MY FUN ADVENTURE TO ALBUQUERQUE

Some of my Runnerworld peeps were heading on an adventure

to Albuquerque and Colorado springs to do back to back

marathons and half marathons which I think they are crazy

but I do admire them for it. Bobby & I really wanted to go

with them but declined because it was alot of driving and

alot of stuff crammed into such a short labor day holiday

weekend.

Ken & Dana left earlier in the week to go to Colorado to visit

some friends before they headed to Albuquerque to meet

up with those flying into the airport there. Lisa & Jason

left early also on Friday to go to Taos first to do some

whitewater rafting before they came to Albuquerque.

Friday morning my brother Russell called me and told

me that him and Christin had decided to drive to Albuquerque

to cheer everyone on and my brother had decided to do the

half marathon. Well I jumped on that bandwagon and said

wouldn't it be fun to just show up and surprise everyone

because they aren't expecting us even though they kept

trying to talk us into it. I called Bobby and asked him

if he wanted to go for an adventure and cram a trip into

a 3 day weekend and he said oh why not. So my brother

and I headed for Runnersworld so he could get him some

new shoes and we decided to let Kathy & Brian in on our

secret and swore them to secrecy.

We loaded up my brothers jeep and away we went at

8 p.m. friday night and Christin drove all the way until

we hit the New Mexico border and my brother took over

driving.We arrived with no sleep even though Bobby & I

snoozed just a little in the back seat but we arrived safely

there around 6:30 Saturday morning. WE had time to kill

since no one else would be there until about 1:30 that afternoon.

WE were so tired and tried to check into our hotel where

everyone was staying but our rooms was not ready so so

much for getting a little shut eye until everyone arrived.

We decided to go to Sandia Peak with elevation of

over 10,000 feet but it is so gorgeous up there and

breathtaking views you have to see it if you ever go there.

WE trekked the trails there for several hours and Ken &

Brian and everyone else would really love running on some

of these trails.

WE finally got to check into our hotel room about noon

just time enough to wash our faces and revive before

time to go to airport to surprise Sandra, Ken & Dana.

WE found our way to the airport and got there in time

to hide out and surprise them all. The looks on their

faces were priceless.

We went to the expo where Christin and myself decided

to sign up for the 5K since I haven't been running much

since April and my heart dr. wants me to take it easy for

awhile I just did the 5K to get ready for my 5K in Greece.

WE all had fun hanging out at dinner that night before our

race the next day.

Lisa & Jason finally made it in later that evening and I

texted Lisa and told her I would see her at the finish line.

She was shocked that we showed up to do this race since

we told her we couldn't go.

The morning of the race the marathoners had to leave earlier

to catch their bus to the start line so I didn't get to see them off.

Bobby, Russell, Christin, Sandra & myself got to where we were

to meet the busses that drops us off at our start point. Bobby,

Russ & Sandra left first and Christin & I had an hour to kill

before our bus left so we sat at the starbucks and enjoyed

some yummy drinks while we waited. Finally we got to load

up on the bus and we were dropped off and I kept thinking that

the bus ride seemed longer than the 3 miles we were to run.

I prayed he wasn't taking us to the half marathon start line.

WE finally got started on our race and it was a nice straight flat course

which I loved, no hills yeah! We finished in 48 minutes which is good

for me since like I said I haven't been running much at all since April.

We got to then watch everyone else come in and cheer them on.

Russell PR'd in his half marathon with 2 hours 14 minute finish.

Way to go Russ! Brian came in next with a strong finish.

Bobby & Sandra came in next doing an awesome job.

Bobby told Sandra he was there to run with her and to make sure

she kept on going. They had an awesome finish.

Rachel Mitchell (London as everyone calls her)came in doing her

first marathon in 4 hours which is so awesome! Patty Powell came

in then Coach Kathy made it in with a strong finish and doing good

for not having ran much since her injury Way to go! Then there

was Jason who came in shirtless so if you see him ask him what

happened to his shirt LOL.

Lisa was next followed by Ken then Kathy Fleig they too did an

awesome job. Kathy Fleig was injured so she had to power walk

most of it and was hurting by the time she finished but kudos

to her for making it all the way.

We all were pretty tired after that so we went back to our

rooms to freshen up and rest a bit before heading to applebees

to eat our hearts out since we were all starving after our run.

Then it was time to bid farewell to everyone that was leaving us

behind to head to Colorado Springs to do their next race the

next day. It was hard to see them go without us tagging along

but we couldn't go on that trip because Bobby, Russ & Christin

had to go back to work on Tuesday. I think everyone thought

we would show up and surprise them there as well but sorry

guys we couldn't.

So after they all left we headed into old town to do some shopping.

I just love old town Albuquerque it is so neat and filled with

lots of shopping and this old church which is awesome

to see the inside of. We were so tired by the time

we were done with that we headed to our room to

get some sleep since we had to get up and try to be on the

road toward home by 4 in the morning. WE made it up in time to

head out early and my brother drove us all the way home 11 hours

maybe 12 hours before we pulled into our driveway. Thanks Russ

& Christin for letting us hitch a ride and join in on your anniversary getaway.

Happy Anniversary to you both for 5 years of wedded bliss.

I can now say I traveled to another state like some of my

other crazy running buds do to run a race now I am ready

for my adventure to Greece then who knows hopefully I

will be going to Scotland in May with them also.

I am so glad I got to go on this trip even though I am

tired but it was all worth it :)

Where we all stayed at in Albuquerque.

Looking out on the peak you can see the city

of Albuquerque which is so tiny looking

from that far up.

Yes I think we trekked the whole 10K.

Bobby & I standing on one of the peaks.

Good thing he was being nice I might

have knocked him off J/K LOL.

Russell & Christin the happy anniversary couple.

The surprised look on Ken & Dana's face as

we snucked up on them at the airport.

Sandra looking really shocked to see us.

Our Runnersworld family after we all finished

the race. We are such a goofy fun loving bunch.

I loved this huge pot. Boy do I need to go on

that diet.

We found out what Ken does in his spare time.

He runs a Kraft store in old town Albuquerque.

Hmm wonder what kind of Krafts he sells.

For those of you on facebook please be sure and

check out my video I posted of our Albuquerque

Marathon. I couldn't get it to load on here for some

reason.

I FEEL LIKE A BEACHED WHALE !!!!!

Well back by popular demand I am finally posting
on my blog again. Are you happy now Trail Zombie?
My life has been in turmoil since after April when I did
probably my last half marathon which is hard to say :(
After my half marathon I know alot of you know that
I passed out probably from dehydration plus overworked
my heart from the heat. I kept having issues from that
for quite sometime and my heart dr. wasn't being too helpful
and I kept pushing him for answers until finally he sent
me to a heart dr. that specializes in the electric part of your heart.
He really listened to me and knew exactly what I was talking about
and told me that I was on the wrong kind of meds for what I had.
I had been telling my other heart dr. that I thought my meds weren't
working for me and he kept looking at me like I was crazy so HAH! on him.
My new dr. changed my meds and they aren't as strong and seem to be
working for me.
Also while this is going on I have been having other health issues going on.
I have had to go to so many dr.'s in the past several months it is crazy.
I had started having anxiety and panic issues which started after I passed
out in OKC. I was starting to panic everytime I went out in fear of passing
out again. I also have been dealing with the health of my parents. My dad
is now bedfast and me and my siblings have been taking turns helping my
mom take care of him and my mom has been dealing with health issues
herself she has been in the hospital off and on with congestive heart
failure. My dad is now in a nursing home for the time being until my mom
regains her health and strength to have him home again. So in turn
dealing with that as well was putting more stress and anxiety on me too.
My family dr. as well as my heart dr. thought it was in the best interest
of my health to put me on meds to control my anxiety and panic issues.
they have definately helped.

I also am dealing with the old lady issues. you know hot flashes,
moodiness, and all the other stuff that goes along with menopause.
The hot flashes were causing problems I found out with my heart
and was partly to blame for my fainting spells. So now I am on
hormone meds for that which has helped as well. I also had to have
yet another sinus surgery for the third time. I don't know why
my sinus keeps plugging up and my dr doesn't know why either.
I still have sinus problems even after surgery but least I'm not
plugged up. I am dizzy alot but I don't know if it is from my sinuses
or the crazy meds I am on or combo of both but I don't drive anymore
because of this. I hope soon I will be able to drive again. I don't know
what I would do if I didn't have my good friend Sandra to take me
to all of my dr. appt's. I will never be able to repay her what I owe
her but she is very appreciated by me. I can't even begin to express
how much her friendship means to me and how much it has meant
to me that she was my sounding board and let me vent to her
whenever I needed too. I also want to thank my good friends
Ken & Dana who's kind and encouraging words meant so much
to me and are my inspiration to never give up. I am truly
blessed to have so many friends that always asked about me
which meant alot to me.


The title of my post is I feel like a beached whale which is truly
what I feel like these days. My new meds that I am on which the dr's
all told me that they will make me gain weight. I have definately
done that and fast. I am struggling now to lose the weight which
makes it hard when the meds make you gain so I feel like a blimp
now and since I am on limited exercise it makes it even harder.
I think I need to just wire my mouth shut. I am sure Bobby would
like that ha ha.
I am feeling very unattractive right now even though I wasn't
attractive to begin with ha ha. I am just thankful that Bobby loves
me for who I am not how I look. Maybe eventually I will lose some
weight and feel good about myself again I hope.


I am finally able to be out with all my running friends again which
I am loving. I really enjoy seeing everyone again and socializing.
I am back slowly walking with just a little running mixed in. I am
sticking to doing just about 3 miles for now until my dr. says I can
do more which he doubts that will happen but least it is something.
I am slowly biking again which I enjoy doing. So I hope now with me
being a little active again it will help me lose back the weight I gained.

I am so looking forward to my trip to Greece in November and I think
I am going to sign up for the 5K race. I might as well do it so I can say
I ran a race in another country. A few months ago I was saying I didn't
know if I could make the trip or not because of how I was feeling but
thanks to the meds it has helped put my life back in order and I know
Bobby has seen the change in me and has made comments about it.


This last Saturday I even enjoyed volunteering at the mud run.
I had fun seeing everyone having fun getting muddy which
I am such a girly girl I don't like getting dirty but I did manage
to get my hands dirty from having to touch all the muddy
race numbers having to punch their tag when they got beers.
Yeah me!


here is a video I took with my new Flip Ultra HD video camera.
I just love this little video camera which is the size of a camera
and it takes good quality video. It is so easy to use even my
mother in-law could work it ha.
this video is of the mud run.
It is about 7 minutes long so I hope you have time to watch it.

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

I AM BANNING MY HUBBY FROM TURKEY MOUNTAIN!

Last weekend we went to watch all those running in
the Barkley bookfair at Turkey Mountain. Kudos to Ken
and Brian for a great job on putting it together.
I enjoyed myself but only stayed for the day run.
Bobby told me he wasn't going to stay late just long
enough to watch the night runners take off. Thanks to
Sandra for taking me home. I thought I would stay up and wait
for Bobby since he wasn't going to be late and plus I had
the housekeys so he wouldn't be able to get in the house
when he got home. I waited and waited and still no Bobby.
11:00 came around so I thought I would doze on the couch because
he surely will be home soon. Who am I kidding I should know better when
Bobby hangs around all his running buds he gets sucked up into all
the hoopla and ends up staying longer than planned, which I don't
mind. I woke up at midnight and still no Bobby and then dozed again
and woke up again at 1 and guess what no Bobby still. I dozed again
and woke up at 2 and still no Bobby! I was getting a little perturbed
by now and wondering if A) should I send out a search party for him
B) Call someone because I couldn't call him because he forgot his phone
at home or C) just lock the darn door and go to bed and forget about him
and let him figure out how he was going to get into the house.
Finally at 2:30 he comes dragging in. I did jump onto him for being so late
and not call me atleast to let me know what he was doing. He preceeded
to tell me he couldn't call because he didn't have his phone. I said that
was hogwash because someone I know has a phone he could have used.
Like I said I don't mind him hanging around having fun with his buds
but just be considerate enough to let me know what is going on.
(ok Ken & Ed did my B**ch meter just go up from 15% to 45% LOL?)



Bobby has now started on Tuesdays run follow once again his buds
to Turkey Mountain to do trail running instead of going out on
the regular path run. Last Tuesday night he came home all dirty
from running the trails that they ran in the Barkley bookfair.
I told him he better not have brought any of Ken's buddies
home with him since Ken's tick meter is going up already
from Turkey mountain. I had him to hurry and clean up after he got home.
Well this morning when I was in the shower I discovered
one of those friends of Ken's lodged in a place which shall
remain undisclosed. I flipped out and did get it finally
out and flushed it down the drain. I haven't had
ticks on me in a long time so I was not a happy camper.
I called Bobby and told him thanks alot and said
it was all his fault for bringing it home with him from the mountain.
So that my friends is why I am banning my hubby from Turkey mountain.
I know he won't listen to me and that's ok he can just sleep
over at Ken's house the next time he runs on Turkey LOL.

SLEEPING LIKE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Well since I have been having issues with my heart

and complaining to the dr. about my fatigue he decided

to send me for a sleep study. I have been reading about

how people with heart arrythmias like mine are susceptible

to all sorts of other disorders and sleep apnea is one of them.

I first met with the dr. doing the sleep study and he

talked with me and told me what to expect when I

came back to stay all night for the sleep study.

I made my appt. for my fun filled sleep over.

Before I had to go I had to fill out this long questionaire

about my sleep habits and had to chart a week of my

sleep pattern showing all the times I wake up in the night.

I arrived at the sleep center at 9:30 at night with my pillows

and my overnight bag packed. I was a little anxious about

sleeping in a strange place and bed. They finally called me

back to my room and I had to change into my pj's and get

comfy in a chair for the hour long hook up with all the

wires and straps. I felt like Hannibal Lector in the movie

Silence of the Lambs.

I asked them how in the world am I suppose to sleep with

all these wires hooked to me and it was hard to get comfy

in the bed. They had me take an ambien sleep pill to help

me get to sleep. Now I am not one that likes to take sleeping

pills and especially ambien because I have heard stories

from people how they did weird things in their sleep when

they take it. I told the nurse that if I start doing funny things

in my sleep like say maybe dancing around the room then

I hope they would wake me up or something instead of

just sitting there laughing at me. She assured me I would

be ok and just relax and go to sleep. I was still thinking

about how hard it will be to sleep with all these wires

attached and also having someone watch you sleep

all night that is kinda creepy.

I finally got to sleep and before I knew it they were waking

me up saying I did good. They finally unhooked me which

took almost as long as hooking you up. I had alot of sticky

goop in my hair where they stuck electrodes in my scalp

to monitor the brain waves while you sleep. I wonder if

they could see what I was dreaming LOL?

I was thankful they did let you shower there to wash the

goop out of your hair. I asked them if I did anything

strange in my sleep from the sleeping pill and she said

no I slept good.

I had to wait a week for the results and the dr. called

me and said I had a mild case of sleep apnea which

he said that I stop breathing about 10 times an hour

briefly and I wake myself up about 15 times an hour.

He said since I have heart issues that I would need

to wear a cpap breathing machine at night to help me

to sleep better. I was assured that by using this machine

I will feel so much better during the day and not be so

fatigued. We shall see about that.

I had to return to the sleep center again last week and

be monitored while I slept with the cpap machine. So

now I will have trouble sleeping there with being

hooked up to all the wires and also hooked up to

this breathing machine with a face mask which is hard

for me since I am claustrophobic and being watched again.

I had to take another sleeping pill so I could fall asleep and

it was hard getting used to all that air being forced in my

nose all night. They assured me I would get used to it

when I sleep at home with it. I am now waiting for the

medical supply place to deliver it to me. Hmm I wonder

if those face masks come in pink or purple LOL? might

as well add some color to my night look.

We found out that they will be sending Bobby soon for

a sleep study and I know that he definately will need

to have one of those cpap machines to sleep so we

will be a sight at night with both of us hooked up with

breathing masks on our face. I think we might just

scare the dog.

Here are a few pics of me at the sleep center.

me waiting to go to my room.

starting to get sleepy waiting.

all hooked up and ready for bed.

I didn't get a pic with my cpap mask on but when I

start using one at home I will take a pic of that.

I hope that it will make me feel some better during the day.

SIDELINED ONCE AGAIN

Well as alot of my running buddies know that after my OKC half marathon
I passed out at the restaurant some of us were eating at in OKC.
One minute I was sitting at the table finishing up my meal then
suddenly getting consumed with hot flashes (yes I am getting old)
and lightheadedness so I got up to go to Sandra's car to turn on
the A.C. to cool off but before I made it to the door I blacked out
and the next thing I knew I was waking up with people standing over me
and asking if I was ok. I told them I was alright and that I just had ran
a half marathon and was probably still tired from that. They did call an
ambulance for me and they went to find Bobby and tell him what had
happened. Fortunately Dana (Ken's wife who is a nurse) took charge
and started making me drink lots of water thinking I may be dehydrated.
When the ambulance came they checked my BP and did an EKG on me
since I told them I have atrial fib. Everything checked out ok and they
asked me if I wanted to go to the ER anyways to be further checked out
but stubborn me refused saying I was ok. Dana told Bobby to keep making
me drink on the ride back home. Bobby doesn't make a good nurse, so
I wasn't expecting much from him on the way home. I slept alot which
might not have been a good idea since they told me I hit my chin and chest
pretty hard on a wooden desk as I fell. I tried to have some sympathy for
Bobby as well on the way home since he was sore from his long marathon.
Since this all happened a week ago I have been dizzy, nauseated, bouts of
weakness, headache and just not feeling good. I am bruised on my chest
where I hit it when I fell and it is very sore with any kind of movement
or pressure from laying down.
I decided that I should go to the dr. to get checked out and see what was
going on still with me. I went and my dr. is a little puzzled as to what
might have happened. He is running blood tests and hopefully it will
tell him something.
He suggested I go back to my heart dr. to see if something is going on
with my atrial fib. He said I possibly could be going in and out of afib
quickly and if that is the case it won't show up on EKG unless they catch
it at the right time.
He told me to rest and take it easy and not drive until my dizziness
gets better. He also told me to eat soup and drink lots of fluids just
in case I am still a little dehydrated which he is checking that in the blood
tests as well. He also got onto me for not going to the ER when it happened.
So once again I am sidelined from running. I probably won't be at any
of the group meetings for awhile until I get over this dizziness but I will
be thinking of everyone and cheering you all on from the sidelines of
my couch. I will recoop and hit the path running as soon as I can. I will
take a break from running long distances when I return but watch out
for me doing the 5K's. Someone should start a 5K maniac club because
I am thinking this might be my cup of tea with my health. Now hopefully
this won't put any hitches in my trip to Greece.
See you soon.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A TRAIL RACE!

Dana getting to the race to start cooking
those yummy hamburgers.

Ken telling us all where to go
( I know he gets a kick out of doing that LOL.)

Michael & Chrissy waiting for the race to start.

Enjoying the race with my hubby.

Running the hard trails.

My sister in-law Christin did an awesome job
taking care of us at the aid station.

Big sis trying to hold up brother Russell.

Lisa is still smiling.

Jason keeping up a good pace for a great PR.

Brian hogging the trail.

Jeff (Ken's nephew) posing for a pic.


John (Ken's nephew) giving a wave for the camera.

I think Jenni & Vicky are trying to see if they
could use their arms to fly through the course.

LeeAnne, Sandra & Myself showing off our bling
after the race.

I finally got my trail shoes dirty just for Ken.

Brian trying to see how many beer cans he
could fit in his mouth.

What a beautiful day for a trail race!
I was looking forward to running in the Lake McMurtry trail
race that was held in Stillwater. Our friend Ken (A.K.A. Trail Zombie)
hosted this race for the first time this year and I thought he did
an awesome job despite one grumbly runner (no it wasn't me).

Bobby, myself, my brother Russell & sister in-law Christin left
our home at 5:30 that morning to meet up with Sandra to caravan
to the big town of Stillwater anxious about running in this race.
When we finally arrived Ken & Brian were working furiously to
get it all going.

First Ken sent out the 50Kers at 8 a.m. followed by the 25Kers at 8:30
then finally us 12Kers took out at 9. Bobby, myself, Sandra, & LeeAnne
were among the 12Kers trying to tackle this unfamiliar territory.
I started out going just a little too fast for me and it wasn't long
that I was out of breath and had to stop and walk for a bit.
I could have kicked myself for taking my heart pill right before
I started because I think that is why I was partly out of breath.
The terrain was rough and lots of climbing up small steep hills.
I decided to take my time and enjoy this beautiful trail with lots
of walking with a little running mixed in. I was determined and
thanks to my wonderful hubby for staying back with me and
keeping me encouraged to finish. I enjoyed seeing everyone
as they passed by us. I was trying to take all the beauty in
and forgetting about all the stress that has been going on in
my life. I know you all know what I have been dealing with
lately with my mom needing to have heart surgery and my
bedfast invalid dad going to be put in a nursing home for
awhile so my mom can recover when she has the surgery
and then eventually making a big decision whether my mom
can continue to take care of my dad or not so if that is the case
then he will have to be placed in a home for good. Anyways as
I was saying about taking in all the beauty that was around me
to help forget about my troubles did the trick. I had a day without
worries and truly enjoyed myself. Thanks Ken for talking me into
doing this race.
I was welcomed by the sight of my sister in-law Christin at the
aid station. I was needing water and refueling with some yummy
snacks. I thought that it was a good setup. Christin was doing an
awesome job at making sure all of us was taken care. We finally took
off again and did another 2.5 miles before we returned back once
again to her aid station to refuel for our last leg of the race.
We set out again to do our last 2.5 miles before we finally
came across the finish line. I made it and I had alot of fun doing
the race even though I told Ken he was in trouble for talking me
into doing this hard race.
There was some poor lost soul that complained for hours on end
that they took the wrong turn because of it not being marked good
and they went several miles out of their way and that cost them from
not placing in second in their age division. For the record I would like
to say that the course was well marked and if you took the wrong turn
or got lost it was your own negligence for not paying attention.
I have one word for that person who I have never seen before
it is called what Coach Kathy always says is BONUS MILES!
So what if you came in third instead of second this was a fun
well put on trail race not a Boston qualifier! I understand to the
avid racer that it is important how you place but you can speak
your complaint but you don't have to go on about it for hours.
I know I probably offended someone but this is my blog and
I can speak my mind on it and you don't have to read it. I am sorry
that Ken had to get an earful from that person for many hours
because he did an awesome job of putting this together.
When we were done Dana was hard at work cooking some
yummy hamburgers & hotdogs for us hungry runners to eat.
She did awesome for all the hard work she did in getting that
ready for us to eat. I am thankful for what she did.
Bobby & I then helped at the finish line tearing off the race number tags
and writing everyones finishing time and handing out the neat bling
that we all got. I liked the engraved compass that was our reward
for finishing. I enjoyed cheering all the rest of the runners that came
in that was doing the 25K & 50K race.
I missed getting a picture of Rock Star Ed. I heard he did an awesome job
at another aid station for the long distance runners. Kudos to you Ed.
When everyone got done with the race Ken, Bobby, myself, Ed, Lisa,
Jason, Brian, Russell, Christin, John & Jeff cleaned up all the remnants
of the day that was now a big blur. We then decided to go eat at Mexico
Joes in our grungy running gear and dirty faces & I think the waitress
thought we stunk because she seated us all outside to eat. Brian
decided to go back to his campsite instead of going with us so we
missed him being there. We had a good time there reminiscing of
the fun filled day. We finally said our goodbyes and headed home
to a welcome shower and bed.
I am surprised I am not that stiff and sore the day after the race
but I feel pretty good and think that doing a little trail running
might become addictive ( I know Ken is smiling big about this.)
I think if I keep this up I need to come up with a nickname for
myself hmmm maybe it could be "I don't want to get my
trail shoes dirty Susan" LOL.
I did feel though the race was just not the same without
Kathy, Roman & Candice there. We did miss you all.
Maybe next time.

50 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Bobby's brother Paul is going to be 50 on March 12th so Bobby
had this brainy idea to throw him a surprise party. Well guess
who got the pleasure of putting it all together and getting all
his family together in a weeks time? You guessed it. I had to
get everything organized and you know Bobby will take the
credit for it ha. Bobby's moms birthday was March 9th so
we wanted to honor her as well but make it more for his brother.
Bobby has quite a large family and it wasn't easy getting it
all put together. First I had to decide if I wanted to squeeze
17 people (which that isn't everyone in his large family) into
my tiny house. Bobby & I live in his grandparents home which
is over 50 years old and isn't designed big enough for todays
modern furniture and back in the day when we were younger
and his grandparents were alive and living here we did fit
more than 17 in here and I still can't figure that out but I knew
that it would be elbow to elbow if we had this party here.
So I decided to find a place that would accomodate all of us.
I got on the phone for days calling around to see who could
fulfill this task and be a place that everyone would like. I
then thought of Johnny's because they had a nice private area
for parties so I called them and someone on the phone told
me they just closed down for good due to the highway
expansion and wasn't going to re-open anywhere else.
Well bummer I thought so now back to the drawing board.
I started taking polls from Bobby's sisters because they do like to
give their opinions even when you don't ask ha. So after days
of headaches of trying to decide what to do I then decided
to just pick somewhere and tell everyone this is how it is
and if you want to come that would be great. So Red Robin it is.
I know my daughter likes it and I like it and Bobby's brother
likes it so that is where it will be. The only thing is that they
don't take reservations or even hold enough room for that
many people so they said to call 30 minutes ahead to let them
know that you are coming. I don't know why they want you to do this
because we still had to wait about 30 minutes for them to find
enough room to fit us all at.
During the week of planning everything, there was alot going
on that might hinder me from pulling this all together. I was
just getting over being down with my heart episode and I was
having to help my mom some take care of my ailing dad who
has given up on living and not wanting to eat much. He is pretty
much bedfast and can't do anything at all. We finally got hospice
for him and they provided us with a wheelchair and hospital
bed for him which is a big help. so sometimes if you see me and
I am a little more quiet than usual it is because I have my dad
on my mind.I am a daddy's girl and it is hard to see him like that.
I also appreciate my brother Russ for all the help he has been in
helping with our dad. Don't know what I would do without him.
Sorry I got of my main subject a bit. Bobby's mom we found out that
week was ill also with her emphysema and hopefully would be better
before the party so she could come. I was about to pull my hair out
trying to get this thing put together. The next challenge was
trying to make up something to get Bobby's brother to come without
him being suspicious. Bobby told him that we were going to take our
daughter out to eat for a belated birthday dinner and that we wanted
to treat him to dinner as well for his upcoming birthday. Luckily he
agreed to this.
Finally last Saturday came and we started out with a busy day of
our early morning run. I did wake up with a start of a head cold
and I thought not today of all days. Bobby & I then had to hurry home
after our run because we had a early hair appointment. Then after
that we had to hurry home to meet up with his brother who was
to ride with us. I was trying to make sure everyone was there
before us without him knowing what was going on. Finally
we arrived at Red Robin and when we got in the door everyone
was inside waiting for him and surprised him. I did it! I pulled
it off without him knowing what was going on and everything
else went well. WE had a nice get together and everyone was having
a good time visiting since Bobby's family lives out of town we hardly
get to see each other. Later some of them did come back to our
house and it wasn't that bad at all squeezing them in. I was
thankful the weather was nice so they could go outside
if they wanted. well here are a few pics from that day.

me with my brother Russ and his wife Christin after our run.

Bobby with his mom, brother paul, sisters Steph (black top)
and Joanie (purple top)

4 generations. Bobby, his mom, our daughter & granddaughter.

Bobby & I with our daughter, her husband Josh, and granddaughter.

All of us lined up at this big long table waiting for our food.
I felt sorry for our waitress having to take care of this crazy bunch.

This is my favorite and awesome coach Kathy who
loves cake and so I thought of her when we were eating this



TZ I know reading this blog was like reading a novel
but hope you enjoy anyways.

SETBACKS ARE THE PITS

Setbacks with my heart is so frustrating and hard to explain
how I feel when it happens. Last Friday, late afternoon I was
on my way home from checking on my parents when I begin
to have that funny feeling I have right before an episode. I prayed
that I would make it home as it starts with a warmth of weakness
come over me and then followed by dizzyness and wanting to pass
out then followed by palpitations. I did manage to make it home
by the grace of God. Luckily these aren't full blown episodes
anymore thanks to the meds. When I have these episode I am down
for several days after with a bad headache, weakness, lightheaded
and nauseated. I hated that I had to miss my Saturdays run with
my two girls Christin & Cara. We call ourselves the 3 musketeers
and our nicknames are : Sonic (Christin, she is called sonic
because she can hear a biker sneeking up on us from afar.) then we
have Mo (Cara, we call her that because she keeps us motivated.)
& then there is me who is called Jelly because I love to eat my
jelly beans when I run long distance. I love running with my girls
but it isn't very often we all can make it together and last saturday
darn it was our chance of running together but I just had to be sick.
When I have these episodes it is hard for people to understand just how
it makes me feel and popping one of my meds is not going to make
me feel any better. I take the meds everyday so I will have fewer
of these episodes and less intense when they happen. There is nothing
I can do that will make me hop back up after it happens but to wait it
out for several days to almost a week sometimes until I am myself once again.
I truly appreciate everyone in my Runnersworld group who is concerned
about me and all there well wishes to me when I am down. Saturday while
everyone was out running I was on facebook and Cheryl was on there (she
is not able to run for several weeks due to her leg injury) she is so sweet
and offered to come over and bring me anything I needed while Bobby was gone.
That is what I love about our group. I bet you don't get that kindness from
any other group(no names mentioned ).
Saturday was also my daughters birthday which I can't believe she is 27
already. I was so very young when I had her at the age of 3 LOL.
My granddaughters birthday is this Wednesday which she will be 7. The
years have gone by so fast and both my girls are growing up too fast.
I did manage to go to their birthday party and also I got to meet
my new granddog, Jax for the first time. He is so adorable I wanted
to take him home. He is a yorkie and is 10 weeks old. He was a present
for my daughter and granddaughter from my son in-law.
I usually take my daughter out to dinner afterwards but since I wasn't
feeling well I had to give her a raincheck :( but I guess it is something
to look forward to.
Today is Monday and I will have to miss running with Bobby's bunch
tonight. I will probably have to not run all this week just to give my
heart time to recover. I want my heart to behave for my upcoming
OKC half marathon so I will take it easy when I need to.
Hope everyone has a blessed week and even though I won't be running
I will still be out there cheering you on. I might do a little light walking
if I am up to it.
Here are a few pics of Saturdays party.

My cute granddaughter Katie

My gorgeous daughter Alicia & granddaughter Katie

Bobby & Katie with my new granddog Jax.

Me wanting to eat Jax up because he is so cute.

P.S. Congrats to my hubby for becoming a marathon maniac!
He finally joined this weekend and is now maniac #1372
be sure and check his blog out to read about it.

THANKS

I want to start out by thanking everyone for
all the prayers and phone calls this past week.
I never felt so blessed as I do to have so many
friends with RunnersWorld group.

Those who don't know, last Tuesday my mom
was rushed to the hospital with Congestive heart failure.
We weren't sure and the dr.'s didn't think she was going
to make it at the time. She was actually drowning with
fluid on her lungs. They had a hard time putting a tube
down her to drain the fluid off. They ended up having
to put her on a ventilator. She was in ICU to monitor
her closely. The sight of her on a ventilator was very scary
and they had to keep her heavily sedated and her hands tied down
due to her trying to pull out the tubes not knowing what
she was doing. I have never felt so helpless. When she was
awake she wanted to talk to us but couldn't.
I also had to take care of my ailing father as well. He is
homebound and very feeble. He falls easily and is a diabetic
so he needs constant care. I needed to have 2 of me to be
in both places at once. I was fortunate to have my brother
Russell and my sister to help. I stayed 2 nights with my dad
and spent the days between him and my mom at the hospital.
Russell spent the days and nights with my mom which was
a big help to me. My mom, through all the prayers, got well
enough to come home last Friday evening. My siblings & I
are still having to help when needed.
My parents, through sooner care, is allowed to have assistance
with cleaning, cooking, care, errands, etc. for 4 hours a day, 3 days
a week. I had thought about taking on this task myself but with
my health issues it would be hard to do not knowing how I feel
from day to day but I would if had too. They had someone doing this
but you know good help is hard to find. We are having trouble through
this company that sooner care uses finding someone who is dependable
so if anyone knows someone who is dependable and maybe works through
the company they use (sorry don't remember name of it) please let me know.

I was looking forward to going to DanMan with everyone this past weekend
but since my mom was sick I couldn't go. I told Bobby he should still
go without me so he could achieve his marathon maniac status. He was
torn a little bit about whether or not he should go. We hadn't
seen much of each other that week with me being gone staying all night
with my dad. He would stay if I needed him to plus he was concerned
for my own well being. I reassured him that it was ok for him to go
besides I knew how important it was to him. I would like to thank
Ken, Dana, Brian, Deon, Chrissy, Michael,Lisa & Jason for being there
for him cheering him on, it meant alot to me. You guys are awesome!
I really wanted to be there as he crossed that finish line but you gotta
do what you have to do. Bobby, I am so proud of you.

I never knew taking care of your parents could be so exhausting.
I really pushed myself to the limit, so this week I am taking time
to try and get caught up on my rest as much as I can so Bobby
if the house isn't too clean this week you know the drill
NOT A WORD ABOUT IT!


Once again thanks to all my peeps.

DanMan or bust

I am totally excited about this upcoming trail race

I am doing this coming weekend. The race is called

the DanMan. This race is put on at this man's ranch

every year. The DanMan Run is held in honor of our

own endurance running hero, Dan Little. Dan has completed

over 120 endurance events consisting of marathons, over

twenty 50-mile races, and three Iron Distance Triathlons.

As witnessed by Dan's accomplishments, endurance events test

your physical ability, but more than that test your mental ability.

The DanMan is designed for all runners to experience this test

of mental endurance.

Bobby & I will be traveling along with some of our

running friends to Madill, Ok. to do this race. I hear

this town is pretty small. No wonder I didn't know where

the heck it was.

I am not much into trail racing but I heard this trail was

easy enough and not too rocky so I thought what the

heck why not join in the fun since I am a Tatur member.

For those who don't know what that is it is an awesome

group of trail runners who belong to this I guess you would

call it a club formed by one of my running coaches Brian Hoover.

Tatur stands for Tulsa Area Trail & Ultra Runners. Brian has

done an awesome job putting all this together and keeping it

organized and putting on his own trail races. They meet at

Turkey Mountain every week to run the trails there. For anyone

reading this and want to know more about Taturs you can log onto

http://www.taturs.org/. Like I said I don't usually run the trails but I do

join the membership to support and help out at the races when I can.

I am doing the 10K run at DanMan and Bobby is going to attempt

to do a marathon so he too can join some of our group in becoming

a marathon maniac. Our friends Chrissy & Michael will be doing

a half marathon, Dana I think will be doing a marathon also so

Bobby & her can hang out together keeping each other going.

I think Deon is also going to attempt an ultra (31 miles) as well.

Ken & Coach Kathy will be doing a 100 miler last I heard unless

they change their minds and do a 50 miler which makes more sense

to me. I hope we can talk Jason & Lisa into coming along for the fun.

I was hoping Russell (my brother) & Christin ( my sister in-law)

was going to come along so I could have someone do the 6 miler with

but their cat got sick and had to be in the cat hospital for several days

so that set them back alot of money so they had to decline the trip.

Since I love to make lists I will be working on my list of things to

remember to take for this trip.

1. hotel reservations ( Made that already at the Comfort Inn in Ardmore)

2. reserve a car rental ( got that done)

3. print out a map ( got that done)

4. my list could go on but why bore you with all that.

I hear that the weather will be awesome for the race. I am glad it won't be

freezing cold. The temps are suppose to be in the 70's for the high that day

which I know will be a little warm for those doing the long distances but I

will take that over freezing cold anyday.

I wish everyone luck that is going to do this fun race and I hear that they

also serve up some yummy grub for us so that's a bonus in my book.

This has nothing to do with my post but I had to share these cute pics.

Picture of my granddaughter Katie who is now

missing her 2 front teeth.

My daughter showing off her new glasses.

I wish everyone a blessed week.

30 YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS

As you all know Tuesday Jan. 13th is Bobby & my 30th anniversary.
What will we do you ask. We will celebrate with our usual Tuesday
night run and then we will go to dinner with several of our running friends.
Since Kathy has a rule about bringing cake for special occasions like
birthdays or anniversaries I will gladly bring something to share.
Should I bring cupcakes or cookies?

I am sure there will be no surprises for me from Bobby as he is not
the type to make a big thing out of anniversaries as well as birthdays
what a bum. I think giving 30 years to someone calls for a celebration.

I have truly been blessed with a happy marriage and wouldn't change
anything at all. Bobby is truly my soulmate and I knew it from almost
the very beginning when we met when we were 16 years old.

Since we have been married for 30 years I thought I would share
30 things I love about Bobby. I know this is a little mushy but
the girls will appreciate it. This list is in no certain order of importance.

1. His love for me of course.


2. For giving me a beautiful daughter who gave us a beautiful granddaughter.


3. Hard worker and provider for us.


4. Making me laugh.


5. Corny sense of humor.


6. Not being selfish.


7. Putting my needs ahead of his(I guess that could fall under not being selfish).


8. Beautiful eyes.


9. Corny smile.


10. Being my rock.


11. Smart.


12. Driving me crazy with being so anal.


13. His love for running.


14. Driving me crazy being a pack rat.


15. Letting me watch my sitcoms and reality shows.


16. His compliments he gives me at the right time when I need them.


17. His loyalty.


18. Shyness.


19. Knowledge of the Bible.


20. Helping me cook when I ask.


21. Putting up with my quirks.


22. Never complaining if the housework isn't done.


23. Understanding when I am sick.


24. Driving me crazy with everything has to have a reason.


25. Hair.


26. His love for our daughter & granddaughter.


27. His smell ( the good kind of smell Ken).


28. Keeping me motivated to run.


29. He loves my cooking.


30. Wanting to spend all his time with me.

Now that I have embarrassed him and made him blush I want to wish him a happy anniversary and may God bless us with 30 more happy years.

MY BUSY DECEMBER

I thought since it has been awhile since my last post I would get
caught up.

Since my last post I have had a busy schedule with all the holiday

stuff. The friday before Christmas I was invited to school where I

used to work for Christmas dinner they were having. I enjoyed

visiting with all my ex co-workers and catching up on the gossip.

I was asked many times while I was there if I wanted to come back

and I graciously smiled and said no thank you. I do miss all my peeps

there but I don't miss the stress.

Starting the Saturday before Christmas Bobby had a 16 day vacation.

I didn't know how much of those 16 days we could tolerate each other LOl.

I love him dearly but 16 days together with anyone without a break makes

one crazy. Much to my surprise we managed to get along the whole time

even with him being sick most of the time and now that he is back to work

I have to say I miss him.

Tuesday before Christmas our daughters in-laws hosted a Christmas

luncheon at their place of business which we attended and we always

enjoy. They had rib crib catered in which was delicious and Merritts

cake and cookies for dessert. They always have gifts for the children to

open as well.

Christmas Eve we always go to our daughters in-laws house for dinner

and open our gifts to one another. I always enjoy myself because that is

when I get to see my granddaughter open all her gifts from everyone

and to see the excitement on her face is priceless. I did get to spoil her

just a little as I always do. The girl doesn't want for anything as both

her grandma's gets her anything she wants. My daughter and her

husband surprised Bobby & I with a blue ray disc player which is

awesome and was totally unexpected. Her in-laws, who are

marathoners and triathletes got Bobby & I some cool running things for

winter which I am enjoying using now.

Christmas morning Bobby & I spend by ourselves opening gifts from

each other. Bobby does well in spoiling me as I do him. This year I

brought Bobby into the 21st century by getting him a cell phone.

Bobby is one that doesn't do change well and was always against carrying

a cell phone but I think now he has one he kind of likes it. I told him it is

good to carry one when we are running because you never know when

you might need something. I also told him that if he is ever out running

and I am home and have one of my heart episodes I need a way to get a

hold of him. I am surprised that he is doing good about remembering to

take it with him wherever he goes. I also got him a nice Olympus camera

almost like the one Ken uses so beware of him learning to do the

papparazzi thing too like Ken. I got alot of nice things from Bobby

and he even managed to get me my nintendo ds that I wanted which I think

he had a hard time finding.

Christmas afternoon we always go to my parents for dinner and get

to spend time with them, with my brother Russell & Christen,

my sister and my uncle. We always have alot of good food to eat.

I did manage to run the saturday after Christmas as well as the following

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at the race into the new year & Thursday

after the polar bear plunge and by last Saturdays run my body was

screaming at me to take a break. I never ran so much in one week in my life.

New Years eve we were busy all day with dr.'s appt and helping

Kathy & Brian get ready for the race into the new year. We then ended

up at my daughters in-laws for dinner and games until it was time to go

to the race. I thought Kathy & Brian did a good job at putting it all together

and the race itself was fun except one idea for next year is to have a port

a pot at the halfway point. I had to go so bad that I didn't think I was going

to make it back without going under the bridge and asking the homeless if

I could use their restroom. I had to walk the last leg of it back just trying to

keep my mind off of it.I barely made it back and rushed quickly to the

restroom. We helped clean up after everyone was gone and then some of

us decided to go eat at Village Inn which since it was 2 in the morning not

much would be open. Bobby & I dragged ourselves home about 4:30 a.m.

New Years day we went to watch the polar bear plunge. I didn't get to

watch it last year so I was amazed how many took the plunge this year.

Talk about entertaining, Brian sure knows how to bring in the new year

with a splash and seeing Ken in his cute bikini was a highlight also.

I joined our group for a 3 mile run afterwards which was a struggle since

I was up late and didn't get much sleep. I did manage to make it though

with the help of Christin who was motivating me the whole way.

Bobby went back to work this week so life is back to normal after all the

hoopla of the holidays. I can finally ease back into my everyday routine

once again. We did meet up with about 8 runners last night (Monday night)

for a 3 mile run in the freezing cold. Michael ran 4 miles and Deon wanted

to get in about 8 miles which I am sure he made it. I think he is in

competition with David and Ken for always running everyday. He may

have to hook up with David in that runners annonymous class. I want to

thank Chrissy for staying with me the whole way. I enjoyed her company

and inspiration greatly.

Tomorrow (Wed.) I finally get my 2 teeth pulled which I am not looking

forward too but I can't put it off any longer. I don't know if I will be able

to do any running Thursday night but I will be there anyways cheering

on everyone else and staying for Brian's class on using our Garmins.

Next Tuesday (13th) is Bobby & mines 30th anniversary so since it falls

on a Tuesday we will be spending it with our runnersworld family. We

wouldn't have it any other way atleast that is what Bobby tells me LOL.

I hope someone will convince Bobby to do something really really nice for

me for our anniversary. I do hope to spend the evening after running with

some of you for dinner. nothing like a romantic dinner with 10 or more

people LOL. I truly don't mind the company. Kathy does that mean I have

to bring cake?

I hope this year will be good to me as far as my health is concerned. I want

to lose more weight and eat better. I am planning on running the OKC half

marathon with a little convincing to my heart dr. to let me go for it. I hope

my running will improve if I don't have any setbacks again. I will try to

keep a positive outlook on that subject.

Well now that I have rambled on enough and caught you up on my daily life

I will now post a few pics taken during the holidays.

Katie with her front tooth missing.

Move over Ed we have a new Rock Star.

My 2 gorgeous girls.

The Quaid brothers. put these 2 together makes for

alot of mischieviousness. Josh (blue shirt) is my son in-law

and Jeremy. They love their guns and their cars.

Boy do I look like a grandma or what?

Me playing with my new nintendo ds.

I will try not to get too addicted to it.

I hope everyone has a blessed week and I will see you on the running path.