tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32535149711826878362024-02-19T10:49:23.933-05:00DENISE ROBBINS BLOGTechno-romantic thriller author Denise Robbins blog on writing, reading, and a writer's life.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.comBlogger898125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-39743150548041522812020-04-02T16:34:00.000-04:002020-04-02T16:34:57.187-04:00Positivity Project #3 - Lets READ
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good afternoon! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you one of those people who says, “I never have enough
time to read?” or my favorite, “I only read on summer break.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">GASP! That is just so wrong and my heart aches for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not sure how exactly that could ever be the case. Find 30
minutes in the morning or before bed and guarantee you will start or end your
day relaxed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do it! Try it! No better time than NOW.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How big is your To Be Read pile? I usually have a TBR pile
of only one or two books. I tend to read what I buy immediately. I am more like
a kid in a candy store. I want and I want to read it NOW!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dad (remember he is on an extended visit with me) has
read several books since he started his visit. He reads a little in the morning
with his morning coffee, a little in the afternoon, and a little to relax
before bed at night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzSknkduAdvvlcuj9B1rwkQWM2hQrev5pLF6CGzQDytx0bvKJ4YusWvS8j56jd1HS7fiTb8EhVqYrUgNURZfFYtSjAqQ8GrxQGkT8-837NFlSEeNtDq11SQOImK0IMBBDDZ-YW-dooHed/s1600/sala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzSknkduAdvvlcuj9B1rwkQWM2hQrev5pLF6CGzQDytx0bvKJ4YusWvS8j56jd1HS7fiTb8EhVqYrUgNURZfFYtSjAqQ8GrxQGkT8-837NFlSEeNtDq11SQOImK0IMBBDDZ-YW-dooHed/s200/sala.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now the good part is that we enjoy the same books– mostly.
Like he loves to read Sharon Sala who happens to be one of my favorite authors.
If you enjoy a good romance and ones with a little mystery with characters you
can’t help but fall in love with then Dad and I both recommend Sharon Sala and
especially her “Blessings Georgia” series. See the photos. But we love all of
Sharon’s books.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished “The Vanishing”, the latest paranormal mystery by Jayne Ann Krentz. Jayne does a terrific job with paranormal. She and Heather Graham are my two favorites in this genre. I mean what more could a person want: mystery, paranormal, and romance.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuM1JkWMvRhGH5t_TOeS8-V97sLAeaxZND_7WgLmkit58gH3Mso9ZuCJUW-rlwBrWBQO9lrQhjSVCxspp-S6Rbt2snqGEpRKecDNQsno3e-4SFz7CLlZ1dGjyAr37keONYknGiF-Yicfn/s1600/thekidd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuM1JkWMvRhGH5t_TOeS8-V97sLAeaxZND_7WgLmkit58gH3Mso9ZuCJUW-rlwBrWBQO9lrQhjSVCxspp-S6Rbt2snqGEpRKecDNQsno3e-4SFz7CLlZ1dGjyAr37keONYknGiF-Yicfn/s200/thekidd.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0ygg-wUfczUOXVMpE3u9vebLLTjuLCrIz3DO4MX4h4Ls0Xg3rynUAEpqTHfye7voONOEGssVq22-2bh0xnhY62yK0obOplqZniHNV5QFQXkH-RnF9Tu8HyFrjV_neA_aRAxKXBKCjLT1/s1600/baldacci1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0ygg-wUfczUOXVMpE3u9vebLLTjuLCrIz3DO4MX4h4Ls0Xg3rynUAEpqTHfye7voONOEGssVq22-2bh0xnhY62yK0obOplqZniHNV5QFQXkH-RnF9Tu8HyFrjV_neA_aRAxKXBKCjLT1/s200/baldacci1.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also both enjoy David Baldacci and John Sanford. Dad just
re-read “The Collectors” by David Baldacci. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got Dad started on reading “The
Kidd” series by John Sandford. Having lived in Minnesota, we both love and have
known a character like his “Virgil Flowers” character, we recommend John
Sandford books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSjSs_gX0hptGlIvVvNWDUm08WzC4NIue0N7LwJtO_a7ylTTZpxuU3eI6yt41Q8Nks86wFe_Liiaj5awKovxbtcScdAVKPmi1azaH9tqid52DscQtbp0QB25TRrUxAdfq8UQMiInicixp/s1600/latestreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSjSs_gX0hptGlIvVvNWDUm08WzC4NIue0N7LwJtO_a7ylTTZpxuU3eI6yt41Q8Nks86wFe_Liiaj5awKovxbtcScdAVKPmi1azaH9tqid52DscQtbp0QB25TRrUxAdfq8UQMiInicixp/s200/latestreads.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am finishing up Linda Lael Miller’s latest book, “Country
Strong” from her new Painted Pony Creek series. Anytime you want a good romance
that takes place on a ranch then Linda Lael Miller is where you want to turn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next up on my list is “The Shape of the Night” by Tess
Gerritsen. Another author my dad and I have in common. No doubt he will read
this one when I am finished, but for now, get in line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell us what you are reading. What author or series do you
recommend?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can’t get your hands on a book right now? Well, you are in
luck. Until June 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> we have a National Emergency Library open for digital
reading of over 1.4 million books. FREE. <b>Visit this link</b>: </span><a href="https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Novels not your thing? That’s okay, Marvel has free digital
read of some of their comic books available. FREE. <b>Visit this link</b>: </span><a href="https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/1626/read-these-free-comics"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/1626/read-these-free-comics</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prefer someone to read you a bedtime story? Well, Dolly Parton
on Facebook can help you out. FREE. <b>Visit this link</b>: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2518816801707089/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.facebook.com/events/2518816801707089/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you know of other ways to get free reads, please share
what you have discovered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More than anything—HAPPY READING!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-44903581105901901682020-04-01T13:20:00.000-04:002020-04-01T13:20:15.103-04:00Positivity Project #2
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here we are again. Spreading the positive! We hope you do too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My father who came for a visit at end of February is now here
at least until mid-May. How can I be disappointed to spend so much time with my
dad?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spend the day (when I am not working) sharing meals and
talking. It’s great to hear dad talk about some of the things he experienced
when he was younger. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, what does dad do while I am working from home? For sure
dad can and does read. He has read 4 or 5 books so far since he started his
visit. But you can't just read all day - every day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad said one day, “I wish I was more artistic.” For the record, dad is a genius
with woodworking. He made all kinds of stuff when I was younger out of wood like a dresser, headboard, grandfather clock, chess board, to name a few.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hmm. What does one do with the statement, “I wish I was more artistic.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I have a friend who is very artistic and creative and..
has paints! I have old yard statues that are all faded. Put the two together
and you have an artistic painting father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMovfJrUFjUStK-FPo0EecU-bpN18zE6crnThypWOD-ynKjQKZo3LMO9dDuWA3YKjxmVmQQRkZONrsxFbQPFid_3JSiyxAOKvc0a0-pgFmuxqamWkHwowsXenIiICOC7nGhC-2yiK4kqP/s1600/dadpainting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMovfJrUFjUStK-FPo0EecU-bpN18zE6crnThypWOD-ynKjQKZo3LMO9dDuWA3YKjxmVmQQRkZONrsxFbQPFid_3JSiyxAOKvc0a0-pgFmuxqamWkHwowsXenIiICOC7nGhC-2yiK4kqP/s200/dadpainting1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We set up a table in front of a window where sunlight comes in,
hooked him up with paints and voila! Dad is artistic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He didn't stop at just one yard statue. Dad gathered them all up, cleaned them and then every day for a week painted on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What did I get?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQQ8t9foi2Qvz-kIGR_Tn0OeeUwJp8E4Jpu4B5hflE7IkAls0GT8Eol_r6tD_zUNWOaymNzKupWnGGaEdKKd9JqQeGVj2zxnRmkuHDrwBH5tMQf-RoJ7sTgwdmczNsHQ8RrdJrb32kkji/s1600/frogmale1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQQ8t9foi2Qvz-kIGR_Tn0OeeUwJp8E4Jpu4B5hflE7IkAls0GT8Eol_r6tD_zUNWOaymNzKupWnGGaEdKKd9JqQeGVj2zxnRmkuHDrwBH5tMQf-RoJ7sTgwdmczNsHQ8RrdJrb32kkji/s200/frogmale1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BokHEaFvCyhMvDgNkRn52zjIgB_pTiFWCoDKQaDPeYERX93GHyNKmEi5ftMg0nGw02CVofzjIAeZp1PugMo4WuDxncNWYKOxKWFhSzx5jb9E0jG1M_yor50OZkovLNWZrFumG06JxaBU/s1600/frogfemale1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BokHEaFvCyhMvDgNkRn52zjIgB_pTiFWCoDKQaDPeYERX93GHyNKmEi5ftMg0nGw02CVofzjIAeZp1PugMo4WuDxncNWYKOxKWFhSzx5jb9E0jG1M_yor50OZkovLNWZrFumG06JxaBU/s200/frogfemale1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5h23cQ6gbmO6OfUccPm0m8KLrMCAmAu2dTy2hpW5iyTV2OtCsjAGQOCYFTLZ9GimdCSdI0n8dsHQe9LI_tw2i14wFw0cvtbNhsRqtXUO9f6ifkSDbkjyDR_S0fWp9Krsw76_pXxxt6XX/s1600/bunny1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5h23cQ6gbmO6OfUccPm0m8KLrMCAmAu2dTy2hpW5iyTV2OtCsjAGQOCYFTLZ9GimdCSdI0n8dsHQe9LI_tw2i14wFw0cvtbNhsRqtXUO9f6ifkSDbkjyDR_S0fWp9Krsw76_pXxxt6XX/s200/bunny1.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I get to watch my dad enjoying himself and relaxing. I also got fabulous, new
yard ornaments that I and everyone who comes to my yard gets to enjoy. All hand
painted by my father. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBwIgy_WU8My7mU2ZSfM7_-cARJtPri8cPBmj6Y8P77NZm4Xi6QtSL4ucaq9fdwkU1wxTkB05L-scNnoCBudomHX0Oyplgw-Iqjy1TQW65MKjfA-tSPKVIRUzM4iXPZIKOlgsnJKOiVgr/s1600/frogkite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBwIgy_WU8My7mU2ZSfM7_-cARJtPri8cPBmj6Y8P77NZm4Xi6QtSL4ucaq9fdwkU1wxTkB05L-scNnoCBudomHX0Oyplgw-Iqjy1TQW65MKjfA-tSPKVIRUzM4iXPZIKOlgsnJKOiVgr/s200/frogkite1.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is a creative endeavor you have wanted to try but never
had the time? Or maybe you already are crafty and creative but just don’t do it
any longer because life got in the way. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Got a paint by number set sitting
around? What about a camera? It’s spring. Can you go to your yard and take
photos of the changing flowers?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-49879931699989676532020-03-31T09:17:00.002-04:002020-03-31T09:17:24.901-04:00Positivity Project
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Power of Positivity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During this time of the unknown and the scary, an opportunity
has presented itself for us to come together. Distance is irrelevant. As a
matter of fact, social distancing is a MUST. But – that doesn’t mean we can’t
come together and pass along positivity and help each other thru.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will use my blog to post positive things. <u>Things</u>
are defined as videos, pictures, craft ideas, recipes, anecdotal stories.
Anything that doesn’t focus on the negative of our healthcare scare, economy,
and politics. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would love for everyone to get involved and share how they
are getting thru. How are they staying close to family and friends, how are
they getting thru the day and keeping busy? Share fun stories from now or when
you were younger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can share your positivity in the comments or send me a
direct message and you can send me a blog post. Let's do this together!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s start with <strong>Camping Brownies</strong>. <span style="font-family: Calibri;">What? What are camping brownies?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3XUteCV4KXywlsjfyIzpTyB26CzZmHoRDpPuyxUggdmbDzicCSF1DFACAfg0jkVGbp5InOcKTi69n0V4bLQliOntw1oHYv9tGhHCsTEzheyBGsH79sW8P8mdUXkfguY_YTP4o4cF5Ec4/s1600/IMG_0388%255B79%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1195" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3XUteCV4KXywlsjfyIzpTyB26CzZmHoRDpPuyxUggdmbDzicCSF1DFACAfg0jkVGbp5InOcKTi69n0V4bLQliOntw1oHYv9tGhHCsTEzheyBGsH79sW8P8mdUXkfguY_YTP4o4cF5Ec4/s200/IMG_0388%255B79%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So glad you asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camping Brownies are the best brownies! It's a recipe my
grandmother, Maxine (AKA Mad Max) has made since I was a kid. My grandmother is
95 years young and the heart of our family. Not to mention a terrific cook and
baker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I share this recipe for you all to try as part of our Positivity
Project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why are they called camping brownies? Good question. Because my grandma
used to bake them for our camping trips. Camping with my grandparents used to be a summertime activity us kids loved. And the brownies were one of the many highlights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can you say YUMMY!!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camping Brownie Recipe:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup flour<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 stick butter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16 oz. Hershey’s chocolate syrup<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ tsp. salt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instructions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melt butter, beat eggs and mix together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camping Brownie Topping:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/3 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 tablespoons butter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 tablespoons or 1/3 cup milk<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instructions:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boil all the above ingredients for 30 seconds –
stirring. Take off heat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add ½ cup chocolate chips.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beat until it will spread on cooled brownies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made these for my grandmother's 95th birthday and they are as good now as they were then.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy!! And feel free to share a childhood or family recipe of one of your favorite treats as a kid.</span></span><br />
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-72636928531692179242019-03-30T14:06:00.000-04:002019-03-30T14:06:45.418-04:00MURCA 50K - an urban virtual ultra-marathon
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">St. Patrick’s Day weekend I made the decision to do the
Virtual MURCA 50K. I had twenty-four (24) hours to run, walk, or even crawl thirty-one
(31) miles for the Marine Ultra Runners Club of America to help raise funds for
The Warrior's Keep's Vet-Ex and Vet-Rec Outdoor Therapy Programs. Hey! And even
better reason to celebrate with a pint of Guinness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got up Saturday morning, March 16 knowing I was going to
attempt this virtual 50K and started getting ready. Had my coffee and spoonful
of peanut butter. Yup! I was wanting to start off by burning fat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The MURCA site suggests making the Virtual 50K epic. Hm. How
do you make a virtual event EPIC? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about it. It’s solely up to you. There are no other
runners. There are no aid stations with happy and welcoming volunteers. There
is just you and whatever route you choose to take. And I live in Nowhere, New
Hampshire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I packed my back to the weight of fifteen (15) pounds and
was going to use today as part of my training for The Tough Ruck for the Fallen
marathon that takes place April 14. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes! Some people call me crazy. This would be part of my
EPIC adventure. How far would I go with that 15-pound backpack?</span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwO9FqhWpkG-WXK4M0cwKzYBDxlcAxixIyI4KISB2pcw8YEakwxlKaXtZu955w7t9QX5_LC9DdRQOyqyTER' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At approximately 8:16 AM I was out the door and on my MURCA epic
adventure. The temperature was 30 plus degrees so that meant layers. Hat,
mittens, fleece top, wool underlayer, then tights, jeans, Darn Tough socks, and
a pair of Altra Paradigm shoes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At no time did I plan to run. Having bronchitis for over
three months killed that idea. Not to mention that 15-pound backpack. It was a
pretty lofty goal just to complete the 31 miles. But what the heck! No pain, no
gain. No dream, no achievement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, me, my backpack, my Garmin watch, and my music were off.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My plan was to use the rail trail and hoof it from Salem to
Derry. Then pick up the bike trail in Derry and snake back to the rail trail
and head back to Salem until I hit 31 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How’s the saying go? “Best laid plans of mice and men oft go
awry.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yeah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH1nc4qJw9dvsvalTRMHhQmcLOSoQOuWDhbH1mh1D3ifyqKL5bPKTeyooqyKCK0zwulkiBayHCQL9A_u-Dx3NjGy1zVE5GjZQ3IiZG40uUr_RtxSFU04xzpWXUrpm2ECM2-3v2ZBZi1py/s1600/WP_20190316_09_11_30_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH1nc4qJw9dvsvalTRMHhQmcLOSoQOuWDhbH1mh1D3ifyqKL5bPKTeyooqyKCK0zwulkiBayHCQL9A_u-Dx3NjGy1zVE5GjZQ3IiZG40uUr_RtxSFU04xzpWXUrpm2ECM2-3v2ZBZi1py/s320/WP_20190316_09_11_30_Pro.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I walked through my neighborhood to get a couple miles in
before I get to the rail trail. The early section of the rail trail was nice
and then became a sheet of ice in other sections. In one part I had to hold
onto the wooden railing to get past the ice. I was NOT going to fall on my
hiney with a 15-pound backpack attached to me. Can you imagine that thud?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I managed to go nine miles before needing to grab real food.
One benefit of an urban virtual ultra-marathon…built in aid stations. After
breakfast I wound my way back to the house, AKA my start-finish line. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uMsUMPc4Z3POhgcB-qfN3vxDmcJQWpt63THQNvte41Bj-xEjC1Z2i4bFk4S9kCXGQwQAj8tky3q8GEoRBusWCmzS3AOruSMahXU5UY4bbS56tj5UQnVmsPK2sadje4Upa1O8-vx0dZ1_/s1600/WP_20180804_13_22_43_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uMsUMPc4Z3POhgcB-qfN3vxDmcJQWpt63THQNvte41Bj-xEjC1Z2i4bFk4S9kCXGQwQAj8tky3q8GEoRBusWCmzS3AOruSMahXU5UY4bbS56tj5UQnVmsPK2sadje4Upa1O8-vx0dZ1_/s200/WP_20180804_13_22_43_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mischief</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was at
mile fourteen (14) at this point. It was here I dumped the backpack. Thank
goodness!Fifteen pounds is the equivalent of carrying around my chubby cat, Mischief on my back. Nice at first, but dang heavy after a while.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyAXl2P6FZrooBKkxAuBS5az5qbnv43RE7qvtzBnk3ferC2LIo0XMU2Mm4K7ATe4U4Xpm5he7fvB4i24LhEZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took advantage of my home aid station to change socks,
shoes, and grabbed a salty and fatty snack on the way back out. See my video of
chips and almond butter. Salty chips really do hit the spot and they help with
extremity swelling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was off again for a more leisurely (less heavy) walk. I was
feeling good and had a nice spring in my step with fresh shoes. Woohoo!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wind started to pick up even more about this time. I think we had like
fifteen (15) mile per hour winds that afternoon, but I kept my head down and kept moving
forward. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxutQgJladmigVZcClLkqNEL6CuVclhkjl7W8T7ru7lqk1sYjINrpwhiy2WfoHClssnlFGJEPBWaMimoake0w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it back to the beginning of the rail trail near me and at mile
18 I passed a Dunkin’ Donuts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you that don’t know me…I am gluten
intolerant. A donut is a complete no-no. BUT…a girl has to do what a girl has
to do when she is in the middle of an ultra-marathon. At mile 18 a chocolate
frosted donut never tasted so good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s something about a chocolate frosted donut that makes
everything feel better. It also gave me a nice energy boost so when I hit the
section of trail that was ice the last time, I was ready for it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To my surprise, the sun did its job and when I hit the trail
further down there was extreme melting going on, so I didn’t need to skate across
the trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gX-XVrBQLLcJRn4WnzfhLPFJK95J8qaA0s4y0wHI7cK4S5inyg1Aa_629PedKp877Ne_eMXUNNorLC_EL9b8LUVvmozHWX04FW2IBh14ttu1crFB8MBS5y5ZNWLGsYs_vMudJKmuJqNX/s1600/WP_20190316_16_26_25_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gX-XVrBQLLcJRn4WnzfhLPFJK95J8qaA0s4y0wHI7cK4S5inyg1Aa_629PedKp877Ne_eMXUNNorLC_EL9b8LUVvmozHWX04FW2IBh14ttu1crFB8MBS5y5ZNWLGsYs_vMudJKmuJqNX/s320/WP_20190316_16_26_25_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s fun to discover nature after winter. To see grass after
months of it covered in white puts a smile on your face. There weren’t many people
out on the trail that day but there were a few and those folks were just as
happy as me to be outside.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the wind picked up, one gentleman I ran across warned
me not to get blown away. It was THAT windy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i9gJhzKMjV_ocM4wiYLk5BEvSCJtUUT344O_WK2oqg1Ix6WCU6Zte0k7F71OOmWg53qw6NU5t7ruX-fQcM7L8KljlPjWADTP5MiERzMnWhuTMrBYXGo0lNY6hj7pMt6cbEz8wDxEOYiA/s1600/WP_20190316_12_05_08_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i9gJhzKMjV_ocM4wiYLk5BEvSCJtUUT344O_WK2oqg1Ix6WCU6Zte0k7F71OOmWg53qw6NU5t7ruX-fQcM7L8KljlPjWADTP5MiERzMnWhuTMrBYXGo0lNY6hj7pMt6cbEz8wDxEOYiA/s320/WP_20190316_12_05_08_Pro.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I hit the trail
near the breakfast spot I decided to not go there as there was still too much snow.
I passed the restaurant via the sidewalk thinking maybe I would walk to
Derry on sidewalks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, a very short-lived plan. The sidewalk doesn’t go
that far, and I am not a fan of busy roads with narrow shoulders. I turned back
and took a side road that hit the section of the trail that I bypassed from the
other end and took it back. Not great footing but not bad. As a matter of fact,
part of it reminded me of a snow cone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At mile 22 I was back at my home aid station. My feet hurt.
I changed shoes again and grabbed a vest and a different hat. Fed the cats,
grabbed a bag of chips and was back out again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was considering staying in my neighborhood and walking in
circles for the next nine miles. By the time I finished the bag of chips and
some Gatorade I decided circling the neighborhood was dizzying. And there was
one spot I walked by that had this loud whistling noise, courtesy of the wind.
That was enough for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j9nhMxgk7-fsFmWPTLogPUsauDG-LBrfHtLqahFhRGfsGEq9WDUJiW6S_dgSzZIEJuVF1iAIl95PbUKVTUcxwoLn05w-5asqupPEQR_1VXFWVPQGMWxu9ifYgjrKdS41iHF911WOdORD/s1600/WP_20190316_13_28_26_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j9nhMxgk7-fsFmWPTLogPUsauDG-LBrfHtLqahFhRGfsGEq9WDUJiW6S_dgSzZIEJuVF1iAIl95PbUKVTUcxwoLn05w-5asqupPEQR_1VXFWVPQGMWxu9ifYgjrKdS41iHF911WOdORD/s200/WP_20190316_13_28_26_Pro.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After two miles of that I headed back out with a bottle of Califia
Farms coffee and almond mile. YUMMY! I needed caffeine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I hit mile twenty-five (25) it was as if the energizer
bunny’s battery inside me died. And instead of smiling and playing his drums,
he grimaced and slowly moved his arms but the only sound that came out was a
whine.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGvPrD-S5C_hIirLBJxhsIYxgi4AqiDGcQNOwVQ4q7tqQvfg42wKwbln7NRuNO7EjPNLA6Du0sb1m98aJhAA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a video of the whine. I sent it to sister and aunt
and a girlfriend. All of whom immediately responded with words of encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Only six miles to go!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You got this!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You can wine later!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yeah, okay, it was only six miles. “Suck it up, buttercup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t like this was my first 50K. It was, however, the
slowest. But I wasn’t going for speed. I wanted the time on my feet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes you have to remind yourself why you are doing
something to put the pain and mental anguish back where it belongs. When I hit
the marathon distance, I marked that as a mental milestone and sent my virtual support
crew a text. “Yea, me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Five miles left! Then the thought of dinner hit. FOOD! Real
food. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new plan emerged. Walk to get dinner. This is something I
do in the summer on a regular basis. Why not now? The idea made me feel better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I walked to my favorite pizza and sub shop where I ordered
my usual grilled chicken in a bowl. My diet is so unexciting. </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
But I had already been bad with the donut, so I needed to stay on the straight
and narrow or in this case, back on the food wagon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my order was ready, I realized they put the food in a
paper sack with no handles. More whining could have occurred, but it didn’t. Easy
fix! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vOytKbBI-_BgsKl_AGj0LjMMWyVuCKkAHuhsLKksJK5XMu8P0lTjvka1m3Mcia-pmtz4KtE_C1NZx_3u6mdCwR1vfgmumEnKqMEbIg807kFirmaeABbGeCcFLJDgiCUvSXqRzqFUax-W/s1600/WP_20190324_13_03_47_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vOytKbBI-_BgsKl_AGj0LjMMWyVuCKkAHuhsLKksJK5XMu8P0lTjvka1m3Mcia-pmtz4KtE_C1NZx_3u6mdCwR1vfgmumEnKqMEbIg807kFirmaeABbGeCcFLJDgiCUvSXqRzqFUax-W/s320/WP_20190324_13_03_47_Pro.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two doors down from Romano’s was a pharmacy. No, I did not get any pain
meds. Although, good thought. I don’t take them. However, caffeine is a
different story. I bought a nice bottle of cold Coke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two of my favorite things for an endurance even are potato
chips and soda. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cashier at the pharmacy, a very friendly girl offered to
give me a big bag for my bottle of Coke and my chicken in a bowl. SCORE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With food, caffeine, and a bag, I was ready to get this 50K
finished. I walked back the direction I came then veered right for a change of
pace and scenery. I passed the donut shop on the other side of the road and
when I crossed over for my turn, I considered getting another one.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">See what foot pain will do to you? The mind is evil! Bad.
Very bad! Nope. I only had three miles left and I had food ready to eat as soon
as I got home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The sun was hitting its downward arc and it was chillier. I
pushed that out of my mind and reminded myself that I wanted to finish before dark.
Then I reach home and looked at my Garmin watch. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ONE MILE LEFT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some evil spirit was screwing with me. It was as if someone
had deflated a balloon or a tire went flat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Defeat was THAT close. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s funny, I read all kinds of stories about endurance
athletes and I have always wondered how anyone could quit with ONLY a mile to
go.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finally get it. I was literally at my home aid station.
The start-finish line and still had a mile to go. My feet hurt. I was tired. And
I wanted to eat real food. And it was getting close to being dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow! Do you hear that whine? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put my chicken and Coke in the garage refrigerator and turned
right back around and headed out in the cold and wind to that neighborhood
route. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was a tenth of a mile into that last mile when my cell
phone rang. Hey. You bet I carry my cell on an adventure. Even close to home you
never know what can happen. Besides, how else do you record your epic adventure?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The call was from my mom. Now, my mom never calls my cell
phone. I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first word out of mom’s mouth, “Where are you? I’ve been
trying to reach you all day.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m doing a 50K and I’m on my last mile.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What’s that?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thirty-one miles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“__________” SILENCE.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You just have to smile at that reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Are you okay?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yup. Just tired and hungry. I’ll be home in twenty minutes
if you want to call me then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best part of that call, aside from talking with my
mother? It totally took my mind off the pain and fatigue. I no longer thought
about the aching feet and sluggish legs. I forgot about my growling stomach. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished the 50K by walking short loops in my driveway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My neighbors were probably wondering if I had lost my
marbles. BUT then they know me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I completed the MURCA 50K just before sunset. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">YEA, ME!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Afterwards, I went inside, dumped the outer layers and those
shoes, grabbed my chicken in a bowl and the Coke then proceeded to get comfy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My mom did all back and we had a nice conversation where she
told me “I worry about you doing these things.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘These<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gotta love my parents. No matter how old or how far away you
are, they still worry. They still care.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My response? “I gotta do it while I can. For as long as I
can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best part of this event for me on a personal level?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">NO BLISTERS! That's a record for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, if you wall wanna do your own virtual ultra-marathon and support or Veterans, you still have time. Check out this link. <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=64308">https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=64308</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I4tM0o7xf8mEA9soWX7_NZyqaMinZ1p36KBNBIRCwR1HZufsd90IUoSlvih_kmTkBdVQ-t0zSf87CNSN3x33Lp99ondjGmuRiQtJWUIKwwDAzcKLZfDBCy-BQp79QoTfHHpoE_vCsAb5/s1600/statistics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I4tM0o7xf8mEA9soWX7_NZyqaMinZ1p36KBNBIRCwR1HZufsd90IUoSlvih_kmTkBdVQ-t0zSf87CNSN3x33Lp99ondjGmuRiQtJWUIKwwDAzcKLZfDBCy-BQp79QoTfHHpoE_vCsAb5/s400/statistics.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-50533817242343104822018-12-28T10:49:00.001-05:002018-12-28T10:49:17.057-05:00Closing out 2018
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As another year ends, I thought it would be fun to reflect
on the little moments that made this year spectacular. You know, take some time
to remember the happy or best events that shaped this year. To express gratitude,
which as you know can actually make you happier.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try it. Take 30 minutes or more and think of the times that put
a smile on your face this year. The times that gave you joy. Try for 5 moments
and believe it or not, I bet you even more will start popping into your head.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Write them down. Share here or share with a friend or a
loved one over a beer or your favorite hot chocolate, or pizza. See what they
come up with. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is my list. Believe me there are more, but I had to
stop. Hope it works for you and it makes you smile and feel good about the
close of 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0X89Ly3zmLqAvesiJ1cmYYTWf9YOxEMMOWhs1MeryXmbJqXtmbx9sTDXUQZvX52fakTW6mDW62aPNQVjyq_M0GP62ggo9heDNlamjrvJWFXwy2NPI_P-YtO_IndAuUYLuKReDDy3y1y5/s1600/IMG_0388%255B79%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1195" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0X89Ly3zmLqAvesiJ1cmYYTWf9YOxEMMOWhs1MeryXmbJqXtmbx9sTDXUQZvX52fakTW6mDW62aPNQVjyq_M0GP62ggo9heDNlamjrvJWFXwy2NPI_P-YtO_IndAuUYLuKReDDy3y1y5/s200/IMG_0388%255B79%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma at rehab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of my best moments this year revolved around my
beautiful, strong, 94-year young grandmother. My grandmother got sick this year
and was in the hospital for several weeks. Well, if you knew Maxine (AKA Mad
Max as my father likes to refer to her), you’d know she is one tough cookie. She
survived the incident, thank goodness and I have pictures of her smiling to
prove it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR9wOb228-kFueGHMiGXMJ8LwkW7Nu3dYughBpf08NroOaDYXbApD60T3WYMEMfTkBL8X_OndjSCBlYq3vYrSZsjVZ90HvSr8s9156Ve6vv4jFKWYnnMia-EiU_OHPO_4EJEJCnwdxke6/s1600/grandmahat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR9wOb228-kFueGHMiGXMJ8LwkW7Nu3dYughBpf08NroOaDYXbApD60T3WYMEMfTkBL8X_OndjSCBlYq3vYrSZsjVZ90HvSr8s9156Ve6vv4jFKWYnnMia-EiU_OHPO_4EJEJCnwdxke6/s200/grandmahat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma with my hat she made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma made some of the crocheted hats we donated to
the homeless Veterans this year. She even made a hat for me. When I got
bronchitis in late October grandma called me to check on my health and to tell
me I should go stay with her, so she could take care of me. Such wonderful love
and spirit this woman, the heart of our family has to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx33qg7bxXFhAjU6VoRYigQhks63KbeSk9KdqVuQAB1kHBeD8AY3xMbUM7urvxnwHhRzM3C8aPgL7dYIrde3SFUlFVxTL4AwL1_461V33bafnqABE_yb06xmkP8omcYxOOGzvpLuFy2RJ/s1600/WP_20181228_09_13_50_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx33qg7bxXFhAjU6VoRYigQhks63KbeSk9KdqVuQAB1kHBeD8AY3xMbUM7urvxnwHhRzM3C8aPgL7dYIrde3SFUlFVxTL4AwL1_461V33bafnqABE_yb06xmkP8omcYxOOGzvpLuFy2RJ/s200/WP_20181228_09_13_50_Pro.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quilt my mom made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My mother, who battles cancer every day, the daughter of the
grandmother I just mentioned is a fighter and the craftiest person I know. She
may not do as much as she used to, but when she does, whatever she makes is
beautiful. Mom made the cards for our homeless Veterans backpacks. My Christmas
gift this year was a quilt made by my mom, Mary. I adore anything handmade/homemade
and she knows that what she makes will be treasured. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbmnHuWsHNzm1OFK9Ycx1A2lLsp4d4k-xqTiqjzYuCVqcH5GRaZCRjOoc0QDeVPy8uW4DJApEjl8qIsHz26coX7TkJfF3hXo-d5-xYaa5CvPNbtLQK1Pvl1eLY1g8NYdtC4gfRM_WV5k8/s1600/meandturkeytrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbmnHuWsHNzm1OFK9Ycx1A2lLsp4d4k-xqTiqjzYuCVqcH5GRaZCRjOoc0QDeVPy8uW4DJApEjl8qIsHz26coX7TkJfF3hXo-d5-xYaa5CvPNbtLQK1Pvl1eLY1g8NYdtC4gfRM_WV5k8/s200/meandturkeytrot.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and I doing a 5K together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad, AKA Pops, is the smartest person I know with the most
common sense and the biggest heart. He takes care of everyone in this family,
no matter how close or how far. But we all worried when he had to go in for a hip
replacement earlier this year. He survived it and he was right back to playing
golf the same day the doctor gave him the all clear. Not kidding. He booked the
tee time before he went for his last follow up visit. He was not going to be
stopped. I get my outdoors and activity mode from my father, Keith. Along with my
tenacity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSYSX8CuZMp3253SdPmqinOSEqXNUNQ44_hjEGl1wSOomBjDcA0JoDfnC9achOV3xK0O4ToG7EeJZguM_cSS6Ku-pXFLTQRNIfFeTU85GLcw0IWT1e03tC7XB0zp_1gLGMPwfPu_nRGW1/s1600/WP_20180824_12_10_02_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSYSX8CuZMp3253SdPmqinOSEqXNUNQ44_hjEGl1wSOomBjDcA0JoDfnC9achOV3xK0O4ToG7EeJZguM_cSS6Ku-pXFLTQRNIfFeTU85GLcw0IWT1e03tC7XB0zp_1gLGMPwfPu_nRGW1/s200/WP_20180824_12_10_02_Pro.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephew and me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a terrific time when my youngest nephew, Brandon came
to visit and share his 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> birthday with me. I mean, seriously, how
many aunts are lucky enough to have a niece or nephew want to spend a long
weekend with them? Me! I enjoyed every minute and I hope Brandon brings his
contagious smile, blue eyes, red hair, and his amazing personality back to visit
again SOON.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though I am so far away from all of my family I hope
they know how much joy they bring into my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XpBtYaZxod8w5rbKE9Oi1MXEH_Qzw4lL8Zn6NyHMbmlVaRSZGkbYxuR5bmj8vrhYX-uXkdE7b5BOqdGTV2XaOPIb3nxbbPzQYVdCZd65budK4U4142hzMnLRzGhqXGfq_1SGhueHIcZ9/s1600/WP_20180414_06_20_38_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XpBtYaZxod8w5rbKE9Oi1MXEH_Qzw4lL8Zn6NyHMbmlVaRSZGkbYxuR5bmj8vrhYX-uXkdE7b5BOqdGTV2XaOPIb3nxbbPzQYVdCZd65budK4U4142hzMnLRzGhqXGfq_1SGhueHIcZ9/s200/WP_20180414_06_20_38_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough Ruck 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year I had some huge accomplishments in my running/walking.
I did my first marathon ruck this year. Twenty-six point two miles with a 22-pound
backpack. Talk about tough, but the reward was time spent talking with many
active military, retired military, and first responders. Oh, and the
embarrassing part of tripping over the finish line. THAT, I will never forget. And
the hot fudge sundae as a reward for my efforts. I had so much fun and
supported such a fantastic cause - Military Friends Foundation that I am doing
it again this year. If you’d like to help me support the Military Friends
Foundation, which helps military and first responder families you can donate
here: </span><a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/tough-ruck-for-the-fallen-2019"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/tough-ruck-for-the-fallen-2019</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DG4jGx4JgoJhxz9VUHHj1FQB9tSUhfhIXjutnaUcSGWTtuRMSNVvHVVrTgEeqIhYHHauBsSSMWwmQYVht2uRecjQ97iryh-0_a972gKY1LZHa5omt_TpgT77jnXJWEX-Af2bTAJwV_7K/s1600/supportcrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DG4jGx4JgoJhxz9VUHHj1FQB9tSUhfhIXjutnaUcSGWTtuRMSNVvHVVrTgEeqIhYHHauBsSSMWwmQYVht2uRecjQ97iryh-0_a972gKY1LZHa5omt_TpgT77jnXJWEX-Af2bTAJwV_7K/s200/supportcrew.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my support crew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What brought me to happy tears this year was FINALLY
reaching 100 miles in an ultra-event. Actually, it was 101 miles of cold, rain,
heat, sweat, and blisters (my nemesis). What made it all the sweeter was not
the buckle I received (although that was very cool!) it was having my good
friend Renee there to share it with me. She not only walked with me off and on,
but she was my support crew. She pulled me out of my funk when I hit bottom,
went and got us real food when we could eat no more junk, and suffered through
sleeping in the back of my SUV for two nights. How many friends do you know
would do that? Heck, I can’t get most my friends to even go to a run and see
what I love about ultras. If they only knew what they were missing…<o:p></o:p></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1pMzldxU3hMhV1U0-DSLCHXztw7TNNUe8AXChxgARFMEecXInn6EY37FdMqKlGvOq904eAdCe9t5LjEOTu8Du9XVrCh7qso1vKh-zFIKQzoDTX4HuuKOJAQwtDqzNH-pX0QqO4nf2C8/s1600/mcmprerace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1pMzldxU3hMhV1U0-DSLCHXztw7TNNUe8AXChxgARFMEecXInn6EY37FdMqKlGvOq904eAdCe9t5LjEOTu8Du9XVrCh7qso1vKh-zFIKQzoDTX4HuuKOJAQwtDqzNH-pX0QqO4nf2C8/s200/mcmprerace.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renee bucket list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year Renee and I also did a run from her bucket list – the Marine
Corps Marathon. That is by far the best marathon and I know I enjoyed running
it with a good friend, the sightseeing we did before and after the event, and just the general good time. Of course getting that medal put over my head by a
Marine - there’s a lot of happy tears involved in running, but none more than
when you do it with a friend. </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlhnRHEm90Bdf93Q4awMapPqgefot6FUq0BXC_jZlY5xR45DRa-tx-2HCOX1OKGLvVttCm9qOZQ3KO3dCNGssqc8EgIbj2C5WkxKxDk7cMIcYT_YJxR8WR2HY3ZAXlZQTU4jmZXKmVrXQ/s1600/WP_20181201_18_39_38_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlhnRHEm90Bdf93Q4awMapPqgefot6FUq0BXC_jZlY5xR45DRa-tx-2HCOX1OKGLvVttCm9qOZQ3KO3dCNGssqc8EgIbj2C5WkxKxDk7cMIcYT_YJxR8WR2HY3ZAXlZQTU4jmZXKmVrXQ/s200/WP_20181201_18_39_38_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operation Stuffit with family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMO5n_ljritk2ZHX5Qt8BwzrEHwRcDt7luYH3phYDYa01uKdNfEBWeg7JVc3WlViOKopxXAhCuGIMEnWd9vF5EHlT2hlmNkhZNiM_MT3_jv31MLqEj7PsZYdEhjL24451mm_H7lmtkOXV/s1600/WP_20181201_18_39_43_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMO5n_ljritk2ZHX5Qt8BwzrEHwRcDt7luYH3phYDYa01uKdNfEBWeg7JVc3WlViOKopxXAhCuGIMEnWd9vF5EHlT2hlmNkhZNiM_MT3_jv31MLqEj7PsZYdEhjL24451mm_H7lmtkOXV/s200/WP_20181201_18_39_43_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What brings me much joy and happiness is giving back. This
year I saved so I could spend every weekend gathering backpacks and supplies
for our local homeless Veterans. I wish this was something that did not need to
be done, but it is an honor and a privilege and a way for me to say thank you to
the men and women who do so much for us. T<span style="font-family: Calibri;">he culmination of this effort
happened on a Saturday evening where I spent four hours with my neighbors and
friends who are more like family to me; listening to Christmas music and stuffing
the backpacks with care and love in what I refer to as Operation Stuffit. Thank
you, Kenny, Donna, Jay, and Lynn not only for your help, but for your
friendship and unwavering support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of good friends. WOW! Right before Christmas I got
to speak with a couple of longtime friends. I’m talking people I have known and
loved since high school. I literally sat in my car for 90 minutes talking with
Maurine and Duane who I haven’t spoken by phone or seen in years. Amazing how
time slips away even after all these years and you realize how much you still
have to talk about and how much these people meant to you back then and how
much they helped shape who you are today.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could go on. Like all the text messages my aunt Sheri and sister, Jeanine share weekly. Drives my brother in law nuts when the phone dings repeatedly when we are on a roll, but the three of us have a good time keeping in touch and making sure we know what is happening in our lives. Sharing with each other. Sharing is caring, right?!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">See! I told you once you started you would
see there were many happy moments, little slices of heaven that occurred
throughout the year. Times and events that that make you smile and make you
grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you take the time to recognize just a few and take
that warm feeling into the new year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-27663982061877236282018-11-01T07:24:00.000-04:002018-11-01T07:25:21.390-04:004VETS4LIFE – help a disabled Veteran<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As Veterans Day (November 11) approaches and we thank our Veterans for
their service, another organization, 4VETS4LIFE is looking to help disabled
Veterans in a big way and they need our help.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4VETS4LIFE <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://4vets4life.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://4vets4life.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> has reached out to
me in search of wounded Veterans to aid. I’m turning to you all to help get 4VETS4LIFE
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://4vets4life.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://4vets4life.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
some names, to point a wounded Veteran you know in their direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our mission</b>:
Identify wounded/disabled Veterans who need 4VETS4LIFE help. <span style="color: red;"><strong>Pass this on!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4VETS4LIFE mission</b>:
Provide vital assistance and support to American wounded Veterans to help them
overcome their injuries and re-establish themselves as successful productive
members of society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4VETS4LIFE is looking for TEN disabled Veterans to help. Each
qualified Veteran will be awarded $100,000 toward making their future a reality,
but they need our help.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Identify a disabled Veteran and 4VETS4LIFE
aims to provide them with a home specially modified to meet their specific needs
and help restore their personal dignity and provide a building block for their
future. 4VETS4LIFE aids disabled Veterans with the essentials to rebuild
their lives, including job training, education or building a business or a
modified vehicle the disabled Veteran can operate themselves, or even providing
a home designed to allow them to improve their lives, despite any disability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you know a disabled Veteran, please help him or her get
to this link </span><a href="https://4vets4life.org/apply-now/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://4vets4life.org/apply-now/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
and apply to be a part of the 4VETS4LIFE program to hep them make their future
brighter, to help make a dream come true.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is no deadline, however, only TEN Veterans will be
selected for each Program, with the selection of Veterans occurring prior to
the start of each Program. The earlier a Veteran application is received, the
more likely for that Veteran to be in an earlier Program and be awarded the
$100,000 plus potentially a fully rehabilitated, mortgage free home modified to
their specific needs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Go! <strong>Help a Veteran and 4VETS4LIFE</strong>. Let's make a Veteran's future brighter.</span></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-36597071614593919312018-07-12T07:57:00.000-04:002018-07-12T07:57:01.025-04:00Underwear wrong side out
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wake up in the morning and rush to get cleaned up,
dressed and head out the door. This is an every day occurrence. What happens next...not so every day.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are sitting on the toilet with your underwear
to your knees, no, not to the floor as that’s a guy habit. They drop their
drawers to the floor. Any woman who has ever had to share a bathroom with a man
knows…no way are we letting our panties touch the tile surrounding the toilet.
It’s a result of knowing men have bad aim.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, you’re sitting there and getting ready to pull
everything back up only to discover your underwear are on wrong side
out. You have to do a double take. Really?</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’ve done this, right? I mean it happens to everyone. Not just me, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it a sign of things to come?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I fell off the ladder trying to put up the cable wire to the
house that had been ripped off during one of the storms. No biggie, I have a
tough backside with padding.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my case it meant slicing my thumb while trying to strip
the covering on some electrical wire. By the way, it still hurts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It meant that even after shutting off the power to the
outdoor lights I get electrocuted. Seriously, talk about shocked. I think I jumped
fifty feet in the air and yelped. There’s no other word for it. I yelped. <em>Note to self</em>: the electrical box is not necessarily marked correctly.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All in the same day. The day my underwear were on wrong side
out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happened to you on the day you wore your underwear wrong
side out? Was it a sign? Was it a lucky day or unlucky day? Did you win the lottery or stub your toe?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-931723074149819192018-07-02T09:31:00.001-04:002018-07-02T09:31:34.708-04:00THE STILETTO GANG: Writing What You Know ... Sort Of<a href="http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/2018/07/writing-what-you-know-sort-of.html?spref=bl">THE STILETTO GANG: Writing What You Know ... Sort Of</a>: By Guest Author Loretta Wheeler Thanks to Loretta for stepping up to fill my first Monday of the month spot. I'm away for most of Jul...Loretta Wheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992133163167526850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-49066382930856841582018-05-21T12:09:00.000-04:002018-05-21T12:14:05.993-04:00In search of 100 miles - 3 Days at the Fair<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There’s a scene toward the end of the movie, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pretty Woman</i>, where the character named
Kit asks some other hooker, “Do you have a goal? Cuz you gotta have a goal.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve had a goal that I set for myself two years ago. I
wanted to run/walk 100 miles. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sound crazy? To many this sounds like a crazy goal. I mean
why run when you can drive a car. That’s what most people say. One guy I met
this weekend even said, “That’s crazy. I drive my golf cart to the mailbox.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is it crazy? Maybe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is it attainable? Absolutely. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Will it hurt? Like hell!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is it worth it? Beyond anything you can imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Months ago, I signed up for a race called 3 Days at the Fair
<a href="http://njtrailseries.com/" target="_blank">3 Days at the Fair</a>. You have the option of choosing pretty much any
time limit you want to run; from 12 hours to 144 hours. Yes, that’s SIX days. And
people do it! I went with the 72 hours or 3-day version. You read that
correctly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This weekend, with my SUV packed to the gills with food,
fluids, canopy, chairs, blankets, running gear and a close friend for support I
set off to attack my goal at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks4Beof-RfsL6WuPMAMzjROYC1kf1ZCX_zOxGqa9HIEIv9dTBXxRML6VpB1V6WK0fIA-fGoV2lAUlFyQFHhnjE3Jrwr_dZ4MEwT9zutB7e0fYeuiwZnubccHiHQq3kyys6iuX0qI3r3Qf/s1600/tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks4Beof-RfsL6WuPMAMzjROYC1kf1ZCX_zOxGqa9HIEIv9dTBXxRML6VpB1V6WK0fIA-fGoV2lAUlFyQFHhnjE3Jrwr_dZ4MEwT9zutB7e0fYeuiwZnubccHiHQq3kyys6iuX0qI3r3Qf/s320/tent.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home for the next 72 hours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We arrived at the fairgrounds at about 7:30 AM on Thursday
where we parked our car for the next almost 72 hours and setup our campsite.
One of many at what I call tent city. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We get all unpacked and ready and at 8 AM
I check in. This year’s swag was a rain jacket. I’m thinking the race director
knew something we didn’t when he had ordered the gear weeks ahead of the actual
event. Hmm.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Start time is 9 AM on Thursday for the 72-hour runners. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We
are off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was a little chilly in the morning but quickly warmed up
to the point of stripping down to a t-shirt. The plan for day one was to go 10
miles before taking a break. On my first day I met several people that I would run
into again and again over the next three days. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmu0Riwl4Oe75NShpcD02Zmp52JCuEGTJlgkDhfxvT0gqtdkEBhyphenhyphenPMd240T5LfxeHdVYakLqA0YUAMK36xfqCR4lDOl-qHDSMsB77RSJ4QbFPS4pLZKAuW_9G8YlPQL9qLvHgTSj76_dU/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmu0Riwl4Oe75NShpcD02Zmp52JCuEGTJlgkDhfxvT0gqtdkEBhyphenhyphenPMd240T5LfxeHdVYakLqA0YUAMK36xfqCR4lDOl-qHDSMsB77RSJ4QbFPS4pLZKAuW_9G8YlPQL9qLvHgTSj76_dU/s320/sign.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Linda's signs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of those people would be
Linda ( a police officer who loved to push herself) whose tent was across from us and who made these fun signs to make us
laugh and keep our spirits up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Linda and I did a lot of miles together day one.
At about midnight I stopped for the day at 32 miles. That’s 15 hours in to the
race. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It doesn’t seem like a lot, but remember, we have a lot more
one-mile loops on pavement to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I started out sleeping night one in a zero-gravity chair
then got cold enough to crawl into the back of the SUV and sleep where my
support crew and friend, Renee was sleeping. It wasn’t comfortable, but it’s
not supposed to be.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Friday morning, I woke up, greased my feet with some
<a href="http://www.squirrelsnutbutter.com/" target="_blank">Squirrels Nut Butter</a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">– yes, it’s a thing and you gotta love the name. I tugged on clean socks and a
pair of running shoes and got to 40 miles before 9 AM. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My goal was 40 miles in
first 24 hours and I did it. Yea me! It is amazing how a few hours of sleep can
refresh and repair the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After hitting my goal, I took a shower. The
fairgrounds had real bathrooms and showers. After a quick shower where I felt
almost human again, I dressed and started day two. On this day, my friend
Michele showed up for her 48-hour event. I met Michele at this event last year
where I did my first 48-hour run and we kept in contact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxmvtH_GPOrFDgj9XoJ43PP4ww6Z3cgbz0ZEWN5evnnVUxSPYIjH6qhOK23EeuSI3vAYsS4CS_WJz8aQwXWt3U4Y5h1cE3fkzWOVFcpv0WRblryavr5A-eYnWNUut2N8cgVVLVxBqglEs/s1600/deadmanwalking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxmvtH_GPOrFDgj9XoJ43PP4ww6Z3cgbz0ZEWN5evnnVUxSPYIjH6qhOK23EeuSI3vAYsS4CS_WJz8aQwXWt3U4Y5h1cE3fkzWOVFcpv0WRblryavr5A-eYnWNUut2N8cgVVLVxBqglEs/s320/deadmanwalking.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead man walking ultra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">New runners show up not with just with fresh legs but with fresh humor. How a runner feels after 50 miles...a skeleton of him or herself.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My goal for my next 24 hours was to hit 75 miles. Could I do it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">At about 6 PM on day two, Renee decided that we needed real
food and she left on a mission to get chicken tenders for us and Michele. I did
another five miles while Renee ran the errand. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I haven’t eaten chicken tender in years and I swear this was
the best - EVER! Either that or I was starving for anything that wasn’t
prepackaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was hitting a low point on day two where I wanted to put my feet
up longer and not move. Blisters started on my feet and they only got
worse. This is the one thing that is the death of my running or walking long
distance. Due to a kidney issue (so the doctor thinks), my body pushes all my
fluids to my feet, so they swell and then I get blisters and a heat rash. It’s
not pretty and hurts like you would not believe. But, I refused to give up. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was out on my last loops for
the evening when the crew of another runner offered me a warm chocolate cookie.
Can I just say that it was the best cookie – EVER! Okay, maybe not, but it was
the sentiment behind the cookie, the incentive of the cookie, and the lovely
gesture that made it special and rewarding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I got to 65 miles about midnight and hit the sack…or in this
case the bedroll in the back of the SUV where Renee had gone and gotten blow up
mats that float in the pool to make the back of the SUV a little less hard to
lay on. I wasn't picky and I was passed out in five minutes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Saturday morning dawned beautiful. I got up and hit mile 74
(5 miles more than last year when I did the 48-hour event) just before 9 AM. WOOT! I was shy of my goal by one mile in 48 hours, but I was doing
well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSvDjgEqADUu1zTZNXg1NvVisOqO5JU-V7MOIpitb3vq_wNJHSiZBV1XYTChrbTNfhKCT29ZINJdbb6mWHPAftH0UHCH4eLiGkmlXnwi5Z3br1HTICwJJ_ie-XkKXTf1AD8WDeE4ymz1y/s1600/3daysrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSvDjgEqADUu1zTZNXg1NvVisOqO5JU-V7MOIpitb3vq_wNJHSiZBV1XYTChrbTNfhKCT29ZINJdbb6mWHPAftH0UHCH4eLiGkmlXnwi5Z3br1HTICwJJ_ie-XkKXTf1AD8WDeE4ymz1y/s320/3daysrain.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it weird that I'm grinning?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The rain set in after 9 AM. Told you the race director knew
something in advance. The rain jacket swag came in very handy on Saturday where
the weather went from gorgeous cool in morning to drizzle to downpours to drizzle
to a break in the late afternoon where there was no rain. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Here’s the funny thing – I love running in the rain. My body
loves the rain. It’s cool and refreshing. On what was now my official start of
day three I was moving really well in the rain. I took a break every 4 miles to
change my socks and shoes out for dry ones. I was running more with the rain
than without the rain. And this was after 48 hours. I felt fantastic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Beware – what goes up, must come down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How does one dry out shoes and socks during an ultra-running
festival? Place the socks and shoes on the floor board of the car and turn the
heat up full blast. I was tossing hats, mittens, even jackets down there to dry
out and get them warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then the rain stopped. When the rain ceased my feet got
irritated again. They were not happy. I was not happy. I probably had more
blisters during the rain, but my feet didn’t feel them. Maybe because my feet
were wet and numb.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Because I was doing so well we were very excited and all
Renee could think about was sleeping in a hotel. I wanted to get done so she
could have a warm, comfortable bed. I mean how do you thank a person who blew
off her anniversary weekend with her husband, drove 7 hours, and spent the last
48 hours waiting on me, supporting me, doing a lap or two with me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I pushed myself, so she would have a bed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every 4 miles I was taking only 20-minute breaks instead of
the 30 to 45 minutes I had planned and that was working the two previous days. I may have pushed a little too much. By
late afternoon I hit another downturn. My feet were on fire. Legs felt great,
body was doing awesome, but feet screamed, “STOP! STOP!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I passed our tent and Renee instinctively knew I was not
myself. Renee, being the amazing friend she is, tossed on her running shoes and
a rain jacket and went in search of me on the course. She found me and did a
mile with me until I hit my next break time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">By 8 PM I was mad. Mad at myself for changing the plan. Mad
at myself for being mad. Mad because my feet refused to cooperate and because
every step was like walking across hot coals and needles all at the same time. TORTURE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was no longer capable of running or walking. I was shuffling.
For the last 13 miles (that’s a half marathon) I shuffled my way across the
black pavement trying to just do 3 mile stretches before taking a break. Almost
sixty hours into this event and all I wanted was to sit down in the middle of
the road to hell and not get up. I wanted to curl up into a little ball and go
to sleep. I was sleep walking anyway so why not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As a matter of fact I did sit down in the middle of the pavement. But it was to put my socks back on that I had taken off hoping for some relief. Didn't work. As I'm sitting on the wet, cold pavement lacing my shoes up, a car coming from a wedding that took place at the event headed straight for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I held up my arms and three other runners who were coming saw the car and made sure they avoided me. Thanks, guys!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79HwpT5nuQlEvLovrRzxtUqNg2wPqY4jrMiGfgpZg0lYXxoSz_qYZb6OWptAF3D2wWJf30lxDg4caIKpx_fTFqObfF8e8DxV3n_cYvP1HPxy-RGqV84M57UGZskNkmGLoBcj6NrQqME2i/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79HwpT5nuQlEvLovrRzxtUqNg2wPqY4jrMiGfgpZg0lYXxoSz_qYZb6OWptAF3D2wWJf30lxDg4caIKpx_fTFqObfF8e8DxV3n_cYvP1HPxy-RGqV84M57UGZskNkmGLoBcj6NrQqME2i/s320/flowers.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of encouragement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every lap there were people out there cheering us on.
Offering words and even flowers of encouragement, of support and awe. That was great, but it
could not cut into the haze of pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With 10 miles left I took a break, changed into what I
thought would be my last shoe change and headed off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Renee, with the help of
the people next to us who were there crewing for a 24-hour runner had packed up
the car. She was ready, and I was dragging.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Just when you think it can’t get worse; it can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wanted to sit, put my face in my hands and weep. Oh, yes,
there were tears. You just couldn’t see them because of the drizzle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Was I nuts? Why did I think I could do this? I will NEVER try this again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7UlRje8aVT8fiqhisQi0BNR0GgqO76rSKLAAfvBMNn9RpcqRcZVJHw9-7PWMBnOd46MGmOsO9W4DIyy_qGjfWUX1WNXxxxJvLRnbV_Pcj2T1PoPCllP_dgdUyQxvH8JxXSXKV96LoxYc/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7UlRje8aVT8fiqhisQi0BNR0GgqO76rSKLAAfvBMNn9RpcqRcZVJHw9-7PWMBnOd46MGmOsO9W4DIyy_qGjfWUX1WNXxxxJvLRnbV_Pcj2T1PoPCllP_dgdUyQxvH8JxXSXKV96LoxYc/s320/bridge.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every time
I passed the turn to the pallet bridge over a puddle and I had to lift my legs
I cringed and wanted to yell and hit someone, anyone –most of all myself. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In my 97<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> mile I text Renee and said I would
need another pair of shoes when I got there. I felt bad because she had
everything packed, but my feet needed a fresh pair of shoes if I was going to finish
this beast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I changed and slowly (Picture a large turtle trudging uphill through wet sand - that kind of slow) started off for my last 3 miles telling Renee
I would text her when I completed mile 100 so she could do the last mile with
me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I don’t know how long it took, but it felt like forever;
kinda like swimming through molasses before I completed mile 100. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I FINALLY reached mile 100, a first for me, I texted Renee
and got no answer. When I reached our tent area she was unpacking the car. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Was it a mirage?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
think my mind went berserk right then and there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wasn't focusing on the fact that I had reached an amazing goal. I had hit 100 miles on foot. As a matter of fact every mile past mile 69 was a new adventure, a new accomplishment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I should have been celebrating that suckfest!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Instead, I was thinking what the hell was Renee doing? She wanted a bed. I wanted
sleep. Why was she unpacking? When Renee reached me, she informed me that she had
called 20 hotels and there wasn’t a room anywhere near. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Apparently everyone was getting married the same weekend as Prince Harry and Megan Markle.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Was she kidding me? No room? Anywhere?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">No way were we not getting a bed in a hotel. No way was I not getting to sleep - SOON.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we started the last mile I was on the phone to <a href="http://hiltonhonors3.hilton.com/en/index.html" target="_blank">Hilton</a>
reservation number getting us a hotel room. Brenda, the agent was fabulous. I asked
her not to laugh and told her I was finishing my hundred mile run and needed a
hotel room with a bed, could she please find me one. She did!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now remember, I am in the middle
of a race with nothing on me but thank goodness I do have a credit card
memorized. We had to drive 50 miles, but Brenda hooked us up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Funny thing about this phone call – it took my mind off the
pain. We were in the last quarter mile when I hung up and I didn’t feel every
step. Pain no longer shot through me with every shuffle. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Moral of this
interlude - Do NOT mess with a runner who just spent sixty plus hours trying to
reach a goal, who wants to fall to her knees where she stands and go to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">At 11:07 PM on Saturday I crossed the finish line for 101
miles. That’s sixty-two hours into a 72-hour event. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOAL</b>! Ten hours ahead of schedule!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKvCxugKoN_h0OYqov0YpURBX9Zhn4eHph3oNKa5Peq8CNF2hLt72XNGv0kryaaGlAX26HfEfKm_4KNoqVjjpI-uCoV-OSqoGVaYwriq5EjowhyphenhyphenkdbMx6oF0xzep9jc_CnU0IG6H7enaE/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKvCxugKoN_h0OYqov0YpURBX9Zhn4eHph3oNKa5Peq8CNF2hLt72XNGv0kryaaGlAX26HfEfKm_4KNoqVjjpI-uCoV-OSqoGVaYwriq5EjowhyphenhyphenkdbMx6oF0xzep9jc_CnU0IG6H7enaE/s320/finish.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 101!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Renee took the finish line photo and then we hugged. Tears
rolled down both our faces as the enormity of the accomplishment set in. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I did it! We did it!</b> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then I read a text from a friend of mine who sent me a
message before I finished as he wanted to be the first person to congratulate
me. More tears!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I hurt so bad but felt so amazing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I may not be fast, but I have heart. And it’s the heart that
keeps us going. There’s a quote by Dean Karnazes, “Run if you can, walk if you
have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” I’d say Mr. Karnazes hit the
nail on the head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I never gave up. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEvSL2XwQ3-edryRKbK48INPtdSIt3hlTowlvz4fW0b7qywI8RnSD0zcVg3BYJXpNkywSeZCgp5WDYomfswY4cV3pLd4uWjV0C0XOrTbNyAUmw4JvVSQe_0YCJqctJtc3csWLEzjkvBxS/s1600/keepgoing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="877" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEvSL2XwQ3-edryRKbK48INPtdSIt3hlTowlvz4fW0b7qywI8RnSD0zcVg3BYJXpNkywSeZCgp5WDYomfswY4cV3pLd4uWjV0C0XOrTbNyAUmw4JvVSQe_0YCJqctJtc3csWLEzjkvBxS/s320/keepgoing.jpg" width="292" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At no time did it ever cross my mind to quit. To take a longer
break – YES. To sleep – YES. To call it quits and give up altogether – <strong>NOT AT
ALL</strong>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Could I have gone more? Maybe. I wouldn’t have wanted to
that night, but the next morning, I probably could have gotten in more miles if
the hotel hadn’t been so far away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I guess we will see the next time. </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Are ultra runners crazy? I don’t think so. They are a
community of people, friends and strangers, out to push their limits and support
others in their own attempts and accomplishments. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This weekend I had the
pleasure of sharing the blacktop trail with hundreds of runners who all set out
with various goals; most of which were accomplished through shear guts and
determination as well as support from friends and strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sometimes you’d be running by yourself, but you were never
alone. Sometimes you would run or walk in groups and the camaraderie would
boost you up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It didn’t matter that you arrived not knowing a sole person.
By the time you left, you were all family. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc_jkPzn1GemwxyOvI1mCcohwmyRZfZSVAxEV-v2EpYnvvOhNIkfTvJep00jB43Exh8Qp_EfJNKnT43l-QDR8vO9nOpEwAGZpVLXhyphenhyphencRpeJ2xpNUx9fdBwr7xXGcUpv15sGpGhDK7AAFC/s1600/buckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc_jkPzn1GemwxyOvI1mCcohwmyRZfZSVAxEV-v2EpYnvvOhNIkfTvJep00jB43Exh8Qp_EfJNKnT43l-QDR8vO9nOpEwAGZpVLXhyphenhyphencRpeJ2xpNUx9fdBwr7xXGcUpv15sGpGhDK7AAFC/s320/buckle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">101 mile buckle and 100 mile lifetime coin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This was demonstrated over many
hours, but even more during the awards ceremony. Many cheers, hoots of joy, handshaking,
and picture taking. All while wearing sandals and pajama bottoms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Everyone was happy for everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTUs5IRa3P7nPJMvBPSQ9Oli4PAYnz16BMID3JKWjmJYEswGUhQh5fQoBcQi0ejWIzdwcssXGE9TQ8phXPrd8JwXTGeRs8zS-OUGQZi2JmW0oADSCtQ4Gb5c8yX4lHI5-O-bHrFumnfZT/s1600/supportcrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTUs5IRa3P7nPJMvBPSQ9Oli4PAYnz16BMID3JKWjmJYEswGUhQh5fQoBcQi0ejWIzdwcssXGE9TQ8phXPrd8JwXTGeRs8zS-OUGQZi2JmW0oADSCtQ4Gb5c8yX4lHI5-O-bHrFumnfZT/s320/supportcrew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renee and I day two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To my friend Renee, thank you! Thank you from the bottom of
my heart for giving up your time to spend a weekend in heat and rain, in daylight
and darkness, during highs and lows. You were the reason I reached my goal ten
hours ahead of schedule! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Happy Anniversary! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tell Mike I said thank you for sharing you with me this weekend. I owe him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To my new runner friends, I met at 3 Days at the Fair; You
all are amazing, and I thank you for your time, your wisdom, your humor, and
your camaraderie. That alone was worth the price of admission. Congratulations on your many achievements!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To the family and friends of all the runners; Thank you.
Thank you for the warm cookie, the pep talk, the hoots and hollers, the offer
of a cold beer. Without all of you, none of us would succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyu69qTBM1QMk_a-tHGUvmGHGuIvAnUFvgCYOzyzf8hP5nIYYVhwdtX84ycs1ZkJ6xBTVv2Ld5rNp68Blo53A4CsTXlD-VeAvsb_c30CnmJq0bYz8wL-gEzVVUT7M5ynHUDLrACHhW3im/s1600/rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyu69qTBM1QMk_a-tHGUvmGHGuIvAnUFvgCYOzyzf8hP5nIYYVhwdtX84ycs1ZkJ6xBTVv2Ld5rNp68Blo53A4CsTXlD-VeAvsb_c30CnmJq0bYz8wL-gEzVVUT7M5ynHUDLrACHhW3im/s320/rd.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Days at the Fair Race Director <br />
and me looking oh so fabulous - right!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To the race directors; Thank you for an unbelievable opportunity to meet so many wonderful runners and new friends and for the path to a new accomplishment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Will I do this again? Funny you should ask. The other night when
I was at my lowest I said I was finished. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">"One and done! NEVER again!" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The mind is a tricky thing. <span style="font-family: "calibri";">You know what they say. Never say never. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Two days later and
I’m thinking, “Hell, yeah! I want to do it again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Why do I want to do this? Why do I like endurance runs?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s a good question that I’m not sure I have the answer to.
The answer is probably different for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There’s a sense of community that comes from ultras and
ultra runners that you can’t get from a 5K event or even a running group or
maybe anything. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s the knowledge that you are pushing yourself to a new
limit, to an edge of something that you have never done before and that not
everyone would even attempt to do. It’s not just reaching the goal, but the ability
to dig deep, very deep, to pull yourself from the pain and keep moving. You
reach an awareness of your body and an inner peace in your mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">You’re not
reaching for a finish line, you’re experiencing life and all it’s challenges in
every step along the way and it’s how you grow from that pain, those challenges.
Embracing the suck and coming out better for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’m not sure that’s an answer, but I can tell you this; My mind
and body (all except my feet) are already clambering for the next adventure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">That’s truly what an ultra
run is; an adventure that leads you to growth, awareness, and a peace that
cannot be put into words.<o:p></o:p></span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-60705525851016885752018-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:002018-02-16T07:00:00.229-05:00Unexpected FlowersDon't you just love flowers?<br />
<br />
I do!<br />
<br />
I love the colors, the shapes, the smile that crosses your lips when you see them. I love my garden and I love planting more and more flowers every year. Yes, it's kind of an obsessive-compulsive thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQhJCz_sWES8OUyCdxUMveddBPSPtyMZxtXuQkwSDQnVAdyhMr7I9F88UHOCLVe5-kfgRL5zLJSZsBSsYMXqNFX8ryB_W8S7z2U6FZWkO7M6_DdVutoGyOjc0jwri29tmLzgJYs7qVWYC/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQhJCz_sWES8OUyCdxUMveddBPSPtyMZxtXuQkwSDQnVAdyhMr7I9F88UHOCLVe5-kfgRL5zLJSZsBSsYMXqNFX8ryB_W8S7z2U6FZWkO7M6_DdVutoGyOjc0jwri29tmLzgJYs7qVWYC/s320/tulips.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
What's even better is receiving flowers from a friend. The other day I was waiting for a girlfriend so we could drive together to run the Fat Tuesday 5K. When she showed up she surprised me with not a dozen tulips, but three dozen tulips. Gorgeous! <br />
<br />
For the record, I love tulips!! They are just such happy flowers. I love how they sleep at night and open up during the day. They look like they are smiling, which makes me smile. <br />
<br />
The fact that these flowers were a huge surprise from a great friend made my day. And the tulips were pink. My favorite color!<br />
<br />
Don't you just love good surprises?<br />
<br />
The unexpected is what makes life interesting. Don't ya think?<br />
<br />
Grateful for my friend for being a part of my life and for bringing a smile to my lips.<br />
<br />
I hope you all have wonderful friends in your life. Hope you not only appreciate a terrific surprise but you do the surprising.<br />
<br />
Have a terrific day and may the unexpected be positive!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-9117824784111146472018-02-11T06:45:00.000-05:002018-02-11T06:55:33.868-05:00Laughter is good medicineThey say laughter is the best medicine. How can you disagree? <br />
<br />
The benefits of laughing are all-around fantastic! Laughing has a relaxing effect. In this day of stress as the norm, relaxation is something we should seek.<br />
<br />
Laughing boosts your energy, boosts immunity, decreases muscle tension and pain, and helps prevent heart disease.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodHDFNwQsjgE3SCw7Ah3jIVX95pQAssFu6nLZN_XQyWAlQKnF1bHugEUlMosLVubEEihLlnFzdreHxRU-9o2jly7J3g5PBPjTHyZDDqogxM-F-GDWaxhAVCgNuKMViMq77GNEq5jLENig/s1600/WP_20180211_05_58_04_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodHDFNwQsjgE3SCw7Ah3jIVX95pQAssFu6nLZN_XQyWAlQKnF1bHugEUlMosLVubEEihLlnFzdreHxRU-9o2jly7J3g5PBPjTHyZDDqogxM-F-GDWaxhAVCgNuKMViMq77GNEq5jLENig/s200/WP_20180211_05_58_04_Pro.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When you are sitting around drinking your coffee with coconut oil and you watch your skinny cat hop in a box and I swear practically bounce back out again you have to laugh. <br />
<br />
When Mayhem's chubby brother tries to crawl in the box (because his backside is to chunky to jump) and the box keeps sliding across the floor you MUST laugh. Mischief did make it into the box but I could not stop laughing. He is so dang cute and was so determined. What is it about cats and boxes?<br />
<br />
What was funnier was watching Mischief try to turn around inside the small box. He did it! <br />
<br />
His brother, Mayhem cracks me up. I was eating chicken for lunch the other day and of course he wants to eat some. I sit a piece on the counter for him and the entertainment ensues. Check out these photos of him getting the piece of chicken off the counter.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L2exOSV1ik6jkkBFVgscDyzY8tvnwYeKls37gN2KdqpF1c-nicW6VwEB3zAXvAyEthi4Fc3qT2VaNyXr-mD2HlxTrJdC8j6M86I8WJvmPsYiYzyixvE1y-_VU1w3VCuJ4IGj4Z-Ic7G_/s1600/WP_20180208_12_08_28_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L2exOSV1ik6jkkBFVgscDyzY8tvnwYeKls37gN2KdqpF1c-nicW6VwEB3zAXvAyEthi4Fc3qT2VaNyXr-mD2HlxTrJdC8j6M86I8WJvmPsYiYzyixvE1y-_VU1w3VCuJ4IGj4Z-Ic7G_/s200/WP_20180208_12_08_28_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! I spy chicken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come here, chicken!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
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Together these two brothers, Mischief and Mayhem keep me laughing and entertained on a daily basis. Look at those faces! I am blessed with these two troublemakers.</div>
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Where does your daily does of humor come from?</div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-34888907235007803842018-02-09T06:52:00.002-05:002018-02-09T06:52:49.236-05:00Morning routinesDo you have a morning routine?<br />
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From the minute your eyes pop open to the time you walk out the door for work, what do you do? Maybe you don't leave for work. Maybe you work from home. What's your routine?<br />
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Do you take solace in your routine?<br />
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I am usually woken by sunlight streaming through the windows or my two cats. The moment my feet hit the floor I make the bed. Yes, you read that right. I make the bed. My mom taught me to make the bed first and I've been doing it ever since. It's important to me because I don't like messy and I am not one of those people who can crawl back under the covers at night if the bed has not been made. Maybe that's a little OCD, but I think not.<br />
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After that I have to feed the kitties. Why? Because oh my goodness they are these cute little fur balls that yell at me if I do not immediately go downstairs and feed them. Did I mention they were cute?<br />
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Then it's finally about me. I get to get cleaned up, dressed and yes, I look forward to my one and only cup of dark roast coffee with double espresso almond milk. This is my relaxing part of the morning. I share it with the two fur balls, Mischief and Mayhem. I drink the coffee and they get morning treats good for their teeth. Lots of licking chops happen all around and purring ensues. Okay, I don't purr, but I do lick my lips.<br />
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If I work from home I try to go for a short morning walk to get some fresh air before being cooped up for the day. Then have breakfast before being enslaved by my computer. If it's a day I have to travel to the office I pack up my bag and computer and hit the road. No time for breakfast. Yeah, yeah, I know. Morning is the most important meal of the day. And I do believe that, but I'd rather skip that than be stuck in traffic.<br />
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I enjoy my routine. It's all warmth and cuddles and relaxation before the storm of stress.<br />
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How do you feel about your morning routine? Does it give you comfort?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-89591126396593045592018-02-08T07:00:00.000-05:002018-02-08T07:00:13.472-05:00Friends and NeighborsRemember when you were a kid and how you had friends in the neighborhood? Remember how your parents used to hang out on the weekend with your friends' parents?<br />
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Do people do that anymore? Do you know your neighbors?<br />
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I remember playing Frisbee across the street with all our neighbors, friends, and parents. The memories of cookouts with neighbors and friends is vivid in my mind. I recall playing at each others houses and my mom getting together for coffee with other moms in the neighborhood.<br />
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What about you?<br />
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I am happy to say I know my neighbors and they are friends. Maybe I don't know all my neighbors, but definitely some. We do hang out together. In the summer we hang out at the fire pit. In the spring we talk about what flowers we are going to plant and ooo, aahh over the results. In the winter I can send a text that says, "Steak Thursday night?" and get a response back from, "I'll do the sides."<br />
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Recently one of my neighbors moved to Georgia where his family lives. While I am ecstatic for him and his family, I am sad by my loss of the friend and neighbor that I can call up and say, "Chicken wings?" or "A movie?" Sometimes I could even convince Mike to take a long walk with me. Even though he has moved miles and miles away, we still stay in contact. We are friends.<br />
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Oh my gosh! The day I bought my house I was introduced to my neighbor and now friend, Donna. The first thing she said to me was, "This is the view you will see all summer." Then she proceeded to bend over and show me her backside. Because she spends a lot of time in her yard and gardens. <br />
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I knew at that moment we would be friends! And I am grateful to have them in my life.<br />
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Are your neighbors friends?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-43938279529572072662018-02-06T07:30:00.000-05:002018-02-06T07:30:00.196-05:00Is there such a thing as a work family?Yesterday was a Monday. Honestly, who likes a Monday? Seriously.<br />
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The day starts by getting up before 4 AM just so I can be in my car and on the road to work before the crack of dawn so I can beat the horrific traffic. The bonus is that when I get to work there are very few people there so I can actually get some work done before the wave of noise and lower productivity sets in.<br />
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The engineers who work for me, however, are the delight of my day. These guys are wicked smart, creative, and funny. They are the reason that work is fun and the reason I put up with the ridiculous bureaucracy in the organization.<br />
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What I love about these people is that while we are working our tails off to deliver good software we laugh. Someone will share a Dilbert cartoon or a web link from some other software coding disaster. Or we share personal stories like how they met their girlfriend/wife or the latest family vacation. One guy who works with me longer than anyone shares recipes, talks about his beer making, his golf struggles. <br />
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When someone calls out due to a cold or this nasty flu we cover for each other. Everyone steps in to make sure nothing gets forgotten and the sickie doesn't come back with a full plate to sift through, but can come back and hit the ground running.<br />
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It's all terrific and it's what makes us a work family. Yes. That is the perfect description. We are a family who comes together for 8 to 10 hours a day and then goes home to our home life.<br />
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I am grateful for these wonderful and talented people for making my work family so diverse, interesting, fun, and extremely productive. Because yes, they do amazing work and make me smile.<br />
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Do you have a work family?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-61554771368206492062018-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:002018-02-05T08:00:09.507-05:00Ruck for fun?What is a ruck? A ruck is loosely defined as getting your gear from point A to point B in a backpack and on foot. Walk or run in my case does not matter. As long as you are hoofing it and making forward progress.<br />
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I'm training for a 26.2 mile ruck that occurs in April. During this ruck I have to carry gear that weighs 15 plus pounds. That does not include the water you might drink because obviously by the time you get to the end then your pack will be lighter. My pack ONLY has to weigh 15 pounds because I am a civilian, while the military, both active and Veterans will carry three times that weight.<br />
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Last weekend I did 3.5 miles with 5 pounds in a backpack. It was great. I felt terrific. So today, in my all-knowing stupidity decided to go with 8 pounds in a ruck for a 3.1 mile run with a friend. <br />
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Being winter we dressed in layers. Thank goodness! A mile in I was ready to strip off everything. Okay, not naked everything, but definitely the outer layer. Once we hit the aid station I whipped off the pack, stripped off my vest, hat, and mittens and tossed them into the rucksack then strapped it back on and away we went. SLOWLY. <br />
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Now the pack weighed just shy of 10 pounds. Have you ever lost 10 pounds and then put it back on? You know 10 pounds is basically an entire clothing size and the weight is probably distributed. Now imagine wearing that on your back while trying and not really succeeding at running. Instead of slowly jogging, which is just nuts, we (my friend Lisa and I) used the pole method.<br />
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What's the pole method you ask? <br />
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We sprinted from one light pole to the next then walked to the next pole. We kept this up until the end. I was probably faster doing that than trying to jog very slowly with 10 pounds of gearing bouncing on my back. We did it! We made it to the finish.<br />
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What did I learn from this? That I am ever grateful for Lisa for being supportive in my test run and that I was clearly not ready for 10 or even 8 pounds in my backpack. More training is needed.<br />
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Even more important. I am grateful to the men and women who serve in our military and carry 45 to 50 pounds on their backs going from point A to point B while on foot. You have not only my deepest gratitude for your service, but HUGE respect. Thank you!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-45661883092343611542018-02-04T14:08:00.000-05:002018-02-04T14:08:07.808-05:00I love to read!When I say I love to read, I mean I like to read anything ad everything. I crave to read. I crave losing myself in a story, I crave learning something, I crave just the peacefulness of my mind when I'm in a book.<br />
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Mostly I read mystery, suspense, romance. But I do veer off the "normal" path and read non-fiction (especially books on what entrepreneurs went thru when they started their business). Not the "how-to" books because quite frankly that is boring. I want to know the pain and suffering and the joys of the unknown, the failures, and the successes. I'll read books in running, again not a how-to, but the journey that other people have go through to get to be the runner they are today. I'll even read science fiction. Okay, not very often and only if someone I trust recommends a book. That's how I suffered through the first 100 pages of "Dune" and then loved it til the end. <br />
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Yesterday I read a book because it caught my eye with the title. See, a good title will get someone to pick up a book. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," by Mark Manson is the book I picked up. Yes, I use the F word, but not as often as some might think. At first I was thinking I'm not sure I can read a book with the F-bomb dropped all over the place. But you know, I loved it. I recommend it.<br />
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Blame my parents for my hunger and love of books. After all, they taught me to read. <br />
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When I was a kid and my parents would stick us in the car for a 4 hour drive to my grandparents for a visit, I would read every sign. If they hadn't taught me to read then I wouldn't be such a reader.<br />
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I am grateful for my parents who taught me to read and for every author who has put their heart and soul into a book. Very much appreciate you sharing your stories.<br />
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Who taught you to read? Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-82534590565204970862018-02-03T12:27:00.001-05:002018-02-03T12:27:14.700-05:00SmashmogramSmashmogram is the nickname I lovingly refer to as a mammogram. A torture device used on women's breasts invented by a sadistic man...OF COURSE. If the inventor tried the machine, smashing his private parts I bet he wouldn't like it either and wouldn't do it a second time.<br />
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It's not only the pain, it's the indignation of bearing the 'girls' in all their splendorous glory to a total stranger to be manhandled. And not just manhandled by a pair of impersonal gloved hands, but lifted, squeezed, tugged, and finally smashed.<br />
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I commented through gritted teeth to the technician when she had my right boob in a vice grip, "Wow, talk about high and tight."<br />
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I mean it's like she thought scraping my rib cage with that dang contraption wasn't close enough. I'll have bruises for a weak!<br />
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Worse is the fact that the technician can't just plop them on a shelf, smash them once and snap the picture. No! That would be too easy. It's repeated torture. Three different views, three different smash sessions PER BREAST.<br />
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Torture. Pure and simple.<br />
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But...I am grateful to my OB/GYN for betting me that I wouldn't go. Cuz, yeah, that made me have to get the dang event over with.<br />
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I am also grateful to the evil man, Albert Solomon, the inventor of the mammogram machine to help with the early detection of breast cancer and saving many lives and boobs. Even if it is through a modern torture device.<br />
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I thank you for the torture of the TA-TAs.<br />
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What are you grateful for today?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-7420237108176559382018-02-02T05:54:00.000-05:002018-02-02T05:54:00.244-05:00Positivity Day 3Really going to see how many days I keep posting positive things to be grateful for. Honestly, I believe everyday something good happens even if it's just the fact that you woke up and put two feet on the floor or you kissed your spouse or children good morning. <br />
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It doesn't have to be a major event to make you focus on the fabulousness that is you.<br />
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Yesterday, for me, was reading my dad's comment to my first blog on <a href="http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com/2018/01/gratitude-with-attitude.html" target="_blank">Gratitude with Attitude.</a> I mean how can you not feel blessed and overwhelmed with warm fuzzy feelings to have your father put in writing how proud he is of you. No matter how old you get, you can never hear that enough.<br />
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I am grateful my father shares his feelings and thoughts, and honestly, we have some of the most amazing conversations about everything. If someone ever recorded us they'd probably think we were nuts. And I love it!<br />
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What made you grateful today? Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-34065330472906129712018-02-01T06:58:00.004-05:002018-02-01T06:59:25.549-05:00Positivity Day 2Continuing our journey of gratitude with attitude.<br />
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Yesterday's positive event was receiving an email from <a href="http://nechv.org/" target="_blank">NECHV</a> (New England Center and Home for Veterans) confirming that I am on their <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/" target="_blank">Marine Corps Marathon</a> running team. Looking forward to not only running my favorite marathon but the opportunity to help raise money and support for such an amazing organization that supports At Risk Veterans.<br />
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In the near future I will post a fundraising page so anyone who wants to help Veterans at risk of homeless and homeless Veterans can donate. Help me thank our Heroes!<br />
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How is your positive attitude journey going? What was your positivity for today?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-64478230176633235092018-01-30T18:22:00.000-05:002018-01-30T18:22:43.413-05:00Gratitude with AttitudeEvery once and a while I diverge from my insatiable appetite for fiction books and try something else. When I go off my mystery and romance path I tend to read things that are of a personal nature, about someone who has discovered their path in life; someone who has figured out how to make a difference in this world.<br />
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Well, a few weeks ago I found a book titled <em>"13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do"</em> by Amy Morin. Quite the mouthful for a title, right?<br />
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I know having done several ultra marathons that being mentally strong is very valuable, especially when you hurt everywhere, can't remember the last time you ate, but aren't really hungry, and it's so dark you wonder what is ready to meet you around the bend on the trail. It's not the body that keeps you moving forward, it's the mental strength that convinces yourself, "You can do it."<br />
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Anyway, one of the chapters was talking about how to not focus on the negative, but focus on the positive. Amy suggested that the reader identify something positive every day.<br />
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So, with the idea of wanting to be mentally strong I vote we all try this. Every day identify something affirmative. Take this positive thing and be grateful for it. Write it down. Share it with others or put it in a jar every day and at the end of the year you can see how much you have to be grateful and happy for.<br />
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I will start. <br />
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Today I am grateful for my nephew, Codi. Today is Codi's birthday and I hope he has the best day with lots of cake!<br />
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I am every happy to have Codi in my life. I may not see him often or talk to him (he's not a phone guy) as much as I would like, but I am thrilled to have him as my nephew. And I am positive that he will soon have a job.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-56250491481529512082017-11-10T06:32:00.000-05:002017-11-10T06:32:21.675-05:00Season of Thanks - Veterans Day<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Some people call it the Season of Giving, but I have decided to call it the Season of Thanks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I believe in giving every single month, week, day. I am grateful every day for the people in my life; my family, friends, coworkers, the complete stranger I meet. And I want to say thanks to all the people in my life for making my life so full. They all impact our lives in some way or another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">BUT, there is one group that impacts us that we may never meet or have an opportunity to thank. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is one group of people I am most thankful for and that is our <strong>Veterans</strong>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I don’t believe there is enough that can be said or done to thank the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are the land of the free because of the brave. Thank you, Veterans!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I truly believe this sentiment so every year I save my change and dollars and this year my fives so that I can give back and say thank you to the service men and women. There are two things I do this time of year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">On Veterans’ Day I go to a local business (Just Naturals (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.justnaturals.com/</span></u></span>) in Bedford, NH) owned by a friend of mine who puts up a Veteran’s gift tree. On that tree are tags with the first name of a retired Veteran in a home. It lists his or her first name, age, and branch of service. It also has a list of what that Veteran would like for Christmas. I take anywhere from 5 to 10 tags and then I get to play Santa Claus…or in my case, Denise Claus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I shop! I find everything they want on their list, and let me tell you, those lists are pretty simple. Usually they ask for modest items like Gold Bond Powder, candy and cookies, books, winter hat and gloves, and last year there was a demand for sweatshirts. Oh, and last year several gentlemen wanted after shave. Who knew guys still use that. After the shopping is done then all my friends who also go pull from the Christmas tree come to my house and we wrap. We make it all pretty and put in gigantic gift bags that I get at <em>Home Goods</em>. Then we deliver back to Just Naturals for them to give to the Veteran’s homes and our retired heroes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also at this time of year, I pull together (with the help of my friends) items for our At-Risk Veterans. These are the Veterans who are either homeless or just getting off the streets and need an extra boost. For this, I go to local Veterans shelter and check their wish list or I can also choose from the other tree that Karen puts out at Just Naturals, which is a list of items a local shelter is in need of for our Veterans. Or, hey, be like me do both!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Again, time to shop! Here is the thing about this list, while some of the items like rain jacket, backpacks, and even socks, especially warm socks can add up there are other items on the wish list; toiletries, food products like Ramen Noodles, Peanut Butter, Mac and Cheese, Granola and Protein Bars that don’t break the bank. Any of those items make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtse08sBsyzyp3e8QDBVvCrVxIHaxhhaEu8idGirhwp0QRWTwWpF_Z6YKlDRUa9klhyphenhyphenas8nAxCdrRg5uVT1r6-6v_FhyxHbnSZ6iy3XZtLFo50ZfR9O3gSuJzIEcEs6bzcbzk0HfPscnn/s1600/backpacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1024" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtse08sBsyzyp3e8QDBVvCrVxIHaxhhaEu8idGirhwp0QRWTwWpF_Z6YKlDRUa9klhyphenhyphenas8nAxCdrRg5uVT1r6-6v_FhyxHbnSZ6iy3XZtLFo50ZfR9O3gSuJzIEcEs6bzcbzk0HfPscnn/s200/backpacks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last year we pulled together 25 waterproof backpacks filled with toiletries, food, fleece blanket, scarf, flannel shirts and socks. According to Karen, the man from the Veterans’ shelter who picked everything up was filled with so much joy that his eyes overfilled with tears. We made a difference by saying thanks with backpacks of warmth.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuOqRl1tsz_HLax8_DzXoYCMoyWbOLkemZl0qk4YYfB0iEUQKjwX4pHHJ6nLwRcqCDGHj6nsibvomt4ZcomgnDgNTS3o96LXOOc19-9HJriknqoBkU0_yGEnWcHYhsX90UTrf_5mj3TE/s1600/bluebags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuOqRl1tsz_HLax8_DzXoYCMoyWbOLkemZl0qk4YYfB0iEUQKjwX4pHHJ6nLwRcqCDGHj6nsibvomt4ZcomgnDgNTS3o96LXOOc19-9HJriknqoBkU0_yGEnWcHYhsX90UTrf_5mj3TE/s200/bluebags.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We delivered another 30 pull string packs filled with toiletries, food, and socks to the Liberty House (</span><a href="http://libertyhousenh.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://libertyhousenh.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">) in Manchester, NH; a local Veterans shelter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What will this cost you? Time. But isn’t it time well spent when you are buying something for someone who is so deserving. Money. A few pennies really. Let’s face it folks, you can buy a bottle of shampoo, bar of soap, a box of Mac and Cheese, or even a pair of socks for less than $1 each.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now you know why I save all my change and my dollars. It goes a long way and benefits the greatest group of people. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Makes you want to get up and do something to say thank you to all our Veteran heroes! Great because we have a lot of work today and an even bigger goal this year, but I know if we pull together, we can do this.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This year I would like to see us give <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>100 bags</u></b> to the Veterans. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVolC8ahIj863g8IK0cn6dNNctpYsiCC00Hmr4np5fjPLv_rpkPBn3ApISRJK8PFWFuHmib4Cnz_SPkNdU0cTZnQODTA09JFMVjvGm03wZy7VqiZXLrhnMprCk29k6yz5CesZaMAOIiBh1/s1600/WP_20171025_16_55_18_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVolC8ahIj863g8IK0cn6dNNctpYsiCC00Hmr4np5fjPLv_rpkPBn3ApISRJK8PFWFuHmib4Cnz_SPkNdU0cTZnQODTA09JFMVjvGm03wZy7VqiZXLrhnMprCk29k6yz5CesZaMAOIiBh1/s200/WP_20171025_16_55_18_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Why 100? Because I found this amazing group of people I reached out to called Warmth for Warriors (</span><a href="http://warmthforwarriors.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://warmthforwarriors.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">). I was searching for hats for our Veterans and found their site. What’s special about this organization? Well, they hand knit every one of their hats to send to our active military. I found that to be completely amazing! I also wondered, well, if they would do that for active military would they do that for our Veterans? Why not ask. This is key, folks. You never know if you don’t ask.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I asked and I swear to you in 15 minutes I had a response. They were intrigued because no one had reached out to them before, but hey, why not support our service men and women at home as well as abroad. Ten days later I had two boxes of HANDMADE hats! I thanked them for their generosity and decided that if they could give me 100 hats then we could put together 100 bags for our Veterans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ready to help? Here’s how:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Run to the bank and cash in all your loose change or the next time you are standing in line at the grocery store or drugstore, or clothing store take whatever money you have in your pocket and trade it in for any of the following.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwHvp_dt4RGORhxM6iBI4xxlBDINdSjqVqHnrBiN04NsVx7eByQOH_0m6QX8JiuyllwrQIR21Lxln1JCTN909e7WVLgoU6EpnTtIYZ0s7rhWOpIkAoaw9yoqNf1OCl4vW7cCrZ7HPYI09/s1600/WP_20171028_06_11_01_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwHvp_dt4RGORhxM6iBI4xxlBDINdSjqVqHnrBiN04NsVx7eByQOH_0m6QX8JiuyllwrQIR21Lxln1JCTN909e7WVLgoU6EpnTtIYZ0s7rhWOpIkAoaw9yoqNf1OCl4vW7cCrZ7HPYI09/s200/WP_20171028_06_11_01_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AmiF7IIHgxEOVLLa-gcxEGm7wFK_ql_epb3L3Fd0jxj2LAC3kQem3uJ56bL7qu3aj4sexJfKO1PEsMeATuHqX3fHL2Ei9RnLpIlmChHFaEAhFC5mX2TZk3GCloiZEGeuHtSmG0M0uqvy/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_48_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AmiF7IIHgxEOVLLa-gcxEGm7wFK_ql_epb3L3Fd0jxj2LAC3kQem3uJ56bL7qu3aj4sexJfKO1PEsMeATuHqX3fHL2Ei9RnLpIlmChHFaEAhFC5mX2TZk3GCloiZEGeuHtSmG0M0uqvy/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_48_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcpWL5Il-ahszau82CzC8fEKhv3J-LspRDnJBtm2EsAwv6tO7x3sWCL59FQAiUcx_GDaovDR3QkVV9spocLW6K52ZIrLebPRPM5akJqVFjSGqetxgrgdtBgYbe9CKRFx3zMN_4eJQlY5M/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_37_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcpWL5Il-ahszau82CzC8fEKhv3J-LspRDnJBtm2EsAwv6tO7x3sWCL59FQAiUcx_GDaovDR3QkVV9spocLW6K52ZIrLebPRPM5akJqVFjSGqetxgrgdtBgYbe9CKRFx3zMN_4eJQlY5M/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_37_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq49X9G5vASZXpNqsk4Rg_i7JbToRtVIi_G-vzB_9uh-EG5UTbVlarVUx0PsDovbxBSMGTe91gIUkB4woPJe_ogSygPmmQ-bVD7ZoWY5NlmaIo94WNHY2a-84xZH61_ZvRx8HhaM1SrQUg/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_43_Pro%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq49X9G5vASZXpNqsk4Rg_i7JbToRtVIi_G-vzB_9uh-EG5UTbVlarVUx0PsDovbxBSMGTe91gIUkB4woPJe_ogSygPmmQ-bVD7ZoWY5NlmaIo94WNHY2a-84xZH61_ZvRx8HhaM1SrQUg/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_43_Pro%255B2%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toiletries</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Shampoo Peanut Butter<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Conditioner<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mac and Cheese<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Toothpaste<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ramen Noodles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Toothbrush<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Canned Tuna or Chicken<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Shaving Cream<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Canned Soup<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Disposable Razors<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pasta and Sauce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Deodorant<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Granola Bars<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Body Wash<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Protein Bars<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Canned Vegetables<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Fruit Cups<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">** <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HINT</b> – for toiletries and food items I have found the best deals at Walmart or my local grocery store.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clothing</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other</b>:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Warm Socks<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Backpacks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Rain Jacket<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Sleeping Bags<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fleece Jacket<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Blankets<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Gloves/Hats/Scarves<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Can Openers<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Winter Clothing/Outerwear<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Tarps<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Thermal Underwear<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Hand Warmers<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Sneakers (all sizes)<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Dunkin Donuts Gift Cards<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Thermal shirts (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Men’s Boxers (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Winter or Work Boots (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em>** <strong>HINT</strong> – I just discovered a place that has all kinds of socks and they are MADE IN THE USA. Checkout this place: </em></span><a href="https://usamadesocks.weebly.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";"><em>https://usamadesocks.weebly.com/</em></span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">You’d be amazed how many businesses will give a little extra discount if you tell them it’s for the Veterans. Last year when shopping two different cashiers at my local Macy’s gave me an extra 20% off.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The owner of one of the local restaurants, <a href="http://nancysmarshview.com/" target="_blank">Nancy's Marshview Cafe</a> donated bags of coffee. Not the single pot bags, but pounds of coffee. We'll have some wired Veterans. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also, look for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buy one - get one</i> type deals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are like me and want to do as much as possible for as many as possible then search the web for wholesale deals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJznyj8oxTjg9dee0iYQh8fYcdYrkQyJNyHVx2XmWkducut071N_ZnYDZ30UoUE0Wzifnj6ztaMn11gupNHUCHjAav1VZwpCJWUqOwCbFeDqKC_kfqMmTNdbtUrJM9XKTWgBpE69eSZh2n/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_24_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJznyj8oxTjg9dee0iYQh8fYcdYrkQyJNyHVx2XmWkducut071N_ZnYDZ30UoUE0Wzifnj6ztaMn11gupNHUCHjAav1VZwpCJWUqOwCbFeDqKC_kfqMmTNdbtUrJM9XKTWgBpE69eSZh2n/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_24_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last year for toothbrushes I found a company called Vitality Medical </span><a href="https://www.vitalitymedical.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://www.vitalitymedical.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For the drawstring bags and backpacks I discovered a website called 24 Hour Wristbands (</span><a href="https://24hourwristbands.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://24hourwristbands.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Check with your local shoe store if they have any leftover, last season (NEW) shoes they would be willing to donate or give a deep discount. Remind them that they are just sucking up space anyway so why not give them as a way to say thanks to a local hero.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">These are just some of the things I’ve learned and discovered. Have fun with it and let me know when you have something you want to add to the bags or if you have a bag you want to give. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Say thanks to a Veteran!</span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-42104347547636217152017-10-29T21:00:00.000-04:002017-10-29T21:00:31.701-04:00Season of Giving and our Veterans
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people might think the season of giving starts on
Halloween when you’re at your door handing out candy to all the little ghouls
and goblins that come trick or treating. Most people believe the season of
giving begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues until the day after
Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me? I’m different. I believe in giving every single month,
week, day. I am grateful every day for the people in my life; my family,
friends, the complete stranger I meet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is one group of people I am most thankful for and I do
spend more time and energy in trying to thank them and that is our Veterans. I
don’t believe there is enough that can be said or done to thank the brave men
and women who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are the land of the free because of the brave. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I truly believe this sentiment so every year I save my
change and dollars and this year my fives so that I can give back and say thank
you to the service men and women. There are two things I do this time of year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Veterans’ Day I go to a local business (Just
Naturals (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.justnaturals.com/</span></u></span>) in Bedford,
NH) owned by a friend of mine who puts up a Veteran’s gift tree. On that tree
are tags with the first name of a retired Veteran in a home. It lists his or
her first name, age, and branch of service. It also has a list of what that
Veteran would like for Christmas. I take anywhere from 5 to 10 tags and then I
get to play Santa Claus…or in my case, Denise Claus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I shop! I find everything they want
on their list, and let me tell you, those lists are pretty simple. Usually they
ask for modest items like Gold Bond Powder, candy and cookies, books, winter
hat and gloves, and last year there was a demand for sweatshirts. Oh, and last
year several gentlemen wanted after shave. Who knew guys still use that. After
the shopping is done then all my friends who also go pull from the Christmas
tree come to my house and we wrap. We make it all pretty and put in gigantic
gift bags. Then we deliver back to Just Naturals for them to give to the
Veteran’s homes and our retired heroes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also at this time of year, I pull together (with
the help of my friends) items for our At-Risk Veterans. These are the Veterans
who are either homeless or just getting off the streets and need an extra
boost. For this, I go to local Veterans shelter and check their wishlist or I
can also choose from the other tree that Karen puts out at Just Naturals, which
is a list of items a local shelter is in need of for our Veterans. Or, hey, be
like me do both!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, time to shop! Here is the thing
about this list, while some of the items like rain jacket, backpacks, and even
socks, warm socks can add up there are other items on the wishlist; toiletries,
food products like Ramen Noodles, Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Granola and
Protein Bars that don’t break the bank. Any of those items make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtse08sBsyzyp3e8QDBVvCrVxIHaxhhaEu8idGirhwp0QRWTwWpF_Z6YKlDRUa9klhyphenhyphenas8nAxCdrRg5uVT1r6-6v_FhyxHbnSZ6iy3XZtLFo50ZfR9O3gSuJzIEcEs6bzcbzk0HfPscnn/s1600/backpacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1024" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtse08sBsyzyp3e8QDBVvCrVxIHaxhhaEu8idGirhwp0QRWTwWpF_Z6YKlDRUa9klhyphenhyphenas8nAxCdrRg5uVT1r6-6v_FhyxHbnSZ6iy3XZtLFo50ZfR9O3gSuJzIEcEs6bzcbzk0HfPscnn/s200/backpacks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year we pulled together 25
waterproof backpacks filled with toiletries, food, fleece blanket, scarf,
flannel shirts and socks. According to Karen, the man from the Veterans’
shelter who picked everything up was filled with so much joy that his eyes
overfilled with tears. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuOqRl1tsz_HLax8_DzXoYCMoyWbOLkemZl0qk4YYfB0iEUQKjwX4pHHJ6nLwRcqCDGHj6nsibvomt4ZcomgnDgNTS3o96LXOOc19-9HJriknqoBkU0_yGEnWcHYhsX90UTrf_5mj3TE/s1600/bluebags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuOqRl1tsz_HLax8_DzXoYCMoyWbOLkemZl0qk4YYfB0iEUQKjwX4pHHJ6nLwRcqCDGHj6nsibvomt4ZcomgnDgNTS3o96LXOOc19-9HJriknqoBkU0_yGEnWcHYhsX90UTrf_5mj3TE/s200/bluebags.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We delivered another 30 pull
string packs filled with toiletries, food, and socks to the Liberty House (</span><a href="http://libertyhousenh.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://libertyhousenh.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) in
Manchester, NH; a local Veterans shelter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What will this cost you? Time. But
isn’t it time well spent when you are buying something for someone who is so
deserving. Money. A few pennies really. Let’s face it folks, you can buy a
bottle of shampoo, bar of soap, a box of Mac & Cheese, or even a pair of
socks for less than $1 each.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now you know why I save all my
change and my dollars. It goes a long way and benefits the greatest group of
people. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?
Makes you want to get up and do something to say thank you to all our Veteran
heroes! Great because we have a lot of work today and an even bigger goal this
year, but I know if we pull together, we can do this.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year I would like to see us
give <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>100 bags</u></b> to the
Veterans. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVolC8ahIj863g8IK0cn6dNNctpYsiCC00Hmr4np5fjPLv_rpkPBn3ApISRJK8PFWFuHmib4Cnz_SPkNdU0cTZnQODTA09JFMVjvGm03wZy7VqiZXLrhnMprCk29k6yz5CesZaMAOIiBh1/s1600/WP_20171025_16_55_18_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVolC8ahIj863g8IK0cn6dNNctpYsiCC00Hmr4np5fjPLv_rpkPBn3ApISRJK8PFWFuHmib4Cnz_SPkNdU0cTZnQODTA09JFMVjvGm03wZy7VqiZXLrhnMprCk29k6yz5CesZaMAOIiBh1/s200/WP_20171025_16_55_18_Pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why 100? Because I found this
amazing group of people I reached out to called Warmth for Warriors (</span><a href="http://warmthforwarriors.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://warmthforwarriors.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). I was
searching for hats for our Veterans and found their site. What’s special about
this organization? Well, they hand knit every one of their hats to send to our
active military. I found that to be completely amazing! I also wondered, well,
if they would do that for active military would they do that for our Veterans?
Why not ask. This is key, folks. You never know if you don’t ask.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I asked and I swear to you in 15
minutes I had a response. They were intrigued because no one had reached out to
them before, but hey, why not support our service men and women at home as well
as abroad. Ten days later I had two boxes of HANDMADE hats! I thanked them for
their generosity and decided that if they could give me 100 hats then we could
put together 100 bags for our Veterans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ready to help? Here’s how:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Run to the bank and cash in all
your loose change or the next time you are standing in line at the grocery
store or drugstore, or clothing store take whatever money you have in your
pocket and trade it in for any of the following.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwHvp_dt4RGORhxM6iBI4xxlBDINdSjqVqHnrBiN04NsVx7eByQOH_0m6QX8JiuyllwrQIR21Lxln1JCTN909e7WVLgoU6EpnTtIYZ0s7rhWOpIkAoaw9yoqNf1OCl4vW7cCrZ7HPYI09/s1600/WP_20171028_06_11_01_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwHvp_dt4RGORhxM6iBI4xxlBDINdSjqVqHnrBiN04NsVx7eByQOH_0m6QX8JiuyllwrQIR21Lxln1JCTN909e7WVLgoU6EpnTtIYZ0s7rhWOpIkAoaw9yoqNf1OCl4vW7cCrZ7HPYI09/s200/WP_20171028_06_11_01_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AmiF7IIHgxEOVLLa-gcxEGm7wFK_ql_epb3L3Fd0jxj2LAC3kQem3uJ56bL7qu3aj4sexJfKO1PEsMeATuHqX3fHL2Ei9RnLpIlmChHFaEAhFC5mX2TZk3GCloiZEGeuHtSmG0M0uqvy/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_48_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AmiF7IIHgxEOVLLa-gcxEGm7wFK_ql_epb3L3Fd0jxj2LAC3kQem3uJ56bL7qu3aj4sexJfKO1PEsMeATuHqX3fHL2Ei9RnLpIlmChHFaEAhFC5mX2TZk3GCloiZEGeuHtSmG0M0uqvy/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_48_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcpWL5Il-ahszau82CzC8fEKhv3J-LspRDnJBtm2EsAwv6tO7x3sWCL59FQAiUcx_GDaovDR3QkVV9spocLW6K52ZIrLebPRPM5akJqVFjSGqetxgrgdtBgYbe9CKRFx3zMN_4eJQlY5M/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_37_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcpWL5Il-ahszau82CzC8fEKhv3J-LspRDnJBtm2EsAwv6tO7x3sWCL59FQAiUcx_GDaovDR3QkVV9spocLW6K52ZIrLebPRPM5akJqVFjSGqetxgrgdtBgYbe9CKRFx3zMN_4eJQlY5M/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_37_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq49X9G5vASZXpNqsk4Rg_i7JbToRtVIi_G-vzB_9uh-EG5UTbVlarVUx0PsDovbxBSMGTe91gIUkB4woPJe_ogSygPmmQ-bVD7ZoWY5NlmaIo94WNHY2a-84xZH61_ZvRx8HhaM1SrQUg/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_43_Pro%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq49X9G5vASZXpNqsk4Rg_i7JbToRtVIi_G-vzB_9uh-EG5UTbVlarVUx0PsDovbxBSMGTe91gIUkB4woPJe_ogSygPmmQ-bVD7ZoWY5NlmaIo94WNHY2a-84xZH61_ZvRx8HhaM1SrQUg/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_43_Pro%255B2%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toiletries</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shampoo Peanut Butter<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conditioner<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mac & Cheese<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toothpaste<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ramen Noodles<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toothbrush<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Canned Tuna or Chicken<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shaving Cream<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Canned Soup<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disposable
Razors<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pasta and Sauce<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deodorant<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Granola Bars<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Body Wash<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Protein Bars<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Canned
Vegetables<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Fruit Cups<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">** <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HINT</b>
– for toiletries and food items I have found the best deals at Walmart or my
local grocery store.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clothing</b>:<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other</b>:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warm
Socks<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Backpacks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rain
Jacket<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Sleeping
Bags<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fleece Jacket<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Blankets<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gloves/Hats/Scarves<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Can
Openers<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Winter
Clothing/Outerwear<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Tarps<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thermal
Underwear<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Hand
Warmers<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sneakers
(all sizes)<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Dunkin
Donuts Gift Cards<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thermal
shirts (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Men’s
Boxers (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Winter
or Work Boots (all sizes)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>** <strong>HINT</strong> – I just discovered a
place that has all kinds of socks and they are MADE IN THE USA. Checkout this
place: </em></span><a href="https://usamadesocks.weebly.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;"><em>https://usamadesocks.weebly.com/</em></span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’d be amazed how many
businesses will give a little extra discount if you tell them it’s for the
Veterans. Last year when shopping two different cashiers at my local Macy’s
gave me an extra 20% off.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also, look for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buy one - get one</i> type deals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are like me and want to do
as much as possible for as many as possible then search the web for wholesale
deals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJznyj8oxTjg9dee0iYQh8fYcdYrkQyJNyHVx2XmWkducut071N_ZnYDZ30UoUE0Wzifnj6ztaMn11gupNHUCHjAav1VZwpCJWUqOwCbFeDqKC_kfqMmTNdbtUrJM9XKTWgBpE69eSZh2n/s1600/WP_20171028_06_10_24_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJznyj8oxTjg9dee0iYQh8fYcdYrkQyJNyHVx2XmWkducut071N_ZnYDZ30UoUE0Wzifnj6ztaMn11gupNHUCHjAav1VZwpCJWUqOwCbFeDqKC_kfqMmTNdbtUrJM9XKTWgBpE69eSZh2n/s200/WP_20171028_06_10_24_Pro%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year for toothbrushes I found
a company called Vitality Medical </span><a href="https://www.vitalitymedical.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.vitalitymedical.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the drawstring bags and
backpacks I discovered a website called 24 Hour Wristbands (</span><a href="https://24hourwristbands.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://24hourwristbands.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check with your local shoe store
if they have any leftover, last season (NEW) shoes they would be willing to
donate or give a deep discount. Remind them that they are just sucking up space
anyway so why not give them as a way to say thanks to a local hero.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are just some of the things
I’ve learned and discovered. Have fun with it and let me know when you have
something you want to add to the bags or if you have a bag you want to give. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One more thing to note. If you can’t
afford to give anything, no worries, but do me a favor and when you see one of
those men or women who have served this country say, THANK YOU. Those two little
words mean a lot. And if saying thank you to a stranger makes you nervous, or
you’re shy like me, then try handing a Veteran a little thank you card or
leaving a note on his or her windshield. Here’s a place called Operation Thank
You (</span><a href="http://www.sohelpmegodstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=101"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.sohelpmegodstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=101</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found where you can order a few cards.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before you go…THANK YOU! Thank you
for helping me reach my goal and for saying thanks to our HEROES, our Veterans.</span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-15781774499899327842017-05-23T14:37:00.000-04:002017-05-23T14:37:29.555-04:003 Days at the Fair
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three Days at the Fair. We aren't talking county fair...although it took place at fairgrounds.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEnxtSXAvrLqHSS61Z9UJephclkQAi4Nsv-9_Noiv3c3f1ne6C4Pj5B4c5iBhM2kqHYmVdApgiWVDLfG9MN3bp0xHJfqEXLDzgdgV9hqSDdofy_O47ZIvJb3HY6OY6BlKkWps6uCe20pU/s1600/fairgrounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEnxtSXAvrLqHSS61Z9UJephclkQAi4Nsv-9_Noiv3c3f1ne6C4Pj5B4c5iBhM2kqHYmVdApgiWVDLfG9MN3bp0xHJfqEXLDzgdgV9hqSDdofy_O47ZIvJb3HY6OY6BlKkWps6uCe20pU/s320/fairgrounds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s a saying, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The expression that better suits this past weekend on my
ultramarathon would be, “Embrace the suck.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t get me wrong, this was an amazing event and as much as
I thought I would never do it again…well, l</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">et me set the scene for you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, <a href="http://njtrailseries.com/fair" target="_blank">3 Days at the Fair</a> is an event that takes place
at the Sussex Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. A beautiful area where not much
exists except the fairgrounds where 300 runners converged for 6 days. Yes, you
read that correctly. Some people went for 144 hours of running! Pretty much you
could choose anything from 6 hours to 144 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me? Call me crazy, but I signed up for the 48-hour option. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We check in at the aid station that you will be passing
every mile. Yes, this is a one mile loop course, so if you ever wanted to know
what a hamster feels like running on a wheel…come to 3 Days at the Fair. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGapDhzBpXP9-zwIb74ZXgWfNAiwtKitqBM1Ou61JnBwprZ6Gr_NL26Qlxd5NLBaP7eIbmet9aoQkU5n6Wlz586E6mux6bzIePIVNPsQZrZ_rCpaAbuONu_WOP1wC2vaQApFoLMqco6jK/s1600/swag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGapDhzBpXP9-zwIb74ZXgWfNAiwtKitqBM1Ou61JnBwprZ6Gr_NL26Qlxd5NLBaP7eIbmet9aoQkU5n6Wlz586E6mux6bzIePIVNPsQZrZ_rCpaAbuONu_WOP1wC2vaQApFoLMqco6jK/s320/swag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Along with your timing chip that you will wear around your
ankle like a person under house arrest and will eventually chafe and add to the
suck, you will get your swag. The swag was a T-shirt and a pair of flannel
pajama bottoms. And yes, eventually you will see half the runners sporting one
or both of those items during the run.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You then set up tent. This is not a figure of speech. As you
will be spending as much time on your feet as possible, you do and will need
some rest. This becomes what I like to call “Tent City.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone has their own
version of tenting. Some folks will be in RVs, others will have tents, and others like me
will have a canopy and/or their SUV. Either way, this becomes your home away from
home, your respite, your place of worship as you swear to heaven you will never
do such a stupid thing again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_E_8Pf76iMtFEyqZFAoxC-Y5I2YtgY_VrJHwFQPaSxj_vslnVmb2NuYoIhMvjMtOtkTgGozH9WHz6f6ElbBXSoK2iWEPqb8YCXmYMz4ss7XXqjLPgN_X-HCv0Lv-cyARtXsBe3fJ5WRj/s1600/WP_20170519_08_12_42_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_E_8Pf76iMtFEyqZFAoxC-Y5I2YtgY_VrJHwFQPaSxj_vslnVmb2NuYoIhMvjMtOtkTgGozH9WHz6f6ElbBXSoK2iWEPqb8YCXmYMz4ss7XXqjLPgN_X-HCv0Lv-cyARtXsBe3fJ5WRj/s320/WP_20170519_08_12_42_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As part of this setup you place all the items you will need in just the right spot for easy access so when you stop for a ten or twenty-minute break you can quickly find the Squirrels Nut Butter for anti-chafing, extra shoes, socks, or even sandals to change into when your feet become so hot you swear they are on fire. Or you must rummage through for sunscreen because you didn’t apply any before it hit almost 90 freaking hot degrees! Or you need a jacket because the sun has gone down and now your body thinks that even though the outside temperature reads 70 degrees, your body screams, “It’s 45 degrees, you idiot, put some clothes on!”<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWwl94Xor78K2_6W9LO9lt_9yCRXCwAADdIJNZJiNn44qsCThYijI9ntRpHhUo4AMrmKhqbVCbs5cmWUGaf_rnghBuGrOd44GZ5h3u46Ni284nlJ6GyoeLn0kIIut7eRPUAsOXurv6cAu/s1600/WP_20170519_08_12_37_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWwl94Xor78K2_6W9LO9lt_9yCRXCwAADdIJNZJiNn44qsCThYijI9ntRpHhUo4AMrmKhqbVCbs5cmWUGaf_rnghBuGrOd44GZ5h3u46Ni284nlJ6GyoeLn0kIIut7eRPUAsOXurv6cAu/s320/WP_20170519_08_12_37_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Setting up your temporary home is the first place you have
an opportunity to meet you new neighbors and your best friends for the weekend
and if you’re lucky for the future. This is where I met Mandy, another runner
in the 48-hour event and her friends and support crew for the weekend; Sandy
and Heather. My first outing with my canopy and the girls helped me get it set
up. Thanks, Mandy, Sandy, and Heather!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At last the event you signed up for begins! 9 AM and off to the
races. Time to have fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first part of the event was hotter than Hell! Not that I
know how hot hell is, but I imagine running on asphalt in 90 degree temperatures
where there is no shade AT ALL in a one mile loop is pretty close to what the
devil makes you live in. But hey, you have fresh feet, legs and clothes so you
are good to go and smiling the entire way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You get a rhythm and see various
runners moving along; some have been there for 4 days and others for less. You
can tell the ones that have been there for longer than you because when you
take the first turn past tent city to no-man’s land you come across this slight
(and I do mean slight) incline and the runner on your left says, “This damn
hill.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ6nQCgGdsmchJZg4Q_CbO241ZIPWWufnaLe1sGJD3YtrBAXScgtOSf2i6co9rzeN55NlBukWuWfW3ssSx_3JsK9IG5IzlurAP2dNAQiZg88l9Dga6gFOpR323wVOeLHZySjzwOEFtzCV/s1600/WP_20170520_08_35_17_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ6nQCgGdsmchJZg4Q_CbO241ZIPWWufnaLe1sGJD3YtrBAXScgtOSf2i6co9rzeN55NlBukWuWfW3ssSx_3JsK9IG5IzlurAP2dNAQiZg88l9Dga6gFOpR323wVOeLHZySjzwOEFtzCV/s320/WP_20170520_08_35_17_Pro.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point you’re musing to yourself, “Hill? Really?” 24-hours
later you are thinking, “Not this damn hill! This very steep hill, again!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late afternoon you’re feeling good, but the sun beating down
on you is starting to have an effect. You can’t get enough fluids, you’re
either pouring sweat or stopped sweat, either way, the chafing has set in. I
hear one guy as one of the support crews (not his), if they had any Vaseline he
could borrow and clarified his request by saying, “The kind where you don’t
mind where I stick my hands.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, folks, there is no shame in chafing and we are all good
friends in an ultra. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met lot of great runners and their crew or friends who
popped in for moral support. Besides several laps with Mandy and breaks with her
crew, I shared laps and had conversations with Allen who was at the event with
his brother. I hung with Michele and her friend Cathy for quite a few laps, and
met a runner named John who gave me some of the best advice all weekend. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His advice? Since my goal was to get a 100K, that’s 62
miles, John suggested to get 40 miles in the first 24 hours so the next day when I
was beat up I’d only have to get 50% of that the next 24 hours. BEST ADVICE
EVER!! I got 42 in the first 24 hours and my feet had started to blister but
not terrible, just enough to feel like a constant nag and require taping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another runner that I swear never stopped moving all weekend
told me to take socks and shoes off at every break to let the feet cool down
and swelling come down. Wow! Another great piece of advice. The only drawback to this one
was the one time I was stretched out in the back of my SUV with a blanket over
my and my bare feet hanging out the door when the temperature dropped.
Talk about ice cube toes! But definitely a good idea from the perspective of
dealing with my swelling feet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3kM_LdmzqXax6SDLajWg5oUeKijSET3Avg5Z_N-N4gNEMxc7Rl78iwFQynKimnzjGnvZ3DacOiLf3GRkb-EsqsV_bHQDskaS3yIRPczL_w1bvyp7o-jwqSFtxVWTu35esWfcMW18X1VT/s1600/FB_20170523_05_24_30_Saved_Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3kM_LdmzqXax6SDLajWg5oUeKijSET3Avg5Z_N-N4gNEMxc7Rl78iwFQynKimnzjGnvZ3DacOiLf3GRkb-EsqsV_bHQDskaS3yIRPczL_w1bvyp7o-jwqSFtxVWTu35esWfcMW18X1VT/s320/FB_20170523_05_24_30_Saved_Picture.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did we take breaks? Yes. What do you think they put all those benches outside the bathrooms for? Some folks did little to no running
in the heat of the day and then kept moving all night. My first 24-hour routine went something like this: a 15-minute break every 5 miles and 30-minute break
every 10 miles the first day. At about 11 PM I sacked out for 2 hours…until the
FIREWORKS went off. NOT kidding! All of us were fully awake after that
20-minute display from the local baseball field not far away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was up again for another two miles and back down until literally the roosters in the poultry center RIGHT NEXT DOOR sounded the alarm at 4 AM.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2 officially started at 9 AM on Saturday and was a little more interesting or frustrating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You
wouldn’t think that after getting in 42 miles with a conservative approach that
20 more miles would take so freaking long. I swear by early evening the second
day I wanted to die. I took a break every 2.5 miles and tried to take a
longer break every 5 miles, but my body kept getting me up at 20 minutes no
matter what. I’d set an alarm for an hour and my body would be ready after 20
minutes. My body was, but my feet were NOT!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fyq-8mhNkzERw_KoAQMrdLU95Wi9tyEv4nado-t1uQkZdVB2-o0ClIsf6K_QmgRJ8GpUMs4FPtkzXszFywjFBTru5o_90e-e6Odr5Euij5aUr9E1E8wBP5BKRhQPkVjCbyuJcBT3KcQI/s1600/WP_20170520_06_33_10_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fyq-8mhNkzERw_KoAQMrdLU95Wi9tyEv4nado-t1uQkZdVB2-o0ClIsf6K_QmgRJ8GpUMs4FPtkzXszFywjFBTru5o_90e-e6Odr5Euij5aUr9E1E8wBP5BKRhQPkVjCbyuJcBT3KcQI/s320/WP_20170520_06_33_10_Pro.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was putting food and fluids in my body, including fresh made pancakes and bacon. Breakfast on the go for runners. But I didn’t want
it. Well, I did, but it wasn't helping my energy level. And oh, yeah, I was freezing. Since the evening of day 1, my body
temperature was just cold. No, not cold. FRIGID! So cold I wore a fleece top and jeans over my
running clothes, a rain jacket (and at one point event a vest), and two freaking hats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hey! It ain’t all about fashion. Although, there were some
beautiful outfits on some of the runners. One guy had an airy shirt. Basically,
he took a dress shirt and cut holes in it to keep the sun off his skin and at
the same time made it breathable. Genius! One woman, Pam, was all in pink (head to
toes) all weekend. And let me tell you about Pam…she never stopped and she was
always encouraging. Another runner was like me and at some point, she went from
running shorts to Hello Kitty fleece pants and a winter coat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Early evening on the second day I was at mile 57, ONLY 5
miles from my goal and I was ready to finish. Except for my mental breakdown. I could have sworn
the timing mat counted lap 57 three times!!! Yup, I am not gonna lie, I told
myself there was no way I was going to do this. I was mentally and physically
finished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I ran into Michele and Cathy. These poor ladies saw me
at my lowest. They picked me up outside the beautiful ladies’ room (no porta-johns at this event), dusted me
off and shuffled me along like an old cowpoke and his trusty old mule. Thanks
to their conversation and camaraderie, I made it to mile 60.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I had to have a break. I planned to take a two-hour nap
and instead my body decided one was enough. I got up and made mile 60 to 61 by
myself. Then I ran into John. Okay, more like sleep-walked into him, but John
encouraged me and said, “Come on, we’ll get you to that goal.” John moved me
along to mile 61.5 where Mandy was waiting for me outside our tents to take me
the rest of the way to my goal. Mandy and her family all came along for the
walk. More like a shuffle.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am in tears right now as I write this, just as I stared to
tear up when I saw that goal and that start-finish line. And yes, ladies and gentlemen
I rang that bell like I wanted everyone to know that I had FINALLY achieved a
yearlong goal. And as much pain as I was in it felt AMAZING!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you: Mandy and family, Sandy, Heather, John, Michele
and Cathy. You were my saviors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the way back to our tents, I saw John again and he told
me, “I think you have more in you. I think you have at least two-thirds of a
century in you.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My response? Besides my jaw dropping?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Are you nuts? All I want is sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And to be honest, that’s what I thought. I had planned to go
back to my car throw everything in it and head off to a hotel for a good night’s
sleep and a private shower.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What did I do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I packed my car and was too exhausted to drive anywhere so I
curled up in the front seat of the SUV, ripped off my shoes, socks, and tape
and literally breathed a sigh of relief. The heat that had been plaguing my
feet suddenly dissipated and I felt some relief. I pulled the blanket over me
and slept. Not exactly the sleep of the dead, but I slept enough until I got
too cold. That came to be a total of about 6 hours and then the sun was up and
so was I.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran to the ladies’ room and noticed that without socks and
tape on my feet, I felt pretty good. I mean, I felt fantastic! Legs were never
an issue. It was all feet, all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw81sxKxFh4YadBVZ0mMezmljua9LQOkDVBra52RCQXano41kyHpFBk50yQn-RZPVPSefkw873GWC_X1sHpl1xSUsk_8FnnK3H0jKnhfGHprWQg0SNYSPKMu1xvkZay0pc2DxClC9cPq2z/s1600/fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw81sxKxFh4YadBVZ0mMezmljua9LQOkDVBra52RCQXano41kyHpFBk50yQn-RZPVPSefkw873GWC_X1sHpl1xSUsk_8FnnK3H0jKnhfGHprWQg0SNYSPKMu1xvkZay0pc2DxClC9cPq2z/s320/fountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hmm. Why not go for another mile?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I joined the night of the living dead; the folks who woke
up and decided to go for a few more laps in their pajamas or whatever was
handy, like the flannel bottoms from our swag. Only this time I wasn’t
hobbling along, I was moving. I was moving well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I picked up Michele and Cathy who came out for coffee and to
get Michele’s last laps. We got Michele to mile 62 and we kept on going. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All total, the last morning of my 48 hours, I got seven more
miles in for a total of 70 miles! That is 70!! Seventy, hard-earned, embrace
the suck, miles!! With some of my new best friends!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to the McNulty’s (race directing team), volunteers
who stayed out there making us breakfast, soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and
just generally anything you needed. Thanks to all the friends and crews who
came out to support their friends and family, but also supported every other
runner, and thanks to all those runners who I had the honor and privilege to
spend so many one-mile loops with just talking and laughing, and even crying
with. You made this event!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When it is all said and done then you have the awards and that camaraderie you shared with so many amazing people continues as you cheer on everyone who left their head, heart, and feet out on that unforgiving asphalt. (That's me sitting down in the back wearing only one of my hats and I'm sure my very smelly clothes.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did I say I would never do this again? Well, there’s another
saying, “Never say never.” And if you are a runner, especially an ultrarunner,
you know that adage holds very true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cuz, yes, I will do 3 Days at the Fair again. Only I will
probably do 72 hours and I will “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not about the speed, it’s about the adventure!!! And
this was one heck of an adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-90669951805848250762017-02-22T08:37:00.000-05:002017-02-22T08:37:11.077-05:00Writing prompt WednesdayA little motivation to kickstart your muse.<br />
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I give you the beginning of a sentence and you run with it. Write the first thing that pops into your head and see how far it takes you; a paragraph, a page, an entire chapter. Who knows, it may be the beginning to your next great novel.<br />
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Whatever you come up with, just have fun with it and enjoy the free writing time. If you feel like sharing then send your writing in the comments. If you feel like keeping to yourself then that's okay, too.<br />
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Have fun and write!<br />
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<strong>Writing Prompt</strong>: The body left drag marks...Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3253514971182687836.post-63943474943112638352017-02-20T13:44:00.001-05:002017-02-21T17:27:31.562-05:0050 mile run, beautiful weather, and my fatherFifty miles, beautiful weather, and my father all equal an amazing day! <br />
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I signed up for the Iron Horse Ultra in Palatka, FL months ago with the hopes of doing better than last year and not having to slush through puddles and feeling like a drowned rat and spending the weekend with my dad. <br />
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My dad picked me up at the airport the day before the run where we then stopped by the family home to say hi to mom, sister, and nephew before taking our time to get to Palatka. Gorgeous drive with very little to see besides forest. I'd say that set the tone for the event since the majority of the race took place through trees.<br />
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You never know what the weather will bring. This year, I ran the Iron Horse ultra without rain, without puddle after puddle and wet feet. The weather was almost perfect. Started out in the low 40s and quickly climbed to over 70. Love the sunshine! Not so much the heat. But it wasn't too bad. Had I been at the beach I would have been in heaven.<br />
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Oh, did I mention I forgot my running hat at home? Talk about a pain in the butt. Luckily the team at Iron Horse had a visor for sale, which took some rigging with safety pins to fit my small head. It worked! Thank goodness.<br />
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The course of the Iron Horse Ultra is beautiful and ever-changing. The first six miles are paved rail trail. From the start you do a 1.75 mile out and then back for 3.5 miles then you have another 2.5 miles of pavement before reaching a dirt road. I love the 50 yards of packed dirt. Can we run on this all day? <br />
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The answer is no.<br />
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The next section is 1.5 miles of trail at a slight incline to Aid Station 2. This section is dirt, grass, sand, roots. It makes it for an interesting section where you tend to look down, especially when you start the second loop and your legs are tired. But this is still my favorite section of the trail. Especially when returning back to the start-finish line.<br />
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Aid Station 2 is the main aid station that you hit 3 times during the course of one loop. Each loop has many out and back sections; most of which return to Aid Station 2. Aid Station 2 is fully manned and fully stocked from sugary sweets, salty chips, fresh fruit and PB&J sandwiches. There is also several people recording the fact that you came through.<br />
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Here is where my dad met me and gave me my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For a girl who cannot eat gluten, this is a serious treat and the only time I get to eat this type of real food. Ready to head East on a six mile loop (3 miles out and back), I told dad to feel free to head out to the hotel to relax and I would text him when I was headed back down to the start-finish.<br />
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The East trail is, in my opinion the most challenging of the entire run. I heard one group of runners comment that due to the changing terrain it was difficult to get a good rhythm. I concur!<br />
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While it is flat, the changing landscape is a killer. You first hit gravel, then a section of packed dirt that is dug in by trucks that travel through the forest. This part is actually nice. You kind of enjoy the trees and the greenery and your smiling because the day is just fabulous. Then you hit more sand and look for the packed sand so your feet don't slide out from beneath you as you try to run. <br />
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And then...sugar sand.<br />
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If you've never seen sugar sand, just look in your sugar bowl or to the image to the left. Not kidding! It's pretty and white, but impossible to get good footing. On the first loop all you care about is the beauty that is surrounding you and you love the white sand surrounded by trees and notice the camo site to your right that actually has campers grilling breakfast. I almost went over and asked to join them.<br />
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There is no aid station on the East loop, but there is a table with a jug of water and cups. I think everyone is grateful for this because it gives us a point to know that not only are you going in the right direction but a marker to know how far you are from Aid Station 2.<br />
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Speaking of markers. The course is extremely well-marked with pink tape hanging from trees and bright yellow pie plates. The pie plates have directional arrows on them pointing the way. Of course, the markers are only good if you look up and not at the sand. <br />
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After the six miles on the East loop I returned to Aid Station 2 and was surprised to see my dad. But wow, did that make me happy. We had a quick chat and I refueled then I was off for an eight mile (4 miles out and back) loop on the West side. <br />
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The West loop consists of a little more packed dirt and less sugar sand. Thank goodness. I love this side! But the first thing you notice on the West loop occurs about a quarter mile in when an odor hits you. You look around in search of the cause and that's when you discover the charred dirt and the remnants of a forest fire. Black dirt and life. It's amazing to see how mother nature can be so cruel and at the same time so strong and resilient. Kind of like the human soul, I think as I stroll past in awe.<br />
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This section of the trail also has water off to one side and you have to wonder where it came from when all that surrounds you is trees and sand. Then, after four miles and several turns you hit Aid Station 3. The first time at Aid Station three it is manned by some kids in ROTC. They do a terrific job of checking you in and asking if you want or need anything. Also, at Aid Station 3 is the only "real" bathroom. No port-a-john! The fact that you get to wash your hands and have a little more than elbow room is pure luxury and you swear that this little creature comfort has been heaven sent.<br />
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After a rest stop, I get a handful of Pringles and a chocolate chip cookie and head back the four miles to Aid Station 2 where my father is waiting for me. It was really great to see him there. I tell him to get some food for himself as yes, Aid Station 2 is starting up the grill and is there for the runners and the crews. Only four miles from here and I have hit loop one and 25 miles.<br />
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Then we start again with the 1.75 miles out and back. On the out portion I am pretty much by myself; all the runners are spread out and I occasionally see one or two. In this section I notice these gigantic black birds. Lost of them! As I get a little closer I stay to the right as I am a tad fearful. Ever see the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The Birds"? Yeah, okay, I do not want to be eaten. "Please do NOT eat me," I chant as I draw near and realize the birds are lunching on a dead deer. Ick! Oh, yeah, I ran past that.<br />
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At 3.5 miles into the second loop back at the start-finish, I take 30 minutes to re-apply New Skin and add some toe caps. For whatever reason, my feet swell well beyond normal so no matter what I do I get blisters, even with double toes socks and yes, even after adding in toe caps. After changing socks and shoes and another restroom break, I get to spend a little time chatting with dad while he refills my hydration vest.<br />
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So far dad's day has consisted of getting up at 4:30 AM, driving me to the event, driving between Aid Station 1 and 2, sitting in his car for hours reading a JD Robb book I got him for Christmas, and greeting me every time I come thru and asking me what I need. While I can't believe he is doing this and only doing this because I'm out there, I am ever so grateful for my dad, for his support and his cheerleader attitude.<br />
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Then I am off for Aid Station 2 where dad will meet me once again. At Aid Station 2 it's getting darker now so I grab a headlamp and spare batteries, and the temperature is starting to go down so I grab a fleece and windbreaker. <br />
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Halfway thru the East loop for the second time the sun is starting to set so I stop to soak in the beauty and snap a picture. In doing so, I also decide that my sports bra is adding to the chill. With a quick glance around I decide to strip in the middle of the woods and lose the sports bra before slipping the fleece on. Sorry, no pictures of that, but I'm guessing the bears had a good show.<br />
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The sugar sand is pretty in the moonlight, and at the same time more frustrating on your footing. And I swear I kept looking for the pink tape and yellow markers. Everything seemed to be a lot further apart the second loop. When I return to Aid Station 2 I know the blisters have started but they aren't bad. YET! So I grab a PB&J and another, heavier jacket, because yes, it is freaking cold, hug my dad and head out for the second West loop.<br />
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This is the section where I ran into a runner who was going to quit after her first 25 miles. We ran into each other on the out and back section near the start-finish and chatted for a few. I suggested she not make a decision until she hit Aid Station 2 again. So while I was out somewhere near mile 38ish or so I saw her coming back at me and we stopped for a few minutes. I was glad to see her and congratulated her on not giving up. <br />
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She said, "You tricked me."<br />
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"How'd I do that?"<br />
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"You knew if I made it to Aid Station 2 I wouldn't quit until I got back to the finish."<br />
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I grinned. "I only hoped. Congratulations on the 50 miler!"<br />
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Then she took off.<br />
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The best part of this eight miles on the West loop for the second time was Aid Station 3 and the volunteers. First off, you are greeted by flashing, blinking colored lights and loud, ever so uplifting music. I was surprised and at the same time thrilled. As I enter and they get my take my number to track me they are offering me soup and sandwich in front of a roaring fire.<br />
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First things first. Potty break! After I wash up then you bet I took them up on the warm fire and the chicken noodle soup. Soup never tasted so good! I sat there talking with another runner and the volunteers for a good 10 to 15 minutes and it was like once again heaven had dropped just what we needed in the middle of nowhere. Then the volunteers wished me luck and I was off again.<br />
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Back at Aid Station 2 my dad met me. I stripped off the toes caps because they weren't helping and then he and I warmed up by the fire for a few minutes. I'm excited because only 4 miles and I am at mile 50. Woohoo!<br />
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I take off and dad is going to meet me at the start-finish. My goal was for 62 miles but as I trudge along the paved rail trail path and another blister pops inside my shoe sending a sharp pain into my foot I think there is no way. Not because of the blisters, but because of the snails pace I am moving because of the blisters. <br />
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I am moving so slow, thanks to blisters that I don't think I have time to meet the cutoff to hit that goal so once I make it to the finish line I have to decide to go on and get more blisters and not make the cutoff or call it a day and a job well done at 50 miles. It was 12 miles better than last year.<br />
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While my goal was 62 miles, I was very excited for the 50 miles. My dad was real excited too. He gave me the biggest hug and had to take my picture with the medal. That was the longest run I've done with him being there and it was the best day because I got to share the experience with him and he got to see what ultra runners and ultra running is about. <br />
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Ultra running is about a community of people who want to challenge themselves and encourage like minded people. Whether a fast runner or a slow plodder (like me); it doesn't matter. You are out there giving it your best shot and you are doing something very few people would even think about doing. Especially when most people will say, "I don't even like to drive my car 50 miles."<br />
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Ultra running is a journey. It's not just the distance, it's the people, the scenery, the becoming one with nature and the discovery of yourself. It's the ability to leave your everyday life behind you for hours and just be. It's the challenge to push yourself to do more each time or to do better; depending on your goal. It's taking the time to get to know yourself, and your body and to continue to grow and learn. It's respect for other runners, the volunteers, the race directors, the crews that are out there supporting their runner, and it's the self-respect for yourself.<br />
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There is so much to be gained and learned by running an ultra and absolutely nothing to lose. Even if you do not finish. <br />
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I got my medal for my 50 miles and dad packed me in the car and off to the hotel we went for a good night's sleep.<br />
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It's not until 2 days later that I realize I actually could have made the cutoff for my 62 miles, but my mind had been such mush that I couldn't calculate the distance and time. Ha! <br />
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Note to self: have someone else do the math for you. Oh, well, next time.<br />
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This was a race for the books, not just because of the beautiful environment, and the fabulous volunteers, and other runner. This race was for the books because I did it with my dad. While he had not been running with me, he had been my support and my crew for almost 20 hours by the time we got back to the hotel. I hope my father knows how much his being there with me meant and how this will be my favorite race for that reason alone.<br />
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And dad, next year, we will do the 62 miles! Cuz now I know how to multiply when my brain isn't fuzzed over from lack of sleep and blistered feet. Thank you for being there and sharing this event.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08202637428419405795noreply@blogger.com1