I Can Run!

Since I wasn’t running and school hadn’t officially started back up, we found other ways to occupy our time, like Phase 10! P.S. these card holder doo-dads are a lifesaver. And a sanity saver.

Huge appreciation to a fellow blogger and runner, Christina, @wanderingappleby, for the shoe recommendation. She mentioned that the Lone Peak 6 and Lone Peak 7 have their differences but since I couldn’t find the 6’s, I went with the 7’s. I’m excited to try out a new brand and have heard good things about them thus far. Obviously, after the foot debacle, which I absolutely never want to repeat, I’m trying some new things, considering (with PT advice) how to change my running split and a few other things to ensure I can keep running for years to come! I still love my Brooks – hello, brand loyalty – but the shoe shape just isn’t the best fit for me right now.

Blog post grand finale: you all know I’m typing this the day of, prior to the appointment, knowing my hopes and prayers have healed me. I can run! Indeed it has come to pass. No longer tied (strapped) into a boot is a little strange at the moment. Ankle mobility needs some work as does confidence in my foot strength. However, recovery doesn’t end when the circumstances change. As the MRI showed no issues and the x-rays indicated the same, it isn’t lost on me that I wore that boot for 6 weeks for what somewhat feels like no good reason; nonetheless, it can’t have hurt anything because I was pain free for those weeks.

Now to keep it that way. Until I’m ready to re-commit to surgery.

_____________________

I ask you –

Were you aware they make card holder doo-dads?

Any other shoes suggestions?

Tell me the last time you played a board or card game!

(The post I Can Run! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Footwork

As we (people) tend to either focus unhealthily on the negative portion of an event OR overinflate the positive parts, the middle stuff is often lost or overlooked in its importance. Therefore, I plan to chronicle my foot surgery and recovery so I may look back on it with a rationale perspective.

Long story time: at my pre-op appointment, a different issue was identified which prompted further X-rays and a MRI appointment (coincidentally scheduled for my original surgery date). Now, surgery may or may not happen toward the end of January. To say I was frustrated is to minimize my feelings. Cue the pity party and what ifs. I’m not happy wearing the walking boot; however, I almost hate admitting it – my foot doesn’t hurt in the boot.

The more I consider what everything looks like in these moments, the more I’m inclined to not go through with the surgery. As I’m still weighing the pros and cons, the decision is unclear but, right now, I don’t feel confident in doing it nor do I feel like this is the right path. Something just feels off. So I’ll continue to consider the options, wear the burdensome boot until the MRI results are shared, and pray about it.

This may not be my yes.

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I ask you –

Have you ever had foot surgery?

Any advice for wearing this boot?

Tell me a time where you changed your mind about something serious.

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

(Some More) Favorite Things

Many of you know of my struggle with foot pain due to what has been attributed to bunions. In the quest to find supportive every day shoes that somewhat keep the pain to a minimum, I found Flux Footwear. Now I own 3 pairs: hot pink, black, and solid white. Huge fan! At first, I was a little uncomfortable about purchasing a pair of white shoes; however, so far, no catastrophes!

Also, I’ve developed a love for matte nail polish. Typically I do my own nails because my splurge is the pedicure. What I thought would look hideous turned out to be a favorite. As mini is a nail biter – and I also was as a child – keeping my nails painted aka protected is essential for their growth. Mini’s issue is she bites the paint right off of them. It’s a source of discontent but I have faith she’ll grow out of it. Probably.

Lastly, Gerber Daisies. Favorite flower. Just as many (including me) hold fast to traditions like black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year’s Day, I also have my very own traditions. Although I can’t think of any at this moment. Nonetheless, here’s my newest: starting each new year with fresh flowers and what better flower than my absolute favorite?! I can’t stay up until midnight but I can wake up to a beautiful bouquet.

I know I had several other favorites to add to this post, but right now I can’t recall them. Another post for another day, surely.

__________________

I ask you –

What is your favorite shoe brand?

Any nail painters? Nail biters?

Tell me of your favorite flower or plant!

(The post (Some More) Favorite Things first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Winter Texan Recap

As a water baby, being near the ocean sets my heart free. Ugh. Mushy. Yet I’m serious. Despite being a little saddened by the inability to run along the waterfront, this winter vacation was a true joy.

Bird’s Eye View from the Port Isabel Lighthouse

You’ve heard my jokes about a bikini and snow boots, now there’s a bikini and a walking boot! Well, all but one day because it was actually a lot cooler than expected. However, it was really nice to sit pool and oceanside with warm southern air and sunshine.

How I longed to run or just get up and walk the island – but I took it slow and rested. A lot.

Although my runner’s heart longed to join the many people outside each day taking up space on the expanse of road dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, I returned home after a week feeling rested and full of seafood specialties. And so much coffee!

Vacationing at a traditionally summer locale during the winter is a must. Less traffic, no wait times, new places to eat and visit that you’d never consider during peak season, and an overall quietness to the island. Highly recommend! South Padre Island, you’re perfect.

____________________________

I ask you –

Is it common for you to travel to your favorite place during the off season?

What is your best holiday memory?

Tell me about your vacation spot!

(The post Winter Texan Recap first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

2024: The Path Ahead

(This is the post I intended to publish on New Year’s Day, but we got home late and I overcommitted myself to doing all the things prior to sitting down to put the final touches on it. Hence, here we are today.)

Not being a fan of the traditional New Year’s “resolutions”, instead I like to focus on a “word of the year”. You know, something that resonates with me and that I can embody all year long. 2022 was grace, 2023 was strength, and 2024 is exhale. Simple enough, right? I write it in a few key places so I can be reminded regularly. What I do with the reminder, in the moment, is up to me but it’s nice to focus on one word. Below, the four words written above my word of the year are mantra-type words I want to remember. Although I have no idea how they factor into a year that has yet to be lived, I’m finding joy in believing they will be powerful.

2024 will bring about its own challenges, as each year does. Nearly a full year of writing my dissertation, mini will change school locations as she progresses, there’s that foot surgery business, dozens more blog posts, and anything else the world throws my way. Perhaps there will even be room for promotions. Nonetheless, focusing on my breathing and remembering to exhale through the little and big things is a nice part of living in this wild world.

Also, books. This was my first year as part of an actual (unofficial) book club! We read several books I would have never chosen myself but most were great! The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. For One More Day by Mitch Albom. And so many more…The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst was my favorite. Just what I needed at the time. Amidst the hustle and deadlines and stress of the holidays, it was a moment to settle my soul and feel what I needed to feel. And reprioritize. Definitely that.

Now, about the running portion of 2024. I keep a log of my annual miles – not too bad, if I do say so myself. Beyond the local (i.e., at work) 5k’s and one community run (Thanksgiving Day), I ran zero sanctioned races. And you know what? I feel no different than I did when I ran allll the races I could find. By my own calculations, I’ve been intentionally running for 7 years (2017-2023). Not too bad! Even though I’m unsure what 2024 will bring – foot issues, etc. – I know I will run again in 2024 and it won’t be pretty at first, but by the time I post the 2024 run mileage, I’ll still look back and think…wow. I did that.

__________________

I ask you –

Do you have a resolution or phrase of the year?

Did you read any amazing books? Please share!

Tell me your 2023 run or activity stats!

(The post 2024: The Path Ahead first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year. Welcome to 2024. That’s the post. Really, that’s all I’ve got to say. I’m writing this at nearly 7pm the night before I publish a new post and I’ve just realized I don’t have a post ready. There’s many “in progress”, but none ready for full send. And that’s ok.

So, I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. I will spend mine deep cleaning mini’s closet whilst she’s away on another Tennessean vacation, calculating my 2023 run mileage (because that’s one of those in progress posts), and updating all the calendars (I have one for nearly every facet of my life).

Thank you for following me here at Running on Fumes!

Re-post: Gas Station Guilty Pleasures

I’m still soaking up the island sun and probably happy to report there’s few people and fewer things to do. This winter vacation is exactly what I needed. I’ll be back soon with new material!

From Jan 3, 2022: Have I ever mentioned my fear of convenience stores? Dumpsters, yes; convenience stores, maybe not. Perhaps I watched too many nightly news broadcasts as a child where so-and-so was killed during an armed robbery at a corner convenience store, blah blah blah. My overworked imagination is a bit much at times. Even for me. Maybe it’s the fact there’s typically so many posters, flyers, window paraphernalia covering every square inch of glass where one would/could see out. Or maybe it’s the one way in, one way out design. It may even be the fact many people pay cash instead of using their debit cards. That makes no sense, Kel. Which is exactly my point. My fear makes zero sense. Nothing bad has ever happened to me inside a convenience store. And I won’t be patronizing any to test my luck.

I have seriously digressed. IF I was to frequent convenience store establishments, my guilty pleasure would be peach rings. Affectionately called “peachies”, I would most likely purchase them each time. Soft yet chewy and reminiscent of a sweet, summery peach, these sugar-laden treats beg me to sample twenty. On a related note, a whole group of kids played a game at Halloween which consisted of inserting a large popsicle stick (or tongue depressor, if you want to be specific) inside their mouth and seeing how many gummy orange slices each could stack on their stick. Since I did not play, but am a huge kid at heart, I sneakily ate 4 gummy orange slices when the game had commenced. I had forgotten how much I love those things!! Pretty sure my blood sugar went into outer space. But what a way to go!!

Yummy!

You know what else they sell at convenience stores? Lottery tickets. Or as mini calls them – scratcher offers. My parents love receiving lotto tickets. To my knowledge, they’ve never won anything big (unless they kept it to themselves which is exactly what I would do haha) so I guess it’s the possibility of winning a huge payout that keeps people addicted. On the radio show I most often listen to, one of the co-hosts spends upwards of $200 each paycheck buying lottery tickets. I don’t recall if he said he buys the scratch-off kind or plays the actual lottery, but $400/month is still $400/month on gambling. Perhaps since I’ve never been a gambler do I not understand this fascination. To each his own.

this is the only lotto I’m winning

And, on that note, my mother’s birthday is coming soon. Let me find someone to stop at that store on the corner to get her lottery tickets. Because it’s not gonna be me!

_____________________

I ask you –

What is your gas station guilty pleasure?

What do you call lottery tickets? I’ve heard the term “scratchers” before.

Name something you are unjustly terrified of.

(The post Re-post: Gas Station Guilty Pleasures first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Life Requires Skills

Critical thinking skills – the ones that seem to be underutilized.

Painting = lots of thinking

Perhaps I’ve mentioned it before: my issue with people who leave their car door open when they pump gas. Not only is it lazy, it’s incredibly dangerous because seconds save lives. If you don’t have an extra second to close your car door, then you’ve effectively given someone who may want to harm you or steal your vehicle the extra second they need to do so. And this isn’t one of those “living my life scared” things. It’s simply a critical thinking opportunity.

Another example is when people are cooking. The ones who leave the cabinets wide open under the premise they might need back in the cabinet are the ones who smash their heads against the cabinet and potentially have a catastrophic kitchen accident. It’s lazy and dangerous.

My final example of critical thinking is also cooking related. Once something is cooked, it needs a place to go, like a plate or serving vessel. Usually. If you haven’t the forethought of what to do with the cooked item(s), then you’re wasting your own time, being lazy, and causing unnecessary chaos. This is why it’s important to be prepared. At least have a plan!

Lastly, a lovely woman heard me speak from the stage and approached me afterwards regarding not what I was speaking on but my manner of speaking. She asked if I’d always known I was gifted in public speaking. I was flattered but it had never occurred to me to analyze how long I’ve been comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Since I was a child. She also mentioned the program Stories from the Stage, a show she watches regularly and admires. As she encouraged me to share my own story with the world, I began to entertain the idea. Maybe one day.

____________________

I ask you –

How prepared are you when cooking?

Have you heard of the show Stories from the Stage?

Rate your critical thinking skills! A 10, definitely.

(The post Life Requires Skills first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

Please forgive me for not mentioning them sooner. Alas, I did not want to share Wichita Falls’ best kept secret. Despite the fact I function as their not-so-secret fan club president and social media ambassador (the lovely Deidre doesn’t quite know this), this is hands down my favorite coffee establishment of all time, since approx. 2021 or so.

Chicka D’s

2022: I have more photos than I can count of my frequent Chicka D’s coffee runs. During the holidays, mini gifted me a gift certificate which I am still enjoying!

2023: Chicka D’s is still my go-to coffee spot. No one does it like they do. From their scrumptious waffles and chaffle sticks to the seasonal and monthly flavor combination specialty drinks to the energy coolers, there’s nothing on Chicka D’s menu that isn’t perfection.

In getting to know many of the employees, each stands for faith and service before self. Personally, I think they should be teaching other businesses how to do customer service. You’d think the service at a drive up mobile trailer would be meh…so wrong.

Most of my readers know my favorite drink: the standard latte, made with a sugar free syrup and heavy cream. Keto connoisseur. Somehow, Chicka D’s ratio is incompatible with my own efforts at making lattes at home even though I derived my coffee bean choice from what Chicka D’s uses. Trust me, I asked the head Chicka D. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the best coffee, customer service, and waffles in Wichita Falls, Chicka D’s ranks #1 in the Running on Fumes series.

I visit them every time I can, at multiple locations, in whatever weather conditions come my way. They also do catering and I have had the privilege to partake in a lovely hot or cold concoction at my church, around town, in front of businesses, and literally anywhere they go. The service and quality never waiver. Chicka D’s also offers whole and half waffles of various flavors, as well as waffle sticks and many other food options which I’ve heard nothing but good things about – and they’re a seasonally-updated option so fresh fruit in the spring and savory/sweet combinations in the fall.

Neither rain nor shine stops us from visiting

You can find out more about Chicka D’s by visiting them here. They also have a Facebook and an Instragram account. Stop by their typical location at the Home Zone at 3921 Fairway Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76310, grab a drink, and tell them Running on Fumes sent you!

Want to See More?

If you or someone you know owns or frequents a favorite coffee establishment and you’d like to be featured (or nominate them to be featured), please comment below!

Cheers to the Caffeine Injected series!

(The post RoF – Caffeine Injected first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Tis The Season – to Bake!

As many of you know, I’m intrigued by trains. I recall very vivid memories in my childhood of train excursions and how much fun they were – the ability to travel by train is exciting and exhilarating because it offers an opportunity to view so many areas inaccessible by car. In light of this (probably) new information, check out this link on the Best Train Journeys. One day I hope to tour the vastness of the world via train.

But why is the rum gone??? It’s not like I can buy any today (Sunday). Sounds like a Monday problem. Thankfully, the base exchange provided the rum I needed to make my infamous rum balls. Personally, I prefer Amaretto Truffles, but these will do, too. Even mini thought they were pretty good. She slept so well that night. Weird.

Decisions were made

As we have an upcoming holiday party, there’s a contest associated with it that I couldn’t turn down: the bake-off! It took a really long time for me to decide what to bake, but I narrowed down the choices and decided on… chocolate cake. A classic. I’ll update you all on my winning status soon!

________________

I ask you –

Would you take a cross-country adventure via train?

What is your holiday go-to tradition?

Chances of wining the bake-off: give me your thoughts!

(The post Tis The Season – to Bake! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)