Things I can't live without

1. My children.  I have three sons, Jordan 21, Marcus 20, and Zachary 11.  They are my pride and joy, each one has a different quality that makes them unique in their own way.  Raising them has not been easy but I would not change a thing about them.

2. Candles.  I am always burning a candle.  I love the way they look and smell.  I particularly love the ones from Bath and Body works.  Right now I am loving their pumpkin caramel swirl.  

3. Internet.  I love the internet.  I can keep in touch with family and friends, conduct business, and explore endless opportunities to create new things.

4. NUUN.  I absolutely drink too much of this, but it is delicious.  It is a drink for active hydration and it comes in a variety of flavors however my favorite is the tri-berry.  What is better than this, being an ambassador for their company!!!!!!

5. Running.  I love running.  I actually hated running when I was in the Army.  How did I get into it?  Chasing suspects down.  It was like this awesome high when I could catch someone younger than me.  I always said "suspects run for freedom, police run to catch."  Suspects have more to run for.  I won't even tell you the hell a suspect would go through if I caught them.  I would use my age, sex, the fact that I was carrying at least 25 pounds of extra gear to taunt them.  I then realized that running could possibly save another officers life if they were in trouble.  So I always stayed in shape.  I started to run competitively in 2012. Now I run for sanity.  

6. Nature.  I enjoy anything nature.  Trail runs, birdwatching, walking in the woods, the smells, the sounds, the peace.  My father loved to be outside. I am a lot like him.  When I was younger I would spend as much time outside with my father as I could.  This was difficult because he was disabled from cancer when I was younger.  He instilled all my great values.  I miss him everyday, however feel like he is with me when I am outside.

What are your favorite things?

Have you tried blogging?  if so what is the name of your blog?

What motivates you?

Rain out Saturday

I was extemely motivated to run today.  Got up and out the door I went. Five miles into my planned thirteen mile run, I had to call it.  The rain was so strong that I did not think drivers would be able to see me.  I like to run in the rain, however, my safety was more important.  I came home and did my PIYO workout.

This morning prior to my run, I was looking out the window at my birdfeeder and there were nine male cardinals.  They are so beautiful, and in the field behind the house there was several deer grazing.

I got this picture off the internet, I remember when I lived in Pennsylvania in the winter seeing them like this.  Unfortunately we don't get snow like this in Memphis.

Are you planning on making any New Year resolutions?  I prefer to call them goals. I am working on mine now.  So far I have a couple, to get my run pace to seven minutes and fifty five seconds.  Get back to my goal weight of 125, which seems impossible. Complete a race every month.  

I have a feeling that 2015 is going to be a much better year, with endless possibilities....

One more week before school starts back!!!!!

It is hard to keep a eleven year old occupied for any amount of time, before hearing "I'm bored."  I wish school was all year long. I'm am burnt out from raising children for the last 21 years, I only have ten more years  of parenting.

I am looking forward to the Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon on January 25, 2015.  I've never been to Louisiana so it will be a first.  I am hoping to qualify for Boston at this race. 

I am going to miss the Christmas season.  It is always so beautiful to see all the sparkling lights. I had a great Christmas and I hope everyone else did to !!!

Have you started your New Year resolution/goal list yet?  I have

Are you going to miss Christmas?

What races do you have planned for 2015?

Spending some much needed time with Zachary and early running

Most mornings I clean the house do laundry and wake up completely before I head out for a run.  At night I have to take medicine for PTSD so it takes time for me to be completely alert.  This week I have Zachary at home so I have to head out earlier.  Today sucked I'm not even going to put how many miles, not many but under an eight minute mile pace.  Have to just keep telling yourself that good days come from bad days.

The first day of vacation is always fun, then it wears off, the countdown starts at day two. I often wonder why they need such a LONG vacation, they are just kids.  At least I don't have the constant fighting I used to have with my older two. 

We have a lot planned movies, cookie decorating, puzzles and just being lazy. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas movies.

I like funny movies!!!!

I have just a few small gifts to get and I will be done with Christmas shopping.  I dread going anywhere because of the crowds of rude people.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Have you baked anything?