Paper or Computer?

This is what my nightstand looks like....

Yep, books and a Kindle.   So, I had avoided the Kindle for a long time, feeling a bit nostalgic about the need to hold a book and turn the pages as I read.  I feared that if I bought a Kindle, I would join the ranks of those who will eventually cause the closure of all the lovely small bookstores that add character to towns and cities.

However, this summer, I became a Kindle owner and user... and, in truth, have read more books since I go the Kindle than the past 2 years together... Yikes.   Why?  Perhaps it was the newness?   the convenience of being able to start a new book if I finish one without getting up?   Traveling ease?    Who knows, but it is true.     Right now, however, I am reading a paperback book I borrowed from a friend... I almost bought it for my Kindle, but thought it was silly to spend the money when I can borrow it from a friend...

So, am I contributing to the decline of books?  Will my children grow up using books as I did?   Only God knows.  But I have come to realize I cannot hold back time...  I love books, AND I love my Kindle.   And, in truth, those people who came before me probably felt the same about telephones, cell phones, computers, calculators, etc... items which seem so essential to me now....

Do you have a Kindle?   Or, are you committed to the books we all grew up treasuring???  Hmmm... seems like a trivial decision, yet reflects a lot about life moving forward....

Fall Food

I love fall.   As you know.   So many things about Fall.

One thing about Fall I love ...  Sweet potatoes and Brussel Sprouts.  Yes, Brussel Sprouts.  Yummy...

Just chop them up, add some onion slices, garlic, Northwoods spices and a little olive oil (yes, a very little)...

Stick them on the pan and roast them in the oven...

Perfection in Fall Foods!!!

Wish I were here....

Do you know where this is???

The Warrior Dash

Due to PF (See post below), I was not able to do the Warrior Dash this year.. I just didn't want to put my foot/leg through that...

So, instead I got to take pictures...

Let me just say, it is not as much fun to sit on the sides and take pictures.  Just sayin'.

Plantar Fasciitis....

 Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.


Diagnosis...  well, you can see a doctor, you can talk to your doctor husband, you can talk to physical therapists, you can talk to personal trainers.... and you can use common sense.


For me, the diagnosis was made by using all the above methods.

Treatment plan:  stop running.  stop running?   really?  yep.  stop.  not cut back.  stop.   


Emotional response: not good.   Just saying.  not good.   When your well being is so interconnected with keeping yourself active, maintaining a healthy weight (not easy for all of us), and overall need of quiet time of running and endorphins from exercise... an debilitating injury can cause much emotional stress.

See, I have not always been a runner.  Many of you know I ran when we lived in Philly, then didnt anymore for a while, then started up again after Shannon was born and I hit a weight wall .. I needed a change, and I found it at the gym. I love to exercise.  I enjoy running, spinning and strength training.  Running has become my fall back, though.  When I cannot do anything else, I go for a run.  I run races, not to compete against others, but to continually motivate myself and give me new goals. 


However, this summer I ran even though I knew I was injured. I kept running, even when it hurt and I knew it was resulting in bad form. I just wanted to get through the relay.    


Well, I did.. I limped through that last 6 miles...  and now, I have only run once in 5 weeks.. and it hurt.  a lot.  more than i thought.  Frustration.   Exhaustion (not from working out, but from not working out).   Apathy.   Irritability.   Hmm. something has to change (besides my foot healing, of course).


So, I have come to this conclusion. I have to let it heal.  Which means... no running.  I will not delay its healing by running too soon.  I am going to focus on strength training and do limited cardio with extra foot support (wearing cycling shoes for spinning). 


Ok, so that is what I will do. I will not gain the weight back while I am not running, since I will keep going to the gym and maintaining my strength... and watching what I eat.  I will not let my emotions get the better of me, either... nor my ego.  I will wait until my body tells me it is time, then I will be running again.... in time for the Spring races and next summer.... :)

Anniversary Trip

To celebrate our 10 years married, Kyle arranged for us to go on a Sea Kayak Adventure in the San Juan Islands....

To say it was amazing, would be an understatement......   The entire weekend was full of amazing views, good company, delicious food, and lots of laughing...

Taking the ferry to Friday Harbor to meet up with the tour...

 

We knew we had chosen the right tour guides when we saw the gear they brought... yes, that is a case of wine.  :)

Posey Island, our one acre state park we had to ourselves for the weekend...

Setting up camp...

 

Night one appetizers...  we realized quickly we were not going to lose weight on this trip.. wine, two kinds of cheese, bread, crackers and even some lavender and candles.. :)

The bathroom...

Day 2... Beautiful weather...

While on a hike on Stuart Island, a pod of orcas passed right under us.. amazing!!!  

Back to paddle...

 I would go again. tomorrow.  amazing.

September 11...

This date still gives me chills. Still takes my breath away.  I have had trouble watching TV today.   Watching those scenes, it doesn't seem like it has been 10 years.  I remember where I was.  I remember what I was doing.  I remember what I did the rest of the day.   I did not lose a loved one that day, but I do remember feeling like the world I live in had changed.... forever... thus changing me.  I know many folks felt this way... do you still?  What has changed for you???  What has changed for me??