Hi! As a prior United States Navy servicemember, I enjoy sharing the way it has changed my life and my deep appreciation of fitness and health. My hope is this journey will be funny, emotional, and inspiring! -Kelly
The title of this post is admittedly paraphrased from a radio show host who shared a sweet phrase she saw graffiti’d on a building: “It only takes a second to tell someone something beautiful”. Obviously, the radio host indicated graffiti is vandalism, but it made me wonder why not greeting cards? Why not share inspirational quotes and phrases, lick the envelope, and send it on its way? How much are stamps? Probably less than defacing public property charges.
Did you know commercial greeting cards originated in 1860? Me neither.
The several cards received. (not pictured)
_________________
I ask you –
I doubt many will answer, but have you ever grafitti’d something?
Do you send greeting cards?
Effective 13 July 2025, postage stamp prices will increase to $0.78.
Woman seeking… mosquito repellent. Specifically, a mosquito repellent-infused lotion that doesn’t smell like my childhood. Have I ever mentioned the citronella s’mores?!
Sun’s out, ‘squitos out
Also, a Gummy-repellant would be nice, too. For the first 45 days, I had a life lifter which meant the available lives were increased to 5 from 3. Now, I get 3 lives. First world problems.
On average, it takes me about 10-12 months to fully learn a position, enough to become the SME of responsibilities. So, lately when I’ve had extra time on my hands, I find small projects to share whatever knowledge I possess. At this moment, it’s records management, which everyone despises. Necessary evil. Next year? Who knows. But my 5 yr plan most definitely includes a sword and dragon. I’m partly there.
_________________
I ask you –
What are your thoughts on mosquitoes?
How long does it take to learn your role?
Name something in your 5 year plan!
(The post Sun and Swords first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
We could beat people when they’re down, but it doesn’t make us leaders, it makes us tyrants. Recently, a leader in my organization approached me without fanfare, without ulterior motive, to share a situation encountered unbeknownst to me. He was concerned, he expressed empathy. And although I knew of the logistics of the situation, I hadn’t known the full picture. He offered grace rather than condemnation. He offered care as opposed to vindication or punishment. That’s a leader.
It has arrived!
Although the photo is not inherently leadership related, and neither is the following story, it will get me there. Standby.
The past few weekends have been packed with conferences. One I spoke at, the other I did not. However, each brought together hundreds of people looking for connection and community, and offered an opportunity to share stories. One may never know what another is dealing with until their story is shared. There were several what not to do’s, also.
I have probably never shared on this platform the struggle with my name, but I find others with similar issues when I share. Even mini has expressed an issue with her own name and its similarities to a popular name which causes people to mispronounce it. She despises this. All this to say, we each have struggles. In an effort to overcome these struggles and become great leaders, we must listen first and act second.
_________________
I ask you –
How often do organizational leaders jump to conclusions?
Care to share a story of your own?
Tell me your best advice.
(The post Order of Leaders first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
I know it’s not summer yet but I’ve been loving ice cream lately. When is ice cream not good? Fun fact: most places sell more ice cream and frozen treats when it’s cold outside.
Why does Blue Bell do this to me? Most assuredly, it is not keto. Oh, but it’s so goooooood!
Pretty sure I previously posted this same photo, but Rebel ice cream is really tasty!
Place a few of the Lindt truffles in the fridge and you will be amazed. Cold. Delicious. I should stop.
_________________
I ask you –
What is your favorite summer treat?
Have you tried Blue Bell’s bride’s cake or groom’s cake?
Name a truffle flavor I must sample.
(The post Summer Treats first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
You can read the full dissertation here: Immigration Federalism in the United States: Texas Case Studies. The next step is distributing the publication to the cities who participated in order to a) make good on my promise to share and b) hopefully produce valued change. Although only one of those is within my power, I’ll soon be applying for adjunct professor positions in hopes to share my knowledge of the policies and systems in place within local Texas communities. To say I’m humbled is still an understatement. Some days I am in disbelief my PhD journey has ended. While I continue to cheer on my friends who are deep in the throes of their own doctoral journey, I want to forever remain a valuable contributor to higher education.
The bound work arrived in the mail – all 6+ lbs of it. 6 POUNDS! It looks like it belongs in the Library of Congress, so said my spouse. If all else fails, I’ve created a massive paperweight.
This is also mini’s first year taking the standardized tests of all public schools. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe testing has a purpose yet after the anxiety-ridden day I experienced for her first of two tests, I’m beginning to believe and finally fully understand testing is even more difficult for the parents! At the time of this posting, she will have finished both tests and is officially free and clear to enjoy the final weeks of her school year. Then, we can do it again next year! When mini asked how many tests she’ll take in her life, I stated she would be continually tested…and tested. Tis the circle of life.
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I ask you –
Do you experience test anxiety or discomfort?
What advice would you give a young student?
Tell me your most difficult test.
(The post Authorship first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
A short collection of the common (not really) assumptions I have/do made/make –
In this age of water bottle availability of all types, sizes, and beverage capacity, I just assume any time I see someone drinking from a can, that they must be drinking beer.
I also refer to anyone who smokes cigarettes as a “rich person” because you must be rich to afford $9+/pack cigarettes.
I assume if someone knocks on my front door, they are there to sell me something or share the news someone close to me has died. Both are reasons I won’t answer the door.
I’ve previously shared about my irrational fear of dumpsters, but it’s a very real fear in my life. As is my disdain for convenience stores – they’re terrifying.
In researching other things, I found this article: 25 Assumptions Examples, a straightforward description of common assumptions. Many I had heard of but many I didn’t know the exact name for.
The more you know, the less a-ssumptions you make.
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I ask you –
What is one assumption in your life?
Did any listed in the article surprise you?
If all else fails, you know what happens when you assume.
(The post A-ssumptions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Bonus points for the Good Mythical Morning reference.
On this blog, I’ve talked about pregnancy, postpartum issues, perimenopause things, and a whole lot of other stuff.
We haven’t talked about menstrual cycle-related cravings. We’re about to!
I don’t know about other women, as I’m only one, small blessings, but 7-10 days prior to my cycle, I crave chocolate like it will never be there for me ever again. And, somehow, my 39 yr old body has now discovered the joy that is peanut butter and chocolate. Together. Big shocker. From no bake cookies to no bake fudge to Lindt truffles to huge chunks of dark chocolate, there are no boundaries. And the longer I deny the craving, the worse it gets. I once woke up in the middle of the night to raid the cupboard for chocolate.
No Bake Cookies beginnings
Of course, chocolate has all the feel good properties of illicit drugs, at least that’s how it’s perceived by our human brains. But the origin of a craving is bizarre. Most research points to fluctuating hormone levels as the cause behind what we know as a craving, commonly for sweet or salty snacks.
Cravings are selective and intense, meaning the desire for a specific substance is overwhelming. Even the most trusted self help literature falls short of tried-and-true ways to overcome a craving. Nonetheless, I’ve lived with them for this long, what’s 50 years more.
Finally, I like to play a fun game affectionately titled why do my boobs hurt today? Running in an ill-fitting sports bra? Possibly. PMS symptom? Most likely. It’s always a blast around here, lemme tell ya’.
Slowly making my return to running. It’s been a few miles here and there, no definitive plan or purpose. Just doing whatever feels good at the time. Typically anywhere from 2-4 miles because it feels doable in under 60 mins. As the weather heats up – we’ve already had several over 90 degree days – then I’ll figure out what works best for schedule, body temp, and future goals.
Regular yoga sessions, in my opinion, have been very useful to staying pain free and promoting faster recovery. Cooling down with yoga and icing my knee seems to do the trick when I get an inkling my knee is struggling. I’ve also noticed the warmer weather is much better for me. If only it would cooperate with my body. The colder months create some arthritic issues in my lower body, but it’s so much better for running!
Making it out of intramural volleyball season with my sanity intact might be a stretch. This team has pushed my patience, humor, and stress levels to the max. What an incredible job they do off the court. As first sergeants and assistant first sergeants, they care for and advocate for military members going through things. I’ve seen them juggle their own careers with the needs of others all while balancing their families’ needs and additional pressures of the job. There’s not a single one I wouldn’t trust with helping another human.
Just a few of themOn the court
On the court? Well…let’s just say my abs hurt from laughing so much, I did offer an apology when I let my emotions cloud my articulation, and, at the time of this posting, we’ve won no games. Not a single one. But, I’ve seen other teams cheer for us, celebrate with us, and laugh with/at us. This team brings the fun! And, as promised, I will post more photos soon.
_________________
I ask you –
Have you been running or walking more lately?
On a scale of 1 to kicked off the court, how much laughing happens during a volleyball game? At one point, I was an 8.
Choose one: volleyball or yoga
(The post Activity Update first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
If I don’t start doing things with my life, I may be forced to research blog topics to keep this one going.
Name something you pretend to like! I really struggled with this question. The two people I asked upon hearing the question were met with resounding answers: a specific person, and their job. Definitely answers.
Even at this moment, I haven’t come up with an answer. I’m loving hearing others’, just haven’t come up with my own.
The photo below is an indicator of what goes on behind closed doors, aka Parts taking a math test. For 4 hours!
Other things –
Spent some time in the dark last week due to a power outage so I ate my standard salad in the fitness center lobby with my feet propped up. Glorious break.
There’s a nearby home with both a for sale sign and a garage sale sign out front. I’ve often wondered what the inside looks like. Bonus points for the continual police presence. Finally got my chance to poke around indoors – beautiful high ceilings, missing carpet, and a borderline hoarding issue. Hopefully someone rich will renovate it with an open-to-the-public invite. Nosy.
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I ask you –
How long have you ever been without power? 23 days. Yes. Really.
Any guesses on Parts’ math test grade? Hint: it wasn’t pretty.
Name something you pretend to like!
(The post Pretending first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
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