First up in news, it looks like DOOD's hard drive is fried, so we're sharing my Macbook. We're headed to the Apple Store tonight and hope the geniuses there can help us out (really, the help desk is called the Genius Bar). It's annoying because his Macbook is a little over a year old. We have matching notebooks, isn't that cute?
Tracey: I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your GM. A life well-lived ends too quickly, no matter how long and filled with love it is. I'm sure her memorial service helped you all share wonderful memories of her.
Mamma Mia sounds like frothy fun. My first experience with Abba was The Muppet show and their rendition of "Take a Chance on Me." Basically, I received all my early, good musical taste from the Muppets.
Thanks for the suggestion on RW; I'll look into it. I know my problem is that I tend to go from all easy runs to all hard runs and my body thinks, "What the--?" No patience, me. So following a program is probably a good thing.
And your description of yourself as June Cleaver??? Now I want you to sign up for the Princess Half and run it wearing an apron and pearls, maybe carrying a pitcher of PowerAde. I don't know about anyone else, but I'D think it was hilarious. I'm not touching the "truly Crazy" glue story....don't want anything to stick by accident.
Connie: That's so strange about Calico. Our Caliban (named after the character in Shakespeare's "The Tempest") is a nibbler. She nips DOOD's earring and will pull at my shirts. And her litter-mate, Ichabod (from Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow") bats at DOOD's nose when he wants to play or eat.
They were both rescue cats, as well, and have never quite gotten over being shy. What, praytell, are Greenies? I'm interested. We feed ours hairball treats and occasionally catgrass.
Thanks so much for the substitutions for wheat. Normally, I'd think a smooth colon sounds like a good thing, so the information on what happens was very welcome information. I think I might just try a couple of recipes, just to have something to offer guests I may have who may be sensitive. I try to have a couple of meals on hand for friends who have allergies, are vegan, eat kosher, etc.
Oh, and yeah for the new toy, regardless of whether it's called a TM, dreadmill or treadmonster, it's a great training tool! I hope your Achilles cooperates with you on the inaugural voyage.
Stacie: I can actually hear his voice on this statement:
He said he really saw no point in me eating gluten free, but if I wanted to for 3 months, I could...just to see if I feel better.
And of course he'll be better with an advocate to call him out on his BS. The doctor's still a jerk, IMO. Pooh on him, and not the friendly, yellow ball of love either! I'm glad you're going to test out the gluten-free diet. I've been following your journal and realizing that diagnoses of Celiac aren't always so clear-cut. I'm glad you're having more tests and a pending visit with an endocrinologist, though. The good news in there is that you're getting some answers and have found other questions to ask. More tests and time, yes, but a few steps closer to figuring things out I hope! I'll be interested in hearing how your cupcakes turn out--delicious, I'll bet.
I'm glad you're another movies as part of date night person.
It's only been in the past few years that I've been able to step back and really enjoy books, movies and popular culture in general because so much of it has been work-related for me. So I'm willing to bet YOU (and Dave, and everyone here) knows more about books, movies, and Disney than I do in many, many ways. And I would imagine hanging out with you and Matt would be tons of fun in such a situation, whether as a friend or as the cool Aunt and Uncle. (How do you score cool even when organizing?
That's talent!) I kind of wish I was doing the 1/2 this year because it'd be really cool to be back of the pack with you all. But I'll have to make do with cheering you on, maybe following in Tracey's footsteps with the serving of drinks to you all!
Maria: I'm so happy that you're committing to your true lean, mean self now that the company has left. I'm sure you had a good time for the most part, but are just as happy to have your healthy routines back. And I'm impressed that you're admitting and committing in writing. That's a strong start!
And if it's of any comfort--at least your handweights are in plain sight! I think mine are shoved under a bookcase. (Within easy reach if I were just to get on my knees. Hah!) I'm like you. A little company goes a long way, relatively speaking--and the sooner they go in my case, the better!
As far as pirate talk, I'm firmly a Johnny Depp girl, regardless of Jack Sparrow. I've followed him since Platoon, although I never saw
21 Jump Street. He's even on my "to-do" list, should the occasion ever arise!
Aloha Jeff: Thanks for sharing your experience with vitamins, iron storage, and blood donation. And for the information on taking calicium and iron. I take multivitamin and glucosamine chondroitin pills, vegetarian of course. I drink most of my water in the a.m. because that's when I work out. I carry a Nalgene water bottle with me constantly and, if I'm on the road, packets of Crystal light in case I don't like the taste. I used to be a cast-iron cook, so maybe you, Mike, and Connie will convince me to visit a flea market and pick up one to compare with my wares.
Lisa: Maybe I'll try the speedwork on good-run days in addition to a formal speed day once marathon training starts. I've tended to do distance when it's feeling good, because that's easier for me. (Who knew?) But you're right, I do need the challenge. I've just been snarky because, as I've said, I've got no patience. But I ALSO realize I don't have a single thing to complain about, especially after having read about your condition.
NO WONDER you had a crapolicious (talk about your paradox) run. Ew, ew, ew, OW! Yeah, you definitely need to spend that $100 on the right spot.
Dave: It's great to hear you're getting back to your salty pirate self. Arrrrgh. And with 16 miles under your belt, you definitely have earned a recovery day. Are you still on your schedule of several days in a row followed by two rest days?
Beth: So sorry to hear you've been sick.
And I hope DS doesn't get the full-blown version of whatever you had, as you sound like it made you miserable. I love your idea of building extra exercise into your day. Not much of a step person myself, so it helps that I live on the top floor of my building. I'm *forced* to walk upstairs. Since we've moved, I've also been trying to commit to an even more pedestrian life--gas prices help. One thing I've added is buying 80% of my groceries from the grocery store within walking distance. That means I'm shopping and carrying backs 4-5 days a week.
Mike: You make a good case for the cast-iron cooking. And you had me at the soap and water cleansing. My grandmother was a traditionalist, and I just don't think I can do that...
As for me: I managed a non-speedwork run today and I can't believe how much better I felt. The reaction was mental, I believe, as much as physical.
Have you heard? Starbucks has released its version of a protein smoothie called the Vivanno. The Chocolate Banana w/ Espresso version has 20g of protein and is 260 calories, the Orange Mango Banana w/ Matcha has 16g of protein and is 290 calories. I tried a free sample of the latter yesterday and it wasn't bad. *Sigh.* And these are the temptations that surround me. Geez, I love my iced lattes and the assorted caffeinated goodies.
I also take it camping! A cobbler made in a dutch oven just can't be beat! Using my cast iron, I can make anything over an open fire, that I can make at home! 
Besides, you absolutely have to have cast iron to make blackened fish!
I also had forgotten to express my condolences on your grammie. It is difficult to lose someone at any age even with the memories. 
or maybe we should start calling it a voyager or something not so downer as the dreadmill (although that is what it is really in my heart of hearts). So our differences come in the cat area. Not a cat person, allergic severely to cats. Very much a doggy person. Although cats do like me and always rub all over me giving me hives. Maybe they smell you on me????? 
Have a great day!!
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