Finding Rest

For the last several years, but only during the holidays, I would find Lindor Snickerdoodle Truffles. This year? Scant a snickerdoodle anywhere. But I found this alternative. I was hesitant to try them lest they don’t live up to what my mind considered was the best. To my surprise, these are a very close match and delicious! You’re welcome.

During the government shutdown, we purchased a time waster from my younger years. Introducing – the puzzle! Mini helped with the border for approximately 17 seconds, then made her way to the television for Dancing with the Stars. She’s invested. Truly, I have enjoyed this project. With sunset so early and a tired soul, this puzzle has kept me excited to come back for more.

Bonus! Find yourself a coffee shop jazz channel on whatever music service you use. Trust me. It’s peaceful and exactly what you need on a fall day.

Update. I found the Lindor truffles. First, I ordered them from Amazon. Then, I found two packages at the grocery store. In a double not blind taste test, the truffles are smoother. However, the kisses taste exactly the same as the truffles. Price? Kisses are cheaper and offer more variety if you want to bake with them.

For some, rest probably isn’t puzzles and chocolate. For some, rest is simply a break from a stressor. Same, same. Whatever it is, take time for yourself. During the holidays, it is incredibly easy to get lost in the going/going/gone, but I believe the holidays are meant for a slower time. Enjoy them. And try the snickerdoodle kisses!

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I ask you –

What is your favorite holiday candy?

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

Winning!

Team Fitness for the 2QTRCY2025 squadron award!

(L-R) Lt Col Camacho, McK, Britt, Phillip, Aislyn, Kel, Luli, Darrell, Quinn, SMSgt Duritsky

The same week of the awards ceremony, we departed for our annual summer trip to South Padre Island!

I tried to host a staff meeting but only mini showed.

The food –

Finally, I must mention Chilo’s Cheesecakes. Chilo and his beautiful wife, Regina, are bakers. A few years ago, I tried one of his cheesecakes at a restaurant on the island. Someone mentioned you can find all his flavors at their storefront on Port Isabella. Alas, I got busy and never went. This time, I made it a point to stop. Terrible idea.

Six pieces of cheesecake and $50 later, I exited with goodies intact.

The photos aren’t great because I couldn’t wait to sample the cheesecakes. In no particular order, I purchased: Pistachio, Pina Colada, Cookies & Cream, Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Cheesecake, and Lemon Blueberry.

So now I’ll be dreaming of going back to Chilo’s for more cheesecake. Winning!

Final thought: entirely random Have I ever mentioned the time Parts called me and immediately asked me if I remembered the name of the coffee shop I like to go to near my alma mater and I excitedly replied Yes! I thought she was going to bring me coffee! Instead, she said she’d been in an accident and needed me to come. I felt really bad for my initial reaction. Definitely not winning sister award for that debacle.

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I ask you –

What are some of your latest wins?

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

Batman & Robin 2.0

I promised myself when I graduated, I would take the summer to enjoy things outside of the usual work/home/repeat. But I wasn’t convinced it would be this summer because…what if.

Fortunately, everything worked out as designed.

Girls Trip 2.0 was everything I needed and more. Last year, we re-explored Norfolk/VA Beach, Virginia. This year, we invaded Gulf Shores, Alabama. From the food to the friendship to the sand and sun, Sam and I had the best time. Minus the little snafu where my car got towed at the condo. Whoopsies! Suffice to say our 12 year friendship is standing the test of time. Ask her about the time her car got towed at our apartment in Norfolk.

We ate and drank our way through several days. Although incredibly crowded, Gulf Shores offers something for everyone – adults and children alike.

I would be remiss not to mention our fun neighbors, Thelma and Louise. We really have no idea their actual names because it kept changing. Witness protection, anyone? They had their own stories, problems, lives, and interesting perspectives. People are fun.

We have a few ideas for next year’s trip. Our m.o. tends to involve beaches and water. Already looking forward to it!

_________________

I ask you –

Any suggestions?

(The post Batman & Robin 2.0 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Re-post! Word Count

Re-post from July 17, 2024 – I’m back from vacation #1 but miscalculated how much time I would spend writing the next post. Back soon!

You know how I know running really does quiet the circus inside my brain? Because I was unexpectedly involved in a very serious discussion immediately post-run and I could barely formulate words. Literally, mostly silence on my part. The remainder of what exited my mouth was weird utterances. It was awkward. I know I sounded like a bumbling whackadoo but I was floating in the clouds on a runner’s high and right then was not the time to have an impromptu discussion about lifesaving devices. Although it may have sounded like I required one.

A new ice cream flavor. Help!

Blue Bell Cookies ‘n Cream Cheesecake

During my recent grocery run, the store only had the newest flavor in 1/2 gallon form. For sure, if the pint had been available, I would have snatched it up. Much to my own detriment. Small favors. Vacation is coming up quick so I’ll save my indulgences for then. One Landshark. One pint of ice cream.

Word of the day: bespoke. Bespoke is a British term typically reserved for high fashion, but is used lately to mean customized. Example: He wore a bespoke suit. Or, a bespoke framework explains blah blah blah. The more you know.

Finally, I found it fascinating research shows how one of the factors of doctoral achievement are behavioral and psychological characteristics (personality, motivation). Maybe one day I can study this more.

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I ask you –

Does exercise short circuit your brain, too?

What do you think about the new ice cream flavor? Would or have you tried it?

Tell me a word of the day!

(The post Re-post! Word Count first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Ohhhhh, San Diego

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 Coffee

The 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.

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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.)

Favorites

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.)

TX – AR – TN – KY

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.

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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.)

Summer Treats

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.)

Random Post, x3

Adorable birds nest cookies my MIL made. Nevermind the missing bites – taste test.

We won a game which means we technically tied for last place but that final game was a showstopper!

I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to coach and play with this amazing group of Wingmen.

Sorry, friends, I don’t have a lot to share today. Definitely more to come next week!

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I ask you –

Did you know what a candy birds’ nest was?

What was the chance of winning the final game? Less than 10%

Participation trophies: Yay or Nay? For others, no. For myself, sure!

(The post Random Post, x3 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Let’s Talk About It

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.

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’.

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I ask you –

Do you like chocolate and peanut butter together?

What fun game do you like to play?

Name your oddest craving!

(The post Let’s Talk About It first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)