Whirlwind

I graduated to this –

The same day as this –

blowing snow, approx 18°

Short story: my knee is getting better. Much less pain, less frequently. I did “accidentally” test out my running inability when a staff member at work exploded into my office, saying “Kelly, there’s smoke up front. And water!” No time for questions. As I sprinted to the front desk, my knee reminded me it’s not ready for running. I sort of jump-hopped the remainder of the way. Spoiler: hot water was pouring out the front door from a heat pump thingy. It was below freezing for several days so this is common. Anyway, we cleaned up gallons of steaming water and I rested my knee.

Tis me. Credit: via IG

As I had already exhausted the traditional number of physical therapy appointments – turns out that number is 5 – then I was scheduled for some additional appointments and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon/practitioner. something about a different type of brace

On day 21, I submitted the final draft of my manuscript to the PhD gods who will hopefully provide feedback in the next 30 days, granting me just enough time to make the updates and resubmit to defend prior to 9 May. To pass the time, I’m making plans to convert my writing desk into a reading nook, determine how many activities I can plan during the summer, and actually reclaiming some time to get outside. Mark my words, I’ll be stir crazy in less than 32 hours. More coffee, please.

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I ask you –

Any elliptical advice?

What’s the weather been like for you?

Tell me what silly word describes you best.

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

Call Sign STUMPER, the finale

I refuse to politicize this post. However, I will say the firing of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is mentioned below, is a grave mistake. Democracy isn’t a popularity contest. I believe when someone works hard, takes care of others, and doesn’t allow politics to cloud their judgment, then they are worthy of the position appointed to them. The good ole’ boys club should be dead and gone. Instead, it continues to play out in a bunch of old white men who think they know best. I said it. And I’ll say it again for the ones in the back.

Previous post (original published in 2022) recaptured –

Allow me to share a story – it’s a long one. Have a seat.

In my (military, civilian, non-profit, etc) career(s), I haven’t had an opportunity to speak with anyone at the federal, national, even state level, to my knowledge. So when presented with such opportunity, I nicely jumped all over it. Some parts of this event were volun-told, but others were sheer chance alone. During a recent visit from the United States Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen CQ Brown, Jr., as hundreds of people crowded into an auditorium, I took my place about 5 rows from the front. Again, when would a visit from this official ever happen again? We were presented typical pre-speech information: don’t take selfies, turn your phone off, and (my favorite) here’s how to ask a question at the end. My friends and I made small talk, ahem, jokes. I regaled them with the story about the time I sang in front of the installation commander. Them: You can sing?! Me: Hahahaha no.

On time as always the General arrived. He is a wonderful speaker, a seemingly humble individual, and a strong leader. His slides were short and his humor spot on. In many ways, he reminded me of my current squadron commander. I truly hope one day he, too, will grace stages with an entourage of security detail and big picture awareness. Approximately 30 mins later, the big QA session began. My hand went up before the words were out of the moderator’s mouth. I stood, politely introduced myself, and asked the following question: “Sir, as you have a high impact, high visibility position, what perception do you think we, as civilians and Airmen, get wrong about what you do?” Silence. Deafening silence. Suddenly I became the recipient of wild looks and laughter. The General began to pace the stage in silence. Finally, he answered. His answer was a well-rounded approach to being a father, husband, and son. He struggles with the same things we do. He worries about his children, now adults themselves. He sits around at night and can’t believe he gets to do what he does. I thanked him for his time so others could ask their questions.

Fast forward to my office later – a conversation ensued between the Senior Leader and my supervisor. Cue the laughing. Unbeknownst to me, jokes of stumping the General were made on the surrey as he departed. I can only imagine my commander’s face. Kel, you need to stop speaking.

And that’s how I became known as STUMPER.

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I ask you –

Thoughts on the call sign?

Have you ever been laughed at?

Share your wild stories!

(The post Call Sign STUMPER, the finale first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Accessorized

Check out my new accessories –

The nice medical people said if this brace doesn’t work, then they’ll make me very own. One-of-a-kind. Because I have skinny legs and none of their stuff fits me. Somehow it didn’t feel like a compliment.

See how my knee cap is sort of off to the side? Apparently it’s not supposed to look like that. Who knew.

Also, every time I use the tens unit thingy, I sing the Monster Mash…“get a jolt from my electrodes…”

Not pictured: my old lady, custom orthotic shoe inserts. They’re very attractive. All black. Fits my shoes.

But can I run yet?! No.

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I ask you –

Have you ever had custom shoe inserts?

What about a custom knee brace?

Tell me the color of the shoes you are wearing as you read this. None.

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

Just keep swimming? typing?

By the time you read this, I will be bleary-eyed, rocking back and forth, with unwashed hair sticking out every which way.

Or, as I like to call it, almost finished with the final chapter of this manuscript. Remember that calculation from last week? Well, it doubled in about 48 hrs when I realized I slightly miscalculated the final date of the semester. By about 3 weeks. Aka the approval deadline moved closer to today’s date than originally planned.

Update: at 468 pages and nearly 115,000 words, I think I’m done. Now I need to make a carpal tunnel appointment. Parts said she would help me.

courtesy of Hobby Lobby and zero self control

So glad they sent me that email so I could panic properly.

This is fun.

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I ask you –

Have you ever misjudged a timeline?

Do you prefer emails or texts?

Share your best coping mechanisms. My coffee pot probably wants to go on strike.

(The post Just keep swimming? typing? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Discipline + I’m getting old

Could it be once you hit my age (sub-40), you just can’t expect to run without any pain?

Since early November, I’ve not run, not played volleyball, worn a brace, diligently gone to PT and practiced the exercises, included strength training as a staple to my routine, and began an ice rolling regimen. What more can I do?!

Perhaps daily activities sans pain is unrealistic. Perhaps this is the new norm. Perhaps I didn’t take adequate care of myself in yesteryears so I’m paying for it now. Whatever it is.

As the pain persists, there is concern of an unrealized issue. Good thing I haven’t replaced all my permanent jewelry yet because more scans might be in the near future.

As for Strava (in the photo above), it’s really very difficult to adequately increase my fitness level at such a time as this. For instance, it takes approximately 10 days at an average of 6 hrs per day to finish a dissertation chapter. And how do I know this? Because I just spent approximately 60 hours with a discipline I never knew I had, diligently writing. And writing. And writing some more.

Fortunately, there’s only 1 chapter remaining and I have 18 days to complete it. Fitness will just have to wait, but I wasn’t betting I could run anyway.

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I ask you –

Is no pain actually normal?

How do I get to that point?

Tell me about a time your discipline surprised you!

(The post Discipline + I’m getting old first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Victory!

On 1 Feb, I began the slow rush to the finish line – makes a lot of sense, Kel – of analyzing data, making it legible and understandable, and overall contributing to the glory of society. Slightly inflated. I cancelled all plans (because I had so many), stocked up on coffee (because I might run out), and committed to writing x hours per day (dependent on literally everything).

Slightly more than a week later, I’m in the zone. I write nearly constantly, doodling ideas to myself, brainstorming paragraphs for the conclusion. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I can see it slowly peaking out from beneath the clouds.

Victory is nigh! But I took a break for the Super Bowl.

Alright, I know this is very dramatic and unlike me but you get the gist.

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I ask you –

Dramatic or no?

Care to venture a guess regarding how much coffee I drink daily?

Share a victorious moment!

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

Traveling

I’ve been on the road more than home the past several weeks. Is that a song? Needless to say, but I’m saying it anyway, I drank a lot of coffee. Soon, I’ll share where each of these locations are, but, for now, here’s a collage:

More to come!

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I ask you –

Share your thoughts about anything!

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

Comfort Food and other stuff

Recently, the radio host was accepting opinions of what listeners considered comfort food. One said it was food you eat when ill. Another disagreed because it should be more clear why they need comfort. For example, you’ve gone through a traumatic breakup…you wouldn’t give someone soup (such as when ill). Maybe you’d give them alcohol instead. I made that part up myself. No radio listener said this. And when there’s been a death in the family, people bring comfort food, like macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken. Though I don’t understand providing a grieving family the types of food that…undoubtedly…(may have) contributed to their demise.

My mom would make us children comfort food aptly titled “hot jello”. Basically, it’s the same steps to making jello prior to refrigerating it. It’s warm, sweet, and comforting. That’s my comfort food when sick.

Obviously we can’t have a discussion about comfort food without mentioning ice cream, specifically Blue Bell. This article ranks the top ten flavors with an original play on the how many forks idea (the better an item, the more forks).

(Spoiler) Unsurprisingly, Cookie Two Step was the winner. I can say unsurprisingly because I have practically inhaled an entire half gallon of this flavor. Despite it making me very ill, I believe it was entirely worth it. Take all my sporks! Although I do love buttered pecans and pistachio, I was a little surprised at the prevalence of peppermint flavors which made the list. Perhaps they have a following I’m unaware of.

And, finally, a quick recap of the most recent game night where my favorite game – Spoons – was the winner-takes-all finale. Yours truly was the winner amongst approx 40 competitive women. The photo below is an indicator of Part’s competitiveness, although she would tell you she is not.

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I ask you –

What is your favorite comfort food?

What about your favorite game?

Share your thoughts on the top ice cream winners.

(The post Comfort Food and other stuff first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

We did some things!

Seeing my sister win is a WIN! She deserves all the accolades and appreciation and awards. We’re so different, but we are a winning team! She thinks others don’t notice her hard work, I’m sure sometimes she doesn’t feel appreciated, but she definitely is. She’s the better half of this sister duo and the co-worker award is a testament to her heart.

I had a photo here of what happens when Parts doesn’t show up to claim her award, but it was truly awful. Must like she probably felt when she said she was sick. Hmph.

Humble brag: It never ceases to amaze me when I win awards or listen to my own accomplishments. Most of the things I do are my job – lead, train, motivate, join. To me, it’s not a big deal. It’s what I do. So I’m humbled when someone else sees the value in it because that’s certainly not why I do what I do. I do it for them, for my team – a group of people who come together to do good things, day in and day out. They deserve recognition every quarter.

Speaking of teams – 4th quarter team winners – I’ve written about it before – when they win, we all win!

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I ask you –

Received any awards lately? Brag to me!

Do you fancy yourself a great co-worker?

Tell me how many times you’ve been sick in 2025. Because things are going around.

(The post We did some things! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Did you know…?

“How fast do people typically walk? According to a 2020 study, how fast you walk depends on your age and biological sex, with men walking slightly faster than women. In general, individuals under 30 walk at an average speed of 3 miles per hour. Those aged 30 to 39, as well as 40 to 49, walk at an average speed of 2.8 mph. People 50 to 59 average 2.75 mph, while those over 60 move at 2.7 mph. After age 65, people tend to walk at an average speed of 2.1 mph.”

Well, I’ll be damned. My walking speed is worth more than making slower people feel uncomfortable. I’m as healthy as a horse! Some feet issues and a joint problem, but not too bad.

I can’t wait to start running again. It would probably help if I stopped rescheduling my orthotics appointment and PT sessions. I’ve been busy.

I was so busy gathering data that there seems to be a run on busted water pipes, water heaters, and electrical rooms. Let’s make fire! Keep reading for more ways to make your Saturday night fun.

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I ask you –

Are you a fast walker? All my life.

Will 2025 bring increased mileage?

Give me new ideas for fun nights sans water cleanup.

(The post Did you know…? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)