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.)
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.
_________________
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.)
Full disclosure: I read a post from another blogger who chronicled what she would talk about if she was the recent New Jersey senator who filibustered for 25 hrs.
As explained, there’s rules during a filibuster: “you can’t leave your desk area, you have to keep speaking for the entire time (unless you yield the floor to others to ask questions), you can’t go to the bathroom, you have to remain standing, and the only liquids allowed on the floor are tap water, sparkling water, and milk.”
Here’s my take if ever presented the opportunity to filibuster for a lengthy amount of time (because it’s so possible in my line of work) –
1. Read my entire 470+ page dissertation, complete with a detailed explanation of every graph, chart, and figure.
2. Demonstrate every known Pilates and yoga exercise.
3. Enunciate every word ending in -th in the KJV Bible.
4. Recount, then promptly forget, every historical sexual partner. This is hilarious, Kel.
And now I’m just writing random crap on here to see who actually reads these posts because I know it will garner some comments. On that note, I’m done.
_______________________
I ask you –
Were you aware of the 25 hour filibuster?
What would you share, if it was you on the senate floor?
…I’d like to request coffee be added to the list of available beverages…
(The post 25 Hours first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
In my unlimited extra time post-PhD, I’ve included a near daily yoga session into my morning routine. I feel amazing and I’ve almost mastered feet to knees.
Then there’s volleyball up to 3x a week. Sure, we haven’t won a single game but the fun levels of this team I am grateful to coach is unmatched. Off the charts…but not our scores.
I planned a skating party for my 9 year old. She was an infant yesterday. I don’t understand how this is happening. Spare Parts will be a grandma at the end of the summer while I have a 9 yr old. Still makes me laugh.
I’ve been researching adjunct professor positions; there’s a few leads. For now, I’m working through the process of publishing my dissertation to the university and public databases. I’ve also looked into some think tank-type work to impact immigration legislation. Policymaker stuff is my forte.
The comfy corner came together nicely. Mini reads her books there at night while I hoard the space in the early morning hours. My wake up time has only shifted by 30-60 mins yet somehow those precious minutes make all the difference in my rest levels. Most days, I’m a new person!
As time passes, I’m sure it will fill with other responsibilities, requirements, or space takers. No need to hurry.
———————–
I ask you –
After completing something which took a large portion of your time, how did you fill the space?
When did you last plan a birthday party?
Share your wakeup time! 0500
(The post What to do now first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Undoubtedly, the song I chose (it chose me) from the beginning of the PhD process to its culmination might be inappropriate. Like the time I thought the song Unholy just had a good beat.
Side note. Lyrics are important, Kel.
I’ve listened to the song at least once a week for 3 years. When I felt stuck in the suck of monotony, of writing another 30, 40, 50 page paper on a subject I wasn’t 100% in love with, my anthem came in handy.
Prove 'em wrong every time 'til it's normal Why worship legends when you know that you can join 'em?
When I joined the Navy, I was told only 1% of the population has served in the armed forces. I’m proud to be part of the 1%.
Then, when I obtained a PhD, again I was told only 1% of the population have a doctoral degree. Despite questioning the accuracy of the numbers, my question now is how many present or prior servicemembers have a PhD? Food for thought. I’m only a legend in my own mind.
Never listened to replies, learned a lesson from the wise
From the start, I knew I wanted something special to commemorate this event in my life, a visualization of what this process took from me and, alternately, gave me. A token, if you will.
I kept the images to myself for over 2 years, afraid to admit I might be able to achieve a moment in time where it would be reality. Only last summer did I show anyone the photos, and only in a moment of excitement where it seemed I was embarking on steps I could never not finish. And only when I had returned from the border did I consider maybe I should actually consult with a jeweler soon because this process is getting real. Little did I know I would be finished in less than 6 weeks.
An incredible woman, Landri, somehow took my vision for a unique class ring and magnified it by a million. Her eye for beautiful things, her love for jewelry, and somehow her knowledge to ensure perfection is evident in the piece she lovingly crafted. Sure, it’s designed by me, but she turned a vision into a piece of art.
Don't ever say it's over if I'm breathin' Racin' to the moonlight and I'm speedin'
The 6 tiny black gemstones (black spinel) represent academia, specifically higher education. Black is regal, it is effort, it is foundational. The 6 tiny blue gemstones (blue sapphire) represent water, ocean, and sky. I was fortunate to have the ability to use my GI Bill for the cost of this degree. My time in the Navy, in the ocean, with its perfect open water views is what I choose to remember of my time there. When I close my eyes, I can’t unsee the sun rising and setting across the ocean. The blue gemstones are homage to a tumultuous yet rewarding experience. Finally, the blue sapphire represents wisdom. From knowing when to start and stop, I don’t believe this path in my life was by mistake. I do believe there’s an element of divinity in everyone’s life. The sapphire is brilliant yet unassuming, beautiful yet not boastful.
I'm headed to the stars, ready to go far I'm star walkin'
There were 3 of us. Three very different individuals who came together somewhere along this journey, who banded together to offer words of encouragement, venting, and overall support for something none of us had previously accomplished. I always felt like the hype man, the one who would definitely make it across the finish line, but unapposed to taking the final steps at the rear of the group. Life is funny. I wanted to watch them succeed from my vantage point in the back so I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Somewhere, my self-designated position got mixed up and I ended up at the front, leading, doing what I do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now – it’s lonely at the top. Not alone, but lonely. Fortunately, my role as the cheerleader for our band of perfectionists is still intact. And I’m overjoyed to support them in the final stages of accomplishment.
———————–
I ask you –
Feel free to share your thoughts here. No questions today.
This is the story of many unrelated topics with little to no context. Admittedly, I love context. It makes me happy to consider all angles of a single sentence. I like to know things, I like to wonder. But I really like to know the back, front, and sides of the thought process. This time – I’ll let these statements sit without much explanation.
Found this article while perusing other blog posts. I love the Texas border. And I love border communities.
I walked down the street with an empty cup, a glass bowl of salad, and no fork. Frantic about menopause. This is my life. Headed to a book club about a discussion over a book I hadn’t read. Hadn’t even purchased.
How to Job 101. Someone remind me I want to build a training curriculum around this title.
Recognizing our biases has unspoken importance, more powerful than anyone could believe. Which is why I admittedly share mine. Because I’d rather say why or how I’m biased than have someone use it against me. I may be biased but I am fair. And this is undoubtedly the single best compliment I’ve ever received, courtesy of my muse. Because, of course.
Lately, work is like taking a daily sucker punch with no consideration for recovery. I just get there, start swinging, and hope a few connect.
What was the slang these young people once said? I remember. It be like that sometimes.
_________________________________
I ask you –
How often do you forget the proper utensils for a meal?
Solution to above: just take chopsticks, Kel!
Tell me your favorite, or most loathed, slang. Anything with “bruh”
(The post It…What? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
To think a few years ago the most difficult part of my weekend (and week days) was figuring out when to do a long run. To think carving up to 2 hrs from my day was nearly impossible. Ha. Now, I know I can do anything.
appletree
Once I received the running green light on Wednesday (happy birthday, Kel), I ran my fastest mile since Nov (13:10!!) and played volleyball. Although this coaching gig is fun, I’d much rather play.
Spring break was quite the whirlwind of a week. From high emotions to adventure parks to a major wind storm and a furlough avoidance, March is shaping up to be one for the books. Speaking of books, I still haven’t read this month’s book club recommendation.
I originally wrote this post in early 2024 so I thought it fitting I publish it today, one week prior to the scheduled dissertation defense which has consumed my life for a long time.
PMS sucks. I find myself with a lowered patience threshold than usual. Just the little things. However, I often have some really creative ideas during this time. Like this – a reading corner! The plan is to restructure my writing desk and general PhD-making setup into a reading nook upon graduation. I’m not certain what the original thought was for this alcove of a room attached to the formal bedroom. It developed, for me, into a bookcase/writing desk/storage square. Obviously, at this time, it’s where student magic happens.
Sidenote: I do understand how some people can only write or work in their “designated space(s)”. It is a mental act to have all the right conditions when it comes to concentration. One would think I have trouble with being so close to the bedroom, literally within eyesight. However, I believe it was very strategic on my part because mini can wake up and SEE me working; therefore, I’m preventing a mad dash down the hallway and/or her getting up at the crack of dawn when I’m busy. So far, year 3, this is working.
Image credit: Amazon
Anyway, a reading corner complete with oversized comfy chair, foot rest, end tables, and probably a fake plant. Because…death.
Often it feels like this stage of my life is never-ending and I will literally be writing forever. However, I know it’s untrue. I think. Maybe? So planning small rewards – or refocuses, if you will – breaks up the monotony. Like when I forget to check what day my interlibrary loan book is due. Or when I forget mini’s age because I’ve just regurgitated from memory every family member’s phone number, email, blood type, address…you get the point. Forgive me when I can’t do it all! Mini has not let me forget this yet.
My point is I need a place to read and gather my thoughts before the day attempts to steal every remaining functioning brain cell. Can you blame me?
_________________
I ask you –
What would your comfy corner include?
How much time does it take to get your thoughts together?
Fake plant vs real plant. Your preference?
(The post Comfy Corner first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Running on Fumes 
You must be logged in to post a comment.