a note to my lungs

Dear Lungs,

I am the type of person who likes to deal with issues head on, so I felt the need to write to you today. Frankly, I am disappointed with you.

When we began training for the half marathon, you were a great running partner. No matter how hard I pushed you, you kept up with me, never slowing me down. Sometimes, Ankles would be weak, and Knees would often complain...but you, you were the rockstar. You kept me going, and I was so proud of you.

But then yesterday, you faltered.

Now, I know that yesterday was hotter and more humid than any other day we've run, so I'm trying to cut you a little slack, but I feel like you gave up on me. You slowed me down, forcing me to walk...and you made me feel weak and defeated. Even Knees and Ankles have never gone that far.

And honestly, it hurts. I feel like I have always been good to you. I have exercised you often, and I have never led you into addiction or forced unhealthy habits upon you.

So, I'm asking you to buck up here. Get your act together. I really don't want to have to get Inhaler involved, you know? He'll whip you into shape in two seconds flat...but I don't entirely like his methods. I'd rather you figure this one out on your own.

We've got a big run coming up on Sunday, and I'm hoping you won't let me down again. I can't do this thing without you, so I need you to be strong.

Thanks for listening. I feel a little better now that I've gotten this off my chest.
love,
TT

P.S. I'm serious about Sunday. You better bring it, or I'm calling Inhaler. That's all I'm sayin'

why?

Because we are crazy, that's why.

Because I felt like there just wasn't quite enough testosterone in the house.

Because Tucker seemed a little lonely.

All of the above are justifications for this:



Yes, we have officially crossed over to the dark side and have become a 2-dog family. Now, we are Tiffany, Todd, Tucker, and Levi.

3 hairy boys and me.

I am so outnumbered.

first day of spring

Ahhhh...the first day of spring= first pedicure of the season. My feet are definitely loving me right now.

This glorious day also marks the date that, 50-something years ago, a totally amazing woman entered this world--my sweet mother.

Happy birthday, Momma.

I should totally get brownie points for not revealing your actual age. :)

spring un-break

I am officially on Spring Break. Now, the words "spring break" usually conjur up images of palm trees, sandy beaches, and fruity cocktails served with tiny umbrellas...or of snowy peaks, ski lifts, and cozy lodges, depending upon your vacation destination of choice. But, unfortunately, the images that will be filling my spring break are those of cleaning house, filing taxes, taking the dogs to the vet, standing in line to get my license tag renewed, visiting the eye doctor...and all of the other errands that I don't usually have time to do.

Sigh. Sometimes, this whole "being an adult" business isn't anywhere near as cool as I thought it would be when I was 12.

running without scissors

I have never been a runner in my life. I have actually used the cheesy joke before that "I only run if something is chasing me." I know...awful, right?

Don't get me wrong...I have played sports in the past that included an element of running, but that was running with a purpose. In soccer, I had a ball to chase. In basketball, I was busy dribbling. In track, I did hurdles, so I had to focus on jumping over large obstacles in my path, and that distracted me from the fact that I was running.

But the whole Forrest Gump notion of "hey, I'm just going to start running and see how far these legs will take me"--that never really appealed to me. If I needed to travel farther than 5 miles, that's why God gave me a car, right? I believe that the invention of the wheel was a good thing.

But then, on Saturday I found myself running 7 miles with some friends who are training for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. Just running with no other reason except to run and to prove to myself that I could do it.

I wasn't sure if I could make it the whole 7 miles, but I did it. And I felt good about myself.

So now, I am officially registered to run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon on April 26th.

13.1 miles. That's like running from my house to Brentwood. That's totally a car trip.

Oh boy.

party of 13

Saturday night, three of my favorite things came together: friends, wine, and Italian food. Todd and I hosted an Italian dinner party in honor of Leap Year for a party of 13 people. I have never before cooked for that many people at the same time, so it was quite an experience (and except for one burned appetizer and one scorched hand, everything turned out well!)

Here was the menu:
Double Tomato Bruschetta

Parmesan and Cheddar crisps

Salmon cakes (provided by Melissa)

Caesar Salad (provided by Sam)

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Sauteed Tiger Shrimp with Basil and Mint Pesto

Spinach Manicotti with Tomato and Bechamel Sauce

Bell Pepper Medley with Baby Portobellos and Capers

Proscuitto-wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Oven-braised Fennel

Dark Chocolate Cake with French Vanilla Ice Cream

...and a good bit of wine :)

Due to a running joke among some of the guys, the party was billed as "pants optional," and many of the guys chose the non-pants route. Sam wore one of Kimberly's skirts, Jeevan wore a dhoti kurta (sp?- traditional Indian dress), James wore his cargo kilt (modeled below), and Scott just showed up in boxers (thank goodness it was a warm night). I wish I had gotten a picture of the whole crew together-- but alas, I was too busy cooking!

We also celebrated Rescue Mary's birthday (she is so named because she is a champion of fostering stray animals and placing them in homes). She and Mary V. got the party started with a little jello:

Good times! :)