Pearl and almost Normal.

1. I'm staying home - shock! - and cooking...beets (red *and* white), spinach to add to my dinner, and spaghetti squash for tomorrow. Anyone know if beet greens are edible?

2. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it - wet dog food smells nasty, even the 'better' quality shizzle. And it's a testament to how committed I am to making this an 'easy' transition for my dawgs that I spend a half hour every few days stuffing kongs and old marrow bones with nasty-assed wet dog food.

3. For all my fellow Scrabble addicts, didja know you can take CLASSES in Scrabble strategy? How fun is that?! Weird, but fun.

4. I'm fat. And tired. And I need new jeans. And I'd love more time/energy to run/work out. But I am happy. I love my new space!

5. I haven't lived by myself in 7 years...and I'd forgotten how fun it is. Walking around naked, just outta the shower, makin' coffee? Delish.

6. I can tell I'm on a 'Path of Rejuvenation.' How come?! Well, I'm super interested in growing and nurturing plants again, I have brainspace to read books (!!), and I'm cooking every other day or so...all on my list of Fave Things to Do Ever, but all things that I haven't had much time, space, or desire for in the last while (don't ask me to define 'while,' please).

7. I even have the urge to write...and use my brain. No, no. Please don't fall over dead. I know it's been a while. 'tis true, though.

8. So, I'm 85% unpacked in my Ypsi-tucky residence. Never would've thought I'd stick around this neck o' the woods, but it feels good...and right.

9. I love that I live on Pearl Street at *almost* Normal. Parfait, n'est-ce pas?

Where are all my blogger friends?!

Y'all suck. Oops...that's not very positive reinforcement oriented, eh?

All my blogger friends - where are you? None of you have posted anything lately...I need food for thought. I need inspiration. I need something to keep me entertained!!!

Blogs to recommend? Seeing as *my* friends don't have much to say....

Addresses.

So, I thought that my Brooklyn address was awesome:

123 South 4th Street

But my new address is funnier methinks:

Pearl and almost Normal.

Sweet, effin' Baby Jeeeeeesus...

What a month. I'm tired. Between training for my new/2nd job, working original job, apartment hunting, apartment moving into, packing/unpacking, laundry, moving storage units, and trying to find some time to sleep...well, shit, I'm lusting for a day off.

Haven't had one in over 2 weeks and there's not one in the foreseeable future. But ya know what? 'S'all good. I'll make it...and make some bank, too. Which is the point, yah?

That said, as of October 1st, I'm going to give up giving up my workouts. No more excuses. I haven't run in a gazillion years (I did just unpack my sneaks, tho). I haven't been to the gym in at least a couple of weeks. And I'm eating on-the-fly, in my car, so I'm turning into Fast Food Nation. Thank goodness I don't have to have a full physical right now - FAIL!!!

More than anything, I'm ready to be nestled into the Cute New Apartment and finding time to reconnect with my books - so many to read! - and spend the next couple weeks Netflixing, reading, and cooking.

I apologize in advance for my disappearance...but you can find me at Pearl and Almost Normal (my address - perfect, right?) if you really want to.

Mwah!

Tuesday. Tuesday. Why are there no songs about Tuesdays?!

1. Friends of mine are producing The Alaska Ride to benefit an AIDS Charity of your choice. I kinda wanna crew it...head back to Alaska for an extended trip, do some good, and be 'working' in a way that I love and is super familiar. Anyone in?

2. I'm loving this weather. LOVing it.

3. I'm shallow enough to really, *really* love throwing down a 40-point, 3- or 4-letter word in Scrabble. LOVE it.

4. I'm trying really hard to break some old patterns, but it's not always easy. In fact, I think the only way I can really remember to stick with the New Me is to indelibly mark myself again (tattoos, y'all). Not kidding.

5. Is already 1/3 finished in the crocheting of a new blanket. That means fall's around the corner and I'm about to start nesting.

6. I've got an escape artist dog who might be sidelining as a phantom. She got out of another fully-enclosed area yesterday...2nd time in a month and I really *don't* know how. She's too old (14 1/2) to jump the fences and not quite skinny enough to squeeze through. Theories are welcome, but I think she's just turning into a ghost momentarily.

7. Some days I wonder if I'll ever grow up. Then I wonder about the true definition of 'grown up'...and realize that I might have pieces of it already embedded, but I'll always be a big goofball (and fun!). At least I won't be boring.

8. I think I need another cup of coffee. But, more importantly, I'm having a kick ass hair day!

9. It's official - I'm an Ypsi-tucky-ite. I'm going to sign my lease tomorrow!!!!

A reminder to take the high road. Always.

Borrowed from PostSecret.

This is for you, Matt Plank-a-licious.

1. Fall's coming. My favoritest time of year ever. Idealistically, I prefer the imagery of a spring rebirth and blossoming, but my allergies think it sucks. So, the nesting, settling in, little more introverted autumn has become my fave.

2. T-SHIRTS AND JEANS!!! Woooooooo. I love jeans. Love them. Irrationally, but not nearly as irrationally as I love cargo pants.

3. I really do have an irrational love of cargo pants and impulse buy them regularly. And flip flops.

4. I need to get my feet did. Ted will appreciate that. And m'girl Jimenez. I love having pretty feet! What fall color should I choose?!

5. Life is awesome. Effin' awesome.

6. I'm apparently merging into creative mode again. How do I know? My Old Lady side is coming out and I'm feeling the need to crochet. Seriously, y'all it's a N-E-E-D. Sad, but terribly true...I'm a geek inside.

7. I miss writing. My Michigan Peeps don't necessarily know this about me, but in my former lives, I've been a writer of all sorts, more than just blogging. I've drifted a bit from something that I love and comes naturally, but methinks I have to get back to it.

8. There's a light at the end of the tunnel for being confined to The Dungeon. I'm retardedly excited about seeing all my stuff again. Really!

9. Now, Mr. Plank, are you happy?! I blogged - a lot! - for you. Now get me a half basket of sweets on the fly!!!! xoxox

Cassidy, I wish I could hate you.

No, not really. Not one bit, actually. But I keep thinking about your Year of Yes...and, dammit, I think I need to get back to that, too. Forgetting fear, doubt, pain, past lessons, et al and taking the leap.

"Take the leap and the net will appear."

BTW, I missyouloveyouwannasitdownonacouchanddrinktoomuchwineandtalkforhours!!! And maybe we can democratically and methodically decide which movies we're going to watch again. *sigh. The good ol' days.

*This* is going on the front of my calendar...

Sh*& - it's already September! What am I gonna do for my birthday this year?

For years, I've planned themed birthdays - burlesque, dive bar and tattoos, just a couple examples of years gone by. I didn't plan anything last year because (a), I knew hardly anyone in Michigan, and (b) I wasn't feeling super-celebrationy.

This year? All that's changed. And now I have to come up with a theme, a locale, a costume (a MUST!!!), and a date. (Take that last one however you choose. ;) I've got time!)

Thoughts? Suggestions? Opinions?

Finding (near) perfection.

I threw out my Wanted List (apartment-related, dearhearts) to the Universe...and I believe I may have gotten it.

Um, a wee bit unsettling.

Ok, not really. But I have found a gorgeous, 'grown up,' character-full, affordable apartment for myself. I'm realizing that I should have put a couple things on the Wanted List that it doesn't have (better closet space and on-site laundry), but I'd be getting a wonderful, light-filled, spacious 1 bedroom apartment, with hardwood floors (wooo!) and heat included (a big thing here in the Frozen Tundra of the Midwest).

Now I just have to figure out a way to get my clothes cleaned - free babysitting in exchange for laundry privileges? Dinner-making and wine-purchasing in exchange for a friend/family members washing machine and dryer?

It is a rather large stumbling block I'm realizing, but one I think I can overcome...

IthinkIcan, IthinkIcan, IthinkIcan.

Not looking for the next best thing...

Whew. That's a lifelong lesson with multiple applications, eh? To not be eternally looking for the proverbial Next Best Thing.

I realized - ahaaaaa! - sometime last week that I've spent the last nearly a year (!) trying to figure out where and what the next geographical/professional/personal Next Best Thing could be...when maybe, just maybe, the message being delivered was to settle into the here (Michigan) and now (appreciating the life I have here).

My second realization was that I am currently living a parallel life to the one I had in Greenville, SC. In a nutshell, I didn't really want to move there and spent the vast majority of my life attempting to escape - boyfriend in another city and we spent most of the time travelling - rather than really digging in to the wonderful city that I think Greenville is and the superfantasticawesome people that particular experience delivered into my life. Only now that I'm long gone do I truly appreciate how much that lil' city is *me* - outdoorsy, temperate, kind, true main street lifestyle with an international flavor, small enough to have a wonderful sense of community, large enough to have culture, nightlife, and personality, with a truly affordable quality of life.

I don't regret my experience and the decisions I made because they're all part of Me and I wouldn't be the Hannah I am today - blah blah blah. But I do really miss those people I collected in that experience.

So, I've decided to stay in Michigan. Commit to being here for at least another year. Find an apartment. Settle in to having my very own life again. Start truly working towards creating my professional dream world. Enjoy being near my family...and some delicious new friends I've managed to collect here, too.

Scary? TERRIFYING. Do I feel like I'm settling? Yes, in the root-growing sense...and, oddly, no, in the am-I-compromising-what-I-really-want sense.

Stay tuned...

Some of my

Bling. I love medal bling!

Oh my. So, I was casually toying with the idea of hitting Philly for the ING Distance Classic (yes, another half marathon). When I say casually, I mean, truly, casually.

And then?!

Well, I found out that I'd get not one, but TWO - T-W-O - medals if I run (and finish). And, AND, it's the last year for one of the medals, the Dynamic Duet. Um, there's no question, right? This medal whore has got to be there!!!

So, I guess I'm headin' to Philly in a month. At least it'll make up for this weekend's DNS in NYC. *sniff, sniff.

At least I'm predictible.

Was just reading over some of my posts and had to laugh. What about? Well, me being under-trained for a race.

To clarify, I did *not* run the spring half as was my intention...it was my first race back on my feet and I "only" did the 10k. However, I was pretty under-trained for that, too.

I ran my first post-cancer, post-hernia half marathon in Chicago a couple weekends ago - the Inaugural Rock'n'Roll (used to be the Chicago Distance Classic). Trained? Har. I'm too tired and it's too hot to train...yep, I'm the laziest 'athlete' out there. But I finished. In sweltering heat, no less.

So, this weekend, I'm heading to NYC to run my 4th overall half marathon. Guess what?! I'm pretty under-trained for this one, too. I've been "tapering" (and working the closing shift, getting home at 4am isn't helping my motivation).

I'll totally blame my time on the heat. For reals.

Binge & purge.

That's kinda how I feel about writing sometimes - binge and purge. Right now, I'm on a binge...but that's also 'cuz I've been on a several month purgey hiatus. It's tough to find "interesting" or worthwhile information when you're stuck on repeat in a super tiny microcosm.

But now I'm writing again...feels good. I've missed it - and y'all!

So, friends, what have you been up to?!

Psssst - I'm adding another flower to the 'Garden.' Yep, more ink. YAY!

Blatantly honest.

Time for truth telling. I've been doing something over the last few months that I would generally like to think I don't usually do: operating from a place of fear.

What if I do die too early?
What if I don't get full functionalitly back?
What if I don't find a 'real' job with health insurance?
What if I get rediagnosed with cancer? Or it metasticizes? Or I get another damned hernia?
What if I have to live in The Dungeon for another year?
What if I get stuck in Michigan for forever?
What if I'm meant TO BE in Michigan?
What if I end up single for forever?
What if I feel stuck in purgatory for even longer than forever?
Why am I not taking action-/baby steps towards my dreams?
What ARE my dreams?
Has my life changed so very much?
Why can't I get out of this rut?
Where did my reality go?
Why don't I have a social life?
How long can I get away with blaming surgery for being a wuss?

Why can't I break these patterns?

Fear.

Fine. I'm admitting it. Now I just have to do something to *change* it...

Just friends.

This reminds me of several of my bestest men friends over the decades...

Oh deary, deary me.

So, I'm coming out of my microcosm and self-centered fog...a bit. It's been a rough road of late, folks, and I'm not gonna claim that I've dealt with it well. To many, I need to apologize.

I'm sorry.

And for those of you who know me well know that I don't apologize often. Why? Well, I was raised to believe that an apology is not just an acknowledgement that your behaviour was wrong/inappropriate/hurtful, but also signifies a willingness to change said behaviour. Generally, my behaviours are set...and, chances are, they're not going to change - ergo, no apologies from me.

This time, I'm willing to change. I've been a crappy person, not the person I've wanted to be. Sure I could blame all sorts of circumstances, events, and situations, but, really, I made the choice.

Time for me to get back to being Better Hannah...public flogging ending...now.

Friday. Friday. Friday.

1. I think I've decided I do like salt in my peanut butter after all. But it does have to be crunchy. And I like raspberry jam the best.

2. My mojo's back. And I'm joyous about that!!

3. Now that my body is mostly back to functional, I really need to figure out how to get out of this holding pattern. For serious.

4. I need a social life here in MI. Anyone? Anyone?!

5. I love MI-5/Spooks...and anything spy-related and extreme.

6. Since my Mac Mail decided to go on the fritz, I've become HORRENDOUS at responding to emails...even with my CrackBerry in hand. I think I'm a victim of technology. Maybe?!

7. I think Michigan might be even more humid than NY. Maybe. Maybe might be my fave word of the mo'.

8. I start KinderMusik with the 'Dorable Newphew next week and I'm *ridiculously* excited about it!!

9. I'm really boring.

Veddy, veddy interesting.

One of my horoscopes for today:

Here is your horoscope for
Friday, June 12:

Now is a good item to make new friends and approach potential employers -- people are ready to see you in the most positive light! It all makes sense, so see if you can get closer to your dreams.

I'm choosing to believe this one!

I *love* this.

Ironic horrorscope for the day.

Odd, really, because I'm not feeling at all clear. In fact, I'm feeling doubtful and disinterested in just about everything. Well, I'd be fine getting married, not working, raising babies, and just running and working out every day. But I can't really "plan" for that, right?!

Here is your horoscope for Wednesday, May 6:

It's the best time for you to think really big and make plans that go far beyond the next few days or weeks. Your sense of the big picture is clear, so don't let anyone talk you out of your plans.

Hannah's Health - latest updates...

So, stitches for the Melanoma Frankenstein-ing were taken out nearly 2 weeks ago...zonks! There's a gnarly scar that's still being held together by the super-handy steristrips so it can continue to heal and I can (kinda) have full use of my arm. Kinda toying with the idea of getting a 'thank you for finding it early' celebratory tattoo around the scar...kinda.

On the other hand, healing from surgery to repair my indirect inguinal hernia has been much slower going and infinitely more painful than expected. There have been all sorts of HOLY SHIZZLE moments that some of y'all know about. There have also been some NOBODY WARNED ME THIS WOULD HAPPEN moments that only my Mom and Dearest Sis know about (which really means that my dad and Baby Daddy know, too. Egad!) - ok, and the late night Docs on the 24-hour emergency line. I'm a huge sharer and thrive on TMI, but there are some things you don't want to know. Trust me.

I've been mostly horizontal for 11 days now and it's wearing thin. I've been less than mobile, bored shitless, and in nearly constant pain for a month as of today...and I'm readyreadyready for it all to be over. No concentration ability, so books have been a no-go, TV is crap...and there are NO good movies On Demand. Add that my Netflix took a gazillion years to be returned and sent out this time, ARGH!!!! Really.

I'm lusting after anyone who is able to run. Or workout. Or even walk their dogs, type without discomfort, sneeze without fiery pain in their lower abdomen, and eat spicy foods again. And NOT take narcotics that don't really eliminate pain. Oh, and I'd really, really, really love to sleep in stretches longer than 4 hours - I'm F*&^ING EXHAUSTED!!!!!!! (Just not tired.)

So that's me. What about you? Lemme live vicariously...

Mmmm...blue collar laborers!

Anyone else catch the latest issue of Outside Magazine (May issue not yet online)? The one with sassy, sexy Mike Rowe on the cover? The article was, not surprisingly, well-written and filled with pithiness extraordinaire from the fabu Mr. Rowe.

Apparently, his latest endeavor is to create a website essentially connecting us (the general public; some employed, some not) to the world of physical labor in a humorous, eye-opening way, with a particular focus on "why unemployment is rising while the trades can't find enough workers...How is it that people don't want work that pays $50 an hour and keeps them happy all day long?"

I've always enjoyed tinkering with my hands - making things, restoring furniture, DIY projects, power tools - but the Blue Collar Hannah was truly discovered several years ago, the first time I stepped on a large-scale event's production lot. Pallet jacks, shrink wrap, 24' trucks, city permits, barricades, delineators, forklifts...ah!!!!! My new loves!

So, you can bet that I'll be watching Mike's new site, (get the pun? Mike Rowe works = micro works) for his updates. Oh yeah, his plan is to include links to actual jobs, too. Nifty, no?!

Ain't this the truth!

Today's horrorscope:

Your spiritual life needs to take a break for the time being -- you've got way more going on in the real world than you can handle all at once! Prioritize and take care of the most important tasks right away.

Ha! It's just about all I can do to get through tonight (work til midnight-ish) and wake up tomorrow for - whoo hoo - surgery. Really. Feeling a little overwhelmed and just want to keep my head above water. Double really.

My body feels like it's being wrung through the ringer on those old-fashioned washing machines. Beat up and thrown out...I hurt. And I'm tired of it. Hopefully the next week of downtime (read as: slovenly laziness and weight gain) post-surgery #3 will really, truly get me back on track.

I want my life back, please.

Ooff. What a week.

1. I've had more negative crap happen to my body since I've been back in Michigan (6 months) than I have in for-EVER (like the last decade). From my hip/piriformis/hamstring, to catching a medicine ball with my face, to a freakin' hernia, and now 2 melanoma surgeries. Really?!?!

Addendum: one of my friends, The Divine Ms. W, put a grand spin on it and she said that I'm getting rid of the bad in order to truly reinvent myself. Powerful and beautiful. I still think that it was the duct tape holding me together has just worn out... Kidding. Kinda.

2. Granted, I've also lost a bunch of weight and even my 'skinny jeans' are now a little baggy.

3. I'm about to go into my 3rd half marathon not being fully trained. Is the message from the Universe that I need to go slow(er)? That I'm not meant to achieve my ridiculous (to some) fitness goals? Or that, perhaps, I've got other shizzle to deal with before getting fast(er).

4. I love my nephew. And he loves me. To burn off all his energy, he might actually have to start training for a half with me...seriously.

5. Spring is never going to come to Michigan. I'm convinced of it.

6. Is it ethical or moral to want the Cute Doc who Frankensteined me to ask me out. Even if he's "just" a Resident and I - hopefully - won't be a patient there much longer. Or do I just give it up...Hippocratic oath being what it is and all?!

7. Every time I think I have found my Spring Crush, the hopes get dashed...someone help a girl out!! I'm going on 3 potentials that can't/won't/shouldn't pan out. Boo.

8. Attempting to go to the gym and work out - half hour on the bike, people, nothing crazy - sucks. I felt fat, winded, and, worst of all, even the slightest sheen of sweat made my apparently-still-quite-raw boo boo STING LIKE A BIZZITCH. Whoops.

9. I have the most wonderful, supporting, loving, fantastic network of people in my life. You are the BEST!!!!! And thank you...the phone calls and emails have meant more to me than I'll ever be able to say out loud. Truly.

Runnin' again...

Howdy folks!

Spring is (finally) starting to spring, which means that Hannah's sneakers want to hit the pavement, right?! Yes!!! In theory, at least. Yes, I'm planning on running the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon at the end of May...but I may be heading into my 3rd half marathon ever so slightly under-trained. Again.

"I don't think about risks much. I just do what I want to do. If you gotta go, you gotta go." -- Lillian Carter

See, I've had some unfortunate developments that are hindering the training part. I'd had a planned surgery lined up to remove a hernia (yes, a hernia! Random.), but was blind-sided last week by a melanoma diagnosis and a couple of surgeries. Earliest stage possible and a 95% survival rate after 5 years...just puts a damper on any running plans when you can't use your right arm for a thing.

"[Wo]men are born to succeed, not fail." -- Henry David Thoreau

REGARDLESS, I'm runnin' and raisin' again. The best lesson for me to walk, er, RUN away with is that life won't stop for my personal health...and I'd rather lead by example and keep on keepin' on.

"Jealousy is all the fun you think they had." -- Erica Jong

So, I'm running with my fanTAStic Team Tiara ladies in May. And besides awareness that we'll be raising, I also have a personal fundraising goal of $625. Why that amount? Well, it'll put 5 girls through the 12-week Girls on the Run program...and our girls deserve it!

Check 'em out: www.girlsontherunsemi.org
Check ME out: www.firstgiving.org/hashmore

One of my longest-term friends who also happens to be an amazing runner (and is running Boston again) turned me on to a song that happens to stumble into iPod rotation at THE most opportune moments. The part that always gets me re-revved (particularly now) is this:

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand

Thank you, Rascal Flatts for the words. I'm standing...stand with me? Please consider making a donation - of any amount. (If for some reason, the click-thru doesn't work, the link is: www.firstgiving.com/hashmore) If a donation isn't possible, please consider coming out and cheering us on along the route - 13.1 miles needs a toooooon of cheerleaders!!!

"Follow the grain in your own wood." -- Howard Thurman

Sorry for being long-winded...but thanks for making it this far!

More life,
Hannah

"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man and work like a dog." -- Caroline K. Simon

"She was a woman who, between courses, could be graceful with her elbows on the table." - Henry James

Really? Cancer?

So, post-melanoma diagnosis, I'm struggling with the idea of being a cancer survivor. Why struggling?

Well, am I? Am I a survivor?

Technically, yes, I am. But I don't feel like my 'battle with cancer' was hard enough. Really. No, I'm not having any fun with the Frankenstein-like arm I have now. It's inconvenient, ugly, and looks like someone took a melon baller to my upper arm. I can't lift anything (in daily life), running isn't in my foreseeable future, and even typing is a strenuous activity.

In general, I'm highly frustrated. Granted, I'm ALIVE and highly frustrated...but it's still difficult.

I didn't expect to be this flummuxed about whether or not I'm a 'survivor.' But maybe that's because I'm struggling to grasp that what I had - H-A-D...past tense - was cancer.

Huh? Really??? I'm *not* invincible?!

So, much to my surprise, I was diagnosed with a malignant mole, aka melanoma, aka skin cancer, yesterday. Ok, I might not have been SUPER surprised, but that's 'cuz it was an ugly-lookin' mole (yes, Dear Greer, I hear your voice in my head!).

Regardless, bad news is best NOT ingested when you're driving down M-14...even if you are a ridiculously cute Dermatology Resident delivering the news. (Hey - silver lining in this cloud is indeedy the Cute Doc. Just sayin'...)

The mole itself was a hair bigger than a pencil eraser, so not super big. Post-surgery 1 on Tuesday, the residual boo boo was about 2" long and not too horrifying. Evidenced here:



Post-surgery 2, I'm quite a bit more Frankenstein looking and it looks like Cute Doc took a melon baller to my arm before giving me several layers of stitches from the inside out. Evidenced here:



[NOTE: images blurry because they were taken with my CrackBerry and, honestly, my wound makes even ME, Stoic Hannah, nauseous.]

UPDATE: It's now Wednesday and I'm a fair bit more swollen (I worked for first time post-surgery today) and a horrendous shade of mustard (much like your spendy purse, Dear Greer - a shade that looks good in a PURSE, but not on a McWhitey-Pants arm).

Not fun. None of it. And, ok, the real silver lining is that my skin cancer was caught in the earliest stage (Stage IA for the curious) and that I've got a 95% survival rate after 5 years (um, WHAT?!?!?!). No bloodstream or lymph node traveling, no chemo, no radiation, but a crapload of 'staying on top of it' for the rest of my life.

I shrunk!

My cousin will love this. Especially because it means that she might not be 6'1" like we've been saying all these years. (Kidding, Daily!) So, I went to the Doctor's office last week for a well visit/check-in thingie. Of course they weighed me (I liked the number!) and then they measured me.

Guess what?! I shrunk. True, it was at the end of the day and my spine had probably compressed some from the morning...but I was 'only' 5' 8 1/2" instead of the 5' 9 3/4" I've been saying I am. Huh.

Davvero.

1. Really?

2. Coming out of 'retirement' has been hard on the bod. And energy level. And brain.

3. Yep, it's also official that I fell off the wagon - the training wagon. I'm going to be doing a long run today that I was supposed to do on Sunday. And I haven't exactly done the short runs either. Oh well. I'm hoping that starting our running group will help hold me accountable.

4. What running group? Well, Team Tiara, of course. It's a bunch of Ann Arbor area-ites who're all getting together to train, socialize, as well as fundraise for the local Girls on the Run council. Pretty cool, eh? The first race we're training for is the Dexter-Ann Arbor collective...yes, I'm doing the half! Wanna run with us?!

5. I might be heading back to the breast cancer world for a brief stint. Stay tuned!

6. I'm plotting and scheming and planning and playing and all sorts of fun stuff.

7. I find out Tuesday when I'm going in for surgery. Boo. I *still* find it highly ironic that I got a damned hernia at the LEAST ACTIVE time in my life. Davvero.

8. I'M SO READY FOR SPRING. I'm ready to not be wearing a gazillion layers. I'm ready for sunshine and warm weather. I'm ready to play outside...and run outside. I'm ready for pedicured toes. I'm NOT ready to have to shave my legs all the time, though.

9. My Christmas Cactus is lookin' all sorts of gorgeous. Tons of new growth and another flower! Yes, it's the little things in life that I find the most interesting these days.

Spring is springing!

And I need a springtime crush. I need a 'reason' (no, wouldn't be the ONLY reason, duuuuh) to keep running and want to get into my bikinis this summer. Anyone wanna nominate themselves? Or someone they know?!

no time for thinking. really.

1. It occurred to me recently that I've done it all backwards. I started out super responsible and career-oriented in my early 20s. Became UBER career-oriented in my late 20s. And have been actively invested in becoming less responsible as I added years after 30. Really. Dogs. Events. And now waitressing. Really, really.

2. I've given up finding "just a job." There are reasons why I wasn't 'given' one...I'm not meant to have one. Fine! (Kells, I think of you EVERY time I say that. Fine!)

3. I also think of my delicious, amazing friend kelly every time anything involves a fart. Just farts!!!

4. I'm actively plotting a return to the East Coast. Yes, I know I can make it happen...or not.

5. I need a workout partner. I've found running folks...now I just need someone who's a member of the same gym as me. And considering the majority of members at this gym are, um, senior...well, I might have an interesting situation on my hands. Really.

6. Ev's becoming the non-bionic woman now that she's had her plate removed from her wrist. I'm gonna be having some mesh put in my belly - what Superhero does that make *me*????

7. It's official. I have an "indirect inguinal hernia." Yep, the kind that mostly men get - as in 97% of cases are male...and it all stems from testicle droppage. Seeing as I am not male (really) and have never had testicles in my body, much less dropping testicles, well, I'm a little disturbed at my ability to herniate. Really.

8. I'm channeling Ev - Really. I can't stop using it all over the place. It's become punctuation. Really. Really!!!!

9. Seriously, if any of y'all have access to Bells Beer, drink it. My new fave is the Hop Slam (obviously hoppy - but also a higher alky-hawl content).

I'm trying to adjust to my new, all-over-the-place schedule. Will write as and when I can...but I'm retardedly tired. Really. (Love the Ev!)

My ego SO needed this...

It's not all that often that I seek external validation, but, I can't lie, it feels GOOOOOOOD when ya get it!

I just started waitressing at a happenin' joint here in the Ypsi-tucky area...in fact, after interviewing on Monday, last night was my first night there. And guess what?!?!?! I already have the first member of my fan club. Check this out.

Go me! Wanna be fan club members just have to apply...pay me in excellent tips. ;) I'll make your happy hour (and they're great ones!) any day, baby.

Note from The Universe.

In both relationships and life, Hannah, trust begets trust.
Generosity begets generosity.

Love begets love.

Be the spark, especially when it's dark.

Hubba, hubba -
The Universe

Happy Wednesday!

The Biggest Loser...

IS COMING TO MICHIGAN!!!! They're having auditions here in the next couple weeks. I wanna goooooooooooooo! Think Gillian will be giving free workouts?!?!?!?!?!?!

My mom's definition of "single"...

"They didn't look haggard."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

** This is my mom's attempt to get me to go to not-church with her - "there were lots of hot, single guys there yesterday." When asked to define "hot" and "single" - she wouldn't say they were tall - all I got was "No ring." and the above.

Lame.

Fairy Tales.

Yes, I believe in fairy tales. And true love. And lifetime commitments. I believe that the generations that have come after our grandparents treat life, people, and things with too little care...not EVERYthing is disposable. Instead of instant gratification and constantly seeking the Next Big Thing (purse, drug, relationship, whatever...), put a little elbow grease into whatever you have before you. Are you really finished with it?

Well, I have two of the greatest love stories EVER in my family:

- My grandparents met and married within a handful of weeks...and made it nearly 54 years together before my grandfather died. I still have gorgeous memories of them flirting with each other and dancing in the kitchen - not long before he passed. I love that for their honeymoon, he took her to a beach and taught her how to shoot a pistol. (She was useless, apparently.)

- My parents met in the late 60s when they were hitch-hiking 'round Europe with their respective best friends. Her 6-week trip to Europe turned into 2 years; she left engaged to one Michael and came back engaged to another, much more British Michael. And the two couples, both sets of best friends, ended up having a double wedding! They all just began their 41st year of marriage.

Always been easy? I would imagine no. Easy to get distracted by the "shiny objects" that life tosses our way? Surely. But they've persevered...and they have great fairy tales.

My point and how did I take this tangent? Well, I want that - the fairy tale story and the longevity. I saw this postcard (above) on the PostSecret blog this weekend and I went down Memory Lane. No, not having a fairy tale romance isn't a "secret" per se and I don't fear not having one...it's just a family tradition that I'd love to continue!

The Power to Bloom

Interesting parallel - how often does a gal compare herself to a plant?

So, back in the day, I had this gorgeous Christmas Cactus. I got it as a baby plant when I lived in Raleigh (yep, 10 years ago). It travelled with me to Greenville, perched on a bookshelf, under a South-facing window, and was glorious in how it grew and bloomed.

Then, I decided to move. Ok, move AGAIN. I left the plant with friends and it didn't flourish. Blame the friends? Nah. In the grand scheme of life, it's "just" a plant...and they did me HUGE kindnesses by babysitting and transporting a whopping Christmas Cactus in a ridiculously heavy (but gorgeous blue) Ikea pot.

For six years, I watched my once-thriving plant slowly shed itself. While Christmas Cacti aren't supposed to love full light, this one does...and in all my NYC area homes, nothing was even close to south-facing.

Fast forward to another move...to Michigan. Somewhere I've always been reluctant to return (for a gazillion reasons that aren't necessary at the mo'). Plant is living in the living room, 'setting up shop' in a south-facing window. And thriving. SO much new growth. And, guess what?! For the first time in the six years since I left Greenville, there's not one, but THREE buds poking through.

Yep, my lil' plant has found the courage - and desire - to bloom again. You know what else? My plant and I are on the same path. And, ironically, we both found the courage in the least likely spot. Interessant, n'est-ce pas?!

I have to give a quick shout out to a friend who gave me a not-so-subtle reminder last night that I *do* have the power to bloom and that there's no point in holding back. Thank you, sir.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

Just 'round the corner: Valentine's Day!

Happy Love Day, lovelies...don't forget your, um, gifts!

little bits of thoughts.

1. Am I an idiot or an adventurer for not giving up my peanut butter habit? I could eat either a peanut butter'n'cheese or peanut butter'n'mashed banana sammich every day and not get sick of 'em. I know. I'm weird.

2. I can't eat scrambled eggs without cheese in them. It makes me nauseous. Eggs every other way is fiiiiine...just not scrambled.

3. I have a 'thing' for intense men wearing uniforms - SEALs, Vice Cops, Feebers, CIA agents...even a stray UPS man every once in a while. Wonder why. Thoughts?

4. I don't have a 'thing' for anything fast food...so, no men in a Burger King crown need apply. Or mailmen. Or gas station attendants.

5. I believe in marriage, but I don't know that it's necessary to my life. What does that mean? I'd rather commit to a Life Partner than have a church wedding with a big, pouffy dress, and a gorgeous cake that hardly anyone will actually eat. So, I guess I like the idea of marriage, but not a 'traditional' wedding. I'm sure most of y'all won't be surprised.

6. I still smile when I think about how many weddings I was invited to purely for the entertainment value.

7. My friend, I'll call her "The Winner," nearly gave me a heart attack tonight. She forwarded a friend's Team in Training fundraising site and I, for just long enough, thought that SHE registered to run a marathon and raise $2,500. If I'd died, think about the memorial run she'd have to create/run/organize/manage and the thousands of $$$ she'd have to raise. No. Really! That's the 'funeral' I'd want...

8. I climbed the Ikea mountain this week and WON!!! I nearly gave up my love of DIY projects and succumbed to the 'bad closer' part of my personality the other day...I met the most tedious project of my life (it passed what was previously my worst DIY project - my lingerie chest!). I tried telling my mom that the project bought me free room and board for life...and, well, she reminded me that she already DID that. Uh, whoops?!

9.My lip is now at a whopping 90-ish% functionality. Yay! The swelling's nearly all gone, I can smile and talk mostly normally (no P, V, F, or B yet), but I look kosher from the outside. The Vitamin E oil I've been using is clogging my pores and giving me pimples, though. Not to be, uh, shallow or anything, ya know.

While I'm "shout out-ing" for fundraising folks, check out a couple of friends of mine:

Lucas Coe - help stop Domestic Violence!
Michael Smith - his second full marathon for Team in Training! Can we get a unanimous OW?!?!?!

And, yes, I will be running another half marathon this year and raising some money for a cause that means a lot to me. We're fleshing out the program - fundraising to training to community building to a helluva lotta fun - now, so stay tuned for deets...it'll be a great one, I promise!!!

Because "love" means love, and "marriage" means to love forever.

Really. Love and marriage (minus the horse and carriage for this girl)...if it's a road you choose to travel and a commitment you really want to undertake, everyone should have that chance, yeah? I've grown up in a world where I've never known what it's like to not have something I want. I'm a white, educated, middle class, loved, heterosexual woman blessed with good genes, all my teeth, my health, and even some compassion. Theoretically, I have it all. And I don't take it for granted.

In a day and age where the choice to marry is made cavalierly and many not-well-thought-through marriages fail, I think it's high time that ANYone who chooses to combine lives for the right reasons should be legally supported. Using the power of grassroots passion, join me in standing up for love...and marriage...for everyone.

Click here and make a difference.

I choose to believe *this* horrorscope absolutely!

Your horoscope for February 5, 2009
If you've been worrying about having spent too much recently, hannah, after today you should put those worries behind you. There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you that could bring an increased level of income, and possibly a new job, or even a new career. A lot of phone calls, e-mails, or other communication could bring news of these possibilities your way. Be sure to keep a record of the ones that seem the most promising.

Please let this be the truth. Not just to cure my penny-pinching ways for a while, but to GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO!!!! Really. I'm not good at being idle.

weekly snippets...

1. Mmmmm...Butter Pecan ice cream. It actually tastes like Aunt Jemima syrup with some roasted pecans tossed in, but it's rather delish. Seriously.

2. Yes, I am eating ice cream when it's 8 degrees outside...and now I'm paying for it. Fuh-reeeeeeeezing!

3. I went to Russ Yoga - yoga with ropes - tonight. Not what I expected. Not BAD. Just not at all what I expected in a yoga class. Maybe I'll try Bikram...it is cold enough to want to be hot.

4. I'm having "Miami Envy." Not really, because I really don't like Miami. But it's warm there and all my event peeps - all my favoritest ones - are there producing, playing, and, by now, boozing!

5. Is also missing NYC. More my friends, my lifestyle, the constant action, and yummy ethnic food...I guess I wasn't as ready for the diametric opposite of that life as I thought.

6. I think I should just sleep at the gym - now that I'm a member and have something to DO, I'll be there a lot. Like every day. ;)

7. That there's a pool at the gym is GRAND because I'm gonna be participating in my first (totally sprint distance) triathlon this year.

8. Even though I'm complaining about doing nothing, I actually have a lot to do. I'm working on a couple start-up projects with an age-old friend and a new-ish friend...and I'm Race Directing for the Girls on the Run of SE Michigan's 5k. Oh, yeah, and rewriting/configuring a charity running program. And maybe getting involved with a kids' triathlon. Um...I'm sure there's more. Yep - working some events...things are in the works!!!

9. Loves that Gweeee-ya gave me my birthday present that she started a gazillion years ago. I'm, literally, wearing from when I wake up until I go to sleep. Luckily it's a gorgeous color (very complimentary, I'm told), warm, and cool-lookin'! Sanks, bomb diggity friend!!!!

LOVE waking up to notes like this.

Out of the zillions of 'inspirational' sites out there, my favorite morning moment comes from this one. A "Note from The Universe" is a fantastic way to begin the day!

When in doubt, Hannah, show up early. Think less. Feel more. Ask once. Give thanks often. Expect the best. Appreciate everything. Never give up. Make it fun. Lead. Invent. Regroup. Wink. Chill. Smile. And live as if your success was inevitable, and so it shall be.

Happy global domination,
The Universe

I particularly liked this one this morning...simple, effective, and powerful.

Exercise is *not* "energizing" or "invigorating."

You're all liars. All you people who jump outta bed and exercise in the morning and say it's energizing and invigorating and you JUST COULDN'T START YOUR DAY WITHOUT IT are full of shizzle. Whether it's running, bootcamp, yoga...I don't care. Exercise in the morning does NOT pump me up.

It makes me want to take a nap.

Seriously.

I've been like this all my life. As an adult, I've always worked out at night. As a teenager, our practices (at least for the sports I was involved in) were always after school...not like those crazy Stateside swimmers! Even when I danced, class was always in the evening. My point? I'm an evening/night-time kinda gal. Maybe it's how I've been conditioned. Maybe it's just what my body is used to. But I don't think so...I've never been considered a "morning person." (Which makes race running somewhat problematic.)

I run (and work out) better in the evenings. Period. I'm much more intense, interested in the activity at-hand, and motivated. And then I can stuff my face and head to bed. Going waaaaay back, I can even remember coming home from track practice (love you, Mr. Birch!) and crashing...without even eating dinner. And you folks wondered why I got so skinny sophomore year?

Right now, in this very moment, after running on the treadmill for 45-ish minutes this morning, all I want to do is go take a nap. My eyelids are supremely heavy, even after 2 huge mugs of java. In fact, I might just go do that...

Moral of the long-winded story: early morning exercisers are crazy.

Just sayin'...

my brain only has room for short thoughts...

1. Tried a new ab workout for the last few days...but what hurts the most is NOT my abs, per se. The opposite of my obliques on the backside hurt - not the spinae erectae (or however that's supposed to be spelled), but one muscle closer to my sides. Anyone?

2. Joined a gym so I can actually run and not turn into a marshmallow. Realized after a gazillion years of avoidance, I like the treadmill. A lot.

3. I did find out today, though, that I don't like it when someone gets on the treadmill right next to mine. Especially when there are 11 out of 12 treadmills available. I loathe Space Invaders!

4. This habit of "reconnecting" that I've started is getting mildly terrifying. Why? I just found out that there's a facebook page for my old dance company/school in Kuwait. And it's the same owner/teacher - 20+ years later. (PS She was in her late 50s THEN)

5. I'm really glad that I found out I can hide my online status for facebook. That way no one can tell that I'm never really off it...I know. I have issues.

6. I REALLY have issues with word games. My cuz, thanks Daily Grace, got me hooked on Word Twist and now every word I read, I'm stopping to figure out how many words I could make out of it and would I beat my highest Word Twist score?!?! Makes reading a book - or even Perez Hilton and The Superficial - rather tedious.

7. My "stripper name" (anyone else get that email?) would be Heidi Sparkle. Boo. Not nearly creative enough and certainly doesn't showcase the fact that I can tassel twirl like a pro...even makin' 'em go in different directions.

Just sayin'...

8. At any given time, I have about 8 Scrabble games going. I'm sooo happy I'm not the only word addict. My addiction is proving to be fruitful, though: I just won a night of free Sangria guzzling. Although, Morgan's the only one that can testify as to what happens when Hannah drinks a bottomless vat of Sangria. Heh.

9. Anyone have a winning Lotto ticket they'd like to donate? I want to get out of this F-R-I-G-I-D (like my Scrabble-playing even whilst writing?!) weather and set up shop on a secluded beach in Costa Rica where I can do yoga in the morning, kayak in the afternoon, run in the early evening, and drink beer all night. Oh yeah and sleep in a hammock on the beach. [NOTE: that last one really is one of my life goals.]

Yep, you can tell life is quiet. I'm trying to maintain Big Picture perspective and use this quiet time 'responsibly' (see my post about my reading list), but I'm definitely antsy. Hopefully the gym will help...or at least get me on a much more regular sleeping pattern.

smooches!
h

I should probably check with the fantastically creative, imaginative, Superbrain Frank to see if he minds me sharing his intellectual property...but somehow I think he won't mind. I can't lie, while they don't deviate much from my life's details and would probably do a horrendous job at "protecting the guilty," I cracked up when I read the below email.

Frank, you rock! And I reeeeealllllyyyyy can't wait for you kids to be closer...again.

Email from Frank:
The topic is obvious: Peggy Sue Smith from Somewhere, Georgia, is getting frustrated with her life in the US and going on a Tour of the World (with little money). Her journey leads to Üzkemer (which is probably near Izmir) where a guy named Metin Üzbircli (you may slightly change the names) falls in love with her after seeing her on the local beach. Metin is also the local judge and mayor and the only way he thinks he can keep Peggy Sue in his small stinking village is to arrest her and put her in prison for a few weeks. Done deal. However, for Peggy Sue the beginning of a new career. Already in prison, she gets to know the local customs and starts to influence people. Instead of leaving the place after her release, she stays, and please fill the blanks here, becomes the first female mayor. The stinking village becomes .. and so on.

Alternatively, and I cannot believe you didn't think about this before, you write about Nikolaos Papadopoulus, star fighter pilot of the Greek Air Force. He gets shut down patrolling the Greek-Turkish borders along the Ageaen Sea after being blinded by the cosmetic mirror of the German sunbathing tourist Elke Herpolzheimer. He survives, but is not found - at least not by the Greek Secret Service. Instead he also (quite like Peggy Sue) decides to take on a new life in Turkey. He is taken in by a Turkish family - the butcher, his wife the hari dresser, and their two sons. Nikolaos changes his name, does not become a butcher, but the mayor which is almost the same in this little village. You continue please...

Love, Frank

Discuss.

found out about this site tonight....

I'm a sucker for catchy advertising and websites, but this is also a cause I've long been connected to. My 'problem' with the typical ad campaigns for most causes is that the call-to-action can be rather tame...why play it safe? Especially when it pertains to your health.

Breast cancer - and many others - is a highly treatable cancer if found in the early stages. Feeling yourself up can certainly help you (women AND men) stay in touch with your body and notice any changes...so, do it!

Back when I worked for the Avon Walk, I was leading an information session out on Long Island and mother in her late 40s wanted to share a story. Her story wasn't actually about HERSELF even though her family had a high occurrence for breast cancer. Her story was actually about her son...how her 20 year old son had noticed a change in his 19 year old girlfriend's breast. She got a little uncomfortable talking about her son's sex life, but she was obviously proud that he'd, truly saved a life. How? Well, the girlfriend went and got herself checked out. She was diagnosed with breast cancer that was caught in a very early stage. True story!

Moral of the story: get yourself felt up!

I can make suggestions if you reeeealllyy need me to. * wink, wink.

a reading recap...

In my quiet time of the last few months, I've created the most well-loved and -used library card in Washtenaw county. No joke. So, I thought I'd share some my fave books...and ask for suggestions!

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society - In a word, AMAZING. Stands out from other books for so many reasons. It's told completely through letters - as in hand-written letters, which I thought would be a turn off...and I was soooo wrong. I FLEW through this book!

I Have Fun Everywhere I Go - Flying through this right now...a riot!

Anything by Kathy Reich (murder mystery), Ian Rankin (murder mystery), or James Patterson (yep, murder mysteries). I shoulda been a detective.

Reading now:
Good to Great


Want to read:
RenGen
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

NOTE: This list will be continually updated.

Writing a book? Um. Ok.

It's been suggested to me over the years that I should write a book. And, truth be told, I've always felt like I had a book in me to write. But what the eff should I write about?

Fiction? Well, I'm really only a good creative writer about, um, well, one subject. And I'm not going back down that road at the moment.

Technical writing? Booooooo-hooooo-riiiiiing. I've done more than enough of that professionally.

My life? Have I done anything that interesting? Inspirational? Or is there enough fodder for comedy? It'd end up being a collection of short snippet-y chapters about some of the ridiculousness that's made up my life.

- Like when we were going to Egypt and I took the wrong passport...and didn't realize until we were just about to get on the plane to Cairo in Istanbul. And we lived in Izmir.

- Or mine & Ms. Cassidy's democratic approach to watching movies. (I think it's funny.)

- This last round in Vegas was a story unto itself.

- My mid-20s...yes, I'd change everyone's names to protect the truly guilty, me included. ;)

- I'm not kidding about the "puke around the world" stories. My sister and I can crack ourselves up retelling them over and over and over again. There are some speTACular moments...

Suggestions? Thoughts? Memories I've chosen to forget or just refuse to remember?! Fire away, kids!

life theme of late.

So, I'm playing around with social networking as a publicity tool. Why? Well, it seems to be a current theme regarding almost every project I'm involved with lately. From volunteer 'stuff,' to some work opportunities, to, well, some shameless self-promotion.

I'm also doing a veritable shit-ton (yes, Douglas, I totally credit you with introducing me to that word!) of writing...personal writing, several different freelance projects, and yet more for the future. Good times!

Thanks to SAS for giving me a swift kick to the arse and giving me an on-going opp to expand my writing resume.

Stay tuned, kids...gonna be - as always? - a wild ride!

OHMIGOD.

So, in response to my facebook status update about how Band-Aids really DO make the booboos feel better, one of my friends told me about her bacon and eggs bandaid Christmas present.

Google to the rescue - 'cuz I HAD to find these - and check this out. How freakin' cool is that?! Scroll down. Didja see the just plain bacon bandages? And the PIRATES????? How fun are these?!?!?!

I almost want someone to get sick/hurt (no, not REALLY) just so I can send a "Get Well Soon" care package of all sorts of fun Band-Aids!!!

"Doctor, we might have to amputate."

No, I hope and pray that it won't get there, but my finger is not happy. I've never had any type of infected cut - or at least not one that worried me like this. How'd it start? Damned cuticle...and now it's infected.

How infected? Well, my one finger is roasting hot and the rest are freezing. (Heat is a sign of infection, BTW.) It's also red, super swollen, and rock hard. And tingles. Even after 3 vinegar/hot water soaks, the infected area did spread a little overnight, so I'm watching it diligently.

Why not go to the doctor? They'll put me on antibiotics and I'm allergic to most of them and react poorly to the others (think extreme gastrointestinal distress and the fun that goes along with that). So, don't want to go that route.

We'll see what happens...and if it looks gangrenous, I'll go to the Doctor. Deal? I definitely don't like the idea of amputation.

my new crush.

I LOVE this show. Love it. The host, Adam Richman, is funny AND a glutton. Awesome!

please stand by...

Sorry, dove into a writing hole and have yet to come out. Yes, I know *this* is writing, but the 'other' stuff is writing I'm getting paid for...and it's interesting schtuff.

Stay tuned.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...er, rather, 2009!

Ok, ok, so, Michigan definitely LOOKS like Christmas...and keeps looking more like it with every storm! My Dad flew in this year, so our entire family was together for the first time in 4 years - and the "Plus 1" of a new, delicious nephew.

2008 and was a crazy year for me. In short, in attempting to figure out what my "next step" should be, I left NYC hoping to find that ever-elusive thing called "clarity." What happened? Well, I'm more muddled than ever...but thoroughly enjoying hanging out with the family and teaching my nephew how to be a pirate. I'm determined to be Cool Aunt H. Although my timing couldn't have been much worse to return to Michigan - a financial collapse, the Big 3 taking a nosedive, and the holidays all coinciding, thankfully, the transition into a new year is bringing up some interesting opportunities. And, yes, I think I might be sticking around the good ol' A-Deuce for a while.

"His mother had often said, When you choose an action, you choose the consequences of that action. She had emphasized the corollary of this axiom even more vehemently: when you desired a consequence you had damned well better take the action that would create it." - Lois McMaster Bujold, "Memory", 1996

What I don't have for y'all this time around are words of profundity. Or life experiences that could shake, rattle, and roll. Life is quiet. And THAT is unusual for me...taking some patience and acceptance, fo shizzle. I've never been good at 'quiet.' I'm sure that I'll look back on this mini-chapter and wish I'd appreciated the quiet more. I'm just too used to being a "do-er" and am therefore frustrated...and taking it out on my poor body! (Don't ask me about working out, running, or yoga - I'll bore you to tears!)

"You must pray that the way be long, full of adventures and experiences." - Constantine Peter Cavafy

If there was ONE thing that I had to pick out of 2008 that was the best thing ever, wanna know what I'd choose? The people I found, those that found me, and my existing friendships that deepened amazingly. I've long been grateful for the wonderful people in my life, but 2008 kicked 'grateful' up a notch - or seven! I met some of the most life-changing friends in 2008...and reconnected with more! (Gotta love "social networking"!)

"There are people whom one loves immediately and forever. Even to know they are alive in the world with one is quite enough." - Nancy Spain (NOTE: these are the kinds of friends I have!)

But, really, I think I might be making life more complicated for myself than it needs to be. One of my goals for 2009 is to go back to Dr. Seuss: "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

I wish for all of us a year of change, welcoming that change, prosperity, and love! May your year be as quiet or noisy, yet full as you desire...

An eternally grateful + 7 notches,
Hannah

PS Yes, you are, as my momma says, THE BEST!

someone on facebook doesn't know me very well.

'They' sent me one of those stupid application thingies...this one's for the "Nicest Person Award." Seriously? I'm many a thing, but not 'nice.'

Kind.
Compassionate.
Engaging.
Charismatic.
Blunt.
Direct.

Nice? Notsomuch. Just sayin'...

Crawford, I friend break up with you immediately.

And need to make a public declaration.

No milk is fine. No eggs is weird for sure. But NO CHEESE? I heretowith cancel our friendship of nearly 10 years immediately.

There is nothing you can do to make it up to me. 'cept eat stinky cheese with me. Or make me a frittata.

Done. O-V-E-R.

age-old debate...

to have boyfriend jeans? or to not have? For me - a "big" girl at 5'10" and unmentionable pounds - it's a requirement of any man I date that I fit into his jeans. Why? Well, it means he's larger than me in girth and (if there's a Gawd) height, as is my preference. And I can feel like a delicate little flower.

Why ELSE would a girl want to hang out with all the football players at MSU? Their intelligence? Hell to the naw! I was petite. For the first time. Ever. Well, since Erik Wold - 'Daddy Longlegs' to my 2nd grade 'Mommy Longlegs' - was taller than me when we were 8...

I mean, really. REALLY?!

new features.

Home and feeling sick, so thought I'd play around with my blog. And maybe finally send out my holiday email. Maybe.

Added a poll feature. And a blogroll feature. If you have a blog, LEMME KNOW...I need good reading and some vicarious living.

And, yes, I'm still on the job hunt. Wouldyaknow that the UofM said I'm "over-qualified" and need to dumb down my resume before they can place me? Nice.

Ok...back to crap TV, er, the news.

proof that underneath it all...

I'm really catty, shallow beeeyotch.

1. I don't mind sitting on the couch stuffing chicken pot pie in my mouth and cheering on the Biggest Loser contestants.

2. I think there should be a Biggest Loser for 'normal' weight folks to get in kick ass shape...I'd love to win $250k.

3. I get irrationally irritated when I see overweight/obese people eating really unhealthy, sugar-filled, processed food.

4. My friend Liz was gonna quit her job and do nothing but train for triathlons. Now THAT'S the kind of "lady who lunches" I could be!

5. I really enjoy shows like the Rock of Love. I love watching seriously, SEEEEEriously trashy women, er, SHOWS, like that and knowing that I could never sink that low. Talk about esteem-boosting, eh?

6. I drink while watching Intervention. Until it gets too depressing and I forget that I'm drinking. Sadly, it reminds me of two of my bestest friends - K-dawg and MickeyG. Shout out! (Not because they're on it...we just used to watch it together. And drink.)

7. Of the Real Housewife shows, I like Atlanta the best...it's SOOOOO awful and shallow.

I'm sure there's more...so I'll update you on my shallow cattiness,

a smorgasbord of exercise...

to try and get myself out of my 'debbie downer' mood today, i tried just about every type of exercise i could get my hands - hands? - on: i ran, i took the dogs for a long walk, i did a half hour of yoga, and i even did a bunch of core work. i might use the fitness ball for back and more abs later...

did it work? a little. but not really.

doldrums. good times.

Resolutions for 2009. Or are they just 'goals'?

1. Find a full-time job, but not necessarily make it a 'career.'

2. Run a sub-2 hour half marathon.

3. Get either a Yoga for Runners, YogaKids, or "plain" yoga certification.

4. Get health insurance.

5. Wean myself off my asthma meds.

6. Compete in my first sprint distance triathlon with Ms. Whitney.

7. Complete business plan for and set in motion at least ONE of my entrepreneurial ideas.

8. Take a writing class, start a book club, find a running club.

9. Fall in love. Which, yes, means dating. (and I'm really trying to NOT groan at the idea of dating.)

25 things...thoughts to end the year.

Rules: Once you are tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 25 people to tag. You have to tag the person that tagged you.

1. I'm learning to like being quieter.

2. Good things are just around the corner...and patience is the lesson I'm (re)learning.

3. I could eat a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich every day and not feel guilty.

4. I miss my friends. A lot.

5. I feel a little bit like I'm in purgatory now, but know that I'll look back on this in a few months/weeks/years and realize I should have enjoyed the downtime more.

6. After not living anywhere near my family for most of my adult life, I'm really enjoying being near them...even when they make me nutso.

7. My nephew makes my ovaries work overtime. Only MY kids-to-be will sleep...

8. I keep running across stories of people who's Karma caught up to them (in an "ick" way) and it reminds me that the high road is ALWAYS the path.

9. I actually like running in the middle of a snowstorm.

10. Part of me wants to sell all my stuff, let someone 'borrow' my dogs for a while, and disappear on a round-the-world trip. And another part of me wants to find a 'real' job, play house, fall in love, make babies, and settle down. Which part should I nurture?

11. I think grunder-punders - or "underpants" as my sister calls them - are superbly ugly.

12. I wonder which of my business plans I'll finish first...and set in motion!

13. I've enjoyed going backwards down Memory Lane, even when the memories were dark and ugly.

14. I love working, but definitely appreciate the notion of being a Lady Who Lunches.

15. I wish I saw my British family more often.

16. I really want to kiss a cute, good-smoochin' man to ring in the New Year.

17. I know a whole heckuva lotta peeps, but only a few of them have seen me sad, vulnerable, or been asked for help.

18. I'm working on being more vulnerable, but not doing very well. ;)

19. I believe in the law of Karma and reincarnation.

20. I have the best used library card in Washtenaw County!

21. I think my dogs see/feel ghosts at my sister's house. (sorry, Jess)

22. I really want Cottage Inn pizza.

23. I'm not what I would call "high maintenance," but I definitely use some high maintenance - high end? - things

24. Coffee makes me a MUCH nicer person.

25. I still don't understand why Q-Tips have an expiration date. And I don't know what squirrel poop looks like. Or where midgets buy their thigh-high stockings. Those are the most perplexing questions of 2008...

Let's go Blue!

And, no, Morgan, NOT the Giants.

So, Sunday morning, I woke up in a giant puddle of water, aka my parents' basement. No shizzle. All the snow we've had in the last couple weeks was melted by the rain last weekend...and my parents live halfway down a hill. Yep, youz gots it - FLOODING.

Not like I was floating in water, but it has definitely ruined all the carpets and the futon that was underneath my lovely air mattress. Good times, man.

But. At least they have power. And heat. And I'm hiding out at my sister's while she, her BF, and the Delicious Nephew are out West.

The really bad news? I've already finished all of Californication season 2. Mmmm...Hank Moody!

Really?

Here's a new one for me: q-tips have an expiration date.

Wha'?!?! Huh? HOW?

Best compliments?!

I was recently told that I was one of the "most fun people" an age-old friend of mine has known in his lifetime. And, I gotta say, that's one of the BEST compliments I've ever had. "MOST fun"?! Go me!

Another one came, randomly, when I was heading in to the City from The Hawk on the bus. One of those hot, humid, nasty August days in NYC and I'd been waiting for the bus for (what felt like) forEVER. Got on the bus and had to go alllll the way to the back for a seat. There was a guy sitting across the aisle from me singing along in a very "outdoor voice" to whatever was on his Discman (not kidding)...very irritating - loud singing in a closed area, total bus faux-pas. Well, just before I got off the bus, he pulled a headphone off and said, "Girl, I know you're sittin' down, but you have got the best legs I've seen in a long time."

Ha! And I didn't even know he'd glanced my way. Made me smile AND feel like a jerk for being irritated in his general direction.

Your bestest compliments ever? Don't be shy now...share away!!!

what santa gave me for christmas...

ok, maybe not Santa. there's a slight chance my hormones may be to blame. it's more interesting, not to mention convenient, to blame santa!

so, what IS the present? it's a small condominium complex of a pimple lodged directly under my right nostril. lovely. and ri-DIC-ulously painful. i don't think it's one pimple; it really is a condo complex...there's at least a zillion teeny pimps make one grandiose one.

the treatment is an icepack and some zit cream. gorgeous. but who wants their holiday family photos including a second nose?!

my new fave word.

ficando

"A Portuguese expression that means they are kissing and doing other things but without any obligation of being faithful or getting into a relationship afterwards."

Nice! Santa, can I have one of these tucked in my stocking on Christmas morning???

what i learned today...

- in order to have a successful outdoor run in a Michigan winter, it's not the layers that are important, but whether or not the roads are plowed.

- it IS possible to overdress (and sweat your ass off) for a run in 4-degree weather. [Two pairs of long johns, a Cap 4 Patagonia turtleneck, smartwool socks, and a windbreaker? Really? that's overdressed?!]

- when 4 wheel drive vehicles are having a tough time on the roads, it's probably NOT time to go for a run.

- people slow down for runners in this hood when the weather's great, but speed up when the roads are nearly impassable. totally logical.

- running for 31:28 feels more difficult than running a half marathon. in Alaska.

- joan jett makes killer running music!

I think I now understand the appeal of a treadmill.

It's a British invasion...

My Dad's back in the States (from Greece) for a coupla weeks, so it's all things Britannia for a while. From some serious tea steeping, to horrible old English 'comedy,' to the age-old jokes my Dad and Uncle used to drown us with.

Now, if only I could find some Marks'n'Sparks pork pies.

i wasn't an american citizen.

I found out today that I haven't been listed as an American Citizen - for 28 years!!! Huh. I have a Social Security Card/Number. I have a Passport (ok, I've got 2 but who's counting?). I went to go get a replacement Social Security Card today and the woman looked at me like I was foreign.

(hahaha - technically, I AM foreign)

Apparently, I've been listed not as an "American Citizen Born Abroad," but "Foreign." Even though my parents took my AMERICAN passport with them when they registered my sister and I with the Social Security Administration when we moved here in 1980. Gives one a whole lot of faith in the efficacy of our government, eh?

And you'll be thrilled to know that I am now listed as an American Citizen. Because I am.

I'll take "Donuts with a side of donuts," please.

Who knew that there was a 'race' in Raleigh that involved running with a side of Krispy Kremes? Not kidding. I even read about it in this month's Runner's World! More than that, some of my friends and I are thinking about invading Raleigh that weekend - ok, I'd be returning - to take part in the Hot Donut Deliciousness.

Here's the skinny (punny, aren't I?): it's a fundraiser for the NC Children's Hospital that starts at the NCSU Belltower. You run from there to the downtown Krispy Kreme (only a couple miles and RIGHT BY MY OLD APARTMENT!!!), scarf a dozen donuts, and run the 2 miles back to the Belltower. Winners get donut-shaped medals and a dozen (more) donuts.

So, Raleighwood friends, you in? Jamie, Tall Beth, Short Beth, Chele, Zieggy, Kathleen, Wendy K, Buckner, Okons, Eric, Erik, Mara, Jodi, Greg, Aden, DeWitte, who's gonna be in town on February 7th. Most importantly, who wants to play hotelier to a bunch of super fun chicks?!?!?!

Oh the stories that Krispy Kreme could tell...

Check out the website and don't forget to register!!!

birthday prezzies.

This year, it's a toss-up for fave present. Is it the 90-minute massage that the BLonger surprised me with? Or was it using the birthday spending money my mom gave me to buy dinner at the Bellagio Buffet?

No, I'm not kidding. 'Twas one of the best meals I've ever had - ever...and it was a buffet! Unlimited helpings. Delicious combinations. I rarely eat dessert and I ate Napoleons 'til I had to unbutton my pants. I even had pasta - "carbo-loading" and all that.

But massages do rock. I'll letchy'all know post-massage - yay tomorrow! - how it goes. I asked for a sports massage and someone who's comfortable with a deep tissue work. It'll probably hurt like hell and be delicious all at the same time! Purrrrrr.....

And....I'm home.

Whirlwind trip to Vegas! Fun on SOOOOO many levels. My feeling lonely-ness was definitely cured a little this weekend. There's nothing like hanging out with some of your favoritest friends ever to make a girl feel loved!!!

Great stories. Great food (and lots of it). Great giggles. Adventures of all sizes, shapes, and colors, mischief, a wee bit of mayhem, and a butt-load of merriment...zackly what I needed!!!

Speaking of butts, mine's better. C'mon, you know you wanted to know! Definitely not nearly as 'broken' as it was this time last week and will be even better post-chiropractor and post-massage (thanks Crawdad!!!) tomorrow. Whew.

The race itself? Alright. Running the Strip rocked, but the rest of the course sucked - b-o-r-i-n-g. Totally unprepared water stations and they were out of water AND Gatorade for several of them (not a good thing in the event world). Signage? What signage?

And the medal SUCKED. Tiny and boring. Rumor on the street is that the race was sold to Elite Racing of Rock'n'Roll Race fame - might have to go back and run it again just to get some killer bling in medal form!!

Overall, a fantastic birthday. Can't wait for the next one!!!

before i go to vegas thoughts...

1. muscle relaxer makes me not feel like my butt is even a little bit broken.

2. my broken butt isn't AS broken as it was. perversely, working out made it feel BETTER.

3. i realized tonight that i have a rather long list of crushes. and, oddly?, sadly?, that list might include Dog the Bounty Hunter's tallest son. no, no, no, NOT Dog. and not even the short son...just the tall one. sad, right?

4. don't even ask, because i'm not gonna publicize my list o'crushes. why? to protect the guilty: me.

5. my space bar is starting to stick on my laptop. well, maybe stick isn't the right word because it doesn't actually work all the time. i don't always get an immediate space...irritating.

6. i'm going to vegas tomorrow. with some of my best girlie friends. and, this time, there's a very good chance that what happens in vegas will indeed stay in vegas...or at least a LOT of it might stay there.

7. HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY TO ME! HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

8. when i get back from vegas, i need to really, seriously get on with my life. no more "retirement." not only does it not pay well, but i don't like feeling useless or directionless. suggestions? anyone? anyone?

9. my dog partially invest a dead, poisoned mouse today. i think she knew i was planning on leaving for 5 days...but, still, that's not nice.

hasta la pasta!!! i'm NOT taking my computer with me...offline for 5 whole days!!!!

seriously?

so, just to prove that dogs really ARE just like kids, mine are acting out big time. BIG. TIME. No, I haven't pulled out the bags to pack - yet. But they must know something's up because...

One seems to have twisted/pulled something in one of his legs and is limping rather pitifully.

And the other - THE OTHER - left me a present. In the form of a very dead, partially chewed up mouse. As in it's dead because my mom and I put poison in the ceiling after we found a dead mouse a few weeks ago. So, um, yeah, my dog CHEWED UP (and probably swallowed) A POISONED MOUSE.

And guess who's going away for the next 4.5 days?! To Vegas. For my BIRTHDAY.

Seriously?!?!

dammit. dammit. dammit.

FRUSTRATED would be an understatement. Just opened a document I've spent a gazillion hours compiling, alphabetizing, proofreading, and typing...and the whole thing's corrupted. Luckily I can't connect to my mother's printer, so I HAPPENED to have an earlier version, so I don't have to start completely from zero. But. Still.

Irritated. And it's due tomorrow. Gonna be a long night. Only had 3 more entries. BAH.

Why am I blogging? Because I'm too pissed in this moment to look at it and taking a mental break. Effin' computer.

monday, monday...

1. Saw an ambulance driving down the road today. And GET THIS - people actually pulled over to let it pass. Crazy. SOOOOO not NYC.

2. I done hurt maself...and probably shouldn't run this weekend in Vegas. But...

3. I'm GOIN' TO VEGAS!!! With some of my favoritest peeps ever. And there's gonna be fun. And mischief. And merriment. And, yes, some running.

4. I've been playing detective into my own past and it's a little weird. Reconnecting with people I, quite literally, haven't even thought about in 20 years. And I've lived a lotta places and gone to even more schools!

5. I've been workin' out. Check it out.

6. I'm gonna be hangin' out with the nephew at least one day a week for the month of December. My sister has to (finally) go back to work, so I get to play with StinkButt.

7. My sister has another thing coming if she thinks that *I'll* be the one that makes this kid loud and chatty. Granted, he is a talker and super busy (even at 5 mo), but has she looked at herSELF lately? She's no wallflower.

8. BTW, for all y'all out there who may have reacted with a "you are SO loud, Hannah" to the above statement, I haven't always been this loud and, um, forthcoming. I am, believe it or not, the QUIET female in my family. My dad is, indeedy, the quietest in our family. Poor, out-talked man. ;)

9. Tell me this isn't the most delicious baby ever (yes, it's the delicious nephew):

statutes of limitations & Quincy Jones

I caught the tail-end of the Quincy Jones interview on NPR the other night and was fascinated...enough that I'm relistening to the interview online right now.

I actually had no idea that "Q" is such an amazingly accomplished musician. I mean, sure, I know that he's a PROLIFIC producer, but I was clueless about his early life - Chicago gangsters, meeting Ray Charles in Seattle when he was just 14, wanting to tour with Lionel Hampton at the age of, creating music for Frank Sinatra...the list of accomplishments continues for miles.

One thing really stuck out for me, though. He talks about overcoming all his "stuff," attributing much of his success to not having a mother - he says the (and I'm paraphrasing a little) "statute of limitations has expired on childhood traumas. Get over it and get on with your life." I LOVE that. It's so in line with what I believe - you either choose to win or you choose to lose. "Q" chose to win and not let his life be hampered by his "stuff."

Listen to the interview, read about Quincy Jones, or listen to the interview here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96579839. (My favorite part of the interview begins at about 10:40.)

One of my fave organizations...with a dream job.

Too bad I have no interest in moving back to the NYC area or to CT in particular, because the Hole in the Wall Gang is hiring a Director of Special Events.

Seriously. I LOVE this organization. Just like I loved the Silver Lining Ranch (not sure if it's still around as the website's all kinds of odd).

I also love that the Hole in the Gang's getting into races as one of their fundraising arms. I'd LOVE to develop and manage that program, but someone already has that job. Bummer. Once they start working with half marathons, maybe I'll do one for them.

While I'm chatting at-large about fundraising and some of my fave charities, I should throw out Team Tiara - who doesn't love a tiara?!?! - and Girls on the Run. One of the lowest minimum fundraising requirements in existence. So, go check out your local chapter. Maybe get involved. or just run a race, any race and raise a couple hundred bucks. Easy peasy.

Just sayin'...

really?

I woke up this morning from a dream that centered around fast-twitch muscles. Seriously. I think I'm sick...as in whacked out sick, not ill.

Dreaming about running?!?

snowy sundays.

Today was the first day of "real" snow...nothing stuck, really, but that could change overnight. Tons of flakes flurrying around and descending at a rather good clip. Can't lie, I was rather disappointed in the weather today - I needed to run 8-9 miles today...Vegas is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! And, yes, it crossed my mind - several times, in fact - to just not do it.

However. I've been "not doing it" all week. I crapped out last weekend at the Turkey Trot - stupid knee. And I took it easy running-wise this week to be "kind" to the ol' knee. I was NOT so lucky in the HyperFit sense, though. My ass was KICKED by my trainers this week...and my confidence seriously boosted as I learned some Olympic Lifting terms and moves.

So, I knew I had to run today. And I did! AND I had a really good run. The weather wasn't actually so bad to run in. Keep in mind that during the warmer times of the year, I'm a member of the "red-faced, obese man" group...as in I sweat a LOT and get tomato red, regardless of the shape I'm in. I just sweat a lot. And run hot...except for my extremities.

Ok, getting off-topic...sorry!

So, I ended up having a really good run. The iPod Gawds had a LOT to do with it, though. My random pacing mix shuffled in the most amazing order...it's so interesting to see just how much better I run when I've got good tunes to listen to. It was such a great compilation that I went back and saved it as a stand-alone playlist.

For the actual run, I did the first 3.5 mile loop solo, the second 3.5 with Maverick on a 20-foot leash so he could run, and the last 1.5 miles with Kali - she got the short run 'cuz she's my lil' Principesa...she loathes the cold.

Really good day running. On a crap weather day. Here we come, Vegas!!!!

Hope I haven't bored y'all to tears...

I *heart* Overheard in NY

What girl hasn't had a moment like this:

Woman on phone: So, should I continue not being a whore or should I go get an emergency Brazilian?

--Lexington Ave & 58th

* as posted on www.overheardinnewyork.com

snowshoe anyone?

One my bestest "Be Fri"s, Alice, and I did a snowshoeing 5k last year - the Romp to Stomp Breast Cancer. And we TOTALLY got into snowshoeing. I guess I'd have found out I loved it sooner if I'd lived somewhere with snow. Or snow and no public transportation.

Regardless, I just stumbled across this race in Traverse City in January. Anyone out there wanna road trip with me for some snowshoeing? Please? Pretty please. I'll be on my best - read: most fun, most witty, most social - behavior!!!!

I need friends in Michigan.

(This is me trying to not feel sad for myself that a whole buncha my "Be Fri"s are going to be palling around together in San Antonio this weekend. AND there'll be a Volpe. Man. I miss having a life.)

So What.

It's no secret. I LOVE Pink. No, not the color, but the rockstar. And her new song, So What, just happens to be one of my Top 5 songs ever. Great for running, great for rockin' out...great for break ups (not that I've had one in, well, eff, forever?!). I very, very rarely actually watch the videos to songs anymore, but this one, well, quite simply, it ROCKS.

Check it out. (Stupid embedding disabled. Boo.)

another something i like.

so, it's no secret that i love me some pirates. yum - "lawless miscreants." imagine my delight when an email was delivered to my inbox letting me know all about agent provocateur's new line. in case you missed the link, CLICK HERE.

now i just need to find a way to justify spending a gazillion bucks on sassy lingerie...or...hmmmm...someone to buy them for me. ;)

(hi mom!)

revised running schedule...

So, um, yeah. I didn't quite get around to running a couple of the races I thought I would. No Grete's - although I'll put it on next year's calendar!, because I left NYC the week before the race. No Detroit Free Press Half because my training tooooooootally tanked the last month I was in NYC...yeah, I was a little overwhelmed and stressed.

HOWEVER, Vegas is very firmly on the schedule! Hotel's booked, plane ticket purchased, costumes are being finalized. Oh yes - costumes! It's gonna be one helluva weekend for costumes!!! Stay tuned for pics...

Beyond that, I know I'm doing Gasparilla in Feb/March...yes, for the Maiden Voyage bell ringing, Becker! I might go do the Mardi Gras Half if Ashley can convince Foxy Bob that he wants to be in N'awlins for his 30th birthday.

Would LOVE to do the Flying Pig in May, but I'll have been in Tampa working the St. Anthony's Triathlon the week before.

Other than that, the only definite (or definite maybe?) is the Nike Women's Half in San Fran...and maybe the OBX half in November. Oooooo and the one in Maine with the 'token male runner.' My friends PRed there this year! And maybe one of John Bingham's races - penguin medals! 'Nuff said!!!

So...thoughts? Ideas? Any MUST DOs? Anything anyone's running that I might want to tag along? What's on YOUR schedule?

Oh. And, yeah. I promised Whitney that I'd do a sprint triathlon if she runs a half with me. Oy vey.

things I like...

That this is happening in NYC. Why, oh why, am I not there?!?!

And I'm soooooo glad that I'm living in a state - finally! - where they pass out "I voted" stickers. So I can actually go to Starbucks and claim my free java. Yum. And Yum.

Missing NYC.

I haven't missed NY much until today. See, today's the running of the NYC Marathon. And I've worked it the last couple of years. So, it's a little weird to be on the very outside and not even able to look in.

And by "look in," I mean cheer on the gazillions of friends who are running it this year. Actually, by this point, it's RAN. Alice set a PR - whoop, whoop! Ted, Ken, and Kathleen all ran their first full marathon! Whooo hooo! Patricia ran her 10th NYC race - and, I'm assuming, kicked some NYC ass!!!

Yep. I even miss the madness and mayhem that is the behind the scenes. The command trailer. The gators. The c-tainer. Unleashing 1000s of heat sheets. Making sure that everyone finds a spot on the ferry or a bus so they make their race start. Watching the elite racers prance about, warming up, from the Jersey dividers on the Verrazzano Bridge. Seeing the - literal - tons of discarded clothing being scooped up by bulldozers...after we've gotten all the buses off the Plaza, of course. Being in a police escort to make it back to the Finish in Central Park, hopefully in time to see the finishers.

I love event work. I really do. And this year, some of my event friends are having their first NYC Marathon - Evelyn, Adam, I hope you're still standing! MJ, Volpe, Decker, and all my other "veteran" friends, I hope this year's better than last!!!

I miss you. Bunches.