Bipolar Episodes?

Ok, I'll admit I've been in a bit of a pissy mood lately. Little things set me off, and I've just been easily irritable. That's life. There's more to it but I choose not to go into detail at this time.

Well, today started out as another day of great irritation for me when something strange happened.

I acquired some bolts. A lot of them. These are the little bolts that go on the end of screws, but they are a special kind of bolt. - Doh, you got me. Nuts go on the end of bolts. Screws don't need nuts, or bolts. Chalk another one up to those double X chromosomes.

Suddenly, I became happy.

I don't know how to explain it, but a bunch of stupid bolts put me in a good mood. This is actually quite odd come to think about it. I got to thinking as my thinking became a little more rational, why am I having these bipolar episodes right now? I mean to put it in an understatement, the last few days I've been downright moody and apathetic. I just did not care. Suddenly, I acquire a bunch of bolts, it sets off a good mood, and I become eager and willing to please again.

Bolts? Why Bolts? What is going on in my head? I'm not exactly sure but I should probably look into it.

Because describing my mood swings as Bipolar is quite appropriate. I have also discovered, as time goes on for me, that I am a forgiving person (though I get mad as hell at people and can hold a vendetta out for a short time) and will generally look past people's faults. There is only one person in my life that I have really held a grudge against for a long period of time and I've pretty much let that go as well. I mean there are a few people that have irked the living crap out of me, but right now I feel like everything is alright in the world, when not more then four hours ago I was thinking how much certain people irk the crap out of me and also feeling extremely paranoid, like people are out to get me. I don't feel paranoid right now. I just feel calm. And strangely relaxed.

Work continues, it can be related to a bunch of my stress and frustration, and probably a good deal of my mood swings, though I will state that right now I'm not exactly working in the job field I came here to do (though that should hopefully change here in the next couple weeks, give or take a few days). I've been learning a lot, and at the same time discovering what it feels like to want to maim people. At least I'm getting off work at a reasonable time lately. That helps me unwind. But there is never a problem with staying busy. I've always got something to do.

Still, I think I need to talk to somebody about my intense mood swings. They can't be normal. And this is beyond the usual crabbiness that females get during that certain time of month, this is outright insanity.

Oh well, I never was one for claiming to be sane.

Life Goes On

I returned the blog to how it was. Mostly because I'm not posting that much on it anyway and I like the way it was better. And if anybody has a problem with me having pictures on it like this, that's their problem. This is still my personal blog.

Life has been pretty much nil lately, the exciting stuff I'm not really at liberty to talk about and my free time is quite nearly non existent. I haven't even had a huge opportunity to work out so even though my 100 push ups idea is on the forefront of my brain, I can't get myself motivated enough to do them because I have a billion and one other things at work that have my time occupied instead.

So what do I do when I am not working my butt off?

ROCK BAND : This game is my release. It finally came out for the Wii and since I don't have time to hit a karaoke bar, I can just throw it on and sing a couple of songs on it, or play some faux drums or guitar. I think I like the singing the best, but I'm stuck on this one song that for some reason I'm completely tone deaf on because I can't beat it to open up the next level of songs on the solo version.

I would like to play with other people, but everyone I know is either to busy to play or they are not allowed too. Like I said, my limited free time is mostly non existent.

PHOTOS : I've been taking a lot of pictures of various things. I have my camera on me most of the time and when I get the chance, I go out and take pictures. Most people have no problem with me taking pictures because I turn around and share them. Most pictures I do not have the option of posting online because I don't have permission from the people in them to post them. But then there are the other items that I get pictures of. I tend to get a lot of pictures of bugs.

I'm learning a lot about my lenses. I'll have to share later.

MOVIES : The last movie I saw in the theaters was Incredible Hulk. I wasn't too impressed. Edward Norton did a great job, but I guess I haven't gotten into the Hulk craze. If there is such a thing. The idea behind it isn't as appealing to me as other super hero movies I've seen. For some reason, I like the idea behind Spiderman and X men more.

The last movie I saw before that? I think it was Indiana Jones 4. I haven't had a lot of time to go see movies.

WRITING : You know what my outlet has largely been? Writing my strange twisted stories. I haven't had a lot to blog about so I haven't really been blogging (have you noticed?) but I do enjoy writing. One of my stories I'm working on has topped 650 pages. When I started writing it, I didn't have that intention. I think if I could write a story that had a semi readable storyline, I would really enjoy being an author. I have discovered that I really do enjoy letting my imagination go wild, but sometimes it goes a little to wild.

WORKING OUT : Hah, I haven't been. I do what I can when I can do it. But the only time I really have to work out is in the evenings, and I'm a night owl. If I work out after seven, I get the adrenaline going and won't go to sleep until midnight or later. And then I won't get up the next morning, which is early.

Which leaves me for the things that I would LIKE to do if I can get the chance.

COMBATIVES : I think my favorite thing I've done recently that I didn't think I would enjoy as much as I do is Combatives, though its kind of an Mixed Martial Arts thing. I'm level one certified and I would really like to do Level Two, even though I would undoubtedly recieve a black eye and get the crap beat out of me when I go for it. If I could get up to level three I would really like too, but I can only expect so much in my position. But I think I just need to get in and roll more often. It's hard to do combatives because you really need to do it with somebody you trust, but it will give you a fantastic workout and will kick the snot out of you. I haven't been working out as much as I would like, but I think if I were to find a hobby such as this I would really enjoy it. Though is 27 to old to really start getting into something like this? I hate getting older, and I can already tell where my body is going to give out on me.

Whatever, I really need to find a hobby I can deal with that keeps me physically active. I'm going to be here for a little while, I just need to keep busy and my mind off of certain things and I think in the long run I'm good to go.

REPELLING : I love to do this kind of Hooah crap, and there is opportunities around here where you can learn how to do more adventuristic things, like Repel off of rocks and off of towers. I think when I get home I'm going to invest in some repelling equipment and find a big tote and throw it in there and go repelling more often. I need to take a class on it actually, maybe in the civilian world. Or maybe get into a class to do it with my current employer. But not just the bssic three bounces and you are down type of repelling. I want to do the crazy stuff too. Maybe I can get into Rock Climbing as well?

SKY DIVING : September, I'm going to find a place that does skydiving, and I'm going to scratch this off of my bucket list. I am going to jump out of an airplane as a reward for surviving this summer.

If I'm lucky maybe I'll even survive it.

SNOW BOARD : It's still the summer time. But I think this winter I'm going to get more snowboarding in. For the killer winter we had that gave us feet of snow, I didn't take advantage of it nearly enough.

When I listen to a bunch of people talk about what they do for fun out in the real world, it makes me really appreciate the time I have when I'm not working and makes me want to do more and be more active.

The problem with that is it generally costs money. And I like to do things with crap I already have.

Why are my plethora of hobbies so damn expensive anyway?

March of Cambreadth

How Many of Them Can We Make Die?

This is a great song. My brother showed it to me last year and as I heard it, all I could think was 'this would make an awesome cadence!'

I'd have to alter the ending slightly, or just leave it off as cadences don't always lend well to choruses, but look at the words. If this isn't a motivational marching cadence, I don't know what is.

MARCH OF CAMBREADTH
(Author: Heather Alexander

Axes flash, broadswords swing
Shining armors’ piercing ring
Horses run with polished shield
Fight those bastards ‘til they yield

Midnight mare, blood red roan
Fight to keep this land your own
Sound the horn and call the cry
How many of them can we make die?

Follow orders as you’re told
Make their yellow blood run cold
Fight until you die or drop
A force like ours is hard to stop

Close your mind to stress and pain
Fight ‘til you’re no longer sane
Let not one damn cur pass by
How many of them can we make die?

Guard your women and children well
Send these bastards back to Hell
We’ll teach them the ways of war
And they won’t come here anymore

Use your shield and use your head
Fight ‘til everyone is dead
Raise the flag up to the sky
How many of them can we make die?

Dawn has broke, the time has come
Move your feet to the marching drum
We’ll win the war and pay the toll
Fight as one in heart and soul

Midnight mare and blood red roan
Fight to keep this land your own
Sound the horn and call the cry
How many of them can we make die?

Axes flash, broadswords swing
Shining armors’ piercing ring
Horses run with polished shield
Fight those bastards ‘til they yield

Midnight mare and blood red roan
Fight to keep this land your own
Sound the horn and call the cry
How many of them can we make die?
How many of them can we make die?
How many of them can we make die?

I'll march to it too and from details. But I think I want to work on the 'killing the baby seals' cadence too.

One Hundred Push Ups

Somebody pointed me to this, and I decided I wanted to try it. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays will have to be my days to do it however. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are run days.

I'll see if I can do it though. I've been keeping pretty busy with work these last few weeks, but finding a rhythm to get things done. Definitely never boring!

hence part of the reason for the lack of posts lately.

If nothing else, I'll try to keep updated on my Push Up Progress. :)

Global Warming is Coming! Run!

Right out of a horror Movie.



with the hysteria surrounding Global Warming, I wouldn't be surprised if something like this were to happen as crowds panicked.

Hat Tip: Glenn Beck

I Love the Whole Wide World

Discovery Channel has some cool commercials. You know, even despite how messed up things are, this really is an awesome world.

Hat Tip : My friends in LJ Land

Day at the Downs

In honor of Big Brown's shot at the triple crown, which died a really ugly death yesterday when he came in dead last at the Belmont.

Ever since I was a young girl, i wanted to go to Churchhill Downs and see the Kentucky Derby in person.


I have since learned that this is probably not going to happen, because of the nature of the Derby and everything, if I were to actually be able to make it to Churchhill Downs that day, I would likely be in the infield and not see a horse all day. People in the infield just go there to party.

So now that I'm in Kentucky, I decided I would make a trip to Churchhill Downs and at least see some horse racing there. Even if it isn't an event as prestigious as the Kentucky Derby. Oh well, less people here this way. And I got some good shots of some horses.

Because life is busy, my only day off is Sunday. I sometimes get off early on Saturday, but sometimes not early enough to go out and do some things that is more conducive to an early day, like going to see some Horse races.

I went early enough to see the Kentucky Derby Museum, and got in on the Barn and Backlot tour, though looking back I would recommend doing this earlier in the day so you can see the horses exercising. Because I came on a Sunday, the earliest time was 1130, at it was before all the horse races. It would have been nice to do it during a race to, I would have liked to get some shots with the spires in the background.

Anyway, I took my camera out and decided to try out action shots with horses running. The tv really does not do these horses justice, they are FAST! when you see them running down the stretch, they generally zoom in and it gives the appearance of them moving slower then they are.


This was the fourth race that day. I missed the first, got some shots of the second from the stands, but I wanted to get closer to the track. The third race was ran on the turf, and the turf races didn't really turn out. I didn't bet on any of the races, but I got a good look at the third race horses and as soon as I saw the eventual winner, I knew she was the horse I would have bet on if I were the betting type.

No big deal on that missed opportunity, she was the favorite so the payout wasn't that great.


I love this shot, mostly because of the other view you can make out on the screen in the background.


The crowd goes wild when their horse takes the lead in the last stretch.


Just like this shot.


One of the turf races. they don't have a lot of turf races, the turf being difficult to maintain and all. This would have been a great shot too, if that darn rail wasn't in the way.


These animals are beautiful. Yes, I'm a horse lover.


This is the cool down lap where they bring the horses back at a light gallop so they can get the saddle and reweigh it.


I wanted to get some shots of them watering down the horses after they ran, this one seems to be relishing in it.

So there are some of my action shots today while hanging out over at Churchill Downs.

Um, I'm pretty burnt. Didn't think I would be spending that much time in the sun.

Young Hillary Clinton

Hahaha!

That girl is to cute looking to actually pass for Hillary.

Kentucky Thunderstorms

I got woke up last night at about 3 in the morning due to a huge thunderstorm, the kind that literally light up the sky, the thunder rolling nice and loud. I never minded thunderstorms, I actually kind of like them. I saw some amazing ones while at Fort Sam in Texas and in Kosovo. THere have been a few since I've been here.

Today after we got off work it poured down rain pretty hard for a few minutes, but there was still sunlight out. The humidity is starting to hit, when I pulled up to fill up my tank, (I never let it get much more then a quarter empty) and the water was steaming off the road, I had never seen anything quite like it that I can recall. It was kind of weird.

Yep, I'm keeping pretty busy. I was hoping to try to take a class while I was here, but it doesn't look to be happening, I'll have to take a break over the summer and perhaps pick back up on it this fall when everything is all said and done.

Blogging News

The pictures I had posted along the side of my blog, as much as I liked them, I was told were probably not the most conducive to have very visible on a sight, especially because of my current position. So if you are wondering why I changed to this bland and unappealing look, now you know.

I'm going to give it a minor facelift later when I have the time, put something else in the sidebar and probably another header with my title, but this is the quick fix for now.

I need to get the pictures on my camera off of it and post some. Not many of me, but I got some cool extreme close ups of some bugs. Bugs are cool.

The Zoo

Louisville has a great zoo. So this is a picture post, complete with pictures of animals at the zoo.

I've noticed that when it comes to zoos, a lot of them have the same animals in them, so you kind of get the impression that once you've seen one zoo, you've seen them all. Thought the Zoo in Frankfurt was pretty sweet, I wish I had my nifty camera then.

The poor animals must get bored to tears in the zoo, they just sit around and sleep all day as people stare at them and try to make little chirpy and whistling noises to get them to react.

I have a few new lenses, got a few shots of different animals with them. Some turned out, some didn't, but hey, what better place to test out your camera and all the fun lenses that come with it then a zoo?


I got a couple dozen pics of Lemurs. Lemurs appear to be always active and cute. This one spent a bit just staring at us at first in that cave behind him.


These two were all over the place. I want a pet lemur, though i think I would change my mind once I had one. Oh well, I have had a ferret in the past. But they are so dang cute!


Half my pictures I had to take behind glass. The camera does the best it can to siphon through the smudge marks that people leave with finger prints and crusted jelly.


This bird started showing off for me by fluffing its feathers, I had to get a picture.


No, its not charging, but the rhinos proved to offer several different shots from different angles and moved around a bit. And I love a clear unobstructed view of the subject I'm taking a picture of.


This poor guy looked bored, but I love what he's doing with his hands.


All lizard shots were taken from behind glass, this one came out pretty cool.


This guy just watched me walk around the paddock with my camera in hand.


I love these kinds of shots when the subject is in clear focus but everything in the background is blurred.


Louisville has two bald eagles. Generally they aren't in zoos, but these guys have been shot and can't fly, so they are on loan from the government. I got a few good head shots, but it might be nice to work out my white balance in the future.

SLEEPING KITTIES


All the kitties slept. Kitties like to sleep. The lions had some of the better shots available. I was particularly fond of this one.


He's checkin' to see if those annoying walking meals just beyond his reach are still there. Yep, still there.


Fortunately the fence sometimes can be obscurred by the zoom lense, but its presence is still known. I understand, they have to keep a fence between the cat and potential prey.


The fence barely shows up in this one. Yes, another sleepy kitty.


More sleepy kitty, more fence, all in all, it works, don't you think?

I actually visited the zoo on Saturday. I'm hoping to get some opportunities to hit Church hill downs and get some action pics of some horses racing. We'll see if I've got a camera and some lenses that can handle it or not if I can make it over there before the end of the summer.

Indie 4

I snuck out and saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull today. I did enjoy it. It is after all, Indiana Jones.

But I realized that it's been a while since I've seen Indiana Jones, and when I first saw this series, I was a kid and so I didn't really think much into it at the time. I just saw it as a pretty cool action flick. And it has been a while since I've seen the first three. Like, ten years or something. I'm due to another viewing.

Well, I watched the latest installment and it occurred to me that Indiana Jones is like a genius with archeology. He just looks at something, thinks about it for a bit, and then it suddenly comes to him where he's seen it and he whips open a book and there's his answers.

And he picks up languages pretty well too.

I'm actually curious about the back story between Indie 3 and Indie 4, about 20 years and a world war has gone by and they talk about what had occurred during this time but they don't really go into heavy detail. I guess its implied and leaves most of it up to the viewer's imagination.

Well, its fun to see this series going again, though Harrison Fords added a few years since Last Crusade.

I guess its just like any other Indiana Jones, completely improbable, don't think to much into it. Just turn off the brain and enjoy.

Doh!

The shame.

I locked myself out of my house.

It wasn't so bad as when I couldn't find my keys this morning and had to stop my battle buddies to see if I could hitch a ride to the unit (we did PMI in full battle rattle, which in non army speak means we went to the similations center and fired M16s and M9s at a big screen with pop up targets, it saves lots of energy when you don't have to worry about real ammunition) but regardless, I was hoping to get an early day off so I could take advantage of at least a two and a half day weekend.

Yep, say hello to six day work weeks. The joys that come with being a Drill Sergeant, and it will get even more fun when we actually have some joes to push.

Regardless, found my keys when I got back to the house and set myself up as I have since taken most of the key chains off, leaving just a green loop and my car and house keys on there. Except for I had the rest of my keys and keychain sitting there, so I just took off out the door and grabbed THAT set instead of my other set.

So now I'm waiting outside my house for them to come lock the door. Its going to take them about an hour to let me back in.

Great.

Hey, at least I remembered my security blanket (that would be my laptop). It gives me SOMETHING to do while I wait at least.

Working Out

I'm trying to actively work out, but this is not always successful with me because I have a tendency towards slothfullness, which is not a good thing to be in my career choice.

But I'm doing better, and making an effort to get on board with the working out.

A couple other people in my unit are running every day and they invited me to tag along, we ran about three miles or so. I actually did better then I was anticipating when I ran with them. I got myself a heart rate moniter that comes with a spiffy new watch I got so I can keep track of my heart rate and see what kind of workout I'm getting. I have to figure out exactly what my max heart rate is though so I can work on pushing that and can see what my work out level should be. But I can predict that if I push this thing I'll be able to burn some serious fat or just get some intense workouts.

I also picked up Wii Fit today. It's pretty low key, but I did all the exercises it let me do today. I got a decent workout from it, especially considering I just ran before I used it, but a lot of the workouts didn't do much for me, I didn't get my heart rate going great guns by any means. But I did feel a little burn in some of those exercises strength building and yoga exercies. It's kind of handy, my balance is good if I just want to stand there, but if I have to lean anywhere it goes in the crapper.

still, its kinda fun, I can get some great workout ideas with it, but the aerobic exercises are lacking.

I think I'm going to work on hitting the gym after work here soon. there's an olympic sized pool on post, I should take advantage of it.

I knew I should of brought my bathing suit. I just didn't realize I would have this downtime before we picked up.

Visited States - Updated

I nearly forgot, everytime I go on a major trip I try to update this thing. Well here it is. Since I took a cross country road trip, I can update my list.

I think I'm going to add Kansas, Tennessee and Ohio before I make it back home.



create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

If you don't count Airports, Virginia, Florida and Maine can be taken off the map.

For fun, here is my world map again. I need to add more countries to this.



create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

Again, Trinidad and Tobango and Iceland can be taken off if you don't count Airports.

They haven't listed Kosovo as it's own country yet.

Runnin' Around

Today was my first day off. I wanted to make the most of it. In the end, I think I only proceeded to aggravate myself.

It started off easy enough. I slept in. I slept in until about 9ish, which is quite late when I'm on orders, and enjoyed the extra sleep muchly. However, I had some things to take care of and I didn't want to waste the day away so I gathered my list of things I need and headed out.

First was me taking back my juicer, which I wasn't happy with because the strainer would clog up after I juiced two vegetables. I really want to get into juicing because I am working on getting more healthy but alas, when I got to the devil store itself, Wal-mart, they were sponsoring a 'Hooray for Heroes' day, which in and of itself isn't bad, but made parking near impossible. So I took the juicer back, walked around and got a free hot dog, and then came back and got some stuff and headed out.

One of the companies let their privates have a day of R&R because there were Basic Trainees everywhere. I largely left them alone, I was not in uniform after all.

Well, one of the things i picked up at Wal-Mart along with my juicer was a AC-Adapter which I could use to power my laptop or something along those lines. The thing is, I had a splicer in there already, because I have an iPod and my phone charger that I have to charge at the same time, and that thing got stuck in there. I swear I ended up pulling my dashboard out and killed my adaptor. Hopefully I just need a new fuse and it will be as good as new, but I fear I killed it and it will cost money to fix. The problem is, I need it. I don't get internet in my stupid house, because of the lead paint we all assume, so I actually have to sit in my car to get internet.

Well, after I headed over to Louisville, I realized that I forgot all my crap, like my little things telling me where the events were and how to get to things in Louisville. I did have my laptop, except for I somehow didn't charge it, my adapter isn't working, and I discovered, being Saturday, everything closes at Five.

Well, I know where everything is now. I plan on hitting the zoo, Churchill downs, Six Flags, Louisville Slugger Museum, and a hand full of other locales before I leave this place. There is also a lot of historical sites to check out as well.

Unfortunately gas is pricey, especially in Kentucky, and I don't have loads of time, and when we pick up our troops, well, say goodbye to free time and trips to Louisville. I do want to catch a horse race while I'm here though. And if I can, I'd like to try to get some pictures.

Well, I guess I can right this day off as a route recon/familiarization day. Tomorrow I'll make sure all my stuff at home is squared away and get ready for Monday.

At least we're getting off by five this week. When we pick up troops, I can say goodbye to regular workdays and say hello to sixteen hour days.

Ya know, I can't wait.

Now I have to go find a place to change my oil and see if they can't fix my adapter while they are at it.

I'm Here

So, I made it. With plenty of time to spare.

Yes, that's right, I'm in Kentucky now.

I'm not exactly sure what I should or shouldn't be posting while I'm here in regards to military matters, because of the nature of the job of the drill sergeant, I will likely not post a lot of things in regards to my job, maybe just some vague details here and there, and I have no idea what's going to come of my poor neglected Milblog. I think I will be posting a lot of pictures though (I brought my camera) but not necessarily pictures of troops training, because that's a sensitive area. Mostly pictures of whatever I want to post pictures of. Like bugs, extreme close up shots of random normal objects, scenery, plants, Louisville, you know, just random strange pictures.

I think I could easily fall in love with Louisville. I just drove through it, but on those rare weekends off or the occaissional pass, I will have plenty to occupy my time with that one city.

Meanwhile, I am puttig myself on a diet and going to be working my butt off so when we do pick up our troops, I will be fit and ready to go. I do not want to be the weak link in my unit, though I'm really confident in the capabilities of my fellow drill sergeants that they might make me look like a hyperactive kid in a candy store in comparison. I've got great battle buddies as far as I can tell, and I think working with them will really help develop me as a drill sergeant and a leader.

But I'm here. I'll be here for a while before we even pick up troops too. I think I'll also be quite busy so don't expect much on the blog front. If I'm not posting, well, you should know why.

On The Road

I'm currently on a road trip, and road trips are so much fun when you are seeing friends and eating junk and driving non stop for hours on end. My road trip is also cross country.

I'm currently in the Salt Lake City area, Kansas city is next on the stop. Except for it being 15 hours according to mapquest. I might be stopping in Lincoln Nebraska.

Or sooner.

After Kansas it's Kentucky.

I'm taking my sweet time when i come home. Of course, it didn't help matters that I misjudged my trip by a day, so i'm cutting myself a day short.

I'll get there on time, its just going to be more driving and less stopping and resting. *sighs*

cars doing great so far. Knock on wood.

I'll post some pictures when i get to my destination.

Put a Banana In Your Ear

Those of you who watch stupid internet movies a lot are probably familiar with Charlie the Unicorn. And how completely insane and stupid it is.

I love the damn thing. I get in a mood and I'll start quoting it. "We're going on an adventure, charlie! An Adventuuuuure. . ."

Well, they came out with a new one. And I've had the Banana song stuck in my head for a few days now.



So much that I actually did it. You know, it works. You have to be in a completely goofy mood to put a banana in your ear, you can't help but be happy, in a completly stupid sort of way.

Bloomsday 2008

So yesterday was Bloomsday. At first I didn't think I would be able to run it because I thought I would be out of town by now. However, I could delay my trek enough to get a free t-shirt.




Mom and I are back in the orange group, behind the fence, because we're not big runners (If I train better, I could be, but when I'm not in shape for it, I hate running) So this is our group of bloomies representing our family at the start line.



There's quite a few people who take part in this event, though participation has been down in the last few years. I try to take part whenever I can.



After the runners took off, we go this pic of us slow pokes. Mom and Brian walked it.



I don't think I could come up with an even more unflattering pic of myself. This is the only action shot I got and I shiver at the sight of it.

This is what I look like after cresting Doomsday Hill, around mile marker Five. And I haven't trained up for Bloomsday. This race did show me what i was made of, but I did better then when I ran two years ago. I never walked once. Yes, I ran incredibly slowly, especially going up that stupid hill, and sometimes walkers were going faster then me, but I never walked. If I stopped to walk, I wouldn't have been able to start again.

I always feel the need to have something to carry my camera, wallet, keys, spare change, and MP3 Player. I need to get one of those arm bands. I have one, but it sucks greatly and doesn't fit this MP3 player. Otherwise, I wouldn't have to look like an incredible dork with all of this crap on me.


Me modeling the t-shirt this year. I look back and realize i should have gotten a bigger size. *sighs* Oh well, I intend to lean up this summer, kind of like I did last summer for DSS. And by the power within me, when I'm done, I WILL maintain myself, unlike this winter, with the snow and all, I let myself vedge to much and felt it when I tried to run a 7 and a half mile road race.


The whole fam damily, after the race, don't we look swell?

My sisters Arah and Julie blogged about their experiences with the race as well. Thanks Arah for getting that flattering shot of me :)

I wanted to run last year but broke my foot so I couldn't do it. I should have people watched.

My specifics.

Finish Time: 1:34:20

Overall Place: 14,707 out of 42,697

Ran with a pace of 12:38 per mile

The average pace for 27-year-olds was 14:01

Placed 351st among people the same age

Placed 5,151st among people from Spokane, WA

Placed 10,951st among people from the State of Washington

Placed 20th among people with the same last name

Placed 6,568th among females

Placed 164th out of 454 among 27-year-old females

I've got my goal for next year, if I'm able to run it at least. I want to break 1:15. I'm not distance runner, never really have been, but by next May, I plan on averaging about a ten minute mile. If I can shave fifteen minutes off my time, I'd be ecstatic.

If I could break an hour, I would be even more pumped. But we can only expect so much.