Month: November 2011

Meetup Success!

I had such a fun time with these ladies. We talked about all kinds of things, from work to running to NYC to gossip to eating habits to gym memberships to full house to working in porn (okay I brought that up in reference to my boobs).

Lots of laughter and great conversation. It made me wish I could be around such positive, fun, health-conscious, urban women on a regular basis.

The highlight of the night for me came as we were saying our goodbyes and 94monkeys told me I was just like how I represented myself on my blog. That was such a compliment! I strive to really be authentic (both the good and the bad of my life is here) and it was great to know that I accurately portray myself.

Looking forward to another meetup in December!

Empire State of Actuality

Arrived in New York yesterday, however Friday night I got into a screaming match with my mother on the phone. She was screaming and being UGLY, while I was trying to yell over her to be mature and rationale (two things she is not).

I was worried about coming home, especially since “you’re a selfish fucking bitch” was the last thing she said to me before hanging up on me for the 3rd or 4th time. Never in my life have I had ANYONE speak to me like my own mother did. And without any reason (no wonder I live 1,000 miles from my favorite city in the world).

So I was not looking forward to seeing her. I even made backup plans in case she decided not to get me at the airport. She showed and acted completely normal. Made no mention of her insanity. I chose to swallow my pride and bite my tongue, it’s easier that way. I’m used to her antics, but this was a new low – however I was determined to not let her ruin my trip.

I went on what was supposed to be an 8 mile run yesterday evening, but ate concrete mid-way through mile 6. I’ve NEVER tripped and fell while running. My hands got pretty ripped up, but I’m okay. Ended up doing a touch over 7 miles. It’s always interesting running through my hometown and “rediscovering” it. I also ran my the water – I love the ocean air in my lungs.

Now I’m on a train to Penn Station than going to Grand Central to take a train to Connecticut to see one of my besties.

I have some time to wander the city tomorrow – may go to freedom tower and the world trade center memorial. THEN tomorrow night I get to have dinner with some fabulous fitblrs!

Comes the Dawn by Veronica A. Shoffstall

I posted parts of my last post of my Facebook as a note. A friend commented on the quote at the end and said it’s part of a poem. I didn’t know that! Here’s the poem, it’s like another little gift from my dad.  

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.

And you begin to understand that kisses aren’t contracts
and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats 
with your head held high and your eyes open,

with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.       

And you learn to build your roads on today

because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans

and futures have ways of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and you learn and you learn…

with every goodbye you learn.

Daddy 4.25.49 – 11.18.07

Today marks 4 year since I lost my Dad. 

I’m measuring those years within his “dash” in daylights – in sunsets. In midnights – in cups of coffee. In inches – in miles. In laughter – in strife. In LOVE!

We shared a love of many, many things, especially musicals. RENT was one of our favorites and after he died “Seasons of Love” took on a new meaning. 

Back in January 2010 a friend of mine challenged me to measure my year in cups of coffee, which lead to measuring my miles, my body, my health and the rest is history. 

I get a lot of joy and satisfaction in measuring my life. It makes life seem a little more permanent and a little less fleeting at times.

There are times everyday where I wish I had my Dad to call. I wish he could see me now (well I believe he can), but I wish I could see him. I know he’s with me every day, every mile, every thought. 

I can’t help, but wonder just how into my racing he would have been. He was always my number one supporter and cheerleader. I loved making him proud. He would have gotten such a kick out of me running/racing. 

I’m fairly certain he would have come out to California to see me run my Marathon. I actually first went to LA with him, back in grad school. He lived in California for a few years when he was in his 20s. They were some of the best years of his life and I think that’s all part of the reason that drew me to run in Cali (well that and David Cook if I’m being honest).

Here are some of the posts I wrote last year about my Dad around his anniversary if you’re interested.

Our Last Day

Missing You Every Day Daddy

Dad’s Gift to Me

I’ll leave you with this. One quote I remember my Dad telling to me in a time of struggle in my life was, “Plant your own garden instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” That quote has meant so much to me over the years. YOU only have one life and YOU need to make the most of out of, right now.

I love you Daddy.

Racing my heart out!

My 2011 Race Calendar has been spotty, but it looks like I’ll be finishing the year off strong. Yesterday I signed up for a 10K. I ran this 10K last year and ran it in the illusive sub 59 min range!

2011 Races in Review:

Completed Races

5K – KD Shamrock 5K – February 26, 2011 (29:09)

½ Marathon – Talladega 2100 – April 3, 2011 (2:12:59)

5K – Race for Hope DC – May 1, 2011 (26:28)

5K – Big Dog Skirt Chaser 5K – October 8, 2011 (31:06)

10K – Read to Run – October 22, 2011 (1:03:25)

½ Marathon – Soldier Marathon – November 12, 2011 (2:10:35)

Future Races

5M – Turkey Trot – November 24, 2011

10K – AORTA Toys for Tots 10K – December 3, 2011

8 mile

Yesterday was when marathon training was supposed to officially start. However I had to work super late and I didn’t want to run past 9pm. So I woke up early today to run yesterday’s 3 miles before work and then ran today’s 5 miles after work. 

I feel good. Tomorrow is a rest day because I have a second date with the gentleman from Sunday night.

NYC Fitblr Meetup – DATE

It looks like THIS UPCOMING Monday or Tuesday works best for most as well as Dec 28 and 29.

I’d love to try for next week so we can perhaps have a follow up in December. 

I can do whatever since I’ll be on VACAY 😛

Ladies, please message me with your e-mail address so we can get an e-mail chain going as well as a time/location suggestion. 

Let’s make it happen!

😀