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Odd Dayz

I am not sure why it was an odd day for me, but it just felt a little out of sync. I was exhausted for one thing (not sure why). It was almost impossible to drag myself out of bed at 6am. In fact, I crawled out of bed at 6:20 telling the kid that he was late (oh so mean, I know!) and to hurry! When he rushed to the shower, I laid back down on the edge of the bed, while my sweet puppies crawled into my deserted warm spot. It’s a ‘you leave it, you loose it policy around here’. I finally managed to guilt myself into getting up and finishing “Mom duties”, but it was a pathetic breakfast spread of (generic…duh) Cinnamon Toast Crunch and organic 2% milk. I forgot to get cash for his lunch, so we dug thru the change jar ‘till we had $2.75. The bus arrived early, @ 7:03, and I was so relieved! Then I thought, “What the hell is wrong with me?!”.

This thought followed me throughout the entire work day. I just couldn’t get it together. I was exhausted, and discombobulated. I couldn’t focus on a single task. Worse came to worse when my mother asked me if I could watch my niece while she ran some errands. I agreed and she left with the promise (bribe) of bringing me back a cheese burger. Dakota slept most of the time, but did eventually wake up and we actually ended up having the best time ever crawling around on the floor making up songs that only a 9 month old would appreciate.

Anyway, the day just dragged on until I just couldn’t take it anymore. I eventually charged up the iPod and put on my shorts and t-shirt and headed outside into the magnificent sun. I managed to run a few miles…..literally only 2….and was done! At least Mags was happy he had a walk, and I received some much needed vitamin D. It was about this time that I started receiving friend requests left and right from Facebook. It was so wonderful to hear from friends of long ago, and is what actually made my day fantastic on a 10pt scale. I also had a great lecture to attend at the library. A local Nursery owner spoke about landscaping. I am now all pumped to do some serious landscaping but, unfortunately lack the land and funds to follow thru….ah well, I guess my geniusness will remain on paper till needed.

Since then, I have been trying to keep up with the bombardment of social networking demands and studying for my NCE’s (still). Tomorrow, I plan on catching up with all the behind work to do at work, wrapping up my private Art Lessons I’ve been giving for the last 3 years, and doing a little much needed baby shower shopping for this weekend. Yikes.

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Saturday Of Awsum

TRAINING: Saturday was Mini-Marathon training day. It was cold and windy and way too early in the Morning to run 4 miles. I did my mileage during the week so I wasn’t too concerned about not making the whole run. A very chilled Team in Training met at Rosebud Park at 8am. We warmed up and stretched and were off like lightning…..Well most were; I was more like a snail. I am not sure if I walk or run faster. Not too concerned about it since I am the least competitive person ever and I did finish (and didn’t die). I felt pretty good actually, and am ready to kick 5 miles’ ass this week.
Afterward, Bethany and I took Parker and Dakota to have their pictures taken together. I really look forward to getting them back in a few weeks. I am not usually one for cheesy studio portraits, but these kids are cute! Once we finished, we headed off to meet Jason and Caleb for a delicious Mexican lunch. Then home for a quick nap, pick parker up from a basketball game and head to The Race. The next race of the day was pure spectatorship and will stand out as the most amusing race I’ve ever witnessed.

THE GREAT RACE: There is one good thing I can say about living in a small redneck town. One is never short of cheap and amusing entertainment. Jason informed me of The Great Race a few days ago and I thought he was kidding. Apparently, Bo and Leo Barnes challenged each other to a race to prove who was faster. Not sure of all the particulars, but I can assure you that lots of beer was involved in this decision making process. The race was to be held at the twin oaks (literally two trees on the side of the road a little ways from the farm).

It turned out to be the event of the year. Bets were flying, children were bundled up in camo, and it was a sea of Wearguard coveralls. I’d bet there was around 100 people there just by word of mouth. Leo showed up with his entourage and a Full Throttle. He was looking shiny, young and fresh. Already half an hour late, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of the rival brother. There was still time for some last minute betting and heavily debated discussions of where the actual race was to begin. 50 yards was agreed upon, and Foreman Neil and Ryan proceed to step off the distance and mark the starting line. Unfortunately, for all of us with a good zoom on our camera’s, we soon learned that Thomas “Forman” Neil took his duties as a marker literally and marked the spot much like my puppy Mags would have. Lord save the rednecks!

Honking was heard in the distance and Bo and his band of hot chicks arrived (Brina and Tosha). Everyone expected a flashy entrance and we were not disappointed. Bo exited his truck bed in true rocky style, donned with towel and robe. Actually, with the addition of the cowboy hat and cigarette it was more like Rocky meets the Bandit, Burt Reynolds style. After much heehawing and pacing around each other (and a few last minute beer guzzling) the racers and their crew took their mark. Lightning Leo ancy and hopped up on Full Throttle was raring to go. Bo the Bolt was prepared for aerodynamic fusion in his thermal underarmor shirt and lucky Speedo. Oddly enough, I was more shocked by the fact that Bo owned tennis shoes than a Speedo. The pistol fired and the runners were off. It looked redneck-in-neck but the sun was in most peoples eyes to be sure. Then suddenly, Bo the Bolt was just too much Speedo and leg for Lightning Leo to handle (or stomach) and Bo was the clear victor.

In the victor’s circle, appearing with his impromptu appointed manager, Forman Neil, much discussion ensued about upcoming races in the European circuit (Especially Amsterdam). Once pictures were taken, beer cans picked up and kids corralled, plans were made to enjoy food and merriment at The Farm. Thanks to Cash’s amazing culinary skills we were presented with Dips (Blue, Purple, Pink flavors) and Chips that left you wanting more beer (The colorful dips really were delicious). Maybe it was all the Bud Light but it really made me proud to be a redneck.

To see a visual account of this event see my Picasa page: http://picasaweb.google.com/wenderflonium/TheBigRace/

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What is going on In Creative Wenderland

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Cameras are clicking, seeds are planted and shoes are running. It has really been a hectic few months. I feel like I am running all the time, even when I am not training for the marathon thingy.

Training Update: Group training is tomorrow and we are set to do 4 miles. Shouldn’t be too bad since Bethlys and I did 4 a few days ago……and didn’t die! Fundraising is crap right now…..Somebody motivate me to ask for money!

Master Gardener Class: Last night was an excellent lecture on rainwater harvesting. I really feel, even prior to this inspirational lecture, that this is something we all can do to preserve our limited supply of fresh water. It’s a drought people. Get those barrels out and collect from the roofs when it rains! So simple and cheap.

Photography: I am so excited about my new camera. Anyone who follows me on Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Picasa, or is unlucky to be Yahoo IM’ing me and Texting me (and the occasional real person I speak to) has heard all about my new camera. It’s a Canon DSLR (EOS Rebel Xsi). In high school, and in college, I used a fully manual SLR, Canon AE-1. In between, I have used Canon Powershots, point and click digital cameras. Not too shabby, but I really wanted something with a little more power and required more skill. The Camera arrived yesterday and my photographer senses are tingling. I’ve only been able to shoot a few shots off since late last night, but I was thoroughly impressed. You can check out and keep track of my past, present, and future skillz if you so desire.