I was out for a quick run today when it began to rain down. I started to walk because a) I didn't want to get home before it started to pour, and b) the muscle I pulled the other day during a run (I know, I know, I'm like a delicate little china doll. ugh) was aggravated by the downward slope.
Anyway, I started thinking about rain. It started to come down and I lifted my hands up to absorb as much as I could, and because it feels like the right thing to do when you're happy about rain.
I remember after curling my hair a long time ago thinking, 'What if the rain messes up my hair?' I am thankful that I answered that question later (months... perhaps a year?) with, 'So...what?'
I remember the first year Fred and I were together I was visiting where he lived in Aurora and it began to pour. I was so excited about it, but didn't quite know what to do with all this fun going on outside since I wasn't in my element, but we decided to take a dash outside down the sidewalks! We ran for perhaps two blocks but it was a fantastic decision. We were soaked through, and so happy to be.
I remember being very, very young and being outside with my brother, Carter. A threatening storm blew in, and before we knew it, sheets of rain (the first time I ever understood that expression) were falling to the ground so hard I could barely see my hand in front of my face ("which wouldn't be very interesting anyway"). The surge of excitement was almost unbearable. I didn't want to go inside a second sooner than I had to (and I think we had to make sure the animals were ok).
I remember even further back while still living in Illinois, standing in front of our front door watching the most violent rain fall to the ground with the most bright flashes of lightening and threatening thunder following shortly after. We giggled and ran around and hid, and inevitably wound up right back at the front door with our noses pressed to the glass, watching in awe.
Rain: it's so wonderful. It's fearsome and bold, or playful and light. It's danger, it's safety. I absolutely love rain.
Most recently (aside from my walk today) Fred and I decided to run the boat out to the dam to fish for trout, though it appeared a storm was rolling in. As we flew across the water, we wondered at the wisdom of traveling in an aluminum boat while lightning flashed (though still far away), and decided upon docking that no matter what happened, we wouldn't get back in the boat until there was no more lightning. The rains came and the thunder roared, but we stayed put with our lines in the water but not a bite to be had. We were soaked through and grinning from ear to ear. Even though we caught no fish, the fun had already been had.
I understand about the joys and fears of rain when there are dire
circumstances- joy for the end of a drought or the sprouts of a new
garden, fears for the flooding of homes and destroying of lives.
I don't understand when people keep away from rain, unless things will get damaged or people will get sick/hurt. I don't understand even more why people run from rain when they are swimming, of all things. You're already wet. As long as lightning isn't present it is a pleasant addition to the day. When you consider rain in a non-threatening scene - walking downtown,
sitting on the porch, laying in bed listening to it fall on the roof (or
in our case, sky light), it seems the most pleasant interruption a sky
could have.
I remember one evening Fred and I were watching an I Love Lucy episode when it began to rain hard. Our skylight was echoing each drip quite loudly. We turned the volume up almost as loud as it could go and still had trouble hearing! I think we eventually cut it off and just listened to the noise, but I don't really recall.
I remember playing volleyball when it began to pour. We tried playing until the ball got so heavy from water that it hurt like crazy if you did hit it, and when you did it would go as far as you could step. We all went back to Fred's and my home, dried off as best we could, and had waffles and hot cocoa/coffee. It was a great way to end the day.
There's a lot of rain stories out there, and I'm hoping to make quite a few more.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
a day in the life
If previous days were to be an indicator of whether I would run or not, I would put money down that I was not going to run. I, however, did run.
Many excuses come to mind when I think of that run: altitude difference, my knee isn't healed, my other knee is starting to hurt, I'm speed training,I'm thirsty, and the ever-faithful it's-been-a-while.
Well, it had been a while. I told myself I should run 5 miles. This was coming from the same girl who chose to lay on the hammock to 'see the beautiful view', but really was just trying to find another way to fall asleep again. Now my mind was deciding to run 5 miles, which I have not done since the 10k.
Well, I put my knee brace on and my favorite and only running outfit I had with me, downed a glass of water, and took off. Of course I had some cramps from the water, but I knew I was asking for it and just ran through it.
About a mile in I started slowing. I had heard RunKeeper at th 5min mark proudly state something around the 8.5min per mi estimate, but at the 10 minute mark I had just barely hit 1mi. "These blasted hills!" I thought.
Hah. Anyway, I ran on. I decided I must have water, and ran the 2 miles to a nearby park. I stopped RunKeeper and ran into the park, gulped much water down and started back. I had a great idea! Why don't I train a little, since I'm struggling to maintain a good pace anyway. So, I tried a fast walk for 30 seconds, a sprint (more like average run) for 60seconds, sometimes 90 seconds. I couldn't remember which to do, but I'm pretty sure my counting was off a little anyway. So out of shape.
All I know is that when I got back I downed another glass of water and jumped in the lake. My skin was so red hot it looked like I had serious sun burn, but that water felt so perfect!
Suzanne really wanted to go to this local dam that's pretty awesome. It's a half-circle the spews water over the edges like a steady waterfall, so that you can just edge yourself under it for a really cool effect. It's heart-pounding for some reason, but we love it.
So, we went to the dam. The water felt a lot colder, however I have promised myself not to deprive myself of the pleasure of jumping into water for any of these three following reasons:
1) "It'll mess up my hair"
2) "It'll mess up my makeup"
3) "It's too cold"
We ducked under and got soaked! It was a rush (still, not sure why! but that much water rushing over me makes my heart race), and we laughed and screamed and ducked in and out. When we were done we went to the general store nearby and sat in the back of the car with the door up eating ice cream and soaking up the sun.
By the time we got home, we actually were quite frozen. My lips were turning blue... or was that chocolate? I don't know. All I know is I ran bath water so hot it scared me. And then delighted me. I felt my entire bones beginning to thaw.
Ok, now I get it. Today I have been so achy. I had no idea why, but now I remember all the drastic temperature changes my body went through, and I bet I got a little sick. Thankfully, I just thought it was soreness from the run so I didn't let it hinder my brownie indulgence today (which was amazing - strawberries and raspberries). I mean, I know I'm sore from the run, but in my arms? Anyway, yay - I know why I'm achy!
I wish my body were stronger, but I guess that only happens with time. Time and a good, healthy diet of proper food and exercise.
Oh, and tomorrow I think I'll try something easier like a 2mi run. Maybe I can average 9.5. Hah!
Many excuses come to mind when I think of that run: altitude difference, my knee isn't healed, my other knee is starting to hurt, I'm speed training,I'm thirsty, and the ever-faithful it's-been-a-while.
Well, it had been a while. I told myself I should run 5 miles. This was coming from the same girl who chose to lay on the hammock to 'see the beautiful view', but really was just trying to find another way to fall asleep again. Now my mind was deciding to run 5 miles, which I have not done since the 10k.
Well, I put my knee brace on and my favorite and only running outfit I had with me, downed a glass of water, and took off. Of course I had some cramps from the water, but I knew I was asking for it and just ran through it.
About a mile in I started slowing. I had heard RunKeeper at th 5min mark proudly state something around the 8.5min per mi estimate, but at the 10 minute mark I had just barely hit 1mi. "These blasted hills!" I thought.
Hah. Anyway, I ran on. I decided I must have water, and ran the 2 miles to a nearby park. I stopped RunKeeper and ran into the park, gulped much water down and started back. I had a great idea! Why don't I train a little, since I'm struggling to maintain a good pace anyway. So, I tried a fast walk for 30 seconds, a sprint (more like average run) for 60seconds, sometimes 90 seconds. I couldn't remember which to do, but I'm pretty sure my counting was off a little anyway. So out of shape.
All I know is that when I got back I downed another glass of water and jumped in the lake. My skin was so red hot it looked like I had serious sun burn, but that water felt so perfect!
Suzanne really wanted to go to this local dam that's pretty awesome. It's a half-circle the spews water over the edges like a steady waterfall, so that you can just edge yourself under it for a really cool effect. It's heart-pounding for some reason, but we love it.
So, we went to the dam. The water felt a lot colder, however I have promised myself not to deprive myself of the pleasure of jumping into water for any of these three following reasons:
1) "It'll mess up my hair"
2) "It'll mess up my makeup"
3) "It's too cold"
We ducked under and got soaked! It was a rush (still, not sure why! but that much water rushing over me makes my heart race), and we laughed and screamed and ducked in and out. When we were done we went to the general store nearby and sat in the back of the car with the door up eating ice cream and soaking up the sun.
By the time we got home, we actually were quite frozen. My lips were turning blue... or was that chocolate? I don't know. All I know is I ran bath water so hot it scared me. And then delighted me. I felt my entire bones beginning to thaw.
Ok, now I get it. Today I have been so achy. I had no idea why, but now I remember all the drastic temperature changes my body went through, and I bet I got a little sick. Thankfully, I just thought it was soreness from the run so I didn't let it hinder my brownie indulgence today (which was amazing - strawberries and raspberries). I mean, I know I'm sore from the run, but in my arms? Anyway, yay - I know why I'm achy!
I wish my body were stronger, but I guess that only happens with time. Time and a good, healthy diet of proper food and exercise.
Oh, and tomorrow I think I'll try something easier like a 2mi run. Maybe I can average 9.5. Hah!
Friday, June 21, 2013
a tongue-in-cheek ode to nausea
Crystal, myself and several others were on our way to see the Normal Rockwell museum. Long, winding, mountainous roads brought on severe car sickness (a.k.a. never-gonna-really-throw-up-nausea... the worst kind). On the way back, Crystal offered to sit in the very back so I could sit closer to the front (the front! The seat of gold. The place where nausea fears to tread. The Land Of The Iron Stomachs!) I complied, being of a weak mind and even weaker stomach.
Yet it is not this act of kindness that sticks in my mind today. It was her words after: I don't get car sick.
O! The sheer heaven of the thought! Could such a life be possible? Could such injustices exist where one could experience such anguish that induces the most devout promises to a deity who would grant but one request, while another sits peacefully by... reading a book?! It is not to be borne!
But that thought haunted... taunted me, rather. She didn't know car sickness. She sat in the back, happy as a clam, smiling at her baby... and perhaps even stealing a few glances at my crossword puzzle I had naively brought along. But my days of back-seat riding had been far behind me, and my memory was weak. Where once I believed my stomach to be secure, my senses came back in an instant of one swift swerve of the road, and once quick tap of the brakes.
Fellow Nauseans, are we communicating?
So, with this idea in my mind that perhaps it was entirely (or mostly) my own fault of giving into these car-sick miseries that made me so sick, I decided to put myself to task.
Actually, I had also been experiencing unexplained nausea while on dry and stable land (not pregnant) so I finally said to myself, 'Nausea can no longer dictate what I do and do not participate in.' Because one day, I'm going to have kids. Little kids. And I'm going to be pregnant. And I'll probably have morning sickness. And I'm going to be in the car, with our two little ones in the back of our Sorento on our way to have pizza.
Pizza.
And the last thing I can think of wanting to do is eat yucky, greasy, garlic-smothered pizza, which is tantamount to a chum bucket at this current trimester. But, Fred is hungry and the kids love pizza and, though that night I probably tried to cook, I probably would wind up puking again, so Daddy Fred will put us all in the car and start to drive.
And, while staring dead ahead at the road, not wanting to induce anymore undue nausea, undoubtedly little, mini-Fred will drop his paci. And he will cry. I'll ask little, mini-Mary if she can reach it. She can't.
In that moment, I will pause. Ahead of me: pizza, garlic sauce (nausea). Where I'm sitting: morning sickness (nausea). Behind me, o! Behind me! Turning to face The Back? The Back- where all equilibrium can be off-set by a glance of a road sign receding too rapidly, or a head turned too quickly.
Behind me: the paci, and a little, crying, mini-Fred...
I will loosen my seat belt, turn around, pick up the paci, and I'm only guessing I will stick it in my mouth to clean it off (because I've seen moms do that a hundred times), and little, mini-Fred will be happy again. And I will turn around again and see that we are turning into Domino's.
And that is why nausea cannot dictate my decisions.
Yet it is not this act of kindness that sticks in my mind today. It was her words after: I don't get car sick.
O! The sheer heaven of the thought! Could such a life be possible? Could such injustices exist where one could experience such anguish that induces the most devout promises to a deity who would grant but one request, while another sits peacefully by... reading a book?! It is not to be borne!
But that thought haunted... taunted me, rather. She didn't know car sickness. She sat in the back, happy as a clam, smiling at her baby... and perhaps even stealing a few glances at my crossword puzzle I had naively brought along. But my days of back-seat riding had been far behind me, and my memory was weak. Where once I believed my stomach to be secure, my senses came back in an instant of one swift swerve of the road, and once quick tap of the brakes.
Fellow Nauseans, are we communicating?
So, with this idea in my mind that perhaps it was entirely (or mostly) my own fault of giving into these car-sick miseries that made me so sick, I decided to put myself to task.
Actually, I had also been experiencing unexplained nausea while on dry and stable land (not pregnant) so I finally said to myself, 'Nausea can no longer dictate what I do and do not participate in.' Because one day, I'm going to have kids. Little kids. And I'm going to be pregnant. And I'll probably have morning sickness. And I'm going to be in the car, with our two little ones in the back of our Sorento on our way to have pizza.
Pizza.
And the last thing I can think of wanting to do is eat yucky, greasy, garlic-smothered pizza, which is tantamount to a chum bucket at this current trimester. But, Fred is hungry and the kids love pizza and, though that night I probably tried to cook, I probably would wind up puking again, so Daddy Fred will put us all in the car and start to drive.
And, while staring dead ahead at the road, not wanting to induce anymore undue nausea, undoubtedly little, mini-Fred will drop his paci. And he will cry. I'll ask little, mini-Mary if she can reach it. She can't.
In that moment, I will pause. Ahead of me: pizza, garlic sauce (nausea). Where I'm sitting: morning sickness (nausea). Behind me, o! Behind me! Turning to face The Back? The Back- where all equilibrium can be off-set by a glance of a road sign receding too rapidly, or a head turned too quickly.
Behind me: the paci, and a little, crying, mini-Fred...
I will loosen my seat belt, turn around, pick up the paci, and I'm only guessing I will stick it in my mouth to clean it off (because I've seen moms do that a hundred times), and little, mini-Fred will be happy again. And I will turn around again and see that we are turning into Domino's.
And that is why nausea cannot dictate my decisions.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
june too soon
It's already June and I've not posted once in my blog. There have been quite a few reasons for this, but mostly it has been because a few weeks ago was my brother's wedding. We were very busy with preparation for that (which took place at my parents' home), and I wanted to make sure I was focusing as much time as I could on that. We left the week after the wedding to take a family trip to the picturesque state of Vermont. Fred is working while we are here, but I am basically vacationing. We'll be here for another two+ weeks, and then head back to our life in North Carolina.
I've had a lot I wanted to post about but only recently thought of reviving my old blogger to use since my actual site has been down for a while. It will be back up shortly, but in the mean time I am using this site.
I wanted to share a few pictures of what's been going on while we are here. I won't be posting much fashion content while here, but it will be more like a journal of my time.
I was able to be with my little niece, Kaylee a lot. She's such a cutie.
We've been fishing a lot. We discovered this dam actually had a good bit of trout. It was the sweetest thing, Fred had been fishing a lot that day. As soon as he found the spot where the trout were, he reeled in a couple and then left. He said he didn't want to fish it out before taking me there. That's true love right there, folks.
Anyway, he devoted the entire next day to making sure I got a trout. He basically just stood by me, ready to net, untangle, rebait, unhook the entire time for me. I tried to convince him to fish, but he wouldn't hear of it. What a guy!
The fishing got even better after these rains came and the dam was rushing. Fred beat the current Graydon record with this 20" trout.
And we celebrated my darling's birthday.
I've had a lot I wanted to post about but only recently thought of reviving my old blogger to use since my actual site has been down for a while. It will be back up shortly, but in the mean time I am using this site.
I wanted to share a few pictures of what's been going on while we are here. I won't be posting much fashion content while here, but it will be more like a journal of my time.
I was able to be with my little niece, Kaylee a lot. She's such a cutie.
We've been fishing a lot. We discovered this dam actually had a good bit of trout. It was the sweetest thing, Fred had been fishing a lot that day. As soon as he found the spot where the trout were, he reeled in a couple and then left. He said he didn't want to fish it out before taking me there. That's true love right there, folks.
Anyway, he devoted the entire next day to making sure I got a trout. He basically just stood by me, ready to net, untangle, rebait, unhook the entire time for me. I tried to convince him to fish, but he wouldn't hear of it. What a guy!
The fishing got even better after these rains came and the dam was rushing. Fred beat the current Graydon record with this 20" trout.
And we celebrated my darling's birthday.
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