Staple it Together

To the left, To the left

2008-08-27T19:49:00.010-05:00

The Koz

Koz is doing great and his lump/bump was not cancerous! We are so happy and so relieved

He had a big play day today with his buddies!

The Race

It was a beautiful morning!

This and the rest of my pictures were snapped on the blackberry...I once again managed to leave the house without the camera.

As I mentioned my plan was to just run, and I did...slowly. It was a small race and by far the prettiest race I have run this year. It was an out and back and most of the time the reservoir was on one side and the mountains were on the other.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed not worrying about my watch or having the ipod in my ears. Before the race I wondered what I would think about the entire time. Then, before the race started, the race director told us that, at the split the 10k would go to the right and the 5K would go to the left....mmmm to the left to the left...and Beyonce stayed in my head the entire time.

I only stopped three times for a short walk...but I like I said I was running pretty slow. Reason being the bottom (anterior) part of both of my knee caps hurt each time my foot hit the pavement. It was my slowest race by far, a little over 37 minutes.

As usual I had my pit crew on hand. We ended up hanging out for a while because the race actually blocked the road down the mountain.

But...we did not wait long enough. I ended up getting third in my age group! There were only three of us...but I still placed :)! We will have to wait and see if they send me the 3rd place trophy in the mail.

And, you know me...had to get the pancakes. I told Scott to surprise me, as long as there were pancakes, and we went to Aretha Frankenstein's...Yum-O!

Momo and Beer Over Dirt

After breakfast I went home and made Momo's banana bread WITH peanut butter chips. THE BEST banana bread. I am becoming a blogging baker...I recently made Kathleen's blueberry coffee cake too.Let's just say the co-workers have been living me lately.

Then we went over to the Beerfest in town. My parent's had the boat at the dock and we hung out there for most of the evening.

And as the morning started with a beautiful sunrise it ended with a beautiful sunset.

Take Care,

Molly

You must not know 'bout me

-Beyonce

Everybody gets high, everybody gets low These are the days when anything goes

2008-08-17T14:27:00.011-05:00

Catching Up

The Koz

Poor Kozmo has had another issue. He went in to get some dental work done and I mentioned that I wanted the vet to take a look at a bump on his chest. Well, it turned out that she is worried it might be a tumor and they took it off and sent it off to get biopsied. Poor Koz...

The Diet

Diet, what diet?

The fact of the matter is that I know what I need to do...I just need to do it.

I think that I was looking for a quick fix (aren't we all) and it was not happening fast enough for me. Then the lack of progress made me feel like a failure, which in turn made me make angry and frustrated (i.e. bad) food decisions.

So the new plan is this...there is no plan. As I said, I know what I need to do and I just need to do it. Everything in moderation baby!

The Exercise

My knees have really been bothering me lately.

I decided yesterday that one reason might be my shoes. I went today and got some new shoes and then headed to the gym. I immediately realized that the cushioning and stability of my old shoes was shot b/c the new shoes really felt zipped up.

I have been doing a lot of elliptical and a lot of circuits on the treadmill...5 minute run, 5 minute walk on an incline for 40-50 minutes.

My next goal...I need to get stretching back into the routine...I felt really tight the last two weeks.

The Race

I have a race next Saturday. I had high hopes of finishing on or around 30 minutes but I think that I need to let that go. The last two weeks I have done very little running...only in intervals.

That being said this race is paid for and I am actually really looking forward to it. The race is on Raccoon Mountain and should be a new and different experience.

So, the new goal for the race is to go naked, electronically naked that is. I am not going to take the watch or (gasp) the ipod. I am going to go out there and just run, enjoy the view and have fun!

The Meds

One of the reasons I have not posted a lot is that I am having a bit of a struggle off of the medications. The physical symptoms have returned and haunt me a good part of every day. I have been plugging along...and stopping to think about how I am doing or how I am feeling is dangerous.

I have better days, today is a better day, and I hold those close. I have to allow myself to believe that in time most days will be better days.

The Rest in Pictures

Everyday is a winding road
I get a little bit closer
Everyday is a faded sign
I get a little bit closer to feeling fine
-Sheryl Crow

Now every heart has a blind side, Where it learns how to improvise

2008-07-31T09:56:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone for their words of support and understanding.

Part of my frustration with the whole weight loss thing was that I was, for those two weeks, tracking what I ate very carefully. I was counting crackers and washing measuring cups nightly. WW online has a points tracker and everything that went into my mouth went on the points tracker. I skipped dessert, did not have a glass of wine, was hungry and felt like I had NO energy and it got me no where!

I feel a little bit lost in that area at the moment. I am going to let me mind continue to work through it and figure out what I am going to do by Monday.

The beach was great. I had a fabulous time and I ate and drank wine and swam and ran and walked and caught up with family and read in the hammock (discovered a new author, Daniel Silva...I read Secret Servant in three days (fast for me) and it was goooood!) and felt fine.

My cousins live in Nags Head, NC and own this great restaurant, Tortuga's Lie. In addition to outfitting us in their awesome T Shirts they always bring me a sense of calm and a sense of purpose. I walked away wondering if I was simply wondering too much!

My big accomplishments of the trip were running twice (I thought Chattanooga was hot) and swimming a mile in the ocean. The ocean swim took another brick out of my mental wall...boy did I want to quit...but I didn't and I lived to tell about it.

Being without the meds is getting a little tough. I forgot what it is like to have my mind be on overdrive 24/7. I am not sleeping well b/c I can not stop thinking. But when I slow down and try to relax the bad thoughts creep in and I tend to rev back up again to avoid them. Oh, what a vicious cycle.

I got up and worked out this morning. I had not gone yet this week. early morning meetings and a lack of motivation kept me in bed. I am going to run/walk tomorrow (30minute run and 20 minute walk on an incline) and do elliptical and weights Saturday and run OUTSIDE Sunday.

Thanks for listening to me ramble!
Take Care,
Molly

Now all of these voices
And all of these noises
With all their illusions of choices
They've come to my door
With one dozen roses
The imitation of good faith
-The Wallflowers

I'm a loser baby so why don't you kill me

2008-07-22T08:45:00.003-05:00

What do you do when you get on the scale after two weeks of healthy eating and early morning exercise and STILL see no weight loss...

I do not know what YOU do...

But I...

eat two tubs of weight watchers ice cream
three WW toffee bars
cry
drink a big glass of cheap Pinot Gris
feel sorry for myself
and refuse to workout the next morning

I think I managed to eradicate every mentally and physically healthy aspect of my life in about 12 hours.

I really need an attitude adjustment...if the beach can't do it I fear I am a lost cause.

Take Care,
Molly

can't write if ya' can't relate,
trade the cash for the beef for the body for the hate,
and my time is a piece of wax, fallen on a termite,who's chokin' on the
splinters
-Beck

I'm talking here to me alone

2008-07-18T20:34:00.007-05:00

Monday was a BAD day! After Saturday's uplifting post I got on the scale Monday morning and I had lost NOTHING! YUCK! I had a real pity party most of the day. In hind sight the pity party (and maybe the lack of weight loss) was probably due to (monthly) circumstances out of my control, if you know what I mean.

Still managed another good week of workouts:

Monday: 40 minutes Elliptical

Tuesday: 3miles...building and then declining intervals
Mile 1: 12:13
Mile 2: 11:09
Mile 3: 12:06

Thursday: 30 minutes Elliptical and 20 minutes lifting (arms)

Friday: 30 minute run (2.5 miles) and 20 minutes walk on incline

I am especially proud of two things so far this week. How about that second mile on Tuesday..looking good...and I ran the entire three miles without stopping! And this morning I managed to get up and get to the gym at 5:15 (usually get there at 5:45) b/c I had an early meeting this morning.

In other news from last week:

Tuesday was a big day in our city. Volkswagen decided to locate their new US production plant in Chattanooga. This is a project that the hubby has had on his radar for a while. He works in Economic and Community Development for the State. I have spent most of the week really enjoying being a proud wife!

Meds, or lack there of, this week has been up and down. The beginning of this week was tough and I had thoughts of calling the head shrinker and yelling...PROZAC, PLEASE...NOW! Today, on the other hand, has been one of the best days in a while. I KNOW these up and downs will happen for a while and I need to ride the waves!

Food this week has been good too. I am starting to appreciate food as fuel and the taste as an added benefit...(that being said I did stuff myself at Carrabba's tonight so you can scratch that!).

Tomorrow I am going to a 9:30 spin class (if I can get in, I am on a (cheap) restricted membership at the gym which means I can not make a reservation) and Sunday I am planning on running and lifting.

Tomorrow is a pretty busy day...a brunch lingerie shower, dropping in on my sister and the boys at the park and a 50th birthday party for Scott's uncle. Sunday is Kate's 4th birthday party!

The little ones are growing up!

Probably post something Monday or Tuesday...hoping to be posting about a weight lost. I hope to leave for the beach Wednesday night with a good mindset about putting a bathing suit on Thursday morning!

Take Care,
Molly

Take your instinct by the reins
Your better best to rearrange
What we want and what we need
Has been confused, been confused
-REM

Oh, Feelin' maybe he'll see a little better, set a days, ooh yeah

2008-07-12T19:57:00.003-05:00

This has been a LONG week. Just about EVERY night this week I had some sort of meeting or event or fundraiser to go to. For this reason I am especially proud of the fact that I stuck to my plan and I got all my workouts in! Especially since I have been tired and had a tingle in my throat all week... that feeling I was about to get sick...I am hoping the 10 hours of sleep I got last night, and 10 I plan tonight, might fight it off.

Workouts:

Monday: 40 minutes on the Elliptical

Tuesday: 3 miles...4 minute run (5.0) 1 minute walk (4.0)
Mile 1: 12:17
Mile 2: 12: 31
Mile 3: 12:14

Wednesday: 20 minute Elliptical and 15 minute swim

Thursday: 20 minute run...1.6 miles and 30 minutes weights

Saturday: 30 minute run...2.5 miles and 20 minutes Elliptical

The only day that did not go quite as well as planned was Wednesday. I forgot my goggles and Scott was in the pool while I was on the Elliptical so he was kinda goofing off by the time I got to the pool...these two things left me less focused than I usually am.

WW going well. Staying on point with my points this week.

I am VERY proud of my runs this week. On Wednesday I ran 20 minutes straight and today I ran 30 minutes straight. I am learning to push through that mental wall and that little voice that tells me to stop before my body actually does.

I have felt pretty balanced with my meds this week. I did find out that my new head shrinker, that I was just beginning to trust, is moving...we did not really talk about what happens next. I am not sure if I need to find someone else or if she will recommend someone.

In other happy news my parents have offered to fly me to the beach this year. This is an annual trip that I did not get to take last year b/c of the campaign. Scott will not be able to go with me, which makes me sad; but, I know I will have a great time!

Take Care,
Molly

Even flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don't know, so he chases them away
Someday yet, he'll begin his life again, yeah
Oh, whispering hands, gently lead him away
-Pearl Jam

But the air outside so soft is saying everything

2008-07-02T10:11:00.020-05:00

First things first...the promised Greenbrier pictures...

The trip was wonderful...full of lost of food, family and fun.

We had a great time at cooking school...

Even when Dad got repeated lectures for taking his knife to the grill.

My Dad surprised my Mom the night of her birthday dinner and arranged for her brother to drive down from DC to visit for a while!

We rode horses...

and went bowling...

And Scott did falconry and

shot little clay things.

Finally we have to include the silly picture to close it down.

It was a great trip...I could have stayed...

This weeks workouts were pretty good!

last Saturday: run/walk 40 minutes

Monday: 50 minutes Elliptical

Tuesday: run/walk 40 minutes

Wednesday: 20 minute Elliptical and 20 minute swim

Friday: 1 hour walk

Saturday: 1 hour walk

This has been a pretty busy week.

Monday Scott's brother and sister in law had their second child Mattie:

Aunt Molly now has 2 nieces and 2 nephews!

Thursday night we gathered on the Hall Ass II to grill out and watch fireworks...the Lookouts baseball team on one side of the river and the Pops in the Park n the other side of the river!

Friday we went to Uncle Kit and Aunt Fran's for Kit's famous ribs. Scott only ate 19 ribs this year!

Saturday I helped throw a baby shower for my friend Michelle (middle).

And today I hosted a Mary Kay party. My sister's brother and sister in law are in town and her sister in law, Julie is a MK director. After the party we had dinner on the Hall Ass with my parents.

Given everything that has gone on this week I am relatively proud of my eating habits. I have not followed my weight watchers points to a "T" but I did remain mindful of what I was eating and how much I was eating.

This week was also a little touch and go with the meds. I had a few really tough days as I continued to lower my dose. As of Friday I am off of my Lamictal. I presume that there will be a couple more bumpy days to come.

This weeks plan:

Monday: 50 minute Elliptical

Tuesday: 40 minute run

Wednesday: 20 minute Elliptical/20 minute swim

Thursday: 20 minute run/20 minute weights

Saturday: 40 minute run

Sunday: Spinning

***************************UPDATE*******************

Weekly weigh in this (Monday) morning - 2 pounds lost.

Finally on the right track!

Take Care,
Molly

Though the air speaks of all well never be
It wont trouble me
-Toad the Wet Sprocket

My hump, my hump, my hump, my lovely little lumps

2008-06-29T18:57:00.005-05:00

Matt "the Bullet" tagged me forever ago so here we go!

1- How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

In 1997 I played on the Varsity Soccer team at UTC. I played the second half of the season with braces on both of my knees. My coach called me a running target. My Q Angle was so bad that there was nothing to do but put me in the braces. I had to be at PT at 6:00 every morning to get my IT bands stretched and the knots in my quads worked on...it was a pain!!!!

After that season, in 1998, I quit and shortly there after I had surgery on both of my knees (bilateral release). Needless to say I was not running. I was 22 and my metabolism was such that I was still eating whatever I wanted with no side effects (in my lovely lady lumps) so the need to work out (and I deserved a break (by god), I had been working out since I was 8), did not seem that important.

2-What is your best and worst run/race experience?

Best: My first race
I had no idea what I was doing. I had no expectations. I had no goals. I just wanted to see what a race was like. And I did good!

Worst: not there yet
I say that because I truly believe that I am still learning what it means to race (or do you ever really stop?). I have done three 5Ks this year that have all been 5+ minutes slower than my first (and best) race. But in each of these races I learned something...to pace myself, to prepare and how to work through pain. So, I can not say that I have had a worst race.

3. Why do you run?

What you gon' do with all that junk?
All that junk inside your trunk?

No really (well...yea, really) I run b/c I need to compete. Until 1998 my life consisted of soccer, swimming, basketball or rowing. Every sport has a goal...an event...something to work toward...and my mind is wired that way.

Should I be running...probably not...would I get up at 5:30 if there was not a race on the schedule August 23rd...probably not. THAT is why I run.

4- What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?

Best: Recently Bill reminded me how to get rid of my side stitches (to only exhale on the foot plant on the side of the stitch).

Worst: None...I love all the advice I get because it means so much to me.

5- Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

I like (gasp) the treadmill.

I tag...whomever would like to be tagged (I think I have read this on just about everyone's blog!)!

Take Care,
Molly

You don't want no drama,
No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama
-Black Eyes Peas

And in this moment it feels so right

2008-06-25T20:02:00.004-05:00

SO....I am off of facebook for a moment....and the excitement is fading (or is this denial slipping into the 12 step program?).

My rehab took place in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia at a lovely little place called the Greenbrier. In actuality we visited this little slice of heaven for my Mom's birthday. It was an amazing trip and one that I will not soon forget.

We did cooking class, rode horses, swam in the indoor and outdoor pools, went to the spa, visited the bunker (cool story, check it out) and ate and ate and ate.

I will post pics soon but right now I need to submit myself for a reality check.

In the past two weeks I have forgotten about weight watchers, ignored my workout schedule and I have been completely and utterly self conscious.

The Greenbrier is an AWESOME place. I loved almost every second of it. The seconds I did not love were those when a skinny mother of two walked by in her short shorts, tank top and visor with a coffee in her hand, a tote bag over he shoulder and (in my eyes) the world at her feet.

Needless to say my own perception of myself versus this image was not good. Compounded by the fact that I have not been eating well, I have not been working out and I do not feel good in my clothes.

So, here we go (again). Tomorrow is another day. I am not sure how many times I will let myself get away with saying that...regardless, tomorrow is another day...5:30 workouts, weight watchers portion control and appreciation for the body that God gave me, that carries my crazy brain around all day, will all resume.

Now is time for the tangible. I will loose 15 pounds by the end of August. That is about 2 pounds a week and I KNOW that I can do that. I know that I WILL do that.

On the running front my next scheduled race is August 23rd. My goal...I will say it early and I will say it often... is 30 minutes. I have two months to do it and there is no reason that it can not be done.

So there...everything is on record...and now, let the games begin.

Take Care,
Molly

It's crazy I'm thinking
Just knowing that the world is round
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right side up or upside down
And is this real or am I dreaming
-Dave

6 Word Memoir

2008-06-19T20:07:00.002-05:00

Addicted to Facebook

Going to Rehab

Take Care,
Molly

And heal and grow and recreate and raise and nurture

2008-06-15T09:09:00.013-05:00

Riverbend 5K Race Report

Thursday morning I laid in bed after the alarm went off and wondered if I should get up and run. I was worried what my frame of mind would be race day if I had another bad run. I decided to get up and find out. I did not take my watch, I did not want to worry about times...only running.

I had a really good run. No side pain, good rhythm and I felt good.

Thursday and Friday I drank water like it was running out. I was NOT going to be dehydrated. Friday night I got to Scott's Gramma's birthday party late so I could eat something at home.

Saturday morning I got up at 5:45, had my coffee a Luna bar and a bottle of water.

Around 7:00 Alan picked Scott and I up and we headed down to the race. I was pretty nervous at this point. I was not sure if I was prepared enough, not sure if my side stitches would come back and overall just not sure of myself.

Getting to the race site always calms me. Seeing so many people there, so many ages, so many sizes...seeing all these people really puts me in my place.

So, here us the pre-race shot:

It was nice because it was not too hot and there was a little drizzle going. I thought about last year a lot...this was where I ran my first, and only, 10K. This year was not nearly as crowded as last year. Not sure if it was the weather (it has been really hot here) or maybe the gas prices kept would be travelers away. We got our T-Shirts, our chips and stretched out.

Soon we were headed to the start.

The first mile was good. I decided that I was going to stick to the 4 minute run/1 minute walk no matter how hard it was to stop at the beginning. 4 minutes blew by fast and we were still packed in like sardines, and I did not stop...deciding to stop and walk at 8, and I did. The first mile has the two hardest hills of the race and luckily the second hill fell in line with the second walk break.

Mile 1 : 12:07

I was a little disappointed, but this was still a minute plus faster than what I have been doing on the treadmill since we got back.

Then it hit me..all the side stitches that I have had, to this point, started just past a mile...and there was no sign of a stitch in sight.

The second mile went by really well. The run 4/walk 1 plan was going great and I was really feeling good.

Mile 2: 11:04

Then the trouble began. Right after I hit the second mile marker it hit...yep, the side stitch was back. I was PISSED at that damn thing. I was on track to go 34 minutes...that was all I wanted to do, take 1 minute off my previous time...and the damn thing was back.

When the side stitches have hit in the past I have "tried" to run through them and I have eventually stopped. So, at this point I decided that my goal for the last mile was simply to stay with the 4/1 plan. No matter how slow I had to run I was not going to stop and walk. And that is what I did.

Mile 3.2: 12.51

Here is the finish

So, in retrospect , there is the good and the bad.

The good...a mental victory. When it comes to pain I am a quitter (for lack of a better word). Running through pain, or discomfort for that matter has not been a hurtle that I have overcome and I did yesterday. And the second mile was by far the best I have run this year.

The bad...if I had stuck to my pace I would have come in at 34:41...not hitting 34:00 as I had hoped, but still a PR for the year.

Alan did PR for the year...beating his pace of 41.22 in the Chicamauga Chase

The interesting thing is the "official race results" have me coming in at 35:25 and Alan coming in at 40:03...who knows. I'll stick with my watch/and their clock time.

I think we were both glad to be done...

...and having our post race pancakes.

We did not get a pit crew picture this year...but, as always, lots of love to Momma and Scott who were there for me as always!

******************************UPDATE********************

After talking to Alan last night I have decided to embrace the 35:25 time. Because of all the people and when we actually hit the starting point probably was 30 seconds in. Also, the clock starts when the fist person hits the starting point which explains the clock time!

Take Care
Molly

In times like these
In times like those
What will be will be
And so it goes
And it always goes on and on
...On and on it goes
-Jack Johnson

Made me sad to think it was dead

2008-06-10T14:16:00.010-05:00

Well, I officially have a side stitch problem.

Friday

30 minutes on the Elliptical

20 minute swim.

Saturday

off

Sunday

45 minute WALK

Monday

50 minutes yoga

Today

Mile 1: 13:42 3 minute run/2 minute walk (4.8/3.8)

30 minutes on the elliptical

So Sunday I left the house at 7:30 AM to beat the heat and get a run in and the side cramps hit again. They literally make me bend over at the waist...I have NO idea what is going on! So, I walked...tried to pick up to running a couple of times with the same "symptoms" returning.

I was REALLY frustrated Sunday.

This morning...same thing. I was convinced that I was going to MAKE myself get through 3 miles...I got through one and had the man on the treadmill next to me checking on me...got off the treadmill and hit the elliptical. I could feel the presence of the stitch on the elliptical (if that makes sense) but it was not cramping like it did when I ran.

Help...please...race on Saturday!!!

In other news..

I joined Weight Watchers Online. I have to admit that I had a bit of a negative perception of WW. This is going to sound awful, but, I really thought of WW as something only people who had mega pounds to loose joined.

Then Colleen entered the picture and showed me the light. I have been impressed with her success on the program and hope to have the same results.

I want to loose 15 pounds...there were 10 to loose before the cruise and as I have mentioned many times there are now the 5 extra cruise pounds.

I joined Saturday...but consider that I REALLY started yesterday (more below). As expected I am realizing that my portions were really out of whack! I have rediscovered the feeling of being hungry (in a good way) over the last two days.

Last weekend was filled with a lot of fun on my parent's boat, The Hall Ass II (yes that is really the name...in reference to my father's company Hall and Associates) at Riverbend.

Friday night was the Black Crows, Saturday night was Anthony Hamilton and Sunday was America with our local orchestra. Lots of food and drink were enjoyed by all!

It was really hot, but everyone had a really good time, even Koz:

One final note...one of our fellow bloggers is in Baghdad, Iraq on assignment. Please keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers. You might check his blog every now and again...he has updated once from Iraq and is still running!

Take Care,
Molly

After two days in the desert sun

My skin began to turn red

After three days in the desert fun

I was looking at a river bed

-America

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 4

2008-06-08T09:55:00.020-05:00

The final chapter...

After Motor on our last night on the ship we were treated to a farewell dinner including (the traditional) Baked Alaska:

We stayed up late, drank too much, danced with the Australians and had a great time!

The next morning (tough due to the activities of the night before!) we got up and got off the ship (in Koper) and were greeted by Goran (who would lead us on our "land tour") and taken to our first hotel, in Portoroz. This hotel was VERY nice!

We got there too early to check in so we checked emails and went and checked out the spa. Scott (who was getting his first massage EVER) and I both signed up for a massage later in the afternoon. I really wanted to do a mud wrap too but there was not an appointment in time to meet Goran later that evening.

After we checked in our room, got our massages (very average) we met Goran and took a short trip to Piran.

I really liked Piran. It was a small port town that had an Italian charm. Below is our guide, Goran and the two folks who traveled with us (also sat at our table on the trip). Goran grew up in Piran, so one of the coolest things was that every other person that we came upon stopped and said Hi to Goran.

We walked up to a beautiful Catholic church that was being renovated after damage in the war. This church also gave us this beautiful view.

Another great picture from Piran.

After our trip to Piran we were treated to a "seafood feast". I had a caprice salad and pasta...not in the mood for seafood! Scott tried the Halibut and everyone else had prawns.

Goran was a sailor/fisherman when he was younger and this restaurant was owned by a very good friend of his (who he scolded for not cooking the pasta correctly.)

The next day our first stop was back in Koper. While we were in Piran Goran wanted to take us to a place that makes salt chocolate. Salt has a very rich history in Piran. Families would leave and go to harvest salt for 5 months a yeas. The place in Piran was closed and so we went back to Koper to go to a salt chocolate store. We picked up some salt chocolate but the neatest part of the store was that they literally had wine pumps...like gas pumps...where anyone can purchase wine by the gallon!

We then headed to the Postojna Caves. These caves were pretty cool, a lot of stalagmites and stalactites. It was also very cold. This is the only picture...it was against Slovinian law to take pictures inside the caves:We went around for about an hour in these caves and although they were pretty cool (literally and figuratively) I would have been fine with 30 minutes.

Next we headed to the Predjama Castle. I was not very focused on this castle b/c I was very car sick. I was sandwiched in the back of the care, Goran was driving his stick aggressively and we were traveling up winding roads. The only thing that I absorbed was that the prince was killed by a bullet while sitting on the toilet.

After being given the front seat, and subjecting Scott to the sandwich we headed to Ljubljana. This is where we got our first, clear view of the Julian Alps.

Ljubljana was another beautiful, Italian style city. We did not spent a lot of time there. We ate another "small"lunch of giant pizzas and walked the city a little bit.

In the back of this picture you can see one of the three bridges that come together at either side of the city. This is another example of the new, post war architecture.

And then we were off to Bled. After we settled in, in another nice hotel, we went out to have our Austrian feast. Check out this "platter for two" that Scott and I shared. Under all the meat (2 pork chops, several Cevapcici, two hamburger and two veal kabobs) war fries for five and a few scattered veggies n the side. We also had a very good apple strudel for dessert.

The first stop in Lake Bled was the castle on the Lake. This was a really neat place, beautiful views and out best views of the Alps.

Next we took a boat ride out to the church in the middle of the lake.

I have to say that Bled was my FAVORITE. I sat still and wrote in my journal for two hours this afternoon...and if you know me well you know how unusual this is! If anyone is looking for the perfect honeymoon destination...this is it.

As you can tell, we had a wonderful time. I can not imagine anything that would have made the trip better. This was truly the trip of a life time!

Take Care,
Molly

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 3

2008-06-05T10:09:00.012-05:00

Our next stop was Kotor. We got up at 7:00 that morning, threw come clothes on and rushed up to the deck. (note picture below). Our plan was to watch the boat travel through the fjords of Kotor. For those of you, like me, who had no idea what a fjord is, it is a long narrow inlet with steep sides. A fjord is created by glaciers, which means that, despite the close proximity to land, the water is very deep. So, we were in this cruise ship surrounded by vistas that you would presume could only be seen in a smaller boat.

These two island churches sat perched within the fjord. One tid bit we learned on the trip...when you see Cyprus trees near a church it indicates that there is a cemetery there. The trees protect the grave site and the Cyprus root is very "smelly" which keeps the rats from invading the graves.

As we were arriving to Kotor we passed this little town. Notice the tall tower which is home of the church bells. As a ship goes by the tradition holds that the ship blows its horn three times. In response the patrons of the ship receive an enthusiastic ringing of the church bells.

When we arrived in Kotor Scott notices theses barracks on the hill. As a lover of photography, and especially aerial pictures Scott decided that we were going up there. I must admit I was not too excited...he went wine tasting with me, I could climb a mountain with him! I was drizzling when we got into the city so we walked about for a little bit to see if it would let up...we thought it had and we headed up the mountain.

The end result...we got soaked...all the way through...it took my shoes three days to dry out!

Because of the rain and the clouds we did not get many good pictures. This picture shows our climb from the city. Going up was not that bad. The hike is along a rock path...much more treacherous in the rain. It was going down, on the rocks, in the rain, with a bad knee that I was not too thrilled about! The good news is I probably would have gained 10 pounds if it was not for this hike!
Our final full day on the ship was in Ploce. Ploce is a small port town that, in the words of our guide, did not have a lot to offer. This was one port where we were strongly encouraged to take the excursion. So, Scott and I headed with a large group to the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar is an interesting city because of the presence or many different religions and cultures.

In the picture below you will notice several mosques, as there is a heavy Muslim population. I visited inside a mosques, for the first time, on this trip...we also visited a Turkish house and a Catholic church. There is also a fairly large Catholic population in Mostar. These two faiths like together peacefully in this city.

I mentioned earlier that while the region is peaceful there are visible signs of the unrest in the 90s. Most of the destruction was seen in Mostar...a small example below.

Mostar is also where Scott found Cevapcici (Che-vap-chi-chi). Mostar is famous for this dish...it is "skinless" seasoned sausage that they serve with grilled flat bread and raw onions. We took the picture below later on in the trip...where it is served with a roll and other veggies. Scott said Mostar had, by far, the best offerings (although he tried it several times!)

Stay tuned for the last installment of Molly and Scott's Great Adventure.

___________________________________________________________

Workout:

Had a good run today...made me feel a lot better about Tuesday. Slowly but surely I should be ready next Saturday.

Mile 1: 13:20 (3 minute run (4.8)/2 minute walk (3.8))
Mile 2: 13:36 (3 minute run (4.8)/2 minute walk (3.8) )
Mile 3: 12:57 (same as above for first 8 minutes...last 5 minutes: 3 minutes at 5.0 and 2 minutes at 5.2)

Take Care,
Molly

Snap back to reality

2008-06-04T11:30:00.008-05:00

A break in the Great Adventure for a few announcements:

Workouts:

I went for a run/walk outside Saturday morning. I ran 3 walked 2, decided to ease myself in after a 2+ week sabbatical. I felt good, the knee was good and all seemed really good.

Monday I did 45 minutes on the Elliptical.

Yesterday I went to the gym to run. SUCKED! I could not get through 2 intervals. My side was cramping like it has not cramped since I started running forever ago. I could not recover enough during the walks and as SOON as I started running again it killed me. So, I gave up running and did walking incline intervals. I have been thinking about working on inclines b/c I have not done that...but I envisioned myself running.

This morning I had early meetings and did not work out. SO, I loose my Friday off day. Here is the plan:

Tomorrow: RUN
Friday: 20 minute Elliptical 20-30 minute swim
Saturday: Run 5K course

I am thankful that I signed myself up for the Riverbend 5K. I am not sure that I would be getting up and out this quickly if this race was not looming in a week and a half. I am also thankful because I stepped on the scale Monday morning to see that the extra weight I could feel in my clothes was actually there - 5 pounds!

Anxiety

hate, Hate, HATE this medicine I am on. Don't get me wrong, if I take it I am fine. But if I forget, or take it too late in the day...I am a queen BITCH. Poor Scott was the benefactor this morning when, out of the routine, I forgot to take it. I get antsy, jumpy and literally (I MEAN literally) want to punch something. Getting off of it ASAP. I need to do it with the Doc though b/c, obviously, just quiting it is not an option.

Thinking of getting of everything for good, again.

Croatia

Why Croatia you ask. As I mentioned in the last post Scott loves Rick Steves who does a travel show on PBS. He saw a special on Slovenia and Croatia and fell in love. He showed it to me and I fell in love. We literally traveled from the beaches to the Alps...where else in the world can you do that. Another cool thing is that it is pretty well undiscovered (I say pretty well b/c that is changing...the French have descended) so it is not as busy as other parts of Europe. There are still people who think that this part of the world is in turmoil and are afraid to travel there. You will see, in later Great Adventure Posts, that there are definitely still remnants of the unrest in the 90s, but everything is resolved.

And, there is this:

The Koz

Is great. He enjoyed his time with his friends while we were gone; but, I think he is happy being top dog again!

Momma

Happy Birthday to my Momma...the best mother and the best friend a girl could have!

Question

Does anyone know how to fix my sidebar? It has moved to the bottom of my screen and I can not figure out how to move it back!

Take Care,
Molly

You can do anything you set your mind to, man
-Eminem

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 2

2008-06-03T10:10:00.013-05:00

Our next stop was Split. It is the second largest city in Croatia. We spent the majority of our time just wandering and absorbing, as opposed to going to the sites, my favorite thing to do.

We spent a lot of time at the Market in Split people watching. This picture does not even begin to describe the "hustle and bustle" of the market! Everything you would ever need was available at this market! They even had a several underwear stands...thought of you momo.

This was my favorite booth...they sold the chicken and the eggs...guess we know which chickens were not doing so well in the laying of eggs department.

This was our only day that was split (haha) in half. All the other days, except one that I will explain, we sailed at night and would wake up in our next destination. So, it was kind of cool to watch the ship leave from and arrive to a port.

Our next stop was Kortula, the birth place of Marco Polo. The picture below was taken as we approached the city.

If you look to the right of the picture (left of the ship) above you can see what looks like a small tower. This is actually a bar. After we walked this small city Scott and I retreated to this tower for drinks (don't order a margarita in Croatia). We ended up talking to two couples from California who are probably still riding their motorcycles through Europe. Cool folks. From the tower Scott took this great picture:

Although our stay here was short we got two of my favorite "souvenirs". We purchased an amazing first edition painting of the harbor (which we thought was appropriate b/c we watched the boat arrive) and I got a coral, the stone of the Adriatic, bracelet.

That night we were off to Dubrovnik...one of my favorite places on the tour. The "feature" of this city, which is a must do, is to walk the city walls. These walls do a complete circle around Dubrovnik.

One of the things that interested us the most about this trip is that we literally went from the beaches (as you see here) to the Alps (later in Bled). From the city walls the views were amazing...including the city itself and the beauty of the Adriatic.

This picture (above) is the best example of the city and the ocean.

Have to throw a Molly and Scott picture in there too!

Around the right corner of this building is where Scott and I chilled for a while. Around the next corner was a swimming hole. When we got there we watched kids jumping off rocks and playing around. Later a man came strolling by in a causal work outfit, striped to his underwear and went swimming, about thirty minutes later he put his clothes back on and, I imagine, headed back to work.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Notice the classic, beautiful, red clay roofs...with satellite dishes on top!

While we usually had lunch on the boat we decided to spend the entire day in Dubrovnik without making the trip back to the boat. Scott is a big Rick Steves fan and we went to the pizza place he recommended. Check out our small pizzas (no wonder I gained 5 pounds!)!

If you have to chose a place to go in Croatia, Dubrovnik would be my recommendation.

Back to work...more tomorrow.

Take Care,
Molly

Molly and Scott's Great Adventure Part 1

2008-06-01T12:24:00.023-05:00

This was an amazing trip!
I would recommend going to Croatia and Slovenia to ANYONE!

Our boat was small by cruise ship standards, it help 330 passengers. We were about 3/4 of the way full and about 1/3 of the passengers were English speaking.

Here is our room. Small, but that is what we expected. It was just big enough to be comfortable.

There were not many English speaking tables on the ship. We were lucky to be seated with a great group. A couple from England and two friends from California (who ended up going on the excursion after the cruise with us!).

Most days we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dinning room (seated, from a menu) above but some mornings we ate breakfast (buffet) on the deck.

So, that is the basics. And after the safety drill...

...we were off.

Our first stop was Pula.

Most of Croatia has been under Italian, mostly Venetian, influence. Above are some ruins that are still used today as a concert hall.

Pula is a small town, we did not spend a lot of time there. We chose to take an excursion to Medieval Istria.

And part of the trip was a wine tasting...hmmm, wonder why I was so excited to go...

Every night we were "entertained" by the unity orchestra. This brings up another point. We were called, "the aliens" by the crew because we were about 1/2 the age of most of the people on the ship...who I am sure enjoyed the unity orchestra...especially Natasha the Russian singer.

Next stop was Zadar

We walked around Zadar in the morning. We found it quite charming and would have enjoyed the day there. Instead we went on another excursion to the Plitvice National Park.

This Park was absolutely amazing. Every turn led to a waterfall or a lake. The water in Croatia, due to a lack of industry, is amazingly clear. It is possible to look down and see layers of fish and on to the bottom of the lake. The water is an amazing blue/green color that is impossible to catch on film. An absolutely amazing place!

Off to get ready for Scott's birthday dinner. Another installment tomorrow...

Take Care,
Molly

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

2008-05-16T20:53:00.003-05:00

PEACE OUT!

Take Care
Molly

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that youll wait for me
Hold me like youll never let me go
cause Im leavin on a jet plane
Dont know when Ill be back again
-the late great John Denver

Don't get close, She'll warn you with her growl

2008-05-14T19:40:00.005-05:00

Exercise:

Thursday: 40 minute Elliptical

Friday: 3 Miles 5 minute run (5.0) and 1 minute walk
Mile 1: 12:40
Mile 2: 12:24
Mile 3: 12:13 (ran through last walk)

Monday: 4o minute Elliptical

Great run Friday.

I am not sure what to say otherwise.

Saturday I spent at Pee Wee soccer games, shopping, cooking and celebrating Mother's Day with Scott's Momma. Sunday we had my parents, Katie, Tony and the boys over for brunch and we had a WONDERFUL time.

Did not work out either day. I really wish that I did not care.

The fact that I did not work out Saturday or Sunday was in the back of my mind all day both days and that actually pissed me off a little bit. I really wish I could have enjoyed the days...period.

Another fact about Molly that you might not know...I do not sleep well alone. Scott has been out of town this week and it has taken a toll on me. I have not slept well and I have not been physically able to get up at 5 am (that is my excuse anyway). Apparently Koz does not sleep well either b/c he has been waking up and barking once an hour every hour...just to add fuel to the not sleeping fire.

The last two nights I have done a lot of strength and core work at night. Plan on doing that again today.

I am disappointed in myself this week. I am about to go out of town for a long time and I am disappointed that I have not been gutting it out and getting it done. Especially when I read what others are going through. Not looking for sympathy...just stating the facts.

All of this is making me grump and irritable.

Anyway...a lot going on. Getting ready for our trip, been busy with a lot of work and trying to braid some loose ends so they are manageable when I get back.

I hope to post some garden pics b/4 I leave.

Take Care
Molly

Out there a redhead walkin'
Redhead walkin'
The redhead walkin'
Better listen keep your distance from the crimson crime warpath
-REM

The insurgency began and you missed it

2008-05-07T20:35:00.005-05:00

Workouts:

Sunday: notta

Monday: 3 mile run, 5 minute run (5.0)/1 minute walk
Mile 1: 12:19
Mile 2: 12: 23
Mile 3: 12:37 (walked 2 minutes during middle walk)

Tuesday: notta

Wednesday: notta

Sunday we missed spinning. For about three months Scott and I have needed to go to Lowe's and return a lot of extra materials from our remodel. The people at Lowe's were very nice but it took them quite a while to get everything sorted out. I also needed to get some things in the garden center. At this point I knew I was going to miss spinning so we went on to the Fresh Market and got some meat to grill out for dinner. I played in the garden all afternoon and I am finally really happy with the way everything looks, I will post some pics soon!

Monday's run felt good. As usual the first two miles were like butter and the third hit hard. I took an extra minute walk in the middle and was able to push through to the end. I needed my Halo I was dripping in sweat. I think the gym is having trouble with the fluctuating temps here b/c it seemed really hot in there,

I started to feel bad Monday night and I felt really bad Tuesday morning. It was odd b/c I had mild cold symptoms and my biggest complaint was that I was achy and my temp was fluctuating. Knowing me these weird sypmtoms would have freaked me out if Scott had not had the exact same ailment last week. I must have caught whatever bug he had. Needless to say I did not get up Monday morning. I worked from home and actually ended up getting a lot done, between naps.

I probably could have gotten up this morning but I decided to take it easy for another day. I also worked from home again (could get used to that) and Koz and I did get out for a little bit for a good walk,

So, my plan for the week has changed a little bit:

*************************UPDATED*****************
(apparently I am not good with the days of the week)

Thursday - 40 minute Elliptical
Friday- 3 mile run
Saturday - 20 minute Elliptical and strength
Sunday - 40 minute run outside

I have not done a Molly Mental Health Update in a while...

I am doing really well on the Lamictal. I feel much more balanced and my swings have been much less dramatic. AND I did not make the bed the entire weekend and it did not kill me.

I also did some back reading on my blog and I definitely see a strong correlation between good mental health and staying active. I have to keep this WAY up front in my mind when we decide to add to the family and I am free of the meds in the future!

Take Care
Molly

Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
Of the powers, the only vote that matters
Silence means security silence means approval
On Zenith, on the TV, tiger run around the tree
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
-REM

I've never been there but the brochure looks nice

2008-05-03T16:36:00.007-05:00

Workouts:

Monday:

40 minutes Elliptical

Tuesday:

40 minute run

3.3 miles...5 minute run/1 minute walk

Friday:

40 minute Elliptical

Saturday:

20 minute Elliptical

20 minute strength

My run Tuesday was really good. I felt good...trucked along at a slower speed (4.8)...but kept the 5/1 ratio up the entire 40 minutes and felt good.

Tuesday also included some cross training in the woods chasing these two:

Kozmo had his leash on but still managed to take off with Roxie Doxie. Mom and I trekked through woods and roads and, after an hour, found them. They were actually pretty close to Mom and Dad's...Koz had wrapped his leash around a poll and Roxie was hanging out. We are not sure if she was keeping him company or teasing him b/c she was free and he was caught!

I planned on only taking Thursday off...but I made a game day decision to stay in bed Wednesday morning too. Happy Anniversary to me!

The rest of the story:

(Paul Harvey's wife died of cancer...this is my little tribute to the two of them.)

Our anniversary was great. Scott brought me flowers to work. That sweet boy actually thought to get flowers in our wedding colors:

(a little fuzzy...thanks to the camera phone!)

We had a great dinner at the Bald Headed Bistro. It was GREAT! S told them it was our anniversary so they brought a special desert, wished us Happy Anniversary several times and called us Mrs. and Mr. Cooper all night...pretty cool!

Overall..a GREAT day!

Thursday afternoon I got home from work and planted our anniversary gift from Momma and Dad Man, a beautiful Lilac:

Last night S and I went to J Alexander's...one of our favorite places. We decided to be cheep (a relative term at J's) and get soup and salad. When we ordered our waiter said, "Is that all?" and as you can imagine our service went downhill from there. I was really disappointed b/c they are usually on point there.

We did decide to hit Bruster's afterward and if anyone is looking to be bad their new Key Lime Pie ice cream is to die for!

Chillin' out tonight...if only I had a Miny Julup (my pinot will do!)!

Plan for the week:
Tomorrow: Spinning
Monday: 40 minute run
Tuesday: 20 minute Elliptical/20 minute swim
Wednesday: 40 minute Elliptical
Thursday: 40 minute run

Take Care
Molly

Everyday is a winding road
I get a little bit closer
Everyday is a faded sign
I get a little bit closer to feeling fine
-Sheryl Crow

Mmmm, It's always better when we're together

2008-04-30T13:27:00.015-05:00

April 30, 2008...3 Years Strong!

There's no combination of words

I could put on the back of a postcard

No song that I could sing

But I can try for your heart,

our dreams, and they are made out of real things

like a shoebox of photographs

with sepia-toned loving
Love is the answer
at least for most of the questions in my heart, like

Why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy and
sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together

Mmmm, It's always better when we're together
Yeah we'll look at the stars and we're together

Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah it's always better when we're together

And all of these moments

just might find their way into my dreams tonight,

But I know that they’ll be gone

when the morning light sings
and brings new things

for tomorrow night you see
that they’ll be gone too,

too many things I have to do

But if all of these dreams might find their way

into my day to day scene

I'd be under the impressioni was somewhere in between

With only two,

Just me and you,

Not so many things we got to door places we got to be

We'll sit beneath the mango tree, now,

Yeah It's always better when we're together
Mmmm, we're somewhere in between together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together
I believe in memories

they look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when I wake up,
you look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
There is no, no song I could sing
and there is no combination of words I could say
but I will still tell you one thing
We're Better together

Better Together - Jack Johnson

I'm not broke but you can see the cracks

2008-04-27T09:27:00.011-05:00

Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions.

The first two miles of the race were perfect...the third mile, well...

I stuck to the routine. Got up at 5:30 had my banana and Luna bar a little coffee and a lot of water.

The entire pit crew cam along...Mom picked Scott and me up and we headed to Dalton.

This was a very unique experience in that there were all types of people there. There was a 2K, an un timed 2K and the 5K. There were groups from all over the area competing for a participation award. There were businesses, schools, a group of Fire Fighters and a group of Marines. 5,935 people of all shapes and sizes participated. This year's Bill Gregory Health care Classic saw a record number of participants.

We lined up for the 5k and after they changed the starting line 3 times we were off. The first mile went great. There was a huge hill and I charged up it. The second mile was equally good and my times in the first and second mile were almost identical.

The day did not turn out as expected. It did not rain...it was a beautiful, but humid, day. I decided on the starting line that I was going to go the "run until I am tired" route. There were two more hills on the second mile and that was the only walking I did. Right after I passed the two mile marker I decided I would do a walk/run the third mile.

All of this is to lead up to the fact that the third mile was THE WORST.

Right after that there was the fourth hill, that just about killed me. At this point I really felt myself overheating and I started to feel a bit light headed. So, for the entire third mile I walked a minute and ran a minute...until the huge hill at the end that it took me two minutes to walk up and then I ran the last two minutes into the shoot. I have never seen so many people at the end of a race - it was amazing...every person was welcomed with a huge burst of support.

Mile 1: 11:21
Mile 2: 11:23
Mile 3: 12:27

Total time: 35:11

I walked about 500 yards, caught my Mom's eye and sat down in the shade. I was not sure if I was going to throw up or pass out. Scott got me some water and some orange wedges and I sat there for about 10 minutes and regrouped. In addition to a rather normal T Shirt we did get a cool backpack bag:

We hung out a little while longer and watched folks come in and then we headed out.

Following the aftermath last weeks post race meal I decided to stick with ole' faithful and we headed to IHOP for pancakes! Those were the best pancakes I have ever had!

I am SO happy that Momma and Scott were there with me. We ended up without a camera so I made sure that we got a picture of the crew back at the house.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on this race. I did not reach my goal, I did awful on the third mile and I felt sick at the end. I can see myself walking away from this one feeling sorry for myself.

But with reflection I think I have put some things into perspective. Ironically, this race was one month to the day that I ran for the first time since last summer. So, with less than a month of preparation I ran two 5Ks with consistent times. While I did not reach my goal this race I think I would be shallow to think that reaching a goal was all this race was about. It was about Dr. Gregory and what he meant to my life...an so many other peoples lives!

I can honestly say...I am proud of myself!

After a nice long nap we went to Aunt Jan's for a tailgate party before we all went to the Lookouts game. You all know how much I LOVE baseball:

But...with this crew you can not, NOT have fun!

We never got the expected rain yesterday, but it hit us this morning. I am hoping that it will cleat so that I can work in the garden. Otherwise I am looking forward to a quiet day at home!

Take Care
Molly

I'm alive
I'm being born
I just arrived, I'm at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
-U2

So stay with me and I'll have it made

2008-04-24T10:06:00.006-05:00

I had a really good run on Wednesday:

Mile 1: 12:08
Mile 2: 12:28
Mile 3: 12:15

Today I did 40 minutes on the Elliptical and stretched.

Tomorrow is off...I never thought that sleeping until 7:00 would be such a luxury!

I was not going to post until after the race; but, I have two burning questions...

1. Would I do better in the race if I implemented the 4 minute run, 1 minute walk from the beginning?...my time on Wednesday was really consistent and I felt good the entire time. Knowing that I run faster in a race I wonder if this would get me closer to my 34 minute goal...or should I stick to the original plan of running as long as possible and THEN implementing the 4 minute run 1 minute walk?

2. Does anyone have a good swim shampoo that they use...I could smell the chlorine on my hair all day Tuesday! My Mom uses a Kiehls shampoo that she really likes...but it is a little pricey for me...I am wondering if there is a cheaper option?!?!

Thanks, in advance for your advice...looks like I might have my first race in the rain Saturday!

Take Care
Molly

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
I like watchin' the puddles gather rain
-Blind Melon

Hey now nellie with an anchor on your belly

2008-04-22T10:13:00.012-05:00

TMI...but...

For those of you have commented on how good the biscuit looks...I am not lovin' it anymore:

I am afraid Speedo Steve is rubbing off on me!

And now back to our regularly scheduled program:

Sunday
I went for a swim at the gym to work the race kinks out. I did a half mile in about 2o minutes. Then I spent 10 more minutes working on breathing on both sides. Right now I am alternating laps between free and breast strokes so that I get enough air. I know that if I could breath on both sides that would help...as always, any suggestions welcome!

Monday
40 minutes on the Elliptical and 10 minutes arms and abs.

Today
20 minutes Elliptical and 20 minute swim. I did the same routine...in that, I did about 15 minutes of laps (lost count) and then 5 minutes of practicing breathing.

The plan for the rest of the week is:

Wednesday
3.2 miles...4 minute walk and 1 minute run.

Thursday
20 minute Elliptical, 20 minute swim

Friday
Rest

Saturday
RACE
I am going to STATE my goal this time! I would like to run the first two miles and then, if necessary, do the 4 minute run, 1 minute walk the third mile. I have a map of the course but I have no idea what the hill situation is...I have not practiced hills yet, so that might effect the result. I would like to finish in 34 minutes this race!

I am excited about Sunday. We are going to Dogs on the Diamond at our local AA baseball team The Lookouts. My sister is going to bring her greyhound Carmella:

My parent's dogs Percy and Roxie are coming:

AND:

THE KOZ

It is very possible that the Dogs on the Diamond report might be more exciting than Saturday's race report!

Take Care!
Molly

Biscuit head you got a double decker biscuit head

It's got you all laid up in bed

-Spin Doctor's

Make a time to find your way, I got a litlte further today

2008-04-19T18:33:00.019-05:00

Great race!

But first...the week in review!

Tuesday morning I got up and did 40 minutes on the elliptical, arms and abs.
Headed to Nashville and had a very busy, productive day getting things ready!

I set the alarm to get up at the hotel and I just did not have the energy! We stayed up late having dinner with friends and it was WAY past my 10:30 bedtime.

Wednesday was another long day...

Thursday morning I got up and did 40 minutes on the elliptical again and arms and abs.

I once again intended to get up Friday morning...and I bailed...can I say I was tapering?

Friday night I had a big bowl of pasta, lots of water and got in bed early.

Got up at 5:30 and had a breakfast bar, some water and some coffee. Did some stretching and I was ready to go!

The Chickaumaga Race was wonderful! By far the best run I have done...through the park and mostly flat. I really enjoyed myself and (once again) I think I am officially bit by the bug!

Here are Alan and I before the race

As you recall Alan is the reason I got into this in the first place.

It was a cold and rainy morning. We knew that it was supposed to stop by race time, and it did, but it was pretty unnerving at the beginning.

The Chickaumaga Chase takes place in the Chickamauga Battlefield so the appropriate pre race festivities took place:

It was another crowded start. Our 5K, a 15K and a 2.5 walk all started at the same time. I had feelings of being closed in again and worked through it!

The first mile was great...I felt great I stayed in my head and did not worry about the people around me. I ran the entire first mile in 11 minutes and 28 seconds.

The next half mile I started to slow down and get a little winded. I decided to push through five more minutes and the last 1/4 mile I did a four minute walk I minute run. I did he second mile in 11 minutes and 26 seconds.

The third mile I did the four minute walk and one minute walk the entire way. I really saw the benefits of this method as I saw a lot of people around me fly past, stop and then I would pass them again...but, by the end my steady pace was helping me pull ahead!

After I passed the 3mile marker I sprinted (really) the last .2 and passed about 7 people. I was a little disappointed in myself that I still had that much fuel in the tank. The last 1.2 mile was done in 12:53.

Total Time: 35 minutes and seven seconds.

I had a mental goal (that I was scared to share) of making it in 35 minutes...so close!

Alan did great too:

He finished in just over 41 minutes!

My kneed did great, my halo did great and I am overall really happy with the race!

As always, Scott was there to root me on and take all these great pictures!

After the race we all hit the Biscuit Barn:

And, finally, on a more superficial note...by far my favorite T-Shirt of my short career:

So, next week, different place, same time...

Take Care
Molly

If you haven't got the reasons
Just make up any reasons
Then pick them 'til they're torn.
-Counting Crows

I believe in what you do, I believe in watching you

2008-04-14T09:19:00.013-05:00

Workouts:

Thursday:

40 minutes on the Elliptical, 20 minutes arms and Abs.

I have to tell a quick story about the gym. I do free weights. I think they are quicker (I hate adjusting machines) and I can pull the Bo Cu ball right up to my area and make quick transitions between arms and abs. But, the triceps machine was right next to the free weights area. These guys were doing burn outs on the triceps machine (the one where you stand up and pull the Y shaped rope). The one machine, out of all of them where isolating your muscle is the most important thing...and there they were pulling with their backs, shoulders and biceps...probably going nothing for their tricepses...OH well, since I do not work at the gym anymore I did not use my line, "can I show you how to make your workout even better?"

Saturday

Swam at the Sports Barn with Mom

30 minute swim 1/2 mile. I THOUGHT we did a mile until I realized a length was up and back!

LOVE, plan to add to repertoire! DO need a swim cap!

Sunday

I decide to do ONE road run before the race. I did a 40 minute run. 2 minute walk three minute run. I thought I could do 4 minute run, 1 minute walk...might go for that later in the week (if I feel better).

I decided to give my Halo Headband a try.

Here are the before pictures:

And the after:

LOVE IT! Most of all because I have a BIG head (this is a reality, not me being self critical) and I have never found a headband that does not slip back on my head. This head band STAYED on my head! I should have taken a picture of this too...but it has a great "Gripper"on the inside that holds the headband in place! And you can see the layer of sweat above the headband on my hair...that was not running down mt face!

I encourage ANYONE who is looking for ahead band to go over to All things Triathlon and check out this Halo Headband!

And, since I am highlighting my blogger friends I thought that I would also show off my dual braces, thanks to Colleen!

I am feeling under the weather this morning and skipped my workout. There are two possibilities for this ailment. We had a sushi dinner last night for my brother in law's birthday and Tommy and Jimmy (the nephews) were under the weather OR I spent most of the day outside yesterday...so the allergies might have kicked in.

I have to go to Nashville tomorrow and have a LONG day Wednesday too...so I am taking it easy today. I did check out the hotel in Nashville and it does have a nice workout room.

So, plan for the week

Tuesday

40 minute Elliptical, 10 minute arms and abs

(probably have to get up at 5:00, instead of 5:30 to get to Nashville on time, SO I really hope I feel better...day off and meds should help!)

Wednesday

3 mile run...4 minute run, 1 minute walk

Thursday

20 minute Elliptical, 20 minute swim

Saturday

5K race!

As ya'll know I love picture, so I wanted to end with a few new ones:

I plan on getting this one framed
Kate, my niece, will be a big sister by June

Tommy and Jimmy.
My sister framed this picture for Tony for his birthday!

My baby!

Take Care
Molly

Given the choice
Given the heart
Given the tool
Given the word
Given the cheers
-REM

Aint no need to go outside...

2008-04-09T09:48:00.011-05:00

Workouts:

Sunday
Rocket Yoga...kicked my ass. I had NO idea what I was getting into. We did a lot of weight lifting on the ball and other "non yoga" (in my mind) things. I was hoping to get a deep stretch after spinning. Guess that is what I get for not thinking about the fact it was called ROCKET yoga.

Monday:
Forgot to set the alarm. Pretty impressive that this was the first time that has happened. I DID pack my bag (without socks, it was a sockless run) and went after work. I had, by far, my best run. I did 2 minute walk, 3 minute run and ramped my run speed up from 5.0 to 5.2.

Mile 1: 12:09
Mile 2: 12:50
Mile 3: 12:28

Tuesday:
40 minutes on the Elliptical and 20 minutes arms and abs.

Wednesday:
This morning was the WORST. My legs were heavy,right knee more soar than it has been,my stomach was upset (1/2 Luna bar I regularly eat b/4 I leave felt like a porcupine jumping around in my stomach) and I was TIRED!

The first mile I manages a 3 minute run and a 2 minute walk..went back down to 5.0. The second mile I walked the first 5 minutes and then did a 2 minute run and 3 minute walk. I was determined to make it 3 miles but hit the stop button again (I need to stop playing the air drums) and decided that was a sign from the running gods and quit and stretched out really well.

Mile 1: 12:45
Mile 2: 14:09

So, the plan for the next few days:
Thursday: 40 minute Elliptical and 20 minute arms and abs
Friday:off
Saturday: Swim
Sunday: run (maybe Pilates class)
I was going to go for 4 minute run, 1 minute walk next week...but I think I will stick to 3/2
Monday: 40 minutes Elliptical and 20 minute arms and abs

I have decided that I need to stretch more...so I am going to make sure to get some stretching in every night!

Other STUFF:

Don't think the other ladies will be making not of the fact that I WON the blogger Men's basketball tourney pool! Not only that I went from worst to first! I do think that my J Hawks pulled me through! Rock Chalk Baby!

Also, my Lady Vols won last night! GREAT team effort!

Perhaps my bad morning was a result of a deep depression about College Basketball being over. What am I going to do with myself for 5 1/2 months until College football begins!

I ordered my Hallo Headband last night! I will let you all know how it is!

About to place an order at Eddie Bauer...good looks this season...Lovin' these shoes from Prevo (not quite as snazzy as Momo's) I know I will wear them out this summer!

Take Care
Molly

Baby, You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
-Jack Johnson

...nobody like you...there's nobody like you...

2008-04-05T21:52:00.002-05:00

Thursday morning I did the 3 minute walk 2 minute run:
Mile 1: 12:52
Mile 2: 13:12
Mile 3: 12:48

It kicked my butt pretty good...I was WORN out! Knees soar, but no sharp pains!

Friday I took the day off.

This morning Scott and I went to Spinning. WOW...have not done that in a while...that was tough! Felt really good afterward. Need to get a headband...I sweat like a crazy woman in spinning! (also forgot being soar...there!)

Thursday I went to a meeting and ended up getting into the political process with another candidate. It was another situation where I did not speak up for myself like I should. Don't want to get into it further, only to say that I still need to work on standing up for myself and saying what I mean, not what I think people want to hear!

Friday was a good, long day. Lots of meetings and so forth. Quiet night at home!

After spinning today Scott and I went to Kate's Pee Wee soccer game. The other coach still makes me laugh. He tried to teach the kids to trap the ball (incidentally the wrong way...he was telling them to step on the ball and that is not really the best way to teach 3 and 4 year olds to trap the ball...it is a good way to make a lot of 3 and 4 year olds fall!)

Then we went to Publix, LOVE Publix, and to Smokey Bones to watch BBall and eat our beloved BBQ Chicken Nachos! (GO KU!)

Tomorrow I am going to a Rocket Yoga class and then work in the yard...for the first time this year! I am going to weed and get organized. I am still too nervous to plant after the late freeze last year!

Well, posting the plan for last week kept me 4 for 4...so this week:

Monday morning 40 minutes...3 minute run, 2 minute walk
Tuesday morning 40 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes arms and abs
Wednesday morning 40 minutes...3 minute run, 2 minute walk
Thursday morning 40 minutes on elliptical and 15 minutes arms and abs

Take Care
Molly

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
-U2

Let's begin again, begin the begin

2008-04-02T09:40:00.003-05:00

My friend Matt put this picture up yesterday and I was really drawn to it...at the time I was not sure why but I reflected on it most of the day. I think the picture represents new beginnings and the sunset in the background really seemed to represent the warmth and happiness that I feel recently. So there is my meaningless blabber for the week...basically, just like the picture!

If you like this picture too check out Matt's blog...he is a talented man!

Three mornings and three workouts!

Monday I did 40 minutes on the Elliptical and did arms, chest and abs for about 15 minutes.

Tuesday I did my 2 minute run/3 minute walk routine...about a third of the way in I hit the darn STOP button...all my info GONE. All of the people in the gym learned I am not a morning person as I yelled..."OH POOP"! I started back up again and I ended up going about 4.2 miles in 45 minutes...running out the last 5 minutes again.

Colleen sent me my second brace and Tuesday was the first morning that I tried them both...VERY nice...I did notice that more men (and women) are staring at my legs (braces). But, I am used to that...I wore two braces playing college soccer and my coach used to say that I was setting the other team up for target practice!

This morning Scott stayed at home to do yoga so it was up to me to get my butt out of bed. I did and I repeated Monday's workout.

When I was younger and working out regularly I would, and could, eat whatever I wanted (think an entire box of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts or an entire frozen (not person size) pizza). I am learning that, at 32, that does not work anymore. I need to focus on my nutrition more...another fork in the road. But, while we are talking about not so good for you simple carbohydrates:

I want to tell you about a recipe I made last night. Scott marinated some pork chops in BBQ sauce and rub, to grill, and it was my responsibility to make a side. Keeping in mind we both like savory, not sweet, pork I made these Creamy Dijon Smashed Potatoes and they complimented the pork perfectly. Sorry, but I must...they were Yum-O!

So, tomorrow is another run. I am going to try for the 2 minute walk/3 minute run and see how it goes. My goal for the 5k is a 4 minute run/1 minute walk. I am going to wait until next week to bring the heart rate into play...just makin' it through right now! Thanks for your well wishes...and, as always, unsolicited advice is ALWAYS welcome!

Take Care
Molly

Answer me a question I can't itemize

I can't think clear, you look to me for reason

It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin

-REM

Never just an ordinary girl

2008-03-30T16:03:00.003-05:00

So...I stuck to my guns!

Saturday I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill! I ran 3 miles in 40 minutes. I did a 2 minute run followed by a 3 minute walk. I did run the last 5 minutes solid in order to get the 3 miles in! My knees did pretty well! I wore my old brace on my left knee and my new one on my right and that worked out OK!

Today I planned on going to a Pilates/yoga blend class at the gym. However, I THOUGHT the class started at 2:30 and it started at 2:00. Because I wore my Crocs I could not do anything else so I headed back home. At home I did my 50 minute Yoga Now video. Then I took Koz on a walk to wear him out b/c the first 10 minutes of my yoga (the core strength part) he kept coming over and dropping toys on my head!

As I mentioned before my brother in law signed up for the 5k run at the Chickamauga Chase and on Friday I officially signed up too. After three good runs I decided that I am going to become a 5K specialist. So, I started looking at other races coming up. I found that there is a memorial race in honor of my beloved Dr. Gregory! The Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic is the weekend AFTER the Chick Chase BUT I feel very strongly that this is something that I really need to do! So, I am signed up for TWO 5Ks in April!

Meanwhile in the world of Molly:

The Vols game was terrible! They played awful! Oh well. On the same front my picks this year are TERRIBLE! You win some you loose some, right!

Friday night we hung out at the house with a friend, watched more bball and relaxed!

Saturday morning I went and watched Tommy's soccer game. (Keeping in mind he is 3) he had a little trouble sharing the ball. I am sure it is something that he will work through! I had a couple of hours to kill before I COACHED (whatever that means) Kate's soccer game so Momma and I went to the mall. Got my summer scent, Coconut Lime Verbena (love Warm Vanilla Sugar in the winter!) at Bath and Body Works and a CUTE shirt at the GAP! Kate's soccer game was funny...the other coach was trying to teach the 3 year old to dribble and I just could not stop laughing the entire time!

Today has been good...church at Grace, workout, laundry and basketball!

So, in the interest of continuing t keep myself responsible here is the plan for this week:

Monday morning: 30 minutes Elliptical and 15 minutes weights
Tuesday morning: 40 minute run...2 minute run and three minute walk
Wednesday morning: 30 minute Elliptical and 15 minutes weights
Thursday morning: 40 minute run...3 minute run and two minute walk

Take Care,
Molly

When the colors start to fade
She wears a silly yellow hat
That someone gave her when she stayed
I didn't think that she returned it
We left New York in a whirl
Time expands and then contracts
When you are spinning
-Counting Crows

So good, so good, I got you

2008-03-27T09:46:00.008-05:00

Ladies (you know who you are) thank you so much for your comments on yesterday's post! It is nice to know that I am not alone AND get such awesome advice and support!

Day 2: At the gym at 6:00
30 minutes on elliptical
10 minutes lifting, arms
5 minutes abs

I feel really good. I am really trying to hold on to this feeling so that, on those mornings when it is harder to get up, I can remember how great it feels to go through your day knowing that you have already done something good for yourself!

Already decided that I am not going to go tomorrow morning. The Vol's are playing Louisville and the game does not start until 9:50 something.

I am very excited about this game...Pearl and Pitino...an upstart basketball mind v. an old school basketball mind...should be a great game!

I am going to get take out fajitas (from the best place in Chatta-vegas!) for dinner tonight...and I might even go home earl and nap...This game will last WAY past my bed time!

Saturday morning I am going to be my niece Kate's "parent" on the field (which is required for the three year olds) during her first ever soccer game! Her momma is quite pregnant and her dad will be referring a football scrimmage. I am so excited!

My plan for the weekend is to do a run from home Saturday and go to a yoga/pilates hybrid class at the gym Sunday and do the elliptical! I am hoping that saying this stuff "out loud" will help me stick to it!

Thanks again for all the support!
Take Care,
Molly

Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
-James Brown

Yeah I know that everyone gets scared

2008-03-26T09:39:00.004-05:00

I have been down again lately. I think this time it is, mostly, due to the blessings of being a woman.

I have also been down on myself. I have not been sticking to ANY fitness routine that I pull together for myself. And at the same time I read all of the blogs about how much you all do and instead of inspiring me, I have just been beating myself up about what I am not doing.

One of the blogs I read anonymously is Little Miss Runnerpants. She recently did a post that I felt tapped into what I was feeling. The post is titled, how, just...How? She is much more accomplished than I, and my question is much more basic. I have no kids, good job(s), a supportive husband and good health...and I can not understand how you all do all that you do!

To put it bluntly I have been feeling sorry for myself...for no good reason.

And on top of that I have seen pictures of myself recently that I was not totally happy with. I did not feel that i looked "fat" just not the way that I wanted to look.

I have also been looking at other people a lot recently and wondering what they are thinking about me. Not healthy, I know.

I thought of Dr. Gregory and the speech that he gave me two years ago about not letting my health "slip" through the years. I think he must be watching over me, I think he tapped me on the shoulder once again.

On top of everything I KNOW that I am in a bad place. I KNOW that I can and should do more than I am! I read my older posts last night and I wondered where that person went.

I have allowed the excuses to creep in.

Transition...

I am not a morning person. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you - don't bother me before I have had coffee and food. AND on top of that I might just be crabby until noon anyway.

When I worked at the Sports Barn I had to open, at 4am, a couple of times and I told myself I will NEVER work out this early.

Well, this morning I did!

I did not want to get up at 5:40am, I went anyway.

My hair looked a mess, I went anyway.

I did not have a knee brace for my left knee, I went anyway.

I could not find my ipod, I went anyway.

I got there and realized that I had not brought my watch or my HR monitor, I worked out anyway.

I could not believe how sloppy I looked, compared to everyone else, in my track pants and T Shirt, I worked out anyway.

People said Hi to me and I grunted out of disbelief that they were so cheerful this early in the morning, and I worked out anyway.

Transition...

The other day Bullet wrote a post about That first 10 minutes. He talks about how difficult those first 10 minutes are for him and how, once he gets past those first 10 minutes he gets into a rhythm. Another post that I totally connect to.

I walked for 5 minutes to warm up.

I ran two minutes and I walked for three for 30 minutes.

I walked for 5 minutes to cool down.

I went for 2.6 miles

After the First 10 Minutes, I felt great!

And I realized that a morning workout is the perfect way to get my back in the groove. There is ONE excuse at 5:40 in the morning...Don't want to get out of bed. I can get over one excuse.

At 5:40 in the morning there are no meetings, no classes, no invites to go out to eat, no feelings of guilt for wanting to workout instead of cooking, no worries about the gym being too busy, and there is no way to be too tired from the day!

AND...I feel great. I feel better than I have in a while. I feel like I can go about my day without worrying about when and if I an going to work out? I can worry about when I might fit in a nap!

And the truth of the matter is that I have a great husband. Scott went to the gym by himself yesterday morning and, per my request, made sure my grumpy butt was out of bed to go this morning. So, shout out to the truest support system I have:

Now...if I can just get up tomorrow morning...just kidding, I'll let you know about tomorrow too!

Take Care
Molly

It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
-One Republic

looking out. watching out when I see the future I close my eyes I can see it now

2008-03-21T17:12:00.024-05:00

You all know how much I love pictures...so, I am sharing a few recent ones!

If there is anything I love more than pictures in general it is Koz and Scott pictures, here is the latest:

And to be fair, and because I love this picture of Koz, Scott's favorite pics (to take) are me and Koz sleeping:

Our cousin's from Salt Lake City came into town. Here we all are on Lookout Mountain:

Erin is 9, and the oldest. She and I had a lot of fun together! This picture is at Point Park.

Another from Point Park. Love to give my Dad a hard time, because he loves to give everyone else a hard time, here he is with his new purse!

A picture from the Incline. Libby is looking at the camera, she is 5 and her twin brother Hank will appear soon!

Here is Libby, Hank and Tommy waiting for the Incline.

This picture KILLS me. We followed this trailer off the Interstate! The horse had his head out of the trailer...on the Interstate!

Dave and Diane. The parents of the Salt Lake City crew. Dave is my first cousin and, while you can not see it here, another red head!

This old record player, that I played with when I was little, ended up being quite the popular toys. We all spent the evening together at my parent's house.

Scott and Hank. One thing that I have found out about being married without children is that when I see my husband bonding with a kid it makes my heart melt...and my mind move a little quicker towards the thought of having our own kids!

Our trip to the Aquarium...The butterfly garden:

Momma and Jimmy:

We had a lot of fun today at my parent's celebrating Easter. Looking forward to having Coke Zero and chocolate for breakfast tomorrow morning!

Take Care
Molly

I see pictures of people, rising up

pictures of people, falling down

I see pictures of people

they're standing on their heads, they're ready

they're looking out, look out!

they're watching out, watch out!

they're looking out, look out!

they're watching out, watch out!

- Peter Gabriel

She is running to stand still

2008-03-17T13:51:00.005-05:00

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

Thanks to everyone who voted for Koz. He did not win...but felt well loved!

Guess I will be shelling out the dough for a new vacuum!

Last week was pretty crazy busy! Lots of meetings and appointments which made the days go by quickly...which is nice.

This weekend was a lot of fun, our cousins from Salt Lake City came into town and we hung out with them a lot. Hope to get some pics up soon!

I ran/walked one day last week and have decided that I really need a brace for my left knee too. I am going to hit Colleen up when she gets back in town b/c I LOVE the brace she sent me! I am planning on going out again today, with one old brace (I only have 10) and the new one. I will probably try the new one on the left knee (which only recently started hurting).

Scott and I walked four nights last week, for about an hour. I really enjoy that time together and we get a good little workout too.

I am having trouble, once again, getting up in the mornings for yoga. I only got up once last week and neglected to get up again this morning. I need to work on getting in bed earlier b/c I am , for sure, an 8 hour girl...

...BUT it is March Madness time, which means that I will probably stay up as late as my body will allow watching basketball.

Jess wants to do an blogland bracket pool (bragging rights being the only prize) which I think is a GREAT idea! Let her know if you are interested.

I want to get on the record early with my pics. Here they are (starting in the third round):

Elite 8

NC v. TN
KU v. Wisconsin

Memphis v. Texas
Texas A&M v. Duke

Final 4

NC v. KU
Texas v. Duke

Finals

KU v. Texas

Champs: Rock Chalk J Hawk...K U

Take Care
Molly

And so she woke up
from where she was lying still
Said we got to do something about where were going
-U2

Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be in time

2008-03-11T10:20:00.008-05:00

What a difference! I feel like a complete idiot for taking my meds wrong. Especially now that I am taking them right and feel SO much better. I have more energy and just feel RIGHT! It seem to be the ultimate irony...here I am a hypochondriac, afraid of the unknown, and MY lack of attentiveness was making me feel bad!

BUT...that is water under the bridge...onward and upward...

Our trip to Charleston was bitter sweet. Got to spend some good quality time with Scott and Momma and Dad...

and lots of other Moc's fans...BUT the Moc's lost. Despite leading most of the game they missed free throws at the end of the game and did not box out either. They played well and with heart, unfortunately, for this team, it was not enough!

Next year's team should be really strong and really experienced. I am looking forward to the season already! Scott and I decided that we would leave early and not stay to watch the Lady Moc's...this would allow Scott to keep two of the days off that he planned on taking.

So, Sunday morning we watched the 1st half of the Lady Moc's Semifinal game (the Lady Mocs won and went on to win the tournament!) and then went to the Mill's House to have brunch with Momma and Dad Man. Scott and I stopped by the Battery on the way out. I soaked up the sun while Scotty took in the sights:

We got into Chattanooga too late to pick up Koz. So, I picked him up, after some meetings, Monday afternoon. I have NEVER seen that dog SO tired. He could barely keep his head up. He must have had a wild and crazy weekend!

I took advantage of the 60 degree afternoon and went on a 35 minute walk run. I am still on the 4 minute walk and 1 minute run. I have not been consistent enough, YET, to increase. I am wondering...should I reduce the walk intervals or increase the run intervals first...what do y'all think.

My right knee, with Colleen's new brace, could not have felt better. In fact my left knee was soar and I am thinking of getting a brace for that knee too. While it might LOOK funny as long as it feels good I am OK!

In addition to being tired Koz came home smelling BAD! So, while he was tired we decided to give him a bath...his face will tell you how much he likes baths...

But he now smells like Pantene and was welcomed to snuggle with us in bed last night

Got up this morning and did my yoga...felt great. I am so thankful to be in such a better mind set! Thanks for all your support!

Take Care!
Molly

Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love
-Beatles

IF YOU AIN`T GOT RELIGION IN YOUR FEET, YOU CAN DO THIS PRANCE AND DO IT NEAT.

2008-03-06T10:22:00.010-05:00

I have not written about this yet...but I am trying a new medicine...Lamictal. So, I am not (supposed to be) taking my Prozac any more...

I have been in a really bad mood this week...really tired, really anxious and really (really) grumpy...and this morning I figured out why. All this week, when I thought that I was taking my previcid pills (for acid reflux) I was taking Prozac. The previcid is brown and pink and the Prozac is brown and green. I grabbed the bottle this morning to refill (what I thought was) the previcid and I was holding the Prozac. I feel like SUCH an idiot!

I read the side effects and sure enough...all of the side effects I have been having have are mentioned with the combination of these two meds.

A (small) part of me is somewhat relieved b/c I thought the Lamictal was making me like this and I was upset b/c my therapist really thought the Lamictal would be great for me.

On to bigger and better things...

I skipped the rubber chicken dinner on Tuesday night (in fear I might growl at someone) and went to the BX and did the elliptical. Since then I have been getting cramps in my right calf and tibialis muscle. Took it easy yesterday and I really worked on it this morning b/c the cramping kept me up last night. Hoping that it will work itself out soon.

Scott and I are heading to watch the Mocs in the Southern Conference tournament this weekend. There is no telling what our team will do...they have been very inconsistent and unpredictable this season. They have also been through a lot of injuries and adversities that I hope will help them to be a stronger tournament team. To win the conference we have to make it through Davidson, and Stephen Curry, who are ranked 25 in the country in the latest poll! Our girls are undefeated and I hope that they don't fall to the same curse the Pat's did. They SHOULD win it all.

I am really looking forward to the trip because I LOVE Charleston!

Take Care
Molly

THE DANCE CALLED THE CHARLESTON,
MADE IN NORTH CAROLINE.

Suddenly the air smells much greener now

2008-03-04T10:32:00.005-05:00

FIRST...I must ask you all to help the Koz...he is in a contest for Bissell vacuums. The contest is for their spokes animal. I REALLY just want him to make it to the finals so that I can get a new vacuum :).

Vote for Koz here:
http://www.bissell.com/redirect.asp?page_id=47118&Pet=126

Koz says Thanks!

Friday night I drug a tired Scott to Carrabba's with me...I was having a major Margherita Pizza craving!

Saturday morning I headed to Atlanta with a good friend of mine. We hit Harry's Farmers Market (like Whole Foods) first. This trip was all about wine. My friend takes wine classes and we hit Harry's for their selection. She helped me pick out 6 bottles (6=10% discount!) including a couple of Spanish wines that I have never heard of. Then we hit Trader Joe's for a different perspective, in the Two Buck Chuck. Trader Joe's is SO nice and SO inexpensive, we need one in Chattanooga - stat! We then hit a Macy's and headed home.

Sunday was a crazy busy day. I went to church and then Scott and I headed to the Home Show. There are several things that need to be done to the house...first on the priority list is windows. I actually got overwhelmed there were so many window "dealers" there! (It is kind of an interesting set up in that you pay to get in...to get solicited.) We also looked into a new basement door, gutters, an electric fence for Koz and a Remodeling 101 class in April. Then we headed out to a baby shower. We played an interesting game...they melted different chocolate bars in diapers and numbered them...you have to open the diaper (you can imagine what melted chocolate resembled) and then guess what brand of bar it was! Scott actually did really well. Then we headed to Abuelo's for dinner with Scott's parents and brother's family. I did not eat much, I ate at the shower, but what I ate was pretty good!

Yesterday was not a great day. Koz woke up with an upset stomach, he was needy and would not let me do yoga in peace and I was in a funk all day and I could not snap out of it. Scott and I went for a long, hilly walk last night and I felt good for the first time all day. Colleen sent e a knee brace that she sells that worked really well! I am looking forward to testing it on a run! Scott cooked pork on the grill (I marinated it in pineapple lime salsa, which I thought was great) and we had a quiet evening.

I am feeling much better today. Did AM Yoga and Yoga for Abs this morning. Going to lunch with my Momma and sister. I have to go to a "rubber chicken dinner" for my Dad tonight...not looking forward to that.

Take Care
Molly

Eye fight with my brain to believe my eyes
And it's harder than you think
To believe this sadness
That creeps up my spine
And haunts me through the night
-Paolo Nutini

And the cross is someone she has not met, not yet

2008-02-28T20:05:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Allez, I have been tagged.

The rules:Link to the person who tagged you.

Post the rules on your blog.

Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.

Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs (5 on side bar).

Leave a comment on their blogs so that they know they have been tagged.

7 weird medical things about me:

1. My due date was January 17th and I was born February 1st. My Mom ended up going back to work because she got bored.

2. When I was 2 I was bitten by a snapping turtle and got salmonella.

3. In 1st grade my Mom got me out of the tub to find that I had bruises all over me. The docs first thought it was leukemia and it turned out to be an idiopathic blood disease.

4. In fifth grade I did not take care of a blister (new soccer cleats). The blister got infected, ate through my skin and I had to wear a cast to make sure that the blister healed.

5. My eye teeth can in at the top of my gums (think Dracula) and I started wearing braces in sixth grade. I wore braces for three and a half years. My bottom teeth are still crooked (probably b/c I did not wear my retainers!)

6. In the tenth grade I pulled the ligaments on the top of my right foot. I really did not want to stop playing, so I practiced shooting with my left foot. For the next two years I was defended for my left foot shots.

7. Three years ago Scott took me to the hospital b/c of pain in my side and a lump in my groin area. The doc was examining me and saw that I had a bandage on my side. He asked what it was and I said that I had a rash that I thought was from laundry detergent. Turned out I had shingles and the lump was a swollen lymph node that was a result of the shingles!

I tag:
Matt (I mean Bullet)
Court
Momo
Coleen
Jess
Danielle
Lisa

On a more serious note...A girl that I looked up to when I was younger died recently from a brain tumor. Molly Firth Hooper was a great person and an amazing soccer player! Her younger brother also has a brain tumor and her parents have become very active in the brain tumor society. I mention this because her family asked that donations be made to Dog Dreams team for the Brain Tumor Society’s Ride for Research, Brain Tumor Society Ride for Research. As athletes I thought that this might be something that some of you might be interested in supporting. For more information visit The Dog Dreams Team at: http://www.braintumorsociety.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=1210&team_id=13350

To link the two parts of this message together I remind you all that another "weird" thing about my medical history is that I have OCD. I am more obsessive and most of my obsessive thoughts include my fear of a brain aneurysm or tumor. This obsession comes from the frequent headaches I get from my TMJ. I fell like I have an angel to look to now. Molly Hooper spent years battling a REAL brain tumor. In the last three days as my obsessions have surfaced I have thought of Molly and the way that she fought this disease. I have encouraged myself to clear my mind by thanking God for my health and the day that I am living. I have also prayed that Molly's children find similar peace. Thanks for listening...

Take Care
Molly

Says she talks to angels,
They call her out by her name
She talks to angels,
Says they call her out by her name
-Black Crows

All I really know for certain, babe, Is that Love Is All There Is

2008-02-25T19:51:00.007-05:00

Saturday

Lazy Day. Kind of had a tough weekend. A lot of anxiety and jitters. Leaves me once again with worries about what to do...

Saturday night we went to the Moc's game. It was senior night and I will really miss our seniors!

The best part was that my brother in law and niece joined us!

I had to tell her who all the players were and make sure that she grows up with the love of the Moc's that I did!

We went to dinner after the game..trying to find a place with a TV (to watch TN kick Memphis's butt!) AND had food for Kate. We ended up at Applebees...you all are my friends so I feel I must tell you, (at least, if you are in Chattanooga) don't go to Applebees!

Sunday

Went to Grace Sunday morning. Enjoy this church more and more as I go.

Not much exercise this weekend...in fact, a family walk was the extent of the exercise!

(yikes, look at the junk in that trunk!)

Today

Normal day at work. Anxiety levels down a little, but still there!

Tonight Scott and I went....for a RUN/walk! We walked 4 minutes and ran for a minute. The first minute I felt a little pinch in my knee, but the next five, minute runs, felt really good! Afterwards I felt REALLY good! We were blessed with a 60 degree day here, perfect afternoon for a run. We are expecting rain and much colder weather to come...so I am guessing that it will be testing on the treadmill for a while!

Randomness

I have decided that giving up chocolate for lent is bad for my diet. It takes a lot more vanilla ice cream than dark chocolate to hit my sweet tooth!

Scott and I are headed on a trip in May to the Adriatic Sea.We are going to take a cruise! I am SO excited! This will be the last trip before we "settle down". I purchased the plane tickets today...so it is real!

Cute Kozmo picture of the week:

(we are going to the vet tomorrow...I have a feeling he is going to be put on a diet!)

Take Care
Molly

Every now and then
There comes a time
Someone comes along
to change your mind
You believe it's unwise
To give in to careless dreams
You believe it's a prize
You'll never win
-Sheryl Crow

Two cups of coffee in the morning, Two days till I stop feelin' blue

2008-02-22T11:04:00.004-05:00

Feeling 100%, yea!

Been doing my yoga in the morning but I am still being REALLY lazy about getting the cardio in. If it were not for my 30 minutes out with Koz I do not know if I would be getting any!

Two different times this week I have "explained" that the reason that I am having trouble is that I have nothing to work toward. When I had a race on the horizon I not only had a reason to get out, I felt like I had to.

My brother in law has taken the step of signing up for a 5K. I was REALLY excited and I hope that his path will follow that of Matt's friend, whose first 5K seemed to change his life!

My brother in law is signing up for The Chickamauga Chase. He asked if I wanted to do the 5K with him. My immediate response was, "I can't because of my knee." Ever since those words came out of my mouth I have wondered, is that true? I hurt my knee training for a 10K. I now know I have a partially torn meniscus and once I found that out I stopped running cold turkey.

So...I am thinking. Do I need to test this knee again? A 5K is no where near long distance and I have until April 19th to work toward it! I ran my first 5K in 30 minutes and I know that I can do one again...even if I end up having to walk it.

I am thinking that this would be a great test for me, another thing to keep me occupied (as teacherwoman's masthead says, Running is Cheaper than Therapy.) and will truly give me a good reason to get off my but and go!

Going to give this 24 hours to think about...I will let you know what I come up with!

Take Care
Molly

Hold on tight
Hold on tight because the ship is sailin'
-Josh Kelley

Can I have some remedy

2008-02-19T11:23:00.003-05:00

How do you get a baby blanket finished, a scarf finished, your Blogland book finishd, and loose a couple of pounds in three days? Get violently ill!

Have had a HORRIBLE stomach bug that put me in bed Thursday night through Monday morning.

Whew...glad to be back in the land of the living. I would not even wish that bug on "W"!

Today's song is in refernce to my illness AND the fact that The Black Crows are coming to Riverbend! Whoooo Hoooo...it has been TOO long since a band I actually like came to our festival!

Take Care
Molly

Cause if I had some remedy
I'd take enough to please me
-Black Crows

Coming along real good, But I still can’t do most of the things I should

2008-02-13T14:19:00.004-05:00

Doing OK ...not great!

Monday I got up and made my way, very slowly, through the 50 minute Yoga Now video. My knees were sore and I was really tierd! I slugged A LOT of coffee and made it through the day.

Yesterday I ran a lot of errands, went and saw the head shrinker and was a super democrat. Went to a lunch meeting and a Dem Women's meeting last night. I CRASHED when I got home.

I have not been happy with myself the last three evenings. I have eaten too much, had two glasses of wine (usually have one) and vegged in front of the TV. I STILL have not finished my Blogland book club book and did not get S's Mom's scarf done in time for her birthday and I NEED to be working on my nephew's blanket for his first birthday Satuurday. I have just been tierd!

So I am picking myself up by the bootstraps tonight and getting to it. I am going to do yoga this afternoon and tonight I will finish the blanket and read my book!

On a lighter note, my sports and political friends alike will appreciate this article. I tried to tell him that SEC football is not laughing matter...

Berke proposal stirs Dogs fans

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day and gets to spend it with people they love!

Take Care

I can’t stop this crawling out of my skin
I know that you see yourself flying
Out of the skyComing down
To carry me
But I won’t come out
-Counting Crows

You may be the heavyweight champion of the world, You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

2008-02-10T16:01:00.000-05:00

***MY SPELL CHECK STILL DOES NOT WORK***

Friday night was fun. My family celebrated my birthday with me. I had a really great time! We went to Niko's Southside Grill which was once THE Southside Grill, the best restaurant ever, and a birthday MUST. The restaurant was purchased by Nicko about a year and a half ago. This was the first visit since the switch. While, as I said, I had a great time with the family Southside is not the same!

Saturday was also a good day. I got a lot of little things done Saturday morning in a relaxed manner and I got a nap in. Then Scott and I went to the Battlefield to get some exercise and enjoy this 60 degree day!

Here are some pictures of our great adventure:

Where is Kozmo

WOW...What a DAY!

Scott's favorite Path

Crouching Molly Shaking Kozmo

My Boys!

Came home and had leftovers for dinner. I made these great Rachel Ray Sun Dried chicken roll ups. Here is the recipe! VERY GOOD and worth a try!

THE YEAR OF MOLLY UPDATE

I went to church this morning. I went alone and I went to Grace Episcopal Church which is about 2 minutes from our house. This is significant for two reasons:

1. In the past I felt it necessary to link my spiritual path with Scott's. In other words I avoided the Episcopal church (the church I grew up in) because I knew that hw felt it was "formal". For that reason we often go to a Methodist church. I ended up making a huge sacrafice here because I was not as happy in this church, which seemed too"casual" to me! No disrespect to others...it was just not right for me!

2. The Methidist church that we went to had a lot of connection with Scott's family. This was comforting at first but then became difficult. Family members would often "invite" us back to "their"church. This bothered me because I felt that, if I accepted this invitation, I would be going to church for them, not for me. As our visits became further and further apart we were often greated with comments like, "WOW, what are you doing here, it is not a holiday." or "Nice of you to join us". As a side not here I do have to stress that none of this was done wit malice, instead a misguided snece of humor.

Going to the Episcopal church felt VERY good. Very warm and very much like home. I left feeling a little more connected and with a resolve to return. And as an added bonus, Scott indicated that he would like to join me next week.

I mark today as a significant step in the right direction of furfilling The Year of Molly!

Take Care

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
-Bob Dylan

You know it feels good to be alive

2008-02-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

Workouts are going well.

I did yoga Monday, Tuesday and this morning. I did the 30 minute Yoga Now Tuesday morning and I did the 50 minute Yoga Now this morning (keeping in mind that I will not be doing cardio this evening b/c of the Moc's game). I am starting to "see" and "feel" the effects of doing this regularly which has been the little nudge I need to get my butt out of bed at 6:30 to do the yoga!

Monday and Tuesday I went to the BX and did cardio. I enjoyed Monday, I did 30 minutes on the eliptical and then walked the track for 30 minutes. The fun part of wakling the track was that it was over the basketball court and there were Middle School basketball games going on. It was so much fun to watch. Tuesday was not as good an experince. I got thirty minutes in on the eliptical and brought my Blogland Book Club book, Water for Elephants, with me (the discussion has already started and I STILL have not finished...I am a SLOW reader!) in hopes of riding the bike and reading. Well...the bike would not work and then the treadmill would not work. I left frusterated. I should have stayed and walked the track, but I did not.

With the BX I have to keep in mind we pay $20 a year and the "mission" of the place is NOT focused on the cardio room. It is just SO much easier to walk across the street to the BX than to drive 15 minutes to the busy gym!

I do plan on hitting the busy gym this weekend to get in some longer workouts!

Thinks are going well medicine free. I feel very strongly that the yoga, cardio and blogging are really helping with this process.

As I mentined in my lasy post I have given up chocolate for lent. I have also decided to give up soda, really Coke Zero...I was probably drinking two a day. In addition I am going to be very midful during this season. Mindful of myself and my health, spirt and finding a stronger inner peace.

Take Care

I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this
Right here, right nowThere is no other place I want to be
Right here, right now
Watching the world wake up from history
-Jesus Jones

You can be sure, That it will only get better

2008-02-04T10:48:00.000-05:00

Weekend in Review:

Friday: Happy Birthday to me!

Got up and did my Yoga Now video and then went and met Momma for the BEST blueberry pancakes in town at Artetha Frankenstein's! Worked for a little while and went to lunch with my Dad. Went home after a little more work and took a nice birthday nap. Then S and I went out to eat with his brother and sister in law at PF Chang's, a place I had not been. I really enjoyed it!

The best part of my birthday was going back into the bedroom after my shower and seeing two little boxes on the bed...my sweet husband got me a necklace and a watch! He ALWAYS surprises me when I least expect it...how can you not love that!

Saturday: GO recycle MOCS!

Got up and hit the BiLo to get food for Super Bowl festivities and also for a new recipe I am going to try tomorrow night.

Then Scott and I proceeded to spend about three hours sorting all of the recyclables in our basement, loading them into a truck, taking them to the center and unloading them all. THAT was a workout in and of itself.

Went and "pre-gamed-it" at Chili's before The Moc's game. This was a BIG one against Davidson, who killed us less than two weeks ago. In the first half of the game it looked as if we were going to meet the same fate, but they came back and actually won the second half by 17...but that is pointless when you loose the first half by 24! We were all proud of their effort and glad to see that they did not quit. It also gave everyone hope that, when we play well, we can beat this powerhouse in the tournament!

Sunday: GO GIANTS

Cooked most of the day...both my famous 8 layer Mexican dip and I also tried a new cookie recipe. I made black and white cookies with a red velvet batter from Rachel Ray's Every Day Magazine. This was my first attempt at icing (anything) and I don't think that I let the cokies set long enough before I iced and a mess insued...they tasted quite good...they did not LOOK good.

The game was a lot of fun. I like the Manning's, that was my only tie to either team, so I was happy the Giant's won! Had a great time with family and ate WAY too much!

Today: Got up and did Yoga for the Upper Body. Another good one. I realized tat I need to get a strap, so I am going to look for one online today. Scott did the yoga for back care on Saturday and liked that one too!

Going to the BX tonight to get some cardio in. Doing the regular plus a little extra for last night plus a little extra for all the chocolate I will eat before lent starts!

I changed my profile picture again...although the last one did inspire me to grow my hair I thought I looked snooty!

Take Care
Molly
(is anyone else's spell check not working?)

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
-Alicia Keys

The good life, let's go on a living spree

2008-01-31T09:58:00.000-05:00

****WARNING****
I could not get the spell check to work, please ignore any typos that you might find!

Doing well...

Surprisingly few "jitters" from stopping the meds. Sleeping a lot better which is odd and I think my stomach is FINALLY getting straightened out!

Yesterday was a busy day with no workouts (as planned). I did load and unload 23 boxes of picture frames, so I do feel as though I got some strength training in :).

Hand bells was good last night. I thought I was going to have to kill Mom b/c she was not going (she is currently obsessed with Hillary Clinton, more later) and it turned out OK b/c the choir director filled in for her and we had no one else missing so our director got to, get this, direct! Yea, no counting ladies!

This morning I got up and woke Scott up (not on purpose) and asked if he wanted to do yoga with me and we sis the Yoga Now 10 minute Morning Enigizer. I enjoyed that time with him. Then I went on to do Abs Yoga for Beginners:

GREAT video! Loved it...basic but hits every part of your abs and deeper core muscles. This one is a high reccomendation. AND I got to look at Rodney for 25 minutes...NICE!

I am going to email Rodney's website this afternoon and ask for a suggestion for a better lower body for beginners, I'll let you know, what I find out!

Not going to get my traditional cardio in tonight. Hopefully all the jumping around I do at the Moc's basketball game tonight will count for some thing :).

Little bit of randomnesss:

My family has always been democrats and has really always backed the same canidates. This Presidential election is different. My parents are supporting Clinton, I am supporting Obama and my sister was supporting Edwards. Yesterday afternoon she sent the link to his speach in New Orleans yesterday and I think that it is worth looking at. I am very impresssed with him and hope to see his name come up as a VP or attorney general! The link.

Finally, I am happy to report that Koz seems to be doing very well! I have him on deer wet food and vegetarian dry food and I am thinking of changing him to the vegetarian wet food. He is such a great dog!

Take Care
Molly

I close my eyes and imagine, the good life
Is the good life better than the life I live
When I thought that I was gonna go crazy
-Kanye West

Another turning point A fork stuck in the road

2008-01-29T20:09:00.000-05:00

Follow the yellow brick road...

Steps:

1. Got up this morning and did yoga. I did one of he new DVD's, Lower Body Yoga for Beginners. Let me TELL you this is NO beginner workout. First of all it was led by Suzanne Deason, not my beloved Rodney and she does things that we practiced (as in literally tried) in my intermediate class. And it was off the entire time (as in the voice track did not match the poses) and it moved faster than any video I have ever worked with. I am here to say do NOT get this yoga DVD:

I really want a lower body DVD....I am going to have to look for other options b/c this one is just unreasonable. REGARDLESS...I got up and struggled through this advanced DVD at 6:30 this morning.

2. Went to a cool stationary store in town and got a journal this afternoon.

3. Turned the TV off at 9:00 last night (inspired by the fact that the State of the Union was the only thing on!) and read by Blogland Book Club Book, Water for Elephants.

4. Did OK today without taking and meds. I know that this is because I still have a lot of them in my system. Tomorrow will probably be a lot harder and I have another appointment with the counting hand bell ladies.

I have more steps to take.

I need to figure out my cardio routine. There is NO excuse here. There is a cardio room, that I am a member of 400 yards from my house. So...here is the plan:

Monday - AM: 30 minute Yoga Now PM: BX Cardio 45 minutes

Tuesday - AM: Yoga for Upper Body PM: BX Cardio 45 Minutes

Wednesday - Rest

Thursday - AM: Yoga for Abs PM: BX Cardio 45 Minutes

Friday - AM: 30 Minute Yoga Now*

Saturday - Sports Barn: Cardio and weight lifting

Sunday - AM: 50 Minute Yoga Now PM: Sports Barn Cardio

* Unless or Until I find something other than the Advanced yoga for lower body.

I am going to journal a week about the food before I make any goals or statements about what I am eating or what I am going to eat.

Take Care
Molly

Time grabs you by the wrist
Directs you where to go
So make the best of this test
And don't ask why
It's not a question
But a lesson learned in time
-Green Day

OWWWW WEEE baby, you make me wanna walk like a camel

2008-01-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

The straw that broke the camels back...

At 3:34 this morning, after three days of hell I decided that I was done (again).

Thursday I went to the head shrinker. I told him that I have been grumpy lately, because I have...

...Being grumpy is especially hard for Scott because I tend to hold in my grumpiness until I explode...usually on him. Prime example...we were learning a new song at hand bell practice and the ladies to my left were counting a different beat than our director who was playing on my right...I just about put my bells down and walked out...it KILLED me...

...and his answer was to put me on Abilify (in addition to the prozac). Abilify is my straw. That medicine was made by my own personal devil to torture me! I have been nauseous and constipated (I know TMI but that combo is absolutely AWFUL) as well as MORE anxious and tired, BUT I can't sleep!

So at 3:34 this morning I decided I am going cold turkey (again). I am going to become a behavioral medicine machine and follow every and any suggestion I have gotten. I got my yoga DVDs in, so it is yoga five times a week. I am going this afternoon to get a journal. I WILL blog more often and I will get my cardio in. I am also going to re-focus on eating smaller more frequent meals (to keep my blood sugar stable) and drinking more water and less wine. And I will read and write more and watch less TV.

My soccer number was 8...so i have decided (with a little inspiration from George)

2008 is THE YEAR OF MOLLY:

I WILL be selfish
I will LEARN how to take care of my body naturally
I will tell people what I think WHEN I am thinking it
I will take control of MY health

My first step is the plan...I will have it in writing, for the blog, tomorrow!

Take Care
Molly

Who's in charge here, where's my Captain's wafers?
Don't go around hungry now, the way you eat that oatmeal pie,
Makes me just wanna die, baby,
OWWWWYou make me wanna walk like a camel.
OWWWW WEEE, walk!
Southern Culture On The Skids

If you like the way I'm thinkin' baby wink at it

2008-01-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

Randomness:

I have been a little down. I have to tell you that Heath Ledger dying has really hit me hard. I am not quite sure why. 10 Things I Hate About you is one of those cheesy movies that I love to watch and that is my only real connection to him...other than the fact that I loved Dawson's Creek and Michelle Williams. I think that a little bit I worry about the fact that he probably accidentally overdosed on multiple medications and I myself take multiple medications....any way, I am sad.

I got up Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and did a 30 minute Yoga Now video. Had to DRAG myself out of bed. I even went to bed early. I think that I am, for the first time in 31 years, really beginning to be effected by my *ahem* cycle, and I am attributing it to that. Slept in 'till 7 this morning and enjoyed every minute...back up at 6:15 tomorrow morning. I ordered a Yoga for Back care for Scott and another set for me that targets specific areas for me. I would like to do yoga four mornings a week. And yes, I am in love with Rodney Yee.

I work for cashmere. In case anyone else is also unreasonably obsessed with this fine fabric J CREW has a VERY good cashmere sale going on as part of their Final Sale right now.

The Mocs Basketball team is falling apart. Our sixth man learned the same lesson I did on the soccer field...in that the first offence is never caught...the second is. He is sitting out an important game Saturday because he threw an elbow. Our backup point (was playing 3/8 of the game) has a dislocated clavicle and one of our big men has a torn ACL. They might try and rehab it and see if he can make it through the season. The team was kicking butt and taking names, but recently when 0-2 on a road swing and then started falling apart.

I have managed to loose 5 pounds...all from eating less and moving more daily. As I have said before I want to take these changes slowly, so next week I am going to start adding cardio in the evenings to the morning yoga routine.

I have also changed my photo in hopes of inspiring my to reaching my ULTIMATE goal...growing my hair out!

Take Care

So what I've got a short attention span
A coke in my hand
Because I'd rather have the afternoon, relax and understand
My hip hop and flip-flops it don't stop with the light rock
A shot to mock you kinda puts me in the tight spot
The hype is nothing more than hoo-ha so
I'mDeveloping a language and I'm callin' it my own
So take a peek into the speaker and you'll see what I mean
That on the other side the grass is greener
-Jason Miraz

I'm gonna work it out, Cause time wont work it out

2008-01-07T20:16:00.000-05:00

I have taken some steps towards my resolutions that I want to share with you all and at the same time further flesh out my plans.

1. Loose the 10 pounds that I found during the campaign...before St Patrick's Day:
I turned down going out to lunch three times last week in exchange for TLC crackers, string cheese and apple sauce in my office. With the George Foreman Grill that I got for the holidays I plan to start cooking healthier dinners.

2. Create a fitness routine that pushes my body and respects its limitations:
Less movement on this front. Plenty of thoughts and not much action. I have had the crud...but excuses aside the only thing that really needs to happen is that I need to get my butt to the gym.

You might noticed that I removed the We WILL Tri image from my page. In addition to my knee issues our bicyclist is pregnant... Maybe I will bike or swim for a team one of these days!

3. Take one day at a time:
After the campaign I have started taking the meds regularly again and seeing my therapist. One of the things that we are talking about in therapy is pregnancy and medicine. This is where the one day at a time "thing" really comes into play. I KNOW how much better I feel on the meds, I KNOW I am OK without the meds and I KNOW that the minute I know that I am pregnant (Mom and Dad if you are reading this don't get too excited we are talking a matter of months) that I would stop the meds immediately. So, in reality I have no choice but to take one day at a time and accept the day as it is, appreciate it for what it is and enjoy.

4.Be more organized, but not predictable:
This one is on the back burner. I am working with Andy through the 15th and at the moment I still have too many balls in the air to think about being organized and I need to be predictable enought to know where the balls will be as they fall.

5.Create a money management strategy:
Another one on the back burner.

6. Re-connect spiritually (again):
Sunday at church I played hand bells. I was filling in for my sister who is having wrist problems. At communion the priest called those who were looking for healing to come to the front. I moved. I did not think about it, I just moved. I won't go into much detail only to say that within a moment, with a strangers hands on my head and words in my ears I felt safer than I have in a very long time. It is my job to take that moment and create a lifetime out of it.

7.Never forget to have fun!

8. Grow my hair out, darn it:
'nough said!

Take Care
Molly

You've got your reasons
And me I've got mine
But all the reasons I gave
Were just lies to buy myself some time
-Arcade Fire

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs

2008-01-02T12:35:00.000-05:00

In 2008 I would like to:

Loose the 10 pounds that I found during the campaign...before St Patrick's Day.

Create a fitness routine that pushes my body and respects its limitations.

Take one day at a time.

Be more organized, but not predictable.

Create a money management strategy.

Re-connect spiritually (again).

Never forget to have fun!

Grow my hair out, darn it!

Take Care

Molly

Ooh, oh I'm thanking you for being there for me

What a girl wants

What a girl needs

Whatever keeps me in your arms

Whatever keeps me in your arms is what I need

- Christina Aguilera

Take all of your so called problems Better put them in quotations

2007-12-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

Bits and Pieces:

-Thought you all would like to see a picture of the folks I spent my blog-free days (and campaign filled days) with:

-And the campaign mascot:

-The Mocs had an exciting basketball game Saturday night. We played UTK. The Mocs played well, but lost in the end:

-Scott and I put our tree up:

-My Momma surprised my Dad with a new puppy for his birthday:

-I have been doing OK (I would give myself a C) getting up and doing my yoga. It is much easier to get up and do something you HAVE to do as opposed to getting up to do something you NEED to do.

-I have been eating much better, much slower and much more consciously! I definitely feel better when I eat better.

-I have started taking my Prozac again. I did a lot of thinking and re-thinking this weekend. I am very caught up in the future and what taking Prozac now will mean for my future. I finally came to the decision that if I do not enjoy today than the future is not much good to me. For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while you know that this is an ongoing conversation I have with myself as I go on and off this drug...rationalizing why each time. I guess that is my journey for now and as long as I continue to keep my thought process open and fluid I can walk with my head held high.

-Let's digress...skin care...I need help. My skin has gotten SO sensitive that anything I put on it STINGS...I started to put on some heavier moisture creams and now I am breaking out! Any ideas out there?

Take Care
Molly

Have no fear for giving in

Have no fear for getting older

You better know that in the end its better to say to much

Than to never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open

Why?

Say what you need to say

-John Mayer

In a New York Minute Everything can change

2007-12-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK PICTURE (highlights)....

We used this one for our Christmas card...It is inside Radio City Music Hall after The Christmas Show...

The Christmas Show was the only show we saw:

Do you recognize this place...think BIG salad...

Yes, this is the outside of Monk's Diner from Seinfeld. We had lunch there one day and it was pretty good.

Our hotel, The Novotel, at 52 and Broadway...great location good hotel!

We had A LOT of great food, my favorite dinner was: Funny story...We gt so much food at Carmine's and it was so good we decided to take it back to the hotel and put it in the mini bar. So, we look the drinks out and stored the food. We ate it right before we caught our flight out of town (it was almost as good two days later cold!). We went to check out and the guy at the desk said that he had a charge for 9 drinks out of the mini bar. Apparently there is a sensor on the mini bar and when we took the drinks out to store the food it recorded them as purchased...we quickly explained and the hotel staff was very nice!

Can you tell, from this picture, where else we went...

...to see Lady Liberty In honor of my Grandfather Scott had a Manhattan (rocks, not up) in Manhattan at Gallagher's, which was next to our hotelOur final stop was:

Rockefeller Center to see my man Matt.

Ironically, my favorite picture of the trip Scott took out the window of the plane as we left the city:

We are lucky ducks!

Take Care

Molly

I pulled my coat around my shoulders
And took a walk down through the park

The leaves were falling around me

The Eagles

I thought, "hey, I can leave, I can leave." Oh, but now I know that I was wrong, 'cause I missed you.

2007-12-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

We had a quite weekend.

Went to watch the Moc's basketball team win Saturday night:

Last night, in our effort to eat better, Scott and I went to Greenlife. It is a cool natural foods grocery store in town that just relocated to a bigger building. They now provide eat in service including soup, salad, sandwiches and brick oven pizzas!

Otherwise I did the usual weekend catching up kinda things.

We did keep my parents dog Percy. He is HUGE and a lot of fun for Kozmo. He got a deep cut in the pad of his paw that had to be stapled together so Mom did not want to send him to the usual dog sitter. We were glad to have him...as was Koz:

As you might recall, Scott left his camera on the plane on our last trip. He is fond of taking areal shots. These are the first new shots I have posted in a while...we had reverted back to the film world. We got a new camera for our Thanksgiving trip and lots of good pics in PA and NYC which I plan to post soon...I am still sorting them.

I did not make any head way on my fitness program, except to come up with a plan. I got used to getting up early while working on the campaign and I am going to use that to my advantage. I plan on getting up every morning and doing this 30 minute yoga DVD:

My body is SO out of the habit of doing anything, other than sitting in a chair, that I think that this will be a good starting point, especially since this routine is heavy on the core work. My plan is to stick with this until the end of the year, hoping that I will be much more flexible and strong, and then come up with a fitness plan.

That's all for now...

Take Care
Molly

Some of us hover when we weep for the other who was
dying since the day they were born.
Well, well, this is not that;
I think that I'm throwing, but I'm thrown.
Lisa Loeb

Well, I'm running down the road tryin to loosen my load

2007-11-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

Now What?

Well...for the time being I am going to keep working for Andy. Much more reasonable hours (the campaign had me working 8-8) and much less stress. I will probably go back to my regular job (which I took a sabbatical from) at the beginning of the year, but there are some other options floating out there.

S and I went to PA for Thanksgiving and then on to NYC to reconnect, relax and have some fun. We had a GREAT time! Ate a lot, walked a lot and enjoyed the time together! I will post some pics soon.

I am sad to say that my 10K body has gone to pot. The scale shows a 7 pound weight gain but I know that is deceiving because I have lost a lot of muscle. The loose size eight has been replaced by a comfortable size 10.

My knee did not hold up very well during the campaign and I am thinking that my running days are over. I am just not up to a 4th knee surgery...the third on my right knee. I have a plan in mind...I hope to become a spinning goddess!

One thing that really became evident is that a busy Molly is a sane Molly. I realized the power of keeping my mind busy makes it hard to worry too much. I am currently med free (again) and very proud of the progress that I have made!

For all of you Koz lovers out there...he is doing SO well. We are now tapering the steroids and he should be off of them by the end of January. He had a great time being the campaign mascot and had as much fun as I did.

Take Care
Molly

Lighten up while you still can

Don't even try to understand

Just find a place to make your stand

And take it easy

The Eagles

Are y'all ready, cause the plans in the jam

2007-11-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/local-video.aspx?articleid=25334&zoneid=175

Senate District 10
Total Number of Precincts 72
Precincts Reporting 72
100.0 %
Total Votes 12722

Andy Berke 8021 63.05%

Oscar Brock 4681 36.79%

Take Care

Molly

And you thought the beat slowed down

Power to the people

Get on up, get into it, get involved

Feel the bass as the cut revolves

-Public Enemy

www.andyberke.com

2007-10-06T16:40:00.001-05:00

Well I have truly fallen behind this time.
NOt only have I been neglecting my blog I have not caught up with all you! Been a GOOD busy time!
I have the day off tomorrow and plan on catching up with you and catching you up with me!

Take Care everyone!
mhc

Feathers hit the ground before the weight can leave the air

2007-09-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you I cut all my hair off again....

...and today is Tommy's 3rd Birthday!!! Happy Birthday buddy!

I had a nice relaxing time yesterday at his party with the whole fam' (minus Scott who has the crud) including little Jimmy....

who I blogged about being born!

Koz is doing great! His meds are being tapered and he is a little more like "himself" every day. I know that his tummy troubles are a lot better and that makes me happy!

Fall has almost hit the air here in TN. Makes me want to get my knitting needles out again. I am ready for a hobby that I can leave and come back too. My poor garden has really suffered from my long hours at work and two weeks of hot temps and no rain. I literally drug six pots of "burnt" plants away from the house yesterday! It made me realize that gardening can not simply be something that you love to do - you also HAVE to have the time to do it! Knitting I can love it AND leave it, a true hobby.

The new post at work requires Saturday work which really bummed me out b/c I would miss a lot of Vols football, but my team ain't looking too good! I still think the TN v. GA game will be good, b/c we both SUCK!

Finally i have yet another question for you. I am afraid that hours upon hours of working might have fried my brain. I was doing some online window shopping and saw this...

an argyle sweater vest and (gasp) I LIKE IT! It is one of the only "winter" pieces J Crew has put on sale, but I'm liking it. Y'all tell me...am I loosing it or could this be cute (Matt your opinion means the most!)

Take Care
Molly

Fall on me (what is it up in the air for) (it's gonna fall)
Fall on me (if it's there for long) (it's gonna fall)
Fall on me (it's over it's over me) (it's gonna fall)
(REM)

Are you with me so far?

2007-09-02T17:40:00.000-05:00

Before the long overdue Molly update I want to congratulate Iron Pol, Court and Steven on being IRON! I am so proud of all of you and I really enjoyed reading all of your race reports.

Things are going 100 miles an hour right now. I have been working really hard and really enjoying it. I am not working out like I would like to be. Still living vicariously through all of you and your work outs. I got a physical on Thursday an I have put on 5 lbs, that will be the motivation that I need to get going! My anxiety level has not been level. A lot of that has to do with my schedule being unpredictable and so busy and stressful, leading to moments of doubt and anxiety. On a positive note I have "learned" to power through those moments and move on through the day without letting the anxiety paralyze me for any length of time.

During my physical my doc gave me the name of a orthopedist in town that he really likes and I will probably go see him at the end of the year. My knee does not bother my continuously but at least once a week I will get up from a chair or be going up stairs and feel a sharp pinch on the inside of my knee.

The Koz is doing well, his intestinal issues are really clearing up! However, the steroids that he is taking to help his condition have changed his personality some. He is much more food oriented and has become whiny when he does not get what he wants. He is also a lot more low key, he has not wanted to play in the yard and when he sees Percy he does not seem up to their normal romping. As you all know he has always come to work with me, and he still does. He adjusted well to the new office in the beginning, but recently he has been barking a lot, which I do not like! But, we are close to another dose reduction in the steroids so I am hoping that he will adjust once that happens.

Finally, a while a go I was tagged by Andra and will share eight random things about me with you:

1. One of my worst days at work ever happened when I was working at the TN Aquarium as the Preschool educator and doing an outreach program at a Preschool. The snake would travel in a pillowcase. I opened the bag and was confronted with snake poop, which is one of the smelliest things in the world. I had to leave and collect myself because the smell hid the gag reflex hard!

2. Without thought I will eat something I love until I make myself sick!

3. I have had two knee surgeries, but my most painful injury was a badly sprained ankle. I was jumping around excited because TN beat Florida (the National Championship year) and rolled my ankle. I was in a boot for two weeks.

4. I really want a new washer and dryer. A red set from Kenmore that is front loading.

5. I will watch episodes of Law and Order that I have already seen...over and over and see something new every time!

6. I am going crazy waiting for my new quilt to get in. I have gotten the sheets and a pillow cover with the quilt fabric, but the quilt is still about 20 days away.

7. I am too excited about Dancing with the Stars starting soon.

8. I really miss blogging daily. Even more I really miss having the time to read every one's blogs every day.

OK I tag:

Johnny
Randy
Allez
Bill

Take Care
Molly

Life in the fast lane
Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the fast lane (Eagles)

I gotta roll, cant stand still

2007-08-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common.

You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life.

However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Got a flame in my heart, cant get my fill,

Eyes that shine burning red,

Dreams of you all thru my head.

Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.

(Led Zeppelin)

Here comes the Hotstepper

2007-08-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

Koz update:

Well, the baby was doing really well until yesterday. Ironically enough he went in for his check-up yesterday doing great. He got a good report and they tapered some of his meds. Well, he got home with Scott and threw up. He seemed fine the rest of the night and then...this morning I woke up at 6:15 to the smell of poop. I thought Koz had farted and I started to roll over and the smell got stronger, then I felt Koz bumping into my legs. He was "scooting" (for those of you who have dogs, you know what I mean, for others think of the dog on the Stanley Steamer Commercial) and leaking poop all over my blanket (more on this later). Needless to say I took him to the vet and dropped him off at the vet to get checked again by his specialist. He had a stool sample and they found two parasite eggs...YUCK!!! So, more meds for the Koz!

OK, so the blanket that got "scooted" was our back-up blanket because Monday night Scott laid on a pen and get ink stains all over our quilt.

So, now our quilt and our back-up blanket are both (probably) ruined. I can find some humor in the fact that Koz's incident was the second blanket incident AND I have been thinking about getting a new quilt.

So, you all were so much fun with the shirt selection;

By the way this one went back because it fit weird.

I have worn both of these and love 'em

So, I decided to ask for your help picking out a new bedding set. Here are the options:

I really like #1 the best (in the far left pic, it is the middle of the three, the purple and green) ...BUT it is on back order, so I have to wait, which I don't like! Our room is a light green and would go well with any of these options. So, let me know what you like, what you think and what you don't like!

Molly Update:

I am doing better. Adjusting to the hours and the work. I think the long and the short of it is I think my body is adjusting to less sleep! Being busy has really seemed to spell my anxiety, I simply don;t have time for it or I am too tired to deal with it. Still not exercising enough...unless running around at work all day counts. I feel like I miss you all, I wish I had more time to post, comment and read. Know that I am thinking about you, especially Court and Iron Pol as you head to Louisville!

Take Care
Molly

I'm the lyrical gangster
I'm a live in-a me danger
Still love you like that
Hey, da da da da... (Kamoze Ini)

I'm alive, but I'm sinking in

2007-08-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

I am not sure what to say.

I have been working eating and sleeping and struggling to keep my plants alive and food in the house!

Koz is doing well. His meds make him very tired and make him have to pee a lot. I hope that we will be going to the vet next week to taper back some of the meds.

Today I am still working and doing laundry. Hope to spend some time with Scott's family tomorrow!

Sorry to be so boring...I have been living my exercise life vicariously through you all lately!

Take Care
Molly

I can't go outside
I'm scared I might not make it home. (Counting Crows)

You think posin' Will save the day

2007-08-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

The first step has been taken. It was not a giant leap and it was not really a step at all, more of a pose...It was a yoga class. And it was the first thing that I have done since seeing the knee doctor. It was a great class and my knee was fine. I was really tired going into the class but felt much better once it was over.

Thursday and Friday were crazy days...8 to 8 days to be exact. The kind of days when you come home and try to decide it you should eat anything before you fall into bed.

Saturday morning I got up for and 8:30 meeting and after the meeting walked to my yoga class. Our city is celebrating the re-opening of a major bridge which has been closed for a year for repairs (all the complaining we all did over the last year was really put into perspective with the bridge collapse this week) and I walked through the heart of the festivities. Saturday afternoon was spent napping and trying to save my poor garden that was terrible neglected (somehow watering did not make it to the sleeping or eating level of importance). Scott and I went to Carrabba's Saturday night which was quite wonderful! There is not much that beats a Carrabba's Margarita pizza and a glass of red wine, in my book!

Koz is doing well. he is on all new meds in an attempt to try and get rid of all the infection and inflammation. He is on prednizone, which makes him drink a lot of water and therefore pee a lot. He had peed on the mat by the back door when we got home from dinner. I felt so sorry for him because he knew he had done something he was not supposed to do and instead of happily greeting us when we got home he ran to his bed and gave us sad eyes. Otherwise he is doing really well.

Today Scott and I hit the mall. I got some black heels that I needed for a new suit that I got at Banana, along with my new shirts. I went with these Sofft shoes, which can't be beat for all day wear!

Tonight we went to Fran and Kit's house to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Scott's parents! Scott and I are really lucky that we both have parents who have stuck together through thick and thin!

So, I am thinking that a new plan is in order. I am thinking that I am going to get some yoga DVDs and do them in the morning...that class really energized me and I am hoping that I will find a DVD that will do the same (ideas anyone?). The next stop of the plan is to make sure that I get home before 7:00 three days a week and get my cardio in. I have not been sleeping all that well and I really think that not doing cardio has a lot to do with that!

Take Care
Molly

You have to plenty of time

There was no rush

But it was your dream to be like us

You're in dreamland so you don't care

And as you wait

I'm standing there (N.E.R.D.)

Party-peoplllllllllllle!

2007-08-01T19:54:00.000-05:00

FUN...I have never been tagged before! Thanks Bill!

Jobs I’ve held-
waitress at the pool grill at the golf and country club
J Crew Outlet
The Treasure Cache
Preschool Educator at the Tennessee Aquarium
barista at Rembrandt's
Coached Guys High School Soccer
Orthotics Assistant
Office Manager
Campaign Manager

Movies I Can Watch Over & Over-
The Sound of Music
Legally Blond
Gladiator
Shawshank Redemption
Ferris Bueler's Day Off

My Guilty Pleasures-
dark chocolate
wine
pasta
fashion magazines
napping

Places I have Lived:
Chattanooga, TN
Bangkok Thailand
Tono Japan
Lexington Kentucky (1 semester at Transylvania University)

Shows I Enjoy-
The Today Show
Family Feud
E News Daily (should probably be on the guilty pleasures list)
LOST
ALL Law and Order Shows
(used to watch) Gilmore Girls
What Not to Wear
Clean Sweep
House Hunters

Places I have Been on Vacation-
Italy
Switzerland
Ireland
England
Austria
Germany
Prague
France
Turks
I am a lucky girl and I love to travel...this list will get too long!

Favorite Foods-
Margarita Pizza
Caprese Salad
Big Bowl of Pasta
Fajitas

Websites I visit Daily-
The Get Along Gang (check the right side of the page)
Chattanooogan.com
Pink is the New Blog (another guilty pleasure)

Body Parts I have injured-
Knees (over and over and over)
ankle
jaw

Awards You’ve Won-
Sports awards in high school
Guy's Soccer City Coach of the Year

Nicknames you’ve been called-
Goose
Mary

Pick 5 Other Bloggers…
Court
Lisa
Matt
Andra
Aimee

Take Care
Molly

Tag Team, back again
Check it to wreck it, let's begin
Party on, party people, let me hear some noise
(Tag Team)

'Cause it's so much easier to handle, All my problems if I'm too far out to sea

2007-07-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEWS

We got Koz's biopsy results back and he ONLY has a stomach infection and inflammatory bowel disease. While this does not sound great it is what we expected and is not cancer or anything else that would require surgery. I am going back next week b/c he will have to go on some new meds and I will meet with the vet (she emailed me the results yesterday) and get all the details. Needless to say we are all very happy and glad that our little bubba does not have anything life threatening going on!

I am still MAJORLY lacking motivation to get to the gym. I am working longer hours now which raises my appreciation for those of you who work full time and get TRI training in. I am having trouble getting any training in. I think that we discovered a bit of a solution this morning. There is a facility across the street from us called the Brainerd Crossroads (BX) that is part of the Baptist Church that is near our house. We went in and checked it out today and the facility is really nice. They open at 6:00, so I am thinking I might start trying to get there at 6 and getting 30 minutes of cardio in on the elliptical and then in the evenings I can swim or lift weights at the gym. This is such an easy decision because the church has decided to make the BX fitness area part of their ministry and instead of $300 a year, starting August 1st they will be charging $25 a year!

There is also a little coffee shop on the first floor that I could visit on my way out!

My knee is feeling 100% better. There can be no conclusions drawn though b/c I have had NO activity, as opposed to activity other than running, to test it.

My song today is Don't Go Back To Rockville by REM because I learned who the song is about on Friday. Apparently Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs) are friends and he is singing about her in this song. Apparently she was struggling at the beginning of her career and wanted to "go back to Rockville" Maryland. Pretty cool, huh? It is amazing who ends up being big a music buff, and I never knew it

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
Take Care
Molly

Don't go back to Rockville,
don't go back to Rockville, don't go back to Rockville
And waste another year (REM)

Maybe we can sleep in, make you banana pancakes, pretend like it's the weekend now

2007-07-26T19:48:00.000-05:00

I have been "diagnosed" as a people pleaser. Meaning that instead of expressing my own interests I will conform to the interest around me in order to confirm. Well, it is funny that I actually feel bad about the following post. You see, I made the Banana Republic order and I don't want those of you who offered an opinion to "feel bad" (my therapist calls this awfulizing...that I expect the worst before it happens, usually to an unrealistic extent) that I did not follow your suggestion. Enough blabbering...here are the results:

Things are going well at work, staying busy which keeps my mind moving and not worrying...all good!

On the sadder side of things I am still a sack of lazy bones...

Take Care!

Molly

But the telephone singing

ringing it's too early

don't pick it up

we don't need to we got everything

we need right here

and everything we need is enough

just so easy

when the whole world fits inside of your arms

do we really need to pay attention to the alarm? (Jack Johnson)

Am I right side up or upside down, and is this real, or am I dreaming?

2007-07-24T18:55:00.000-05:00

When you walk into a bathroom and catch someone you work with standing on one leg making sure that she can still touch her finger to the tip of her nose...smile and walk on into the stall. She is just having a panic attack and trying to convince herself she is not about to die.

Whew...it was a bad day! Not sure what brought it on...I was panic stricken all day, convinced I had found an indention in my skull, which of course meant that I am about to die of a brain aneurysm. The good part was that I was SO busy that I had no choice but to push through (with a lot of little bathroom breaks!).

I do not have time to go to the mall and was disappointed to find that Express and The Limited do not have online stores! So, off with the Banana I go...which ones do you all like, I can to get three of these, please help me decide!:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

No excuses guys, I want to hear from you too!

Still no exercise...I feel like it too! I feel like a big ball of blah. I hope to get to the gym tomorrow. I will be ordering a size up on these shirts before too long!

Take Care
Molly

Its crazy, I'm thinking, just knowing that the world is round.
I'm here I'm dancing on the ground. (DMB)

Who's that lounging in my chair

2007-07-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

Updates and Random Stuff:

Koz is doing a lot better. He seems to be getting his spark back. Still no biopsy results. I hope that we will know something early next week.

I have a plan for my knee. I am going to be really busy between now and November. So, what I plan to do is stick to the elliptical, bike and swimming through November and then try running again. If the knee pain returns once I start running again I'll go get a second opinion and see if I can find a Doc who will tell me what I should do. I am getting increasingly frustrated with the way the first doc left things...I feel like I paid $300 for an MRI and no answers!

On the same front it is time that I get moving. And to once again keep myself accountable I am going to post my workouts on a regular basis. I won't have any exciting charts or stats...but, the goal is to keep my aerobic level high so when I get back to running I won't have that hurdle to overcome.

I need to get some new tops for the new responsibilities that I am taking on with my job.I am a huge banana republic girl and I have found three tops from there that I really like. But, I want to step outside the Banana Republic box a little. Any of you ladies have any ideas for dressy, but a little different, work shirts?

I have a new favorite "cheap" wine. It is an R.H. Phillips Chardonnay. It is so nice and light but good (don't know ant fancy wine words for it). I would recommend giving it a try!

I am having family at the house tomorrow night. This is the first time this group has been together in a while so, my friend Matt is coming over to take some pictures. The work is done on the front of the house and it looks a lot better. In addition to trimming the trees we added three hostas, a knockout rose, a hydrangea and a bunch of black eyed susan's and purple cone flowers! I am going to get some hanging baskets in the morning to put the icing on the cake!

Thanks again for all of your thoughts about Koz and my knee situation.

Take Care

Molly

Who's that casting devious stares

In my direction

Mama this surely is a dream (Macy Playground)

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony this life

2007-07-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

The Koz

Koz is sleeping soundly next to me as I write this. My bubba has had a tough couple of days. His lack of energy, poor eating habits and NASTY poops led us to decide, on Sunday, that he should get a scope done on his colon. We have been dealing with, and treating, these symptoms, for so long it is about time that we get a diagnosis. So, on Sunday we left him at the River Animal Hospital, expecting the procedure to happen Monday morning and we would pick him up Monday afternoon. Well, the internal medicine specialist, whom I have gotten to know well and really like, was not able to fit the procedure into her schedule until late Monday evening and she wanted Koz to spend another night, after the procedure, to be observed. I talked to the vet when I picked Koz up today at noon and she said that she could see in the scope that his small intestine and colon are very inflamed. Right now there are no answers beyond that, we have to wait until the biopsy results come back. He seems very happy to be home and has only woken up a couple of times.

The Knee

I never thought that I would walk out of the doctor's office with too many answers. Basically the MRI showed a tear in my medial meniscus, but the person (is that a radiologist?) who read it was not sure how severe. He also noted that my patella tendon had wear to it too and there is bono on bone action going on there. My Doc felt that this had more to do with overuse than an injury. He also noted that I have a lot of scar tissue from where the original meniscus surgery was done. From here it got pretty crazy. Basically, I have a decision to make. Do I want to keep running and have a scope done? Do I want to quit running and see if my symptoms improve? Do I want to get the scope and quit running to prolong the health of my knee? The Doc wants me to go for a run today or tomorrow and see how it goes; if there is pain, how much pain there is, where there is pain....and get back to him. I have no idea where we really left it. I learned an important lesson though, I am not going into that office again without someone else with me...At this point, I guess I will go for a run tomorrow and see how it goes!

Take Care

Molly

No change, I can't change, I can't change, I can't change,

but I'm here in my mold,

I am here with my mold

And I'm a million different people from one day to the next

I can't change my mold, no, no, no, no, no (The Verve)

You're faking a smile with the coffee you go

2007-07-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a pretty emotional day and I have to say that I am not ready to post about it yet. The short version is that the Tri was VERY hard to watch because I wanted to be participating SO bad. Then, as we were sitting down to get a bite afterwards I got a call from Scott that he was taking Koz to the emergency vet. He is getting some pretty extensive testing done today. More on that later too.

The picture above is a T Shirt that I had made for our team. I still feel guilty about being the reason that we did not participate. I thought it would be fun if we still felt like a team.

I get my MRI results back tomorrow afternoon. I just hope that there is a happy ending to all this knee mess coming sometime soon!

Take Care
Molly

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong (Daniel Powter)

I sit at my table and wage war on myself

2007-07-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

This has been an interesting week.

Dr Matthews asked me to take it easy on my knee until my MRI yesterday. I now think that exercise is once again tattooed into my psyche b/c this week, with no exercise, did not feel good. I am looking forward to my appointment on Tuesday, where I will find out the plan for the future.

Wednesday Momma, Kim and I ate lunch at the Boathouse, overlooking the river that Momma would swim in, and decided that the team would not participate without me this year. We are all going to get together tomorrow morning and watch the Waterfront Triathlon and get the experience we need to kick some butt next year!

Thursday was a quite day at the office and then Scott and I went to a cocktail hour with his Leadership Chattanooga classmates. We went to a tapas place in town called Terra Nostra. It was a lot of fun. I got to meet some folks that I have not met before and we both had a great time. I had some pear walnut quesadilias and a piece of chocolate raspberry cake. Scott was so into talking to his buddies (and not liking the fact that tapas are expensive little bits of food) he ended up getting a sack full of Krystals on the way home.

Yesterday was my MRI. I have not done that since 2000 and I forgot how much I hate it. The idea of laying still is bad enough, add the noise and the fact that you are in a tube just sucks! I hated it! After I left the MRI I got a call about a new opportunity that totally flabbergasted me. I am very excited and can't wait to tell you more soon!

Last night Scott and I planned on cooking another one of the My Family Dinners that I made last week and ended up at our neighbors b/c they already had some coals going. We ended up hanging out with them a while and I made a BAD mistake. Folks, having a mango margarita (or two) after two glasses of wine is NOT a good idea! It was a really fun evening. I am just paying for it at the moment!

Today a friend of mine from High School is coming into town and we are going to hang out and catch up. Tonight we are heading to Kate's house for her third birthday with her little friends. She is doing a (pretend) sleepover party. They are all to wear their pajamas and are going to do all sorts of "big girl" things!

I promise to take and post a lot of pictures tomorrow. Maybe it will entice some of you to add the Chattanooga Waterfront Tri to your race list next year!

Take Care
Molly

I demand a rematch
I decree a stalemate
I divine my deeper motives
I recognize the weapons
I've practiced them well.
I fitted them myself. (REM)

So I gave up my seat at the bar and I head for the door.

2007-07-10T16:22:00.000-05:00

I lied to you. Sunday's run sucked. I came home and cried. My knee hurt so bad.

Monday morning I decided to call the orthopedist. I just got back from the appointment and I have been benched.

I am heartbroken. I will not be participating in the Waterfront Triathlon this weekend.

The doc thinks that I am suffering complications that are similar to those that led to my meniscus surgery in 2001. Apparently, after a meniscus surgery your patella can "fall" to the side where the meniscus was clipped and cause everything to get "roughed up." I am getting an MRI on Friday to see to what extent it is "roughed up". Then the doc will decide if I need a scope to get it "cleaned up in there." He asked me to stay off it as much as possible until after the MRI to see if some of the swelling will go down.

On the positive side he said that I have the nicest hamstrings he has seen in a long time. At this point I'll take the good news where I can get it!

So, our team is having a lunch meeting tomorrow to see if Momma and Kim want to forge on without me, or if we are going to withdrawal from the race.

Thanks again for your support on this issue, I'll update you when I get some news!

Take Care
Molly

Aw, we shout out these songs against the
clang of electric guitars
Well, you can see a million miles tonight
but you can't get very far (Counting Crows)

The Purple Side of Blue

2007-07-10T08:07:00.000-05:00

Self Doubt

undercuts

the ability

to be honest

with Myself

Am I Weak

in body

in mind

I Fear the moment

good or bad

whatever It is

when It returns

where is

the happy ending

inside my mind

It does not exist

Today

-Mary Hall Cooper

July 10th, 2007

9:09 am

There's too much confusion here, I can't get no relief

2007-07-08T20:29:00.001-05:00

First off ...this is a picture my good friend Matt Dunmore (check out his website to see all his great pictures!) took on July 3rd. He is a great photographer! As I mentioned, we were on the boat on to watch these fireworks. Looking at this picture the boat was in front of the Aquarium...which is the two lighted triangles you see. To the left of the fireworks you can see three balls of light. This is AT&T field where the Chattanooga Lookouts play. About half way through the fireworks in the park (which you see in the picture) the Lookout's fireworks began and the dueling fireworks were too cool!

This morning Scott and I went and walked the downtown portion of the 10K that I will be running next Sunday with the Waterfront Triathlon. I was confused about a portion of the race and Scott has an incredible sense of direction, so he helped me work it out. We took Koz with us and the 92 degree heat took a toll on our baby (whose tummy problems are much better! Thanks to everyone who asked about him!). He had to take a lot of "flops" (our word for the way he rests, because he just unexpectedly flops onto his side) and made good use of the cool water bowl/bottle I got for his last year. The run is an out and back (I am not sure if this is normal, but it calms me to know that on the second half of the race I will have some idea of how far I have to go) with minimal hills, which I a very happy about!

On the same front, I went for a run tonight. At 7:00 it was still REALLY hot (which makes me nervous for race day). I ran out 10 minutes, walked two, ran five, walked two, ran five and walked about 8 minutes home. During my runs I did have some pain (Dr John it was directly under my knee cap) but it was not anything that I could not handle. I did not want to push it, just see what it would feel like to run at different speeds. I am planning on doing a lot of "non contact" conditioning this week. To keep my HR up but not put any more pounding on my knee.

One final thing...one of the only things that gets me through a summer of (BOR-ING) baseball is tennis and one if the best men's finals in history was this morning at Wimbledon . I hope that some of you got to see the Federer/Nadal match - it was AWESOME! It was probably the best tennis match I have ever seen! AND with his win Federer won his fifth Wimbledon in a row equaling the great Bjorg!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Take Care!

Molly

There's no reason to get excited

The thief, he kindly spoke

There are some among us here

Say that life is just a joke

You and I, we've been through

And that is not our fate (at least today)

So let us not talk falsely now

Because the hour is getting late

Late... (U2)

Is it any wonder that I feel uptight?, Is it any wonder I don't know what's right?

2007-07-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

So, my knee.

After I ran on Tuesday it was SO soar afterward and until yesterday it was influencing my every move. Thursday night Scott and I went to the pool at the gym and swam, probably not a true workout...a lot of playing around went on. Yesterday my knee was still soar, but did not limit me as it had.

My runner friend at work thinks that it is a "common" overuse injury and that the true test will be if it hurts (again) when I run. So, I a thinking that I will get back on the treadmill tomorrow afternoon, or take a road run this afternoon. This morning I am going to yoga and then work on cleaning up the house.

Tomorrow is a week until the 10K...I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably be gutting this one out! Lisa gave me some great run/walk advice that I will definitely put to use! I also found an hour long training session, through Nike, with the coach on itunes and I think I will use that too b/c the forty minute training session is awesome and I have had the best times I have ever had (training) using it!

Also,

As you might have guessed from yesterday's post I am back on the meds. Hmmm...who knew that crying and irritability were signs of depression...uh, I did. I really have to let go of my feelings about the meds and learn that, just like my soar knees, they will probably be a part of my life forever! It is funny how you can outwardly express something, and truly believe it, but deep in your subconscious your mind knows you believe something else!

A word to all of you with indoor outdoor dogs. I went to the dermatologist yesterday b/c I have poison ivy on my neck and a little on my face. I would not figure out how it got there! The Nurse Practitioner said that poison ivy "juice" stays on dogs fur for a long time if it in not washed off. So, at some point the Koz got into poison ivy and then I snuggled with him and the rest is history!

We are getting our front yard re-landscaped. I am SO excited! When it is done I will steal Momma's camera and get some pics. I a going to get some flower beds up front and I am really excited...we are going to put in hydrangea, cone flowers, hostas and knock out roses...can't wait!

Hope Everyone has a great weekend!
Take Care!
Molly

Sometimes it's hard to know where I stand,
It's hard to know where I am,
Well maybe it's a puzzle I don't understand.
(Keane)

Ha ha ha bless your soul, You really think you're in control

2007-07-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

What is normal to a girl born with curly red hair living in a world of blondes and brunettes?

What is normal to a girl with learning disabilities who is separated from her classmates?

What is normal about a girl who trades her flute for a string bass?

What is normal about a girl who hid her completed homework in her locker b/c she was scared to turn it in?

What is normal to a girl who spends a month in Thailand even though she thought she was going to Ireland?

What is normal about a girl whose favorite family memory is riding mules down the Grand Canyon?

What is normal about a girl who has makes little piles of split hairs since she saw a split end under a microscope in 8th grade?

What is normal about a girl who LOVES to play soccer in the rain?

What is normal to a girl who made it through High School pretending like she could understand?

What is normal about a girl who is scared to go to temples in a small town in Japan b/c her red hair makes older Japanese ladies cry?

What is normal to a girl living with a family of over achievers who never knew what she wanted to be whenever she grows up?

What is normal about a girl who is terrified of flying, but loves to travel?

What is normal about a girl who, as a research assistant in college, was one of the youngest people to be awarded a NSF Phase II Grant and is still not sure what the Grant was about?

What is normal to a girl who has gone back to school for a Masters in Education, an MBA and a Physical Therapy Assistant certificate and quit them all?

What is normal to a girl who would rather travel with her boyfriend than marry him?

What is normal about a healthy 28 year old girl thinking she is dying of a heart attack?

What is normal about a girl who gets down to Rocky Top for her father/daughter dance at her wedding?

What is normal about a girl who, since receiving her BS, has worked as a Preschool Educator at an Aquarium, a Barista, a High School boys soccer coach, a Orthatist Assistant and the Office Manager at her father's Law Firm?

What is normal to a girl who decides to take up running after 3 knee surgeries?

What is normal about a girl who likes her big butt (and I can not lie!)

What is normal about a girl who is dangerously fair, loving nothing more than feeling the heat of the sun on her skin?

What is normal to a girl, who at 31, does not know when she wants to have kids?

What is normal to a girl, who despite trying to eat healthy, insists on having two (not frosted) brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts for breakfast every Sunday morning?

What is NOT normal is a girl who refuses to take medicine for what ails her...

Lesson learned, thanks for your support.

Take Care
Molly

I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place.
Even your emotions have an echo
In so much space (Gnarles Barkley)

A good idea would be to get it off of your mind

2007-07-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

(my apologies to Bolder for stealing this idea)

The Good: Lots of Holiday fun!!!!

Here are pics from the July 3rd boating trip:

yummy, mommy buggers!

And pictures from the July 4th rib feast:

Our Uncle Kit (who also takes the pictures, so is not in any pictures) is from Memphis and makes ribs every 4th...I think this might be Scott's favorite day of the year...

Even I get in on the action...
(look court, blue!)

Scott's Dad tries to keep up with him

The champ ate 25 ribs!

The Bad: to medicate or not to medicate, that is the question!

I have been really irritable lately and, as I have mentioned, crying a lot. The crying does not bother me as much as the irritability...I have had a really bad attitude lately, and I have felt like being alone...which is not a good sign.

In all fairness to the chemicals in my brain, I went from lots of meds, very quickly to some meds and then very quickly to no meds. Children, I think this is why they tell you not to do this at home! I am going to my therapist (not the drug prescriber) this afternoon to talk it out. I have a feeling that I will be back on some meds soon. I have come to terms with the fact that (as much as it pains my to admit openly that this is the case) I really got caught up with getting off the meds to be "normal." Now I might have to come to terms with the fact that Molly on meds is normal.

The Ugly: MY KNEE

Not so hot! Since my run Tuesday it has been soar! Like limping soar, like I'm not going down those steps soar, like someone get me off the floor soar, like Oh my gawd 6 miles soar! I am nervous about the race (I'm still doing it Mom!) and how I will handle it. I plan on doing the elliptical and swimming tonight and we'll see how it goes!

Take Care

Molly

See, you and me
Have a better time than most can dream
Have it better than the best
And so can pull on through
Whatever tears at us
Whatever holds us down
And if nothing can be done
We'll make the Best of What's Around
(DMB)

And we walked off to look for america

2007-07-03T09:38:00.000-05:00

Training

Sunday
Notta...unless you consider gardening and walking Koz as an unconventional brick!

Monday
Momma and I went open water swimming at the lake. We went a mile. Neither of us brought a watch, so we are not even sure how long it took. Mom did great and was strong the entire time. I really need to learn to breath on both sides, I started cramping on the side (left) that I breath on...don't know if that is due to the breathing on one side or eating only 45 minutes b/4 I swam...or both?!? I did breast stroke for the last half of the swim...seemed to help with the cramping!

Today
Did another run with my Nike trainer: 41 minutes total, ave HR 155

Mile 1: 12:13 ave HR 137
Mile 2: 11:08 ave HR 160
Mile 3: 11:10 ave HR 163
1/2 mile: 6:17 ave HR 166

Wanted to get a quick update in while I could...have to get back to making cookies for a party on my parents boat tonight. We are in prime position for several early fire works shows! After I finish the cookies Koz and I are riding the boat down for positioning downtown (about three hours). Relazation here I come!

Take Care
Molly

So I looked at the scenery, she read her magazine
And the moon rose over an open field (Simon and Garfunkel)

Shake it down, shake it down now

2007-07-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Friday was SO much better than Thursday, got my sense of humor back as well as a sense of stability. As I have said before I really think that ups and downs are something that I will have to get used to now that I am medicine free.

Friday afternoon I was thinking about the 10K (now only 15 days away!) and I am sincerely worried. My knees just do not seem to want to go more than 3 miles without faltering. AND, the Waterfront Tri is expecting a record participation!

SO, my thought process turned to - how can I keep myself moving for 60 minutes solid without running for 60 minutes solid. So, I thought of all my wonderful Tri friends and the answer was staring me in the face. I have been loving the swimming I have been doing lately...so, how about a brick! My plan was to fun for forty minutes and swim for twenty.

My run was better than I have had in a LONG time. I downloaded a 40 minute itunes mix (from Nike) that includes coaching and intervals. My entire life I have ever questioned the fact that I am extrinsically motivated, someone yelling at me to get my butt moving more than I can get it moving myself. So, having this coach in ear, doing intervals, really helped me get moving!

Mile 1: 12:06 ave HR 132

Mile 2: 11:29 ave HR 164

Mile 3: 11:29 ave HR 164

1/2 mile: 5:31 ave HR 161

THEN I SWAM!!!! Yeah me! I did 20 minutes alternating 100 breast with 100 free. I have NO idea how you all keep up with how many laps you have done (any tips appreciated), all I know is that I was moving for twenty minutes!!! Being that it was Friday night I did not have to share a lane (thanks for the tips Matt, I am sure they will come in handy soon!). I did try breathing on both sides and found that to be something I really need to work on!

I do have a new appreciation for transition times...I think it took me 15 minutes, in the locker room to get from run to swim.

Scott had to work late Friday night and we winded up heading home at the same time and he stopped and got pizza. It is this new pizza with two crusts and two layers of cheese. And my sweet husband got me pineapple! Ya'll I almost ate the entire pizza!

Yesterday morning I went to yoga, another great class. I am really liking my teacher. I dropped S off at work b/4 yoga and picked him up afterward and we hit the Wall. I am making oatmeal scotchies for a party Tuesday and pasta salad for a party Wednesday.

Chilled for he rest of the day. I never watered the garden b/c it was supposed to rain all day. This morning I got up and watered the gardens, S and I made these awesome pancakes and then I went outside to garden..and it starts raining...ug!

Planning on another run/swim combo this afternoon and I think Momma and I are going to do some open water swimming tomorrow. My Mom is kicking butt with her swimming! I am SO proud of her...she is swimming a mile in about 35 minutes, and getting better every day!

Take Care!
Molly

She's a brick----house

Mighty mighty, just lettin' it all hang out

(The Commodores)

I like big butts and I can not lie...

2007-06-29T11:03:00.000-05:00

To "bump" yesterday's pathetic post from the top and show that despite my whining I do have a little bit of a self deprecating sense of humor, I present to you:

The Cooper Family Beach Picture

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt.

It is so big. *scoff*

She looks like,one of those rap guys' girlfriends.

But, y'know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff*

They only talk to her, because,she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay?

I mean, her butt, is just so big. *scoff*

I can't believe it's just so round, it's like,out there, I mean - gross. Look!

...the funny thing is that I thought I was "posing" to reduce the appearance of my ample posterior...oh well!

Take Care
Molly

So, ladies! {Yeah!}
Ladies! {Yeah}
If you wanna role in my Mercedes {Yeah!}
Then turn around!
Stick it out!
Even white boys got to shout!
Baby got back! (Sir mix-a-lot)

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

2007-06-28T19:29:00.000-05:00

It was a BAD DAY all around...

I unconsciously turned off the alarm and slept an hour too late, I cried

Koz was not doing well this morning, I cried

I could not hold onto anything, I decided I was having DMS (as opposed to PMS), I cried

I was jumpy and anxious, I went shopping (to make myself feel better?), spent too much money, I cried

Went back to the store (a small "boutique") a couple hours later and tried to return the clothing and low and behold there is a sign that says ALL RETURNS ARE FOR STORE CREDIT ONLY - damage done, I cried

Got home, got Koz to eat and it began to pour, I did not want to run in the rain (I know what I said Dr John), I cried

I wondered if I was so emotional b/c I was off the meds, I cried

I thought about going back on the meds, I cried

I went to sleep, I kept waking up after a dream that I was hit in the back of the head by a baseball (I could hear the metal clank of the bat hitting the ball) and jumping up

I felt fat because I did not run, I thought of all the chocolate I've eaten this week, I ate more chocolate, I cried

Took a bath, cried some more

Put the pork in the oven and cooked the cous cous and made a salad, I had not turned the oven on, I really cried.

I ate dinner with S (45 minutes later than planned) and watched the NBA draft, could not care less, did not cry

Checked my email saw that Momo and Dr John had answered yet another one of my questions, thought about how cool they are, I cried

Decided to post all this so maybe I will stop crying...

...uh...can we pretend that today did not happen, cause guess what I'm doing?

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong (Daniel Powter)

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night

2007-06-27T19:15:00.001-05:00

Thanks for all your well wishes for the Koz.

He is doing better now. As you may recall we recently finished the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga. Since then, during our walks downtown, I have pulled about 6 discarded chicken bones out of his mouth. We are guessing that he got a piece of one of those bones and picked up a parasite. I knew that dog was sick when he was not eating an had no energy. He seems to be doing much better tonight... we even just romped around the backyard together for a while. I think all of the energy he did not use today was just expelled in a matter of five minutes... have you ever seen a dog jump like a rabbit... I have!

Today was pretty useless at work. I had to go back to the vet mid afternoon to get Koz a second medicine. His vet is near my parent's house so I decided to go over there and swim for a workout. I have no idea what length their pool is (a pretty "standard" home pool)...that being said I do have SOME stats:

6 sets of 16 laps for a total of 96 laps
1 set = 8 free style and 8 breast stroke
Total time was 30 minutes

I felt really good afterward and after staring at the pool at the gym from the elliptical trainer I think that I want to incorporate swimming into my routine...probably good for my knees too!

Take Care
Molly

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night
I'm not sure all these people understand
It's not like years ago,
The fear of getting caught,
Of recklessness and water
They cannot see me naked
These things, they go away,
Replaced by everyday (REM)

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start

2007-06-26T19:10:00.000-05:00

"Scattered Thunderstorms" scared me away from calibrating the new gizmo and hitting the roads. And, of course, it never rained at the house and I watered and watered and watered tonight. I do have to say that the air is so humid, if I had run outside I imagine that it would have been similar to running in a sauna...so here are the numbers from the treadmill.

Yea, this resembles numbers from a while time ago:

Mile 1: 12:18 ave hr 139
Mile 2: 11:30 ave hr 164
Mile 3: 12:33 ave hr 171

Wanted to get 3 in 36...not quite there. I dropped my pace in the 3rd mile with the purposee of lowering my heart rate. I have to say that I got really distracted and all good intentions went out the window! The treadmills face the racquetball courts and there was an INTENSE game going on and it was quite entertaining... and distracting! I think my high heart rate was in part due to the fact that I was really routing on this one player, the under dog of course, who prevailed in the end. I think I actually audibly cheered!

Not really happy with the way the knees were feeling at the end either. I wanted to do a long run Thursday and I am thinking that I should continue to chill...which makes my knees happy but my mind scared!

My baby Koz is sick again - have to take him to the vet tomorrow morning!

Loving the book "Eat, Pray, Love" I am not even 1/3 of the way in and I would tell anyone to go grab it as soon as you get a chance!

Take Care
Molly

RE - a drop of golden sun

MI - a name, I call myself

FA - a long long way to run

(the best movie EVER)

Raindrops keep falling on my head

2007-06-25T19:03:00.000-05:00

Karma kicked me in the butt today.

For the past few months I have been pretty jealous of the blogs I read about too much rain. While I was sorry that the rain interfered with training plans, I longed for rain of my own. Each morning and night, as I watered all my plants, I would pray that rain would enter my life. My poor plants long for real rain.

Today my Momma and I planned to go to an organized open water swim. I really wanted to go for a couple of reasons. First and foremost I wanted to support my Momma, who has supported me in every way. And I also was interested to see what swimming a mile would really be like for her!

Friday I planned on, and was excited about, calibrating my Nike + ipod technology today, but when the open water swimming came up I was even MORE excited about swimming with my Momma.

We got to the open water practice and I was SHOCKED how far swimming a mile would be (I quietly wondered to myself if I could do it!) , but I was ready to go - ready to see what we could do. Momma and I swam for about ten minutes when the thunder and lightning began. We all got out and decided that it was not going to pass, so we all left. I drove home in one of those crazy summer rains that includes rain the size of golf balls. As I got closer to my house the rain let up, but was obviously headed our way. When I got home I asked Scott to hurry up and feed Koz and get him out because the rain was coming! I jumped in the shower and washed the twenty minutes of lake off of me.

As if all of this was bad enough two additional things happened:

1. I allowed my self to have an orange cream frappachino for lunch b/c I thought that I was getting a good workout this afternoon...which did not happen...AND

2. It never freaking rained at my house.

So, now I am going out side to water the plants and then doing a bunch of sit ups, push ups and leg lifts to try and work off that orange cream frapp!

Take Care
Molly

Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I"m free
Nothings worrying me. (Burt Bacharach)

Running all the time, Running to the future, With you right by my side

2007-06-23T19:17:00.000-05:00

Went to my psychiatrist Thursday and was SO nervous about telling him that I had quit the meds! Some of my nerves were calmed when his receptionist (who has seen my in the best of times and the worst of times in the past) told me I looked better than she has ever seen me! So, boosted a little bit, I blurted, quickly, to Dr Spaulding that I was off the meds...and he was happy for me...yea! He thought all my race day anxiety (as you all told me) was normal! I am going to see him in five months (or b/4 if I need him)!

Thursday night's Powerflex class was crazy. Our teacher was unhappy b/c no one would yell the reps with her and she kept throwing in extra sets of push ups...man my chest was crazy soar! Sucked it up and did 20 minutes on the elliptical after class. I got on a machine that faced the pool and seriously considered stripping to my sports bra and undies and jumping in...I would have been a lot more covered than some of the women out there! But, I decided to head home!

Friday I went to work for a little while and then went to get a new pair of running shoes. I went to a local store, that I usually go to, that put a coupon in the race packet for the 10K. After getting a good scolding for keeping my old shoes months too long (I had no idea Dr. John, I promise!) I tried on the newer version of the Asics I have and then I tried on a pair of Nike Air Structure Triax.

They have more "pitch" than my Asics and I seemed to like that pretty well! Being the cool store that this is I was able to run around a little before I bought them and he said I could take a run on them on the treadmill and bring them back if I was not happy.

As I have mentioned before my workout gear is pretty Nike heavy...my favorite shorts, shirt, hat and even socks are Nike. So now I can officially say...

Molly Running officially Endorses

So, the guys at the store were really great and really supportive. When I pulled my coupon out they knew it was from the Riverbend run and asked me which race I ran and how I did and so forth. They said that they thought that it was one of the hardest routes that Riverbend has done. They gave me tips on routes and hills in the area that would be good places for me to practice.

At this point I was totally comfortable with these guys and MY questions started pouring out. The biggest being that I have avoided running outdoors b/c I can not track my progress as well as I can on the treadmill. So I asked if there was any other option than the Garmin to track my running outdoors...and low and behold I have the shoe AND the right ipod (Nano) to use this cool new device from Nike.

So, the little doo dad on the left goes in my shoe and the part on the right goes into my ipod. I can download all sorts of cool stuff off of itunes and upload the information from the "chip" in my shoe to download and (GET THIS) have charts! AND this cool little thing costs...ONLY THIRTY BUCKS!!! AND I GOT 15% OFF EVERYTHING!!!

I'm so stoked (can you tell?), I can not wait to get it calibrated and download all the cool stuff! My itunes is on my work computer, so the ONLY disappointing part was that I could not do any of this fun stuff this weekend.

Friday afternoon I hit the treadmill to make sure the shoes were cool and they are...my right knee is still bothering me...but the pounding sensations I was getting with my other shoes were gone. I think I am going to have to sport the knee brace for a while.

Friday night Scott and I went to a LONG Lookouts game...we left in the 12th, the Looks won in the 14th.

This morning I went to yoga and it was A GREAT class. Afterward I was not tight for the first time since THE race. I went to the pool this afternoon and worked on my freckles and then went to dinner with Scott's family (he is at the Atlanta Braves game today). I am trying to figure out what to do for cardio tomorrow afternoon. I know that I will want to run (once I get my ipod situated) Monday...and I should not run three days in a row...maybe I'll do laps at the pool, in my swim suit!

Much love to Momo who is in an Ironman race tomorrow and congrats to ZBuck, Russ and Matt who competed in a Duathlon today and Iron Pol who competes in a half Ironman this weekend!

Take Care
Molly

Were running
Keep holding my hand
Its so we don't get separated (No Doubt)

Somebody's ringin' the bell, Do me a favor, Open the door and let 'em in

2007-06-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH (again and again and again) for your awesome support!!!!

Well today I jump back on the horse. I have been pretty lazy since Saturday...I swam on Monday and did strength work (mostly ab work) at home Tuesday and last night. Tonight I am planning on going to my Powerflex class and doing 20 minutes on the elliptical afterward. Tomorrow, when I run, will be the first true test of what is going on with my knee...but it is time to get going...

We are officially signed up for another event, The Chattanooga Waterfront Tri on July 15th. I say we because my Momma, my friend Kim and I are doing it as a relay. Momma is doing the swim (1.5K), Kim the bike (40K) and I am doing the run (10K).

I would really like to do this 10K in under an hour. For now that is my goal.

I have been looking at the track club schedule to try and set up my plan for the rest of the year... I am thinking of doing two more 5K races and one 10K race this year and I am batting around the idea of signing up for next year's Country Music 1/2 marathon in April.

A funny thing happened in Barnes and Noble yesterday when I went to get a book I have heard a lot about called," Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert (If it is as good as everyone says I will make sure to do a post on it) and, as always, I found myself with the magazines. I have made it clear from the get go that I am a magazine junkie...give me a Glamor, Lucky, In Style, Allure and I am a happy girl!

Guess what I bought yesterday...

One other things that I have read about in the blog world in tempo runs and I never REALLY understood what that meant. It had a great article and explanation and I am definitely going to start doing a tempo run, at least, once a week! It also had a good article on runner's knee that I need to get further into!

Today I am going to see my psychiatrist. It is a scheduled visit that I have had for a while. I have decided I am going to lay it all out for him (including the fact that I took myself off the meds, which I know he will not be happy about) and go with (for the time being :) ) whatever advice he gives me...I guess he is the professional!

Take Care
Molly

Sister Suzi, brother John,
Martin Luther, Phil and Don,
Uncle Ernie,Auntie Gin
open the door, let em in (Paul McCartney)

The Rest of the Story

2007-06-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

When I was in Middle School and the start of High School my Mom was part of a car pool. When it was her time to drive everyone would always tell me to try and get her to put it on one of the "cooler" (Top 40) radio stations. She liked to listen to a station that had a stronger than usual "talk" element and played mostly oldies and a few, very main stream, top 40 hits. I would play along with my friends and tell her I wanted the station changed...sometimes she did, sometimes she didn't.

Truth be told I liked the station that she listened to. One of the main reasons I liked the station was that Paul Harvey was featured daily. I loved his voice and the inside angle that he gave to events happening around the world. His segment was called, "The Rest of the Story." As I was thinking of this post I thought of Paul Harvey, because this post really is the rest of the story:

* I had a full blown panic attack in the first mile of my race on Saturday. My mind raced as the fear built. All I could think of was, what if I can not do this? My legs were heavy, my mouth was really dry and I could not seem to catch my breath. I had thoughts of stopping right then and saying that my knee hurt, that I did not feel good, straight out telling my family I was having a panic attack.

I was surrounded by people and felt totally closed in, like there was no where to go. I began singing to my ipod and trying to visualize that I was running on the treadmill at the gym. As one foot went in front of the other I calmed some and finally got into a rhythm. The last thought of bailing came when the 10K and the 5K split...I could just follow the 5K and say I got confused somehow.

When the split happened and I saw how few people headed up the hill on the 10K route I felt like I had to do this...I am one of few who have chosen this route and I have to do it. Shortly there after I saw Momma and Scott for the first time and that gave me a boost I needed badly.

*Right before the 4th mile marker we turned into a headwind, I had been trotting along nicely for a while at this point. When we hit the headwind I got really cold. Bone cold. I had decided to wear a sleeveless top because I thought I would be really hot, I never thought, for a second, that I would be so cold! It scared me and the OCD kicked in again. I looked down at my heart rate and it was at 99% (whatever that means). I was not tired but I walked because I was scared. I could not let go of the thought that something was seriously wrong with me.

I never warmed up the rest of the race and it was only after a warm bath that I felt my temp was normal back at home (we did eat at a cold restaurant after the race which probably did not help much). This is where the obsession kills me. The thought that something was wrong never passed through my head the rest of the race (I worried even after I got home) it played like a broken record in my head. Once again it was seeing my Mom and S and Alan and Kate on the bridge that boosted me to the finish.

* I have been off my meds for a while now. My psychiatrist lowered my dose but I continued the process and slowly stopped taking them all together. I can tell you, without a doubt that if I had been on meds neither of the two experiences I described above would have happened. The meds would have evened me out and I would not of had the panic sensations and I would not have obsessed over the cold feelings.

This leaves me in an interesting position. By God I made it through that race with panic, with obsessive thoughts and without meds; but, did I have to? Sometime in the near future I hope to be pregnant and at that time there will be no question, I will not be on meds (this is a decision I made myself after a lot of research).

But until then...who am I? Am I the girl that was Saturday who suffers through and is proud of herself not only for her physical accomplishment, but also for her mental accomplishment. Or am I the girl who does not worry who I am? The fact of the matter is that I am still not sure.

The girl who made it through the race on Saturday is not always a fun girl to be. She over thinks everything and stops herself, in her own tracks, at every turn. The girl who does not worry will always wonder if she is missing something by not worrying.

I am still thinking and praying about this one a lot. I am not sure what I will do...

Thanks again for all the support out there in the blog world. You all were definitely on my mind during the race. When it comes down to it, no matter who ever else I am, I am a lucky girl to be so supported!

Now you have the rest of the story,
Molly Cooper, Good Day