In Case You Were Wondering

Thought I would give you a run down of the week.....just in case you were wondering.

Sunday:

Miles run in the drizzling rain:  3.24

It rained buckets last Sunday morning. I had a planned training run with a local running club in Myrtle Beach and was hoping the rain would stop in time for the run. About mid-day, it stopped long enough for the powers-to-be to announce that we would indeed run. Yippee!

I left home about 30 minutes before so that I could get in a good warm-up. On the way, it started to rain again....just a strong drizzle really. But as luck would have it, Murphy and his law showed up. I have a crazy window in my car that will roll down on it's own, if you don't keep the windows in the locked position. Well, for some reason, the locked position didn't matter that day. The danged window rolled down anyway. I started talking to myself and to the window. It was a mess. No matter what I did, I couldn't get the window to roll up. So, I pulled into the mall parking lot, got out and opened the crazy door and starting tugging on the crazy window.

I was making a scene. People were watching. Thought they were about to call the Mall Cops. Decided I better get back in the car, just in case. A mall parking lot arrest would have been scandalous!

Anyway, thought I was gonna have to turn around and go home. I couldn't leave the window down. I had a very valuable (worth tens of thousands of dollars, if you know what I mean) framed college diploma in the back seat that I needed to send to my daughter in Colorado. I also had my purse that I could hide, but what if? And hello, it was raining again! I made the decision to proceed with said plans. If it was meant for me to run, then I would figure something out. Lo and behold, just in the nick of time, I tried once more and the window rolled up. Hallelujah! Run is on!

The run actually turned out to be intervals. We warmed up by running a slow half mile. Then we were to run as fast as we could for a quarter of a mile out and then either walk or run slowly a quarter mile back to recover and then repeat that 6 times.  Well, little miss competitive here decided to go for broke. I hauled hiney. The coach was right beside me. She was saying, "That's the way to dig, good job, keep it going....etc." And then about half way, I felt like my lungs were going to explode, like my chest was going to shoot them right through my throat. The coach was saying, "Ok, you are going into glycogen depletion, this is normal".  Normal? Is it normal to puke up a lung? Ummmm, what did I get myself into? Well, I guess she knew what she was talking about. I made it to the end, bent over double and heaving, but by golly I made it. And we did that 6 times. Let me tell you, I felt GREAT afterwards! Must have been a runner's high. I am definitely going back!!

Monday:
I did a triathlon at the gym with my husband. Holler! My first ever. Swam 300 yards, biked 5 miles and ran a 1/2 mile. Another realm of exercise and fitness that was not in my vocabulary nor did I want it to be before. But, let me tell you....it was awesome! I am definitely going to do that again!!

Earlier Monday, before going to the gym, Cliff and I went to Brookgreen Gardens. The tulips were starting to bloom and the daffodils were still hanging around. It was so cold and the wind was blowing so hard that we didn't stay too long. We took a few pictures (see below), had lunch and called it a day.

If you are ever in this part of SC, you owe it too yourself to stop by Brookgreen Gardens. If you do, let me know...I have connections on the inside ;) The gardens are beautiful. I wish I had more pictures, but like I said....it was too cold to stay long this time.

Alee of Oaks

 

 

 

 

 

The azaleas are starting to bloom. Gorgeous!

Tuesday - Friday:

Sawyer has the flu and I've kept him all week, while Emily worked. He's been a sick little boy. When Emily brought him to me this morning, I asked if he felt better. He said, "Yes, and  I lost the diarrhea". Bless it! That was the worst part for him.

Well that wraps up another week on LaLa Lane. Got lots of running to do this weekend. I'm running an 8K race tomorrow at the Inlet and then an Easter Sunrise run on the beach, Sunday morning. That should be glorious!  Sure hope you all have a wonderful Easter. And as my daughter just signed off on a text message,

PEACE!

Laurie

Hope.....Expect With Confidence

Funny stories are great! We all love a good one. But this week, something has come up that just makes me feel not so inspired to find the funny.

Today, however, I am inspired by the word hope.

Hope is a great word! It means to expect with confidence. Life has a way of teaching us these things. But it's through a risen Savior that we learn to expect it.

What causes hope to rise up? Change.

Change has many faces. It can be exhilarating and heart warming, yet depressive. It can be calming and peaceful, yet fearful. Change is progressive and expected. Think about the seasons. It amazes me that not only in the seasons do things change, but how our lives seem to mimic their changes. We go through springs of renewal, new growth and great hope. Summers of sweltering heat, causing us to question and sweat. Falls of great color which come from inevitable changes.

It, also, amazes me how our lives interconnect with others, sort of like the roots of a tree and that when things happen within that network....it affects us all. We can have happy, healthy roots, new growth of spring and then in the heat of summer.....a storm. The storm may cause damage to the branches...it may even snap them off. But if you look close enough, the roots are strong and remain unscathed. And from the damage, new growth and new hope appears almost immediately.

I've come to the conclusion that HOPE is God's promise.....no matter how often or how strong the storms, there will be renewal. You will experience a strength and endurance you never knew you had. There is a plan.

From the Creator himself comes the greatest of declarations...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Today as always, that's where I'm putting my hope and faith.

Happy Easter!!

Laurie

Semper Fi....Y'all

Taking pictures wherever I go...you never know when you might need them.

Well, it has been a busy week! I'm behind on my blogging. Never fear, though....this will probably do it.

A few years ago, before daddy died, he wanted a pair of combat boots like he wore when he was in the Army. So, I made it my business to try to find him a pair for Christmas that year.  I thought what better place to find them than on a military base. Whitney was at USC at the time, so I stopped by to pick her up and off to Ft. Jackson we went. I got as far as the guard house and was stopped by a strapping young soldier who informed me that I couldn't pass because I didn't have a sticker on my vehicle. "What's the sticker for", I asked. It was family day on the base and they were allowing family to come visit, BUT you had to have a sticker on your vehicle.

For some reason, I love military bases. I wish I could work on one. I wish I could live on one. And I really wish I could shop on one. But, it was not happening that day. The soldier Would.Not.Let me pass. I begged and pleaded, saying, "But, I just want to go to the PX. It's right there. I can see it."

Well, I almost thought he was gonna pull a gun on me. He made me turn around. I carry that failure with me to this day.....

I still love military bases, though.

Cliff participated in the Parris Island sprint Triathlon last weekend. So, as you can imagine, I was so danged excited to go to Parris Island! If you are not familiar with it, Parris Island is the home of the Marine Corp Base here. It is just outside of Beaufort, SC. And as the name indicates it is on a small island. I was amazed by it's Southern beauty and charm. But more amazed that they actually let us civilians on the base. I took lots of pictures, but for the sake of time, I am going to stick to the story of Cliff's Tri and just give you a few highlights.

We arrived to beautiful Parris Island....

To the place where they make Marines.

Some of the surrounding waters

and scenes of downtown Beaufort.

The wind was really blowing. How that would factor into Cliff's Tri would remain to be seen.

***Just a side note here.....if you watch American Idol, then you know that Candice Glover is from St. Helena's Island. Just a stone's throw from here. As we walked downtown Beaufort, there were signs in all the windows showing their support for Candice. And I might add, she is one terrific singer. I don't vote anymore, but if I did, I would surely vote for her.

Now, back to Parris Island......

The swim start. Cliff is number 150 in line.

The bike start. That's Cliff. I was hooting and hollering for him.

OK, I had a few minutes before Cliff got back on the bike.

So, I did what any redblood American would do. I took advantage of some of the local sights. Lovely!

Cliff starting his run. Yes, that's his bike helmet.

He was concentrating so hard during transition that he forgot to take it off.

Some very nice people on the route let him know. Ha!

Good thing that he had to pass by our vehicle, he was able to just hoop it on top.

Here he is at the finish. He was freezing.

Sweat mixed with the cold winds that day didn't do it for him.

After discovering that he didn't get an award this day,

he bundled up and we ended this portion of the Parris Island trip.

Before leaving, though, I could not let this opportunity pass

without taking a few pictures of our soldiers in training. I was so in awe of these young men.

 I teared up thinking about how very soon, they could find themselves knee deep in a war somewhere. They are so young, yet so very brave! I am so proud of each and every one of them. I pray for them and their families. And, I thank each of them from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices they lay on the line for me and my country, every single day.

My Wish? World Peace!!

Not sure if this soldier was sick or if he has allergies to the pollen that was flying around,

but I thought it unusual to see him in a mask.

"Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue"

The few, the proud, the Marines!!

*****

Oh wait, in case you were wondering what else I've been up to.....

Monday - Swam 3 laps in the pool, worked out with weights and ran 3 miles

Wednesday - Ran 4 miles

Saturday - 3 miles on the elliptical.....it was too danged cold to get out and do any running Thursday or Friday. Cliff also had a 5K today and placed 2nd in his age group.

Sunday - Today, if it stops raining long enough, I have a 3 mile (I think) training run this afternoon. with a local group of runners.

Spring is here. And although the rain puts a damper on outdoor activity, at least it's washing some of this killer pollen away. Hope you all have a great week!

Semper Fi, y'all!

Laurie

Aging Gracefully.......Really?

Warning: Men, you might want to stop reading now because today this post is going to be one of those "women" subjects. I'm telling you....be forewarned....turn back now. This post will not make any sense to a man. Although, it could be an eye opener......so go ahead, I guess, and read at your own risk.

Ok, ladies, here we go. Let's talk turkey about.......menopause. I know the subject has been discussed many times before. But what gets me is that when you're knee deep in it, you feel like you're the only one experiencing the so called "symptoms" of aging gracefully. So, the purpose of this post is to dispel that notion.....cause honey you ain't alone. We women must unite! We must talk about the symptoms that make us feel crazy or make others wonder if we are. I'm here to help. There are two major symptoms that most of us will endure. By talking about these two symptoms out loud, I can better prepare you for what's to come. They are the hot flashes and the mood.

1) The hot flashes began 13 years ago. Power surges from hell. They creep up on you when you least expect it. Except for the one that comes on you 5 minutes after lying down in bed at night. You know that one is coming! So, you wait for it and just as it is about to hit, you sling the covers off so fast that it nearly flips your husband out of bed.

Poor Cliff has had to endure perpetual winter conditions in our home. I've even been known to sleep with the bedroom window open when the temperature was in the 40's outside. An electric blanket was on his Christmas wish list that year.  He walks around at night with flannel pj's and a thick Berber robe on. Bless it! Needless to say, he's looking forward to a hot July-like summer. 

Me? Well, the hot flashes have lessened in frequency. I'm just saying there's nothing like 'em to teach a women some strategic measures, though. Like I said earlier, I'm here to help. You learn to live in shorts and flip flops. You won't be in need of a winter coat for a few years. You stay prepared by keeping a roll of paper towel and diaper wipes near by. You must carry extra make up with you at all times. Go to Wal-Mart and purchase a small battery powered hand-held fan with foam blades. Keep it in your purse along with an extra size AA battery. These come in handy and you'll thank me for this tip. Over and over you can be heard saying, "OMG, it's hot in here"!  Now, when you feel a hot flash coming on (there will be no doubt) just excuse yourself from the room. Don't worry....we will understand, especially if you've announced the previous statement. Just go on and take care of it. Use your fan!

2)  The moods have only been a problem for a couple of years now. Like hot flashes, I never know when "one" is going to come on me. Just out of the blue...wham...the mood shows up and says, "Slap that smile off your face. You're going to be Miss Cranky Pants today, possibly tomorrow or if I say so, all week". Lord. I hate when the mood shows up more so than the hot flashes. I used to be pleasant, happy go lucky and smiley pretty much all the time. But now, NOW, the mood renders me to a sour puss. The mood and I carry on conversations in my head. We talk about things like middle-aged fat, people that we can't stand and why we can't stand them. We get road rage and yell at dumb drivers. It's enough to confuse Sybil. You know who Sybil is, right? She's the chick with multiple personalities. I've met a few. We converse occasionally.

During this phase, your senses become heightened. You can spot a disingenuous person a mile away. You can't call them out on it, though. Because part of the whole menopausal curse is that no matter the situation or how bad you want to cut somebody, you have to maintain control and composure. But, BUT....you can give them a look. This is completely acceptable. They may see you or they may not, but at least you've put it out there. And now it becomes their job of discerning what the devil you just did that for.

The good news is that the people you have known and loved forever know what the heck is happening, when the mood shows up. But it's the new people in your life that has to wonder if you're worth getting to know or if they should high-tail it outta here. Well, bless it, all I can say to that is....I used to be pleasant most of the time and Lord knows, I sure hope I am again soon. I used to be able to laugh and be carefree and fun most of the time and I'm pretty sure I will be again. The older women in my life assure me it's just a phase and that this too shall pass. I sure hope so.....feeling a little loco at times, when the mood drops by, makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

And just so you know, if you haven't reached that 'menopausal pinnacle' yet....you will. And Lord help you, when you do!  Be prepared. Forewarn your family and friends now. The more they know, the better. Ask for forgiveness now and then remind them again, when the mood shows up.

Be strong! You will survive!

Disclaimer: This whole post was not the real me talking....it was the mood! Or, I could chalk it up to a public service announcement. Well, whatever!

Laurie

The BFF 10K Race Report and Near Beach Catastrophe

BFF Pink Ribbon Run 10K

March 9, 2013

I did it! I ran my first 10K race and accomplished all the goals I set for myself, which were conservative to say the least. I am a slow runner! One of my goals was to finish in under a 13 min/mile pace and I did. I finished with a 12:56 avg. min/mile. Another was to run the whole 10K and I did, except for walking through the 2 water stations (I was told that didn't count). And lastly, I did not want to finish last and I did not. 

I ran this race in honor of my cousin, Terri, who is a 16-year breast cancer survivor. I can not imagine going through such a terrible disease. My husband, Cliff, ran this race too. That made it even more special. At the starting line on our mark, I declared out loud....."Terri this one is for you, honey"! And so we began.

Cliff and I

And yes, he's wearing a pink bandanna. He had to represent.

Mile 1:  We had only just begun and I caught up to a friend who was clearly having trouble with her left thigh. She said she was going to try to run my pace, but she couldn't even do that. I mentioned for her to try to stretch it out, but she had to stop...she couldn't go any further. I kept on, but at the end found out that she had to be taken off the race by golf cart. Later, we found out that she went to the hospital and for an MRI. She didn't know it at the time, but had a stress fracture in her left hip that was an injury that happened a couple of weeks earlier. Monday, she had to have surgery. It appears that she will have a full recovery. And I'm so happy about that! God speed!

Next, maybe a tenth of a mile into the race and what do I see? OMG! It was a bridge! Man, they don't mean to make races easy, do they. I made it up and over and felt pretty darn good that I conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro. The  group I came with...left me long ago.....even my own husband. What? So, I was a lone ranger for most of this race.

Mile 2:  Some tall lady passed me early on. She didn't get completely out of sight. I could see her the whole race.  I've had a cold and some sinus issues and had to breathe through my mouth. Boy was my throat dry. I wanted water so badly.  An innocent bystander said, "Water was just ahead". She must have heard me heaving a mile away. I started silently singing "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound"!

Mile 3: Water refreshed and I'm on my way again. I noticed somewhere around the half way mark that the previous tall lady wasn't getting any farther ahead. I really wanted to keep her in sight because at one point she and I were the only people on a particular stretch of the course. I didn't want to get lost.

Mile 4:  I had to remind myself that if Terri went through every thing she had to and survive that surely I could run 2 more miles. Again, my mantra for the day was....Terri, this one's for you. Water refreshed again and then all of a sudden I noticed I was slowly gaining on tall lady. So, I'm not sure if it was from me speeding up or her slowing down, but at mile 5.........

Mile 5: ......I. Passed. Her. Score!

Mile 6:  And now for the finish. I rounded the last curve and there comes Cliff, running back to meet me. Now, how sweet is that? He ran the last 2 tenths with me.

Mile 6.2:  At the last moment he took off ahead and was able to get a couple of pictures as I crossed the finish line. A few friends was there waiting for me to cross and that was sweet too. I even sprinted that last few feet. Ha! When I crossed the finish line, I declared, "Ooooh Jesus!" and  a couple of the folks there perked up. Not sure if they thought I had spotted Him or was about to go meet Him, but boy did I get their attention.

Now y'all, that was a good day. The festivities afterwards were fun. They gave out beads, balls and t-shirts and had good music. And then the awards. Several in our group of friends received medals. My husband, Cliff, received a medal for placing 2nd place in his age group. Go Cliff! This was a fun race for a good cause. I think I'll do it all over again, next year. Maybe next year, Terri will run it with me......

Later that day, Cliff and I were babysitting for our grandchildren Lidia and Sawyer. One of their favorite pass times is to go rock climbing at the swash down on the beach.

So, we drove the golf cart down there and let the kids play.

I was about to freeze to death and voiced it, heavily. Finally, Cliff had heard me complain long enough I guess and said that we could go. Well, he had a bright idea of driving the golf cart on the beach. No problem at first, but then it started slowing down. Lidia and I were on the back and could smell something. Cliff started noticing too and said that something was wrong. We got almost to the access where we could get off the beach and he yelled, "get off"! We all bailed! There was smoke coming from the golf cart. He lifted the seat and sure enough there was a fire. And then he reached down and picked up a long stick that was laying across the batteries. It was on fire, too! Lord, this man is smart. He's a mathematician for crying out loud. And he stores Sawyer's stick on top of the batteries?  But hey, I can't say anything I guess because I had the camera hanging around my neck and didn't get the first picture of the whole near Beach Catastrophe.....not until after he contacted the guards to help us get the golf cart off the beach and had to tow it home. Cliff towed and I drove the golf cart or rather steered it. Lord, that was so funny. We were laughing and snapping pictures of each other. Sawyer was whining, "My stick is on fire. Now what am I gonna do"? Lidia looked at me and said, "Now that's something to write about". Ha! And so I did. 

Funny story and a near Beach Catastrophe averted! All in a day, in the life of LaLa.

Laurie

New Edition of Conversations with Sawyer

Sawyer - Pool-bound with PJ's, Housecoat, PFD,

Gamecock Dangly Hat, Sport Crocs and Underwater Eye Wear

Well, it's been a while now since I introduced you to Sawyer. Remember, Sawyer is my 6-year-old grandson and he is just the funniest little thing ever. His perception of the world keeps me in stitches.  So I thought you might enjoy a few more of his insights.

*****

1/28/2013 - Back story: Sawyer knows that before getting dessert he has to finish his dinner. And as children do, they try every trick in the book to get dessert. Sawyer is no exception. He didn't eat all of his dinner tonight, but came over to his mama...whining.....

Sawyer: Mama, I'm full and can't eat any more, but now I can't have dessert because I didn't finish my dinner.

Emily and I: (Laughing)

Sawyer started crying: I can't help it, it's part of my life.

Bless it...we laughed some more, but then he got major hugs and kisses. And he got dessert. Ha!

*****

1/30/2013 - This one is from his big sister, Lidia. They are so cute when they try to talk like an adult. 

Lidia: "Mama, you just asked me that...you must have a short loss memory term".

*****

2/1/2013 - Back story: Emily took the children with her to Target. They are pretty good most of the time, while out shopping, especially at the checkout. I've been impressed that Lidia and Sawyer just hang out there so quietly showing great patience. Little did we know that they really are making observations that we know nothing of. On this occasion, however, Sawyer felt the need to express his observation to his mama.

Sawyer on the Target cashier: "Mama, that guy kinda looked like Aracabama (translation - Barack Obama), except.....Aracabama doesn't wear earrings".

HaHa! He knows his Presidents!

*****

2/4/2013 - Back story: Sawyer was sick today, so I stopped by to pick him up and take him home with me. I couldn't wait to pamper him and make him feel all better.

Me: Sawyer, I am sorry you are sick. I am going to take you home and fix you some chicken soup for lunch. That will make you feel better.

Sawyer: LaLa, you know what would make me feel better?

Me: What's that?

Sawyer: Going through the car wash.

Me: Well, let's go then.

I whipped my car around and through the car wash we went. He was all smiles. Now, you tell me that you wouldn't do whatever to make your babies feel better.

*****

2/15/2013 - Back story: Lidia and Sawyer spent the night with me last night so I had to take them to school this morning and it was very foggy in places.

Sawyer (very excitedly):  LaLa is that a tornado?

Me: No, Sawyer, that's fog.

Sawyer: WELL, it looks like a tornado.

*****

3/3/2013 - Dinner at Cracker Barrels.....Sawyer gave his "chicklin and dumplins" a big thumbs up.

*****

I should write a book. Would it be awful of me to get rich and famous off my grandkids? Oh well, I guess I better not. I'll just keep sharing them with you through this blog.

Laurie

BFF Pink Ribbon 10K Run

It dawned on me this morning that I have not posted any of my running stats lately. So, aren't you in for a treat?

As you recall, one of my goals for 2013 is to run a few 10K races and then a half-marathon later in the year. And I'm happy to report that I am well on my way of meeting those goals. The ITB problem I was having has pretty much cleared up now after many, many days of stretching and rolling the leg.

I racked up 41.44 miles in January. Most of those were spent on the elliptical, however, and a few on the bike. I was able to start back running slowly and with low miles the beginning of February. The third week in though, I had to start ramping up the miles because I needed to train for an upcoming 10K. So by the end of February I had run 48.39 miles. That's a good start and I hope it is enough for the race. Now into March, I already have 6 miles under my belt or should I say feet and I plan to run 4 today.

Saturday is the BIG day. It will be my FIRST 10K (6.2 miles) race. The race is the BFF Pink Ribbon Run in North Myrtle Beach and I'm equally excited to run this 10K because I will be running it for my cousin, Terri Scruggs...a 16-year breast cancer survivor. I love that girl! And she will be on my mind the entire 6.2 miles.

I'll post stats after the race.....in case you were wondering.

Hope you get up, get out and do something for your health. "Just put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking out the door". Now go get healthy! You deserve it!

Laurie

A Blustery Seaside Sunday

The pictures today show a calm sea and what looks like a warm day. The sea was indeed calm, but it was far from warm.....it was a blustery day on the coast. And as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy!

Hope you had a great Sunday!

Laurie