free bagel sandwiches for a year."

Guys. This was a really good deal! Those sandwiches aren't cheap.

And I was about to close on my house, remember? Free food was welcome.

So I pulled in all willing participants and we set up camp outside the new bagel shop all night. It might have been overkill (read: it was) (we were the only ones camping out) but we got our free bagel sandwiches for a year coupons and I just thoroughly enjoyed that, thank you.

I was the first one in line too. That was something for the journal, yessiree.

And speaking of food, there was also this time the Alishafriend and I joined the weight loss challenge at work. We drank as much water as we could hold and wore our heaviest clothes for the initial weigh-in. In it to win it! We exercised and dieted until we couldn't take it anymore. We were so hungry and depressed by day two that we threw in the towel and enjoyed a hearty meal at Alamo Cafe. ("hey Bob...keep these tortillas coming and we will be the best tip of your long day...sound good?"). Followed by a shopping spree at Academy. Don't ask.

The good news is, we still lost weight by the end of the competition. The bad news is, I'm fairly certain, it was just that water weight.

Extreme dieting is not the way!

This is a good one. We're getting to some boy stories. I won't tell you about all the months before when I noticed him and he didn't notice me. Or how I only raised my hand to volunteer as a "leader" at this youth conference at church after I saw that his was raised as well. (also, the theme was "Flight Plan for Life" and there was going to be a pilot speaking). (that might have been the real reason I volunteered but the first scenario is more romantic so let's run with that). This youth conference was the first time we really met and started talking. I became friends with his buddy Jen and the Greginterest became deeply enthralled with me. (my blog, my perspective).

But back to the picture! This was after a long day wherein I'd been pelted with water balloons and dunked in a water booth 8 times. (and gotten yelled at by a "real" adult for using my cell phone. but I'm not bitter.). Us "leaders" snuck away to relax for a bit before chaperoning duties at the dance and wound up at this touristy saloon and gift shop in Boerne called the Tall Pony. Greg wasn't there but Jen and I sure ripped into this innocent boy fresh off his mission with all our man woes. And drank really delicious root beer. When we got back, Greg was jealous we'd gone without him so we promised him we'd go again sometime.

We still haven't. But it's on the list!

More with Jen. And Speed enters the picture!

We sure went on some fun biking adventures, us 3. They entailed thick mud, Josh Groban, glazed donuts, miles in McAllister Park, miles at O.P. Schnabel Park, miles at Government Canyon, a car wash for our bikes, begging for quarters at a corner gas station, and of course the IHOP with Mama Kay.

Mama Kay! She was there every time we went. And every time she had more wisdom to pass on to us. My favorite was when she taught us how to make a crab out of a lemon and napkin. Oh that entertained us for ages!

But there was also this one time Speed was really cold. So Jen and I put our creative minds to work and made him a blanket by sewing napkins together with straw wrappers. Naturally. That, coupled with hot chocolate, solved the problem.

And his name really is Speed. Cool? Cool.

Are you ready for this next one? It's from my first unofficial date with the Gregbeau. Unofficial because there were supposed to be other people there. But still a date because he paid. And it was planned. And we were (unintentionally) paired off.

Here you go.

Isn't that special?! One for posterity, right there. My handiwork, by the way. It's not the first time I've played with my leftover food. I don't know what it is. I guess I eat really fast and then get bored while I'm waiting for whomever to finish. I used to have a bunch of pictures in my phone of all my after-dinner sculptures but I seem to have deleted them all. Shame too. That was art.

But I do have this gem:

From my rice-krispies-treats-sculpting FHE activity, of course. (you know you come to this blog for FHE ideas...). It's a space shuttle. You should know.

And, let's not forget that this was also the summer one of my best college friends got married! I flew up to Utah to be there for their special day. I'll just throw this out there: I normally hate weddings. They usually take up a perfectly good Friday or Saturday night. There! I said it. But it was pretty fun to spend time with them leading up to that day. And walk around at the temple like a stalker taking pictures of the real photographer taking pictures. (so they had some for the reception later).

It was pretty cool. And we still keep in touch so that's even cooler.

Is that a wrap? I think that's a wrap! I'm glad too. Now I can finally delete those pictures off my phone!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 258 - Flashback to Summer 2010, Pt 1

2012-01-18T11:17:00.001-06:00

I was looking thru pictures on my camera and found a bundle from the summer of 2010. Not sure how they've stuck around this long but they brought back a rush of memories.

Like a trip to Idaho to see the sick Kyoo Grameez just one more time. I spent loads of time sitting with her. We watched Anne of Green Gables, mostly. And talked. And in between all of that I tried to make homemade pretzels:

(key verb there was tried to...)

Then there was that time I tried to (there it is again!) install a new stereo in my car so my phone could talk thru Casper and share its musical bounties on my upcoming Florida road trip. But I quickly realized I was in over my head. So I took my ransacked car....

...and drove it over to Tony's. Because he seems to know how to fix everything. He fixed it. And I learned what butt connectors are...

(that's not supposed to sound awkward). (but I gave him a look with eyebrow raised and head cocked to the side when he told me that's what I was missing).

Then came THE epic road trip to Florida with the Alishafriend to camp on the coast and watch one of the last space shuttle launches.

We made really ~~dorky~~ ~~nerdy~~ cool Tshirts for it...

..and slept in the car while we were road trippin' to save money on hotels. And cooked dinner on my propane stove at rest stops to save money on food. (we were both about to close on houses and feeling really poor). The best rest stops were in Mississippi. We hated the ones (read there aren't any) in Georgia.

It was a happy place. Until the Kyoo Grameez died. Then came another trip to Idaho to lay her body to rest and give her Borris a new home.

With me.

My cousin drew that. It made me so happy.

This was also the summer I was in charge of planning FHE. One Monday we tried to (again...sensing a theme?) depict scenes from the Book of Mormon using marshmallows and toothpicks.

I think mine was Lehi and family trekking into the wilderness. (read those slightly resemble camels and people?). (I'm totally guessing on the story). (it seems applicable).

That's enough for now. I'm sure I'll shamelessly post more in the next day or two. I mean, it was a good summer. Most especially because I convinced a certain tall, broadish young man with a mischievous laugh and grande lips that I was the coolest thing since fried chicken and Dr. Pepper. (he doesn't really think this). (but he should). (also I don't really like Dr.Pepper). (but I should?).

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 257 - When Spidermans attack...

2012-01-16T18:32:00.000-06:00

What does it look like when Venom, Spiderwoman, and Spiderman attack the Gregvillain?

Well, scripted it looks like this:

But unscripted...

I'll let that speak for itself.

Never a dull moment with the Gregvillain's niece and nephews in Houston. I love it!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 256 - Olympic marathon trials

2012-01-15T14:13:00.000-06:00

Hello.

My Saturday morning was life-changing, how was yours?

Maybe not as life-changing as it would have been if I'd actually been competing in the Olympic marathon trials, but still life-changing nonetheless.

I exaggerate only a little.

I mean, we found parking in downtown Houston, kitty-corner to the start, for just 5 bucks. And my car was still in the same condition when we came back. And the price had gone up to 10 bucks. So that was something special.

Oh, and maybe seeing all those amazing athletes I read about in Runner's World in the person?

Yeah, that was something special too.

I was abuzz with excitement from the time my head popped off my pillow at 5:43 am (two minutes before my alarm was to go off), all thru the drive downtown ("And Ryan Hall's going to be there and Deena Kastor and all of these other really fast people and aren't you just pumped Greg??"), and thru a freezing cold walk to the starting line ("We really should have brought our mittens...my fingers are going to fall off!").

The starting line! It was all professional and there were officials milling all about the place like busy worker ants. I snuck over and had the Gregphotographer take an awkward picture. As my friend Alisha says "Pics or didn't happen!"

Oh, it happened.

They told me to back away from the start. Ok! I had my photo anyways...and other distractions had already stolen my attention.

Runners!

Not just any kind of runners. The elites. To qualify for this marathon you have to have run another marathon in under 2:39:00 (for the women) or posted an equally stunning, respective time in a half marathon or 10k, among other things.

I was intrigued watching them jog around and stretch and prepare for the race. Just imagining what they were thinking about and feeling. Whether they thought they had a chance of qualifying or not, it was a big race!

The men's start was drawing near at this point so the Gregspectator and I laid dibs on a spot up against the barricades in prime viewing location.

But we soon found out we'd picked the wrong side.

The NBC network camera crews thought it was a great spot too and set up shop right in front of us.

But they passed out little US flags to wave so I dealt with it.

Plus, I could stand on the barricade and have the Gregcolumn add balance. So I didn't miss much.

The marathon course was laid out in a 2.2 mile loop followed by 3 8-mile loops, so it was a great course for spectators. After the men passed thru the start again and headed out on their first 8-mile loop, they started the women. You know, just 15 minutes later. Because the men were running sub 5-minute miles and stuff.

"I've never seen so many 6-packs in my life!"

One of us said it. The other was thinking it. I'll let you guess.

(if I would have said anything it would have been something of wonderment aloud about how, with so little body fat and so little coverage, they were still able to move in the cold).

The marathon went by really fast. At least for me. I was cold and hungry and didn't even care. Which is saying A LOT.

But I had these men to cheer for every 40-minutes or so.

And then these women in between.

And beautiful downtown Houston to enjoy in the mean time.

It was such a rush cheering all the athletes on. Especially the ones not at the front of the pack. They were just enjoying the event...and they had qualified so I gave them their props! Eventually the Gregtrooper was really really hungry and really really cold so we had to get him some grub.

All his idea, I assure you...

HEB food truck FTW! Best oatmeal I've had in ages.

We went back to cheering and cheering and cheering and eventually I found myself standing on the side of a hill in a prickly bush with scores of other spectators to get a decent view of the finish.

We were all enviously eying these people perched right above the finish.

It wasn't a close finish for either of the races. The winner and two runner-ups in each were distantly spaced. And by distantly I mean by ten or so seconds. The men's qualifiers all finished in the 2:09 range and the women's were around 2:25! But it was top-notch viewing, nonetheless. I mean, it's still a marathon finish line. Some athletes are celebrating.

But most are wobbling around or falling or vomiting or passing out and being carted off on a stretcher or just asking a lot of questions because they're so disoriented. (I won't post those pictures). (you're welcome). Years ago that would have just been kind of funny, but now I can relate and I felt my heart going out to them.

Wait, can we take a moment and recognize that empathy? I was feeling empathetic!!

It can happen.

Another empathetic moment. My eyes welled up in tears when I witnessed a dad, standing nearby, proudly telling everyone how his daughter was running in the marathon and going to be finishing soon. He was from a small farming community and just couldn't believe how big the whole event was. Beaming doesn't even begin to describe his countenance. He lost it when he saw her cross that finish line and the whole crowd standing on that hill started chanting for his daughter, "Nicole", even though it was a good 10 minutes after the winner had finished.

Nicole heard it and was just thrilled. It must have been a pretty special moment for them both.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go to the trials! There were so many amazing athletes and so many amazing stories (like Kara Goucher who just had a baby a little over a year ago and placed third!) and it was inspiring and motivating and just so darn cool to watch them all.

Sorry I pretty much wrote a book about it. But like I said, it was practically life-changing. So it deserved it.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 255 - More date mishaps and friday favorites

2012-01-13T21:23:00.000-06:00

The Gregromantic and I tried to go on a date the other night. He hasn't started back to school yet so we have time for that sort of whimsy. Oh and did we ever have a whimsical evening planned! Birthday dinner for a friend at the Red Robin and then Sherlock Holmes 2 on the big screen. (no that's not just dinner and a movie). (that's dinner with friends and a movie). (don't miss that added social element).

Scoff but it sure had me motivated to get thru work on Wednesday.

Fast forward thru writing a bunch of SQL and an afternoon in A&D review sessions (don't try to understand any of that) and it was evening. And I was trying to find my movie coupon. Which didn't happen.

Dang it!

My brain can't enjoy being whimsical without being economical too.

I texted the Gregman.

"No coupon. No movie."

And then looked at the cheap theater options.

"Tower Heist at 8:10 ok?"

Minor change of plans. He rolled with it.

The dinner part of the evening was great! Sweet potato fries and fun chatter with friends. And I actually showed up with a wrapped gift AND a card. I felt so prepared.

(another birthday shout out to Tina!).

We left the dinner just in time to get across town, pick up a Frosty (I had a hankering!), and roll up to the theater.

(most of the Frosty got thrown away because it was melty). (remember that and don't judge me too harshly when I talk about going to Yogurt Zone later...).

This is where the whimsy ends. Well, it kind of ended with the melty Frosty but we'll ignore that. We were a couple minutes late and the Gregbladder had to pee so he veered off into the restroom while I gave him a look and turned into our theater.

But not for long.

When the Gregrelieved joined me later I leaned over and asked him "Why does it feel like this movie's been playing for longer than 5 minutes?"

Because it had been playing for 30 minutes. We'd gone into the wrong theater!

Or so we thought.

We went back to the ticket desk and asked them which theater the 8:10 showing of Tower Heist was playing in (after we couldn't locate it on our own). The man stared at us. We stared back. The man spoke.

"Where did you see that time?"

"The movie app on my phone."

He pulled out his phone. I pulled out mine. It wasn't until after the second time I showed him the showtimes list that I realized I was in the wrong.

22:10 definitely does NOT translate into 8:10. Never mind that I've had my phone set to a 24-hour clock for years and still can't convert it, apparently.

I quickly pulled my phone away, nudged the Gregnegotiator to ask for a refund, and bolted out the door.

I sheepishly confessed my mistake to the Gregdate as we walked out to the car and he just started laughing, kind of in disbelief.

I'm sorry I'm a failure at reading time!

At this point in the date, we'd kind of exhausted our options. But it was just after 8! The night was young! It couldn't be wasted!

Ok, the night wasn't that young. I get real tired real fast and am worth nothing by ten. But we weren't ready to throw in the towel.

And then I got a brilliant idea.

"Bingo!"

We both love bingo. And we've both been wanting to try playing at a "real" bingo place. Just once.

Some phone research and we were on our way to nearby "Bandera Late-Night Bingo".

"This sure looks sketchy..", I remarked, and he thought, as we pulled up.

Oh well. All in!

We walked inside a very large room with lots of tables and up to a desk. A large woman stared at us like we were new there or something. "Uh, we want to play bingo" the Gregbaritone said in his most assured, manly voice. (hehe, not).

"Ok but play doesn't start till 9:30."

Holy late-night! I was not about to stay there that long. Bed-time! We stood around awkwardly for a few minutes weighing our options and finally just left and hoped inspiration would grace us on our way back to the car.

End result? We were heading to Dave and Busters.

I don't know what it is about failed date nights that leads you to gambling, but...there we were.

We spent like 10 tokens on the usual skee-ball and basketball games and then went straight for the coin machines. Where we sat for ages. At least long enough to win over 1500 tickets.

(don't judge). (it was a low point in the evening).

We came out of it though. With enough time to make fools of ourselves attempting DDR.

And then I made a request. "Can we stop at Yogurt Zone before you take me home? Pleassssssse?? I've been craving it!"

The Gregjudge called me out on my earlier Frosty but I convinced him it was a bygone, really. And again, it was melty!

One stop at Yogurt Zone (redeemed my freebie!) and some conversation about possibly going to Houston for the weekend later and he was dropping me off at home.

Oh was it ever a long overdue conclusion to the evening. It was such an exhausting date! Its like I had to plan and execute 4 dates as each idea was heaped onto the pile of failures!

Dating is hard :-P

And, just because this post isn't quite long enough, here's a few "Friday Favorites" I'd like to share:

1.) Trace Adkin's "You're Gonna Miss This". Can we say it together? "Sap!" But the song is so true! I just get all excited about living life right now when I listen to it and there's nothing to complain about that.
2.) Pistachios. Roasted & salted in-shell. They're nutritious. They're tasty. A single-serving package takes me hours to eat. Can snacking get any better?
3.) Downton Abbey on Netflix. It's what's been playing in the background as I do my housey things lately and I'm kind of intrigued.
4.) Sweet potato fries. Nothing new here! But I made my own using this easy recipe and they were delicious. Might even try it with the carrots sometime.
5.) This sunset view on my bike ride home from work:

You know what's not favorite?

Accidentally dropping chocolate cake crumbs down my shirt at work. There's no way to NOT awkwardly recover from that! I had to think about them sitting there, wreaking havoc on my white undershirt, until I could excuse myself to a bathroom.

Less effective.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 254 - The Birthday Wish List

2012-01-12T21:24:00.001-06:00

Just for fun! The Kyoo birthday is just over two weeks away so I converted the "probably going to buy eventually anyways" list into a GRAND BIRTHDAY WISH LIST! Ok, not that grand, but here we go:

1.) Drymax socks - I've burned thru yet another pair of running socks and had my eyes on these for a while.
2.) Rice krispy treats - Kyoo mom? Dylan? Anyone??
3.) Stamps - the Kyoo mom surprised me with a book of the cool Alan Shepard/Mercury project stamps a while back and I'm running out. Especially since I've kept up with my letter-writing this week!
4.) Head Chefs kitchen tools - aren't these cute? Fred pastasaurus! You better believe if I ever had a wedding registry that these would be on it. Whisk, spatula, Fred, and timer are current "nice to haves".
5.) Speedplay clipless pedals - hard to ride a bike without pedals.
6.) Swimsuit - old one has seen one too many pool workouts. And the element of surprise with a grab bag just makes life more exciting! Size 36.
7.) Honey Stinger gels and waffles - these are amazing. I've tried just about every gel and favor these. Definitely put them to use...
8.) Flannel shirts - so comfy. I'll probably look like a dork but that's typical. And I probably won't actually spend $40 on a new one. Goodwill maybe?
9.) Not pictured but...the trophy rack my brother and dad designed for me. It's so cool!
10.) And, because I can't end on 9, I'll throw this in there. Because a girl can dream. Entry into the Transrockies Run. I know, I know, eye roll.

Oh I'm so wishful.

In other news, I pushed too hard with my weight workout today and I kind of want to put a shoe bench and a coat stand in my house. Life is terribly exciting here!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 253 - Attempting family pictures

2012-01-11T23:56:00.000-06:00

We tried to take family pictures while everyone was together for Christmas.

The lighting was perfect at about 4 o'clock.

We didn't take pictures until 5 o'clock.

And it was minus the Kyoo dad.

But plus a very hyper puppy

The Kyoo dad was lost in thought and without cell phone on a bike ride.

But six makes for more even piggy-back-ride shots anyways, right? I mean, seven might make things awkward.

"Don't worry dad, I'll get mom!" (she's pretty much the lightest one in the family anyways). (us girls didn't really get her genes). (though it's a standing joke we wish we could fit into them).

Everyone else got the memo and joined in on the fun though.

When the Kyoo dad did show up, it was really dark. Which could have been cool. But not within the limits of my simple point-and-shoot.

We smiled pretty anyways.

And realized we can't all jump at the same time. So we just waved our hands in the air.

Oh the memories family pictures can create!

Thanks to the Gregographer for letting me yell my grand ideas to him for each shot. And then retaking them over and over again until I squinted and shrugged just so and mumbled "hmmmm" in acceptance. He might not have "the eye" but he's sure a good sport.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 252 - Race Recap: Bandera 50k

2012-01-10T14:40:00.000-06:00

It's probably a good thing I had to wait a couple days on results to write up this post because the pain has subsided and I think it will be much more jovial. And with fewer tear stains on my keyboard.

The Bandera trails are tough!

This race did not begin with a 3am laughing fit. (killed that streak). But I did have a dream that I caused a huge pile-up on the Interstate while talking on my cell phone and trying to change lanes.

So the time I spent driving to and from the race were filled with fear of that dream coming to reality. Except it was 5 in the morning and there were only maybe 3 other cars on the road. And the moon was the distraction. Full and brilliant and right in front of me. Splendid in person. Not so splendid in photograph attempt.

Let's not speculate on how I took that picture. Moving on.

I had to blast the AC the whole way there to keep Suby Sue from fogging up. (I'm so hawt...). That was cool. Literally.

By the time I got there, pried my icicled fingers off the steering wheel and stepped outside, the crisp Texas January morning felt kind of balmy.

I hit the port-a-potties (round 1), checked in, got my bib and then sat in the car waiting for race start. (it's what all the cool people were doing).

And also watched this magnificent sunrise.

7:15 finally came and I ate a couple energy chews, laced up the shoes, and made my way to the start. Except I realized another trip to port-a-potty row was going to be necessary. Even after I saw the line:

Looooong. But it was going to be my last chance to use a "civilized" toilet for 6 hours!

I stood in line fidgeting and glancing at the time on my phone every few seconds. Eavesdropping on nearby pre-race chatter was boring until I heard someone mention that the 50k was starting at a different location about a quarter mile up the road.

Oh hot dog. I thought I was at the start! Time was really nearing 7:30 at this point. I mean, it was 7:26. I mentally weighed my options again and decided that restroom usage still had priority over starting on time. I thought the race was chip time based on when you started. But I found out later that it was chip time based on gun start. Knowing that then still probably wouldn't have changed my decision to wait for the toilet so I guess it wasn't a big deal. Plus I got to witness about 30-some-odd equally anxious trail runners call out and word-pounce a girl who tried to cut in front of the line. At the same time. It was quite the uproar. I don't think she'll try that again anytime soon...

I finally got in and out of the portable john and rushed over to the 50k starting line. Sure enough, two minutes late. It was on! I think the late start hurt me a bit. I was pushing pretty hard at first to make up the time and feeling really strong and competitive. There were several bottle necks that I tried to pass off-trail (and succeeded) but it took a lot of extra energy. About 1.5 hours into the race I was already feeling kind of drained.

But the scenery was beautiful and the weather was beautiful (albeit a little warm) and there was a new patch of rocks to dodge with every step so that filled the passing miles with excitement.

Everyone jokes about the rock-breeding program at Hill Country State Natural Area but the funny thing is they're not kidding. Those rocks are getting it on there!

And let's not forget that growing amongst all the acres of surplus from that propagation are the sotol plants. Talk about a desert spa treatment! Nothing exfoliates like running thru sotol for hours.

Oh yeah. There's hills too. HILLS.

The worst part about this race for me was the mental struggle. I never did see any mile markings and had no idea how far I'd gone and how far I had left to go. Not to mention it was a one loop race so the whole thing was a surprise. Which isn't as cool as it sounds. Like, I'd prefer mentally preparing for two mongo hills right at the end instead of just happening upon them when I thought I was closer to the finish.

*whimper*

I didn't shed any tears during this race but there were a few whimpers that escaped. It really was my fault though. I should have read the entire pre-race email and looked at the course map. Then there would have been no surprises...next time! When I read over it all on Sunday after the race, it really laid everything out quite well. Amazing...

I had a few mantras that I kept repeating throughout the run but the one that really stuck was "everything eventually ends". Not really empowering or motivating but a good reminder.

One of the things I love about endurance trail running is just how many "life lessons from suffering" there are to learn. It's so hard to describe but there is just a kind of strength you feel when you're beaten and emotionally raw and physically drained, yet you still keep taking that next step. There were so many times I'd think to myself, "just run 100 more steps and then you can walk" and I'd get to that 100 and think "25 more" and just kept going. Miles would pass. Hills would be conquered. The finish would get closer. I just had to keep pushing forward.

"Everything eventually ends."

Endurance is an incredible thing.

And aren't this guy's dreads cool??

I gave him props as I passed him.

The run sure beat me up mentally but finishing was just elating. The last half-mile stretch I caught up with a girl I remembered seeing at the Sendero 50k. We'd leap-frogged a couple times earlier that day and neither one of us was about to let the other slack off. My leg muscles were threatening to seize up with every step but I ran as fast as I could, prepared to fall over in spasms at any moment. Thankfully that didn't happen and I crossed the finish line just a few seconds after her. 6:07:04. (6:05:34 by my stopwatch). (remember that late start?). Good enough for top 10 in the females. (out of 80ish). I was really happy with the finish!

There were cheers and well-wishers and support tables and the whole spread. Really nice when you don't have any spectators of your own! Someone handed me a finisher's medal while another person took off my ankle timer and then escorted me to the food table. I sat at the food table for a while trying to muster up the energy to eat a banana and watched in awe as some 100k runners passed thru the start and then headed back out on a second loop.

Oh did they ever have my respect! I kind of felt like a pansy right then. Most of them would be out there running well into the night.

But I had a wedding reception to get to.

Notice the salt-encrusted face and Tshirt demoted to a Kleenex. It wasn't pretty...

I walked around the parking lot for a bit trying to loosen my legs up and took the above self-portraits. Awkward! But necessary. When I did pile into Suby Sue to head back, I had to wait a few minutes to call the Kyoo mom. We'll say it was because reception was spotty at first, but really it was because I was still choking back tears.

Something about running and finishing the toughest race in my life (so far) had me pretty emotional.

But let's keep that between me and you, k?

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 251 - National Letter Writing Week

2012-01-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

While I'm not as cool as the Morgster who sent my sister Jordan this letter on her 11th birthday (complete with a wax seal...take note):

(seriously). (morgan!). (i can't compete for sister points when you're that cool!).

But it is "National Letter Writing Week" so I've been taking the pen to paper and employing the use of snail mail to say hi to family. Yeah, yeah, it's probably just a federal ploy to get us to use USPS more but the Kyoo mom works for the post office so I support that and also I forgot how fun it is to write letters.

Almost, but not quite, as fun as it is to receive them.

I used to write the Kyoo Grameez quite a bit back in the day. Hence why I still have plenty of sheets of "bug" stationary lying around.

So, should you feel so inclined, y'all should write someone this week. I mean, I'd be willing to receive letters anyways...

And you can always send me a get well card! I got hit with a nasty little stomach bug today...barely made it thru work. And that bike ride home...stupid! This one's like double whammy. Flu aches and pains along with the post-50k recovery aches and pains. Sure glad the roommate shared this!

I'll survive, thanks for asking.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 250 - To Do In A Hick Town, Pt 2

2012-01-08T12:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome back y'all!

I've got lots to post about the Bandera 50k, but I'm waiting on the results and pictures before I do an official "race recap". So until then, it's time for more country travels!

My home town's pretty cool by itself, but there's just heaps of fun and adventure to be found in the surrounding miles and towns.

Pile in the car, we're going on a road trip!

First stop: Edgar.

Best thing to do here is to grab your love and head on over to the Sugar Shack...ohh la la!

To buy candles, of course. Or country crafts. Or other odds and ends. I'm a fan of cinnamony scents, so Apple Pie is among muh favorites. And isn't this globe ornament cool?? It was only $1.23!

One thing's for sure, your nose won't be bored here. Even if you're congested. But your boyfriend might so it's time to move on. Fairfield's next!

And on the way there, we're going to play "Hey cow!". All you need is a field full of cows. (don't stress, they're everywhere here).

Alright, ready? Now on the count of three...1...2...3...

"HEY COW!!!"

Two points! Not bad for your first try!

I think they like the attention. Plus, you have to give the cows a little shout out now and then. Especially right before you eat them.

The Butcher Shop is next!

They'll take care of all your butchering and processing needs. All kinds and cuts of meat to buy! The Gregcarnivore might turn into a salivating mess though so we can't spend too much time here. Just long enough to read the country cartoon calendar and buy some beef jerky. Mmmmm...BBQ beef jerky.

Try some!

While you gnaw away on that, we'll head on over to one of the best bird-watching spots in Nebraska...Massie Lagoon!

It's just a few miles outside of town and I'm a little ashamed to admit I have yet to see a bird there...but supposedly they show up by the thousands during spring migration.

In fact, there's a grand 'ol festival to celebrate all the birds while they're here. Spring Wing Ding!

At least there used to be. This flyer is from 1999 so I'm not sure if they do this anymore. But I remember my high school science teacher Mr. Heftie being all sorts of excited about the Spring Wing Ding every year. There were bonus points to be had if you went to one of his bird workshops or tours too.

I don't think I ever went. How lame is that? Where else do they have a spring wing ding?? Let this be a lesson learned...take advantage of your opportunities! I mean, I missed seeing all of this being commandeered by water fowl every year!

Do you think they served duck at the "Wetland Buffet" on Friday night? I may never know...

Well, that about rounds up our tour for today. Sure wish I could take you over to the field where all my P-dogs live but we'll have to save that for another time. I didn't get to visit them on this last trip! But I'm sure they're still there. One thing you can always count on, those P-dogs.

Next time we'll check out all the "culinary confections" and quirks that Hastings has to offer!

Trust me, you don't want to miss out on that excitement!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 249 - Thoughts before the Bandera 50k

2012-01-06T20:18:00.000-06:00

First, the Greghooky came to lunch with me at work the other day. (ok, maybe not hooky). (he had the day off and I didn't). (shoot).

Cue blurry photo as proof:

He brought his niece Tejas too. I sure do love giving tours of USAA to friends and family seeing the "Home Office" for the first time! It makes the world's Top 35 Largest Buildings by Floor Space list (according to wikipedia...valid source, right?) and is just kind of fun to flaunt. Plus I got to show them my desk and tell them all about what I do.

Tejas thought it sounded boring.

Ouch! Data warehousing is so cool!!

Neither of them thought the pool tables were boring though. Or the nap rooms. Or the fitness centers. Or the Wii systems in our break rooms.

The nine-to-five has its perks.

Also, the Bandera 50k is tomorrow! As is Greg's brother's wedding. Here's a peak into the Kyoo mind:

"Can I pull off wearing down booties to a wedding reception?"
"This was really great planning Kyoo!"
"The weather forecast looks beautiful. Sunny and in the high 60s!"
"Do snakes like weather in the 60s?"
"I sure hope I don't get super bloated and gain almost 10 pounds for a week like I did after my last 50k. That was sure an unpleasant side effect..."
"Oh! I have Strawberry Stinger energy gels that Santa brought me to use! It's like a party for my taste buds and jet fuel for my muscles every 45 minutes! (usually gels just supply the jet fuel part...the taste bud party is an added bonus)."
"I need more races on my calendar. It's getting sparse after March."
"The pre-race email mentions hills a lot. Awesome."
"The Katieflu is sick...so I'm going this one alone and without my photographer. Blech."
"There are scores more people registered for this race...dang it Kyoo stop trying to be competitive!"
"I hope there's plenty of time for runners to space out before it goes down to single track. That'll be a fun cattle drive if not..."
"Maybe this one will have gummy bears too!"

Wish me luck! I'm feeling strong and rested right now. Here's to hopping I don't wake up with the flu!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 248 - My Exercise Routine and Motivators

2012-01-05T18:32:00.000-06:00

I'm sort of sorry this post is mostly serious and not pictorially blessed (I'll throw some random ones in...), but it's going to be life-changing, so can we still be friends?

Plea bargain, maybe?

Ok...maybe not life-changing...but it might give you ideas. Or motivation. You know, if you're looking for those sorts of things. And even if you're not. Plus, I write a lot about my races, but I don't comment much about the daily grind. That's the 99%, camps and protests if we don't credit it!

Also, if I get lazy again, I can look back at this and remember what I "used to be like" and most likely it'll kick my competitive drive into gear which will spur me back into activity.

All chain reaction and Mouse Trap like. (LOVED that game when I was a kid).

Random landscape picture:

So let's get going! First an overview of my weekly training schedule followed by my motivators.

The Kyoo Weekly Grind

Monday
1-1.5 hours full-body weights
3-5 mile "fun run"
My weight workouts are pretty intense. But I love lifting weights and I have a great group of buddies I lift with so I thoroughly enjoy these workouts. It's a full-body circuit that's usually divided into 3 20-minute segments repeating 3-5 different exercises. We do all sorts of lifts too. No two weeks are the same. But there are always variations of pushups, pullups, and lunges.
My Monday run is usually a jog on the trails by my condo and I have a new rule that I can't bring my iPod on this run. I'm usually recovering from a weekend long run or race so I use this run as active recovery and try to listen to my body and enjoy the run.

Tuesday
6-10 mile run
My Tuesday run is the "midweek long run". The mileage all depends on where I am in my training and how close my next race is. I try to throw longer "fartleks" into this run to work a bit on speed or just aim for negative splits (run 2nd half faster than the first) if I'm feeling really sore starting out.

Wednesday
3-6 mile hill repeats or speed work
45-minutes cycling (sometimes)
My Wednesday run is usually my most intense of the week. Either hard speed work or hard hill work, depending on which race I'm training for. Some weeks I'm on the treadmill, some I'm outside, it depends on how I'm feeling. (and maybe a little on the weather). If I'm training for a triathlon, I'll spend some time on my bike before the run as a sort of "brick" workout.

Thursday
1-1.5 hours full-body weights
45-minutes cross training
More weight circuits on Thursday and then cross-training in the evening to give my legs a break. I usually swim laps at a local pool. Sure love swimming!

Friday
4-10 mile race pace run
Friday runs tend to be my least favorite. I think it's a combination of it being Friday and a long pace run on the treadmill. I'm almost always on the treadmill on Friday. The "20-minute" and "5 more minutes" mind tricks are often employed. (see below). It's my mental fortitude and monotony training run! Ok, maybe it's not that bad but running as many as 10 miles at the same pace (and usually a hard pace at that), can be a struggle. But I know it helps my running so I won't quit them any time soon. I usually reward myself with chocolate milk after...and sometimes Pasha!

Saturday
Long run!
Oh how I love my Saturday long runs! Seriously. I try not to schedule things in the morning/early afternoon so I have plenty of time and don't feel rushed. These are the runs I run for. Just getting lost in the run and exploring and pushing limits. Not easy but so rewarding.

Sunday
Rest
A vital part of any exercise routine! And it's the Sabbath. I might use my foam roller a bit if I'm feeling particularly achy or go on a walk to loosen up but nothing else.

And that's that. It took a few months to get settled into this, but I've kept it up for the better part of 10 months now and it works for me. I will note the running schedule is patterned closely after Hal Higdon's schedules and a colleague of mine comes up with the weight workouts. So I won't take any credit for "inventing" this regime...just sharing what I do.

Second random landscape picture:

So what gets me up and going day in and day out? Glad you asked!

The Kyoo Motivators

1) I love running. I love the challenge. I love the thinking time. I love the way it makes me feel. Even on "bad" run days, I feel better after running than I did before. Trust based on past experience? Like any good relationship, this love developed over time and with lots of work. I think it's worth it.

"I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"

- Buddy the Elf...you should know.

2) The 20-minute "mind trick". If I'm having a hard time getting muhself on the treadmill or out the door on a run, I use the 20-minute mind trick. I tell myself, "Kyoo, just get off your butt and jog (or on really, really unmotivated days, walk) for 20 minutes and then you can stop." 20 minutes sounds so much easier than 60 minutes or 10 miles or whatever I have planned! This usually gives me the activation energy necessary to get dressed and put my shoes on and start the darn workout. Which is most of the battle! Once I'm on the run, I'm almost always into it by 20 minutes and ready to keep going. If I'm not, I decide if it's because I need a day off or if it's just a bad day. If it's just a bad day (yes I do have those!), I keep telling myself "5 more minutes" as long as I can. Build that mental fortitude!

"Your body wants to tell you that you're weak. That's when you tell it that you're strong."

- some drill sergeant on a TV show

3) Muh-u-sic! I have a constantly "evolving" workout playlist with all my "favorite jams". They range from country to classical to pop to reggae to film score and beyond. Whatever is striking my liking at the time. And I only let myself listen to this playlist when I'm working out! It's a type of reward that gets me all sorts of eager to run. Nothing like getting lost in your favorite tunes while on a run!

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

- credit to the Bob Marley for that one...

4) My competitive drive. I'll be honest, sometimes hearing what other people are doing motivates me to want to do more. Like reading any of Dean Karnazes' books. It's not a bad thing, but I try to suppress the "beat people" mentality and substitute it for the "beat yourself" mentality. There's so much more to gain and be proud of by trying to be better today than you were yesterday.

"Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself."

- William Faulkner

5) Mirror time. Call me narcissistic or vain or whatever you will but it works. I'm not talking about hours in front of the mirror, but I step in front of it to "face myself" every once in a while. When I don't like what I see, I want to fix it. When I like what I see I'm like, "Yeah! Lookin' good! *arm flex* This is totally worth it!". I don't run solely to look better in jeans, but I'm not discrediting it as a motivator. Also, gotta use a full-length one...don't cheat.

"Pain is weakness leaving the body."

- ??

6) Races. Having a race on the calendar that I'm excited about and training for is huge. It gives me focus and keeps my running interesting. I try to pick a variety of races, some I've done before and some new, to keep me busy. About one a month. It's a good way to track progress too. Personal bests! I'm a hamburger.

"I still bother with runners I call hamburgers. They're never going to run any record times, but they can always fulfill their own potential."

- Bill Bowerman

Third random landscape picture:

Wow, if you've made it this far....gold star! Are you just dying to exercise now?? I am. But I have a race this Saturday so I'm resting up.

Go run for me!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 247 - Out With The Old...

2012-01-03T09:03:00.001-06:00

...in with the new.

Dilbert calendar, that is.

I still love my Calvin and Hobbes and I could read Get Fuzzy and Sherman's Lagoon for hours at home. But at work, it's all about the Dilbert .

Sitting down at my desk in the cubicle sea each day and ripping off another page is filled with suspenseful excitement. Will the next one hit a funny bone? Will I LOL? Will I relate? Is it going to be a knee-slapper I just have to jump up and immediately share with all my colleagues? Will I just stare at it thinking, "Whelp, maybe tomorrow it will be funny."?

Oh how it adds spice to my work day!

A thank you (that he'll never see) to Scott Adams.

Also, I'm about to hit my 3-year mark working for USAA. I sure love this company. Light years better than the one Dilbert works for...but it's weird to realize I've been out of college that long.

And torn my way, page by page, thru the entirety of that many Dilbert calendars.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 246 - New Year's Eve Celebration

2012-01-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

Celebrate San Antonio 2011?

Yes.

At the beginning of December, the Gregman and I (ok, mostly the Gregman), had these grand ideas for possibly going to New York City for the New Year's weekend with his sisters and a husband. As terribly fun and adventurous as that would have been (honestly), we just couldn't jump the hurdle from mass group texting about flight prices to actually purchasing flights.

So we stayed here. And did the next best thing.

Party in downtown SA! Whoop!

And we went all out for it too. I mean, I kind of wore real clothes. And shoes that weren't my brown work Keens.

And we took the VIA bus.

It was kind of a pain and took ages but an adventure nonetheless and I obviously took terribly blurry and terribly awkward photos of it all.

And also stood around at a bus stop for 8 years. Let me tell you, you have never experienced people-watching unless you have stood at a bus stop for 8 years. Because now I feel 8 years more cultured.

But the bus eventually got there and grumbled along towards downtown and not too many tens of minutes later we were immersed in this!

Ah-ha-ha favorite! I'm just going to disclaimer right now that pretty much every picture has the Tower of the Americas in it. Because it's really the focal point of this celebration. And it was basically my camera-magnet all night.

We made our way a few blocks from the bus stop to HemisFair Park where all the action was going down and, wipe the sweat off my brow, it was a party!

Pee-acked. Six stages sporting bands. And, if you're like me, and you weren't too awfully fond of the music...

...you could at least be awfully fond of the hats...

...or the artwork on the side of the carnival buses...

...or all the lights on the carnival rides.

I took a lot of pictures of the lights.

Because I certainly wasn't going to pay $4 to ride one. Dollars are cleverly disguised as "tickets" here, don't be fooled

We joined the party around 9pm. And it was hustles and bustles of fun for about 15 minutes. But then I realized I was standing and getting really tired of standing and not really feeling like partaking in any of the immediate festivities.

That's about when I noticed the golden arches gloriously rising above the hordes.

Bingo! So what if we spent the last couple hours of 2011 chilling at the Mickey of D's? (my life is excitement, I know).

It was actually a party there too though.

We put on our "Really?" faces and joined the line. Reese's McFlurry for myself. M&Ms for the GregMcFlurry. There was a disagreement and a lengthy discussion about why M&Ms should or should not be put in frozen foods like icecream while we waited. I've decided he orders it because he knows I won't eat it all. The nerve...

Food devouring was interspersed with chatting about possible trips to the South Pacific and the luxuries of international flights and tales of New Zealand. And some researching into which bus we'd need to take back. Also, Greggins grew a head out of his shoulder, isn't that cool??

We made it back out onto the streets in time for the countdown. Listen carefully and let me tell you.

Oh. My. Energy.

I was dead set at this point to never come back downtown to ring in the New Year. (unless I rented a hotel room and could watch it from my balcony and go right to sleep after). (maybe bedtime is important to me). But that ten minutes leading up to the new year and the ten minutes after are just such a blast! (pun not intended).

There were drunk people running around and girls flashing all sorts of body parts unintentionally and noise makers and blinking hats and screaming and cheering and police cars and policeman with quarter light sabers and kids shooting water guns and green laser lights dancing around on the buildings and clouds of cheap cigarette smoke and puffs of expensive cigar smoke and just hundreds of thousands of people all gathered together to welcome a new year to humanity.

I'm a sucker for being around hundreds of thousands of crazy excited people. As long as I'm not driving. Or late to something.

11:59 hit and the elevator started climbing the Tower of the Americas with big beam spotlights shooting out for all to see. It steadily made its way to the top...anticipation building...until it literally hit the roof and knocked that 1 into a 2.

2012!!

And then the craziest things began to happen. The fireworks started off slow.

And gradually grew in grandeur. (come on, say that sentence again, the flow!).

But then this ginormously massive tentacled jelly fish tried to attack the Tower.

But it exploded.

And all mayhem broke loose.

Or maybe I just couldn't take clear pictures of the fireworks show without a tripod?

I'll let you decide.

Either way, it was a cool show. And I might go back again just for it. Only I'd get there closer to midnight and skip all the pre-show stuff.

And maybe really fork out for that hotel room. Because, riding the bus, it took me almost 2 hours to get home from downtown. On a normal night, that's a 20 minute drive. Tops.

Tired Kyoo! But it sure was a fun way to ring in the new year! I even got my kiss. (cover your eyes). The only thing lacking was sparkling Martinelli's. Next year?

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 245 - 2011: A Eulogy

2012-01-01T18:57:00.001-06:00

2011 and I, we were friends. Not "kindred spirits" (to go all Anne of Green Gables on you) or "besties" (to go all creepy slang on you) but we grew on each other and got a good thing going.

Our friendship got off to a slow start. January and February seemed like months that would never end. Probably mostly because I just never have been a fan of winter. (I guess all years have that...lame).

But also slightly because when we first met, 2011 pretty much called me fat and poor. And while I needed to hear that, I was bitter. She definitely wasn't the kind of friend that smiled and told me what she thought I wanted to hear...

But I started working on not being fat and poor and she showed me she knew how to adventure. Like that one time in March when I ran a 10k for the first time in years (Whooping Crane Strut) and then went on the most epic road trip (EASST) along the east coast with my great buddy Alisha. (Eagerly Anticipated State Sign Trip). (came up with that all by ourselves, we did). I'll have to tell you more about that one later though. And how we slept in the car and only showered once, maybe?

I really enjoyed the company of 2011 as April rolled around. I kept up my running, found my love for weight lifting again, put a recycling bin in my house (big step), and gained momentum with my resolution to pay down my condo. I think this is when she realized that it was time for a bit more change in my life, because May reunited the Katiefriend and I as roommates once again and another epic road trip ensued. Portland to San Antonio this time!

My friendship with 2011 grew even stronger from June on. She kept whispering all these grand ideas in my head and showing me all these great opportunities and I just kept going for it. There was my first triathlon:

And that 3:46:46 marathon and winning my first trail 50k and biking to work and a handful of other successfully fun races. Yes, 2011 was good for the body. She got me all sorts of motivated and fit and I'm sitting here today over 20 pounds lighter and remembering how I can do pullups for the first time. Ever. And to think I first hated her for calling me fat!

2011 brought me scores of other accomplishments too, like paying off my condo in full (we'll save that for another time as well), reading more (finished "Jesus the Christ" just last week!), and making sushi for the first time (very important).

Hidey-tie-doe, was 2011 ever a year of sue-pear achievements. But lets get real, I didn't reach them by much talent of my own. I have a Heavenly Father who blesses me abundantly everyday. And so many people in my life who support and strengthen me. Like this dude:

And of course all my family fries:

Looking back, 2011 and I were really tight because she kept reminding me that I can be better and I have such awesome people in my life to be better for. Pretty thankful for the time I got to share with them and the memories made this past year. Sappy! But true.

2011, RIP buddy.

2012, you look pretty on the outside. Even-numbered year. Leap year. Election year. OLYMPIC year. My quarter-century year. Probably-something-else-important-that-I'm-forgetting year. Lets not spoil that, ok?

I'm optimistic!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 244 - To Do In A Hick Town, Pt 1

2011-12-30T16:42:00.004-06:00

Ready for a tour of the Kyoo hometown?? Well good, you've come to the best. I'll show you all the hot spots!

Our first stop is at the school.

There's a playground there. One of the best in town. (of two). Lots of spinning to do here folks.

You can cling to a metal globe and spin...

...or even plant your butt in a tulip and go round and round and round.

But of course you must pay homage to muh school doors while you're there. Ran thru those portals exactly 10 seconds before the bell rang every morning for six years I did. (down to a science).

Say hi to the kiddie hand prints, too.

And just admire the aged edifice of my scholastic rearing. (7th-12th grade for me). (though it is k-12).

Time for stop number two...on your mark, get set, GO!

It's my high school track! Take a lap and just soak up the essence of that kitty-litter trail. Can you feel it?? The sweat? The tears? The footprints? The miles and miles? Can you hear Coach Studnicka reminding us that the only way to run faster is to run faster?

I still can.

Super 600s were my favorite workout. NOT!

I'm getting thirsty just thinking about it. Let's stop at the Country Store for a pop. (we're in Nebraska, I can call it that!).

The Country Store used to be the cool place to run and buy candy and pop after school lunch. I never bought much myself, but I usually made the trek with a group of friends and browsed around wishing I had money. Buy a gummy hamburger for me, will ya?

In fact, I'll take you to the post office right now so you can send it!

The best part about our little post office is that my mom works there.

Hi Kyoo mom!

Take a moment to admire the town scenery...

...as you take a short jaunt to the library.

Oh the library. Don't doubt it, this is the hoppin' spot in town. Movies to rent. Video games to play. Computers to peruse with. A playhouse in the basement. Dress-up clothes. And shelves and shelves of books and magazines. Hours and hours of entertainment here! And summer reading programs! This place has gots it all.

Come on, you know you want to get a library card.

Guess what else is cool about my homey town?

Uh, maybe that we're the county seat?? Yeah, that's cool. So we're gonna check out the court house.

Lots of antiques and old hallways to explore.

And the courtroom's probably open, so go ahead and try out that chair!

Also, if you look close enough, you'll find our mark on the county 4-H quilt. Represent!

As you leave the courthouse, on the west side, you'll see remnants of school spirit past.

Which is bittersweet. I graduated a Wildcat. Morgie graduated a Wildcat. But the Smil on down will graduate a Cougar. Our little school just got too little and had to merge with the schools of surrounding area towns.

Sad day!

Did you know I graduated in a class of 17? Surely did. Four in that band of classmates were foreign exchange students too. How's that for small! The merger was bound to happen sometime.

What's that? You're feeling all cramped in the city?

Well lets remedy that!

Plenty of wide-open country roads to explore here.

Ahhh, the expansive miles. Golden with the plowed fields in fall and winter. Green with corn and beans to boot in the spring and summer. Just ripe with postcard potential.

Don't forget to turn around and admire the town skyline! Most noticeable are the water tower and grain bins/elevators. Cool, huh?

Even cooler is that you can still hear the siren! YouTube for the win. It sounds a couple times a day. Noon and six, I think? You get used to it after a while and don't notice. I'm fairly certain it's been ringing its announcement for decades and decades, but most originally to let the workers at a now-closed industrial plant know when they could eat and go home. Not sure why it's still going today, but it's an integral part of my town!

They use it to round up the volunteer fire corps during emergencies and warn of tornadoes too. Matter-of-fact.

Oh my, the day is almost spent! You're getting tired, aren't you? Too bad because there's plenty more I could show you! Like the fairgrounds where Old Trusty Days is held every September. And the swimming pool where I spent 3 summers on my butt in those purple lifeguard chairs employed as a glorified baby-sitter. Painted it too. Have you ever painted a swimming pool? Yes, opportunities abound here. No doubt about that!

Well, why don't you just pull up a chair and enjoy the sunset, ok? Sure glad you came along today!

Don't forget to come back later for part 2! We'll explore a few unique places in surrounding towns. Yippee-ai-ay it'll be a hootin' ol' time!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 243 - Christmas Recap

2011-12-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

I'm back from Nebraska (still not in love with that 14-hour drive, if you were wondering) and reveling in the memories of my holiday rendezvous just past.

Christmas was a part-y this year!

Part hours of driving with the boy and dining on fine road food.

(Triscuit sandwiches!). (we forgot the bread). (my fault).

(and did you know the landscape doesn't change at all on the thoroughfare that is I-35?). (well it doesn't). (phooey).

Part eating waaay too many of the Kyoo mom's rolls. (mmmmmm).

Part traditional holiday meals.

(you bet funeral potatoes are staple for our Christmas dinner). (it'd be a shame to reserve those only for funerals).

Part nontraditional holiday meals.

(the Morgie wanted to try a Passover meal for Christmas Eve). (except it was pretty unorthodox after she had to make some substitutions so we would actually eat it). (but she explained the symbolism behind each dish and brought attention to the fact that it was Jesus Christ's Last Supper before fulfilling His earthly mission). (which is the reason for His birth so it was a nice segue into Christmas). (along with the traditional reading of St Luke chapter 2, of course).

(PS - I just realized I've always spelled segue wrong). (definitely thought it was segway). (dork stamp).

Part Christmas tree and presents.

(the spee-i-der view).

(annnnnd proof i was on the nice list this year). (love having young siblings). (Santa still makes a stop).

Part games, games, and more games with the family.

(bingo!). (naturally played while stuffing our faces with even more food).

(the Gregamer thinks he's quite clever in the adjective to noun matching world). (eye roll).

(Jordie made the pinata). (it was awesome). (and filled with fruit snacks). (win).

Part long walks in the country with the Shadow puppy.

(there were calories to burn).

(and I just love my big, black dog). (and my Nebraska country).

Part Smil making me breakfast.

(she is a willing cook, and a darn good one at that). (and I'm a willing eater, and a darn good one at that).

(and I gave her that hat). (which she loved).

(buttermilk hotcakes). (homemade syrup). (sensing a food theme?). (there was a lot of eating).

Part church basketball game with friends.

(we're so fast).

(I made a basket). (more than once). (believe it).

(Jordie stacked cups?).

And so many parts just spending heaps of quality time with these cool cats.

(the Kyoo dad was off on a bicycling adventure and missed family pictures, take 1). (see where I get it??).

And this dog.

So glad I made it up to Nebraska to spend the Christmas party with them! Cliche as ever, but it was the best present of the season. (Gregcharmer don't you worry, yours was a very close second).

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 242 - Have You Ever? Chestnut Edition

2011-12-27T22:55:00.000-06:00

Have you ever...roasted chestnuts?

Christmas isn't Christmas without "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping on your nose", right?

Wrong.

It had never occurred to me, after years of that song playing thru Christmas pasts, that I'd never actually tried roasting chestnuts. And then, suddenly, this year, during a band rehearsal of "The Christmas Song", it hit me. "I've never roasted chestnuts!".

And then this bag caught my eye a few weeks later at HEB.

And I had to try it.

I enlisted the family for help on this one. Or rather, my 11-year-old sister. Because you have to cut an 'X' into the top of the chestnuts before roasting them, and who better to hand a sharp knife to?

In hind sight, probably not my brightest idea. But she handled it well. There weren't any knife casualties but the whole process was kind of a pain and took ages. Though we were using fairly dull steak knives...

This is my cooking show picture of the week:

We settled for the oven roasting instructions because, well, there just wasn't a fire handy. And I'm pretty sure the Kyoo mom would have forbid the creation of a fire handy. Though I didn't ask her...

So the chestnuts roasted in a conventional oven and fifteen minutes later...

...we were staring at the inspiration of Christmas music lore.

A few tugs at the shell and we were in.

They look like brains.

And the taste verdict?

We weren't impressed. Most of them were moldy? And the ones that weren't moldy didn't taste all that amazing. Definitely not worth the effort! (in my awesome opinion).

Though maybe they taste better after roasting on an open fire. Smokey, perhaps? Either way, they probably won't be a tradition in these parts any time soon.

But still a fun kitchen adventure!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 241 - Just Dance

2011-12-26T22:55:00.001-06:00

Just Dance is not favorite.

I mean, that wii controller just can't capture these moves.

Ok, maybe it's just us.

Have a great day :-)

Kyoo 240 - So Far This Christmas...

2011-12-25T18:49:00.000-06:00

...in pictures:

Merry Christmas!

And as always...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 239 - Holiday Travel: Foiled Again!

2011-12-22T23:09:00.001-06:00

I will admit it up front, this is a sob story. So get your violins warmed up! And maybe grab a Kleenex or two.

It might still be too early but I'm hoping to find the humor in this by typing it all up...so here goes.

This adventure begins on Wednesday night, shortly after realizing I was going to need to postpone my Christmas travel plans due to winter weather. (and also several texts from the Kyoo family with terms such as "wuss" and "Texan" being thrown around).

I realized there was a problem as the Gregsinger and I were heading to "Caroling on the Riverwalk". It's an annual tradition with the Institute here and another one of my favorite Christmas activities!

The Riverwalk at Christmas rivals Temple Square's light magic in my book. I mean, look at the detail on those trees! And they're not short!

And you can ride around and take it all in on a boat. While singing Christmas carols. Kind of a trump...

And there's donuts and hot chocolate after. FTW! I was feeling quite chipper and festive at that moment.

But back to the problem.

We had to take the Gregmobile downtown because Casper was being stubborn! Which really was uncalled for because he received a full service, wheel alignment, brake cleaning, and other sorts just on Monday. But for some reason, we could put the key in the ignition but it wouldn't turn. We jiggled the steering wheel, tapped on the key with a screwdriver, directed stern words its way, (ok, mostly I directed stern words its way...), and ultimately accomplished a whole lot of nothing.

Except realizing there was something else preventing me from getting home besides the weather.

I was able to put it out of my mind while caroling but the problem pretty much consumed me all night. I had to fix it! I tossed and turned trying to decide what to do. At 5:30 I called it morning and got to work. (it was actually 5:29, and the financial nerd in me giggled just a bit).

After a few hours at work, I stepped outside to face the Casper car. There was a challenge to tackle!

Sleeves rolled up, tools laid out, and battery cables disconnected, I turned to a do-it-yourselfers best friend: You Tube tutorials.

But I really had no idea what I was doing. All the videos said the "ignition lock cylinder" is just supposed to slide out and you can put a new one in. Except to release it, you have to be able to turn the key to the "run" position.

Which wasn't an option because the problem was the key not turning in the first place! Hardly helpful. I did some more googling and quite a few people said they "drilled" out the key hole until they could turn it to the run position.

That seemed a little drastic. And I decided it'd be best to check at an auto parts store for the replacement cylinder first.

Three different stores. No one had it. I may have cried a bit.

I even checked at a dealership and nothing. They did give me a quote to do the work themselves but they couldn't get to it until Monday.

I felt so frustrated and defeated! This is about the point I really let the tears go (while telling myself I was so dumb for crying) and texted my family that I probably wouldn't be making it home.

And then I took a nap. It's a really good way to procrastinate facing a problem.

I felt better after the nap. But I was in a really stubborn mood. My family was full of ideas on how I could still make it to Nebraska but I had already accepted a Christmas weekend alone in my condo eating a pan of brownies and watching Netflix. I couldn't get up there my way so I wasn't going to get there at all!

Pathetic, right? Don't judge. It was a low point. And that's about when the Gregrescue stepped in. He took me to Pasha and a movie (Mission Impossible, recommend it). Can I say again that that boy is a champ? I enjoyed our little date but after I slipped right back into a mood when I had to think about the situation again and was so determined to not let anything make me happy. But then he started singing "Pedro the Banana Stand" and, I tried to fight it off, but it broke right thru the wall and made me smile. And I told him he was dumb and tried to hide it but he wasn't fooled. Darn it Greg, I was trying to be mad!

I finally bucked it up, coughed up the 200 bucks, and picked up a rental car. I thought my horrible day was over too, but as I pulled up to my condo, I realized I had left my keys in the Gregmobile. And, NO JOKE, a black cat walked in front of my car right then.

Silent prayer. Please let this not be an omen of more bad luck!

I called the Gregman and there was nothing else we could do at that point except laugh exhaustively as we both drove back across town to meet and exchange keys. And also get ice-cream. (way overdue at that point, realize that).

It was such an emotional day. I hate emotional days.

At least it makes for a good story, right?

.......

Yeah, I could have gone without it too. But it doesn't seem so bad now that I'm finally en route to Nebraska with my Gregman in the saddles of Jetta Jean. (Greg gets partial name creds for that one).

We'll see how I feel when I get my credit card bill next month. Ha!

I hope y'all are having better holiday travel luck than me! Just get with all your peoples, ok? Almost Christmas Eve!

Have a great day :-)

Kyoo 238 - Holiday Travel: Foiled!

2011-12-21T18:13:00.000-06:00

Weather forecast along my travel route to Nebraska:

Guess which day I was planning on traveling?

Yeah...

Further evidence supporting my "conspiracy theory" that Mother Nature has a malicious "sense of Kyoo".

Pardon me while I pump myself up for another day of work this week.

Gotta roll with the punches, right?

I'll still get home for Christmas!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 237 - Have You Ever? Donut Edition

2011-12-20T22:57:00.000-06:00

Have you ever...made donuts from scratch?

The boy and I did on Sunday. Just for funsies. Neither of us had ever made donuts before so it was a kitchen adventure! With only one casualty, I might add (the Gregflipper burned his finger tending to the frying pastries).

But even he'll admit it was worth it. Covered in glaze and festive sprinkles, they were melt-in-your-mouth.

"Mmmmmmmm, donuts."

I recommend this recipe. Except I wasn't real impressed with the glaze. If I were to do it again, I'd use a glaze that maybe only calls for sugar and water?

And also, hindsight, I would half the recipe. We had waaaaay too many donuts and most had to be thrown away. They don't store well, as you might expect.

Too bad y'all weren't there to help us out...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 236 - An Early Christmas Gift

2011-12-19T22:13:00.000-06:00

He was excited.

Oh boy was he excited!

We're talking like a small child about to open presents excited.

But he had been keeping this to himself for over a month. Which is years in "Greg-keeping-a-surprise" time. Every other minute on the drive to Sea World he would ask me "Can I tell you now??". And I would respond "Not yet!". Because it's really amusing to watch him squirm. And also, I like to savor the anticipation high.

I'll give the Greghype some creds though, his gift done won him some boyfriend points.

We pulled into Dolly the Dolphin parking lot #13, turned off the car, and I just couldn't corral the rodeo any longer.

"Ok I have to tell you now!"

"Alright, alright, tell me now."

And with that he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, pushed it my direction, and exclaimed, "You get to swim with the whales!"

I stared. Slightly confused. "Is this some implication of my weight...?"

"What..? No...they're like the skinniest whales!"

Honest. Those were his words. Isn't he a charmer??

Gregbanter aside, I was surprised, stoked, and still soaking up the anticipation high. (and also psyching myself up for the 60 degree water...).

We grabbed the swimsuit he'd had the Katiefriend sneak out from under my nose, and skipped into the park. Ok, we didn't skip, but it sounds good so picture us skipping. All the way to the Beluga Whale pool.

And, also, picture me singing this. Because, naturally, I was. And the Gregblusher didn't even get embarrassed! (that's how excited he was).

"Baby beluga in the deep blue sea,

Swim so wild and you swim so free.

Heaven above and the sea below,

And a little white whale on the go.

Baby beluga, oh, baby beluga!"

But mostly just the "Baby beluga, oh, baby beluga!" part.

There were wet suits involved. And we rocked them. Something about being enveloped in neoprene makes you feel like a super hero...

Or maybe it's the slipping into neoprene part. Because that takes some work. That aside, we watched a short video on beluga whales and how they're trained at Sea World, were told to "be cool" around the whales (uh, easy), and then slipped into the pool.

*high-pitched squeal*

That was Greg. I on the other hand, handled the initial shock like a champ.

"Baby beluga!"

Ok, maybe we weren't so cool. But they loved us nonetheless.

(let's pretend that I don't also have a picture of the whale missing my cheek and instead going for my jugular...)

Well, maybe they just loved me. Emac (sp...?) seemed to just played dead around the Gregfloater...

Haha, just kidding! Wait...

...nope, he looks dead in that one too. I think the belugas could sense his jealousy...

"I wish someone would play with me all day and then feed me food."

(dream big children, dream big).

We spent the better part of an hour up close and personal with the floating marshmallows and oh I just loved them!

Come here so I can give you a hug!

(let's pretend my rear does not look ginormous in that picture...it's a bad angle...i swear...).

They're pretty cool creatures. I even forgave one for spraying me. (in his defense, I did unknowingly give the "spray" command). And I laughed when another one just ignored the trainer and started doing jumps all over the pool in grand "I do what I want!" and "Go big or go home!" fashion. Kind of amazing how much personality animals can seem to have. It makes me smile.

The whole encounter went by in a breeze. I didn't even notice how cold the water was. (ok, maybe a few times, but those wet suits are amazing). It was a sad moment when the trainers tired of entertaining the tourists and gave us the boot.

But overall it was a pretty original Christmas gift/memory from the boy.

He thought so too.

"That was better than this one time a cheetah at the zoo winked at me!"

I couldn't have summed it up better myself. Though I've never had a cheetah wink at me...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 235 - Mine smells like macaroons!

2011-12-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

Oh my love of grilled chicken sandwiches and sweet potato fries you have to eat here:

Northeast San Antonio. Kind of in a corner and hard to find but your pursuit will be rewarded. With avocadoey swiss cheese on a delicious homemade roll goodness.

It was another "groupon" date. Better than the last groupon date, thanks for asking. And not just because of the grilled chicken sandwich. But also mostly because Biff Buzby's Burgers has steak-cut sweet potato fries!

Steak-cut.

They were glorious. I mean, the only way my sweet potato fry life could get better now would be if Chick-Fil-A started selling a sweet potato version of their waffle fries. (Chick-Fil-A??) Holy starches I'd be in heaven.

Plus, this Buzby's place is all aviation-themed so you're eating underneath a ceiling spread of airplanes, or, should you feel so inclined, in "the cockpit". If the food isn't a draw (but really, it's practically an ar-teest), then that is.

After filling our caloric tanks (and then some...) the Greggins and I walked it off on a not-quite-but-almost-last-minute Christmas shopping adventure in the Forum. Where I got so excited about and was hook, line, and sinker ready to buy a gloriously fake 7-ft tall Christmas tree for 7 dollars, until handsome was all,

"Where are you going to store that?"

And my longing, puzzled stare at that PVC jewel was the end of that.

The shopping wasn't that productive but we did successfully fend off an aggressive salesman at the Men's Wearhouse trying to convince us that the Gregtailored needed a "cashmere suit"? Emphasis on the question mark. We were not there looking for suits...

Yes, our dates are all sorts of whimsical.

The night ended with Mickey D's hot chocolate splendor, which, we decided, really isn't that splendid, and a drive-around Windcrest to view their light displays.

I'm told this year didn't quite live up to the glory of years' past. But, in true Kyoo-Bear fashion, the food kept us sidetracked throughout most of the drive, not the lights...

"Ohmuhgoodness does this hot chocolate ever cool off?"

"I know, it's still like 200 degrees!"

An incident.

"Warn me before you step on the gas. *the look* I'm trying to drink this stuff!"

Observations.

"Does yours taste like chocolate? Mine doesn't taste like chocolate..."

Some sniffing.

"Mine smells like a macaroon!"

Hind sight.

"I should have asked for ice."

"Their iced hot chocolate doesn't seem so stupid now, does it?"

Beware the show-stealing powers of McD's hot chocolate (...drink). (because I don't think you can call it just hot chocolate). (it's like Tang to orange juice).

Also, maybe the night really ended with me taking a nap in my car to muster up the energy to drive home? It was, after all, almost 10 at that point. And it's not like I had a show or symphony to sleep thru earlier in the evening. (poor planning, I know).

The Casper and I made it home on a musical diet of lovely Tannenbaum branches and j-i-n-g-l-e bells.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 234 - A Little Backwards

2011-12-15T22:29:00.001-06:00

I've always been a little backwards.

I mean, let's look at this.

Apollo 13 inspired me to want to be an astronaut.
Most of my really productive study sessions in college were on Friday nights (annnnd possibly the reason I'm still single at 24?).
It's not about the fries, it's about the ketchup.
Parents are usually right, and I'll admit it (Kyoo mom, don't take this too far!)
I procrastinate opening my presents on Christmas morning as long as I can (savor the moment!).
Scrubs were the pants of choice all through high school (still embarrassing).
I wear my sunglasses at night.

Ok, maybe not that last one. But I guess it really shouldn't surprise me that, after finishing one of my hardest weight workouts to date and then spending a lengthy session in a cold one of these today:

...I was all sorts of itching to register for this:

I've had my eye on a full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) for years. And 2012 might be the year. I need to amp up my bike (a lot). (like a lot a lot). (just not a lover of the biking yet). And I also need to come up with $600 for the registration fee. (ouch, right? pricey).

And maybe convince the Gregworryer that it's a good idea, too. Because sometimes he thinks I'm a little over-ambitious. Like he has any basis for that conception...

But don't worry, I'll keep you posted.

Can I also say that my striking Gregswimmer freestyled and backstroked his way across the pool 40 times today?? 1000 yards for him! It was triumphant. We celebrated the only way you can celebrate such an accomplishment.

At Fuddruckers.

Your tip of the week is to spring for the kids hamburger meal there. It's 4 bucks and the burger is just the right size. Plus you get their big steak fries and a cookie. Way better than spending 7 bucks for just the burger!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 233 - A Country Christmas Party Confession

2011-12-14T12:18:00.001-06:00

Shhh!

Don't tell

the Gregman

I said

this,

but,

his work

Christmas party

was cooler

than mine.

Again.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 232 - Pedro, the Banana Stand

2011-12-13T15:03:00.000-06:00

This is Pedro, the Banana Stand.

He sits in the Kyoo Kitchen now.

I wrote a song about him. Or rather, the lyrics just seem to come to me at random whenever I walk into the kitchen. Or go out on a run. Or am just sitting at work.

They consume me!

So I have to get it out.

*ahem*

(to the tune of nothing in particular).

This is Pedro, the Banana Stand,
He is the stander of all things banana!
Pedro stands your bananas,
So you don't have to.
He stands bananas day and night,
The job only ends when the bananas are gone,
Or there's only one left.
Because Pedro is a lover of bunches,
And he won't stand a single banana.
As long as there are bananas,
Pedro will have a job.
For the reason that he,
Is a banana stand.
It's Pedro!

That's all.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 231 - Race Recap: Sendero 50k

2011-12-11T07:44:00.001-06:00

Well, there's no better way to start this post than by saying...I won!

:-)

It was a very small, low-key race but it's still my first 'W' as a runner so it would be a lie to say I'm not kind of super really happy about that. Plus, I made money on this race?

Keep reading.

The manager brought in bagels Friday morning. He usually does that but I'm pretending it was just specially for my "carb-load". Love it when this greets me at work!

There was a grand early exit from the working place with shouts and well-wishes and even a human tunnel at the door.

Just kidding.

"You heading out already? Slacker!"

"I mean, good luck tomorrow..."

Suby Sue needed to be loaded up!

Then there was a longish drive up (and some traffic) to Burnet, TX and the Reveille Peak Ranch, runner check-in, devouring of Cici's Pizza (probably the worst choice but pizza is what I always seem to crave the night before a long run...), some situating of sleeping things, and then this:

Yes, we were those people sleeping in a car and burning fossil fuels at a campsite to stay warm. It was just for a few minutes to heat the car up. And I'm mostly sorry.

Then, at about 3 in the am, when the Katiefriend and I both realized the other person was awake, there was the usual pre-race laughing fit. Still a mystery as to why I am susceptible to those? Could have something to do with the Kyoo mind starting and finishing the whole 50k about 5 times in my dreams before that arousal.

"Ohmuhgoodness I still haven't actually started the race??"

Which may be why I was late to the start? I got up at the planned 6am but couldn't get myself to do much more than mosey around. And make, I'm certain, 12 trips to the restroom. Most painful part of the moring?

Putting my contacts in.

There was quite the flurry of activity when I realized my race was starting in 7 minutes though.

So flurryful the Katie-ographer couldn't snap a focused shot of me.

"Where are my shoes??"

Frantic. Minutes pass. Ripping through everything in the car. Realization sets in.

"Oh dang it, I'm already wearing them..."

"Are they already walking to the starting line?! What time is it??"

"Oh naturally, these headphones are tangled again...!"

A few commands to the Katiesupport.

"I'm bib 210, can you grab my timer thinga? Over there!"

"Ugh, stop taking pictures and just help me get these pants off!!"

Annnnd we have the makings of a true friend folks.

I might have been a bit late to the start, but it really didn't matter since the race was chip timed. Which I realized after my panic phase, not before, unfortunately. When I did get to the start, I exchanged some nice chit-chat with a few race officials, got my playlist all set, and then unceremoniously crossed the timer mat thing (beeeeeep) to begin my first trail 50k.

The race was long. But so enjoyable. The trails were just beautiful. The weather was perfect (overcast and cold). The support crews were amiable and so willing to meet requests (more gummy bears?). And I ran most of the race all by my lonesome. Which is favorite.

I even stopped once to snag a picture! But only once.

I also saw an armadillo.

And I couldn't remember if those can be aggressive or not. So I said "Hello armadillo, I'm Kyoo. Just passing thru. Mind if I trot by you? Please don't jump 10-feet in the air...or make any sudden movements. I really don't have the energy to respond....thanks lil' guy!"

There was part of the race (oh, the first 22 miles or so) that I really had to pee. And there was this blissful sight at about mile 7 wherein a heavenly glow and singing angels were hovering above a port-a-potty in the middle of nowhere.

And do you know what happened?

A man, right in front of me, stepped inside.

A MAN!

"Use a tree, dude!"

I had to hold it for the next 15.5 miles.

I mean, I could have waited, but I was feeling all competitive at that stage of the race and just wanted to keep moving. And so keep moving I did.

The race was powered by energy gels, honey, gummy bears, and Fritos. I'm not normally a Fritos person, but they had them at the aid stations and they started looking real good at about mile 14. So from then on it was an aid station routine of fill the water bottle, gummy bears left hand, Fritos right hand, back on the trail. Perfection.

I could write a small book about the 31 miles of running and the beautiful trails and the thoughts that I had and the funny things that happened and the trips and stutter-steps and all that is running a 50k, but we'll just skip to the finish now, because that's really what matters, right?

Right.

It was a close finish. By 50k standards. I was starting to feel really drained about a couple miles before the end. But then I looked behind me and saw another runner just 100 yards away. Too close. And that prompted a second wind.

My legs were burning and each minute felt like an hour but I was pushing it. I knew I was towards the front but I had no idea how many runners were in front of me. Another mile went by and I found myself passing a lady. Blue jacket lady. I remembered seeing her quite a ways ahead of me at the half-way turnaround. She was the only person, according to my mental notes, still in front of me.

That spurred me even faster.

"Am I in the lead? I think I'm in the lead now...how cool is this?? Oh my legs burn. It's going to be worth it! Keep pushing!"

And, just a minute or so before blue jacket lady, I crossed the finish line. About ready to fall over.

It was a pretty anti-climactic finish. There was no one there. All the thoughts of running down a chute with camera flashes and breaking of the tape that had spurred me on were dashed. Dashed!

The Katiefriend was chilling in her car, talking to her Katiemom on the phone, and she honked her horn a few seconds later when she noticed I'd just finished.

And then sauntered over to snap these gems.

(personal favorite pic from the race).

And the typical thumbs-up Kyoo.

PB&J. The sweet taste of victory.

It wasn't until later that I actually had it confirmed that I'd won. After I'd eaten some pretzels. And fought off several leg cramps. And taken a really cold, painful shower. And picked out a plant.

They had potted desert plants as the finisher medals. Which I thought was a great idea and LOVED! They were cute and I was super excited to take one home and add it to the dining room window collection.

So I picked out my plant. And then realized they had the results posted so I wandered over to check those out. A few questions ("What's the Open division?" "Oh, they're the overall winners?") and an exclamation ("That's me!") later and they had taken my plant away and replaced it with this:

Gift certificate for a free pair of shoes. Not bad! But I still miss that plant...

We stopped to pick out the shoes on the way home. Which, let me tell you, is a really fast trip with battered, swollen feet.

"Yep, these feel like shoes, let's get out of here."

The shoes came to $108 with change. So I "made" $28 on that race. If you don't count travel expenses. The Kyoo dad told me not to quit my day job just yet. He might be right.

A post-race meal at Texas Roadhouse and a rainy drive back to the Kyoo condo (and also several lengthy conversations with the Kyoo family who FINALLY picked up the phone) and we had a wrap on the race weekend.

But not before the Gregscholar greeted his triumphant trail runner with a big bear hug. (he'd abandoned me to study for and take a final). (the joys of dating a college boy). (I forgave him).

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 230 - Thoughts before the Sendero 50k

2011-12-08T21:41:00.000-06:00

Cue random photo:

And now a glimpse into the Kyoo mind and her thought snippets over the past couple days (pertaining to the 50k...):

Um, what was I thinking??
I can't wait to run!
It's just going to be a really long breakfast, right? A PB&J sandwich at each aid station, with a few miles to jog in between?
Of course there won't be any snakes.
Playlist loaded with a sprinkling of Christmas favorites? Check. I'm just going to be jamming all the day long.
I hope my iPod doesn't die.
Remember how you signed up for another one of these in January? You haven't even finished the first one!
Camping Friday night is going to be cold. Every blanket in the house will find employ. And the down booties, of course.
Good thing I'm running 31 miles this weekend after all the holiday junk I ate this week...
Should I wear the spandex shorts or the spandex pants?
I really need to pack.
"Just keep running, just keep running, just keep running, running, running."

That about sums it up.

Cue second random photo:

Wish me luck this Saturday!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 229 - White Elephant Investing

2011-12-07T18:35:00.000-06:00

I went to work this morning. (as if that doesn't sum up all my days). There was the usual exchange with the coworkers. "Yes, parking was the worst, I'm in the recesses of E garage too, really hate that I had to drive my car in. Kind of why I grabbed 2 breakfast tacos, you know, all that extra walking." "I haven't seen that email yet, still trying to log in." "Yep, I'm sure excited about that Christmas bonus too!" "I am planning on going to the team holiday lunch today...wait. That's today? We were supposed to bring a white elephant gift?!"

Oh dang it.

Worst thing on a Wednesday, right? The tragedy!

Seriously. Team white elephant gift exchanges are not something you want to miss out on. In previous years they've proven to be some of my most solid investment strategies of the season. I had to come up with something!

"All available resources on deck!"

Ok, so it wasn't that dramatic. I really just took a jaunt to the company store and bought a $15 iTunes gift card. But that's the kicker. The rules state that there is a $20 limit on the gifts. So just about everyone else spends $20 on either gift cards or alcohol (pretty even spread). Happy holidays and ho ho ho! Scrooge here, on the other hand, sees dollar signs. The less you spend, the more you have to gain. Usually I'll remember the white elephant gift exchange during Black Friday shopping and buy something really cheap that's still really cool. But, I was too busy spending money on myself this year (I'm still going to get my Christmas shopping done on time, relax!), so I was left to last-minute strategies.

And the $15 iTunes card was prime. Because people know that's the typical denomination for those cards and everyone (at work) has an iPhone. Translation: the gift receiver is happy and no one thinks you're being really cheap and trying to make money off a work gift exchange.

Because that would be the real tragedy.

(See? I'm not all that Scrooge-like...)

A bit of duct tape, an old Cheesecake Factory bag, and a couple Hostess snack cakes thrown in for volume and....

...we're in. I even tied an old Dilbert cartoon on there. For funsies.

But that's just the start. The actual exchange can get brutal. These people are your coworkers so, uh, there are feelings involved. The real win comes in not caring about the alcohol gifts. Because they're HIGH demand and great bargaining chips. The important thing is to pay attention to each gift as it's opened and have a primary focus and several backups. And, also, be as nonchalant about the gift you currently have, especially if it's the one you want. Play that poker face. People are out for blood. The last round is where it's live or die. If your current gift is still up for exchange, be fierce. Know what you want and go for it. Don't be afraid to intimidate. Threatening might not be off the table. Or bringing up owed favors.

Unless it's your boss. That's kind of a draw.

You might laugh, but I came out with a 33% return on investment in today's game. And I know my mutual funds certainly aren't bringing me home that kind of cash.

In it to win it, ladies and gents, in it to win it.

Though I did accidentally eat what I thought was a green bell pepper slice at the lunch. I realized a few bites later that it was actually a Serrano pepper. There was nothing at the table to put out the fire. Still haven't decided if it was worth it...

Also, and my more northerly friends will sure fill up bucketfuls of sympathy for this, there's a cold-front hitting. I mean, we've dipped down in the high 20's here people. The 20's!

I'm sorry but the Kyoo appendages are not genetically primed for handling that. (*nod to the Kyoo mom and her ice feet). (passing only the best thru the generations, we are).

So, the down booties made their first seasonal appearance. I was trying to be all stealth about it, too. But got caught.

There's really no way to hide down booties.

Especially whilst wearing shorts.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 228 - Deck the Halls

2011-12-05T23:36:00.001-06:00

...means something a little different to me now. You know, since I'm dating a boy with the last name Hall, and all.

If this relationship thing ever turns permanent, I might find that joyous declaration of impending jubilicious activities slightly offensive.

But for now it just means (maestro, cue Charlie Brown chorus please) "Christmas time is here..." at the Kyoo condo! Maybe several months late by department store standards but I'm more than 2 weeks earlier than last year so WINNING!

Here's a glimpse of what Christmas looks like at the Kyoo condo this year:

There's the $2 thrifted nativity scene, purchased at the request of and with funds from the Kyoo Grameez a couple years ago.

And a fireplace with stockings! Oh how I dreamed of a fireplace to hang stockings o'er growing up! It's pretty much my favorite part of the decor. (mine's that big cuddly bear in the middle, naturally). (there's a zipper on the back and all the goodies get stuffed inside). (it holds a LOT).

And apparently my Christmas decorations are really out of style this year? I heard fake green garland and trees are way OUT. The more metallic and bright and fake the colors, the better. Dang it! But I'm over it, so, moving on!

Christmas is not complete without all the classics! Though I'm missing staples like "A Christmas Story" and "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". Sad, right? But I do have "Merry Madagascar" and that's pretty much all I watch anymore so that's what really matters. Now if only the Gregviewer loved that movie as much as I did...

Speaking of the Greggerly, what was he doing during this merry ol' time of decking?

Making popcorn and marshmallow chains! It was his favorite too. Oh he loved it! How do I know? Mostly because I was in the living room stringing the lights (which requires some electrical prowess, I'll have you know), to a chorus of "Ah! These marshmallows keep sticking!" and "The popcorn keeps breaking! This string is all sticky!".

The true sounds of the season.

But the Kyoo Christmas tree sure thanked him for it. It's as tacky as ever!

Complete with a make-shift star ornament promoted to tree top.

All my snowmen ornaments from over the years.

And, of course, the usual spacey adornments.

"Houston, we have a Santa."

And just when you thought the space shuttle had been decommissioned. Kids, Santa upgraded his sleigh this year.

It's quirky, and outdated, and miniature, and may even attract ants, but it's mine. And I love it.

(i swear my windows aren't that dirty). (they're snowflake decals). (really).

A cold, festive evening of season inauguration isn't complete without hot chocolate. And peppermint marshmallows (now now, they couldn't ALL fit on the string). So there was that. In muh animal cups. I had the zebra. Greg got dibs on the giraffe.

I even made this delicious apple crisp. With hand-peeled apples, mind you! Ok, the Gregpeeler took care of that part. But I did all the mixing and crumbling and setting of the oven timer and other grunt tasks. And when that domestic triumph came out of the oven do you know what happened? Shouts of praise? A chorus of heavenly food angels, maybe? Wrong! My Gregeater took just 2 bites of it, sat there with a funny look on his face for a couple minutes, and then informed me that it was accosting his stomach. (his words). Buzzkiller! So I did what anyone else would do when stuck with the mostest parts of a 9x13" pan of bothersome apples. I took it into work for the colleagues today. And they ate it clean in 10 minutes flat with rave reviews. Take that Gregfusser!

(I should mention that they indeed were still alive at the end of the day, too).

And yet, despite the food critiques and the fact that the Calvinhorn had left my lips bruised and defeated this weekend (demanding, he is), I mustered up enough strength to give my lucky Gregdawdler a good night kiss "under" the fake mistletoe.

You didn't want to know that?

Sorry!

Also, there might have been this ACCIDENTAL locking out of the Katietenant over the weekend and maybe everyone freaked out on me and called me the worst roommate ever (including the Facebook-stalking Kyoo mom)? If that was the case, I think the important word in that last sentence is ACCIDENTAL. And really, everyone knows that getting locked out is just an excuse for a slumber party at a friend's house, so if it had happened like that, it just kept her partying all night. So for the love of all that is Kyoo and sorry, can the hating stop now??

Oh! And also also, I saw a little old lady wearing these bright red rain boots at my USAA band concert the other night and I instantly loved her.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 227 - The restaurant game and the holiday party

2011-12-04T23:07:00.000-06:00

Saturday excitement! Again.

I was really hoping that this would be the year I officially mended my friendship with Messiah, but that has unofficially been postponed to next year.

Not that this year was terribly terrible, but the Calvinhorn was still a little grudgeful and there might have been a few errant notes that may haunt the Handel grave for the next 365 days. Sorry George Frideric! I hope the performances of the amazing soloists and other orchestra people will help you rest in peace till then...

I think I have some reconciling to do with the Calvinhorn...2012 resolution, perhaps?

In between the two Saturday Messiah performances, my strapping young Greg of a man (seriously, he looked good) took me out. Because I had a couple hours to kill and it was either clean the living room or eat. And as appealing as cleaning the living room was, eating's kind of always a trump card. So we hopped in the Caspermobile (hop hop) and began our typical "pick a restaurant" game.

The "pick a restaurant" game.

Involves a lot of aimless driving. It usually begins with the Gregman exclaiming "Hooters!" (first restaurant we see when driving down the road. isn't that nice?). And continues with more exclamations as we're driven about with the wind, each shot down by an increasingly hangry Kyoo.

"Fuddruckers!"

"Too fatty."

"That Japanese restaurant!"

"Too pricey."

"Maggianos!"

"I don't feel like eating a whole chicken."

"McDonalds!"

"Your mom."

The Gregman does some shooting down of his own, let's be fair here, but it's probably mostly my fault. I think it comes from growing up in a town with one restaurant. I never learned how to choose! There was Jake's Diner (or hamburgers at the "legion"...but only on football game nights). So 99.9% of the time we didn't eat out.

Whether or not that's the case, the game's a bit painful and usually climaxes with a really frustrated Gregdriver (though he's quite the champ at controlling his temper) and a really hangry Kyoo (not as champy with the temper control thing). It's kind of an essential climax though because it's usually when we reach this boiling point that we just pull into the closest restaurant.

This time it was Cheddar's.

As haphazard as the restaurant game may seem, it works. We play it a few times a month and almost always end up somewhere new that we're both satisfied with. Or at Jimmy Johns. That's kind of become the default.

After Cheddars and one last Messiah performance there was this thing called the USAA Holiday Party to attend. So it was back in the Caspermobile to be whisked away by my dashing chauffeur. (I'm going to get a call when he reads that...).

A stealthy wardrobe change and a few angry words aimed at a malfunctioning mobile website later and...the fun has arrived! (that line just came to me from Tarzan).

So, this USAA Holiday Party? Um, it's kind of a big deal. They rent out the Alamodome all professional-like and then transform it into some exotic destination. This year's choice?

Viva Las Vegas!

In years past, I'd joined the party in a timely manner and secured a table and all that jazz. But this year, arriving all fashionably late and such, there was "bleacher-room-only". So we loaded up our plates and ate second dinner on our laps. (with all the other cool people, of course).

Fun fun in heels and a dress! If my wardrobe change earlier in the car wasn't stealthy, that sure was.

The "headlining" performers this year were Huey Lewis and the News. Question mark? I'll be honest, I'd heard "Power of Love" but that was about it. Still a good show. I wanted to join the thriving "mosh pit" up at the stage but the Gregpooper was all "I'm tired" and therefore we remained in the deepest bowels of the Alamodome bleachers and people watched all night.

Cause really, we couldn't watch much else from back there.

So people-watch we did! All sorts of dresses and odd couples and even some costumes to excitedly point out! But then these jugglers came by a-dazz-a-lin' and that stole our attention right up. We stared at them all spellbound for a while, and now that I think of it, I'm really surprised the Gregteller didn't dive into his "I taught myself how to juggle in like 30 minutes" story. Because that's usually the one that comes up whenever the subject of juggling is in any way approached. I love it.

After a bit more Huey and his News people, and also several "Ohmuhgoodness can we just leave yet?" looks from the peanut gallery, I agreed to call it a night. And do you know how my Gregpleader thanked me?? Only by refusing to take my picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Ugh. Second failed attempt. His excuse was that I was wearing a red dress and it would do all sorts of blending with their attire, rendering me just a floating head in the picture. (In case you can't translate, that's really just Gregspeak for "I don't want to stop").

I gave him my little "I'm so mad" scowl but got over it after we raced up the stairs and out to the car. (I won). (In heels). And then I sang all of my Christmas favorites to the Gregdriver on the way home to keep him awake.

He loved that, like always.

Also, does anyone else feel weird sitting on a bus without a seatbelt? I don't think I've ever worn a seatbelt on a bus, and maybe I'm getting all old and worry-crazy, but it just doesn't feel right...

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 226 - Muddy shoes and marshmallows

2011-12-03T18:24:00.001-06:00

I maybe should apologize to Saturday morning cartoons (Darkwing and TMNT you will always have a special place in my heart!), but my new fav way to spend Saturday morning is on a running adventure.

But you knew that already.

The Sendero 50k is just a week away (rhyme!), but there was still time for a short 10ish mile run at Government Canyon this morning before the real TAPER begins.

Government Canyon is always an adventure. Especially when a couple park rangers see your shirt and tell you how much they love it. And then that comment leads into a lengthy conversation about zombies and target practice and no remorse and hands are thrown up in the air all dramatically so. And also, when they ask "How many miles you running today?" in a most nonchalant manner, like you're a regular there. Cause really, I am.

But how could I not be when they have all this for me to scuttle over for hours?

And mud! As if I didn't get enough of the rainy running last week, the storms seemed to have followed me from the Houston and blessed this sweet land here. Which meant I pretty much had the whole park to myself this morning.

And really muddy legs after.

But don't worry, I took those muddy legs and showed them off during a quick venture into the Wal-Mart. There were marshmallows to be purchased, after all. The Kyoo Christmas tree has requested decor involving the puffed sugary morsels this year and I had to oblige.

But more on that later. I might have looked a little ransacked trekking through Wally world in that state, but really, it livened the place up. And the cashier got to exclaim "Marshmallows!" quite dramatically so and then hear all about my grand plans for them.

So it was a good trip.

And as I drove home (talking to the Gregman and yelling at slow cars, the usual), I realized my body was craving something it almost never craves (especially after a run). The Kyoo bodeh wanted a salad. A salad!

Oh if only it craved THAT all the time.

The rule of thumb is that the Kyoo body gets what the Kyoo body wants if it does what it's told during the run. And it listened pretty well this morning. So, breakfast was a salad.

A really good salad at that. Lotsa spinach and avocados and some cheese that the Katiefriend had in the fridge and craisins and poppyseed dressing. Should you try it sometime? Uh, only if you want to blow your taste buds away (like always, only slightly exaggerated).

And I wish I had some grand finale to this informative list of my Saturday morning adventures, but really I did laundry and some chores and sang really loud to Christmas songs while dancing around the house and it was all sorts of anti-climatic.

But kind of what I needed. Because I have quite the Saturday night planned! But more on that later, too.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 225 - Pasha Friday

2011-12-02T06:27:00.000-06:00

Psst! There's this happy place here called "Pasha". Allow me to introduce you!

It's a Mediterranean Grill of a restaurant just a hop-skip-jump from the place of employment and quite the Kyoo lunch preference on a Friday.

I originally discovered it on a date with my Greggest of men way back in the day. But the Katiefriend and I have since turned it into a Friday almost tradition of our own. Almost because it's more an every-other-when-we-both-can-make-it type thing. And most especially when the Kyoo is carb-loading for a Saturday run.

Because, though carb-loading on naan bread isn't the healthiest or most effective approach, it sure is tasty!

And the Pasha naan bread is moist and warm and chewy and really everything that should be good and lovely about naan bread.

My fav is dipping it in a bit of olive oil and then smothering it in this delicious excuse of a spice called za'atar (nicknamed "that Pasha spice" because I can't pronounce it and, I'm original like that). Life got a little zestier when we met, though.

Love.

Apparently there are recipes for it somewhere in the wide expanses of the Internet and I've decided I need to give one a try because I think it's time this za'atar was incorporated into other foody parts of my life.

Also, there's this waiter dude there that's really especially good at keeping our table stocked with fresh naan bread and he's a little like what I imagine Michael Phelps would be like in the person. Physique-wise. Except his face isn't as awkward.

But, since an Olympian of a waiter and naan bread alone won't sustain a Mediterranean food joint, they also offer this power couple:

Traditional gyro wrap with a side of hummus. Ok, we request the hummus as a side instead of their poor excuse for a salad and really, that's the way to go. Minus the olive oil being poured all over it. But they seem to be believers in the whole "have it yo way" (slogan modified to protect myself from any potential major chain restaurant copyright infringement...stuff...?) philosophy so they're both easy requests.

And the power couple does not disappoint. The hummus is a major complement to the naan bread (when smothered in za'atar, of course) and the gyro is center stage with just the right amount of crispy lamb and just the right amount of tangy tzatziki (and again, smothered in za'atar).

The Katiefriend doesn't share my love affair with the za'atar (more for me, muahaha!) but we both agree Pasha makes for a savory Friday lee-unch.

Hungry yet?

Me too.

Now if only Pasha knew how amazing I was at selling their restaurant and wanted to compensate me for it...we'll take free Friday lunches, thank you!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 224 - My lips hurt real bad.

2011-11-30T15:09:00.001-06:00

Now, now, let's not go there.

It's because of this guy:

Calvin. The French Horn.

He's a pretty good kisser, too. If you've got your technique down. But he can sure play hard to get when he's been neglected for a while. Don't you just hate that game? If that's really his case then it's about time for him to give because this relationship is down to crunch time! We have 4 concerts this weekend (3 of them Handel's Messiah), and I need something to show for our long hours of lip lock these past few weeks!

Speaking of Handel's Messiah, I think this is a good time to point out how far I've come in my appreciation for that work of music, since my first traumatic experience with it almost 5 years ago.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Brother Nielsen (my college horn teacher) handed me the music a few hours before the performance. Said they needed another horn and that the experience would be good for me. I trusted him like a little child, with eagerness and a willingness to please. Skimming thru the music, it looked easy enough. Mostly because I didn't read the top of the page where it stated the key. And notice how each movement was in a different key (that's only slightly exaggerated).

So I showed up at the dress rehearsal a bit nervous but mostly excited. The setup was amazing....I'd never seen so many microphones! And the choir. Huge! I felt pretty cool to be a part of it all. Until the music started. And I realized that what Ben-Jammin (my first horn dude) was playing sounded very different than what I was playing. Yet his sounds seemed to mesh with that of the orchestra and choir sounds better than mine did. That's about when I noticed the key. Maybe because of the corner-of-the-eye death glare Ben-Jammin shot me? Panic! My sight-reading skills are less than stellar. My transpose while sight-reading skills? They might turn any deceased music teacher into an irate, flesh-eating zombie. And maybe some live ones too. (a clue? that's bad).

I think I played all of 5 notes during that entire dry-run. Maybe 2 of them confidently? As soon as the conductor put down his baton on that rehearsal, I rushed home to do some damage control. And by damage control, I mean write all the fingerings in for as many notes as I could decipher during the 1 hour break. Which was maybe half of them.

Excellent.

It just got better, believe it or not, because when I showed up for the performance, they had relocated a microphone just below my bell. Oh bad. I just about cried. Until I realized there was an "off" switch on the microphone. That problem was easily solved. But there was still the whole "play notes" part. So, I put my best concert face on, quietly played the notes I knew, and tried to look pretty and focused on the ones I didn't know. And, also, ignored a few pained looks from the conductor.

"Easy buddy! There's a 150 piece choir and 80 piece orchestra. I'm not even on mic!"

I felt like the worst horn player ever. I was so glad when it was all over. And I swore NEVER AGAIN.

Fast forward 5 years thru a few performances of Messiah (with music in the proper key) later, and voila! We're friends now. I'm almost a fan. There is a powerful spirit to be felt with that music. And I'll admit it, some of the vocal solos are fun to attempt. With my bestest and grandest opera voice, of course.

Yes, the Gregman eats that UP. (read not). (he used to be a choir boy). (and it would make him writhe). (worth it).

So I can honestly say I'm excited to be part of the performances this weekend. And actually play this time, too.

If Calvin decides to be forgiving by then, that is.

Have a great day :-)

Kyoo 223 - Everything I needed to know about distance races..

2011-11-29T21:59:00.001-06:00

...I learned from my "Long Run" playlist.

The race begins:

"Send Me On My Way" -Rusted Root
"It's A Great Day To Be Alive" -Travis Tritt

The race starts to set in:

"The Distance" -Cake
"Face Drop" -Sean Kingston

Just before half-way or right after half-way:

"Midnight Hour" -Sdib
"Misery" -Maroon 5

A conscious decision:

"Keep Your Head Up" -Andy Grammer
"Think Good Thoughts" -Colbie Caillat

Gutting it out:

"I Won't Back Down" -Tom Petty
"Machine" -Josh Groban

The finish:

"I'm Still Standing" -Elton John

And then for some people:

"Don't Happen Twice" -Kenny Chesney

While for others:

"Just Can't Get Enough" -The Black Eyed Peas

Ok, I thought it was funny. Maybe you have to be a runner....? If anything, you can at least find some fresh songs for your exercise playlist, maybe? Or you can just laugh at my lame music tastes....

I can take it.

PS - Water's more fun when served between the gaps of an entire citrus orchard.

Really.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 222 - The Heinz ketchup bottle tradition

2011-11-28T20:12:00.001-06:00

This is the Kyoo Grameez:

She's moved on to bigger and better things than this mortal life has to offer, but, she sure left me some good memories! Her buttermilk hotcakes with homemade maple syrup? Melt. In. Your. Mouth. Weeds? The bane of our existence...pull them all up! That last, little, tiny, miniscule remnant of the soap bar? You mold it into the bottom of a new one. Old-fashioned egg beaters? Of course they can be bath toys! Family history work? Just do it.

She was a family history fiend.

Which I guess is how that little bottle of Heinz ketchup ended up on her windowsill. According to the Kyoo grandpa, no one knows how long it's been around or where she got it, but she kept it because of the name. Heinz. She had a relative with that name.

And so it sat there. For years. And years. As far back as I can remember, during summer time visits, I would stare at that bottle (and some little statue of a genie, I think?) whilst washing dishes by hand at the Grameez house. And my hands would turn super pruney and feel weird. And I would complain that my hands we're turning super pruney and feeling weird. And the Grameez, and probably the Kyoo mom, too, would roll their eyes and tell me to just finish the job, maybe thinking I was trying to get out of doing dishes? Which was only mostly true. And I would turn back to the dishes with a "hmph" of despair because I still had to finish the job. And, also, kind of a soft whimper, because I was really hoping my skin wasn't about to fall off.

The little Heinz bottle will tell you it's true.

So maybe you can understand my excitement when I acquired a miniature bottle of Heinz ketchup at a restaurant a couple weeks ago??

A flood of memories came back!

And I decided to continue the tradition. So, in honor of the Grameez, there now sits a miniature Heinz ketchup bottle in the Kyoo kitchen. Right above the sink.

Just think of the years it will see and the stories it will be able to tell!

It's going to have a happy life. Just like the one in the Grameez house.

Also, the sweaters had to be pulled out today. All 4 of them. I'm thinking I should expand that collection this year...

And, maybe I turned my heater on?

Call me a pansy but my house was 52 degrees when I woke up this morning. And that was just a rude awakening.

It did give me an excuse to spend some time in front of the fireplace, though.

I love that little fireplace. Fake as it is. And soon, it'll be all decked up for Christmas!

Excitement!

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 221 - "...you only do this for yourself"

2011-11-27T12:59:00.000-06:00

"It's a good thing you only do this for yourself...cause no one else really seems to care."

Cue random photo:

Those were the words of encouragement that hung in the air from my Gregman as I stepped out onto the porch and faced my run. I don't think he meant it in quite the negative connotation one would first jump to upon hearing those words, but they gave me something to think about as I plodded along on those first couple miles.

This run was a bit daunting to begin. It was my last long run before the 50k, and therefore the longest. I'd slept in, ate breakfast, played around online, and just did a stellar job of procrastinaing the start all morning. It was ten o'clock. Unlike other things in life, there's just no way to rip the band-aid off fast when it comes to long distance running. Maybe not procrastinating? That might have helped...

I had planned on doing this run on the trails at Huntsville State Park, about an hour north of Houston. But then the Gregsleeper told me all about this dream he'd just had where I'd gotten shot in the ankle. And, also, I found out that the park was open for hunting this weekend. Which got muh brain thinking, "You know, I could easily be confused with a light, swift, graceful deer bounding thru the forest. It'd be wise to avoid that..."

Right...

But really, I probably just didn't want to drive anywhere and add even more hours to the run. So I just stepped outside (with swells of praise and encouragement ringing in the background, remember?), hit "play", and took that first step.

Cue second random photo:

It was not the easiest run, or the most enjoyable, or anything positive, really, but we'll try to find the good, ok?

Here we go. My "Things I realized I was thankful for on my long run" list:

I'm thankful Houston received 3.02" of rain. They needed it. And maybe there was a reason it ALL had to fall while I was running? I don't know...
I'm thankful my phone did not succumb to an early, watery grave. I mean, time passes MUCH faster when you're worrying about your current livelihood just giving up the ghost at any second.
I'm thankful for muh legs (and feet!). I looked at them this morning, realizing what I was about to put them thru, and felt kind of sorry for them. And extremely grateful for them at the same time. So I gave them a little pep talk. And they pulled through.
I'm thankful I have friends and family that put up with me. I mean, I might be "doing this for myself", but it wouldn't be worth it without the people in my life who support me and who I know care. The runs can be long and lonely but essentially I've got peeps to "come home to".
I'm thankful for thinking time. Because running gives me hours of quality "reflection" time, yes?
I'm thankful for the lessons I learn from running that I don't think I'd learn quite as well from anything else. Like how to put my head down, keep pushing, and remember "the sun is still above all the rain that's coming down." (at least that's what Josh Groban told me...) And everything EVENTUALLY ends...
I'm thankful that life is not easy. I felt more joy and gratitude yesterday during AND upon completing that run than I would have doing just about anything else. It was worth it.
I'm thankful that the Gregrunner joined me for the last 4 miles. Ok, I might have, um, "coaxed" him out, but he did it. And it was cool of him.

See. That was WAY more fun than complain-y Kyoo, right? 30.6 miles of thankfulness, right there! Today's long run brought my total mileage in the past 24 hours up to 41.7 miles. Still not sure how I did it, and yes, something is not right in my head, but it is what it is. And I might feel ready for this 50k? After a good two weeks of taper, that is...

I thought I was going to celebrate by taking a nice shower (though, really, I'd kind of already been showering for the past 5 hours...) and spend the rest of the day relaxing with the Gregman and clan. But INSTEAD, I got to go to the Houston Ballet's performance of Nutcracker with the Gregman and clan. I'd never been so I did not hate that one bit.

Though shoving my poor, swollen feet into these wasn't favorite:

As if the Kyoo isn't bad enough at walking in heels! It's a problem quite compounded for the Kyoo, post 30-mile run. I had to cling to my Gregcane for dear life all night.

But he was looking quite handsome in his new clothes.

So I did not mind that one bit.

Or the fact that there was food involved. And McDonald's icecream. I had 4,000 calories to replace, after all. And those salty chips were like a dream.

The best part? I STAYED AWAKE for the whole show. That might have been the real triumph of the day, considering my track record with evening shows. But it was my first time seeing the Nutcracker live. And ballerinas have always mesmerized me.

It was pretty swell.

Have a great day :-)

Yoo 220 - Anyone else do the black friday thing?

2011-11-26T08:10:00.004-06:00

I'll just cut right to the chase and admit it: "I did the Black Friday thing."

I was one of those crazies fighting their way through Wal-Mart before the turkey day had even drawn to a close.

The crazy part was probably that I was there for just one thing:

"Marley and Me" on blu-ray for $5. Is this movie favorite? Uh, yes, except for that one part that makes me bawl uncontrollably. But I can fast-forward through that...

I was also a crazy lining up outside for the midnight opening of Target.

For no particular reason. Other than everyone else was doing it. And because they were handing out holiday Luna Bars, duh.

Estrogen sticks!

And since the Gregshopper (look at that fast and see grasshopper? yeah me too) is a reader of this, lets not forget that there was icecream there, too. He was, err, partying it up elsewhere. And was kind of bitter that he was missing out on such excitement. But more on that later.

Target is sure the place to be though. The crowd is a bit more refined than the Wal-Mart throng, but still passionate enough to require the supervision of several managers AND local law enforcement. But you're more likely to walk out of that one alive and without communicable dieseases.

Just saying.

So where was my Gregshopper through all of this? Oh, only camped out in the DEPENDS aisle back at the Wal-Mart!

He had his eye on a new laptop (for scholarly things, of course) and chilled with the adultish of diapers (among other commodities...) for 3 hours. The best part? Maybe the fact that he had to get a bathroom pass if he needed to leave the line (shout out to high school!)? There was a proud associate stepping on his little soap box every few minutes and laying down the LAW!

"When you entered the line, you were given a ticket. You MUST have this ticket to obtain the merchandise at midnight. No ticket, no laptop. If you need to go to the restroom, you MUST get a pass. You will have 15 minutes to return to the line or you will have to forfeit your ticket and return to the end of the line. NO EXCEPTIONS."

It was a tough (and soooo interesting to watch) crowd. But my Black Friday gladiator came through:

And is now the proud owner of his very first laptop.

This is probably a good time to give my Gregshopper some props because he is quite the Gregshopper. Not only did he endure that kind of humiliation all night, but he woke up early-ish the next morning and spent another 8 hours on the mall crawl with me.

Besides the traffic (and maybe my horrible directions?) and more droves of deal-craved, sleep-deprived, caffeine-powered civilians, the day shopping experience was much sweeter.

A little more successful (for me, anyways).

A lot more magical (skating rink IN the mall AROUND the massive Christmas tree....!)!

Oh yes, and lets not forget that ~~the Chick-Fil-A cow~~ Santa made an appearance!

And all I could think to do was stand there in the cheesiest of ways with the thumb up (go Kyoo!). Hopefully I'll get another chance at the Santa photo before the season's over...

Have a great day :-)