tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24633784757690841162024-02-18T23:48:56.856-05:00 shots & stitchesJiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-87769436869647325232014-08-17T12:36:00.000-04:002014-08-17T12:36:08.553-04:00BoOk CLuB ReDuX.I love BoOk CLuB. There's nothing like reading a book, getting together to chat, and enjoying food and drinks and friends.<br />
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But the busy-ness of life can easily distract from even the fun things. So earlier this year, I felt like our BoOk CLuB needed a little bit of sprucing up, an overhaul of sorts to ensure that it worked for everybody who wanted it to remain a part of their lives. It's such a fun thing for me, and I didn't want it to get lost in the madness.<br />
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We have friends who have moved over the past few years, and while we've missed them in BoOk CLuB, it's been really cool to have them stay in touch virtually. And of course, over time, we've met new friends who have interest in being involved with a group of reading friends. So the time seemed right to have new friends join us. This has expanded our group, of course, and it's also deepened our conversations. I love this. Don't look now, but we actually sometimes even talk about…the book.<br />
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And speaking of talking about the book, we came up with something else that's been really helpful. It's true that any given month can get crazy, leaving little time to read the book we've chosen. So we decided to have a session at the beginning of our time together where we do nothing but talk about the book. And if somebody hasn't been able to finish the book that month, they simply join us a half-hour later for food, drinks, and catching up. It's worked really well so far!<br />
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We've read some amazing books during this revamp, too. Books that have made me think and laugh. Books that I haven't been able to put down, no matter how tired I've been from all the busy-ness. And books that have even made me shed a tear, possibly two. Really good books.<br />
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We've spent the summer months sitting outside at <a href="http://www.siloatreynolda.com/home.html">Silo</a>, sipping wine or fruity champagne cocktails. I feel so fortunate when my boys carve out time for themselves to have 'Boys Night' while I catch my breath with my friends. It's a luxury, to be sure, but it's become a necessity, too.<br />
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And looking ahead, maybe BoOk CLuB looks like a pot of homemade soup on a chilly fall night. Or a night at the movies to watch one of our books come alive on the screen.<br />
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Whatever it looks like, it's very much alive and well. And I'm all the better for it.JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-11003102742383437392014-08-10T22:43:00.000-04:002014-08-10T22:43:57.835-04:00This life.It's busier than ever, this wonderful life. I'm teaching and practicing and reading and playing and loving. Occasionally traveling, always growing. Surely eating and drinking. Not so often sleeping. But it's worth it. It definitely has a purpose. And it feels good.<br />
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It's fueled by this:<br />
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And inspired by this:<br />
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<br />JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-39828651161023458612013-10-27T23:12:00.002-04:002013-10-27T23:12:30.556-04:00Lured to the Lake.So it kind of happened like this.<br />
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A bunch of guys and a bunch of girls became great friends a long time ago. As far as anyone can tell, they started reshaping each other's lives no later than their high school days. And I think they have plenty of stories they could tell you to back me up on that one. Then away from home they went - to Athens and Blacksburg, to Chapel Hill and Charlottesville, and lots of places in between. The guys soon decided to take a turn as rockstars, and the band called Argus was born.<br />
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Now, just so you know, you're in one of two categories: you've either been to an Argus show already, or you just haven't been to an Argus show <i>yet.</i><br />
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College days and road trips thickened the bonds that were, from all accounts, pretty strong to begin with.<br />
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Then flash forward a few years. Graduations, new jobs, and a serious relationship or two. Pretty soon, this same bunch of guys and girls expanded to include more girls and more guys. And the hits kept coming. Let me be clear - by "hits" I'm referring less to the Billboard charts and more to things like pleather pants. Sigh.<br />
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So it just so happens that I was lucky enough to merge into this wild and crazy bunch when I married the lead guitarist of Argus. It's true that People Magazine and E! Entertainment did not cover the wedding. But it was awesome just the same.<br />
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It took no time at all for me to realize that these friends were now my friends, too. And these are some really cool people. They're the kind of people you're genuinely happy to have your husband call his best friends. I think they helped mold him into the guy he is today, so I usually give them plenty of credit (read: occasional <span style="text-align: center;">blame). Truth be told, I'm so happy my son gets to grow up with people like this in his life.</span><br />
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Speaking of that, what about the adorable Argus kids? First, a beautiful baby girl...then three more mini-rockstars came along in July, August, and September of 2011. If I didn't know better, I'd think the band had a plan. Another sweet girl joined the mix just this past summer with another little one scheduled to arrive next spring...and there are surely more to come.<br />
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So maybe now you can understand how it is that I found myself on the shoreline of Lake Lure, North Carolina, this past weekend. After months of planning, this super group of friends migrated from Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina to convene at a big house on the lake.<br />
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What does a weekend like that look like, you ask? Well, it's hard to say exactly. But if I had to put it into actual words, I would say it looks like road trips in overstuffed Honda Pilots. And chaotic breakfasts with sippy cups and five pots of coffee. Like pumpkin beers in the sunshine overlooking the lake and distant mountains. It looks like paddleboats and open-water rescues. (Don't ask). And hikes and snacks with little kids and big kids. Like board games and puzzles and football. Like burgers on the grill and chili on the stove. It looks like late-night talks by the fire. Like guitars playing and babies singing along (wearing onesies instead of pleather). It looks like the good life. Like lifelong friendships. Like love. And like something you hope you get to do year after year after year. For a really long time.<br />
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<br />JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-53235114952134157412013-10-17T23:58:00.000-04:002013-10-17T23:58:15.028-04:00Run = Cupcake.Early run this morning before heading into a rainy (second cup of coffee) kind of day.<br />
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And I got to cap off an enjoyable Thursday by visiting with my buddies at BoOk CLuB tonight. This is how we roll:<br />
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A little bit of book, a little more wine, and a whole lot of yummy.<br />
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Sure makes that early morning run a little more worthwhile...JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-32559031842060000262013-10-16T20:16:00.000-04:002013-10-17T10:10:22.992-04:00rare treats!Date morning. Warm drinks and delicious pastries from Camino Bakery. Just with my best (big) guy.<br />
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Rare treat indeed.<br />
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JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-67534992402058567432013-01-26T23:58:00.001-05:002013-01-26T23:58:43.269-05:00Living. And Telling About It. So...what if 'Shots & Stitches' were to morph into something more like 'Shorter Shots & Sweeter Stitches?'<br />
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And the reason I ask is because I realize I haven't blogged since, you know, last April. Which was one of three times I blogged all. year. long. Is it that blogging is less important to me now? No. Well, I mean, yes. But no, not exactly. Not completely. <br />
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If you go back to when I first started these writings, I was a PA practicing in orthopedics, reading books, drinking coffee, running races, loving my friends, and hanging out with the coolest guy I know. Flash forward a few blog posts (and years!) later, and I'm a PA practicing in anesthesia while trying to teach other people how cool it is to be a PA, too; still reading books and drinking (more) coffee; running (fewer) races; forever loving my friends (in spite of our crazybusy lives); and now hanging out with the coolest <em>two</em> guys I know. See what I did there? Did you see that?<br />
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I got older. No, wait! That's not it.<br />
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I'm just...living. But without telling about it. And even that's probably not exactly true, if you decide that Facebook and Twitter constitute 'telling about it.' Me personally? I do think that counts for something. But I was thinking that maybe if I let myself 'live and tell about it' in shorter spurts, maybe (just maybe) I'll be able to add a little blogging back into the balance, too.<br />
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So you should consider yourself warned because it's probably gonna look kind of crazy.<br />
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Like mochas meet Legos. Like BoOk CLuB meets New Balance. Like 'Real Simple' magazine meets takeout-Thai. Like Sesame Street meets Downton Abbey.<br />
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Oh, it could <em>so</em> happen. And I hope it does. Because I really want to live and tell about it. JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-13700438981875986202012-04-18T21:36:00.000-04:002012-04-18T21:36:48.768-04:00Heigh-Ho.Back in 2010, I took an epic <a href="http://shotsandstitches.blogspot.com/2010/01/epic-at-epcot.html">journey</a>. And it was pure magic - all 13.1 miles of it. I'd never before experienced anything quite like it, nor can I say I've done anything like it since. After all, how often does it actually <em>snow</em> in Orlando, Florida, on the day of your first half-marathon?! And ever since I crossed the Finish Line at Epcot on that freezing cold January morning, I've been longing to do another Disney race. <br />
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So a couple of 10Ks, a few 5Ks, a half-marathon (for two!), and one sweet baby boy later, I'm going back. As of today, I'm signed up for the 2013 Disney World Half-Marathon...and listen up, Orlando - it's not just one but<em> two</em> Payne sisters toeing the line! <br />
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So bring on the miles and the magic, Mickey Mouse...we're coming back for MORE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgbWQXlrDV4OGUu6VEi6AOlSWY87F9RF9Zr_hz4h2g11l2bpzfn4WnpdBxcYxySuno5kwQtpIfy2fc6iLvbE5TbkV9XgDwrMNakbSIHI-_ha_8QLHMIHwsT-qhwZdn3TeTAqSFoKyqW2l/s1600/WDW20th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgbWQXlrDV4OGUu6VEi6AOlSWY87F9RF9Zr_hz4h2g11l2bpzfn4WnpdBxcYxySuno5kwQtpIfy2fc6iLvbE5TbkV9XgDwrMNakbSIHI-_ha_8QLHMIHwsT-qhwZdn3TeTAqSFoKyqW2l/s320/WDW20th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-7766328986143834692012-04-14T17:34:00.001-04:002012-04-14T17:34:07.949-04:00Spr-ing.Winter was mild. Not only in temperature, but also in the pace of life! And spring, by comparison, promises to be very full and warm. In fact, spring has indeed sprung.<br />
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Sprung what, you may ask? Adventures galore! And a bunch of gerunds, apparently.<br />
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We've been play-ing: Leap Frog and Little Tykes know how to entertain 8 month-old boys. 35 year-old boys, too.<br />
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And travel-ing: Lots of trips to see Meme and Granddaddy in Virginia. And Erich took a whirlwind tour of Washington, DC, a few weeks ago. Our journey to Toronto and back, by way of Cleveland and Pittsburgh, is next on the agenda. Not to mention the beach later this summer and race madness later in the year.<br />
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And cook-ing: Enchiladas and Southwest turkey burgers - we lived to tell of <em>both</em> dinners! Working at getting a few new recipes under my belt. <br />
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And work-ing: Teaching and clinic - most balanced I've felt professionally in a long time. (Read: <em>ever</em>).<br />
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And read-ing: The Hunger Games with the rest of the free world (so, <em>SO</em> good). <em>The Kitchen House</em> and <em>Saving CeeCee Honeycutt</em>, both entertaining reads. Next, a long-overdue date with Henrietta Lacks.<br />
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And (trying to get motivated to do more) runn-ing: I really think I <em>must</em> sign up for a fun race. Maybe two! It's no fun to get back in shape without a dangled carrot. Might need a little magic...<br />
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And imagin-ing: (See below.)<br />
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And plott-ing: (See above.)<br />
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And schem-ing: (You get the idea.)<br />
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And buy-ing: I was surprised to discover the timing was right for a beautiful (nearly) new Honda Pilot to join our family! Her name is Chuck Yeager, Charley for short. This particular Pilot hasn't broken the sound barrier. <em>Yet.</em><br />
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And try-ing: Refer to 'cooking' and 'running,' in particular...<br />
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And (finally!) blogg-ing: What a busy spring so far!<br />
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And lov-ing: These guys. How can you not?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGQlVMVC5oIyvPhxIf8zMgCKOxKYaqzgQJtZN9ffuyEhHHasvM0Ztv3XvWf4Vzm_QAUKDdPgaGlUBGwjtqAUOgfkb3S85Vk7Ux5p-xZeNCdf09ByfPQcTl-epx_WSZBv6VbXW44kV-In7/s1600/667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGQlVMVC5oIyvPhxIf8zMgCKOxKYaqzgQJtZN9ffuyEhHHasvM0Ztv3XvWf4Vzm_QAUKDdPgaGlUBGwjtqAUOgfkb3S85Vk7Ux5p-xZeNCdf09ByfPQcTl-epx_WSZBv6VbXW44kV-In7/s320/667.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-38206763570720931232012-01-16T15:51:00.000-05:002012-01-16T15:51:06.904-05:00To Do.So I'm spending this late-morning/early-afternoon gift of 'me time' doing things I love:<br />
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Drinking coffee and organizing and plotting & scheming.<br />
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It's not as lame as it sounds. (Ok, maybe it is. Wait - that's why they call it '<em>me</em> time,' right? <em>Right?!</em>)<br />
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Anyway, it will come as a surprise to no one that I love to keep a 'To Do' list. And these lists are great reminders of just that - things I need to do. The problem is, there are certain things I put on my 'To Do' list that always get shuffled to the bottom. Other things take priority (and rightly so, most of the time). In other words, these things I <em>need</em> 'To Do' take (necessary) precedence over the things I <em>want</em> 'To Do.' And all too often, the things I <em>want</em> 'To Do' never get 'To Done.' Still with me?<br />
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But every once in a while (if we're lucky), we get a day to catch our breath and take a break from checking all the items off the top of the 'To Do' list and revisit the long-lost items closer to the bottom. Thankfully, in addition to revolutionizing humanity with his dreams of peaceful equality, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has afforded me just such an opportunity today.<br />
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So after our morning routine of oatmeal and playtime and Sesame Street, I sent the boys off on their adventure in the mountains and poured myself another cup of coffee. (What joy and leisure in a second cup of coffee!) And as I took a closer look at my 'To Do' list, organizing my music collection surfaced at the top. For some time now, I've been wanting to shift older CDs over to my iTunes library, creating a central place for all of my music, both new and old. But that sort of thing takes time, you know. And in the world of professional moms, time is a hot commodity! So I decided this late-morning/early-afternoon was the perfect time for just such a task.<br />
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And what a fun task it's been! My collection of music is sort of eclectic, to say the least. It's where Coldplay meets Mindy Smith. Where Josh Groban meets Brandon Heath. Where the Avett Brothers meet Julie Andrews. Where Bon Iver meets Reba McEntire. And where Weezer meets the Muppets. (No, seriously).<br />
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So now that my tunes are all together in one (shining happy) place, I can enjoy my music in the car, in the house, or on the run. It's the little things, really.<br />
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And speaking of being on the run, that's where the plotting & scheming comes in. There are a few winter and spring races tempting me...like <a href="http://www.vifl14k.com/">this one</a>...and <a href="http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/ukrops-monument-avenue-10k">this one</a>...or maybe <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/townebank-8k.htm">this one</a>. Or we could even do <a href="http://www.bridgerun.com/">this one</a> again...so many options! The trick (for me, at least) is that I need some sort of motivation, usually in the form of a race I've registered for, to get me out the door for a run...<em>especially</em> when it's cold outside. So we'll see. The promise of future adventures is thrilling! Now I just need to figure out which one(s)...<br />
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I know, I know.<br />
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Add it to my 'To Do' list.JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-8812139561327975502011-12-23T13:36:00.000-05:002011-12-23T13:36:32.620-05:00Cutting.What a time we've had over the late fall and early winter. It seems there's been quite a bit of working, traveling, jogging, juggling, balancing, grieving, rejoicing...and an awful lot of cutting going on lately.<br />
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<strong>Making the Cut</strong><br />
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Thanks to the generosity of my parents, who agreed to occupy (read: snuggle and spoil!) our son, the Grants and the Bus Crew were able to run one of our favorite winter races a few weekends back. I really do love the Mistletoe 5K! The route winds its way through our own neighborhood, plus it's hard to beat the sights of people running in reindeer antlers and jingle bells. And it was such a clear, cold morning, which makes for great running weather. I'm certainly not all the way back into running shape, but I did manage to beat my own self-imposed time cut, and that felt invigorating as we move toward 2012...<br />
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<strong>Cutting Down the Christmas Tree</strong><br />
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As Fischer grows older, I hope to renew our tradition of heading west and cutting down our Christmas tree at a tree farm along some snowy ridge in the North Carolina mountains. But for the past two seasons (early pregnancy haze in 2010 and infant son logistics in 2011), the very nice guys at Rash's Tree Patch have cut our Christmas tree for us. And this year we bought our first tree as a family of three, you know! The addition of the ornaments and lights has Fischer completely mesmerized...<br />
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<strong>Cutting for Stone</strong><br />
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One of the (many) cool aspects of having a book club is creating new traditions together. Last year, we celebrated the holiday season with a cookie swap (my first!), and it took no time at all to decide we'd love for that delicious tradition to continue. Although this year's cookie swap was put on hold until the New Year, we've already chosen our first new book for 2012, <em>Cutting for Stone</em>. I can hardly wait to start reading...so few things I love more than a good book!<br />
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<strong>Cutting a Tooth</strong><br />
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Two nights ago, Erich and I had the pleasure of hosting <a href="http://www.jaylowe.com/argus.html">Argus</a> (his band) & Co. for a practice in our own living room! Prior to their wonderful show last night with <a href="http://smalltowngossipmusic.com/">Small Town Gossip</a> at the Community Arts Cafe' in Downtown Winston, the guys and their families got together to reminisce with a side of jam. Noisy fun with guitars, singing, laughter, and even babies cooing makes for wonderful memories, especially here at Christmastime. Arabelle was so inspired that she rolled over for the first (and second and third and fourth!) time. Not to be outdone, Fischer cut his first tooth! So surreal to feel that tiny razor-sharp edge along his soft little gumline. Sweet boy...<br />
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<strong>The Deepest Cut</strong><br />
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It's been well over a year since I wrote of my friendship with Starnes and our multi-faceted adventures <a href="http://shotsandstitches.blogspot.com/2010/05/shakeandbake.html">Shaking & Baking</a> together. I quoted Kahlil Gibran back then, and it (of course) remains true: "The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." And so it was with the deepest of sorrow that we sent the beloved Mayor, her father, to his final resting place just over two weeks ago. If you know us at all, you might have guessed that we somehow found each other just before his funeral service to share a wordless fist bump. Which was my way of sending her on to deliver his eulogy, now maybe my favorite oration of all time. I mean, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winston Churchill were <em>pretty</em> good...but they didn't know Charlie Fish. The sorrow, it's really very deep. And so I look forward to all the joy we'll be able to contain in time.<br />
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<strong>Cut (& Paste)</strong><br />
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Lastly, I'm always so inspired by Kristin Armstrong's <a href="http://milemarkers.runnersworld.com/">writing</a>. I've often said that while Lance is kinda fast on a bike (legitimacy to be determined), she is by far my favorite Armstrong. Her words are simple, profound, and (for me) so often right on target. Her Christmas entry this past week was, as usual, a delight for me to read, and so I've decided to share it here, too:<br />
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<em>Some holiday hints from Kristin Claus... </em><br />
<em>Do not count calories. Do not wear a watch. Try doing what other people feel like doing rather than being compelled to always make the plan. Stay in pj's as long as possible each day. Getting coffee, bagels, donuts or tacos in pajamas is not only socially acceptable, it's encouraged. Get down and look at your children when they talk to you. Or if they are getting taller than you these days, look up. Make eye contact. Cook someone's favorite meal. Or cook your favorite and invite people over. Sit by the fire and leave your cell phone in another room. Watch Christmas Vacation. Make pancakes with holiday M&M's in them. Go for a walk if you have a houseful of different ages. Turn all the lights out but the tree and sit there, at least once, late at night and recall what you are grateful for. Try to make peace with (instead of sense of) the things you don't feel as grateful for. It's not a hassle to make a fire in the fireplace, it's an invitation. Pet your dog, especially right behind the ears the way they like it. When you grab your last minute stocking stuffers from the drugstore (admit it, I'll see you there), pick up a couple scarves, socks, or fleece blankets to hand out to homeless people when you drive by – let your kids do the honors and feel warm inside. Think of someone you know (maybe not even very well) who has had a tough year this year and pick up the phone or put pen to paper and wish them a happier new year. Let the kids frost the cookies, trash the kitchen and get high on icing. The people who bug you are in your life for a reason, you may as well love them because they have something to teach you. Don't assume people know you love them, be clear. Make love to your love, you are not allowed to be too tired, busy or grinchy. You are not too old or jaded to believe in magic. </em><br />
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<em>Everything you need is right here – want what you have.</em><br />
<em>~ Kristin Armstrong</em><br />
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<br />JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-24812180298996099182011-09-01T11:38:00.000-04:002011-09-01T11:38:55.998-04:00Fall Start!Sipping coffee this morning, which is both a pleasure and a maternal necessity...it's almost impossible to believe that September is here! <br />
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I love all things autumnal. The hint of a chill in the air, the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, the whistles of football practice, the addition of pumpkin flavoring to my caffeinated indulgences...all of it. <br />
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It's also my favorite time of year to run. I've learned that I don't relish the heat when it comes to running...the colder, the better. And so it is that last night I found myself going for my first post-pregnancy run, Starnes by my side (as it should be). It hurt a <em>little</em> less than I thought it would...and it might have only been two miles...(two miles that conveniently ended up at <a href="http://www.bobsbigsubs.com/">Bob's Big Gas Subs and Pub</a> where they just <em>happened</em> to need two willing girls to partake of the season's first Dogfish Head Punkin Ales). But hey, it's a start! And I suppose that's how I suddenly find myself signed up for the inexplicably longer (?!) <a href="http://twincitytc.org/Default.aspx?tabid=91">Salem Lake Trail Run</a> at the end of this month...<br />
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It's different this year, in all the right ways. Here I sit, coffee still at the ready, but now with my baby boy sleeping soundly in his sling while I blog about running and friends and coffee and living. Definitely an improvement on an already sweet life. <br />
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So this fall brings with it the usual pleasures - college football (starts tonight, holycowyay!) and Pumpkin Spice Lattes (coming Tuesday, holycowyay!) - but new and improved versions of fun, too. The <a href="http://autodropltd.blogspot.com/p/who-is-autodrop.html">Autodrop Invitational</a> launches one month from today...autumnal goodness on a bike. That crazy endeavor comes just one week after the 3rd Non-Annual <a href="http://cityloopmafia.blogspot.com/">City Loop Mafia</a> 100K...always an adventure, firmly anchored by friends and chili and beer and football. And my 10-year college reunion at <span style="color: #38761d;">William</span> & <span style="color: #f1c232;">Mary</span> is right around the corner (Confusion Corner, that is)...I can hardly wait for that special weekend in October with all my friends (and all of our husbands and babies!) in Colonial Williamsburg. And to be sure, we'll end up hiking in the mountains with a baby (and his Bjorn) in tow. Good times!<br />
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And who knows? Maybe another half marathon looms somewhere in the distance...flanked as usual by all kinds of other crazy adventures with all kinds of crazy family and friends...mmm, lovely lovely fall...<br />
JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-74643114152695448122011-08-12T11:36:00.006-04:002011-08-12T11:58:12.519-04:00Beautiful Boy.July 24, 2011. 10:33pm. Fischer Keaton Grant enters the world - all 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 21 inches of him!
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<br />Instant love.
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<br /><div>Beautiful boy.
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<br />JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-53883902433077938692011-06-25T11:24:00.002-04:002011-06-25T11:53:44.405-04:00Nesting and Resting.It's really hard to believe that we're only 32 days away from Baby Boy Grant's due date!<br /><br />In the past few months, we've been so generously showered with love and gifts, set up a fun nursery, and even found time for a little traveling, lots of long walks, and some adventurous <a href="http://battenkillorbust.blogspot.com/">bike races</a>. What a crazy fun life!<br /><br />Time is really flying, too. And while these last few weeks may creep past slowly, the first 36 weeks of this adventure have been a whirlwind. I think the overwhelming fatigue of the first trimester plus the energy boost of the second trimester (which has thankfully carried over into the third trimester!) has resulted in a whole lotta necessary restin' and livin' - but not a lotta bloggin'. Life with our family and friends has happened, too...celebrations for some, heartache for others. And those things are reserved for real life, not the virtual world.<br /><br />BUT. As we transition into this next phase of having a sweet little boy around to make our happy life that much more beautiful, I'm in hopes that we'll continue to share our adventures as we go...<br /><br />For now, we have only one week until the Tour de France makes its Grand Depart from Vendee. Erich and I love this time of year! It's nearly time to hedge our bets on who will take the maillot jaune...the polka dots...the sprint on the Champs...and most importantly, Grant Family bragging rights for another year! And who knows? Maybe we'll be pulling all-nighters with bottles and diapers as Phil and Paul call the action from the Alps or the Pyrenees.<br /><br />Until then, on with the nesting and the resting...JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-10972267559937491852011-02-21T08:12:00.005-05:002011-02-21T08:58:33.296-05:00Motion.Where did the rest of 2010 go?<br /><br />I could have sworn it was right there. And then it was just...<em>gone</em>! The last thing I remember was crossing the Finish Line of the Battleship Half-Marathon with Starnes in early November. Well, that and the Mellow Mushroom pizza and the celebratory Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale that night.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn6yJXeFHJWTbAejj9o9lNEtUALK7mjrOGvo5R7ft0PXzgf6jCoJZIY35EXuMpyuFnLDX1uH7t3ZzbONt2733hPnqRI6nAqiMtphIzZ4iO-pbVPrvXpIyuoKLd04plfM7bExkaBzu0NGS/s1600/battleship+celebration.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576132256588116034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn6yJXeFHJWTbAejj9o9lNEtUALK7mjrOGvo5R7ft0PXzgf6jCoJZIY35EXuMpyuFnLDX1uH7t3ZzbONt2733hPnqRI6nAqiMtphIzZ4iO-pbVPrvXpIyuoKLd04plfM7bExkaBzu0NGS/s200/battleship+celebration.bmp" border="0" /></a> And then the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.vsporthealth.com">V. sport health</a> training camp in the mountains a few weekends later. And coming home and taking a positive pregnancy test. (Wait, WHAT?! <em>Beautiful</em>). And going home to Virginia for Thanksgiving. Before heading to New York City in a daze of decimated appetite and fatigue.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileex1a-lO2-Yfd42Dap6qMDHcMl_L47FjxxMRxbc3lYVBWO-twTntiUPdWzYzvqDoypZaaBHD3PVLerjiSkJLZiLp_tgmZkT-wBwK4t_KaHH50fmdsL-9oSKUAyhyphenhyphencH4gFsMPGXqhbUBJ/s1600/radio+city+girls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576132977561269410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileex1a-lO2-Yfd42Dap6qMDHcMl_L47FjxxMRxbc3lYVBWO-twTntiUPdWzYzvqDoypZaaBHD3PVLerjiSkJLZiLp_tgmZkT-wBwK4t_KaHH50fmdsL-9oSKUAyhyphenhyphencH4gFsMPGXqhbUBJ/s200/radio+city+girls.jpg" border="0" /></a> And then celebrating Christmas with family in North Carolina and Virginia...with more than a foot of snow on the ground! And then ringing in the New Year by walking the Running of the Lights at Tanglewood at midnight with our buddies.<br /><br />And just like that?! It was 2011.<br /><br />Fortunately, Erich has kept me balanced in terms of resting (a.k.a. hibernating) and moving throughout the winter. We've tried to go for walks every other night when possible, even at times bundled in North Face from head to toe. And we'd signed up for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hotchocolate10k.com">Hot Chocolate 10K</a> in Asheville long before we knew I'd be running for two. So I was pleased to be able to run (with plenty of walking) right past the Finish Line and into the Early Girl Eatery for brunch!</p><p>To be sure, the winter has been cold and dark. It's tough going to work when it's dark, coming home when it's dark, and still staying motivated to move. Anywhere. Even from one side of the couch to the other. But it's true what they say - the second trimester is quite different from the first. Other than a bout with a wicked upper respiratory infection, my energy is on the upswing. And just in time for the sun to come out!</p><p>It's a lot more fun to move around outside when the temperature is above the 20's (Fahrenheit). And I find myself even contemplating a 5K or two. And maybe even fantasizing about a 10K in the fall. Hard to imagine not just one but <em>two</em> Grants waiting for me at the Finish Line. But doesn't <em>that</em> sound like something worth getting into motion for...</p><p>And speaking of moving, that's just what the littlest Grant decided to work on this past weekend. Not just moving around, which it's been doing for weeks now...but moving so that <em>we</em> can feel it. From the outside world. Absolutely surreal! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi_6uQZBA2RUbQMqvHA9rvzIgaDnzg605D4nDYDelDUnLAXHR4TKboH5cMWTmQL97G_U0vDm1igr-p51Y8Wv-BqWfJtHoALeaPc9FVhbjfd21FM2-13HUQ2Qb5ruSPn0q4IIhLwRZmvLn/s1600/Side%252520view%252520of%252520head%252520and%252520face%255B1%255D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576139481907722098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi_6uQZBA2RUbQMqvHA9rvzIgaDnzg605D4nDYDelDUnLAXHR4TKboH5cMWTmQL97G_U0vDm1igr-p51Y8Wv-BqWfJtHoALeaPc9FVhbjfd21FM2-13HUQ2Qb5ruSPn0q4IIhLwRZmvLn/s200/Side%252520view%252520of%252520head%252520and%252520face%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" /></a>So Erich is training full-force for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.battenkillorbust.blogspot.com">Battenkill</a>. And I'm quickly moving out of hibernation mode back into the real (much faster-moving) world. And the tiniest Grant is...well, just completely on the move!</p><p>The moral of the story? Rest is wonderful. Priceless. Essential. (And something to be treasured dearly, from what everyone tells us)! </p><p>But motion is a beautiful thing, too...<br /></p>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-55015308669041800922010-11-04T12:26:00.011-04:002010-11-04T18:30:45.421-04:00Change.The last two months have brought with them a little bit of everything. Travel. Adventure. Tears. Laughter. Questions. Answers. And Change.<br /><br />My last post detailed my issues with which (if any) half-marathon to choose for the fall/winter season this year...which was a real, credible dilemma at the time (one I've since resolved - but more on that later). The next weekend was spent hanging out in Winston with my college buddy, Shelly, while Erich and Barry headed to the Empire State for a Battenkill <a href="http://battenkillorbust.blogspot.com/2010/09/were-back.html">adventure</a>. Good times! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DxAimleetEGiAWmopZH7JbS6IojdiEK79brnml55XYtCp-6aaryV30CB0jIxZMxuQzkZ_HrkI4qTd_SXkEu3WqvJ_gCA2GId5Et13JkkmywH_n_VWbO0QgmDD7H2EgDjaB7lxG1J21KE/s1600/cervelo"><br /><p></a></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535740548195814546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DxAimleetEGiAWmopZH7JbS6IojdiEK79brnml55XYtCp-6aaryV30CB0jIxZMxuQzkZ_HrkI4qTd_SXkEu3WqvJ_gCA2GId5Et13JkkmywH_n_VWbO0QgmDD7H2EgDjaB7lxG1J21KE/s200/cervelo" /> After a great book club with the girls, complete with delicious food and wine (and the occasional mention of a book for good measure), September took a really different turn on its usual road to autumnal happiness. The inexplicable losses of two of our friends' fathers in the span of just 9 days changed, well...everything, really. Plans. Perspectives. Just...everything.<br /><br />In between two funerals, Amy and I tackled one of our favorite races, the Salem Lake 10K. We weren't really planning to do that race at all. And we certainly weren't really trained for it. But it just didn't matter. That particular trip around the lake was about something very different from heart rates and split times. And it might have been our slowest - and best - one yet.<br /><br />I celebrated my 31st birthday with a few of my favorite Canadians. Bonding with Janet's beautiful new daughter reaffirmed two things I already knew: 1.) She's a tiny kindred spirit. And 2.) I should probably give up having a kid before I even start because I'm pretty sure I can never make one<em> that</em> cute. It's so odd and wonderful to watch one of my best friends be a mother. It's like...we're growing up and stuff. So, so much love. And way too little time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G5YVYaHVFHZISAT1V0-mJCjZFxmUVB8c-Ku0pecw1KhG0fDLvh0vgB6iDI9ZZaef1JHi8KLQFj8B2S25MOjuPFKi9vTgfKoC8fHu-qYFLKzTyurCppdJKzqXJp9zCr0v1SZqDMSasgOf/s1600/syd.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535746278710537266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G5YVYaHVFHZISAT1V0-mJCjZFxmUVB8c-Ku0pecw1KhG0fDLvh0vgB6iDI9ZZaef1JHi8KLQFj8B2S25MOjuPFKi9vTgfKoC8fHu-qYFLKzTyurCppdJKzqXJp9zCr0v1SZqDMSasgOf/s200/syd.jpg" /></a> In the middle of the Canadian invasion, we also hosted a party for the <a href="http://cityloopmafia.blogspot.com/">City Loop Mafia </a>following their (non) annual 100K. Pedaling their way through The Dash as the leaves are just starting to turn...and then gathering together with mafiosa family and friends for chili, beer, and college football...that's a tradition I hope we hold on to for a long time to come.<br /><br />And then in between clinics and Erich's trip to Baltimore to present his latest research, we made time for a deep-fried Reese's Cup at the Dixie Classic Fair. And a winter weather prediction at the Woolly Worm Festival...followed immediately by Brunswick Stew and homemade apple butter at the Valle Country Fair. And what fall season would be complete without a trip to Colonial Williamsburg for a walk down Duke of Gloucester Street and a little Tribe football action? Long story short, I met the Griffin; the Tribe sealed their 1-point victory in the final 30 seconds; and going back home again never really gets old.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9WIYCmENzMEAf0ftcmTzNiNhnR7R094V0AkbkmwxOFc-v13ViVCf7x2hxi20lqusVoqhQOkBd9vMGIx5z5cSrJbUCWqsZybcfEBwh80ZZat8cCSwveljSP1Mz6ikJe4YtPfr98NBRStn/s1600/homesweethome.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535752196466279042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9WIYCmENzMEAf0ftcmTzNiNhnR7R094V0AkbkmwxOFc-v13ViVCf7x2hxi20lqusVoqhQOkBd9vMGIx5z5cSrJbUCWqsZybcfEBwh80ZZat8cCSwveljSP1Mz6ikJe4YtPfr98NBRStn/s200/homesweethome.jpg" /></a></p><p>So now it's...now. A few days status-post Halloween party (Flo the Progressive Insurance Girl + Iceman from Top Gun = 4ever). And just a day and a half of clinic left to round out the week. Then Starnes and I take off on Saturday for a girls-only road trip to Wilmington. She committed to the Battleship Half Marathon long ago. Before the fall got so chilly. And so hard. While I'm certainly not trained up for a half-marathon, I've decided to tackle it with her, allowing for plenty of walking. And soreness. And hard-earned fun! In true half-marathon fashion, I've summoned the winter to join us. So the forecast low of 35 degrees on Sunday morning (in<em> Wilmington!</em>) should really surprise no one. If you think about it, that's actually quite balmy compared to 31 degrees with freezing rain and snow in Orlando for my first half-marathon. Seriously?! <em>Seriously</em>.<br /><br />Even today as I write this, the rain has been falling, and there's a noticeable drop in the temperature. The leaves, once brilliant orange and red and gold, now letting go of their branches and drifting to the ground. The pattern of living in this particular fall season has felt something like that to me, I think. So many experiences, both happy and sad. Beautiful, vivid colors...and letting go. Some things have changed forever...precious new life and deep, painful loss. Other things have changed just for now, much like the trees. And then there are those few, invaluable things that never change...like unseasonably wintry half-marathons. And friendship. And love. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535818479456094818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyHyK90x-aOwnAvn7rhyphenhyphenKFmTyJGJ49OQ6KNSoqxYcXK2biUvLdT2mYhn6_DaknIXZsd5suzZhkprp2ruS-qr26EgJe7JY0SJpqpywah0O7VWZ4j9-sKIgsgoUMqF4F80PGF7f-LXX7-YC/s200/043.JPG" />JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-82160627009525408162010-08-29T16:29:00.010-04:002010-08-29T17:27:49.379-04:00A Pastry and a Quandary.So I sat on the front porch this morning with my husband, sipping Mello Velo coffee and munching on cinnamon rolls. Beautiful way to relax on a weekend morning. We talked about his upcoming trip to New York to recon the Battenkill route for April 2011...talked about his <a href="http://battenkillorbust.blogspot.com/2010/08/dish-best-served-cold.html">slaughter</a> of the Tour de Gaps...talked about a screen door for our front porch...and talked about how sore I am from my measly 2.3 mile run yesterday. All of this, of course, just adds to my dilemma over whether (and where. and when.) to do another half-marathon.<br /><br />For the record, I think it's totally reasonable to hash out the pros and cons of doing another half-marathon over a cinnamon roll.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzraF7XfGtjJK0xISFuYtcBOAjGuxQYX4RgOqQKAi0NUAcnuMrOa9xI99_ofs0fWRTiNt46CPrRuv4tTW7Wae-fiahGPqXHpSnxsSG5aFvvw82k8TSDJUhxutkbWK_eEyUzsVPqvYKSoD_/s1600/cinnamon+roll.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510933920324931730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzraF7XfGtjJK0xISFuYtcBOAjGuxQYX4RgOqQKAi0NUAcnuMrOa9xI99_ofs0fWRTiNt46CPrRuv4tTW7Wae-fiahGPqXHpSnxsSG5aFvvw82k8TSDJUhxutkbWK_eEyUzsVPqvYKSoD_/s200/cinnamon+roll.jpg" /></a>My dilemma is this: there are plenty of half-marathons out there, some close to home and others far away. Some flat, some hilly. Some in the warm temperatures, others where it's cold. But it's a daunting process to train for months at a time. No matter what. So I find myself agonizing over which one to choose, thinking that will somehow make it all easier. I know - that sounds crazy, even as I type it!<br /><p>One race that has lots of potential is the <a href="http://www.battleshiphalfmarathon.active.com/site3.aspx">Battleship Half</a> on November 7, 2010. Wilmington is beautiful and flat, and now my buddy Starnes has signed up for this race, her first half. So I'm awfully tempted to sign up, too. My main hesitation is that a.) it's on a Sunday (no rest for the weary) and b.) November is <em>soon</em>! Still, it remains near the top of the list...mostly because Starnes and I look like this when we run together:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UQhRF0dhyphenhyphenZ0xMNc46biT4yXy4g7mvqrkLgpzTMrth0WCUlipZUcITmBxyoIzehOPPpetbZuWLmAQokneiYUQ27uXfAaPLmt34vp9IhbdXKZy9sFbmW8w5d3bPS6HTUJ7AO-JOQplvES3/s1600/shake+and+bake.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510939687228625362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UQhRF0dhyphenhyphenZ0xMNc46biT4yXy4g7mvqrkLgpzTMrth0WCUlipZUcITmBxyoIzehOPPpetbZuWLmAQokneiYUQ27uXfAaPLmt34vp9IhbdXKZy9sFbmW8w5d3bPS6HTUJ7AO-JOQplvES3/s200/shake+and+bake.bmp" /></a> You're scared now, right? Yeah, well...ummm...you should be. </p><p>And then, of course, there's <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/endurance/wdw-marathon/index?page=walt-disney-world-half-marathon">Disney</a>. Ahhh, good ol' Disney. With snow and sleet and freezing rain, Disney was so very good to me the first time around. Crazy, epic adventure - start to finish. And part of me really, <em>REALLY</em> wants to do it again. Shelly and I had an amazing time, and I sort of find myself wanting to relive it all. But Florida's certainly not as close as Wilmington. And Orlando could be 85 degrees come next January (you never know). Then again, Wilmington doesn't have Donald Duck waiting for me at the Finish Line... </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinargvcDs-cMSIkR7FgDaUFaiAYbcgMV8SXooaATrRnak-ZTVRlapEnAdkkbXVpX8J0F0KNwJvKS3xziLl8Y989s5cYEwjRZo0ZBgiYQt3rhXfr7fg0viFY2sCWBgtku_5rsVsItQk6gca/s1600/Disney+Finish.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510940626516823490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinargvcDs-cMSIkR7FgDaUFaiAYbcgMV8SXooaATrRnak-ZTVRlapEnAdkkbXVpX8J0F0KNwJvKS3xziLl8Y989s5cYEwjRZo0ZBgiYQt3rhXfr7fg0viFY2sCWBgtku_5rsVsItQk6gca/s200/Disney+Finish.bmp" /></a> See what I mean? Dilemma! I'm really not sure I can decide. Seriously. <p>I think the whole point is that a half-marathon still intimidates me. So I want the perfect scenario so I can try it again...and I keep thinking that if I pick exactly the right race, that will somehow make it less, well...scary. </p><p>Hey, in other news, football season is upon us. Maybe I don't do either race, but sit on the couch and watch College GameDay for four straight months instead?! Possibly the best solution so far.</p><p>Somebody help?</p>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-73954079248538706922010-08-16T13:39:00.005-04:002010-08-16T20:15:27.059-04:00V. sport health!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t36DX62Hin6Jk3gMur_LZgb4a0qprucRSG45dKDp3RdV-e7mSfRDi_IMeUr2I_FOhHnEjSTgBlIVjmgueEOY4HvGFWKnQjU1K99fkFBjFytyuEwgetaNff3k3e7iKMeQMsaAPvnAMe2E/s1600/V.+sport+health+Icon.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506064318090004546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t36DX62Hin6Jk3gMur_LZgb4a0qprucRSG45dKDp3RdV-e7mSfRDi_IMeUr2I_FOhHnEjSTgBlIVjmgueEOY4HvGFWKnQjU1K99fkFBjFytyuEwgetaNff3k3e7iKMeQMsaAPvnAMe2E/s200/V.+sport+health+Icon.JPG" /></a><br /><div>After lots of talking and plotting and scheming, <a href="http://www.vsporthealth.com/"><span style="color:#666666;">V. sport health</span></a> seems to have come to life!</div><br /><div></div><div>It's a new adventure for us - training plans, nutrition guidance, medical coverage - lots of work and hopefully a <em>ton</em> of fun. </div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Follow along on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/vsporthealth"><span style="color:#00cccc;">Twitter</span></a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Winston-Salem-NC/V-sport-health/140289509336483?ref=ts&__a=10&ajaxpipe=1"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Facebook</span></a>!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />The idea is to Play Hard. Eat Well. Be Happy.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Simple enough, right?!</div><div></div><div></div>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-49782757607202616912010-07-23T12:41:00.010-04:002010-07-23T14:51:16.497-04:00Le Tour de Vie.Ever since the 3rd day of July, Erich and I have been faithfully watching the Tour de France, almost as if it were our job. And, to be perfectly honest, we've watched at times <em>instead</em> of actually doing our real jobs. But if the peloton is under the <span style="color:#ff0000;">flamme rouge</span> with 1K to go...and the patient is waiting in the exam room (very comfortably, I might add)...another 90 seconds surely couldn't hurt, right?!<br /><br />This race is impossible to watch without feeling all sorts of various emotions throughout the three-week journey. Anticipation before the start of the Prologue gives way to heart-pounding excitement as the first stages get underway, complete with nervous crashes and photo finishes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts_6ARyXYU0ycrGIGiH5w1W-YFj2hJKn6htlnCuywjAuK3MHzAPg1zVZhtkqmStlZ3u272s0c3Xx443jUtp8Hq_UyCw3XlDSqXQ74cPDpqRHE6D8q4g5IW8_xjLHQ0Ag8_Q2OymHi9fCT/s1600/cobbles.jpg"><br /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497154515236803762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts_6ARyXYU0ycrGIGiH5w1W-YFj2hJKn6htlnCuywjAuK3MHzAPg1zVZhtkqmStlZ3u272s0c3Xx443jUtp8Hq_UyCw3XlDSqXQ74cPDpqRHE6D8q4g5IW8_xjLHQ0Ag8_Q2OymHi9fCT/s200/cobbles.jpg" border="0" />This year's cobblestone stage added a whole layer of complexity, certainly for the cyclists, but also for the fans. On that day, the race was already over for many - and the foothills of the mountains had not yet come into view. Of course, there's always sympathy for those who are injured or ill, forced to retire from the race long before Paris. And then as the riders climb the tallest mountains in the Alps and the Pyrenees, the strategy and suspense build dramatically.<br /><br />In addition to all of my usual thrills from watching Le Tour, I added frustration and a touch of anger to my repertoire of emotions this year. A very questionable attack at a pivotal moment left the subsequent race leader, Alberto Contador, in the yellow jersey...and in the hot seat. My blog can be anything I want it to be, but a forum for the discussion of cycling ethics it ain't! At least not for today. That aside, suffice it to say I felt strongly about the outcome, and it will be talked about with other Tour lore for a long, long time to come. Rightly so.<br /><br />What I'm left with as the race quickly approaches its grand finale in the City of Love is a deep appreciation for the beauty of the French countryside, as well as for the sport of cycling itself. And I was thinking lately how this race is really a pretty good analogy for life. That probably sounds cheesy, but hear me out.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497155012182338162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllK0Cttn9xOpcioHp9gG1GisiHP5eBwkiA6OHUX7g6fe9asbXee-_bdGdThJU7kAMOMa8cZhcDUCv1jxjydzN6GL_UgckYx3ssP-meCZMms6UGvBv5T74CKeAaptHD67hB68joRwc_Rb8/s200/sunflowers2.bmp" border="0" />There are the easy days, right? Super flat road ahead, beautiful scenery, no hills to climb, wind in your hair, feeling 'no chain.'<br /><p>There are lessons, many of them hard to learn. That cheating gets you nowhere, not really. That the guy in front of you owns you. And that turnabout is fair play. <em>Always.</em></p><p>And there are days with a seemingly interminable climb before you, where the finish line is impossible to see. And maybe just when you think the end is in sight, you encounter a switchback, completely changing your direction and forcing you to 'grab another gear,' just to hang on. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3Osx-Gmr_JC1UMayHIBMq1-zlg8f77Cz26GZKzEjTpW2YLdOpX9s72oH-PFZC9ZNcNRtFvGyfA2NZfsJYqhGpb6m0G6_bFK-UoBx2oBLxfFngepfBLdXWfMkJNYVP6rhILmYNrc3ROrU/s1600/mountain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497157535425201202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3Osx-Gmr_JC1UMayHIBMq1-zlg8f77Cz26GZKzEjTpW2YLdOpX9s72oH-PFZC9ZNcNRtFvGyfA2NZfsJYqhGpb6m0G6_bFK-UoBx2oBLxfFngepfBLdXWfMkJNYVP6rhILmYNrc3ROrU/s200/mountain.jpg" border="0" /></a>And then there's everything in between. Where, truth be told, most of us probably spend the vast majority of our time. Nothing that seems insurmountable...yet nothing without some sort of little wrinkle, just to keep us from becoming too complacent. And I suppose you have to have a little bit of everything - the easy and beautiful, the epic and hard - even the occasional crash - just to remind you that you're alive and serving a purpose. All the time soldiering on toward the Finish Line of a job well-done. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTPJDqZGOzPFJZWwQKQMZA4B8QrJ5QAHx9jn2mD-t62K6qlo-i847W37NdHEuPTbJUpLvq_-vmswCNqcjR6Vm7aq73erDaLptoEYEyRx7CFjRU9eCDfC8Dz8jGY2OsYajtWshxkbUxKub/s1600/Eiffel_Tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497161264309300770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTPJDqZGOzPFJZWwQKQMZA4B8QrJ5QAHx9jn2mD-t62K6qlo-i847W37NdHEuPTbJUpLvq_-vmswCNqcjR6Vm7aq73erDaLptoEYEyRx7CFjRU9eCDfC8Dz8jGY2OsYajtWshxkbUxKub/s200/Eiffel_Tower.jpg" border="0" /></a> So as the peloton charges over the line on the Champs Elysees this Sunday, I will surely miss the race, the drama, the views, and the beloved old Brits. But this year's Tour de France has brought with its usual suspense and thrills a stark reminder that perseverance is worthwhile; that honor outweighs a trophy; and the time-honored truth that in the end, the good guy always, always wins.</p><p>Maybe my favorite lesson from this year's race has been the subtle illustration of how things can change so quickly, even on what would seem to be the most routine of days. A flat tire here, a clipped pedal there - and the race changes, for good. So what I take away from it all is that it's probably best to live every day with eyes wide open - not only to avoid the cracked cobbles and the oil slicks and the dropped chains - but also to keep from missing the breathtaking vistas and the fields of sunflowers all around you. </p><p>Maybe Diane Ackerman said it best: "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." </p><p>Vive le Tour! And Vive la Vie...<br /></p>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-24228543722330759692010-06-24T22:04:00.003-04:002010-06-24T22:37:25.460-04:00Everything and Nothing!You know that thing where you look at your life and you think you're way too busy...but then you try to figure out what exactly it is that makes you way too busy - and you come up empty? Except you know that can't be true because you always feel busy?! Right. So that's how I feel lately! I haven't even blogged about it all, which I really like to do. But I can't say for sure why that is...except that it's because I've been busy...but I'm not even sure just what it is that I've been busy doing! See what I mean?<br /><br />Maybe recounting the past few weeks in bullet-points will help...<br /><br />On Memorial Day weekend, Erich, Amy, Aliza, and I worked on medical coverage for a bicycle race in High Point, North Carolina. A weekend filled end-to-end with adventure, complete with a guy who fractured the greater trochanter of his femur in a bike crash...and capped off with the birth of Baby Sydney, the beautiful daughter of my all-time favorite Canadians.<br /><br />Then we traveled to Boone the next weekend for an overnight stay in the mountains before E's bike race at Roan Mountain. Gorgeous views - perfect getaway. We cooked out with the Bus Crew later that night when we got home (after the obligatory huge nap)...nothing quite like sitting on a patio with good friends in the summertime...<br /><br />We visited my family in Virginia the weekend before Father's Day, which was nice and relaxing. Dad and Erich went for a spin on their bikes before meeting up with the rest of the family for lunch at my grandparents' house...followed closely by the USA v. England World Cup soccer match...and then a delicious cookout with Mom and Dad Saturday night before driving back early Sunday afternoon in a classic summer thunderstorm. Good times!<br /><br />Oh, and right in the middle of all of our weekend trips, Starnes and I launched into our next training plan. I guess I thought the only thing crazier than doing a half-marathon at Disney World would be to sign up for a <em>second</em> half-marathon at Disney World. That's the idea, at least...and it's the carrot I'm dangling to make myself get out in all this heat and humidity and put one foot in front of the other...in slightly faster succession than a walking pace (I mean, for some people). At least it feels good (well, sometimes awful) to be back out there again!<br /><br />And then there was Argus. The band gathered in The Dash this past weekend for an acoustic show at Krankies Coffee Shop. The most fun for us, really, because we had so many of our friends gathered in one place (our home!) for a ton of fun. After suffering through the Clemmons Rotary 5K early Saturday morning, I was ready to hang out at our house for the band's rehearsal (a.k.a. cookout and jam session) prior to the show later that night. And I have to say - the show was awesome! To be sure, I must have a built-in bias. But there were plenty of people there to show their love, and the guys returned the favor by offering up some great music. Our Sunday was mostly about rest and recovery before heading into yet another busy week...<br /><br />And the madness continues. Erich and I have tossed around the idea of backpacking and camping this coming weekend. Though admittedly, hanging out at our house and just catching our breath would totally suffice, too. I guess time will tell!<br /><br />Always, always, always an adventure on the horizon...JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-62793846377470104482010-05-25T19:56:00.004-04:002010-05-25T21:13:14.781-04:00Mochas & Schemes.The last few weeks have been blissfully quiet. Nothing too pressing, just the everyday routine of working in clinic, hanging out with friends, and making the world go 'round.<br /><br />Our book club met this past Thursday night, which is always a ton of fun. We discussed our latest book, <em>Apologize, Apologize, </em>and caught up on each other's lives over some brie and some fondue and some Riesling. Ahhh, just as it should be...<br /><br />So this past Saturday morning, I woke up early-ish (for a Saturday, I mean) to meet up with my buddy, Starnes, for some girl time. We originally tossed around the idea of going for a run, but with the sky threatening and the coffee brewing, we elected to head straight for Starbucks instead. Naturally.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADiVyTVXmonurSdqSmEO1Uc84y_6dIKy37Qgrt9xGMz5xcf0s7KXtjtWsr5lSJ2fMuk3-yXcKWmgJsFMPVhTDU4vBNKb727s0-8BOuYqVFm8YA1QBzkpkn3gquIj0VLMK3sqRPcRNNdiW/s1600/mochas+and+schemes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475376650392136866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADiVyTVXmonurSdqSmEO1Uc84y_6dIKy37Qgrt9xGMz5xcf0s7KXtjtWsr5lSJ2fMuk3-yXcKWmgJsFMPVhTDU4vBNKb727s0-8BOuYqVFm8YA1QBzkpkn3gquIj0VLMK3sqRPcRNNdiW/s200/mochas+and+schemes.jpg" /></a>The morning was quiet, for whatever reason. We had our laptops open, and Sarah McLachlan's Greatest Hits album was playing in the background. It wasn't too long before the cloudy skies opened up. But we were so happy to catch up and hang out together that the rain just sort of added to a super-cool, much-needed morning. And so it was, over a caramel latte and a white chocolate mocha, that we started to plot and scheme.<br /><br />Some small plans, you know. And some bigger plans. Even some of our biggest plans yet. Medical coverage for bike races. Maybe a half-marathon somewhere down the road. Lots of travel ideas - some well within reach, some a little more like a fantasy (yet). But I can tell you this - our Google Calendars (and our hearts) were completely full by the time we packed up.<br /><br />A mocha or two, a few plots and schemes, and a little more Shake.and.Bake. Look out, World!JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-5745677350389660162010-05-10T18:58:00.011-04:002011-12-22T15:47:29.150-05:00Shake.and.Bake.It all started with a letter.<br />
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In 2003, upon my acceptance to the Physician Assistant Program at Wake Forest, I received a letter from the President of the Class of 2004. Contained within was my official welcome to PA School, as well as the assignment of my big sister, or the mentor from the class ahead of me who would guide me through my first year. I couldn't have known it at the time, of course, but that class president would later become my husband. And the big sister he assigned to me all those years ago? She became my best friend.<br />
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Last week, as I prepared to stand beside her as her Matron of Honor, I searched through some of our old cards and photos. I even found the first e-mail she ever wrote to me, introducing herself as my big sister. Dated 04/14/03. I can't even believe I still have it in my Inbox, but there it was. And it's no secret to anyone - especially her - that she was possibly the worst big sister. <em>Ever</em>. Like, in the history of Wake Forest. Busy with the challenges of adjusting to PA School (for me) and surviving clinical rotations (for her), we almost never saw each other. I didn't know it at the time, but she was also grieving the loss of her precious sister-in-law, who had suddenly passed away only two months before I arrived at school.<br />
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But there's always a greater plan at work. And I'm not sure there's ever been a more powerful illustration of that in my life than during those early days at Wake. Because while my big sister was sorting through her life changes, another mentor stepped in - and much later, when the time was right, I even fell in love with him! As that relationship evolved, so, too, did my career. After graduation, I began working at an orthopedic practice in Winston-Salem. As fate would have it, my big sister was working there, too.<br />
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And that's when the magic started.<br />
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Our friendship blossomed quickly. She brought me something in my life I had never had before. And to this day, if you ask me what it is, I'm not even sure I can tell you. What I do know is that for as long as I live, I hope I'm never, ever without it.<br />
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We commonly refer to each other by our last (maiden) names. Payne and Starnes...or, more accurately, Payne&Starnes. Just one word.<br />
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I somehow tricked her into signing up for her first 5K back in early 2006. And to this day, I blame her exclusively for making me do my first triathlon. I can still remember that chilly fall morning before the Angels Race. We were so far beyond nervous, it was ridiculous. In the tradition of that race, you have your race number marked down one arm and the name of someone you race in memory or in honor of down your other arm. She raced in memory of Jenny, her late sister-in-law. But standing there in line behind her, I decided to have something altogether different written down my arm.<br />
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If you've seen the movie 'Talladega Nights,' then you know that Ricky Bobby and his best buddy, Cal, always give each other a fist bump before the start of any race and say "Shake and Bake." Earlier that summer, when the movie first came out, Starnes and I decided we'd snag that slogan for our friendship, too. We'd used it over and over so much that I suddenly knew exactly what I needed the volunteer to write on my arm to serve as my inspiration on the morning of that first triathlon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkwb3TuS5Zm3XJuP-H6r0e0L1crToE0D5R3iz23sgukDgsq1A_orEsgJ03n500ZdqvPGRjc9sAGhqCP7LBwLEKfuo_fxqfdMBMsZL20BRR2r6nLUChh2unpgCRAkq_Guy65bx13776sYh/s1600/n503645345_4477633_3597.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469800993614373426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkwb3TuS5Zm3XJuP-H6r0e0L1crToE0D5R3iz23sgukDgsq1A_orEsgJ03n500ZdqvPGRjc9sAGhqCP7LBwLEKfuo_fxqfdMBMsZL20BRR2r6nLUChh2unpgCRAkq_Guy65bx13776sYh/s200/n503645345_4477633_3597.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a> So while I joke about blaming Starnes for making me do that first race, the truth is, I've been grateful ever since. We've now done so many races together that it's become one of the (many) signatures of our friendship. And maybe with the exception of a Baby Grant and a Baby Bus down the road, I'm pretty sure we won't slow down any time soon.<br />
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We've also traveled together a bunch - both with our guys and on the greatest girls' trip in the history of the world (so far). Our trip to New York City in 2007 was something I won't ever forget. Holiday lights, the tree at Rockefeller Plaza, a shopping bag from Tiffany's, and a peppermint white mocha every fourth block. And if you add that to Max Brenner's Chocolate Factory, the giant piano at FAO Schwartz, and pomegranate margaritas from Rosa Mexicano, all set to 'The Music of the Night,' then you have one of the greatest trips ever taken. Period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJlgCADiZwc5wAagKO6P_5lB5Hra9qe9sl6_cmPgx8FGrtuHsFtWQib203Aja2VJD3tmrZ330pMCUslZLtMj_opKzxXBvgCqDBHB9YF2sEJRaOVtOb6xMCwdzwiJuwIHNle4y75zLoRe/s1600/n503645345_4474139_2808.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469807807529293490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJlgCADiZwc5wAagKO6P_5lB5Hra9qe9sl6_cmPgx8FGrtuHsFtWQib203Aja2VJD3tmrZ330pMCUslZLtMj_opKzxXBvgCqDBHB9YF2sEJRaOVtOb6xMCwdzwiJuwIHNle4y75zLoRe/s200/n503645345_4474139_2808.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a> Later that spring, I asked Starnes to stand with me as I married <em>my</em> Erich...the greatest day ever. And if you can believe it, I totally kept the secret when <em>her</em> Erik proposed to her the following spring until she could tell family and friends in person. And so life was really sweet. Crazy jobs and Starbucks dates and swim-bike-run...with a kindred spirit by your side, laissez les bons temps rouler.<br />
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But it doesn't take much living of life to know that a good friendship - I mean, the <em>really</em> good kind - needs to have its hard times, too. That's how you know it's made of the right stuff. Or as Kahlil Gibran (much more eloquently) put it, "How else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain."<br />
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So last summer, on the 4th of July, I knew immediately when my mom handed me the phone that something just wasn't right. My parents and sister had come down from Virginia and New York, respectively, to visit us for the holiday. Starnes had left our house with Bus, her fiance', not two hours earlier on their way to dinner. So I had no idea why she was calling me...I just knew when I heard her voice that it wasn't for any good reason at all. The few words she could speak clued me in that her brother and Bus' father had been critically injured in a horrible accident. What followed was, I think, the longest, scariest night of our lives.<br />
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You learn a lot about somebody when you see them in that kind of pain. And you learn a lot about yourself when there's not one thing you can do to fix it. We spent that whole long first night shoulder-to-shoulder in the ICU waiting room. And when it finally became clear that recovery was possible at the end of a long road, I learned that it's totally possible to love somebody so much more than you already did. <br />
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This past fall, I watched from the edge of the pool, the side of the road, and the end of the trail as Starnes did the Angels Race again, this time in honor of her brother. It was the first time he'd ever seen her race. As she approached the Finish Line to the sound of him ringing a cowbell and cheering her on...well, let's just say it made waking up early on a weekend morning <em>way</em> more than worthwhile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdYirGWUIhlSrCcHSXGpAPO67VzQeOJhOsRErI0ZRMyDve5gUudXLXRJGToY_wZRftIhKUwtUz3wngVWXrWWNYQ1CQc_XjG0oRwLGLWtiKntTERXSLj5JCuvMtERDylFnMlu5WuR1CO-A/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469817408130600050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdYirGWUIhlSrCcHSXGpAPO67VzQeOJhOsRErI0ZRMyDve5gUudXLXRJGToY_wZRftIhKUwtUz3wngVWXrWWNYQ1CQc_XjG0oRwLGLWtiKntTERXSLj5JCuvMtERDylFnMlu5WuR1CO-A/s200/untitled.bmp" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a> And so, this past Saturday, we came to her wedding day. My anxiety over somehow summarizing in a toast what it all means to me was outweighed only by the very deep honor I felt to stand beside her. We spent the early part of the day getting ready, and in addition to the countless other emotions, I couldn't help but feel really, really lucky. Because it's not every day that you find yourself sitting on the edge of a bathtub, drinking a celebratory mimosa, and watching your best buddy put on her (waterproof) mascara before heading off to the church. It was, in the very best way, such a privilege to be there in that moment. And I felt a nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRenBpRtR4y7tMZNjFOvaKlY3IWcr4mC8Zjqq8k5QV7K3J3C9Q_mH2a1r2dincsx6gW5zTcszDxf4rMn6t6EE9pSO4g_SxHfMoQ0-UGCYRc9Y2O8LAMOx8JnYY7eKlKptHnAcP2bhJhqT/s1600/011.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469820617148777394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRenBpRtR4y7tMZNjFOvaKlY3IWcr4mC8Zjqq8k5QV7K3J3C9Q_mH2a1r2dincsx6gW5zTcszDxf4rMn6t6EE9pSO4g_SxHfMoQ0-UGCYRc9Y2O8LAMOx8JnYY7eKlKptHnAcP2bhJhqT/s200/011.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
It was for those (and so many other) reasons that we had agreed to keep our words few before walking down the aisle. Because I knew that when everyone else had gone inside, it would be just me standing there with her and her father in that vestibule. So you may not believe this, but in a moment that will be a highlight of my life for a long time to come, we leaned over, gave each other a fist bump, and mustered up a "Shake and Bake." It was the planned ending to my toast for later that night, and she couldn't possibly have known it at the time. But that's just how we roll. <br />
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It was, in the most real sense, the Start Line of her biggest adventure yet, so for us, those were the perfect words. And I won't be able to tell you all that it meant for me to stand there beside her while that knot was tied. What I <em>can</em> tell you is that I have most happily surrounded myself with people who make me better because of who <em>they</em> are. And when you share a day like we all shared together this past weekend, what you're left with is a happy, (so very) happy heart. I guess every friendship has their own language, their own quirks and funny phrases that mean something special, just to each other. And you often hear about those three little words - I. and Love. and You. Believe me, Starnes and I said those words plenty of times on Saturday. But at the end of the day, it might have been those three <em>other</em> little words that knit our hearts just a little closer together.<br />
Shake. and. Bake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWur5F2q9c3sjHWVnP4jPijxYF17fXL4xD-WvyUF5-zn87IJRpW881cf20jhkkbg8h6ORHi3dL1KaE1NzzPlAZxooDXLIe8pvhFlMVN87ZdLlD_EiLnqAudhiAbrlkF98WZOTeroBKFRS/s1600/10318_282057180345_503645345_8653953_8034106_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469827535263881682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWur5F2q9c3sjHWVnP4jPijxYF17fXL4xD-WvyUF5-zn87IJRpW881cf20jhkkbg8h6ORHi3dL1KaE1NzzPlAZxooDXLIe8pvhFlMVN87ZdLlD_EiLnqAudhiAbrlkF98WZOTeroBKFRS/s200/10318_282057180345_503645345_8653953_8034106_n.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-11212648100103394862010-05-04T22:30:00.003-04:002010-05-04T22:35:37.413-04:00Argus and Everything After.Last weekend was our epic Argus and Athens weekend - and we weren't disappointed.<br /><br />As soon as we could all finish our work Friday afternoon, Erich, Amy, Bus, Aliza, and I all hit the road for Athens, Georgia. Mark had left earlier in the day to meet up with his Team Mountain Khakis boys. Our road trip was an enjoyable one...low-key with good company...my favorite! We all crashed as soon as we arrived into town, knowing it was late already and the next night would not be an early one.<br /><br />Erich left early the next morning to join the rest of his buddies for band practice, so I joined Starnes and the Hekmans for breakfast. Once we finally got The Bus awake, we all hit up <a href="http://www.jitteryjoes.com/">Jittery Joe's</a> in downtown Athens. What a funky, cool coffee shop! The combination of two of my favorite fixes, cycling and coffee, was really, really cool. And I'd put their white mocha up against just about anybody's.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb9KvYfbDLe0Lho-IMVuiTJCM8HvE1O2Z1ql88bYxDt3_A6FBc4GF45eyu_gVZIxwWAVtrBKvURFw_hmc_NZvxqt6pM5UDGiZFsm60WK0fERX5YmsG_5tE7xgNPjHSASkpjughi5CpgXY/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466813015994004882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb9KvYfbDLe0Lho-IMVuiTJCM8HvE1O2Z1ql88bYxDt3_A6FBc4GF45eyu_gVZIxwWAVtrBKvURFw_hmc_NZvxqt6pM5UDGiZFsm60WK0fERX5YmsG_5tE7xgNPjHSASkpjughi5CpgXY/s200/005.JPG" /></a> Once Mark left for a training ride, A-Hek, Bus, Starnes, and I shopped for a while downtown. I know it sounds crazy, but Junkman's Brother's Daughter is a super fun store! I'm pretty sure the only reason we left after an hour was because of the barbecue lunch Jay and Courtney had waiting for us at their house. Delicious food and great friends...it's hard to beat it!<br /><br />The only real damper on the whole day was the weather. We knew there were some nasty storms to our south and west, and sure enough, as the day wore on, the weather got worse and worse. Bus, Starnes, and I sat on the front porch, listening to the sounds of the pouring rain and Argus-turned-garage-band. I have to say - the old boys sounded pretty good in warm-ups, so we started to get really excited about their show later that night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmxt5mF0mfF6KqE3JFo0dTOWnppvHw_ZJN3keZ819ew88UHkT1e7RB7QIABdXAkl2_KCy0CCggRkZt5-nr4RvvAldOLbqrahVz_U-vCLSM9so6Hy8zY-OUIvsrGCCDU0dM_xDHnby8Zgi/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466827343779534098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmxt5mF0mfF6KqE3JFo0dTOWnppvHw_ZJN3keZ819ew88UHkT1e7RB7QIABdXAkl2_KCy0CCggRkZt5-nr4RvvAldOLbqrahVz_U-vCLSM9so6Hy8zY-OUIvsrGCCDU0dM_xDHnby8Zgi/s200/016.JPG" /></a> Erich and I headed back to the hotel so he could change, then we headed to <a href="http://www.tastyworlduptown.com/">Tasty World</a> to 'load in.' For those of you who don't get to hang out with rockstars on a regular basis, that's the lingo for setting up your equipment before the 'gig.' Once they were all settled, I met up with Aliza at the hotel, and we headed downtown for an espresso before meeting up with the crew for the show.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigQk6_sKpPj3hZJWILM8khKOMhPOq3l3Fza17IHSaR4VhbIUbBaGdKCqhIcKu1_fDN1uvzJE37Y4k52jEfcCDGfJaEgC5EucsSQ1D_hn_BST-6j3SYxVCV_fwDZh24cw6dKU4-bnw2RBW/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466830044333768962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigQk6_sKpPj3hZJWILM8khKOMhPOq3l3Fza17IHSaR4VhbIUbBaGdKCqhIcKu1_fDN1uvzJE37Y4k52jEfcCDGfJaEgC5EucsSQ1D_hn_BST-6j3SYxVCV_fwDZh24cw6dKU4-bnw2RBW/s200/017.JPG" /></a> Just as planned, the show started around 6:45pm so we could have around 2 hours of rock 'n roll before heading out to the Pro Race of the Twilight Crits. The guys really did rock the crowd - maybe the best show I've ever seen them play! It was a ton of fun to be there with our buddies...something I'm sure we won't forget for a long time to come. We were even lucky enough to have The Legend join us for the show before heading out to the race. For those of you who don't get to hang out with The Legend on a regular basis, that's the lingo for Aliza's dad, Wayne. And that's about all I can tell you. The rest you have to enjoy for yourself! </p><p>Once the show wrapped up, we headed out to the soggy race. I felt bad for the guys having to race in the thunder, lightning, and pouring rain. But the race was still an entertaining one. Once a 6-man break went down the road, Team Mountain Khakis put on a show chasing them down. With the conditions as bad as they were, the peloton had dwindled to fewer than 40 riders out of the original 150+ starters. As the bell sounded for the final lap, we all held our breath for the sprint. Unfortunately, when one racer went down in the finishing straight, he took a few other guys with him, including our buddy, Mark. But he still made his way across the Finish Line, leaving a little skin behind for good measure.</p><p>After the race, we all unwound with late-night pizza at the hotel. And after sleeping in to a delightfully late hour, we grabbed plenty of fresh java beans from Jittery Joe's, plus mochas for the road. It's funny, but after traveling to Charleston, Williamsburg, Courtland, New York City, Cambridge, and back again over the past few weekends, the trip home from Athens literally flew by. </p><p>And before we knew it, we were right back in the middle of a new week. We celebrated Aliza's birthday with a girls' night this past Thursday, which was a lot of fun! And Amy's bridal luncheon was this past Saturday...we had such a beautiful day to celebrate together. It's so hard to believe that we're only a few short days away from the much-anticipated wedding of Bus and Starnes! I'm putting the finishing touches on my toast (read: deciding how to put it all into words). Hmmm. Stay tuned on that one.</p><p>You know there's nothing in the world like my girls!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXykymxmy1GLVvy0qUi-h4oYChvx07SdqZPlwgqGiuRRBO7XrjAjEmhXEBj5DZKT_IQBJ-uYHkeVRQwDCpp6Kvr1QxJLN_fpgAB3cqQtgmcC5zA5_zu52RDdDJS_7PvtyX0NTn4oCYLhH/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467606843197238898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXykymxmy1GLVvy0qUi-h4oYChvx07SdqZPlwgqGiuRRBO7XrjAjEmhXEBj5DZKT_IQBJ-uYHkeVRQwDCpp6Kvr1QxJLN_fpgAB3cqQtgmcC5zA5_zu52RDdDJS_7PvtyX0NTn4oCYLhH/s200/004.JPG" /></a>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-57838206877726440332010-04-15T08:54:00.011-04:002010-04-16T21:44:41.841-04:00...And Back South.So the second half of our Empire State adventure was easily as exciting as the first.<br /><br />Erich and I road-tripped up to Cambridge, New York, on Friday morning. The drive itself was beautiful - the company, even better. We could tell the temperature was dropping as we headed further north. Arriving into the small village of Cambridge, Erich decided to pre-ride a bit of the course before we headed to the Cambridge Hotel sign him in. I drove around to follow, and the scenery was like stepping right into a painting - unreal. The covered bridge over the Battenkill River is the primary symbol of the race, so it was really cool to see it in person!<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYP0KhjxXOb02TfzrqSXMGpf9d3wciglC7ToUbpCfjooKCuw2F1lQxo3D_GSZSiHqb49Dvx5dJ_IZXxfvZ4_eLppV1zsCJmbL1Qks-fWp4yQXvFGHurUOhc0dMv1H3xC0DYhJSv16QQY/s1600/25350_10150162991665346_503645345_11505945_4725822_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460350172052361666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYP0KhjxXOb02TfzrqSXMGpf9d3wciglC7ToUbpCfjooKCuw2F1lQxo3D_GSZSiHqb49Dvx5dJ_IZXxfvZ4_eLppV1zsCJmbL1Qks-fWp4yQXvFGHurUOhc0dMv1H3xC0DYhJSv16QQY/s200/25350_10150162991665346_503645345_11505945_4725822_n.jpg" /></a> Once the course had been previewed and registration was complete, we checked out a bike shop in Saratoga Springs (to replace the bike pump still sitting on the 19th floor of Sarah's apartment!), then checked in to our hotel. We had fantastic hotels on this trip (not to mention our best accommodations in NYC!)...if you're ever, <em>ever</em> in the Saratoga Springs area, you should stay at the <a href="http://saratogamalta.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/place/index.jsp">Hyatt Place</a>. Clean, beautiful, huge rooms, endlessly-kind staff, delicious food...just go stay there already! </p><p>Erich and I asked the hotel staff for a recommendation for Friday night's dinner, and they pointed us in the direction of the <a href="http://www.thejonesvillestore.com/">Jonesville Store</a>. We had the most unbelievable appetizer before devouring our dinner...with a glass of wine for me, the non-racer (sweet revenge for Erich's beverages during my Disney half-marathon!). There was also this cool old guy playing acoustic guitar for nice background music - truly, a lovely setting. It's really cool to take a chance and discover something new and wonderful!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDyO0EMWaPjlOQOuDO222qfCFazB3cr8xyfIWyO_nwSUQr8cBuVdSkLC171YNQ3QMVxAcbVQsYexq0R3uiYFC1QYuqrtSTUZO34wskEG5TYJaNv9T2r1tjVCRCVNWwep357V8Oes6H5tl/s1600/25350_10150162991670346_503645345_11505946_4746948_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460357272911244258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDyO0EMWaPjlOQOuDO222qfCFazB3cr8xyfIWyO_nwSUQr8cBuVdSkLC171YNQ3QMVxAcbVQsYexq0R3uiYFC1QYuqrtSTUZO34wskEG5TYJaNv9T2r1tjVCRCVNWwep357V8Oes6H5tl/s200/25350_10150162991670346_503645345_11505946_4746948_n.jpg" /></a></p><p>When we returned to our hotel, Erich worked on bike maintenance, putting on his brand new tires. I went to the train station to pick up Sarah, who had taken the beautiful train ride out of the city after work. Believe it or not, it actually snowed on our way back from the station! The three of us were surprisingly relaxed that night, thanks to Shrek, Donkey, and a few chocolate chip/peanut butter cookies. </p><p>The relaxed mentality continued through our brunch the next morning, as well as all throughout our road trip from Saratoga Springs to Cambridge. Once Erich was pinned and sent off to the Start Line with his newfound buddy Frank, Sarah and I drove through the beautiful countryside in search of the Feed Zone at Mile 41 (where we would reload Erich's drink supply). The scenery continued to amaze us, and we had some great sister time. Once the Feed Zone was located, we elected to head to Juniper Swamp Road for a little racing action. We were really pumped to see Erich in a great position heading into the climb, roughly in the middle of the pack. He would go on to move into the lead group after that point.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhmrDucC7yIlkGVppnQQ8MgYjjQ0wLlofu_6O5fwpYsAea1gNnd4JCWmOrHiymi-pB9RvvHrEyfmkEC0ZryflAokWVda4G6xSUkxjF19Nn9vqHG9nAYogyiFn9twDcg4wWWwCQkqfW49Q/s1600/25350_10150162991730346_503645345_11505955_796109_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460359473709926754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhmrDucC7yIlkGVppnQQ8MgYjjQ0wLlofu_6O5fwpYsAea1gNnd4JCWmOrHiymi-pB9RvvHrEyfmkEC0ZryflAokWVda4G6xSUkxjF19Nn9vqHG9nAYogyiFn9twDcg4wWWwCQkqfW49Q/s200/25350_10150162991730346_503645345_11505955_796109_n.jpg" /></a> Time seemed to pass really quickly from that point on. Before we knew it, the pace car was approaching the Feed Zone. I was a little nervous about my bottle hand-off, but I was excited to see the race shaping up so nicely. There were two guys down the road with the main peloton chasing, and Erich was right in the middle of that lead group! The rest of the race had been dropped, so he was well on his way to a Top 25 finish...at worst. I was really pumped for him! So you can imagine my surprise when he gave me a thumbs-down and pulled his bike over to the side of the road. Almost immediately, there was a big crash just behind us. Total sensory overload. As it turns out, Erich's shifter cable had completely snapped 5 miles before the Feed Zone, leaving him in his hardest gear. The fact that he had made it even that far was pretty miraculous in itself! So after months and months of training and anticipation, his race was over. Just like that.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPenrXuVMQgVOgA3rHHZ0AYpah23LqQIu6t6itIrf3gv4vaWouo-iOff_9-4vq9WHhQ-ApKpBLWnQpRLw_a3z76F-kjPNINXphbAapryAb5sR9SvdjVAiGfDJFpFX__yaivdXr6qveNn3/s1600/25350_10150162991775346_503645345_11505962_6689685_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460360803862395714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPenrXuVMQgVOgA3rHHZ0AYpah23LqQIu6t6itIrf3gv4vaWouo-iOff_9-4vq9WHhQ-ApKpBLWnQpRLw_a3z76F-kjPNINXphbAapryAb5sR9SvdjVAiGfDJFpFX__yaivdXr6qveNn3/s200/25350_10150162991775346_503645345_11505962_6689685_n.jpg" /></a> I can't deny I was disappointed. He has worked really, really hard! And I felt invested in this whole process, too. But Erich was so positive about the <a href="http://battenkillorbust.blogspot.com/">entire experience</a>, it was hard to stay down for long. And indeed, as she had all week, my sister played the role of hero, having planned an awesome dinner for us in downtown Woodstock! It's pretty hard to beat cold beer and gourmet pizza in a funky/cool setting...plus the raddest cycling hat out there.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM0iRNEObHsaCAco9y4xkGUOJEENG297hFZJFrWVnvt4_CQPueIGX9DvSmPYW8w5YvXBez08_EeT-x4S0v9iHXEIAIgCKSgHl4XywgZf7W_nuQOygcyZgwMtWBwjPKnwp2DPWEFrmg-aZ/s1600/25350_10150162991830346_503645345_11505968_7035385_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460362664223283890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM0iRNEObHsaCAco9y4xkGUOJEENG297hFZJFrWVnvt4_CQPueIGX9DvSmPYW8w5YvXBez08_EeT-x4S0v9iHXEIAIgCKSgHl4XywgZf7W_nuQOygcyZgwMtWBwjPKnwp2DPWEFrmg-aZ/s200/25350_10150162991830346_503645345_11505968_7035385_n.jpg" /></a> Our road trip back into NYC was a whirlwind, as usual. The feeling of chilling out in Sarah's apartment, overlooking the city with a (now very cool) breeze blowing, with Tina Fey on SNL in the background...well, that was pretty awesome. We slept in the next morning before grabbing brunch at the hip, delicious <a href="http://www.communityrestaurant.com/">Community Restaurant</a> with Erich's cousin, Lisa. It was great to catch up with her! Then Erich, Sarah, and I decided to spend the afternoon at the Museum of Natural History. Needless to say, <em>that</em> was time well-spent. We even got to meet up with Sarah's best buddy in the city, Ally. Pretty much a perfect spring afternoon in Manhattan. </p><p>It would seem that no trip to the Big Apple is complete without at least one meal at <a href="http://www.rosamexicano.com/">Rosa Mexicano</a>. Their food and drinks (especially their pomegranate margaritas!) are hard to beat. The three of us decided to relax on Sarah's 'back porch' for the rest of the evening with the sounds of the city (and Erich's travel guitar) all around us. Nearly impossible to beat the views from Sarah's place. Simply gorgeous. I love New York!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPcKfbDPvi33x_MaFA0fMs-dvZ-_9yQ7mzoXz5pOjIatipdo5OIsuZx_WcmI0sPYn2B-H4mzw3nG4pSNCBM7OclyWQqnj85g2_KLbZ2yCgd4RwaV6Edj1EcDTw09nlkQZ-gJz195e439b/s1600/25350_10150162991985346_503645345_11505988_5317439_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460366434419984146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPcKfbDPvi33x_MaFA0fMs-dvZ-_9yQ7mzoXz5pOjIatipdo5OIsuZx_WcmI0sPYn2B-H4mzw3nG4pSNCBM7OclyWQqnj85g2_KLbZ2yCgd4RwaV6Edj1EcDTw09nlkQZ-gJz195e439b/s200/25350_10150162991985346_503645345_11505988_5317439_n.jpg" /></a>What a perfect trip. All too soon, our time in the city was over. Hugs, kisses, and Starbucks all around on Monday morning, then Erich and I hit the Lincoln tunnel and headed south. We had a long, but very enjoyable road trip back to The Dash. Nothing quite like coming home to a slobbery chocolate lab who is nothing short of <em>elated</em> that you're back!</p><p>Having a chance to take a deep breath before heading back to work was <em>essential</em> to the planning of this trip. I've spent the past two days making sure our house was in reasonable order, ensuring our laundry is caught up, doing a little yard work, cheering on some buddies at a local bike race, and being straight-up lazy. It's been awesome! We have what appears to be a really relaxing weekend in front of us, and I can hardly wait. </p><p>And then, if you can believe it, we hit the road again! Destination: Athens, Georgia. Mission: Cheer for the long-overdue <a href="http://www.jaylowe.com/argus.html">Argus</a> reunion show, then head out to the Athens Twilight Pro Race in search of <a href="http://wherethehekismarkman.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html">flying pigs</a>. Stay tuned. </p><p>It's gonna be epic.<br /><br /><br /></p>JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-48396191868230034792010-04-08T21:32:00.012-04:002010-04-08T22:48:58.818-04:00Heading North...So Erich and I hit the road on Tuesday afternoon to start our New York adventure. We decided to take the scenic route through the mountains via Interstate 81. The very best part of that decision is the detour through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIBGFEufzqaJasLDSaCOBNJt3KeQwHVVoFrXXbjmkcvyHq6AncfrIjeS7YhmS3lwkDs8S-f9FVHJ8meiuHLhOpTo_kXsHjQ_3sTUgGbONwO0Mi226WwCFSECR7BaK5LTwUhb3LmBsh4Q0/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457947388885468370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIBGFEufzqaJasLDSaCOBNJt3KeQwHVVoFrXXbjmkcvyHq6AncfrIjeS7YhmS3lwkDs8S-f9FVHJ8meiuHLhOpTo_kXsHjQ_3sTUgGbONwO0Mi226WwCFSECR7BaK5LTwUhb3LmBsh4Q0/s200/019.JPG" /></a>Before I went to PA School, I was fortunate enough to earn my Master's Degree in Exercise Science at James Madison University, so I feel I can claim a little ownership of that part of the world. Erich had never spent much time in the Shenandoah Valley, so we decided to make our first stopover in Bridgewater, Virginia - significant, too, because my dad went to college at Bridgewater. It was awesome to walk through campus and take in the springtime sights, not the least of which was the football field where my dad made a few tackles back in the day. And the <a href="http://www.crimsoninn.com/">Crimson Inn</a> is a must if you're ever in need of a place to stay in that area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV79cOXx3k6cAhT2d_11KCvnDDV3lsIQg-2KJBjcPSG_bbFB1c6xT4QRmT14r3Xl8IylgcCLNvmI1_yywgtvPaJSZwI-YW9hkbkk8kRgw8WQSowecNYvwdMXC9QDjVXT1HTlipmgCGOnpk/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457949886827730274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV79cOXx3k6cAhT2d_11KCvnDDV3lsIQg-2KJBjcPSG_bbFB1c6xT4QRmT14r3Xl8IylgcCLNvmI1_yywgtvPaJSZwI-YW9hkbkk8kRgw8WQSowecNYvwdMXC9QDjVXT1HTlipmgCGOnpk/s200/045.JPG" /></a> After a quick breakfast at the aptly named Jess' Quick Lunch on Wednesday morning, we were back on the road. From Bridgewater, our road trip was just over six hours to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Looking at the map ahead of time, I noticed that the Gettysburg National Military Park was not too far off the highway. This stop proved to be not only well-timed for stretching our legs, but unbelievably beautiful (and moving) as well. We decided to take the auto tour through the battlefield, which allows you to drive your car along paved paths snaking through the 24-mile route. We took several stops along the way to walk along the same grounds those thousands of soldiers covered during those three fateful days. And of course, our tour concluded at the cemetery where good old Abe Lincoln gave a certain address a few years back. Truly, Gettysburg was an amazing place to visit. Our only regret was that we didn't have more time to spend there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfUfn3NVZLSfW0lfeDGR5wANGPXEmqEFRueDTeQMkt9UYda26PNyScpKxiqc0PzxCSIkLglprVk5j5q-DuYApGkWFlEjB4uxmnbnRFPeOMSxmkjbzdQ4ocv3yuNnYvHYe1i9EYh34VS9Q/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457953268386277666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfUfn3NVZLSfW0lfeDGR5wANGPXEmqEFRueDTeQMkt9UYda26PNyScpKxiqc0PzxCSIkLglprVk5j5q-DuYApGkWFlEjB4uxmnbnRFPeOMSxmkjbzdQ4ocv3yuNnYvHYe1i9EYh34VS9Q/s200/051.JPG" /></a> But we could hardly wait to get to the Big Apple! Our trip through the Lincoln Tunnel and into Midtown Manhattan was a little adventurous, to say the least, but it's always a ton of fun. We were so happy to see my sis, Sarah, our fantastic hostess for the week. Once we got settled, she took us for a great dinner at <a href="http://www.penelopenyc.com/">Penelope</a>. And of course, because it was Erich's birthday, the night called for a little celebration. For us, celebrating included Sarah introducing us to the most amazing cupcakes <em>ever</em>, courtesy of <a href="http://www.crumbs.com/">Crumbs</a>. Unreal! She and I were able to tear ourselves away from our respective Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Cup treats long enough to snap a picture of E's Devil's Food cupcake, complete with a musical birthday candle! Hard to beat indulging like this while sitting on Sarah's balcony overlooking the Empire State Building on a spring evening...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCUS6PhauQXc-VnyBMbSjZWMizutekT5u0lm-u-WsxzWzuEWluKk2b7H1sbbxfd6cGOaKEFL4J2j7U7zbyDp1NNq9TzT53AGAUF0If6ps3IvtUeIVc5j2eqLsVvOrJWWNoE2C01f71N3n/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457957808315279458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCUS6PhauQXc-VnyBMbSjZWMizutekT5u0lm-u-WsxzWzuEWluKk2b7H1sbbxfd6cGOaKEFL4J2j7U7zbyDp1NNq9TzT53AGAUF0If6ps3IvtUeIVc5j2eqLsVvOrJWWNoE2C01f71N3n/s200/014.JPG" /></a> Erich and I started our day today at Starbuck's (naturally) before heading over to <a href="http://www.sidsbikes.com/">Sid's Bikes NYC</a>. This bike shop is super cool - and it probably doesn't hurt that they sport the orange and black colors, just like all <a href="http://cityloopmafia.blogspot.com/">CLM</a>-wannabes. From Sid's, we walked over to Herald Square, down to Times Square, and then to Central Park for a rest. We grabbed lunch at a delicious Asian fusion restaurant before swinging by Niketown and the Apple Store. Our ultimate destination for the afternoon was 30 Rock, as in Rockefeller Plaza. My wicked-fun sister hooked us up with tickets to a taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. And it just so happened that his guest for the night was Tina Fey - love her. Amy Poehler, Seth Myers, Mario Batali, and Justin Bieber rounded out the lineup. Very, <em>very</em> cool way to spend the afternoon!<br /><br />We had a great dinner tonight at <a href="http://www,thecitygrillnyc.com/">The City Grill</a>, then grabbed our dessert nightcaps at <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/">Magnolia Bakery</a>. You just can't beat having a live-in guide to NYC! In the morning, Erich and I will drive up to Cambridge for race registration, then he and the Cervelo will preview certain parts of the course. When she's finished with her work week, Sarah's taking a train out of Penn Station to meet up with us in Saratoga Springs tomorrow night. And then, as hard as it is to believe, Race Day will finally be here!JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2463378475769084116.post-82923433739785875442010-04-04T21:16:00.003-04:002010-04-04T21:57:57.128-04:00Whirlwind.It's crazy to reference a whirlwind, especially with it being 'Tornado Week' on The Weather Channel and all. But much like the EF3 twister that rocked our good buddies in High Point last week, things keep right on spinnin'.<br /><br />Our girls' weekend in Charleston was so much fun. Sarah, Aliza, and I had a great road trip down together, and it was really, <em>really</em> nice to catch up with everybody once we arrived. There were 10 girls in all who made the trip down to celebrate with Starnes for the weekend. And you know how it goes - these adventures are always short on sleep but long on fun!<br /><br />I'm pretty sure I'd barely blinked when our alarm clocks went off the next morning, but with more than 40,000 people signed up for the <a href="http://www.bridgerun.com/">Cooper River Bridge Run</a>, we couldn't chance our arrival to the Start Line before the bridge closed. Two things to note about our morning together before the race started: #1 - Try as you may, you simply can't beat our Starnes Bachelorette Dri-Fit race shirts. And #2 - Charleston before sunrise in late March is chilly! I had a flashback to my nearly-eternal wait at the Start Line of the Disney Half...minus the snow and freezing rain, of course...<br /><br />Our whole group managed to join together as we approached the Start, and before we knew it, we were off! This is definitely one of the most fun races I've run - not only because the course is so flat (minus the 4% incline for 1.1 straight miles on the bridge), but also because I was there in Charleston with some of my favorite people on the planet! We had a great time. And my baby sis <em>killed</em> it, running the whole 6.2 miles with no walking breaks. In her first race. <em>Ever! </em>What a stud.<br /><em></em><br />A hearty lunch with the gang - followed closely by a little shopping and a big nap - was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. And then came the Bachelorette Shenanigans. Not too much scandal to report...but suffice it to say, amaretto sours and high-quality friendship can go a long, <em>long</em> way.<br /><br />All too quickly, our weekend together came to an end. Aliza, Sarah, and I road-tripped back together, dropping Sarah off in Charlotte for her flight back to NYC. And after some heavy springtime storms, complete with a few random tornadoes, we were right back where we started in our everyday lives.<br /><br />Thankfully, the work week was short. And I had the added bonus of a mid-week Argus concert right in my own guest room. <a href="http://www.jaylowe.com/">Jay</a> was in town on business, so he and Erich took the opportunity to dust off some old Argus tunes in preparation for their upcoming (epic) reunion in Athens, Georgia. I can hardly wait for that weekend!<br /><br />As I've mentioned before, we're in the middle of a silly stretch of travel and adventure. We just came back earlier today from a really fun trip to Virginia to see my family for Easter. <a href="http://battenkillorbust.blogspot.com/">Erich</a> and Dad hit the road for a pretty spectacular cycling trip from Courtland to Colonial Williamsburg. And Mom, Sarah, and I joined them on Duke of Gloucester Street, following our own shopping adventure, of course. It was a perfect spring day - and so great to be with my family. We spent all day Saturday with our extended family - grandparents and all! I really love to be back home. And then we road-tripped back to Winston just in time for an Easter brunch with Erich's mom and her fellow at <a href="http://www.noma-ws.com/">Noma</a>. Mmmm...<br /><br />We have just enough time to catch our breath tomorrow before our journey to New York for the <a href="http://www.tourofthebattenkill.com/">Tour of the Battenkill</a>. I can hardly wait for that whole adventure! Stay tuned...JiLliJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08031209344861949096noreply@blogger.com0