Her Boyfriend Is A Serial Killer

So I have to give a shout out to my friend, Lynne, for telling me about my new favorite drama, ‘Dexter’.  Unfortunately, it’s on Showtime - so I can watch past seasons - but then will have to wait for all the current episodes to come out on DVD.  Kind of like ‘The Tudors’ - the second season was finally released on DVD - will catch up with it after my new favorite show.  So back to Dexter.

It’s about a guy that is a blood spatter expert for the cops by day and a serial killer by night.  I watched the first episode and thought - hmmm...  not quite sure - almost didn't watch anymore.  During the second episode, I started getting into it a bit more and by the third one I was hooked.  Part of what I love about the show is his running commentary about life throughout the episode.  And there was a line in the first season that really made me laugh.  He was talking about his girlfriend and said “I shouldn’t be here.  Rita will be devastated when I’m arrested.  Her husband was a crackhead and her boyfriend is a serial killer.  It’s hard not to take that personally.”  All in his deadpan voice.

A couple of quotes from season two that I have found amusing...  “It’s one thing to f&%k with me another to f&%k with...  my ex girlfriend who hates me.”  And for all of you parents...  “It’s strange to have a creation out there... a deeply mutated version of yourself... running loose and screwing everything up...  I wonder if this is how parents feel?”  It's just fascinating!

And then there is Michael C. Hall.  You may remember him from ‘Six Feet Under’ - an HBO show about a family run funeral home.  He played the gay brother (or son - depending on your perspective) - a bit stiff (no pun intended) and frumpy.  Not in Dexter!  He looks like he has lost weight and buffed up - nice!  That and he wears a Tshirt under his shirt in the opening credits. Mmmmm!

Checking Themselves Out

So this week - instead of running in the morning - I’ve been running in the evening after work.  it’s much easier for me than getting up early and running before work - especially since I go into work early so I can leave early.  So the first night - it was getting dark and I thought - this isn’t very smart - my shoes are reflective, but I’m wearing black shorts and a navy sweatshirt - then I thought - who can miss these bright white legs of mine!  Lilly white is actually what my mom used to call me - God Bless Her.  The biggest challenge about running in the evening, though, is not stopping at In N Out at the end of the run.  It smells so good!  I have to weigh in on Saturday, though - so I need to be extra good this week!

Last night - instead of running, I actually went to the gym.  And it was busy for 8pm - although I guess it’s still January - will probably calm down by the end of February.  I usually have my ipod on - but they were playing some good 70’s music - I actually enjoyed the gym music for part of my workout.  And it always amuses me to see the young guys that are always walking by the mirrors checking themselves out - what a catch they each must be!

And tonight I took a short run - it was a beautiful evening for a run!  Ready or not, Huntington Beach, here I come!

I Feel So Special...

Sadie chose to lay on the couch with me rather than lay on the fresh warm laundry just out of the dryer.  I must really rate!  She must have missed me!  :)  Have been out of town since Wednesday afternoon - so Aunt Terrie has been coming by to feed and water her - Thanks, Aunt Terrie!  Was in Santa Barbara for a Prayer and Healing Conference.  It was wonderful!  Beautiful setting, good workshops and amazing worship!  And I even got a couple of runs done - in between the rain!  The first morning we were there - I was able to go running and when I started - I was just feeling miserable - but kept at it - and at one point saw 3 police cars in a strip mall parking lot and thought - cool - I've found the donut shop!  It was just a hole in the wall restaurant - and I didn't run far enough down the street to get to the Starbucks.  I did pass the Auto Club office, though.  Went running again this morning - the last day and it was just a beautiful morning.  A little chilly and windy on the way back - but ended up running farther than I had expected.  And there's nothing like looking to the left and seeing the mountains and looking to the right and seeing the ocean!  Just beautiful!  It was a good run this morning - but still not sure how I'm going to complete a 5K next week - with a little help from my friends, I suspect!  God Bless Us All!

Don't Cross The Street

This is post number 200 - yipee!  That's not why I'm posting - I just noticed that when I signed in.  A quick post this morning.  So as I've been training for the 5K - I always go to the gym and run on the treadmill - at least that way when I'm done - I don't have to walk back to the house!  Well, this morning I took my show on the road - and I liked it - quite different.  I did about 2 miles, although at the end of the first mile - my turning around point - I noticed a donut shop - and thought - hmmm...  a chocolate raised and chocolate milk sound good right now - don't do it!  Then thought - good thing there isn't a Starbucks around for hot chocolate - then remembered - there it is - across the street - Don't cross the street!  I did resist all the temptation and made my way back.  I liked the interaction with the folks out and about also - there weren't many - but got to say hello to a couple of walkers and smile and nod at a cute bicyclist.  And B - the new shorts and shuffle were Great.

The OC and other thoughts...

I went to a dance recital the other night for my niece.  Her high school offers dance classes - so it was fun to go and watch her since she doesn't dance with a private studio anymore.  At one point though - I'm looking up on the stage with all the pretty skinny girls with their long (mostly blonde) hair and all I can think is 'how The OC is this'?!  All that aside - they did in the entire recital have girls of all shapes and sizes and even a couple of colors too.  And just to see all the kids in the audience cheering on their friends was fun.  Almost deafening, though - we sat in front of some girls that had to scream at the top of their lungs for at least one person in each dance routine.

I have to admit - it brought back memories of the first time I was in a dance recital - as an adult.  We had one routine that we did at the end of the show and we started to dance and I don't remember if the audience was cheering or not - but all the kids backstage were hollering for us - it was a pretty cool feeling - nice to feel so supported!

Speaking of support - I have to tell about one of my blessings for yesterday.  We had Joyful Noise practice (that is our children's choir) - and one of the girls was hanging back not really participating - so when everyone stood up and moved closer to the piano - she didn't want to move.  So I walked to the back of the kids and asked if she would like to come stand with me.  She did - she didn't sing - but at least she was part of the group.  When the kids all sat down again - she moved to the back and sat by herself against the wall.  Well, her friend, Allison, saw that she was sitting back there and went over to sit next to her and didn't say anything to her - just put her arm around her - it was the most beautiful thing - it made me want to cry.  These are first graders - what love and compassion they show is just wonderful - God Bless Them!

They Were Like A New Toy On Christmas

I finally got my running shoes - they were like a new toy on Christmas - I was so excited - of course I was lazy yesterday and didn’t get out to try them - but this weekend - I will definitely be breaking them in!

After my less than stellar experience earlier in the week at the local running shop - I decided to visit the mothership - the original shop.  And I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful service I received.  I walked in and after a moment - Marco said hello - walked over asked if I needed any help and I told him I was looking for running shoes.  He got a bunch of information from me - measured my foot and then brought a pair of shoes out for me to run in so he could determine what type of runner I am.  So we go outside and he has me run down the sidewalk of the strip mall - in my dress clothes, of course - and my pants rolled - I'm sure I was quite the sight!  I felt a bit silly - not so much about the people in the strip mall - he assured me that all the businesses are used to it - but more because Warner is a pretty busy street.  But it’s not like I will be seeing any of those people again!

So I found out that I’m a neutral runner - and the pair of shoes I liked the best were on sale - it was tough - though - the other pair of shoes I was considering had my favorite color in them - but thought - no don’t go for the cute ones - go for the ones that are more comfortable - they are cute too - since it's all about looking good!  I also bought a pair of running socks - so now I’m all set.  Marco also encouraged me to try a half marathon - yeah - not so sure - we’ll see how the 5K goes.  He gave me info about some other races and some magazines that listed all sorts of events.  I would definitely recommend that store!

So we’ll see how it all goes - Surf City 5K - here I come!

Friendly and Outgoing - Not!

So I was ready to plop down some money today on a new pair of running shoes.  Since I'm training for a 5K - thought I would go into a local running shop - recommended by a couple of people - and have them fit me for proper running shoes.  So I drive up and there is no one parked outside - so I'm thinking I'll be able to get some personalized service without having to wait.  I walk in and tentatively look around and notice the counter is in the back - so I walk back there - still surveying the place and notice 2 people behind the counter and one in front - who looks like he might be an employee.  I stand there for a few moments - waiting to see if anyone will offer to help me - or at the very least - say hello.  One of the guys is on the phone and the other two are chit chatting.  So I'm standing there and realize that I don't think they are going to say anything to me - they should have heard me come in - the door has a bell - and it doesn't look like there is anyone else in the store.  So I start looking at the socks near the back - waiting... I wander over to some running clothes - still waiting to see if I will get any service at all.  I lingered a little longer - and then walked out.  I couldn't believe it - especially after having just taught customer service skills to my class today.  I'll have to tell them about this experience in the morning!  Now - I could have walked up to the counter and told them what I wanted - but if they can't make the effort to even acknowledge that I'm standing there - they don't deserve my business.  Now my problem is finding a place where I can get fitted for running shoes.  They have a sister store in Fountain Valley - might try to go to that store on Friday.  As I'm getting in my car after this experience, I notice that they have a Help Wanted sign in the window looking for people that are friendly and outgoing - and all I could think was - why do they need to be friendly and outgoing if they are just going to ignore the customers?  Unacceptable!

Random Observations

Can you believe the weather?  How cool is this to have a little bit of summer during the winter time.  This is why I live here!  That and all my cool friends.  My aunt and uncle from Nebraska aren’t going to want to go back later in the week!

So just a couple of random observations for the day...

Went to Target at lunch today and as I was walking into the store - two things occurred to me...  one - what I needed was on the completely other side of the store than where I parked and two - I was wearing a red blouse!  Luckily no one stopped me to ask for help!

Was Just Glad To Be Done

Just another quick post tonight - just got out of the shower after getting back from the gym.  And I have to say - my workout tonight just sucked (excuse the language)!  It was an uphill battle the entire way - but I finished - and usually after I finish I feel so good - not tonight - was just glad to be done!  Hopefully this isn't my body's way of telling me that I'm getting sick because that would suck even more!  Anyway - at least while I was there I got to see carnival man - haven't seen him in a while.

On a brighter note - literally... did you see the moon tonight?  It was almost full and it had this ring around it - just beautiful - almost haunting.  Fascinating! :)

And last but not least - will have to post later in the week pictures from my trip out to Dessert Hot Springs for a mini family reunion.  My aunt and uncle flew in from Nebraska - so I figured I could make the 2 hour drive out to visit - it was a lot of fun - will post more later.  

Looking Young

Real quick tonight - but I just had to blog about this next story...

My brother came downstairs at work today to talk to me - told me that I owed one of his co-workers lunch or a nice gift - and I asked him why.  Apparently - this co-workers thought I was his daughter!  She thought I was in my early 20’s.  God Bless Her!  He told me he didn’t do the brotherly thing and tell her that I’ll be 40 this year!  Now did she think that because I look so young - or act so immature?!  Hmmmm...  I’m going to go with looking young!

Also Wanted To Say...

A quick shout out to a couple of my work friends that may or may not be reading this - you both are the best!  Thanks so much for making each day worth going into work.  Just know that you mean the world to me!

What's Next?!

So yesterday started off easy enough - went to lunch for a friend’s birthday and then in the afternoon, my IPOD decided it didn’t want to cooperate.  It wouldn’t turn off - so not remembering how to force quit it - I let the battery completely run down.  Was going to go to the gym right after work - but since my IPOD wasn’t charged now - I decided I would go a little later in the evening - which was just as well, since I had a larger lunch than I should have and really wasn’t ready to be working out right after work!

Got home - plugged the IPOD in to charge while I puttered and then took it to the gym - more on the gym in a moment.  Well - about 10 minutes into my workout - it decides to stop working altogether!  Crap!  Now I have to listen to the lousy music they play at the gym for the rest of my workout.  Good thing I like the alternating walking and running workout since it makes the time go by much faster!  When I got home I went online to see how to force quit it and after I did that, I plugged it back in to charge and used it all day today at work without a problem.  Go figure!

So after I went to the gym I decided to participate in my newest favorite hobby - laying on the couch and watching TV!  I think I mentioned at one point my newest favorite comedy - ‘The Office’ - well, I’m all up to date on that except the current season - so I got a tip on an hour long show - ‘Dexter’ - fascinating - will have to post more on that at a later time.  So I went to watch an episode on the DVD - and the DVD player didn’t want to work - just my luck!  I did eventually get it to play - but thought - what’s next?!

Apparently the toaster oven was next - I went to make toast and the thing starts to smoke up the kitchen!  Dang!  Maybe it’s time to replace the toaster oven - I’ve had it for 15 years - anyone know the life expectancy of a toaster oven?!

So the gym...  I went earlier in the evening than I usually go and it was just pretty packed - I was still able to get on a treadmill - but had not expected to see so many people there.  I walked in and the woman that usually scans my card in the evening was there - and I commented to her that it was definitely January and she said that they had been talking about that earlier in the evening.  The nice thing about that many people is the people watching.  I didn’t see a lot the regulars there since I wasn’t there at my normal evening time - but it was all still good!  God Bless those at the gym!

Something To Be Said About Creatures Of Habit

Made it back to the gym today - after many weeks away.  And it felt great!  If I'm going to run a 5K in a month - guess I should get my act in gear and start working out again.  Thanks, Kris, for the workout schedule - I was looking at it last night and then, of course, couldn't find it today in the nightmare that has become my house - but knew that it was intervals of walking and running - which worked quite nicely.  It was nice not be focusing on miles - but more on time of walking vs running - ended up covering a little over 2 miles.

So as I was exercising today - I started thinking about new year's resolutions...  I don't usually make them - don't need one more thing to be stressing about - but was thinking about advent and Christmas and the holidays and how hectic it has been.  I'm actually looking forward to life calming down a bit and getting back to the usual routine - there is something to be said about creatures of habit.  So this year - I'm trying to get back to regular exercise and prayer routine - a couple of things that have taken a bit of a hit this season.  That and drinking more water!  Let the routine begin...

Too Many Fun And Absurd Random Moments

Happy 2009!

Although it is the beginning of the new year and I almost feel like I should be all profound and reflective about what the new year will bring and what resolutions I will be trying to accomplish - I’m not - if that’s what you are looking for - good luck with it!  There have been too many fun and absurd random moments to not share those...

My mom and I used to have a tradition of going out on New Year’s Day to go shopping - well - knowing that New Year’s Day this year would be filled with lots of food and hopefully a nap - I did my shopping on New Year’s Eve after work - was looking for calendars - at 50% off - yippee!  And wanted to check the last of the after Christmas sales.  Found everything I was looking for and then some!  My best buy was 2 skirts and a pair of pants for $35!  Savings of $75!  Yeah for me!  So while I was looking for calendars I found this Calendar of Southern California Tides for my friend Steve.  He’s a beach guy and I thought he might enjoy it - especially since it was on sale - I’ll get back to the calendar in a moment - please hold...

While you are holding, let me tell you about the rest of the day.  Had dinner with my friend Terrie and then went to a New Year’s Eve Party - a party my friend’s have been holding since we graduated from college over 15 years ago.  They are all married with children now and when I got to the party and saw some of the kids - I thought - when did they get to be so big?!  So I had that old feeling again when we were watching Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest (is that like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim?!) and the only person I recognized on the platform with Ryan Seacrest was Lionel Ritchie!

Thank you for holding... back to the calendar story - I had gone to the boys house for New Year’s morning breakfast - a bit of a tradition and they opened the calendars that I had gotten for them.  As Steve was reading through his Tide Calendar, he noticed a disclaimer - Use this calendar at your own risk.  We found that quite amusing - when was the last time you got a calendar that had a disclaimer on it?!

One last story of the absurd.  At work, we have a company wide employee newsletter that they try to distribute once a quarter.  They used to put the date on it - but we would get January’s in April!  Now they just put the issue number and the year.  Well, today, we got Issue 4, 2008.  And my favorite article was ‘Surviving the Holidays:  Tips for having a happier holiday.”  Hmmm...  little late!  Happy New Year, everyone and hope you were able to have a happier holiday!