This is the story of how an SUV in need of new shocks inspired a sweet, frosty post-ride treat today.
Ready?
Every day at approximately 4:55 AM, the squeakiest newspaper delivery vehicle this side of the Mississippi river squeaks down my street. It makes two or three unbelievably squeaky stops at the houses directly across the street from our bedroom window and then moves on to squeak through and disturb the rest of the neighborhood.
On my run this morning I realized it was a year ago today that I embarked on my maiden voyage with my neighborhood running group. Although I guess a year ago today was Halloween, and Halloween is of course tomorrow. So I suppose I really should have written a year ago tomorrow, but the group runs on Saturdays, so it feels like a year ago today. And “a year ago today” feels a more nostalgic than “a year ago tomorrow” – so I’m leaving it.
If I could sum up in one word what I’ve learned over the course of the last couple of weeks here, that word would be:
Balance.
Tonight I had a welcome distraction and was able to escape for a few hours from the boxes and unpacking and kids-going-stir-crazy madness. With a girlfriend in from out of town for the holidays, my three best girls and I left men and children behind and to head out and paint the town red. Or something. Really we just went out to eat but that doesn’t sound nearly as exciting.
This post is a figment of your imagination. Or is it?
I didn’t expect to have a chance to run or post this morning. But here I am, having unexpectedly run and now unexpectedly posting. How unexpected.
When an opportunity to run this morning presented itself, I jumped at it. Zak worked from home, the kids slept late, so off I went for a healthy dose of endorphins and some fresh air and sunshine. The real reason I went was to wax nostalgic because unless I get to sneak out tomorrow morning (Merry Christmas to me?) this will be my last run through these neighborhood streets as well as my last chance to avoid running into Mr. Miyagi.
After what seems like the 100th day in a row of packing and hauling toys and household items to the new house, I found myself blanking once again when it was time to figure out what on earth I was going to make for dinner tonight. I think I made 6 trips back and forth between the cupboards and the fridge with one hand glued to my cheek due to pure puzzlement. I finally waved the white flag and made giant salads of green leaf lettuce, the last of the spinach that expired two days ago, grape tomatoes, carrots, red bell pepper slices, hemp seeds and Annie’s Goddess Dressing.
Today felt like an overnight oats kind of morning. Except I didn’t make overnight oats last night. Good thing “Overnight Oats” is just a trick of a name and it could more accurately be called “Just a Few Hours Oats”.
Into a bowl at 6 AM: 1/2 a mashed banana, 1/2 c of rolled oats, 1 Tbsp of almond butter, 1 Tbsp ground flax, a tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/2 c of chocolate almond milk.
And a single chocolate chip because I’m rowdy like that.
One more run with my borrowed Garmin 405 this morning before it turns back into a pumpkin. Well, maybe not a pumpkin exactly but they will charge my debit card $350 if I don’t bring it back today. I don’t know about you but that’s more than I want to spend on a pumpkin.
Oh Garmin stats, it’s been fun.
A frosty 27 degrees this morning but with running tights, turtle neck, light jacket, gloves and a hat that I knit myself I was warmed up and comfortable by the first half mile.
I shed my yoga pants this evening in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony being held at the library. (There’s no better reason to shed your pants if you ask me.)
A new wing was unveiled at the library today! And it was named after me! Just a little “thank you” from the library to me for all the overdue fines I’ve paid.
I gave a speech after they listed all the new books, equipment and monuments they’ve purchased with my overdue fines. You’re welcome Library – it’s been my pleasure.
My body alarm was apparently set for 6:00 this morning, because that’s the exact minute my eyes popped open with no alarm to be heard.
I debated going to the gym first thing (Door #1) or waiting until the sun came up and going for a run outside (Door #2). After going to the gym on Monday and was reminded of how great it feels to get there early and get my work out in first thing, so I opted for what was behind Door #1.
More Mama’s Weeds
