Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[FatElvis]

Hello all! Just a quick check-in. Man, my running is not going so well. Or I guess I should say, my motivation. I got in 3 miles on the treadmill this morning, but it just dragged on & on. Hopefully it's just a short phase and I'll be feeling back to normal soon enough.

I did buy new shoes last week! My old ones weren't awful, but my hip and knee has been kind of achy lately. I tried it with a new insole but it still didn't help. I went to the running store - how much do I love running stores?! Maybe it's because customer service is pretty much nonexistent in most other stores, so having such attention and care at running stores just makes me all giddy. Heck, I even had 2 people working with me! I ran on the treadmill with the camera with several different shoes, we compared my gait & pronation in all of them, all that fun stuff. Plus they really took me seriously. Not that they wouldn't, but come on - I'm a 37 year old, 25lbs overweight, mother of 3 - serious training isn't really high on my list at this point! But the guy working asked me all about my races I've done and ones I'm planning, and ways to train through the summer and all kinds of motivation. Made me feel like a real live athlete!

So you'd think after that, I'd be on a new running high. Feel free to give me a kick in the pants and a pep talk if you like!

Hope everyone is doing well - I feel bad not responding individually to everyone. You've all been very welcoming and I really appreciate it! Hopefully soon I'll get caught up and be a bigger part of the group.

Kayci

 

[laughinplace199]

Hey cousins!

Jeanne - Have fun in Detroit. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Johanna - How was your 7 hrs in the car with the kids? How many times did you hear "Are we there yet?"

Jen - Sorry to hear about your exhaustion. I hope you can relax in your hot tub and try to de-stress a bit.

Maria - I hope you have a great time with your family. Do I recall correctly that you can see the fireworks from your lawn?

Ruth - Welcome to our family. Great job on the 90 min walk without shin splints!

Nancy - Sorry to hear about your back. I hope it's better soon.

JenB - What a great quilt! I'd love to be able to do something like that. I can sew a button on something, but that's about the limit of my sewing talents.

As for me, not much to report. I'm still running 3-4 miles a couple of times a week and then a longer run on one of the weekend days. DH and I are going away for a kid-free long weekend next week , so I probably won't be running then. We're going to Puerto Rico and I'm thinking that running in San Juan in July is probably not a good idea. It might be a tad hot. The hotel has a gym, but I'm definitely not a treadmill girl. I truly don't think I have the coordination for it (there's a reason my mother didn't name me Grace ). You know those clips on America's Funniest Videos where the people fall off the treadmills? Well, I'm sure that would be me if I tried it. So, I'll opt for sitting on the beach or by the pool, sipping a fruity drink with a little umbrella in it and reading uninterrupted to my heart's content. I can hardly wait!

Maria and Nancy, I'm so jealous that you've been reading Fearless Fourteen! I bought it, but I'm trying not to read it until my trip. It is taking all the willpower I have to not read it now. Any other suggestions for a light vacation read? A friend recommended Water for Elephants. Has anyone read it?

And finally, where, oh where is Debra? I miss my fellow cougar!

Hello to the rest of my 'Ohana cousins and Happy 4th of July!

 

[DreamBeliever]

Good morning everyone

I'm just checking in and hoping that everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. We stayed close to home AND to our phone because we put an offer on a home in South Carolina. After a little negotiation, the house is ours My DH is being transferred to the Charlotte area and we're all looking forward to leaving the brutal Chicago winters behind . Our home here in the Chicago area is on the market and we're hopeful we won't have to carry 2 mortgages very long.

Have a great week!

 

[jeanneg]

YOWSA!.......WHERE IS EVERYONE?

It must have been a very quiet weekend. I just logged on after being away and was expecting to find pages of posts, but see there was very little activity at all. I'm really getting worried about Debra.......does anyone know if she's posting on another thread? ....or maybe is just out of town? It' not like her to be quiet for so long....and I had so many interesting little tidbits about MI to share with her.

I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday. Ours was great! The actual engagement has not yet happened, but permission was requested and granted, so it looks like I will be involved in planning a wedding soon! Just when I was appreciating the fact that things were beginning to settle down......

Julie: I read Water For Elephants and LOVED it! In fact, I can't recall a single member of our book club that did not like it. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
I just finished "the Unwanted" by Kien Nguyen which is a memoir. OMG, what an excellent book! It's the account of an Amerasian child shortly after the Vietnam war and details the struggles he and his family endured in their quest to get out of the country. Once you pick it up, you just can't put it down. It's several years old, and not readily available at all bookstores (the big chains WILL have it) but you can get a used from Amazon for just a few bucks.

Ruth: congrats on getting the house! I am a little confused though......the Charlotte I know is in NORTH Carolina, my home state. Or did you mean Charleston? (I sometimes get them confused myself)

Happy Monday, everyone!

 

[deekaypee]

Sorry I've been MIA. I didn't mean to worry anyone, I just didn't think I'd be out of communication this long. Lots of LTO, a lot of little, planned deadlines leading up to the 4th and then the big news: my dad's been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. I know, I know, it's a "good cancer" if you have to have one; but given my own history, I tend to treat it pretty seriously. Anyway, the news shifted my holiday plans around and I've been sans internet. At least DOOD is back home, a little earlier than we expected, but home nonetheless.

I don't know how much news I can catch up on, but I'll give it a try.

Richard: I hadn't thought about how your injury was going to affect your November marathon training. That's got to be incredibly frustrating. I hope it helps, a little, to know you've got a solid fitness base AND that by taking it easy you'll help facilitate a strong recovery without reinjury. PD to you!

I like "Open the Door, Richard," especially the Louis Jordan version. (DOOD loves him.) Yeah, "Amanda" is a great new song--what a discovery Boston is! As for the "It beats the alternative...." I so want that phrase on my gravestone. Then again, I've a dark sense of humor.

Nancy: I didn't know about PA's legislation for groups. Very savvy of the state. Btw, I don't know if I've ever told you, but I love the little bits of PA knowledge you pass along to me. It's make me feel good to learn about my home. It looks like you're still loving all the classes you're taking! I'm certain you'll get your walking motivation back by training time.

I SO agree with eating being a never-ending challenge. Every social event is a reason for me to eat, I guess. I hope you had fun at your DN's wedding, nonetheless. When is your cruise?

I really like "Nancy" by Troubled Hubble. Here's a YouTube video.

Mel: I'm trying to get Janet Evanovich's One for the Money from Interlibrary Loan. It's a very popular book. I'm not sure I know Morelli? Detective/mystery? I'm still recently exposed to the genre, so feel free to school me. Yay for your 20 minute run. Its sounds as if you're really enjoying the challenge and (literally) the change of pace.

If you don't mind me jumping in, re the Trekkie convention. Dax, without a doubt. I'll leave it up to the rest of you to speculate why. I'd wear a costume if Maria would.

Maria: What, you don't like "Maria" by Blondie? I love that song. I think Debbie Harry was my first girl crush. Now, Rage Against the Machine's "Maria." That's creepy. How about "Dear Maria, Count Me In" by the All Time Low. How did your Aunt like the visit? Has she adapted to big-city ways? I read on the Lean Meaner thread that you got lots of exercise in this weekend. WTG!

And ah, to take the the Plum Plunge! You and Nancy, Mel, etc. will keep me reading way outside my reading rut. Keep the suggestions coming!

Jen: You were a Jenny from the Block (of WI cheese)! I'm so glad you have a song, too, and I like that one a lot! In other, stream-of-consciousness posting, your Nimbus shoes make me think of Harry Potter. You'll have to let me know about The Lolita Effect. I'm another who feels she should read it, but haven't done so. (And no children for me!) But it's got to be better than Uncle John's Bathroom reader, which I once got as a Christmas gift from one of my redneck relatives; they knew I liked to read.

I love the pattern of your quilt, Jen. It's so fun! Almost as much fun as hot tubbing sounds--did you have a great 4th? And have you heard from your doctor and the tests yet?

JenB: Mreowsa! Like Jeanne said, it's about us older women celebrating hitting our prime and recognizing life begins at 40 and above! (There are a few of us on this thread who have turned 40 or are turning 40.) It may or may not involve pretty young things, although I'm sure the right ones do appreciate all we have to offer. Hmmm, and I wonder why Jeanne doesn't want to introduce me to her DSs? Jen's an honorary member, even though she's too young. It's all in the attitude, baby, all in the attitude, so join us for a little good-natured celebration of the advantages of being an older woman. (P.S. I'm married to DOOD, who's actually a little older than I am, so my hunting days just involve the stalking and not the snacking. ) And you're definitely ready for some cougar-ish behavior; your quilt shows you're channeling your inner lioness!

Me, I like Pullman well enough, although I wouldn't call that basic taste! That's some pretty complex stuff. I'll need to look into Benni Harper.

For the Jens: How about "Sunday Jen" by Slackstring or "Jen" by Goin' Places? I personally like Less Than Jake's "Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore," but what taste do I have?

Jeanne: How about "Jeanne" by Moses? "Jean" by Kelly Jones? And in more important news, how was the Detroit trip? I'm sure Greektown has changed a lot since I was last there. And I need details, woman, details!

Julie: Happy Belated Birthday! I'm so sorry I missed giving you congratulations! Welcome to cougarville. It looks a lot like Margaritaville with the boys in skimpy suits, but we're generally drinking gin & tonics. (My cabana, my drinking rules!) I can't believe you did so much work on your 40th birthday--and for other people! Still, it must feel great to have that much energy, to run 7 miles on top of everything else!

I missed adding to your summer reading list--so what did you pick up? I ended up going through most of the Laurell Hamilton Anita Black series. It started out as a hard-boiled detective/vampire hybrid and moved to a predominantly vampire/erotica series with some detection thrown in. Not exactly my thing normally (I didn't know the series was moving in that direction), but it's my only stab at adult-oriented suggestion. Right now, I'm reading Virginia Woolf's Orlando. For light reading, I really like Jasper Fforde's The Eyre Affair series (detective series based on literary characters, but comic). I do think Water For Elephants is a good choice, too. Did you know it's a NaNoWrMo work?

Shell: Your take on doing the Disney 1/2 makes perfect sense to me, so no flames here. It'd be cool to meet you, but it is a lot of money to do an event if you'd be less than happy about your time. Guns 'n Roses over The Beatles? Oh, that explains so much. I never would have figured you for girly books, though.

Morgan: So great to see you! Try "Morgan" by the Josh Davis Band. What did you end up doing in Detroit??? (I love my town!)

Johanna: Me, I like Sweeney Todd's "Johanna" (see my post to Richard about my preferred epitaph). You don't like that or Dylan or The Stooges? "Beautiful Prize" by Rick Springfield? I'm so happy for you with the natural breathing. It sounds like it's made all the difference in your runs. I hope you got a chance to run in Syracuse, as I'm sure a family reunion means a little "you" time would be appreciated--let alone all that time in a car. How did your first 5K go--I'm sorry I missed wishing you luck on it.

Ruth: That's two great races you've got planned. I'm doing the Mickey myself (don't ask me about pace, runner or walker, because I just don't know yet). I look forward to meeting you in January! I really loved hearing Maria's adoption tale. It's kismet that you should have joined Ohana!

Congratulations on the SC home and job relocation. I love Chicago, and visit frequently, but the winters. Brrrrr. When will you be moving?

Kayci: I'm another person who running stores, and for similar reasons. Beyond the fit of the shoes, beyond the tips for running or strengthening my muscles, there's just a sense that these people really like what they do. And they do help us runners that we're athletes, every one of us! As for the booty-kicking, I'm having some motivational issues myself, so I'm not sure I can give you a sterner talking-to than I give myself. I do keep dangling rewards/bribes to get myself out the door, though. God bless iTunes.

As for me: I've been managing gym time, but not running time so much. There's been a fair amount of time for reading, as I tend to read for pure escapism in the summer. It sounds like Evanovich is next on the summer-reading pile, in between Virginia Woolf and an academic tome. What fun!

On the local home front, DOOD is back from D.C. and already rearranging the new place to better suit his ideas of what goes where. I swear, he touches my bookshelves one more time.... (He can touch his.) Of course, it's fine if he rearranges the kitchen if that means he's planning on cooking.

I hope to post some training plans here in a couple of days. Like Kayci, I need a good swift kick. Maybe mine needs to be in the head, though.

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins!

Ruth - Congrats on the new home. Leaving cold, snowy winters behind sounds really great!

Jeanne - Thanks for letting me know how much you liked Water for Elephants. I'm going to try to get it before my trip. Unwanted sounds like a great read as well, but I'll save that for a time when I want something heavier. I'm planning on mostly light books for this trip.

Debra - I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. Did they catch it early? My friend's FIL just went through that a while back and he's going great now. I know how stressful stuff like that can be, so I'm here anytime you need to chat or vent or whatever. I'm glad to hear that you have DOOD back at home with you, even if he is rearranging things. I'm also very glad to have you back here. Cougarville has been very lonely without you. For my trip, I plan to read Fearless Fourteen, Morality for Beautiful Girls, and Kalahari Typing School for Men. I'm going to try to get Water for Elephants if I have time. I've never heard of the Eyre Affair series - but it sounds great! I'll definitely have to get into that once I'm back from Puerto Rico.

As for me, I haven't been running due to some type of unidentified leg injury. I'm taking the week off and I'm hoping that rest will help it. Oh, and fruity alcoholic drinks with little umbrellas in them can do any harm, right?

Hey to Maria, Jen, JenB, Nancy, and all of the other cousins out there! Have a great week!

 

[jbucci]

Hey Debra. I just wanted to lend my support on the prostate CA front. My dad was diagnosed last year (almost exactly a year ago). He had surgery last August and is doing really well now. If surgery is one of the options your dad is considering I'll throw in my 2 cents worth for the robotic procedure-- much smaller incision, faster recovery, better nerve preservation, etc. I'm happy to answer any ?s you may have. My dad had his surgery on Aug 8th and was enjoying a family Disney vacation with us at the end of Sept. He is now officially cancer free at the one year mark

 

[curiouser]

Morgan: So great to see you! Try "Morgan" by the Josh Davis Band. What did you end up doing in Detroit??? (I love my town!)

*sniffle*sniffle* I think I have to play this song at my wedding -- I'm from the Midwest and spoiled, too! You're awesome Debra! How do you know about these guys?

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Let us know if you need anything.

We were up in the Troy/Birmingham area for the 4th weekend. Man, if only Detroit met the "no winters" moving qualification, I could totally live in the Birmingham area. Great shopping!!

 

[chimera]

Morgan...love your siggie photo!

JenL...have you gotten results of your thyroid testing yet? Let me know if you have any issues...thyroid's what I do all day, every day

Debra... for your dad. I stopped reading the Anita Blake books for exactly the same reason. A lot of the vampire genre goes that direction. I don't think of myself as particularly prudish, but sometimes the erotica is just not essential to the story.

Ruth...welcome!

I'm still thinking about an ice cream party for marathon weekend. How many folks can a 1BR at OKW hold?

 

[jbucci]

ice cream party for marathon weekend? we are so there
ice cream is DH's favorite food

 

[Jen117]

Hey team... First need to shout out...

YAHHHH DEBRA IS BACK!!!

As for my tests... no, I haven't gotten my results back. Is it normal to take this long. I was thinking a week at the most, and that is today. Should I call soon?? I know the holiday gets in the way of things, but I hate waiting.

Debra - I totally forgot about Jenny from the block. AND... my married name starts with Lo, so I did get called J-Lo for a bit during that time.

I forgot to mention that I was able to have alone time in the hot tub. I took my book with me and worked on my Secret Lives of Bees book. I really like it and want to finish it, but time hasn't been with me and that book. I also need to get the Lolita book done before the library comes after me.

 

[padisneyfan]

Welcome back everyone for those that traveled this weekend. We had a great time this weekend. Nephew's wedding was very nice. The winery where the wedding took place, sits up on a hill and you could see the fireworks from Watkins Glen. Plus you got to love an open bar at a Winery. I'm glad we decided to spend the entire weekend as we did the Corning Glassworks Museum, some of the Senecca Wine Tour (there are 100 wineries in the Finger Lake region and we only managed to do 4) and visited with DB and SIL. The weather was great in the 80's no humidity and needed a sweater at night. We will have to plan another trip to that area next year.

Debra--- Sorry to hear about your Father's cancer diagnosis. But like you said usually prostate cancer is a good cancer to get. Yea, I heard that when I got my breast cancer diagnosis. It still hits you hard. Keep us posted on how he is doing. We missed you.

Jen--- The 3 day weekend will really mess up getting test results back. Glad you could enjoy the hot tub over the weekend.

Mel--- An ice cream party over Marathon Weekend sound fun. I love ice cream.

Julie-- Pixie Dust for your leg.

Jeanne-- I agree with Debra we need more details from the weekend and meeting the Greek's family. Why did you think that your life was going to stay less crazy?

Ruth---Congratulations on your new house.

I have a physical scheduled today and I am not looking forward to getting on the scale. I started yesterday with the WW plan and I have to stick to it to loose some weight before my cruise in less than 6 weeks. I diid 3 miles on elipical and Pilates last night. Tonight will be spin class and pump.

Hi to all my other Cousins.

Nancy

Hope everyone has a great

 

[jeanneg]

YAY, DEBRA'S BACK!!!!!!!


First off, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. That said, with dilligent care, the outcomes are often positive. I'm praying and hoping that everything will turn out well for him. And we are here for you if and when you need us.

Hmmm, summer reading......now that Debra's back, just keeping up with her posts is plenty of reading for me. I read "Secret Life of Bees" several years ago and loved that one also. I thought it was supposed to be made into a movie, but haven't heard anything more about it. Right now I am almost finished "Miracle in the Andes" by Nando Parrado which is the true account of one of the survivors of the 1972 plane crash that left 32 passengers stranded in the Andes Mountains for 72 days. I read the original story ("Alive") when it first came out over 30 years ago. Both are similar in that they are fascinating and inspirational, although I recall the original one was much more spiritual. The author of the one I am reading now basically did what he did to survive and did not grapple with the morality issues to the extent that the original account did. After that I will start "Songs Without Words" by Anne Packer. I just wanted to clarify that the book i finished last week (The Unwanted) was indeed heavy material, but it was a quick, easy read and definitely more uplifting than depressing.

Morgan: We were in the exact same part of MI! Darnit, we could have met for a Starbucks....or a coney dog! Our hotel was right in downtown Birmingham (Holiday Inn Express) and we had most of the morning to ourselves because "the kids" were always sleeping in. (I guess we tired them out!) As for Troy, well, I was informed that is most likely where the actual wedding will take place as that is where his Greek Orthodox Church is situated. As I mentioned yesterday, nothing is official yet, but blessings have been sought and granted, so it's just a matter of time.

As for my weekend, we did lots of fun things but mostly we ate great MI food.
My favorite places were Red Coat Tavern for awesome burgers and Original Pancake House (both on Woodward) and of course we visited one of those very famous Coney Island chains. Our "meet the family" dinner ended up being at Maggianos because it was the 4th and all the places they wanted to go to were closed. We ended up having a great time, so it was fine. In addition to lots of walking around Royal Oak and Birmingham we went to a penthouse party on the 4th (where we saw fireworks displays for miles and miles in all the surrounding towns), toured the Henry Ford Museum, Greektown, several casinos, did the river walk that faces Windsor, Canada and went to a symphony concert with fireworks in Greenfield Village. Plus, one night the Greek cooked for us.......lamb, of course! We plannd to go to Ray's Ice Cream shop as Debra suggested, but we were always so full we kept putting it off. I guess I'll just have to save it for next time.

Nancy: glad you had a nice time at the wedding. Open bar at a winery is my kind of fun.

Julie: hope your leg is feeling better!

I'm off to the other thread to tally up the miles and minutes for last week. First I have to come up with some sort of reasonable value for all the walking we did this weekend. Just to get from our parking spot to the concert site was a least a mile each way and we were toting chairs and other goodies so it should count as "work".

Have a wonderful day, cousins!

 

[curiouser]

Morgan: We were in the exact same part of MI! Darnit, we could have met for a Starbucks....or a coney dog! Our hotel was right in downtown Birmingham (Holiday Inn Express) and we had most of the morning to ourselves because "the kids" were always sleeping in. (I guess we tired them out!) As for Troy, well, I was informed that is most likely where the actual wedding will take place as that is where his Greek Orthodox Church is situated. As I mentioned yesterday, nothing is official yet, but blessings have been sought and granted, so it's just a matter of time.

Oh my gosh, how weird!! We looked into staying at the HIE but we ended up staying in Troy, instead. If the wedding is there the Somerset Inn is a nice little hotel! Yeah, what's up with those coney dog chains, anyway? We couldn't figure it out.. and the fact that they charge two different prices for gas - cash price v. credit price? Debra? Anyone?

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins!

Mel - An ice cream party on marathon weekend sounds great. We'll all be so skinny from training that I'm sure there will be plenty of room in that OKW 1BR.

Nancy - It sounds like you had a really fun weekend!

Jen - I loved the Secret Life of Bees, although I read it so long ago that I don't remember much. I have that problem with books. I just can't remember much about them after I read them. I think after kid #3, my brain just stopped working properly. How is Lolita? I'm still waiting to get it from my library. I'd love to chat with you about it once we've both read it. I hope you're continuing to enjoy your hot tub and that you get your test results back soon.

Jeanne - Wow, what a busy weekend you had. It sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for explaining that The Unwanted is more uplifting than depressing. I guess I just assumed based on the subject matter that it would be depressing. I really want to read it, but since I already have enough books for the next week or so, I'll have to wait a bit.

Morgan - They've been doing that thing with the two different gas prices here in Boston too. I never have cash on me, and my car costs a fortune to fill up, so I end up paying the higher credit card price.

As for me, I'm still resting my injured leg (I think it's a hamstring issue). Then DD had an asthma attack last night. She used her inhaler and was fine, but she'd never had that happen before, so I couldn't sleep all night. I would kind of doze off for a bit and then wake up to go check on her. DH & I are supposed to be going away Fri-Mon. I really hope that she's fine and that we don't have to cancel the trip. I'm also crossing my fingers that the baby doesn't decide to get sick the night before we leave like he did last month. I really don't want anymore visits to the ER!

Have a great week, everyone! I hope to be able to read and post more before we leave, but it's going to be crazy around here cleaning, packing, trying to keep kids from getting sick, etc, so I'm not sure how much free time I'll have.

 

[deekaypee]

Ahhhh, it's good to be back. Thanks, everyone, for the good thoughts and consultation offers on my dad's condition. I might take you up on those things, depending on my father's reaction. He is fairly close-mouthed about things, although I know they detected the cancer early. It's strange--my uncle (through marriage) was also diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year. They're not close, but seem to be sharing stories, etc. I'm glad he has someone to talk to, because talking isn't something my dad does a lot of. (I'm not sure we're related.) Right now, his biggest concern--or the one he's willing to cop to--is health insurance. And because he's got other health issues, as does my mom, he's postponed retiring even though, at 68 yo, he's eligible. Once he does so he'll lose a lot of his health-care benefits. (Grrrr.)

Julie: Wow, that's quite a reading list you've assembled! It sounds lovely and decadent. That, plus some fruity alcoholic drinks and a cabana boy and you have my version of paradise!!! I hope the rest does your leg good--do you have a sense of how you injured it? Hamstring injuries, can be caused a lot of things, as I understand it. Wasn't there a discussion of them on the weekly thread a few weeks ago? (Stretch, stretch, stretch, that's what I remember.) Sending PD to your DD for her asthma and for good health for the baby!

JenB: Thank you for your input. I'm going to mention robotic surgery to my dad, hear his reaction. I may ask some follow-up questions of you. I'm so happy to hear about your own dad's successful surgery and one-year anniversary.

Morgan: Honestly? I knew about those guys from YouTube, then found their albums on iTunes. I have friends who work in various entertainment industries, so I try to keep up. (I like their stuff, generally, like "The Other Line" and "Turn Up the Sun.") Did you go to the Somerset Collection in Troy? I never feel appropriately dressed for that mall, as it's so upscale. It was, however, where DOOD bought me my first engagement ring! (From Tiffany's. Ooo la la! It's the closest I'll ever be to Audrey.)

As for cash/credit cards & gas, I don't know why places do that. I can't explain why Coney Dogs in Michigan, either, but they're a Detroit-area food. And there's lots of competition for the best dogs, with distinctions between a sweet or spicy sauce, a sloppy or a chunky sauce, etc. And don't get me started on the difference between the Detroit coneys and those from the Flint, Jackson, and Ann Arbor areas. And this all comes from a vegetarian! I do think, though, that coneys are an acquired taste. We'll have to ask Jeanne what she thinks.

Mel: ITA with your assessment of the Anita Blake series. I liked it's hard-boiled female detective, its humor, its paranormal aspect. And erotica doesn't bother me, I even like some of it. But when I started noticing far more chapters were about sex instead of "crime of the day," Blake's morality as a killer, or her complicated relationships was when I started to skim chapters.... The series' conceit offers much for vampire and the alternate history genres, but Hamilton decided to go in another direction. Her prerogative, of course, but I like speculative fiction more. I enjoyed Octavia Butler's Fledgling, which I've previously mentioned.

I appreciated your summary of the vampire genre, btw. I don't read that much vampire stuff, so I had no idea it leaned toward erotica. It makes perfect sense, as much sense as a crime fiction/vampire hybrid anyway. I'd just never given it much thought. Hmmmph. I must not be much of a cougar if I think more about the blood/violence aspect of vamps instead of the seduction and sex. (Or I'm a more "natural" cougar than I let on! )

Jen: I'm so calling you J-Lo now. I guess it IS still early for the tests to come back, esp. with the holiday weekend and all. I just feel like I've been gone forever, so it seems like your bloodwork was weeks ago. You'll have to keep us updated, though. I know you've been having a tough time with everything, and I'm hoping the tests will shed a light on some physical factors that contribute to it. It sounds like you and Jeanne like The Secret Lives of Bees. Good to know. How about the Lolita Effect?

Nancy: The winery and tours sound absolutely delightful and, I imagine, the area is very picturesque for a wedding. I think it's such fun when you visit a new place for one reason and end up liking it well enough to go back. Good luck with your physical--and I'm sure the upcoming cruise is a big incentive for sticking with your WW plan.

Jeanne: Nope, life isn't settling down for you anytime soon. It sounds like everything went really well! Congratulations in advance! I love, love, love the Original Pancake house! I don't know if I ever made it to the Red Coat Tavern, so I've just added it to my list. So...how do you feel about coney dogs?

You certainly packed lots of things into your trip. I hope you came away with a good feeling about the Detroit area. So many people still think of it as the murder capital of the country. It's not a perfect town, by any means, but there's lots of cool things--and you got to experience many of them. (And some high-rolling activities. Oh, baby!) Was the meet the family dinner fun? My Big, Fat Greek Wedding fun? (What can I say? Movies are a frame of reference for me on all things.)

Mel & Ice-Cream Party Lovers: You KNOW I'm still up for an ice-cream party. I think it would be tons of fun. And apparently JenB's husband and DOOD are soul mates. Right now, we have 3 pints of ice cream in the freezer. And that's in addition to the stores in the neighborhood!!! I can't answer the OKW 1-br question, but let me know of anything I can do to help realize this little soiree, if you want to proceed. DOOD and I still haven't firmed up our plans, but we'll probably be around prior to marathon weekend.

As for me: Settling in again, just trying for a nice, boring, day-to-day life. No weddings like Nancy or Jeanne, no trips, no hot tubbing. I'm fine with that. My big plans involve seeing comic-book films (Hancock and Hellboy II), hopefully at the drive-in. And maybe exploring the fine city of Pgh. I didn't realize until recently I still haven't been on the incline!

As for running, I'm having a hard time with the speed issue and breathing. I'm going to give it another week. If it's still difficult, I may just abandon that for some "running is fun, remember?" runs.

 

[Jen117]

AHHHHHHHHH... I haven't read Lolita Effect yet. And it is only a 2 week book so best get on it. I am hoping no one requested it so I can renew it for another 2 weeks. I PROMISE (XXXmyheart) that I will post about it. That way I HAVE to read it!!!

Did anyone read Marley and Me??? They are filming a movie about it now, but I read the book several years ago when it came out. I totally LOVED it since my golden is a Marley. Then a couple of months ago I found the book in hard cover at the thrift store for $1. Had to buy it!

 

[DreamBeliever]

Cousins ~ Thank you for the well-wishes regarding our move. We're moving to Tega Cay, SC, which is just south of Charlotte, NC. I'm really excited about the move and can't wait to be settled. Our closing is scheduled for August 1, and we hope to move the following week. So little time and so much to do

My training has been going well, other than the occasional shin splint. I get up and out early while the day is nice and cool it's also a great de-stresser.

Debra ~ Welcome back! prayers of good health for your family Now that we're moving to warmer climate, I'm able to train year round I hope to meet you at the Mickey.

Julie ~ I hope you'll be back on your feet soon. As long as your recovering, 'pretty' drinks are good medicine.

Mel ~ Did you say ice cream party? Nummy

Nancy ~ I hate physicals. I'd reather be dillusional (sp?).

Until next time ...

Ruth

 

[FatElvis]

Happy Wednesday! I'm having a good running week, finally. Well, half-week anyway. Did 6.5 on Monday and 4 this morning and really felt good. All on the treadmill - too hot & humid to get outside. I grew up in New Mexico and 110 degrees doesn't bother me a bit, when it's paired with single-digit humidity levels. But this midwestern mugginess nonsense is kicking my hind end. Ugh. You'd think after 12+ years of living here, I'd be getting used to it. Not so far.

So, I've come up with a brilliant running strategy. Since the majority of my runs are on my treadmill, I usually watch TV while I run. (My husband travels at least half the time and we have 3 young kids. So no outside runs without risking a DFS visit. ) I was/am a big fan of the show Alias. I watched the first 4 seasons religiously, but the final season I just had the hardest time keeping up with it. I had at least 10 episodes on my DVR and finally just gave up and waited for the DVDs to come out. Well, 2 (3?) years later, there Season 5 sits, dusty and still shrink-wrapped. And of course I've forgotten half of all the Rambaldi stuff. So now I'm starting from the beginning - I'm gonna watch all 5 seasons while I run! Each episode is about 45 minutes, since there are no commercials. That's perfect - I can get 4-5 miles in for each one, and if I have to do a long run on the treadmill, I can just watch 2.

I'm impressed with my brilliance for several reasons - first, I just enjoy the show and the time will go fast. Also, how can I not be inspired to run just a bit faster/further/harder, after watching Jennifer Garner? Jeez, I'd love to have abs like that. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, this will keep me in shape should the CIA ever come to recruit me into service. I know, I know - it's a long shot, but it's really smart, if you think about it. I'd be the PERFECT covert agent. Who'd suspect a 37 yr old? I may not be rappelling down the side of a building in North Korea, but I can darn sure keep tabs on things here in Missouri.

**sigh** OK, so maybe I should just concentrate on running and not so much entertaining myself, huh?

Debra, I'm sorry to hear about your dad, but it sounds like you (and he) have gotten some good advice.

And y'all have some impressive reading lists! I'm reading Have You Found Her? right now, written by a fellow Dis-er, Janice Erlbaum. It's pretty harrowing, about her trying to help a homeless drug-addicted teen girl. I'm just halfway through, but wow. I'm also reading a book about Jane Boleyn (Anne's sister-in-law). I'm just finishing up a big Tudor stretch, after watching the not-so-historically-accurate The Tudors on Showtime.

I haven't read the Lolita Effect, but has anyone read Packaging Girlhood by Sharon Lamb? It's along the same lines (I think) and is pretty eye-opening. I don't agree with absolutely everything she wrote, but it's a good read.

For lighter stuff, I love Julie Kenner - her demon-fighting soccer mom series is hilarious. There's also a series about shoes and some DaVinci Code-like game. (Wow, if that isn't a compelling description... ) Just looked it up - she calls it the Codebreaker Trilogy.

That's it for me - should probably try to relieve the babysitter (AKA Noggin - why yes, I am the best mom ever!)

Kayci

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aloha, Cousins!

Hmm. Well, my company is firmly in place, so no workouts since this weekend, and eating like royalty...not exactly conducive to staying healthy. It's also about 1,000 degrees and humid, so no workouts after work, either.

Kayci -- You take me back to my roots! I grew up in Missouri, so it was a pleasant change for summer to move to the Northeast. We rarely get to 90, and even though we're by the ocean, it just isn't humid like Misery. Don't get me wrong, there are a few things I miss, but hot summers isn't one of them! (Check back with me when we have a foot of snow, I'll be singing a different tune )

Ruth -- Congratulations on your move! Debrawill have some great advice for you, she recently packed up her troubles and moved, but not so far.

Jen -- Now I have that song stuck in my head, "Jenny from the Block"! Our library lets us do 3-week rentals, and then you can renew twice as long as no one has requested the book.

Debra -- Hancock and Hellboy II both look perfect for summer to me. DS is going to see Wall-E today with my dad. I'll let you know what the 10 yr. old set thinks! Oh, and did I hear you refer to DOOD buying your 1st engagement ring? Have there been more than 1? Not to pry, it just sounded like you have a story, and you know how nosy I am!

Julie -- Did you know New Englanders eat more ice cream per capita than any other region? Count us in! I hope your leg heals quickly and you have a fabulous time in PR!

Morgan -- Glad you enjoyed the shopping. I almost wish I could put a "no winters" qualification on our residence, but I've kind of grown fond of them

Jeanne -- I think you'll make a lovely mother of the , sounds like it's just a matter of time!

Nancy -- It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend! Wow, the open bar at the winery must have been lovely. Is the upcoming cruise the Panama Canal you were speaking about earlier?

JenB -- I think we should have a group kitchen sink at B&C!

Mel -- I prefer my vampires kicking and biting, rather than getting amorous. I'll put up with some if there's plenty of humor or gripping action. But if it's all about the "action", not so much. I'm with you!

Shell, Johanna, Richard, Denny, Robert, Linda, Dave, Erica & Other Cousins -- Everyone have an awesome night!

I'm off to walk my last 2 miles, then finally home!
Maria