Happiness Is...

...finally hitting 5pm on Friday after a long week and getting to see your parents for the weekend.

...blue moon beer. with an orange slice.

...a tree skirt for your naked bottomed christmas tree.

...watching your dad attempt to play wii golf and wii bowling.

...finishing the NaBloPoMo challenge with flying colors (I didn't even miss a day!!).

Hope everyone has a Happy Friday!!

My Life in LOLcats...

It's one of those days.

Too stressed to think straight.

Insane day at work.

I'm generally tired and miserable.

And frankly, I'm too exhausted to go into detail, even though a handful of it would make you laugh and be glad you weren't me.

So rather than made myself all crazy and relive the day...I've managed to make myself smile just a lil' bit.

I present to you...my day...in LOLcats (and a LOLrus).

Enjoy.


...I walked outside today and clearly Jackfrost decided to make his firstr true debut appearance...Seriously...effing...beyond...freezing...NO WANT!!!

...and here is my general attitude all day long. Pretty much everyone sucked. Awesome. Right?!

...and this is what happens to me when I get super stressed...I just try to grin, bear it and fake it as best as possible...(doesn't work out too well either)...


...this is funny cause it's true! mom and dad are coming tomorrow (woo!!)...thankfully, Mike cleaned (thanks hun)...

And now...I'm so pooped...it is time for dis...

G'nite.

Taking the Plunge...

So...there's been this crazy little thing that I've had in the back of my mind for quite some time that I've been wanting to try...and I think that 2008 may just be the year to do it.

I mean, this is absolutely absurd...you know...one of those batshit insane kind of thoughts where you convince yourself that you'll never do it because it's so completely and totally...ridiculously dumb. Yeah...it's one of thooooooooose.

And I'm definitely going to make an attempt to recruit some of my fellow Chicagoland blogging friends. Afterall, misery loves company. Right?!?

So here we go...

Who's with me...

...for the 2008 Lakeview Polar Bear Club's CELEBRATION OF SHRINKAGE?!?! (With a name like that how could you not want a piece of the fun?!)

Now...before you say no barb, no way in hell am I jumping into Lake Michigan in February, it is for a good cause. Plus you've got air in your lungs and limbs on your body and it'll really make you feel alive, so really there's no reason why you shouldn't! And of course, if I'm involved you know we'll be going out for food after, or maybe I'll even make something yummy for all those who partake in the stupidity supreme awesomeness. Besides, we've all done far stupider things in our lifetime. And if you haven't done anything stupid, now's your chance to get in on the action.

So campers...who's with me?! Who wants to submerge themselves in the icy waters of Lake Michigan in the dead of February (nevermind the fact that Lake Michigan was frozen over for the 2007 event and no plunging prevailed)!? You're in the water for all of 30 seconds, and apparently you're only cold for about 5 minutes...it's going to be FREAKIN' AWESOME. We get to be polar bears for a day!!


Now THIS is my idea of one badass RBF gathering.

WHO'S WITH ME!?!?

Me and Mo...

Tonight Mike and I had our make-up swim class with our favorite beast of a personal trainer...Maurice aka Mo. He kicked our asses. We nearly drowned. It was absolutely awesome.

It truly was a great workout. We were really able to pinpoint our weakpoints and he set up drills to help us correct the issues--even if we looked absolutely re-friggin-diculous (which we did, no doubt). Plus we received our DVD analysis (including underwater footage) of our stroke, form, and all that jazz. It's sweet...although I had one of those horrifying moments where I thought to myself...oh.my.god...THAT'S what I look like underwater?! Seriously...I was embarassed. sigh.

We'll be moving forward with Maurice as our personal trainer extraordinaire for the Half Ironman and Mike's Full IM training. I'm pretty excited. We'll be chatting with him next week to iron out details and he'll pull together an intense plan for us. I'm nervous, but excited about it.

I've gone back to counting calories on SparkPeople to help me get back in the habit of eating healthy. I resisted McD's after the workout and have really made a concentrated effort of paying attention to every last thing I put in my mouth. Overall, twas a very good day.

I think I'm dying.

So...yeah...

I've pretty much convinced myself that I'm dying. I've got this weird/annoying bumpy, swollen, painful boney thingie in my neck, kinda right behind my ear, and it's super sensitive to touch. I thought it was just a bone out of place and a simple adjustment from my favorite chiropractor would do the trick...but no. It's still very obvious and very uncomfortable (and he thinks it's my lymph node). I've got Mike all confuzzled, and I'm at the point of borderline freak out...so I'm going to try and get myself into my general practitioner (who I hateeeeeee) sometime soon. I think this is what has been causing my headaches and what not for the past few weeks.

Realistically, it's probably something related to my wisdom teeth that I've been putting off...for...oh...three years now? But for all intents and dramatic purposes...I think I'm kickin' the can. I'll keep you posted on the progess.

Being back at work after a nice mini-vacay was rather anticlimactic. Most everyone was still in vacation-mode and didn't have their heads screwed on straight.

Tonight I went to find my inner zen at Yoga. I nearly broke my neck trying to do a headstand. I'm sure it was at least mildly amusing for the instructor. And once again, the scale is not my friend. As much as I despise counting calories, it looks like that's where I'm headed....sigh.

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people...

Last night...evil prevailed.

It was a sad evening in Jayhawk Nation...but one to be celebrated as well.

No, we weren't celebrating the loss, so to speak...

We celebrated the most amazing and unexpected season in football...going from ZERO pre-season votes to clawing our way to the number two slot. That's pretty remarkable.

We celebrated being number one in our minds, even if it was only for a few hours after the LSU loss...

We celebrated the fact that those in Larry-ville have class and bleed crimson and blue...unlike the heathens from Missouri who cheered at the mention of Quantrill's raid where he slaughtered and killed and raped countless individuals who stood for all things good and pure in the dead of night.

We celebrated our commercial being BEYOND superior to theirs...c'mon guys, a 'degree with teeth?!?' are you friggin' kidding me...what a joke? Like THAT shit was supposed to make anyone want to go to Mizzou...ya'll are friggin' idiots for paying valuable marketing dollars to develop that shit. Or did you allow a high school to concept and execute that piece of crap you call a commercial spot. I pity your journalism school...in fact, I'm actually embarrassed FOR you (which is something I never thought possible). I can't find it on YouTube...yet. But when I do, I'll post it here for all to join in the laughter...it was seriously pathetic.

We celebrated being 11-1...because THAT is something worth celebrating.

The thing is...this whole "good football team" stuff is rather new to me. Football used to be a time of getting drunk and going to the stadium to scream a little, but mostly socialize. And now...NOW...I just...dunno what to do. I mean...I'm paying attention to the game...and we're not even in the throws basketball season. *gasp*

It felt weird screaming at the TV last night. God love her, Mouse actually had to explain a few things to me along the way. I guess it comes with the territory though.

But the funny thing is...and Joel said it best...it's not that I don't like our football team, 'cause I do. I just hate the Mizzou football team so much more than I like our own. And so...

Without hesitation...

I say...

GO OKLAHOMA.

Rip the fucking tail of that Tiger, for all of us who have our hearts in Lawrence.

Boooooooooooooooooooo...

I hate you tigers. Argh. Its been an amazing season so i can't too pissed.

Happiness Is...

...completely dominating on Black Friday.

Let's just say...that I am daughter extraordinaire! Can't post about it here...cause well...I'm not sure if the sleepy sister actually reads my blog. BUT...my mom can attest to my supreme awesomeness (and you're welcome).

We weren't planning on doing any shopping today since it's the infamous "Black Friday." In fact I wanted nothing more than to hibernate on the couch, drink my Starbucks little red cup of joy and finish my latest read...My Sister's Keeper (which, by the way, is beyond fantastic--I highly recommend!). After racing around town in my PJ's and flip flops (thanks to an eye witness tip from my friend Angie), we scored a golden ticket and ended up finishing up some more holiday shopping.

Twas a very black happy Friday, indeed.

The Turkey Did Trot.

Well...the Thanksgiving Day Turkey brought me a fun lil' new 8k PR.

It's odd...my PR's always seem to come during the Turkey Trot each year. I first broke an hour at the '05 Turkey Trot. And then last year I dropped to 56:12.

This year...I came in at 54:44 (not great, but I'll take it). I was pacing around 10:30 until serious ankle issues arose around mile 3.5. And they had some hardcore bottlenecking drama because of standing water on the course. And let's not forget that we were running among billions of dancing flurries (which was picturesque). I could've pushed myself a bit more, but frankly I just wasn't feeling it.

...that happens sometimes.

But I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying their Turkey Coma!! Speaking of which, I believe it's time to slip into mine...g*nite!


PS...and Linds got yesterday's mystery food post right!! Although I think she's indulged in 'em before ;) I'll share the recipe tomorrow. Seriously. The Balls are fantabulouso. They're little bites of heaven. And look delicious when they're presented in their final state. I promise!

Lets play a game! Guess the edible substance. Ready? Go! (and you cant play, mom.)

Spoke too soon.

So remember how I said yesterday that this was going to be a great and super fantastic week?

Welp.

I was wrong. Oooooooooooh so wrong.

Today was one of those days I should've stayed in bed and called in sick and just lounged on the couch in my jammies while stuffing my face with cookies.

For starters...the home computer has crashed. It wasn't just a breakdown. It was a full-fledged breakdown. After forcing a reboot from a freeze I received the BLUE! SCREEN! OF! DEATH!!!

Dear Running Jayhawk. We regret to inform you that the cyber gnomes are taking your computer hostage for the time being and in return we are giving you this beautiful blue screen full of computer jargon to entertain you. This incident is in no way, shape or form related to the fact that just last month your PC warranty was up. It is truly coincidental. We have deliberately foiled your plan to handle your online holiday shopping this weekend. Thank you and have a nice day.

Translation? You're fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucked.

Brilliant. I imagine this will seriously hinder my NaBloPoMo attempt (worse things could happen though, right?).

:le sigh:

And THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN...because it just doesn't stop there...Starbucks managed to royally screw up my order. Not once. But twice. I failed to realize the second error of their ways until I was sitting at my desk and it was too late.

The highlight of my day? Finding myself a hot date for the Modest Mouse concert in 10 days since Mike is out of town on a guys weekend (you know...one of 'em weekends where you sit around, drink beer, gamble, watch sports, and generally figure out whose the manliest man in the bunch--I imagine it's fun times, but not nearly as fun as a girls weekend).

But I figure I'm still sitting here in one piece. An Acme Anvil hasn't fallen out of the sky and driven me 20 feet underground.

At least not yet.

So I must be doing something right. I think tonight is a night for a glass of wine, a safety shirt, and a box of chocolate. Hopefully that'll help make today just a little bit better.

Vaycay.

You know how sometimes you get home after a vacation and you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? How you just come home exhausted because you crammed three dozen days worth of activities into one week? And even though you should be all rested you're dragging ass as you reach to pour your sixth cup of coffee before it's even 10am.

Since we've been home...it's been nothing like that.

at all.

I've been so relaxed. And refreshed. And recharged.

It's surprising. And it's awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome.

Today I was chained to my desk catching up for nearly 10 hours. And I didn't care! It was a new me! Full! Of! Energy! I caught up on everything I missed last week...and started to cram 5 days worth of work into two and a half (although now I only have one and a half). It was like I was on pace to save the world before bedtime...or maybe even qualify for Boston (that's how fast and focused I was cranking through everything).

I was hoping to go to yoga tonight...but really, I was in a semi-foul mood (although a relaxed semi-foul mood) and figured a chill night at home with my latest read would do me some good. I was able to call my best friend and wish her a happy birthday and eat a wonderful home-cooked meal of Mike's pot roast extraordinaire.

:sigh:

I can tell already...this is going to be a very good week.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!

Cathy, aka "the sleepy sister" has signed on for a half marathon!

And I have proof!

...today, we bought her running shoes! It was quite exciting! When the guy at Fleet Feet asked how much running she was planning on doing, she laughed. It was a priceless experience.

But here she is, showing off her new kicks...a shiny new pair of asics!

Don't worry, she bought herself a pair of running socks...

So there ya have it. I did what I was told would be impossible to do. I convinced Cathy to do the half marathon with us. So the Berry Ladies will be tackling the Palm Springs Half together.

...and to think...all it took was a creative barter!! A barter which will be revealed at a much later time. ;)

Happiness Is...

The last fabulous moments in paradise...

St. Kitts. Day 7.

Well. It's our last day here in paradise. It's been real. It's been fun. It's been real fun.

The management finally fixed the air conditioner in our unit around noon or so today. Last night was a pretty miserable sleep, but the morning hours in the pool more than made up for it.

We actually worked out today. I ran a little over 2 and then biked for 5ish. I helped my mom get a better feel for the treadmill (yes, you have to increase the speed on it when you're starting to run) and was a cheerleader for my dad who DID HIS FIRST SIX MILER EVER!!! Go Papa Berry!!! He was awesome. I can see the finish of a 26.2 mile race in his future. I wish I could've run more, but I've got this weird pain in my collar bone that is somewhat annoying and hurts when I move my arms. Mike thinks I have a rib out of place...

...it's days like this I love being married to a chiropractor. If only he has his table with him. Alas the adjustment will have to wait until tomorrow night.

Tonight we had dinner at The Monkey Bar, which was on the water right next to the Shiggidy Shack. It was quite delicious. Truly the best Pina Colada I've ever tasted. Not too sweet. Just perfect.

Okay. I have to wrap this up as we've got to finish packing (and by we I mean Mike...he needs a cheerleader ya know!?). We've got a few hours here in the morning and then it's the long plane ride back.

I'm amazed that I've kept up with this NaBloPoMo stuff here in the caribbean. :)

St. Kitts. Day 6.

Dude. It's hot.

We're sitting here...in our pretty lil' villa...without AC. We've got maintenance working on the issue (supposedly) and I'm about 3 degrees from stripping naked and sleeping on the beach.

Seriously. This is no bueno. It's hotter than hades in here, and we're supposed to be in heaven.

Aside from the temperature issue, yesterday and today were both excellent. We took the scenic sugar rail tour and today we went into town to see what kind of trouble we could get into. After a few fun touristy shops and an extended visit to the Brinley Gold Bar, we amazingly found ourselves pretty tipsy and buying shoes (it's all kind of a blur to tell you the truth). To all our friends back home, we're returning with a bottle of the Mango Rum and the Lime Rum for our own little Caribbean-inspired evening of fun.

Tonight the casino and I didn't exactly get along, but when you're getting complimentary drinks it's a bit of an incentive to keep on feeding the slots and making stupid mistakes on the tables.

C'est la vie...right?

Only another day or so here in paradise, then it's back to Chicago for us. Let's just hope they figure out this AC issue before we hit the hay. Or else I'm going to be one miserable lady.

Tomorrow...we run. And by we I mean me and my dad. He's in training ya know! Oh, and we're officially registered for the Kansas 70.3.

IT.IS.SO.ON.

Change In Plans.

Okay...

After reading this, we have a change in plans people...

Looks like this little Jayhawk is boycotting the sunshine state for a taste of her home turf.

My only beef with it? It's gunna be hilly. Me and those hills...we don't get along. And it's going to be hot as hell. But it's going to save us a bit over a thousand bucks. I can get over the hills though...just gotta start training for 'em. And it'll be a great prep for the hilly course that Mike will face in Louisville.

I'M SO EXCITED!!! EEEEEEP!!

St. Kitts. Day 4.

Today was a fabulous day...we took a catamaran cruise for a morning of snorkeling, followed by an afternoon on the most beautiful beach on Nevis.

I even made a new friend, Queenie...see!? :)

After monkeying around (hahhaaaa...I'm so funny! Get it?!? Monkeying around!? And I'm holding a monkey!! Hahahaa!!) we headed back to the boat for a return ride home full of danging, singing and a bit of drinking...we may or may not have had a little too much fun. :) Perhaps my mom will chime in on that front...

St. Kitts. Day 3.

Today in a nut shell...

Sunrise Yoga.
A Pedicure (which makes me look like I actually have 10 toenails and not 7).
A Frozen Fruity Drink while floating around the pool (a passion fruit-guava colada).
And quite possibly the most awesomest place I've ever been to...

St. Kitts may very well be heaven on earth...

St. Kitts. Day 2.

Top five reasons St. Kitts rocks my socks off...

5. Our villa has internet access.
4. We won in the casino tonight (it's not much, but a win nonetheless).
3. Three words: swim.up.bar.
2. The softest sand I've ever felt on a beach.
1. We were able to watch the KU-Oklahoma State game on TV last night...WE ARE TEN AND OH, BABY!!!

Have a great week, everyone. I'll be thinking about you all as I order my third pina colada and float around all afternoon. :)

Congrats, Perry!

Look what we found in sports illustrated before taking off! Congrats perry! Have a good week everyone!

Happiness Is...

The season's first little red cup of joy.

Non-fat, no-whip, peppermint white mocha, please!

Life's little pleasures...

I have come to the conclusion, that Pomegranate Sorbet...is by and far...the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's light. It's got character. It's good for you. And it's chock full-o-taste. If you haven't had the chance to try some, I highly recommend it. :) ...although I keep thinking how good pomegranate would be with the right rum. Hmm...I sense an experiment coming soon.

Tonight we headed up to Wrigleyville's Red Ivy for our TNT victory soiree. The end of each season all the participants from all the events gather together to exchange war stories. It's generally a grand time and this year was no exception. We hung out with our mentee Katie who ran the marathon portion of the Lakefront 50/50. It was nice to see her again and learn how everything threw down for her during both of her first marathons. After the TNT crew packed up shop, we stayed and played trivia for a while...surprisingly fun!

I think we may have to gather and have a Chicagoland RBF trivia night sometime in December. It was seriously some good fun. We left halfway through, but I think with our combined brain power we'd be a serious force to be reckoned with.

In other thoughtless thoughts...I still have to pack for St. Kitts. I've got a bunch of clothes sitting on the table, but I still need to wrap my head around what I'll need for a week in the Caribbean. And Mike seriously rocks as he had our entire condo cleaned from floor to ceiling when I got home from work. He even scrubbed the tub. Impressive.

Okay. It's late...and I'm tired...and it's time for one of life's most fabulous little pleasure...

...my pillow.

Rest and Recovery...

Things have been pretty chill over here at the Jayhawk casa...not a lot of running going down now that the NYC marathon is finito. And truthfully? I'm kind of enjoying not doing all that mileage. I know the lull won't last very long, so I'm savoring it while I can. We've got some swimming going on and I've been trying to take advantage of the yoga studio around the corner, but schedules have been a little bit nutty so I haven't been in a week or so.

Our swim class is almost over as we've got one more session left. Although we've seen so much improvement with this class we may take it again in the future. It's amazing how many different aspects of the stroke you can focus on...it gets a little overwhelming at times and I completely forget to breathe and naturally...panic. But my rhythm is improving and I'm actually starting to get that easy effort swift gliding feel during my freestyle every once in a while. Makes me smile a bit. My endurance in the water has gone to shit though...which is something I need to focus on again in the near future.

Running will pack back up in a week or two. We're planning on running the Turkey Trot 8k on Thanksgiving morning and then I've got the Jingle Bell Run 5k when my mom's in town. I'm hoping to set a PR at one (or maybe both?) of the distances. The Rudolph Ramble 8k is also a possibility on my list as I've wanted to run it the past two years and have not yet had the chance.

I don't think I've really mentioned this on here yet, but in a few days time we'll be on vacation...again. This time we're off to St. Kitts for some sunshine and summer-like weather before the cold winter settles into the city. My sleepy sister Cathy arrives on Friday night and then we're off. Not sure if I'll be doing any checking in (though my NaBloPoMo may have to take a temporary hiatus since I'll be out of the country and all), so I'll simply play it by ear. It'll be a grand time with the family--at least half of the family.

And in other news...we may or may not have put up the Christmas tree tonight. :) I love reminiscing about the different ornaments as I pull them from the box and hang them onto the tree.

Oh...and I think I found the perfect solution for a certain meaningless medal I obtained back on October 7th...

It's totally not worthy of being placed along side my other medals, but I can't stand to throw it out (or sell it on eBay). So why not let a piece of marathon history adorn my Christmas tree?

One day I think I'd like to decorate an entire tree with old race medals...

Picture This...

I was looking through my blog earlier...and apparently I owe you guys photos.

...a lot of photos.

So to make it easier on myself...I'm giving you some slide shows.

Enjoy!!

NYC Marathon Weekend Pictures...


Lakefront 50/50...

These photos do not include Leah's shots from her totally awesome, badass camera.

Chicago Marathon 27th Mile Celebration...


So yeah...I think that brings you up to speed on the photo front!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand...as for yesterday's little drill...congrats to Rae and Leah for hitting it right in the head. We have no idea if we'll even do a full marathon in the Spring. We've got a handful of half mary's on our radar, and some wishful thinking talk of a full, but no decisions made whatsoever.

Three Truths and a Lie.

What's the lie here, campers?

1. We decided which Spring full marathon we are going to run.

2. We bought a pre-lit Christmas Tree.

3. We kissed during the first snow flurry of the season.

4. We saw So You Think You Can Dance? on stage at United Center tonight.

I saw it all...

Today's race has left me nothing but inspired. I saw everything...a handcrank wheelchair athlete tip over...the women's race without a pack already at mile 6...the incredible hulk, superman, a penguin, Larry the Lighthouse, Spongebob and frosty the snowman...a barefoot runner in jeans and a motorcycle helmet...and a new PR by 30+ minutes set by my hubby...

...oh, and maybe, just maybe we also saw Hillary Clinton (or was it Martha Stewart?) escape into a Brooklyn Dunkin Donuts...

It was a beautiful day and I've got lots of photos to share when we return home.

But for now, it's off to spend time with my Aunt and Uncle...and Mr. Marathon PR himself...

Congratulations to everyone out there racing today...it's been fantastic...

Good morning nyc!

DARN YOU, BLOGGER!!!

So...

I just had this long post. About all the drama that's about to throw down in a matter of hours. It was clever...beautiful...funny...everything you'd expect to read...you'd laugh, cry...and think it was better than Cats.

...and now...it's just...gone.

Just like that.

Disappeared into blogland for the cyber gnomes to read.

So.

To summarize all that you've missed...here you go. The abridged version of what I previously titled... "Spring Forward, Fall Back...crock-o-sh...."

In a matter of hours, we shall rise.

To catch the train...

That leaves Westport, CT at 4:19. (We're staying with my Aunt and Uncle about 45 minutes from downtown.)

In the morning. Yes....that's like 6 hours from now or something. I'm not amused.

To catch said 4:19 train...we have to leave the house at 4am.

Meaning we have to wake up at 3:15ish.

Meaning we should've been in bed about 2-3 hours ago.

Brilliant, right?

And let's not forget the fact that WE'RE IN THE EASTERN TIME ZONE PEOPLE. THAT'S STUPID TIME (sorry, Mouse). WE'RE USED TO AN HOUR BEHIND...SO THAT REALLY MEANS WE'RE WAKING UP AT 2:15 TO CATCH THE 3:19 TRAIN.

And don't gimmie any of that "oh it's daylight savings time you get an extra hour of sleep" bull crap. Cause really...daylight savings only counts in these two scenarios:
1) You're at a bar...you've got an extra hour of partying, schmoozing, boozing and flirting. You've got that extra hour to find the future love of your life....or at least love for the night.
and...
2) When you're sleeping in.

Neither of which we are doing. So really...WE DON'T BENEFIT FROM THIS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS CHANGE.

We're screwed!!!!

Good luck to everyone running tomorrow!! I'll be the girl napping on the sidewalk at miles 6, 16 and somewhere in the finish line hullaballoo...assuming we don't oversleep the start!

I'll try and photoblog during the race, so stay tuned, campers...

Hey Jealousy!

So. I may or may not be completely jealous and totally jealous of this guy. I know, I know...yesterday I said was just a teensie bit jealous of him, but that's a big ole fat lie. The more I read about the NY Marathon, the more I want to run it. And the more I want to run it, the more annoyed I am that I never even threw my name in the ring at a chance. Sigh. Such a vicious cycle. I got a kick-me-in-the-ass with brutality uber low-key ultra...and he...well...he gets another world marathon major...a grandeur event...endless bells and whistles and extravagance. Not that I'm discrediting the Lakefront 50/50...cause it was awesome and all...just...well...a different kind of awesome. But I am jealous. And while he knows this, I hope he also understands how super excited I am for him. He's going to run a great race...and cheering from the sidelines is going to be nothing less than a fantastic experience.

So early in the morning we take flight for NY. We're not checking anything and are bringing the bare minimum with us so we can literally get off the plane, hop in a cab, and rush to the expo. Then its an adventure. You see...I'm not a super fan of NY. Honestly? The place scares the bajeebus out of me. I have visions of some big, burly ex-convict named Bubba cornering me in an alley. And I'll probably get lost in the projects...what is it called...Alphabet City? (and the only reason I know that is because I've seen RENT one too many times)...I just hope that the big apple doesn't take a bite out of this sweet, lil' midwestern girl.

And let's not forget what happened the last time I was in NYC...my hotel room door was dead with all my stuff inside of it...at like, 3 in the friggin' morning. Totally awesome.

I figure our biggest challenge, aside from escaping Bubba, is going to be navigating our way through the subway and train system. I made the mistake at looking at my Fodor's NYC subway pocket map...let's just say COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED BOO TIMES CITY 2007. It's so ginormous. And scary. And I am soooo going to find myself in the middle of the wrong 'hood. And Shore Turtle is going to have to come to my rescue and somehow find a way to calm me.

[On a side note...do you know how much this guy rocks? Not only is he meeting me to make sure I don't get killed in NYC when I'm by myself (nevermind the fact he was coming to spectate anyway)...he also managed to find a Dunkin Donuts for me to get breakfast at while waiting for the race to start that's right off my first train stop...seriously campers, the dude rules. If only all of you could be so lucky as to meet him...and I hope you get the honor!]

Okay. There's your daily dose of Barb's irrational drama.

On another note...did you know it's NaBloPoMo? I'm 2 for 2 so far. Not too shabby, eh? Let's see how long I can maintain...

Do you know what time it is?

...it's November 1st.

And that can only mean one thing...

...IT'S CHRISTMASTIME!!!!!!!!

I know, I know, I know...it's only November...

But...

To me...that is the official start of the Christmas season. The most fabulous time of the year! I've already got Accuholiday Radio in full swing at my desk. And before you go talking about turkey day, I've always said that Halloween and Thanksgiving are just obstacles on the road to the most super fabulous holiday ever!!

Last night I actually wrapped some Christmas gifts. On Halloween Night. While watching the Ghosthunters live from the Waverly Sanitorium. I am officially done shopping for Mike with the exception of stocking stuffers. I rule.

And tonight after work...we're going to price some prelit trees. I'm hoping that we can swing it because our current Christmas tree has to be assembled branch by branch...and then you sting the lights...and then the garland...and really it turns into a 10 hour debacle...because the past few years strands of lights that previously light up mysteriously don't once they're on the tree...so then you have to undo the lights...redo them...and so on. Last year Mike had to make a store run to pick up another 7 or 8 strands of lights. It was ridiculous. While I'm all Queen of Jing-A-Ling...I am also big on convenience. So if I can take eliminate half the drama of getting the tree up (i.e. prelit and not having to deal with individual branches) then I am a big proponent of the prelit suckers.

So we leave for NY in a few days. I have to admit I'm a teensie bit jealous that he gets to run the marathon and I don't. But I am really excited to be super-spectator. Shore Turtle and I are hoping to hook up and be super-spectators together. Although I question his ability to handle my overzealous cowbell. :) My right foot is still being problematic with the blistering (I literally don't have skin between two of my toes...awesome) and my knees are a bit sore from Saturday's race...but I'm hopeful that it won't slow me down in the Big Apple. I've mapped out a few locations to cheer from and hopefully won't miss anyone in the mobs of runners...

Best of luck to Mike, Dawn, Eddie and everyone out there racing this weekend!