Swoon

Due to work locations on opposite sides of metroplex, we are going to rent for one more year and split the difference by living in Dallas. However, I am for something a little less apartment-ish and a little more homey.



And today I ran across this...

• M-street locale


• Hardwood Floors


• One-car garage


• Vaulted Ceilings


• And in our rent range??

I called the number, got voicemail, then looked up the company. I think there is a catch. It is some sort of "caretaker" company for people trying to sell their house, so the place must be showable at all times. And you are out on your ass once the house sells. And you must have fabulous furniture.

My furniture ain't crappy, but it definitely isn't fabulous (yet). But maybe they would be swayed if I showed them how well the duvet set on my registry would match the house.

via Crate & Barrel

See.... it's like I was meant to be. They'll prbably just give us the house.

To Wetsuit or Not to Wetsuit?

The word on the street (you know, the street where all the triathletes hang out... yeah, that street) is that if you your race is wetsuit legal you ABSOLUTELY should wear one. Apparently they provide more buoancy. In our part of Texas in May water temps average 71-74 degrees. Making it legal for wetsuitting but not necessary for warmth by any means. Last year when we did a tri in May we were definitely in the minority without wetsuits.

As many people know. I am what you call a "gear whore."* I think the reason I love triathloning is because it requires so much of it. You should see my race-day checklist! However, I think going for the wetsuit may be getting me in a little above my head. First, they are pricey. And though I have loved the tris I have done so far I, don't know if my knees are going to let me make this a lifestyle. I found a solution to the problem. http://www.wetsuitrental.com/ Here you can rent a wetsuit for $40 plus return shipping. If you really like the suit, you can buy it!

Even with the cost factor taken care of, I still don't know. It seems like just "something else to worry about" and believe me with a tri there is plenty. The suits seem like a whole lotta trouble to get off (I refuse to writhe on the ground as someone strips me of my suit) and the water temp will definitely not be too cold to handle, espcially once I get cranking.

The competitive part of me doesn't want to lose that "edge" that the other racers may have. OK, let's face it....

I just don't want to look like an uncool amateur.

* I thought this picture of Samantha and Smith's wetsuit romp was a literal representation of the figurative term "gear whore."

The most important thing...

I hope everyone had a wonderul Easter. I just finished up nice day spent with Greg's and my family. As we were leaving my grandparents' house Greg told me that when I am around my family that is when I seem the happiest.



I love this picture I took with my beloved Paw-Paw and his two "cutest" grand-daughters (he has 16). Here's to big families. If you aren't from a big family, you are always welcome on any holiday with my family.

Running on Grace

Today I had a really rough run. I wasn't feeling well and I wanted to quit several times, but I didn't. I'm glad I didn't, as I always am when things get tough, because as I was about two-thirds of the way done I had that amazing feeling that I get often when I run. I don't know if I can call this a "runner's high" because after 3 years of running, for some reason, I still don't consider myself a runner. However, the best way I can describe this feeling is an all-consuming gratefulness. I realize how small I am in the world and how different my life could be. In that moment I am so lucky to be outside, filling my lungs with air, and running on strong legs back to a comfortable home. All of the small petty things are pushed away and I just say...

Thank. You. Lord.

I looooove listening to music when I run. I use my running time to test out new music and form opinions.

Here are some songs I like to run to:

• Diablo Rojo - Rodrigo y Gabriela
• Easy Silence - The Dixie Chicks -These ladies need to do a new album stat!
• Jolene - Dolly Parton
• Saegloplur - Sigur Ros
• Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torrini
• Ain't No Grave - Crooked Still
• Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire
• Bamboo Banger - M.I.A.
• Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes

Anyone can run. All you need is pair of shoes and a front door. You don't have to run long or fast. Just pretend like you are a kid and run until you are tired... run like someone is chasing you (in a good way). I guarantee you will not regret it.

Hair Woes

I didn't want to admit it to myself. I've been saying "Well I haven't really fixed it myself yet." But after 3 years I finally got a haircut I didn't like from my stylist. It's not that it's bad. It is just waaaaayy too layered and piecey for my taste in general... and definitely for the demure sophisticated look I want in the months leading up to my wedding. It normally would not be a big deal at all, but the next time, I get it cut I am going to need to take some length off to get it all evened out.

The lesson: even if you go to a person for a long time and they always do a good job make sure you tell them exactly what you have in mind instead of saying "just trim it up."

My choppy locks and I are going for a run.

Thanks for listening.