Productive Waiting

Merry Fitmas, everyone. The most loathed “holiday” to ever be. According to my spouse and child. It’s actually quite simple. For every day of December, each person must accomplish one physical activity and one chore-centered task. For example, a physical activity such as walking, i.e., a purposeful physical activity. Not the normal amount of daily activity. Parts tried. A chore is something outside of the regular day’s chores; also, going to work does not count. Maybe I made up the rules, maybe I didn’t. Thus far, I think we’ve all been incredibly productive albeit unwilling.

Truth be told, I don’t really like the holidays. There is a heaviness to the expectation to perform, decorate, volunteer, and smile through it all. I’m all about volunteerism – huge fan! But why can’t I just volunteer 11 months out of the year?

Waiting is also very expensive. I priced the software I would need post-research. $500 for 50 hours?! Granted, it’s the best on the market, I’m familiar with it, and it decreases my effort to transcribe dozens of interviews. Sold! Cost be damned. I’ll pay for convenience.

And, on this final note of paying for things, I purchased a voice recorder which uploads audio files – in this case, interviews – to my computer for transcription via the aforementioned incredibly expensive software. Again, convenience. See also expensive.

____________

I ask you –

On average, how productive are you?

How do you bide your time during long periods of waiting?

Tell me the most expensive thing you’ve purchased lately.

(The post Productive Waiting first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

DON’T YUCK MY YUM!

“Why yuck their yum?” – the phrase recently brought up while radio surfing. The book, also the title of this post, was written by Amy Pleimling who references gross and desirable foods. New to me, but the phrase was coined in 2013.

The radio question pertained to how long does a parent support their child in an activity the child is clearly not excelling at but is arguably something the child really enjoys.

For some, the monetary cost and time investment are determining factors in this decision. However, what do parents without these issues do? Let their child continue because it brings them joy? Or gently redirect to an activity the child may excel at? Is it worth it to partake for sheer joy? Who says lack of skill is a bad thing? Maybe the child isn’t headed to the Olympics, but it makes them happy. Besides, being good at something is subjective.

I’m not good at a lot of things, but I enjoy my mediocrity! Preferably hobbies including food. However, I am certain that goat cheese is yuck and anything with pepper jack is yum.

____________

I ask you –

Had you heard the aforementioned phrase before?

Were you a participant in an activity you didn’t excel at?

Tell me your favorite type of cheese!

(The post DON’T YUCK MY YUM! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Unverifiable

Randomly, my muse shared the story of Lucille Ball discovering the presence of Japanese spies via her dental fillings. Recognizing this information is entirely out of context, I implore you to Google it. I did. Somewhere in the past 30+ years, I recall reading about it but had forgotten.

Unfortunately, according to this article, the story as told by Lucy appears to be mostly anecdotal. I believe it was a possibility as others have reported their own dental fillings “picking up” sounds and frequencies. But what’s really the most interesting part of the article is the fact Lucy was investigated by the FBI. It appears we have something in common other than our great sense of humor!

Credit: via Instagram

…in other news…as predicted, the knee x-ray was unremarkable. However, once I was notified of the results via official channels, the scheduler almost dismissed my complaint. Her words were “Well, the x-ray was good so everything should be fine.” I said “Excuse me?! Wait a minute! I’m still in pain. The x-ray didn’t cure me!” Have you lost your mind? Now, someone else should be calling to schedule a CT scan or MRI. She did ask me some odd questions like do you have any more bullets in your body, and are you expecting any shunts. 1. More bullets? 2. I’m not expecting any, no. This saga isn’t boding well.

____________

I ask you –

Are you familiar with the story of Lucy mentioned above?

How hot is your preferred shower temperature?

Fact or false: dental fillings discover sound waves. Ehh I’m leaning on the false side of things.

(The post Unverifiable first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

The Big Easy

Thus far, I’ve been fortunate to travel to some new cities to explore, network, and learn. The annual 2024 Athletic Business Conference and Expo was held in New Orleans, LA – a city I am somewhat familiar with but hadn’t traversed via foot in quite some time. My previous visit was with Morgan from Oregon when we ran the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, circa 2019. I believe my wingwoman and I gave it a genuine run for its money with our average 25K steps per day on this trip.

First, let’s get the serious stuff out of the way. I never felt unsafe; however, the changing atmosphere around us when the sun went down was palpable. I doubt the AB Show will ever return to NOLA due to its volatile crime scene. Several incidents were too close for comfort. All this to say, we’re fine and had a fantastic time tasting our way through the city.

New Orleans, or as the locals call it Naw-lins, is slightly above sea level, giving it a bowl-shaped topography. This marshy area is perfect for ancient live oak trees, swamps, and, my personal favorite, humidity. I arrived nearly healed from a cold/allergy issue, succumbed to the 80 degree, then 50 degree temps, and returned home with a mild case of laryngitis. Interestingly, this is typical when I’m around McK for extended periods of time. It’s a running joke now.

I digress.

The Food!

…was authentic. We tried gumbo, red beans & rice, jambalaya, boudin balls, chargrilled oysters, pralines (pronounced prah-leans), many beignets (pronounced ben-yays), a meatery board (I nearly don’t want to discuss this at all), and, in typical fashion, all the coffee.

We also caught up with work friends and many new acquaintances.

From Bourbon St. to Canal St. and all the way to Matairie to meet a famous food blogger (check out Blaine’s), we explored the city without boundaries. Maybe we return, maybe we don’t. But the memories last a lifetime.

enjoying a dinner of chargrilled oysters at Drago’s

____________

I ask you –

Have you been to New Orleans?

If so, what is your favorite, traditional food there? Beignets, absolutely.

Tell me your thoughts on a city that has seen the best and worst times.

(The post The Big Easy first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Bee There

Introducing Bee’s Rolled Ice Cream. I know I only typically write about coffee, but I’ll make an exception for the best ice cream in Texoma. It’s a large claim – trust me. This is the best!

And, like many great places, her ice cream is only available where she parks her truck! This adorable kitchen on wheels is a magical place full of sweet treats. Did I mention the founder is only 17 years old? Beautiful, smart, and an incredible young lady, the sweet Briady (affectionately called Bee) has dozens of curated flavors for patrons to choose from.

Somehow, I won a giveaway for 4 free rolled ice cream desserts. Seems the heavens shine upon me for giveaways. Remember the shoes for 20 years? I’m still living that dream!

L to R – Cookies & Cream, Peaches & Cream, NY Style Cheesecake, and Pistachio

Pistachio was incredible. There’s really no other word. Somehow, she managed to capture both the creaminess of ice cream with the subtle pistachio flavor. Cheesecake, and peaches & cream were also top hits. Mini loved the cookies & cream!

I’m sad I never visited before the giveaway. Like all great places, I tell myself I’ll visit but never make the time. I’m so sorry, Bee! Knowing what I know now… don’t be surprised to find me near the Wichita Falls Brewing Company between 4-8pm Fri-Sun!

P.S. Tell her Running on Fumes sent you!

____________

I ask you –

Have you ever had rolled ice cream? It’s divine.

Of the flavors I mentioned, which would you try?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with light.

(The post Bee There first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Approved!

Normally, I wouldn’t give a second thought to anyone else’s approval. That is until I started a PhD. Now, approval is the primary motivation within the process.

Finally, I received dissertation proposal defense approval! Never mind it was while I was on a work trip to New Orleans (separate post forthcoming), experienced significant technical issues, and felt like I was under attack. Despite all things. I was exhausted, half-unwell due to a lingering cold, overwhelmed with the requirements, and was experiencing numerous other small stressors. But I did it. Now, I await ethics board approval, then can begin the research portion.

Below, from left to right: Cafe Bon Ami – Fourth Wall – French Truck Coffee

The photo collage above is a minimal reenactment of my coffee intake pre- and post-proposal defense. Trust me there was much more not pictured. And, as I have several months to go, the more coffee consumed.

____________

I ask you –

How many cups of coffee do you drink per day?

How often do you have technical difficulties?

Tell me about your guilty pleasure when stressed!

(The post Approved! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

What Is Going On?!

Help.

The pain (burning) in my knee warranted a doctor visit with some not-so-great news. I most likely reinjured the previous meniscus tear or am having complications from scar tissue. All I know is it hurt really really bad when he pressed into the back of my knee. Soon, I’ll begin the X-ray, other assorted scans, PT regimen to ensure we’re treating it correctly. This means no running, no volleyball, no cycling. He pointedly said walking and elliptical only. Me?! Never!

I won’t pretend I’m surprised. Fireworks in your knee isn’t the norm so obviously something was going on. But I really expected cycling to be included in the can-do list.

In the meantime, he encouraged walking, so that’s just what I’ll do. Starting with a lengthy weekend stroll! On the bright side, I guess I’ll have more room for clothes since I won’t need to travel with running shoes. By the time you read this, I’ll have defended my proposal. Stay tuned!

____________

I ask you –

Has anyone ever licked your forehead?

If you said yes, then I need a full explanation!

Any recommendations for New Orleans?

(The post What Is Going On?! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Language Lessons

Today’s topic is cleverly titled “Armchair Quarterback of Military English and Psychology”, i.e., the belief you’re using words correctly. You couldn’t be further from the truth. Let me help.

Literally: (courtesy of Oxford Dictionary) in a literal manner or sense; exactly. If you (literally) don’t know how to use it, please use these words instead: actually, completely, directly, plainly, precisely, really, simply, truly

Figuratively speaking: metaphorical speech; the opposite of literal. If it doesn’t involve using words or phrases with a meaning that is different from usual, in order to create a particular mental picture, then just don’t.

Toxic: (when used as a noun) having a very unpleasant personality, especially in the way they like to control and influence other people in a dishonest way. 1980s self-help books are mostly responsible for the increased usage of the word toxic, helping it reach the coveted status of Oxford Dictionary’s Word of 2018. It’s been downhill since then.

Gaslighting: the act of manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity or reality through psychological means. Notably, the word gaslight is included in the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2023 Banished Words List, as a word that should be removed from people’s vocabulary due to its overuse and misuse. I second that.

Circleback (or circle back): (courtesy of Merriam-Webster) to return to a topic or discussion at a later time. Just use revisit or follow up. No one wants to circle back to anything. Trust me. All you’re doing is talking in circles.

Foot-stomp: in the military, it means to emphasize or highlight important information. It’s redundant. Instead, just repeat the information. You’re going to anyway. Why waste words?

____________

I ask you –

Did any of the above terms strike a chord?

Have you been incorrectly using these words? Yes, you have.

Add to my list!

(The post Language Lessons first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Can you help me out?

Remember those commercials in the 1900s with the sad music and a montage of puppies, always ending with some slogan about how for less than $1 a day, you can sponsor a pet… what was the singer’s name?

Not quite the same but along the same lines, I fantasized about traveling after my PhD and thought to myself how I need to make extra money. The first idea was to give up something daily I spend money on. For many people, it’s an $8/day coffee. Or $20/pack of cigarettes. Fill in the blank. I make my own coffee and don’t smoke. And, if you think I’m giving up coffee, forget it. I’ll sell feet photos before I do that.

my rainy morning dose of sunshine

But now that I have over 500 subscribers, hopefully it won’t come to extreme measures.

Who is the 501th? Or is it 501st?

____________

I ask you –

Do I drink too much coffee?

What daily habit would you give up?

Name the female singer of the sad song with puppies.

(The post Can you help me out? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Fighting the Good Fight

In an unexpected turn of (good) news, Parts and I had a frank discussion about how our childhood expectations have influenced us as parents. As much as I love and miss my grandparents, the differences between their lives and mine are stark. Sparse coping skills, ineffective decisions, questionable parenthood techniques. Not to say this wasn’t the norm then; however, the saying “we always want better for our children” is a bit of a rally cry.

Credit: unknown via Instagram

Parts and I are decision makers, family leaders, cycle breakers. We ask questions, we demand accountability, and we choose those who will walk beside us. What we don’t need is to beg for attention, and we don’t want peace disruptors. Life is complicated enough as it is without adding drama. Our lives were filled with drama, nearly all of it out of our control.

But, just saying ‘don’t make the same mistakes I did’ isn’t nearly enough. We lead by example, by sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. We share the why. We communicate. Listen, then speak.

Credit: artofpoets via Instagram

All this to encourage others to speak up, to speak out, to share their stories in an effort to change the status quo. There is so much out there to experience.

____________

I ask you –

What lately has caused you to stop and reconsider childhood and adulthood differences?

Do you lead by example?

For my Veteran friends and family, wishing you a day of peaceful remembrance. Happy Veteran’s Day!

(The post Fighting the Good Fight first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)