Teenagers Scare Me

Since the last time I went on a run longer than 10 minutes with the B was a crash-and-burn disaster, I've decided to take my longer runs on my own.  We've been unsuccessfully searching craigslist for a 2nd hand treadmill, so I have to get out the door before the B wakes up.  It's a struggle for me, but much better than pushing around my own siren.  People, she's FINE.  She's just cranky, and I promise I'm not actually torturing her.  Feel free to holster those dirty looks.  And yes I shouldn't care what people think, but I do.

This brings me to the subject of this post.  Teenagers scare me.  They can just sit and stare at you for hours with blank looks on their face.  What's going on under all that angst?!  My morning run was on a local HS track, and I thought that since graduation was last week, school should be out.  About halfway through the run I started noticing teens parking their butts in the bleachers just staring.  As more started showing up, I had to conclude that they were there to either:

1. Cheer me on
2. Mock me
3. Take summer school.

My guess was #3.  Anyway, so a bunch of bored resentful teens were sitting around with nothing to do but wait.  And stare at the silly lady running on their track.  So, I did the only thing that made sense to me, I ran away.  (suggestions for funny meme here)

I'm terrified of the day the B turns into a teenager.  By the looks of things, she's already 1.5 going on 21.

Where's my glass of champagne?!

Some Days Are Just Harder

Ever have that feeling that your legs are made of lead?  Or maybe that your arms feel like limp spaghetti?  Well, my Sunday run was all of that and more.  Usually when I'm running the track, half miles and even miles can go by pretty quickly.  I'll look down at my gps and see, "great, only 2 miles to go."  Sunday was a different story.  I kept checking the gps every 0.25 miles, which is stupid because I'm on a freaking track and I KNOW that I only ran a lap.  The B was even cooperating in the stroller and there was no wind.  All the same, my legs did not want to move.

I found myself saying the same things in my head with every lap, trying to encourage myself.  Simple phrases like:

1. The harder it feels the stronger you're getting
2. Every step is one step closer 
3. Don't stop or you won't start again

Motivational thoughts reminded me of an e-card I saw on someone's FB page.

If preventing the thigh clap doesn't inspire, I don't know what will.

What motivational thoughts go through your head on the tough days?

I'll leave you with this final image as proof that perseverance pays off.  My workaholic Father has officially retired and now his garden is his pride and glory.  For the past few months he has been pursuing, (in caddy shack fashion), the gopher that killed 4 of his carpet roses.  At one time he was successful in capturing a gopher toe in the trap.  Just last night he sent me this picture via email with the subject line, finally.  He also said he verified that it was the same gopher as it is missing a toe.



This big guy didn't have a chance once Dad set his sights on him.



Antics

Do you have weeks where you feel like you're just sleep walking through life?  I think I'm in one of those funks.  I probably just need to pick myself up and get over it.  I think that going down this list of antics is going to be the ticket.    

My favorite item is #1 followed closely by #6.

 In crafting fun, J and I made a doll bed for the B.  The quilt and bedding was surprisingly easy, although my corners don't all line up, and the mattress is just layers of batting.  But the B doesn't seem to mind.  She likes to pretend to put the doll down for a nap and shush us. 

Quiet!  Your laughter is keeping dolly awake.

Shushing often devolves into tongue grabbing.

Tongues are fun.

 

Which is followed closely by, "My Turn!"  She is still not really talking but you would be amazed at how well I can interpret grunting these days.

Mama, this is just terrible workmanship.  The bed is way too small. 
But maybe if I squeeze . . .

Last week I was right on track with my running training plan.  On Sunday I set out to run 5 miles.  About halfway

through the B fell asleep and I didn't want to squander the opportunity so I threw in an extra mile.  The I decided to throw in 0.1 just so I could make it a 10K because I'm weird like that.  Now my shins are not too happy with me, but I hope with extra stretching today it'll be okay for my 4 miler tonight.

I'll end with this funny image for those who remember Dragonball.

Kamehameha!