I didn’t realize I really only spent 6 years of my life in the “white house”, the now dilapidated, overgrown photo in the bottom left corner (above). Just 6 years. Yet somehow those years, although formidable, encompass a vast amount of trauma, memories, and pieces of my life I spent a majority running from.
RoF has captured my time “back home”. Since it’s been several weeks now from the last time I visited, the picture (no pun intended) is much clearer in my mind. I love how family still lives near and have molded new lives of their own, with beautiful memories which add to my collection. Mini and I discuss my dad and other parts of the family; however, I’m hesitant to share too much as it’s not her burden to carry.
Fortunately, I believe I’m in a good place in life to acknowledge a memory then release it. The book awaits. As I haven’t tried writing in years, soon it will be time to proverbially pick up the pen again. As new memories dull the sharpness of unpleasant ones, I’m mindful not to wait too long.
_________________
I ask you –
Have you started writing a book/novel/short story to be derailed for a lengthy amount of time?
Because the line was so long, approx 27 people with the average wait time of 52 minutes, I have no photos of the incredible ice cream at An’s Electronics Repair. At this point, An’s has invested in dry cleaning, hat making, and, now, electronics. What a marketing and business genius. The truth is she has the very best ice cream in…anywhere. You should partake at every single location, as I have.
Cookies were the theme of this jaunt to San Diego. Coco and Jules Cookies were my favorite, while Cookie Plug was trying a little too hard. But did I eat the cookies? Well, yes.
Tacos, coffee, and chicken pot pie rounded out the menu. Turns out I’m not a fan of chicken pot pie. I know others who adore it. Just not me.
Tacos El Gordo Breakfast Republic Acento CoffeeThe Chicken Pie Shop
Quite the successful and relaxing trip. I managed 3 runs and 1 workout. I’d gladly pay extra to have San Diego weather year-round. In fact, the first run back in Texas was a glorious disaster. From heat and humidity to stiff muscles and uncertain hydration status, I was a walking risk. Alas, it will return.
__________________________
I ask you –
If you’ve been to San Diego – name your favorite places there! Food, too!
(The post Ohhhhh, San Diego first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
I have a brilliant idea to make the government millions of dollars. Every time someone drives on the installation while colors plays, they must pay a fine. At least $100.
Leadership lesson 101: Take your weaknesses and delegate them! At least, that’s the moral of the story I took from it.
For the last several months, every Friday at work, something strange has happened in my presence. From an active shooter situation to a fire alarm to, most recently, the mule (Kawasaki-type, not animal-type) catching fire while I was driving it – you can see the common denominator is me. Yours truly. It’s become a running joke about how something happens to me every Friday. I’m beginning to think people are avoiding me, if not for my reputation then definitely for fear of being tangled up in my shenanigans. Who could blame them?
So long as I’m not driving a vehicle on base, I am very trustworthy! One year you’re the best supervisor in AETC, the next you’re a pyro. Geez, how the mighty fall. At the time of this post, the damage repair costs were nearly $1,000. Maybe I’ll set up my own check points to charge people who drive during colors. Then, I can put the money toward my fitness financial losses.
Every time my team pulls off a big event, I think damn these guys are incredible. Do you know why I win awards? Because of them. Do you know why they win awards? Because of themselves. We have our fair share of faults and I could probably write a training curriculum on what not to do. But, at the end of the day, this team is amazing. They’ve always been amazing. They just needed someone to believe in them. And show them how to be leaders. I will never stop being amazed at what they are able to accomplish. Because we all know I couldn’t do half of what they do. I’m a figurehead. Yet I lead from the front. And I feel confident and secure enough to say I know if I said follow me, they would, not because I said it but because they trust me.
________________
I ask you –
By all means, feel free to comment on the disasters which plague me.
Allow me to share a story of my unimaginable stupidity. I’m quite literally the smartest idiot you’ll ever meet. Hands down
via IG
At a recent small group event I like to call Geriatric Game Night, I retrieved a tiny slip of paper from a bowl on the table and prepared to draw a picture of the word(s) for my fellow gamers to guess. As hard as I tried, I could not decipher the word. I rotated the paper all manners of degree. No luck. Finally, I turned to my right, to the woman who had contributed the word, and asked her what the word was. She rewarded me with the nicest “Are you dumb?” look, then mouthed the word to me.
Top hat. Top hat was the word. Top hat. Not tophat. Pronounced in my head as toe-fat. Tophat is indeed not a real word. You’ll be shocked to know it’s not a Biblical term or a word to describe an Egyptian or anyone else. Tophat is not a real word. Not today, not tomorrow, probably not ever.
You can imagine my internal monologue as well as the laughs from every gamer when I explained my mistake. To think I have a PhD is almost preposterous.
Admittedly, I am incredibly dumb with common situations, words, and items. Remember the time I walked around outside with a vape in my hand? I thought it was a pretty pink battery! At least people laugh with me. Or at me.
_________________
I ask you –
Share your moment(s) of stupidity with me!
I’m thinking of stopping the questions part of these posts. Maybe just one or two here and there. Thoughts?
I’m officially in love with cherry limeades, specifically the sugar-free ones I make at home. Incredibly refreshing!
JoJo’s
I’m addicted to JoJo’s chocolates. In fact, I have three large to medium sized plastic containers filled with different options. Not pictured: chocolate covered pretzels.
Parlor Donuts
I believe Parlor Donuts are the United States’ best kept secret. I said it here first. They offer both keto and gluten-free options. No one I know does this! Although the keto version (top photo) is more “cakey”, it was sweet without being overly, weirdly sweet. The bottom two were also incredible. Because I couldn’t not take a bite. And they offer coffee, which is a must with sweet donuts.
Rebel Pistachio
I love the Rebel brand, and each flavor is good. However, Pistachio is the best of the best. So good, in fact, I had it 2 nights in a row. Big deal.
_________________
I ask you –
Of the list above, have you tried any?
What is your favorite donut brand?
Thoughts on keto/lower sugar ice cream.
(The post Favorites first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Sights and sounds of a road trip through Arkansas, then Tennessee, and the southern part of Kentucky.
I will say this was one of the most fun trips I’ve taken. However, the road trips which stand above them all were the ones to the Texas border cities. Yes, some might balk at the selfishness of my thoughts but I still can’t explain my gratefulness to strangers for sharing their lives and their reality with me, also a stranger, an outsider with a desire to write what they gave me.
We turned a 20+ year retirement event into a 5-day road trip, complete with food, coffee (tons of coffee), and shopping. Participating in a Naval retirement flag detail is a big deal. Quite the honor actually. So, when mini’s dad asked me to be the final part of the detail – delivering the U.S. flag to mini – I had some initial reservations because hello, wild card. But I quickly realized it was a big deal to him and, one day, it will be to her. Upon acceptance, I didn’t fully understand the logistics of said trip and all the little parts which make it a huge event. Not thinking, agreement. When the time came to pack, and travel, and take off from work – I was a little overwhelmed but also really excited to try new coffee shops. I mean, participate.
Without further ado (and in no particular order), some photos and related commentary.
Tacos 4 Life, Benton, Arkansas
I adore Tacos 4 Life. Bold, fun flavors, great ingredients, and a mission to donate a portion of every sale to others in need. A must try!
My hometown…tiny, no stop light, Avery, Texas
I took this photo intending to send it to a high school classmate, but then I forgot until I started writing here. Sorry, Jen. This convenience store has the best chimichangas in all the lands. Indeed.
Koffeewithakause (via IG), Bryant, AR
Incredible coffee from a local vendor. I drank me way through the states.
The Parthenon, Central Park area, Nashville, TN
Admittedly I’m not very interested in Roman, Greek, or any type of history, minus select, niche things. Trains. But an opportunity to view and explore the museum inside a gigantic Parthenon replica was a must do on my list. It did not disappoint.
Retirement cookies
And, finally, the retirement ceremony was everything mini’s dad had hoped it would be. It was a short yet emotional homage to his Naval career and I hope mini sees his time away as one which made her stronger and more resilient. The trip was a whirlwind but a necessary respite.
____________________
I ask you –
Of the four I mentioned, have you visited some/all/none?
What were your favorite things to do there?
Tell me how many retirement ceremonies you’ve attended. Countless.
(The post TX – AR – TN – KY first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Garmin has a lot of faith in me! This is the Forerunner 955 Solar, a vast improvement to my previous Forerunner 265. The solar feature was a last minute decision, but since this is Texas and the sun is nearly always shining, I thought why not. Even without it, my battery, with regular use, lasts more than a week between charges. It says you can sit the watch in the sun and it will charge without overheating. Haven’t tried yet.
Thus far, I think the watch is much more accurate than my previous version, especially when it comes to heat acclimation. Very important to me. At the time of this post, I’m only 44% acclimated. When my other watch would give feedback, it commonly stated I was 78-80% acclimated when I hadn’t been running at all. Although it doesn’t influence my running habits, I would like a more realistic picture of heat acclimation, which I believe I’m receiving.
For me, this was a satisfactory, albeit expensive, purchase. My previous one, the Forerunner 200-something series, was great…no complaints, but when it started losing charge quickly and began having some glitches, I knew it was time.
Just like this post. It was time. Get it get it.
_________________
I ask you –
When did you last update your electronic gear?
Have you tried a newer version of a watch where it exceeded your expectations?
From 3 June 2024 – as I’m traveling today and didn’t properly plan for a post, please enjoy this re-post until I return!
I’ve been running. Yes, it hurts. I keep forgetting about that part, until I do it.
On the bright side, Garmin says I’m 40% acclimated to the heat, which I know is definitely not true. Probably more like 14%. Nonetheless, it’s rained so often in the past 2 months I haven’t been out in the heat thus far. Only recently have I attempted to navigate the daily rain showers to make a conscious effort to go outside.
Perhaps I’ve forgotten to mention I’ve been sort of training for a mini triathlon. The sort of part refers to a general, well complete, lack of swim training due to a complete lack of available swimming locations. Unless you count the consistent daily rainfall and the fact the installation pools have only (until last weekend) been open on the weekends. Nonetheless, I can swim, so 250-something meters shouldn’t be too hard, right? Meh.
Working back up to a 20 mile week!
I’m genuinely excited to participate as I’ve never done anything like this before. Typically, I’m a single-plane type of athlete, unless volleyball counts as dual-plane? Relatedly, fast four volleyball has begun and I intend to join this week. More to come.
P.S. Someone should remind me about this run next year: Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k. The check in gift is a box of cookies and a loaf of bread!
_________________
I ask you –
How has your weather been?
Have you ever entered a triathlon? To be clear, this is a mini triathlon so definitely less intensive.
Tell me about a sport you’ve always wanted to attempt!
Based on some workplace conversations, I researched (broadly) the history of the Gregorian calendar vs Hebrew calendar. I found this article easy to read and understand: Noah’s Flood and God’s Calendar. As I choose not to debate politics or religion, looking beyond the scope of either, is an open minded understanding of something I cannot quantify…the oft ignored feeling. I have nearly always felt the month of January did not fit into my knowledge of a new year. Instead, it felt more like the culmination of one. Just as Saturday and Sunday are inexplicably considered the end of the week. It is my “feeling” perhaps we have allowed society and the lovely but sometimes inaccurate common knowledge to overrule our senses.
Did you know Sunday and Saturday bookend the work week, as displayed on any modern calendar? These are considered the rest days; therefore, we end with one and we begin with one. However, my mental picture is one of 5 days of work, then 2 days of rest, as if the week begins on Monday. The more I rearrange the mental image into bookends, the more care I take to preserve each of the bookends as separate days of a new week. Rest at the end, rest to begin.
Translating this into the annual calendar, the Gregorian calendar – the Western calendar, or solar calendar, adopted into use in 1582 – is the standard (January – December). Unless you operate in the government or in finances, then the calendar used is the fiscal calendar (1 Oct – 30 Sep). Starting to sound like meters vs feet. But, once upon a time, there existed the Hebrew calendar, or Jewish calendar, a lunar calendar, i.e., based on moon patterns. Lunar cycles have been (incorrectly) identified as reasons for erratic behavior, “lunacy”, and other stigmas. However, research thus far has not been able to corroborate these anecdotes. Sure, it is fun to blame it on the moon, but definitive correlations are still too far out (no pun intended).
I realize while writing this I am a walking contradiction. Some of it makes sense, some of it does not. Alas, the feeling remains. To believe the Hebrew calendar fits my narrative better than others (the beginning of the year starts in Spring) and to believe a bookended week feels better is decidedly unable to be validated. It is just a feeling.
Disclaimer. The photo below was originally sent to Parts as we discussed how she’s graduating her final child from high school and is still managing to screw it up. Then, we brainstormed a book about it. And we made fun of nearly everything serious in her life, roast fashion.
But, I really wanted to post the photo with a caption about how I needed to pee while out waking and was worried to find a bush/patch of ground because my butt would be ambushed by mosquitoes.
Which then prompted my thought about how I don’t post those things on social media yet I save them for the blog which does get posted on social media. So basically I just add another step to read the good stuff.
Anyway, we graduated my nephew this past weekend which resulted in a very quick trip to my hometown, complete with the most humid run I’ve encountered in quite some time, a lot of dirty looks from people in my old life, and a hug from my ex’s grandmother with the words “Yes, I remember her, I liked this one”. HaHA. What’s funny is I thought she hated me, but I did spend time with her and listened to her stories. She even invited me to visit her. Seriously, though, some of us have not aged well.
And, on aging, late night and early morning conversations with my aunt and uncle resulted in a conglomerate of topics, such as educators, the education system, federalist papers, and the Constitution. Then, work ethic, Mark Twain, the Roman Empire, and the Bronze Age. What I enjoy most is these are discussions based on our interpretation of what we know, or have heard, and less about what we can research and clarify in the moment. For all we know, we have missed the mark entirely, but it’s those reasons which make it fun, thought provoking, and eye opening.
On that note, this is my final thought: people generally have little fear. But, the fear of being forgotten trumps many.
Running on Fumes 
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