New Year’s Resolutions Blog

Dude, you’re never going to guess what I got at work last week! A cake? A raise? A sweet window desk? I wish. Hardly though, just my W2. So I was thinking - woah, right? J/k. Do people ever make New Year’s Resolutions about their taxes? It’s such a horribly annoying thing, I certainly wouldn’t be thinking about them on New Year’s Eve, there were plenty, way better things on my mind, like, my wedding dress, Parker, parties, my fabulous outfit. Continue reading

I did it! Took almost 5 hours (4:54:30, to be exact), but I finished that marathon on Sunday. About all I can say is… I’m glad I did it, but I am not in a hurry to do it again! I’ve heard of people catching the “marathon bug,” but I definitely do not have it. My body will be glad for a few weeks of rest! I don’t anticipate going back to two-digit runs, though I think I’ll probably remain more active after this experience. Despite the soreness and mild injuries, getting so much more exercise definitely improved my life. I’m so happy that I made it and thankful to my friends, especially everyone who ran with me during my training time, and double especially everyone who met me at the finish with water! It was a beautiful course; we got to run past some beautiful landmarks in San Fran and then of course we got to cross the Golden Gate bridge–always an enjoyable experience and a fine symbol of my favorite city!

Nobody thinks about New Year’s resolutions in July, except maybe me (because I’m actually sticking to mine!–though I am getting more and more terrified as marathon day grows near). I just ran across this adorable New Year’s resolutions sweatshirt featuring some resolutions from horses. The shirt was made by a horse riding group for its members. I’ve only been on a horse a few times in my life, but once I was on one that laid down while I was on it–kind of a terrifying experience! Another rider had to get off to pull it up while I just sort of sat frozen. I guess I needed a little bit more practice before I’d be ready for that horse! Anyway, just a fun little example of New Year’s resolutions about something other than running! I think everyone I know is getting sick of me talking about the marathon, even though they’re actually excited for me. All I can think about is taking days (maybe weeks…) off of running after I finish! Wish me luck…

I can’t believe that in a little over a month I’ll be running a marathon through the (way-too-hilly…) streets of my favorite city! It’s incredible to think that in six months I have come from maybe running 5 miles at a time (and even that seemed far!) to having done several runs over 10 miles! My long slow runs are now about 20 miles, which is just amazing to me. They are long, and they are slowwwww, but they’re not impossible! My body really can do this! It’s hard to believe, though, that I’ll be running more than 6 miles further in the marathon than I’ve ever run before. I used to think I couldn’t even run 6 miles at all! But my confidence is growing, thanks in part to some great runners that have joined me on the way. Thanks so much to Brad, my initial running partner, who still joins me for part of my runs (my runs are his cool-downs from his big workouts!) and to Jennifer, who I’ve met through an SF marathon group, I couldn’t do it without you guys! So close to the goal…

My marathon plan says 16 weeks until the marathon. 16 weeks. That’s FOUR MONTHS. I can’t believe the marathon is happening so soon! I have to do 10 miles this weekend, but that’s nothing compared to the 20 miles I have coming up in two months! Continue reading

This is definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to do. At nine days in, I am still struggling with withdrawal. It’s hard to understand why marijuana, cocaine and other such drugs are illegal, while the demon tobacco is still a legal, highly profitable business here in the U.S.

And smokers are not the only victims. Last week my granddaughter was diagnosed with what her pediatrician believes is asthma. I am so thankful that I did not smoke in the house, nor when she was around. Her Mom also quit and she is almost 3 weeks into it and doing great. My granddaughter was not exposed to smoke in her house either. But, I know if I had been smoking around her, I would feel like I wanted to slash my wrists now. Okay, maybe not that bad, but you know what I am saying. I would certainly be kicking myself over and over again.

But, my point is, if we know that the kids of smokers are being exposed to something so harmful, why is it legal? Add to that the statistics for illness in smokers, which is part of why health care costs are so high, I just don’t think that adding a dollar more per pack is enough to get people to quit. I know that a black market would probably be created as a result of illegalizing cigarettes, but I think it would go a long, long way in getting people to quit.

Do we have the right to force people to quit though? Would offering a tobacco-free alternative be an answer? Something that was not harmful to us or others and not addictive? It’s a hard call.

Anyway, back to my struggle. I’ve already had two arguments with my husband in the past nine days!! I am definitely irritable. Serves him right for saying I wasn’t going to quit, LOL!