Life and Whatnot

  • A coffee mug sitting on top of a wooden table.

    Starter Fluid


    A coffee mug sitting on top of a wooden table.

    I’m all about the tea and coffee as my starter fluid. Well, in addition to a nice, long trail run where I can see a stunning sunrise.

    What’s your starter fluid?

  • A group of people riding bikes on top of a road.

    200 miles in two days


    A group of people riding bikes on top of a road.

    Let’s Do This!

    Starting Saturday February 20th, my sweet hubby, me and about a hundred other cyclists are biking 200 miles over two days to raise money to build houses. This’ll be my second time cycling and my hubby’s ninth! It’s a great cause, and we’re happy to do it.

    We were supposed to be cycling to Mexico; however, we all know COVID has changed more plans than it hasn’t over the past year. So, we’ve improvised, and we’re cycling around Phoenix, AZ both days. There are still houses to build and people in need, so COVID won’t stop us!

    If you feel so inclined to donate, CLICK HERE, head over to our donation page. Every little bit helps, so do positive thoughts and prayers for safety.

    Thanks!

  • A man and woman kissing in front of the words blind resolution.

    Write a book on your phone #TheRunningWriter


    A man and woman kissing in front of the words blind resolution.The last couple of days, I’ve been talking about things I’ve been doing during this physical distancing requirement. Journaling, Zooming, and today…writing.

    You’re shocked, I know. But this is totally new. I wrote a short story on my phone! As in typed it all with that tiny, little phone keyboard.

    That was a first for me.

    You’ve probably seen on my social media that it’s on the CHAPTERS Interactive Stories app on your phone. It’s called BLIND RESOLUTION.

    I had a blast trying this whole Tap Tales thing out. If you want to give the story a look, I did this little video to help figure it out, because if you’re like me, Tech-Challenged, it might help.

    It’s funny…I needed help figuring out how to even start my chapters. And then…well, I’ll save the embarrassing stories for later. It was comical trying to figure this app out, but I did it! Yay me!

    It was a great experience! I hope you enjoy the story!

    How are you guys doing? I’d love to hear what fun things you’re trying during this physical distancing.

     

  • A glass of wine on the table next to a laptop.

    Pass the Zoom #TheRunningWriter


    A group of people on a computer screen.Yesterday I hit on journaling as something I re-focused on during this physical distancing thing we have going on. Today, here’s one you probably have all heard of: ZOOM!

    We all should have bought stock in Zoom at the start of this COVID thing, huh? It’s a handy little tool, though, that I’ve been forced to learn. Okay, forced sounds horrible. I wanted to learn it because our weekly small group started meeting on it and then, my sister from Minnesota suggested the family hang out on that to connect.

    A glass of wine on the table next to a laptop.So, of course I mentioned ZOOM HAPPY HOUR! Because, you know, QUARANTINIs are the thing to do, right??

    I found this awesome recipe online–I’m not sure where–but it’s called a Cherry Cheesecake Martini. So I went for it, and it turned out pretty yummy. And even though I’m a Kitchen Klutz, nobody got injured during the process. Though, my sweet hubby, who is quite handy in the kitchen, had to step in and help me with the sugar rim of my glass.

    My mom, sister, niece and I had a blast chatting things up, checking in on each other, and having some laughs. It was great to see their faces.

    It took a pandemic to get us to connect in a way we probably wouldn’t have. Not that I’m going to be all, Yay, for the pandemic–no way. But finding the good things that can come out of it…that helps keep me sane.

    How are you guys doing? Hanging in there??

     

    Comments Off on Pass the Zoom #TheRunningWriter
  • A notebook with lines written in red ink.

    Passing the Time #TheRunningWriter


    A notebook with lines written in red ink.COVID-19 has forced us all to dig deep and pass hour-by-hour, day-by-day, in some form or fashion. I’m an optimistic at heart, so I took this once in a lifetime situation as a challenge to see what I could do to pass the hours I’m stuck in the house. It included learning new things, trying things I’d put off, and all that kind of stuff.

    The first one was journaling. I’ve always loved journaling. I mean, I’m a writer, so no big surprise, there, right? I’ve always been able to better express myself with the written word than face-to-face interactions. But now, I have so much more time to really dig in and write.

    Today, on day 39 of physical distancing, I opened up my journal like I normally do, and I began to list out everything I was thankful for. That really helps keep my frame of mind from wandering down the dark path.

    What’s one thing you’re doing to stay sane during the craziness that is physical distancing?

    Comments Off on Passing the Time #TheRunningWriter
  • Tracy gets a new kidney today


    Talk about true friendship… right here.

    Surgery is WEDNESDAY March 4th…EARLY morning. If you’re the praying type, please send a few for Tracy and Courtney. Two fellow ultra runners, friends, trail sisters!

    Surgery is scary, but faith, prayers, positive vibes are stronger. I’m just so thankful there’s someone who is willing to be a living donor for another human being. It’s inspiring and re-ignites my faith in humanity.

    Soon, Tracy will be back to running some crazy events with a strong, new kidney. I’m looking forward to the crazy adventures we have planned. And one of them…super radical. Something I said I’d never do, so stay tuned…

    Thanks for your prayers and positive thoughts, my friends.

    Comments Off on Tracy gets a new kidney today