tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8962938396966656692024-03-04T23:33:10.602-05:00A Sky Full of Starsunlimited... random... possibilities.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-50475601399139171072015-11-29T15:33:00.000-05:002015-11-29T15:35:04.518-05:00Celebrating 50 years!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-4369122383262716822012-05-12T21:29:00.000-04:002012-05-12T21:31:33.738-04:0012-of-12: May 2012Hi again!<br />
Here I am, 2 days in a row!<br />
It's been a long (fun) day, and I'm exhausted, but wanted to post my 12-of-12 before I crashed for the night.<br />
<br />
<b>6:30am</b><br />
Started the day with a run with my favorite running buddy, Brokk. You might remember him from my last 12-set (in <a href="http://a-sky-full-of-stars.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-of-12-december-2011.html">December</a>). We run almost every day, just a couple miles, but it's enough to keep us both happy.<br />
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<br />
<b>7:30am</b><br />
I <i>thought</i> his 2-miles was enough... but then he wanted to play Wrestle Mania with his sister.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0149/web.jpg?ver=13368700910001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0149/web.jpg?ver=13368700910001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving TOO fast for the camera - and catching air!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I wasn't the only sweaty one on the front porch...<br />
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<br />
<b>11:30am</b><br />
Kids (and I) couldn't pass up the opportunity for a nice walk in the woods today - the weather was perfect - sunny and mid-50s.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0161/web.jpg?ver=13368700960001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0161/web.jpg?ver=13368700960001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close... there are TWO dogs in this photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0168/web.jpg?ver=13368700980001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0168/web.jpg?ver=13368700980001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Hikers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>12:30pm</b><br />
We live in "farm country" - on our way home from the Forestry, we passed by these cows hanging in their pasture - just <b>begging</b> to have their photos taken. I had to oblige.<br />
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<br />
<b>1:30pm</b><br />
The "World's Best Niece" had a softball game today... this kid is amazing... pitches, catches, and smashes the ball just over the infielders' heads. Yep... I'm a proud Aunt.<br />
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<a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0190/web.jpg?ver=13368701040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100997/DSC_0190/web.jpg?ver=13368701040001" width="428" /></a></div>
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... and she has a mischievous little brother, too. Total cutie.<br />
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<br />
<b>7:30pm</b><br />
After celebrating Mother's Day a little early with my Mom (and the rest of the family), I came home to find a special little surprise in my mailbox... a BTC sticker from my friend and super-triathlete, Joe! THANKS, Joe! Subi is loving her new <span style="color: magenta;">bling</span>. <br />
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<br />
So that's it. It was a very fun Saturday... I hope to see you again next month (or before).Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-87878246539548323792012-05-11T07:12:00.001-04:002012-05-11T07:12:04.809-04:00Hello??Hello Blogger-land. It's me, Jill.<br />
Yes, it's been a long, long... <i>long</i> time since my last post.<br />
I just haven't been ready.<br />
<br />
I expect I'll be joining the fray again... tomorrow. In case you're still interested in what's up in my world.<br />
<br />
What better way to start up than in the same fashion where I left off.<br />
... a 12-of-12.<br />
<br />
Going to get the camera out tomorrow to see what we can see.<br />
Till then.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-26074133070462655262011-12-12T20:36:00.000-05:002011-12-12T20:36:20.197-05:0012-of-12: December 2011I wasn't sure I'd get this 12-done today. BUT, I HAD TO!<br />
<br />
Today marks the end of 12-of-12 creator, <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">Chad Darnell's</a>, 12-of-12 Project. He's got a ton of new stuff on his plate and can no longer produce this monthly photo event. I participated for the first time in October 2008 and the 12-of-12 has been a pretty regular occurrence since then. I've really enjoyed playing along and thank Chad for starting it all. (This may not be the end of the 12-of-12, maybe just hosted by a different person... stay tuned).<br />
<br />
So as I mentioned in my first line, I wasn't sure I'd be able to complete my 12-of-12 this month. It's Monday, after all. But it wasn't the day of the week that worried me... after I got a few miles from home this morning I realized I forgot my camera. OOPS! But, I compensated by using my iPhone. All of today's photos were taken on my phone, edited, too.<br />
<br />
7:30-8:30am - Buffalo, NY<br />
Here I go... off to work!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0907/web.jpg?ver=13237383550001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0907/web.jpg?ver=13237383550001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Buffalo, on the I-190 Northbound</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0910/web.jpg?ver=13237383560001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0910/web.jpg?ver=13237383560001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Courthouse (*and some Occupy Buffalo campers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>8:30am - I arrive at work, The American Red Cross, Buffalo<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0917/web.jpg?ver=13237383580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0917/web.jpg?ver=13237383580001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How lucky am I to call this place my new "home" - I started my new job with the Red Cross a few weeks ago.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0921/web.jpg?ver=13237383600001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0921/web.jpg?ver=13237383600001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0922/web.jpg?ver=13237383610001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0922/web.jpg?ver=13237383610001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view to the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>4:45pm - Heading home<br />
Just before the sun sets I arrive at my car, while it warms up, I snap one last shot of the former Clement Family Mansion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0924/web.jpg?ver=13237383630001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0924/web.jpg?ver=13237383630001" width="640" /></a></div><br />
5:30pm - at Home<br />
Lots of puppy chores to do tonight - clean ears, trim nails, etc - but before I do that, I grab a little treat (my last reminders of my trip to Hawaii)... ya gotta love the name "Island Hula Yummies"!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0933/web.jpg?ver=13237383650001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0933/web.jpg?ver=13237383650001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little aloha in every bite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>7pm<br />
Nails & toes are done... time to refill the bones & return them to the freezer for tomorrow morning. (each kid gets one when the hubby leaves for work - there's one more hidden in the house somewhere, gotta find that sometime)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0937/web.jpg?ver=13237383680001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0937/web.jpg?ver=13237383680001" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">nom nom nom nom nom nom</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0938/web.jpg?ver=13237383690001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0938/web.jpg?ver=13237383690001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "new guy" - Brokk - he's been with us for 2 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0944/web.jpg?ver=13237383700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0944/web.jpg?ver=13237383700001" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The princess, Mackie.... who loves peanut butter (and her new little brother)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
7:30-ish<br />
<br />
Time for a little TV...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0960/web.jpg?ver=13237383720001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0960/web.jpg?ver=13237383720001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I thought this shot was pretty cool, even tho you can't tell what it is....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0959/web.jpg?ver=13237383730001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100970/IMG_0959/web.jpg?ver=13237383730001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">until you see this screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, that was my uneventful day in pictures. I was hoping to get one more of the kids hanging out together, but they decided to do other things while I watched TV. Hope you're having a good December so far - Happy Holidays & Happy New Year. Hope to see you in 2012!<br />
<br />
... oh, the 12-of-12-of-2012... such an exciting thought!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-49966673699347839472011-11-13T07:20:00.001-05:002011-11-13T12:34:19.530-05:0012-of-12: FailI had such good intentions to complete the 12-of-12 yesterday... but also a HUGE to-do list. The to-do list won, unfortunately.<br />
<br />
BUT... I did get a couple interesting shots in first thing in the morning.<br />
<br />
<b>6:30am @ home</b> - The moon was beautiful! My camera focused on the trees, but I still like the effect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8SNkCR38HlDiD9oNIoyUQzABvHIzQHBpQQqohI5PZz-n2qDtbg_1o5mcXdwMbxg6hkP5e80yqQ8GAnXJuolwZdamZcDLt9w523QvQbpfgbaIh1FpMPC5WHHZJ7rwHAkaCuxMyTpJWY4/s1600/630am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8SNkCR38HlDiD9oNIoyUQzABvHIzQHBpQQqohI5PZz-n2qDtbg_1o5mcXdwMbxg6hkP5e80yqQ8GAnXJuolwZdamZcDLt9w523QvQbpfgbaIh1FpMPC5WHHZJ7rwHAkaCuxMyTpJWY4/s640/630am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>7:30am, leaving home</b> - My sister asked me to watch her kids for the morning, so off I went to her house. This is a shot of the same hill you saw in October... far fewer leaves and, yes, snow on the ground. (We got about an inch Thursday night).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZXxoUzE5K589MQ7ZKd2jupfSfGhTKzjKZGk5l8kuz_aGqt_haMBFC-EXIwI8rAuPQQ0UEin97daQc_qfiM9Wui4Eslm2NacRzhbWES0NrhihsTp-bz7YOoI9Uu8Qx6LrPDiggnjsQoY/s1600/730am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZXxoUzE5K589MQ7ZKd2jupfSfGhTKzjKZGk5l8kuz_aGqt_haMBFC-EXIwI8rAuPQQ0UEin97daQc_qfiM9Wui4Eslm2NacRzhbWES0NrhihsTp-bz7YOoI9Uu8Qx6LrPDiggnjsQoY/s640/730am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the moon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
.... and that's the end of my 12-of-12. (frowny-face)<br />
<br />
There is A LOT happening in my life in the next couple weeks which I suspect contributed to my lack of inspiration this month. You'll hear all about them in future posts... hold tight till then, I'm SURE there will be plenty of pictures to make up for those lacking today.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the rest of your weekend... see ya next month for <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">Chad</a>'s final installment of the 12-of-12.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-86772008096165906312011-11-01T20:30:00.003-04:002011-11-04T17:25:22.620-04:00Turn the Page... TuesdayHello November! (and hello 11/1/11!)<br />
It's the first Tuesday of the month... that means book review time with <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Adrienne</a> and <i>Turn the Page... Tuesday</i>!<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>You might be interested in knowing... I have an alarm set on my phone to remind me about TTP...T every month on the first Tuesday. I was prompted to post at 7:45 this morning... I even went to read Adrienne's post, then get started on mine... then... oops... I got distracted (probably by something shiny) and didn't RE-remember to post till just now (7:43pm).</i><br />
<br />
BUT, it's still Tuesday, so I guess I'm not late!<br />
<br />
I'm in the middle of two books, again, this month. Two VERY different books, I might add.<br />
<br />
hmmm, which to comment on first...<br />
<br />
I know! I'll talk about <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Superathletes-Greatest-Vintage/dp/0307279189/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320191326&sr=8-1">Born to Run</a> by Christopher McDougall</b> first. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrismcdougall.com/images/cover_pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.chrismcdougall.com/images/cover_pb.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.chrismcdougall.co</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This summer, I have had no fewer than three people suggest I read this book... including <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/2011/07/turn-page-tuesday.html">Arienne</a>! (a marathoner friend was another, and my Triathlon club, too)<br />
<br />
I'm about 1/3 of the way through and so far, it seems to be more of a "hunt" than a book about running, tho I see where it's going because we have just met one of the amazing members of the "Hidden Tribe" and I suspect this is where the story is about to take off.<br />
<br />
I've been running now for almost 2-years... I still don't consider myself a runner, but I do enjoy the calorie burn and the amazing physical change my body has gone through since starting it. I'm hoping Born to Run has a few secrets to share about additional ways I can be a better runner... even if it's all in my head. :)<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to finding out what happens in the rest of the book. Stay tuned! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, I'm reading <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch-22">Catch-22</a> by Joseph Heller</b>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Catch22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Catch22.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch-22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I thought I had a copy of this on my book shelf, but after a couple days of searching (not 48-hours of searching... I would check the shelf, not find it, leave, go back, check again), I came to the conclusion that we <i>didn't</i> own it. I wasn't sure I <i>wanted</i> to own it, so I did something I haven't done in a LONG time... I went to the public library! <br />
<br />
<i>Side note... WOW, the library has changed a lot since I was there last. I used self check-out... where you just place the books on a little "scale" and *POOF* the computer lists the books you are taking home and posts them to your account. NEAT-O!</i><br />
<br />
So, after I got over the euphoria of borrowing books the new-fangled way, I started Catch-22. Set during WWII, the main theme of the book is the ass-backwards reasoning and bureaucracy of government and war. For example, you can't fly bombing missions if you're crazy, and only crazy people would WANT to fly missions. But if you ask not to fly you're obviously NOT crazy, so you have to fly them... and things like that.<br />
<br />
I'm not loving it. I understand the power of the story (the insanity of war) and why it made such an impact on the literary world... but I'm not devouring it like I have other books.<br />
<br />
<i>Side note #2... 2011 is the 50th anniversary of Catch-22, so that's kinda cool.</i><br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm reading Catch-22 for our Book Club meeting next month. I'm wondering if the discussion will change my feelings about the story, or if it will just reinforce my current opinion.<br />
<br />
I may rent the movie before our meeting later this month... I read that Alan Arkin does a great job as Yossarian (tho he didn't really think so), and that it's quite a good adaptation of the book.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER... I'm not finished with the book, so who knows, maybe things will change before I'm done. I'll have to let you know next month.<br />
<br />
Till then, happy reading!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-74699543195587360992011-10-12T20:27:00.004-04:002011-11-05T16:20:14.473-04:0012-of-12: October 2011Fall is in full-swing here in Western New York... the leaves are changing to beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. We've had beautiful summer-like weather this last week... until today.<br />
Today, we had drizzle that turned into rain.<br />
BOO!<br />
<br />
Oh well, I think I still got a few nice shots that show you how awesome our fall foliage looks right now. <br />
<br />
But first..<br />
<b>6:30am</b><br />
Time for P90X: Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X. I'm totally loving this program this time around (first did it in 2009). Today is Day 10 & already I'm feeling stronger!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0188/web.jpg?ver=13184626950001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0188/web.jpg?ver=13184626950001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-portrait thanks to the camera's self-timer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>9:30am</b><br />
Okay, workout done; now on to the fun stuff...<br />
Even with a little rain, the ski slopes are beautifully colored.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw-tgMcS-RBug-F0e54bLVC55z41qrqHBn_w782kRMQD4GFH2xR05F8czTRiAfvOyCwQ145fGSHIvn2pFG6VkuBD_F7WUeyg4oEDoMsHo3AXYvC7sQvXi0KX2QzSjHNs0Gtoa2RhTP-U/s1600/KBHill_Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw-tgMcS-RBug-F0e54bLVC55z41qrqHBn_w782kRMQD4GFH2xR05F8czTRiAfvOyCwQ145fGSHIvn2pFG6VkuBD_F7WUeyg4oEDoMsHo3AXYvC7sQvXi0KX2QzSjHNs0Gtoa2RhTP-U/s640/KBHill_Panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You definitely want to click on this image to see the full-size view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0206/web.jpg?ver=13184627090001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0206/web.jpg?ver=13184627090001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Glenwood Rd, look at those REDS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Time for a little shopping.<br />
Off to the Farm... <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0205/web.jpg?ver=13184627040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0205/web.jpg?ver=13184627040001" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Tis the week for pumpkin picking</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>... and Farmer's Market!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0210/web.jpg?ver=13184627130001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0210/web.jpg?ver=13184627130001" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been an excellent year for apples</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0212/web.jpg?ver=13184627190001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0212/web.jpg?ver=13184627190001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could not believe my eyes... $5.00 for these stunning Mums!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Noon-ish</b><br />
My parents met me at the market, and they brought me presents! My totally talented father made these gorgeous redwood tables for my back deck. I'm SO excited to use them... and bummed that today's rain made that impossible. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0218/web.jpg?ver=13184627240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0218/web.jpg?ver=13184627240001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">While I snapped photos of the tables, the little princess sat on her thrown with her new pumpkins and mums.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0162/web.jpg?ver=13184627290001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0162/web.jpg?ver=13184627290001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackie in her favorite spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Oh. Guess what else the rain brought down.... LEAVES! </div><div style="text-align: left;">You'd never guess I cleared off the driveway just a few days ago. Do you see it? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0002/web.jpg?ver=13184627340001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0002/web.jpg?ver=13184627340001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's the driveway?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3:30pm</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Off to the Library! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't been here in a while and WOW have things changed. I got myself a new library card and selected a few books... but what blew me away was the "check out". You simply put your books on a scale-looking thing and the titles automatically pop up on the computer screen in front of you. Amazing!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0006/web.jpg?ver=13184627380001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0006/web.jpg?ver=13184627380001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready for Book Club!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6pm</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend & neighbor had to be away from home most of this afternoon & evening so she asked me to stop by and feed her dog and the two she was babysitting. No problem! Lucky for me, these three would rather play in the warm, dry house than outside in the cold rain. So I brought the camera along.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0012/web.jpg?ver=13184627430001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0012/web.jpg?ver=13184627430001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting pretty: Chestnut, Shadow, and Teva</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">... and then the insanity begins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0014/web.jpg?ver=13184627470001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0014/web.jpg?ver=13184627470001" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once everyone was back in their crates, tummies full and ready to relax, I made my way back home... but not before I snapped a quick shot of "the aftermath". </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0027/web.jpg?ver=13184647400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100943/DSC_0027/web.jpg?ver=13184647400001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your "baker's dozen" shot of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">For more 12-of-12 info and photos, check out Chad Darnell's <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">site</a>. Hope you had a good 12th - see ya next month!</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-2100900155123061152011-10-10T09:35:00.002-04:002011-10-11T07:24:59.203-04:00Autumn Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0130/web.jpg?ver=13182534050001v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0130/web.jpg?ver=13182534050001v" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0134/web.jpg?ver=13182534060001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0134/web.jpg?ver=13182534060001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0137/web.jpg?ver=13182534080001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0137/web.jpg?ver=13182534080001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0169/web.jpg?ver=13182534110001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0169/web.jpg?ver=13182534110001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Welcome Autumn!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span><img border="0" height="212" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100934/DSC_0176/web.jpg?ver=13182534140001" width="320" /></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-68790235181836002542011-10-04T20:37:00.003-04:002011-10-05T07:41:07.925-04:00Turn the Page... TuesdayMy entry for this month's Turn the Page... Tuesday (brought to us by our good friend, Adrienne over at <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Some of a Kind</a> - <i>Thank you, Adrienne!)</i> should be pretty short and sweet. Not because I haven't been reading, but because you already know the two books I read in September - I mentioned them in last month's post.<br />
<br />
First, I finished <a href="http://www.thousandautumns.com/thousand-autumns/">The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet</a> (pronounced <i>deh-zoot</i>). From the Author's website, a summary of 'Jacob' is as follows:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNixpg_3n9oteYZpGiXljGg8I60ApOzfeJ8FAEdoDPL1jXQIp7jNhwrYdVgHuMOHcMZIT2t2u8AlQwVKz_hheNOis_AOoHsqVvh5yzY8IJylH4b6kURA5h7gKuYsS8F5N_H5Q5pwjtDAk/s400/Dejima2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNixpg_3n9oteYZpGiXljGg8I60ApOzfeJ8FAEdoDPL1jXQIp7jNhwrYdVgHuMOHcMZIT2t2u8AlQwVKz_hheNOis_AOoHsqVvh5yzY8IJylH4b6kURA5h7gKuYsS8F5N_H5Q5pwjtDAk/s320/Dejima2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://fujiland-magazine.blogspot.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>The year is 1799, the place Dejima in Nagasaki Harbor, the “high-walled, fan-shaped artificial island” that is the Japanese Empire’s single port and sole window onto the world, designed to keep the West at bay; the farthest outpost of the war-ravaged Dutch East Indies Company; and a de facto prison for the dozen foreigners permitted to live and work there. To this place of devious merchants, deceitful interpreters, costly courtesans, earthquakes, and typhoons comes Jacob de Zoet, a devout and resourceful young clerk who has five years in the East to earn a fortune of sufficient size to win the hand of his wealthy fiancée back in Holland.</i><br />
<i> </i><i>But Jacob’s original intentions are eclipsed after a chance encounter with Orito Aibagawa, the disfigured daughter of a samurai doctor and midwife to the city’s powerful magistrate. The borders between propriety, profit, and pleasure blur until Jacob finds his vision clouded, one rash promise made and then fatefully broken. The consequences will extend beyond Jacob’s worst imaginings. As one cynical colleague asks, “Who ain’t a gambler in the glorious Orient, with his very life?”</i><br />
<br />
I found the story to be quite interesting. Life at the end of the 1700's was full of so much struggle and change; placing the story in this location showed, yet another perspective of this. As always with historical fiction, I am fascinated and disheartened by all the politics of the world. So many games people played.<br />
<br />
The characters were extremely vivid. There were the obvious "bad guys", but each one (good and bad) were quite realistic. Mitchell did an excellent job with the language, as well... For example, the dock workers spoke in their "lower" language", there was the interplay of language between the interpreters, and (of course), the political language between the parties.<br />
<br />
I must admit, early on in the book I was a little overwhelmed by the details of the story. Mitchell obviously took painstaking effort to describe the trading world between Japan & the Dutch... my book club felt the same way. The strange thing is, at the end of the story, there's a lot of "glossing" over the details - like he lost steam and just wanted to finish the book. (I honestly didn't mind that, but it seemed quite a contradiction from the beginning).<br />
<br />
Speaking of book club - one thing that came up in the discussion that I didn't catch while reading was the use of poetry, namely Haiku. I have never been up on poetry... I'm just not geared that way, I guess... but I can respect it. When Jackie & Jen mentioned the Haiku's scattered throughout the book I was blown away. THIS is why I love book club, I learn things from others that I would have never gotten from the book alone.<br />
<br />
The group gave the book an average rating of 3.5 (out of 5, 5 being best). I would say if you're interested in historical fiction about life in a very politically controlled area of the world in the late 1700's/early 1800's, this book is something you'd like to read.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/RothwellMaryShelley.jpg/488px-RothwellMaryShelley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/RothwellMaryShelley.jpg/488px-RothwellMaryShelley.jpg" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wikipedia.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Second, I completed <u><b>Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus</b></u> by Mary Shelley.<br />
This book has been on my shelf since I got married and it was on my hubby's shelf since high school. I have always wanted to read it.<br />
I got my chance this month because I am leading the discussion for Book Club on October 19th! YEP, the group chose it as a selection!<br />
<br />
I flew through this story. It's a short book, only 209 pages, and it moves pretty fast. If you've only known about Frankenstein from the movies or TV, then you DON'T know the story. at. all.<br />
<br />
I knew a bit of what the story was about (btw, Frankenstein is the scientist, not the monster); I knew it was a sad story, that the monster wasn't really a "monster", but that was about it.<br />
<br />
That said, there is still SO much to talk about... <i>and my post is already REALLY long. </i><br />
Let me try to sum up the millions of thoughts in my head about this book (and it's author).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/Frank1818.jpg/348px-Frank1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/Frank1818.jpg/348px-Frank1818.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wikipedia.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>- Mary Shelley had a roller-coaster of a life up until the writing of Frankenstein (at age 19) - she grew up without her mother (her father was not very involved with her either), she eloped with a married man (Percy Shelley) at age 16, her first child died, her 1/2 sister committed suicide, and Percy's wife drowned.<br />
- The story of Frankenstein is marketed as a Horror story... but I see it as a tragedy.<br />
- The question of "Just because you CAN do something, does it mean that you SHOULD?" comes to mind. This, knowing that scientific research has lead to remarkable discoveries... Mary seems to be posing the question of "Are there discoveries that shouldn't be made?"<br />
- The creature... could he have lived a good life if Frankenstein had reacted differently to him as a being?<br />
- I can't help but be drawn to the thought of bullying - such a prominent topic these days - I'm not exactly sure why. I think it's because I sympathize so greatly with The Creature. His words throughout the story are gentle and compassionate. He is intelligent and simply yearns for companionship and love. He becomes "a monster" because he is shunned by his creator and the world of humans, banished to live in the snowy mountain caves... alone. Maybe it's the isolation and misery he feels that strikes the bullying chord in me.<br />
<br />
I highly, highly recommend <u>Frankenstein</u>. It's a heart-wrenching story, but one that makes you think. It's wonderfully written by a unique woman who got the idea after spending many days hanging out with Percy Shelley & Lord Byron... being taunted into writing a "ghost story".<br />
<br />
<br />
So much for short and sweet this month... sheesh.<br />
Hope you read some good stuff recently, if you haven't go get Frankenstein... <b>NOW</b>! ;)Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-18025382967166522712011-10-03T11:51:00.003-04:002011-10-03T14:37:09.260-04:00At it againRacing season is over (I think).<br />
I ran my last 5K this past Saturday, the Autumn Challenge in the park in my "backyard".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEPQEwD9iCsOKqfMThHBTOXXHo-Ydd6YCmPTRjpCDY4YXEqvjP5zGKRfytWenyO3XVdDrszlYGWDBePWh8UZvYhBpJqTIHp-PR0dd60hMRhr6RYe5rvK57nXvR9weS0i_up4ZQhLtYK4/s1600/AutumnChallenge2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEPQEwD9iCsOKqfMThHBTOXXHo-Ydd6YCmPTRjpCDY4YXEqvjP5zGKRfytWenyO3XVdDrszlYGWDBePWh8UZvYhBpJqTIHp-PR0dd60hMRhr6RYe5rvK57nXvR9weS0i_up4ZQhLtYK4/s320/AutumnChallenge2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And guess what?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took 2nd place in my age group! </div><div style="text-align: center;">WOO HOO!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(little secret... I'm not exactly sure how many people were IN my age group, but it was very few)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The day was rainy and cold (42-degrees F), so I suspect many folks opted to stay home in their cozy beds than come out and run around like a crazy fool.<br />
But THIS crazy fool did, and I had a great time (35:07) and scored some great goodies.<br />
<br />
SO, then the obvious next question is...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What do I do now?</i></span></div><br />
No more "training" is necessary, per se, but I'm loving my new-and-improved 20-pound lighter body and want to keep it slim and strong and healthy.<br />
<br />
With the days getting shorter and the temps dropping (it's only going to get into the upper-50s this week), the amount of outside time could be limited. So, the hubby and I decided to break out the P90X DVDs.<br />
<br />
Yep. We're going to jump into the insanity that is P90X... again. (Our first attempt, in 2009, went quite well.)<br />
It's a great muscle-building program, but very intense.<br />
I have the time to commit 90+ minutes a day to these workouts, but we'll see if the hubby can (with his 10-hour work days).<br />
<br />
My goals... I have two.<br />
1) Maintain my weight (I have a little more fat I'd like to lose, and want to build muscle... I suspect that should balance in the pounds-department).<br />
2) I want 6-pack abs.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today was Day-1. I finished my workout about 45-minutes ago and already I can feel my arms getting a little tight (today was the Chest & Back workout - lots of push-ups and pull-ups). Looking forward to tomorrow... Plyo, my favorite workout. We'll see if I'm able to sit up, however, the Ab Ripper workout is a killer.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll see you tomorrow for <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Turn The Page... Tuesday</a> where I fill you in on all I've been reading as of late. See you then!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-5050225252034782632011-09-19T14:12:00.000-04:002011-09-19T14:12:19.345-04:00Take it... to the limit....The 8 in the Rough is touted as...<br />
<i>"...a fun, challenging and almost endless course of twists, single track, a bit of wide xc ski trail and park roads. It's not flat, and it's not dry. Pack your energy and have at one of the most exciting, hard core trail runs of the season in Western New York!"</i><br />
...and they ain't lyin'! <br />
<br />
Yesterday, I learned my limit.<br />
A friend, and fellow runner, put it into perspective today (more on that later).<br />
<br />
But first, here's the story.<br />
You know I've been running a lot this summer, more than I ever have before.<br />
I'm getting better at it, tho I still don't consider myself a runner.<br />
I have to work hard at it - it doesn't come naturally like swimming or biking.<br />
Running really challenges me.<br />
<br />
But I LIKE that challenge.<br />
I like being stubborn and saying "no, dammit, I'm not giving up"... even when I feel I'm making no progress at all.<br />
<br />
Oh.. and you also know I've been totally digging trail runs, right. (No? Go <a href="http://a-sky-full-of-stars.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-trails.html">here</a>)<br />
<br />
SO, when I was signing up for races this summer and saw "8 in the Rough" - an 8-mile trail run in my "backyard" I thought... hmmmm, might be tough, but might be a fun challenge, something to shoot for.<br />
So I signed up.<br />
<br />
I honestly wasn't sure how well I'd do in this race. I never ran this distance before (5.5 and 6.5 miles were the closest I got - and one was in a rain storm (with lots of thunder & lightning) where I was literally running for my life).<br />
One thing I did know was the awesome feeling I get when I run the trails. I wondered if this "high" could carry me through the 8.5 miles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoeluyF2Llyl8Wja0lbf6axPoUJh4vQQq5YbJheZpdeeKH6S1xqQp3EDdDzrhthUWIyXOcXZZWFot4JtUHkspGCTDZbJ5_lsK-jHTk3ZXJk-J6MeWLgi8jFpQGy-hqeVq8n8kgNqk3Y8/s1600/DSC_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoeluyF2Llyl8Wja0lbf6axPoUJh4vQQq5YbJheZpdeeKH6S1xqQp3EDdDzrhthUWIyXOcXZZWFot4JtUHkspGCTDZbJ5_lsK-jHTk3ZXJk-J6MeWLgi8jFpQGy-hqeVq8n8kgNqk3Y8/s320/DSC_0240.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>And if the race was strictly a mental game, I could have done it.<br />
<br />
But, it isn't.<br />
So I didn't.<br />
<br />
I made it to the 6.5 mile mark (I had actually started walking around 5.5, but there was no way out of the race except forward, so I kept moving).<br />
<br />
What happened? My hip started to really bother me.<br />
Yep, the same hip I injured last year two weeks before my 1st triathlon. (I blogged about it <a href="http://a-sky-full-of-stars.blogspot.com/2010/06/pain-no-gain.html">here</a>)<br />
It was okay when I walked, but the pain flared up when I ran.<br />
<br />
So when I came out of the woods, I bagged it. I turned in my tag and went home.<br />
<br />
Did I feel defeated or disappointed. Yeah, a little, I guess. <br />
But more importantly, I felt proud of my accomplishment. I completed 6.5 miles on a VERY challenging trail.<br />
<br />
My friend and fellow runner (who I mentioned above) perfectly put it into perspective for me...<br />
<i>The 6.5 miles we ran on the trail today, equate to about 12 on the road.</i><br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
This made me really proud of my run.<br />
<br />
AND<br />
I learned a few things while I was out there...<br />
I learned that I'm not ready for that big of a challenge (yet). Maybe I'll never be... we'll see what next year brings.<br />
I learned the REAL reason why I run - for fitness, for calorie burn, and for the trails,<br />
and I confirmed that I'd rather be slow and happy runner (without pain) than push myself to place 18th in a race that really means nothing in the grand scheme of life.<br />
<br />
That won't stop me from running in organized events... it's fun to run with others in a friendly competition... but I won't let it break me if I finish dead last or DNF entirely.<br />
<br />
It's all about getting outside, being active, and having a good time.<br />
Hope you had some good times outside this weekend.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-56671851057233290902011-09-12T18:54:00.004-04:002011-09-12T20:25:33.446-04:0012-of-12: September 2011I wasn't sure I'd complete my 12-of-12 today.<br />
<br />
I spent much of the morning doing a brick (bike/run) workout, so I was tired.<br />
Plus, I was all "snapped" out from taking pictures at the Dirty Girl Mud Run on Saturday (<a href="http://a-sky-full-of-stars.blogspot.com/2011/09/dirtiest-5k-to-date.html">click here to see those</a>).<br />
Plus, it's Monday, and I didn't really have anywhere "special" to go... until I decided to take my puppy-girl for a walk in the park.<br />
<br />
Sprague Brook Park in Glenwood, NY is a gem.<br />
It's huge. It's beautiful. And, most days, it's so peaceful.<br />
<br />
Today was no exception.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0156/web.jpg?ver=13158663480001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0156/web.jpg?ver=13158663480001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Being a Monday, we had the trails almost entirely to ourselves. We walked along at a leisurely pace and tried to capture some of the unique aspects of "our woods". Here's what we found...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0124/web.jpg?ver=13158663580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0124/web.jpg?ver=13158663580001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0122/web.jpg?ver=13158663530001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0122/web.jpg?ver=13158663530001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Newt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0136/web.jpg?ver=13158663650001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0136/web.jpg?ver=13158663650001" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral Fungus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0143/web.jpg?ver=13158663700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0143/web.jpg?ver=13158663700001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0131/web.jpg?ver=13158663740001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0131/web.jpg?ver=13158663740001" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thumb Tack" Mushrooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0138/web.jpg?ver=13158663790001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0138/web.jpg?ver=13158663790001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0152/web.jpg?ver=13158663840001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0152/web.jpg?ver=13158663840001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute & Fuzzy Fungi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0145/web.jpg?ver=13158663880001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0145/web.jpg?ver=13158663880001" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0164/web.jpg?ver=13158663930001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0164/web.jpg?ver=13158663930001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Fallen Leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0171/web.jpg?ver=13158663990001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0171/web.jpg?ver=13158663990001" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trooping Funnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0173/web.jpg?ver=13158664040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100907/DSC_0173/web.jpg?ver=13158664040001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy North Side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope you enjoyed your walk in the woods with us. Come back next month when the leaves promise to be in their full Fall splendor!<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks, <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">Chad Darnell</a>, for starting the 12-of-12 Project!</i>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-36564836733668969582011-09-10T20:14:00.002-04:002011-09-11T06:43:47.728-04:00Dirtiest 5K to date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010670/web.jpg?ver=13156957240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm kind of surprised that I'm still awake...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's only 8:00pm, but it's been a busy day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A DIRTY day, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/IMG_0560/web.jpg?ver=13156957020001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/IMG_0560/web.jpg?ver=13156957020001" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: magenta; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today was the Dirty Girl Mud Run!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.1 miles of mud, sweat, and obstacles... made for an AWESOME good-time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/IMG_0566/web.jpg?ver=13156969400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/IMG_0566/web.jpg?ver=13156969400001" width="239" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here we are... all pretty and clean... ready to run... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0002/web.jpg?ver=13156957040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0002/web.jpg?ver=13156957040001" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0007/web.jpg?ver=13156957060001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0007/web.jpg?ver=13156957060001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Brave Tarts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0008/web.jpg?ver=13156957080001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0008/web.jpg?ver=13156957080001" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010656/web.jpg?ver=13156957090001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010656/web.jpg?ver=13156957090001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3000 women... need many port-o-potties</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010655/web.jpg?ver=13156957110001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010655/web.jpg?ver=13156957110001" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/IMG_0566/web.jpg?ver=13156969400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're all checked-in... it's time to RUN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010662/web.jpg?ver=13156957120001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010662/web.jpg?ver=13156957120001" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010660/web.jpg?ver=13156957130001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010660/web.jpg?ver=13156957130001" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0020/web.jpg?ver=13156957150001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0020/web.jpg?ver=13156957150001" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0021/web.jpg?ver=13156957180001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0021/web.jpg?ver=13156957180001" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and then the obstacles begin...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(apologies for any of the low-res photos... </i><br />
<i>I was using a throw-away camera during the run - to catch ALL the Dirty Girl action!) </i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010663/web.jpg?ver=13156957190001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010663/web.jpg?ver=13156957190001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barn Burner</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010666/web.jpg?ver=13156957210001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010666/web.jpg?ver=13156957210001" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Pit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010667/web.jpg?ver=13156957220001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010667/web.jpg?ver=13156957220001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wall (highest section is 8' tall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010668/web.jpg?ver=13156957230001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010668/web.jpg?ver=13156957230001" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry action-shot, on the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010670/web.jpg?ver=13156957240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010670/web.jpg?ver=13156957240001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tire Pump</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010671/web.jpg?ver=13156957250001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010671/web.jpg?ver=13156957250001" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010672/web.jpg?ver=13156957260001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010672/web.jpg?ver=13156957260001" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010673/web.jpg?ver=13156957270001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010673/web.jpg?ver=13156957270001" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... then a little more running...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010674/web.jpg?ver=13156957280001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010674/web.jpg?ver=13156957280001" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather was nicer than it looks here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">... then back to obstacles!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010675/web.jpg?ver=13156957290001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010675/web.jpg?ver=13156957290001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utopian Tubes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">What?! More running??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0027/web.jpg?ver=13156957320001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0027/web.jpg?ver=13156957320001" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0031/web.jpg?ver=13156957340001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0031/web.jpg?ver=13156957340001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slip-n-Slide</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010679/web.jpg?ver=13156957350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010679/web.jpg?ver=13156957350001" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cargo-net climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0032/web.jpg?ver=13156957380001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0032/web.jpg?ver=13156957380001" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0035/web.jpg?ver=13156957410001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0035/web.jpg?ver=13156957410001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, snapping a photo of Jamie (pink shirts)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010680/web.jpg?ver=13156957420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010680/web.jpg?ver=13156957420001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photo of Jamie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Finally... we arrive at the finish line...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0041/web.jpg?ver=13156957540001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0041/web.jpg?ver=13156957540001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010689/web.jpg?ver=13156957580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010689/web.jpg?ver=13156957580001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010690/web.jpg?ver=13156957590001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010690/web.jpg?ver=13156957590001" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> What an amazing day... this run was all about fun... and it exceeded all my expectations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait till next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0048/web.jpg?ver=13156957620001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/DSC_0048/web.jpg?ver=13156957620001" width="285" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010685/web.jpg?ver=13156957600001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100898/P1010685/web.jpg?ver=13156957600001" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Extra special thanks to my Dad, for being our team-photographer at the start/finish lines. He took a bunch of great shots with my Digital SLR. </i></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-10452602972362080412011-09-06T09:49:00.001-04:002011-09-07T16:16:21.656-04:00Turn the Page... TuesdayIt feels like Fall today. It's crispy cool, there's a chance of rain, and I'm all snuggled up on my pillow seat talking about books. So nice.<br />
It's also Tuesday, September 6th - the first day back to school for many of the kids I know. AND... it's Turn the Page... Tuesday (brought to you by our good blogger-friend, Adrienne). Check out <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Some of a Kind</a> to learn more, or to join in each month to talk about the book(s) you're reading.<br />
<br />
So what did I read in August?<br />
As usual, my eclectic tastes took me all over the world (and the time-space continuum).<br />
<br />
I finished <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mona-Lisa-Overdrive-William-Gibson/dp/0553281747/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312313680&sr=8-1">Mona Lisa Overdrive</a></b> by William Gibson. It was the final book in his Sprawl trilogy based in the future where people jack into computers to live (and trade and steal) in an alternate reality. As I've mentioned in previous posts, it's The Matrix meets Blade Runner... and so much more. I quite enjoyed the final chapter in this series, happy endings for most of the characters and a nice wrap up of the plot lines. I'll admit, Gibson's writing style is not the easiest to follow all the time (it feels like you've walked in on conversations sometimes - missing the important explanations so you have to "catch up" while reading), but this challenge adds to the intensity of the stories.<br />
If you're into sci-fi dystopic worlds, read this trilogy... it won't let you down.<br />
<br />
I was let down, however, by the second book I read... <b><a href="http://beneathamarblesky.com/index2.html">Beneath a Marble Sky</a></b> by John Shors.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/images/gallery/taj_mahal_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/images/gallery/taj_mahal_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.pbs.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the Author's website -<br />
<div align="justify"><i>Set at the height of the Mughal Empire, </i><i>Beneath a Marble Sky recreates the remarkable lives of those responsible for the Taj Mahal's existence. From the famous lovers who inspired it, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, to the architect who designed it to the man who sought to destroy it, </i><i>Beneath a Marble Sky recounts the stories of those who oversaw the rise of the world’s most famous building. </i></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Maybe I shouldn't say 'let down' - more like 'not wowed'. </div><div align="justify">This book had been on my shelf for at least two years. I don't remember if it was a hand-me-down from a friend or if I picked it up in a book sale... but from the blurb on the back cover it seemed to have an interesting story to it. I had hoped this could be a book I recommended to my Book Club. It sounded like it had everything we all love to talk about - historical fiction, character interactions (the political side of romance, for example), and a setting unlike the one we live in.</div><div align="justify">It just didn't seem to grab me... it felt predictable and unoriginal. I didn't LOVE any of the characters or root for them to succeed. I wished I had been given that feeling, but it just didn't happen.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">After Marble Sky I had to make a choice... read one more book that I could use as a Book Club recommendation or move on to <a href="http://www.thousandautumns.com/thousand-autumns/"><b>The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet</b></a> by David Mitchell (our September Book Club selection). I tried to do both.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I started Jacob de Zoet. I'm a few chapters along in it.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I also started <u><b>Frankenstein</b></u> by Mary Shelley. </div><div align="justify">We all "know" the story... but do we really know it? I've never read the book, but I hear it contains a lot more than the story of the crazy doctor who creates a monster. It's about the struggle of life and acceptance, the quest for immortality and the conflicts in science. I'm also curious to read it because the author is a women. Writings like this, by women, were very rare in the early 1800s. I want to know (and want to talk about) Mary and why she created a story like this. I hope it's selected by the Club, but if not, I'm certainly going to read the story on my own.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">That's all for this month, thanks for stopping by. I think I'll go make some tea, snuggle up with the dog & a blanket and read for a while. Hope you have a chance to do the same. </div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-62056678914857262912011-09-05T15:46:00.000-04:002011-09-05T15:46:28.419-04:0099/100 Challenge - Success!It's September 5th - the last day of the <b>99/100 Challenge</b>.<br />
<br />
<i>First, many thanks to <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a> & <a href="http://onewiththescale.blogspot.com/">Tee</a> for throwing down the gauntlet this summer. </i><br />
<br />
So, how did I do?<br />
Well, see for yourself... here's the grand-sum total of all my activities these last 99 days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9ljK8tm6156AraO4jkD55VhMLjKO_KFGta5xIyPvVbc8EoZQX02XVq8sCq8d4MYraY3WyQHfhjZ3FXc5ZXXZaRpdJW8qyGbZ93WlKeps6twIOKkUhw4m6a7AV1auNtz0rq6f7qCuZk/s1600/99-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9ljK8tm6156AraO4jkD55VhMLjKO_KFGta5xIyPvVbc8EoZQX02XVq8sCq8d4MYraY3WyQHfhjZ3FXc5ZXXZaRpdJW8qyGbZ93WlKeps6twIOKkUhw4m6a7AV1auNtz0rq6f7qCuZk/s640/99-100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Want to see EVERYTHING (all my workouts, that is)? Go <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AozKi1ceNx_KdDhPZmVCNk1RMVZvS1ZrQ0dKWmgzcGc&hl=en_US&authkey=CKfFrN4P">here</a>.<br />
<br />
As you can see, thanks to the Challenge (and a couple Triathlons thrown in there), <b>I made it!</b><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #ffd966; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">115.2 running miles</span></div><br />
<br />
I'm SO proud of myself.<br />
<br />
I still don't love to run, but it's become a very important part of my life. I didn't run yesterday and I was yearning to go (the plan was to do a long trail run again, but my sore muscles from Saturday's strength-training workout and the rain stopped me from going). I never would have thought I'd actually WANT to run.<br />
<br />
I should point out... that in addition to each of us achieving great levels of fitness, there was a "not just about me" reason for this challenge... to help others less fortunate than we. Elizabeth and Tee selected Shepherd's Pantry (food pantry serving the south coast of Massachusetts in Fairhaven) as our cause. I decided that I would donate 1/2 of my running mileage to Shepherd's Pantry - which brings my amount to $57.60 (I'm going to round it up to $60).<br />
<br />
$60 is actually a pretty interesting number since many of the races I participated in this summer cost $60-70 to join. So, it only makes sense that I pay my 99/100 Challenge "entry fee" like I did with all the others.<br />
<br />
So what's next on the list of challenges?? This coming weekend is the <b><a href="http://www.godirtygirl.com/" style="color: magenta;">Dirty Girl</a></b> at Emery Park (5K with obstacles!! Can't wait!) and the following weekend is Sprague Brook Park's <b><a href="http://www.heartrateup.com/8intherough9182011.html" style="color: #783f04;">8 in the Rough</a></b><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span>(haven't committed to this 8-mile trail run yet, but I likely will do it). October is another (5K) trail run at Sprague Brook the <b><a href="http://www.heartrateup.com/autumnchallenge5k101.html" style="color: #b45f06;">Autumn Challenge</a></b> so, you won't see my running mileage drop off any time soon.<br />
<br />
How about you? What's your next challenge?Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-35343099862947033982011-08-17T13:03:00.002-04:002011-08-21T08:42:19.930-04:00Playing with Blogger... trying out some new formatting and backgrounds.<br />
<br />
I think I like it.<br />
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Do you?Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-83671260773441821572011-08-12T21:56:00.007-04:002011-08-17T06:51:02.972-04:0012-of-12: August 2011<div style="text-align: center;">What a day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a plan (picked out a couple good geocaches to go after) </div><div style="text-align: center;">and then our plans got all turned around.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But that didn't seem to matter, we had a great time and took some amazing shots!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also broke the rules for the 12-of-12 this month...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two of us were snapping photos (the hubby and I).</div><div style="text-align: center;">We took a TON of shots (171 for the day)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and we couldn't edit them down any further.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we figured, since we're making up our own rules today....</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and since there were two of us, you get 24 photos! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If you want to get more info on the 12-of-12, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>visit <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">Chad Darnell's site</a>, he's the one who started this fun little project.</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>So where did we go and what did we do?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent this afternoon "lake hopping" around New York's Southern Tier. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We traveled through Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, at first looking for geocaches... </div><div style="text-align: center;">then just looking for cool places to visit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>BTW... for each photo below, you can see a full-size version by clicking on it.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To hunt our first cache, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/26955.html"><b>Harwood Lake MUA</b></a> (Multiple Use Area). Harwood Lake is a 34-acre man-made lake used for flood control in Cattaragaus County. The website says there are mowed paths... but except for this first entry into the park... there wasn't much mowed.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0001/web.jpg?ver=13131965210001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0001/web.jpg?ver=13131965210001" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Once beyond the tunnel of brush, we found this guy...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0008/web.jpg?ver=13131965220001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0008/web.jpg?ver=13131965220001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Kingbird</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The nicely mowed trail soon ran out...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0013/web.jpg?ver=13131965240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0013/web.jpg?ver=13131965240001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm 5'4... these Joe-Pye Weeds were HUGE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">And we could no longer see a path to the cache we sought. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, we bushwhacked through the tall weeds till we came to an opening...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0021/web.jpg?ver=13131965260001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0021/web.jpg?ver=13131965260001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and found Harwood's Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0017/web.jpg?ver=13131965270001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0017/web.jpg?ver=13131965270001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gentle Monarch Butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0060/web.jpg?ver=13131965360001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0060/web.jpg?ver=13131965360001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Bumble Bee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0073/web.jpg?ver=13131965370001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0073/web.jpg?ver=13131965370001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on thistle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0029/web.jpg?ver=13131965300001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0029/web.jpg?ver=13131965300001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's this?! A dog on a bale?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0041/web.jpg?ver=13131965330001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0041/web.jpg?ver=13131965330001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loving the tickle of the grass</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">... finally arriving at Harwood Lake!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0056/web.jpg?ver=13131965340001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0056/web.jpg?ver=13131965340001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0052/web.jpg?ver=13131965350001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0052/web.jpg?ver=13131965350001" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The skies weren't really than ominous - just the clouds playing tricks.</i></div><i> We had blazing sun not moments before the 1st photo was taken. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From here, we visited <b>Lime Lake in Machias, NY</b>. The lake is almost entirely inaccessible to non-homeowners, so we were only able to catch a glimpse of the area.<br />
<i>Be sure to view the full-versions of these next three shots... SO MUCH DETAIL you don't want to miss!</i> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0098/web.jpg?ver=13131965380001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0098/web.jpg?ver=13131965380001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Fly</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0108/web.jpg?ver=13131965400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0108/web.jpg?ver=13131965400001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily with Honey Bee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0114/web.jpg?ver=13131965410001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0114/web.jpg?ver=13131965410001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two bees or not two bees</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> We skipped the geocache in Lime-Lake, thus ending our caching plans. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So we pulled out our trusty map and said "Where should we go next?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">then... "Hey! What's this place???"</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had found the <a href="http://www.classicbuffalo.com/WNYOutdoors/HangingBog.htm">Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and off we went.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On our way, we met these beauties...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0120/web.jpg?ver=13131965420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0120/web.jpg?ver=13131965420001" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0124/web.jpg?ver=13131965440001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0124/web.jpg?ver=13131965440001" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0127/web.jpg?ver=13131965460001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0127/web.jpg?ver=13131965460001" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0129/web.jpg?ver=13131965480001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0129/web.jpg?ver=13131965480001" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">... then we arrive!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><a href="http://www.classicbuffalo.com/WNYOutdoors/HangingBog.htm">Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area</a>, New Hudson, NY</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0146/web.jpg?ver=13131965500001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0146/web.jpg?ver=13131965500001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely at the letters of this sign...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">What's a Hanging Bog, you ask?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0150/web.jpg?ver=13131965520001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0150/web.jpg?ver=13131965520001" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> After parking the car, we walk over to the bog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">About a <i>million</i> frogs go flying into the water as we approach (I'm not kidding).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hanging Bog</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0160/web.jpg?ver=13131965560001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/C_0160/web.jpg?ver=13131965560001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bog Frog - got one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0161/web.jpg?ver=13131965580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0161/web.jpg?ver=13131965580001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily Pads</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">We wandered around the bog for a bit, then decided it was time to head for home.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This last shot is of <b>Rushford Lake in Rushford, NY</b>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's another lake that is hard to get to unless you own lakefront property in the area. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you take Slusher Hill Road out of Hanging Bog WMA, you'll get this awesome view.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0170/web.jpg?ver=13131965590001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100889/DSC_0170/web.jpg?ver=13131965590001" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rushford Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">That was our final stop of the day - our lake-hopping adventure coming to an end. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for sharing our 12th with us. Come back next month and see what we're up to then!</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-9535986328040094222011-08-07T07:59:00.013-04:002011-08-08T06:47:53.438-04:00Happy TrailsWhat do you get when you combine Rocks, Ruts, Roots, and Running???<br />
A wicked good time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo3eJ49kQawly5KlBGWhjXAZclkuHFJNkHQM1bEkLW0XiFAUSIloGqFIgMypGqBvLj9kXZFoTgcmJK2pwDYGBdpJ4wZ7kIIUswR74vKNDn3QNS2UhMMiwkD4Qq7vWsaLwmzbCZFJx_eA/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo3eJ49kQawly5KlBGWhjXAZclkuHFJNkHQM1bEkLW0XiFAUSIloGqFIgMypGqBvLj9kXZFoTgcmJK2pwDYGBdpJ4wZ7kIIUswR74vKNDn3QNS2UhMMiwkD4Qq7vWsaLwmzbCZFJx_eA/s320/IMG_0400.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
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If you know me at all, you know that running is not my thing.<br />
I've only been running (seriously) for about a year. I never liked running before... actively disliked it, actually.<br />
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This dislike has continued for a long time. I was really hoping it would go away the longer I ran. But, for example, at last month's triathlon, my run time was mediocre (again) and I really felt miserable throughout it. Much of my problem was mental, but some of it, I'm certain, was physical. I realize that running on hot asphalt with the sun beating down on me makes it very difficult for me to run. However...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have recently discovered my love of trail running!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHphFzKXSQ_lRm7bkx0O-3JrzJAXdjtnVvo1AngFtlufukLV4Dp5hLoKn38lhi-WlA_up3mb8XJ7febqsCWQy-GCF4A3e2eUPQ1ZCYevgNCxZ0WZKKWTtKeMddUkI1UdgWYTz6sjx8OA/s1600/IMG_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHphFzKXSQ_lRm7bkx0O-3JrzJAXdjtnVvo1AngFtlufukLV4Dp5hLoKn38lhi-WlA_up3mb8XJ7febqsCWQy-GCF4A3e2eUPQ1ZCYevgNCxZ0WZKKWTtKeMddUkI1UdgWYTz6sjx8OA/s320/IMG_0098.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Here's what happened...<br />
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The week after our triathlon, my training partner, Jan, took me to our local park to run the cross-country ski trails - for a change of pace and to up our mileage. She had a 2-mile loop mapped out that we would run twice (for a total of 4-miles). All but about 250-feet was in the woods, surrounded by trees that provided great shade.<br />
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We made it through the first loop, warming up and watching for obstacles, then started loop #2.<br />
I felt great.<br />
I barely felt winded, I wasn't struggling to continue.<br />
I felt like I could run for hours!<br />
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Was it the new scenery?<br />
Was it the trees that I love to hike and walk amongst?<br />
Was it the company?<br />
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I think it was the shade.<br />
I think it was the coolness of the forest.<br />
I think it was the "cushion" of the trail.<br />
and most importantly... I think my mind was in a really good place.<br />
And all of this together makes me <i>want</i> to run.<br />
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How could it not? I LOVE spending time in the woods. I go for long walks there with my husband & family as often as possible. It is my happy place.<br />
SO, it seems only natural that I could be happy running here as well.<br />
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And if you're gonna run... why not test yourself every once in a while with a little race, right??<br />
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That's when I discovered that there was a new 5K race coming to a nearby town.... the "<a href="http://www.godirtygirl.com/">Dirty Girl</a>".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBy378Wb6ZAFiTmfrVcC65EXQWnQYvCvsh5PsRws7juhMp6V6Hnoo783vhH-PKSMF2CZHweqeFtfMRttIW0LJuAtP5Vy1bR-tWXP88uXEDkp4HjM4D8ty8kvbR6mkfevwpfXa3yqak3M/s1600/DirtyGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBy378Wb6ZAFiTmfrVcC65EXQWnQYvCvsh5PsRws7juhMp6V6Hnoo783vhH-PKSMF2CZHweqeFtfMRttIW0LJuAtP5Vy1bR-tWXP88uXEDkp4HjM4D8ty8kvbR6mkfevwpfXa3yqak3M/s320/DirtyGirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.godirtygirl.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's not your average 5K... there's mud and obstacles. And mud.<br />
But the great thing is, it's all about fun. (Go check out the <a href="http://www.godirtygirl.com/">website</a>.)<br />
That's what I want from a race.<br />
So, I recruited my friends and sister to be on a team with me and we're all registered for the event. <br />
But I can't get instant gratification from this race, it's not happening until September.<br />
... cue Kathryn and her invitation to run in the Boston Mud Run!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.quarkquark.com/mudrun/images/mudmainpic_splash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://www.quarkquark.com/mudrun/images/mudmainpic_splash.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.quarkquark.com/mudrun/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This 6K race is<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKfDqD2dn3veSgbqixkE21VRZzlDG6BYSOmTBmnAvj5vqncs-M4KfHVA4pcM8kE6tSHC9UDEDIq7x-sGmliooiz1ctVrIOMxpLRisusKdluxGJfDxm4f8QPIh_bwBm_GaHnMl2XzxJz0/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKfDqD2dn3veSgbqixkE21VRZzlDG6BYSOmTBmnAvj5vqncs-M4KfHVA4pcM8kE6tSHC9UDEDIq7x-sGmliooiz1ctVrIOMxpLRisusKdluxGJfDxm4f8QPIh_bwBm_GaHnMl2XzxJz0/s320/IMG_0478.jpg" width="239" /></a> advertised as a "European-Style Cross Country Run" - a 3.5 mile trail run with hills and stream-crossings and mud, mud, mud! Pools of it all over the trails. If you're careful (like I was this year), you could avoid getting too dirty... but there were some who WANTED to play in the mud (and wanted to share with others). If you visit the event's <a href="http://quarkquark.com/mudrun/">website</a> and check out the photo page, you'll get a sense of what some people look like when their run is done.<br />
<br />
I want next year to be different - I want mud in my shoes and in my hair. :)<br />
<br />
We didn't score an land-speed records that night, but we had an excellent time doing it - AND we celebrated with ice cream afterwards. Who doesn't love ice cream after a hard workout?! AND, the registration fee went to a good cause - the Boston Rescue Squad. AND... we all got great shirts! I'm wearing mine as a badge of honor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
So, I'll still be running on the road occasionally... but I think for the most part you'll find me in the woods... either walking with the dog, the hubby or the family or running along with my thoughts... in my happy place.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Happy Trails!</span></span></div><br />
<br />
<i>P.S.... here's the map of the Boston Mud Run, in case you'd like to try it yourself. (Be sure to check out the elevation information, too. HA!)</i><br />
<br />
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TuesdayI know I said this last month... but WOW, time is flying!<br />
I was checking out my blog-roll this morning when I saw <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Adrienne's TTP...T</a> post and couldn't believe it was the first Tuesday of the month already.<br />
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I don't have much to report this month (far less than June's TTP...T). My reading has stalled a bit. Triathlon training is continuing into July since I was roped into a second event on August 27th. Not sure if that is the reason for my single read or if it's just summer stuff taking over all my free time or the fact that I'm so exhausted by the end of the day that I can't read... who knows.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://project.cyberpunk.ru/lib/mona_lisa_overdrive/mona_lisa_overdrive_cover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://project.cyberpunk.ru/lib/mona_lisa_overdrive/mona_lisa_overdrive_cover.gif" width="118" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://project.cyberpunk.ru</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Regardless, I'm finishing up William Gibson's Cyberpunk "Sprawl" Trilogy, <u>Count Zero</u> is done and I'm working on <u>Mona Lisa Overdrive</u>. (This is one of the books on my "on the shelf waiting for me for TOO LONG" reads.)<br />
<br />
<u>MLO</u> takes place 8-years after <u>Count Zero</u>'s adventures. I'm barely into the story and have met a new cast of characters... and I'm pretty sure one from Neuromancer, tho she has a new name.<br />
<br />
This is another high-tech mystery of sorts... I'm waiting for all the "matrix" story lines to be fully explained as well as the finger (finally) pointed at the bad guys. Tho, like in real-life maybe all the good guys aren't all good and the bad guys aren't all bad. We'll see.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to know more about the story line, you'll have to visit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mona-Lisa-Overdrive-William-Gibson/dp/0553281747/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312313680&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> (or some other book site). I don't have enough of it to really share at this point.<br />
<br />
<br />
In other news... I lead the discussion for <u>The Forgotten Garden</u> by Kate Morton at my Book Club at the end of July. The book received a 3.7 average rating (5 being the best) from the group. I was pretty pleased by this rating since I was the one who suggested we read it. I recently gave my copy to my good friend, <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a>, who told me she's loving the first 150-pages. I can't wait to talk with her about it!<br />
<br />
<br />
The next Book Club book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Autumns-Jacob-Zoet-Novel/dp/0812976363/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312313726&sr=1-1">The 1000 Autumns of Jacob de Zoet</a> by David Mitchell. I'll be diving into this one soon for our September meeting.<br />
<br />
Hope you're having a great summer - see you next month! To see what others are reading (or to participate), visit <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/">Some of a Kind</a>. Thanks, as always, to Adrienne for the idea!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-1794961026841180222011-07-19T09:45:00.005-04:002011-07-19T09:48:01.045-04:00Carrots and berries and kale, oh my!A couple weeks ago, the hubby and I watched a movie about two guys who lost a ton of weight and "got healthy" just by drinking juice from fruits & veggies. This "juice fast" was all they consumed for 60-days or longer. They were observed by doctors throughout that time and had blood tests measure important hormone/body chemical levels. One guy, who started out at almost 430-pounds, dropped his weight by about 200# while simultaneously, getting off a bunch of the meds he was on for various health issues.<br />
<br />
The movie was interesting... a bit infomercially (selling the juicer and the book), but it had one point that that really hit home for us...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100401/DSC_0018/web.jpg?ver=12527977030001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100401/DSC_0018/web.jpg?ver=12527977030001" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raw vegetables are good for you.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><br />
That said, neither of us feel we get enough veggies in our diet. We try, but sometimes we just don't try hard enough. And we don't eat poorly (I can't tell you the last time we ate at one of the major fast-food places - it has to be close to 10-years), but could we be healthier if we tried to follow the "Strive for 5" lifestyle?<br />
<br />
Then we asked the question... should we get a juice extractor and have a veggie-smoothie every day? <br />
<br />
I posed this question to my friends on FaceBook.<br />
<br />
For the most part, the response was the same... too expensive, too much work.<br />
<br />
OKay... sure.<br />
I can see their point.<br />
BUT...<br />
<br />
Veggies ARE more expensive than junk food. If I make this a priority for me, and my health, then I should be able to make it work. Right?<br />
<br />
Too much work? I don't know. I didn't have a juicer at that time, so I had no idea what if would be like to process fruits & veggies and then clean up the machine. Yes, I'm sure it's more work than buying pre-made juice, but it can't be that much less work than cooking up a veggie for dinner.<br />
<br />
Long-story-short, I really wanted to try juicing. When talking with a friend, I found out that she had one that she never used and would be happy to give it to me. HOORAY! Now I can "try it before I buy it" (which is awesome, because my research has shown that a decent juicer costs about $200.)<br />
<br />
And try it, we did... I went to my local Farmers Market & grocery story and bought Kale, Cucumbers, Apples, Grapes, Carrots, Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Celery, Broccoli, Beets, and Blueberries. Each day (for the last 4 days) we've taken a mixture of these things and made juice out of them. We spent a little over $50 on fruits and veggies, I estimate it should last the two of us about a week.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR0uAsLR8UqEVUn-0EJTOIwAkRXzHWZnZRdw8if0WRe_68T14y4wHNc6rBh3U8TPRXUTpVButclEW4BYu1QlbhpjIGImLK9dY44zCw16V8_tQ-VUwLdWWN2SN70a_6wmTrfO1OVYMc0k/s1600/Juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR0uAsLR8UqEVUn-0EJTOIwAkRXzHWZnZRdw8if0WRe_68T14y4wHNc6rBh3U8TPRXUTpVButclEW4BYu1QlbhpjIGImLK9dY44zCw16V8_tQ-VUwLdWWN2SN70a_6wmTrfO1OVYMc0k/s320/Juice.jpg" width="237" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Ya know what??? It's not bad!</b></span><br />
<br />
Yeah, it looks terrible... swamp green in color. <br />
And yeah, Kale tastes a bit like grass, but it's REALLY good for you (lots of micro-nutrients) and mixed with other stuff, you don't notice it as much as you would if you ate it alone.<br />
<br />
Clean-up, too, is easy! The machine comes apart, you pull out the "pulp" and rinse the components. That's it. Leave it on the counter to dry, and you're ready to go the next morning.<br />
<br />
So, we're going to keep trying this and see what happens.<br />
Will we feel healthier? Will we have more energy? Will we lose any weight?<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
All I know is that I'm taking a step in the right direction to put more nutrient-dense foods in my body... and that's the point, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Do you juice? Got a favorite recipe? I'd love any feedback you'd like to share.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-40564656382478166682011-07-14T08:29:00.001-04:002011-07-16T11:24:35.011-04:0099/100 Challenge - Half way there!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/5772561276_5af9c1689a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/5772561276_5af9c1689a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I crossed the 1/2 way mark this morning...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">my 2.7 mile run put me at...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">50.6-miles!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WOO HOO!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Special thanks to <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/2011/05/99100-project.html">Elizabeth</a> & <a href="http://onewiththescale.blogspot.com/">Tee</a> for starting this challenge. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For more information, to donate, or to get involved (yes, you still can!), visit their sites.</i></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-29574746414169579612011-07-12T21:40:00.001-04:002011-07-19T07:10:04.828-04:0012-of-12: July 2011<div style="text-align: center;">Today's 12-of-12 is being renamed to....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"My Summer Vacation"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a day filled with summertime activities. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It started out with... </div><br />
<div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">CHERRIES!</span></div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0015/web.jpg?ver=13105195210001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0015/web.jpg?ver=13105195210001" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">This morning I made Cherry-Almond Jam...</span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0017/web.jpg?ver=13105195220001" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam: Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0019/web.jpg?ver=13105195230001" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam: WIP</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0020/web.jpg?ver=13105195250001" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam: Done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next... Cherry Pie! </span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0024/web.jpg?ver=13105195280001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0024/web.jpg?ver=13105195280001" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie: Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0291/web.jpg?ver=13105195300001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0291/web.jpg?ver=13105195300001" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie: After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mid-day, I took time to relax.</span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0333/web.jpg?ver=13105195330001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0333/web.jpg?ver=13105195330001" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' in the Hammock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0030/web.jpg?ver=13105195340001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/DSC_0030/web.jpg?ver=13105195340001" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view from the Hammock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Finally, it was time to burn some calories... </span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0304/web.jpg?ver=13105195350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0304/web.jpg?ver=13105195350001" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portrait: Safety first!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0335/web.jpg?ver=13105195370001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0335/web.jpg?ver=13105195370001" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First hill (it's steeper than it looks)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0341/web.jpg?ver=13105195390001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0341/web.jpg?ver=13105195390001" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the golf course</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0344/web.jpg?ver=13105195400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://gallery.me.com/totalnrg/100880/IMG_0344/web.jpg?ver=13105195400001" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost home - cooling down</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">If it was a little earlier, I'd grab a piece of pie to celebrate burning 500+ calories over my 16.1 miles of riding, but since I'm trying to lose a little weight, I'll save those calories for another time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to learn more about the 12-of-12 project, visit <a href="http://chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/">Chad Darnell's page</a>. He's the one who started it all - there you'll find other 12-of-12ers from around the world, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you're having a great summer. See ya next month!</span></i></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-35369210776830416082011-07-09T16:21:00.001-04:002011-07-09T16:24:42.338-04:00Catching up...I can't believe it's been a week since the Triathlon. Time really flies in the summer time.<br />
<br />
Well... there was that little holiday in there, too. Hope you had a fun 4th of July - celebrating your independence in your favorite way. I did. We spent two days in Zoar Valley, NY... walking in the woods and swimming in the creek. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lPNyx7cscSiJmbm4KraUDk91UpNmupP7EbBKKrM8vobXofSySeijiUqw-sy8LcsBpYeWyTR8-oeoysJIZoNz7IGC0V_XVp-rTRFjC2Xf3NWkUOvR-46x8XNf4i1TSdRbDnC79sHXr-k/s1600/IMG_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lPNyx7cscSiJmbm4KraUDk91UpNmupP7EbBKKrM8vobXofSySeijiUqw-sy8LcsBpYeWyTR8-oeoysJIZoNz7IGC0V_XVp-rTRFjC2Xf3NWkUOvR-46x8XNf4i1TSdRbDnC79sHXr-k/s400/IMG_0270.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoar Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEa452eLc6m4TNxBzUdZhllDIcOd7T9d8XdkSsStdYlxP5ivtX_1cvqWNFkqNcSVWmI-f_sFk6gJINwVpkn_5VGyIi-QZWPOSEp23MBGNQUSrigmlIjbkh8HLJPQ15H-lUxcJbI0MusM/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEa452eLc6m4TNxBzUdZhllDIcOd7T9d8XdkSsStdYlxP5ivtX_1cvqWNFkqNcSVWmI-f_sFk6gJINwVpkn_5VGyIi-QZWPOSEp23MBGNQUSrigmlIjbkh8HLJPQ15H-lUxcJbI0MusM/s400/DSC_0072.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Since I created my Activity Tracker (found on the sidebar on the right), you don't really need a daily account of my swim-bike-run training. Besides... I didn't think I'd be "training" after last weekend... but my hubby and friends talked me into completing a 2nd Tri this summer - Big day #2 is August 27th. This one is exactly the same as last weekend's tri, just in a slightly different location (we can almost say it's "down the street" from the 1st one).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3JsWDpJx1IcyXGriocKQ9ZcmAmnlsHuekEn_l7H4-PBiFi_HurtZqW8VqppJ5ck3vLqcfkZTusaIJsGO6fPrLfY4qQIP8EeXTjcvj6Av-1273NDImZ7RiKluBne9awfIw7E14v29udQ/s1600/IMG_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3JsWDpJx1IcyXGriocKQ9ZcmAmnlsHuekEn_l7H4-PBiFi_HurtZqW8VqppJ5ck3vLqcfkZTusaIJsGO6fPrLfY4qQIP8EeXTjcvj6Av-1273NDImZ7RiKluBne9awfIw7E14v29udQ/s320/IMG_0255.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>I was thinking about doing a Tri in Massachusetts... but I decided against it... mainly out of selfishness. I'm going to visit <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a> (and family) at the end of July (barring any drastic schedule changes), and instead of having to go to bed early, leave the house early, then be exhausted for the remainder of my visit, I'll just go and watch the event. Maybe. I'd much rather hang out with my pals than worry about swimming in the ocean or my transition times or, or... anything else.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Elizabeth... she's the one who started the <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/2011/05/99100-project.html">99/100 Challenge</a>. I'm happy to say that I'm perfectly on track to finish the challenge by Labor Day. Today is Day 41 of the challenge and I've logged 43.7 run-miles thus far. HOORAY!<br />
<br />
I expect I'll be even further ahead of schedule over the next couple weeks since my run training has stepped up a bit. You see, I didn't <i>love</i> my performance during the run part of the July 2nd Tri. Granted, it was hot and humid, but I don't think that was why I didn't blast thru the run. It was mental. I was dreading the run... something I thought I was over.<br />
<br />
So, my focus in July is to get "really good" at running... improve my speed, improve my distances, improve my overall attitude toward the sport. I think I have the fundamentals (form, cadence, etc)... now I just have to get my head right.<br />
<br />
I can do this.<br />
I will do this.<br />
<br />
I don't have much more to report... so, here are a few shots from the event... special thanks to my mom, photographer extraordinaire! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gS0TgCiYnUElv95S_tQMl1v1uDYkhF2gL7MdjqO6_pUlf-7qbQL7Rxr08S25PGEwb6bXFDxDhcHT7MLdrQ2IfdLiQ3JjLYOqKxDKd3noc2hrbh7Yts17RnbMKd3-MJWE1I7TJBnRi9M/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gS0TgCiYnUElv95S_tQMl1v1uDYkhF2gL7MdjqO6_pUlf-7qbQL7Rxr08S25PGEwb6bXFDxDhcHT7MLdrQ2IfdLiQ3JjLYOqKxDKd3noc2hrbh7Yts17RnbMKd3-MJWE1I7TJBnRi9M/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my Tri-buddy, Jan (post-race)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0D8Ys1yDvooOxjc2ZLdjd4ED3uspzN1ZVxNvSwywuoIUw3jEKjN3gcOHe6PQNzH8ZHc3z3WFSTN7Hia40S17EqTDYvqclkHRvAExgA0YX83W3-i_zw4Gtreszvin8Sa2Hgnqm9TqnHI/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0D8Ys1yDvooOxjc2ZLdjd4ED3uspzN1ZVxNvSwywuoIUw3jEKjN3gcOHe6PQNzH8ZHc3z3WFSTN7Hia40S17EqTDYvqclkHRvAExgA0YX83W3-i_zw4Gtreszvin8Sa2Hgnqm9TqnHI/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcQZtS45mKnOcebt7O7OtuIqQKVA37C79V13_xvEq6hyXx0Bt181g8NPlJSXhIKjJQD41Zr9mhRUahUGxQvxC5Q9Yo7J1aDb9PXj4RSn0wTcs7fK1Pfh4xlILwFkCo60lYcR5uaUh1zE/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcQZtS45mKnOcebt7O7OtuIqQKVA37C79V13_xvEq6hyXx0Bt181g8NPlJSXhIKjJQD41Zr9mhRUahUGxQvxC5Q9Yo7J1aDb9PXj4RSn0wTcs7fK1Pfh4xlILwFkCo60lYcR5uaUh1zE/s320/IMG_2122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Don't forget - Tuesday is the 12th - so you'll see me here that day, participating in the 12-of-12 with 12 photos of the day.<br />
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Till then... it was nice catching up with you.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-8599578946517096752011-07-05T16:14:00.004-04:002011-07-06T07:08:30.168-04:00Turn the Page... Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oh my gosh... it's the first Tuesday in July!<br />
It's <a href="http://someofakind.blogspot.com/2011/07/turn-page-tuesday.html">Turn the Page... Tuesday</a> with Adrienne!<br />
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It was a mish-mosh month of reading... two books that probably couldn't be more different. The first was a recommendation from a Book Club buddy, the other from my hubby - a sci-fi guy. Tho very different, the social commentary from both authors was quite thought provoking.<br />
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So here's what I read in June... <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tchevalier.com/remarkablecreatures/story/img/women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tchevalier.com/remarkablecreatures/story/img/women.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.tchevalier.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><u>Remarkable Creatures</u> by Tracy Chevalier</b><br />
<br />
I didn't know this was "historical fiction" when I started reading. How pleasantly surprised I was when I found out. I found the story interesting, albeit a bit depressing at times. How hard it must have been for these scientific women who lived in a time when social class and gender were such limiting factors. Tho I don't know how much of the "relationship" side of the story keeps to reality, I get a sense that it's probably pretty close. I can imagine the challenges the "old spinster" and "young working class girl" face when dealing with their need for love and affection, again, in a world that makes it so difficult to find (or act upon) love.<br />
<br />
Here is a summary from <a href="http://www.tchevalier.com/remarkablecreatures/story/index.html">Tracy Chevalier's website</a>:<br />
<i></i><i><b>In 1810</b>, a sister and brother uncover the fossilized skull of an unknown animal in the cliffs on the south coast of England. With its long snout and prominent teeth, it might be a crocodile – except that it has a huge, bulbous eye.</i> <br />
<i><i>Remarkable Creatures</i> is the story of Mary Anning, who has a talent for finding fossils, and whose discovery of ancient marine reptiles such as that ichthyosaur shakes the scientific community and leads to new ways of thinking about the creation of the world.</i><br />
<i> </i><i>Working in an arena dominated by middle-class men, however, Mary finds herself out of step with her working-class background. In danger of being an outcast in her community, she takes solace in an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Philpot, a prickly London spinster with her own passion for fossils.</i><br />
<i> The strong bond between Mary and Elizabeth sees them through struggles with poverty, rivalry and ostracism, as well as the physical dangers of their chosen obsession. It reminds us that friendship can outlast storms and landslides, anger and and jealousy.</i><br />
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From 1810, jump to "the future" with...<br />
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<u><b>Neuromancer</b></u><b> by William Gibson</b><br />
I believe this is the first "Cyberpunk" novel I've ever read. Written in 1984, the year of the story is uncertain. There's been a big war (WW III?) and technology is everywhere and in everything. People are "jacked in" to the Matrix and have the ability to buy tech-implants and enhancements to their bodies and minds. Computers are an essential part of daily living - and in this story, there are two AIs (Artificial Intelligences) that need an intervention.<br />
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Imagine movies like The Terminator, Blade Runner, The Matrix, and Escape from New York (if you're not into the Cyberpunk genre), this will give you a feel for what Gibson's world of Neuromancer & The Sprawl is like. Interesting possibilities for the future, if you ask me. <br />
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Here's a bit from <a href="http://www.williamgibsonbooks.com/">Gibson's website</a>:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neuromancer.org/neuromancer_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://www.neuromancer.org/neuromancer_edit.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.neuromancer.org/</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><span class="text"> Case was the hottest computer cowboy cruising the information superhighway--jacking his consciousness into cyberspace, soaring through tactile lattices of data and logic, rustling encoded secrets for anyone with the money to buy his skills. Then he double-crossed the wrong people, who caught up with him in a big way--and burned the talent out of his brain, micron by micron. Banished from cyberspace, trapped in the meat of his physical body, Case courted death in the high-tech underworld. Until a shadowy conspiracy offered him a second chance--and a cure--for a price.... </span></i><br />
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BTW - Gibson, from what I understand, is credited with coining the word "cyberspace" - which shows how influential his stories have been in the technology world.<br />
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I'm in the middle of "Count Zero," the second novel of Gibson's <i>Cyberpunk </i>trilogy right now. It's loosely connected to Neuromancer. We'll see if there's more as I get further along in the story.<br />
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That's it for this month. See you in August. Happy reading!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896293839696665669.post-75641312871481938652011-06-25T18:32:00.003-04:002011-06-25T18:41:38.036-04:0099/100 Week 4: June 19 - 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/5772561276_5af9c1689a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/5772561276_5af9c1689a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<i><b>Here's my mileage for the fourth week... </b></i> <br />
<i><b>of the 99/100 Challenge</b></i><br />
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Before I list everything, tho, I thought you might want to see the new handy-dandy spreadsheet that I created to help me track mileage.<br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AozKi1ceNx_KdDhPZmVCNk1RMVZvS1ZrQ0dKWmgzcGc&hl=en_US&authkey=CKfFrN4P"><i><b>Click here to see my Activity Tracker!</b></i></a><br />
Pretty nifty, eh? I know, really not that exciting, but it's helpful - and it does math better that I do.<br />
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I was VERY busy this week...<br />
Tthis week was the final push before I back off a bit for next week's "taper week". The one-week countdown to the TRI has begun. I've even gotten my Tri-bag out of the closet and started loading it up with stuff that I'll need (so I won't forget it when I have to leave next Saturday at 5:45am). <br />
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Sunday, 6/19 - Dad's Day was a <i>rest</i> day for me. I ate too much and exercised too little, but I was with family, so it's all good. Oh wait! I did do 15 burpees this day... so that was good.<br />
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Monday, 6/20<br />
<b>BIKE</b> - Blasted 16.1 miles of hills on the bike today... wore a new shirt and got sunburned. Oh well.<br />
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Tuesday, 6/21<br />
<b>RUN</b> - 3.8 miles, baby!<br />
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Wednesday, 6/22<br />
<b>WALK</b> - 2.5 miles - out with a friend and her bullmastiff, Hippo.<br />
<b>SWIM</b> - 0.7 mile (1200 Yards) - New pool! Springville is closed for the summer, so off to Holland we go! Interesting tidbit - this is considered "open swim" instead of "lap swim", so there were a bunch of random people doing random things in the pool (swimming, floating, playing basketball), so it really made me work to keep my swimming in-line, much like open-water swimming.<br />
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Thursday, 6/23<br />
<b>RUN</b> - 5.3 miles - my longest distance ever! (Sadly, I cannot say that I ran the whole way... but I did manage at least 4-miles, I walked up the big hills)<br />
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Friday, 6/24<br />
*BRICK*<br />
<b>BIKE</b> - 7.0 miles (averaging 13.2 mph! WOO HOO!) <br />
<b>RUN</b> - 1.5 miles (at approximately 6 mph!)<br />
This is about 1/2 the distance for each event in next week's triathlon. I went out first thing in the morning, without "fuel" and still felt pretty good at the end of the 45-minutes it took me to finish. I'm excited that next week (when I'm properly sugared-up), I'll be really ready to go.<br />
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Saturday, 6/25 - Rested today. Well, if you can call hanging out with my niece and nephew "resting". We were on the move all day!<br />
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Totaling up the week, it's my highest mileage week since I started keeping track. <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>38.4 miles for the week. Wow! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Of those 38.4, I ran for 10.6 of them. Wow, again!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>This week really helped me get back on track for the <a href="http://my-crafty-mess.blogspot.com/2011/05/99100-project.html">99/100 Challenge</a>. Currently, I'm sitting at 32.2 miles of running in 4-weeks. 67.8 miles to go by Labor Day (Sept 5). Woo hoo!</b></i></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14156489573617384605noreply@blogger.com3