What a time

great outdoors

There was a time when my ignorance prevailed and, although I voted, I didn’t really believe it made a difference. All that talk in high school about the electoral college left me with a healthy dose of condemnation for the system.

Fast forward some. In the military, I became more jaded about the process. My commander in chief is who it is and there’s nothing I can do about it. Arguing would be futile. Honestly, I was so focused on keeping myself alive that I didn’t give voting much thought.

Today. The power of the citizen voice is not only imperative but also incomprehensible. It matters more than ever. An entire state flipped. A lame duck. States experiencing things they haven’t seen in nearly 40 years.

I received a front row view of opinions, highlights, and perspectives during my PhD research. Border communities are fascinating. They believe in each other in a way many other communities could benefit. Dare I say we could all learn a lesson from that kind of support. But what I didn’t like seeing were the hushed glances, the quiet words spoken in fear of retribution. I saw them all. When a community fears elected officials, we have a big problem. Interestingly, the difference in those people and the ones who presently surround me are they made no mention of religion. Red was not tied to Christianity and blue was not tied to Atheist heathens. Or is it the other way around? They simply believed in each other and a better life for everyone. If that’s not indicative of the greater good, then I don’t know what is.

Someone asked how my work place had been since the election. I said fitness doesn’t care who you vote for or pray for. Fitness is do or do not. There is no in between.

The more important question is who is going to take all these political signs down?

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I ask you –

Really, who removes the signs?

(The post What a time first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Monthly Recap – October edition

I learned a few things this month. Except I have trouble remembering them.

October felt like it was 301 days long. From work events to appraisals to Halloween to a cancelled TDY to a last-minute one instead, the month took more than its fair share from my sanity. However, the final two weeks I felt as if I had gotten slightly ahead of it!

Insert running and caloric stability. It seems minimal, but when I’m not “on the wagon”, I feel awful. No motivation, no willingness to get better…just status quo. There’s a time and place for status quo, but not a month’s worth! Interestingly, October was the 1-year mark for consistent, near-daily strength training. It seems so easy to look back on a year ago, mid-furlough, when the wheels started falling off of my team. Somehow we kept it together amidst a lot of tears and fears.

October included copious amounts of spam calls, election propaganda, and weather upheaval. I think we’re back on track though! I blocked, voted, and drug out my first coat of the season. Texas is such an adventure.

____________________________

I ask you –

Any recent calamities you’re willing to share?

(The post Monthly Recap – October edition first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

A series of calamities

In case you were unaware, it takes approximately 3 weeks for tetanus shot pain to fully resolve. No, I had no reason to agree to a tetanus shit except for the occasional work I do in the great outdoors (ugh) and because it’s been over 12 years since I last had one. Honestly, I felt as if the tetanus shot was a medical upsale. Like, when they ask if you also want a large fry with your burger and coke. “Today, we can offer you a flu shot and a tetanus shot. What a deal!”

The deal grew legs –

A few weeks post-tetanus injection, I fell. Banged my shoulder into a bar rack, dropped the bar down my leg, and nearly tumbled out of the box. I tripped. Unfortunately, if I had lost consciousness it would have taken probably 2 hrs for anyone to find me. Fortunately, I only workout during the busiest times of the day and surely someone would have stepped over my body to grab their favorite barbell. Small favors.

Tea. It’s tea with a fancy name.

In other news –

I think the phrase divide and conquer is code for we don’t want to work together but we’re being made to, so in the spirit of teamwork, you do what you’re gonna do and I’ll do what I’m gonna do and we’ll wait until the end for the work together part of this – Mini, most likely, based on a previous rendition of a group project

It appears our lives are a series of calamities. This is fun, right?

____________________________

I ask you –

Any recent calamities you’re willing to share?

(The post A series of calamities first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Comedic Value

A radio show was discussing the public fall of mega church leaders, politicians, and other well-known people. The hosts mentioned no one is more susceptible to temptation now than before. The difference, however, is the publicity of hypocrisy.

It got me thinking – the publicity of hypocrisy. Some might call it a lack of integrity; others may view it in another unflattering light. But what if, instead of judging, we stopped into their shoes. For only a moment. Nobody “I would never” nevers like they nevered before. Take a minute to think deeply about it. How easy is it to say “I would never” until placed into a position where nevering becomes the only option? Sure, there’s always another choice. But, what if, in that singular moment, nevering was all you could do?

This world needs more understanding and less hypocrisy.

to lighten the mood – follow this page

Old enough to know better. I heard it once said, “I did it for the plot.” Me? I think I did it for the laughs. Because who can forget chatting up the ex-grandma and hearing you were their favorite. There’s about 2 weeks out of the month where I’m on fire. I’m funny, sarcastic, spicy (as the new people call it), and an absolute menace to my supervisor. I simply don’t give a damn…and it’s glorious! For those weeks, I rule the world. And it’s in those weeks that the funniest things happen, provided you have a sense of humor like me. Still petty enough to engage.

‘I would never’ doesn’t even cross my mind.

____________________________

I ask you –

Anyone catch the song lyrics?

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

Does this mean war?

Recently, I was quite taken aback at the request to remove “Dr” from my name. According to the requestor, it did not align with their commission’s requirements. I politely declined to follow their recommendations. Instead, I pushed back against the entirety of the system, calling them out for pursuing administrative burden for job seekers. Not a battle, but a war.

And I’ll continue signing it any way I want.

With daylight saving time on Halloween (of all days), I thought we could all use a little reminder of what is important. My sanity! A sweet friend sends out daily emails with good news, funny jokes, and, my personal favorite, Wellness Wednesday. A recent email resulted in the graphic above and I have been sharing it far and wide. For the mental battles, of course.

Funnily, while she’s sending encouragement, I’m sending a Wednesday email about how to be a better leader, mentor, or coworker, with the title “From the Doc (not me, a different doc) -“. Send me your email address and I’ll add you to my distro.

For mini, Wellness Wednesday is the bane of her existence. She loathes it because it means running laps. At her young, sparky age, she has yet to embrace the coexistence of running with long-term fitness. But she’ll get there. Just another battle.

Aren’t we all fighting one thing or another.

____________________________

I ask you –

What battles are you fighting?

And have you won the war?

(The post Does this mean war? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Hello, Fall!

This time of year is definitely my favorite. Afterall, it includes my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. The bugs have finally all died and disappeared. The weather is perfect for running. And one can safely hide the extra pounds that may come from extra baking. Hello, sweaters!

Zombie Run 5k – Team Fitness

From the annual Zombie Run to some much-needed rainfall, Texas hasn’t started off too badly. I do believe it missed the fall memo though. We went from 90 degrees to 40 degrees. Fall typically lies somewhere in the middle but who am I to complain. I’ll take anything below 80 degrees. But, wouldn’t you know I felt like crap the first few days the weather was ideal for running. Figures. Nonetheless, I have hope this too shall pass and I’ll be out enjoying it soon.

tell me you have PMS in one photo

Soon, there will be posts of running, negative splits, and holiday baking. Those are my favorite!

____________________________

I ask you –

What does fall mean to you?

(The post Hello, Fall! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

More Random Photos with Captions

It took nearly a year but I was finally able to overhead press 60 lbs. I can remember trying to do it the first time and being sorely disappointed when it became evident there was no way on Earth I could accomplish it at that time. It was ugly, it was humbling, and it became a goal I must achieve. Ta-da!

I’ve also taken a liking to Kachava, a protein powder-type of drink mix. I love to mix it with Core Power but it’s still good, albeit thin, when mixed with water. The chocolate flavor is my favorite, but Strawberry and Vanilla are also good.

The Ninja Thingy!

I bought this Ninja portable drink mixer doodad a few years ago. It has sat quietly in my office until recently, and now I’m rueing the days I had the opportunity to use it and didn’t. It’s awesome!

Spontaneous, I am not. Really no surprise. But, occasionally I get a great idea which must be accomplished near to immediately.

Mini has been talking about a Dancing with the Stars special menu at Paris Baguette since the new season began. She believed the nearest location was Pennsylvania, and happily exclaimed she was ready to pack her bags for a trip. Me, on the other hand, not so much. To compromise, I found one in DFW. 2 hour drive vs a flight. Sign me up.

Fast forward, the drink was beautiful. Presentation – spot on. Drink taste? Ehh, Mini wasn’t a fan. It was not the sweet, frothy creation she enjoys. The coffee flavor was incredible, in my opinion, but it may be because they use Lavazza, a coffee brand I am a huge fan of. Try it. However, the croissant was amazing! Crunchy yet soft – definitely her favorite part of the drink, if you don’t count the tiny mirror ball on the toothpick. It’s the details, you know?

____________________________

I ask you –

Would you (have you?) traveled a few hours for a special something related to one of your favorite shows?

(The post More Random Photos with Captions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Sentence Per Photo

Wanted: 3-4 friends who want to learn how to play Mahjong with me.

Photo by Mahmoud Yahyaoui on Pexels.com

Love this team; I’m always amazed at what they accomplish!

3QTRCY2026 Team Award

Every puzzle should be glow-in-the-dark!

This irks me – it was going well until I needed the extra weight and it messed up the entire visual.

I know this is a very random post, but I hurriedly wrote it when I realized I had arrived near the end of the week and had no blog contribution for the following week.

I’ll do better next time. No, I won’t.

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I ask you –

Have you played Mahjong?

Name something that irks you!

(The post Sentence Per Photo first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

I just can’t

A recent publication mentioned the inability to do nothing. It might have made this character trait out to be something negative, but I took no offense. Indeed, I am surrounded by many who also are ingrained with the inability to do nothing.

For example, the beautiful lady with me in the photos below. The left photo is semi-polished, “professional”, if you will. The right? Well, that’s our normal day-to-day ops. Laughing like hyenas. Usually while others stand back and watch the show. Typical.

Which brings me to my next point. Mini won student of the month for integrity. Super proud Mom moment. She, too, has an inability to do nothing, especially concerning righting wrongs. She is a loyal friend, a kind human, and a rule follower dujour. I am exceptionally proud – an “A” student, a book lover, and easily one of the most creative, bold children I know. She makes me proud, and laugh so loudly.

Course change.

For several nights, nightmares and sleeplessness plagued me. I dreamt my boss was the devil, my previous boss was seriously ill, and I kept hearing phantom knocking. Real exciting times, Kel. I wracked my brain for what could be bothering me, but arrived at zero answers. Perhaps it was just a bout of insomnia, or weather change, or general unspecified anxiety. It eventually passed. My only takeaway was this: some are frustrated where they are in life, professionally or personally, or both. I think learning to play the game is imperative, in whatever way it is for you. Some go on to live nomadic lifestyles, or expat themselves within another’s borders. That’s all well and good. But you can’t hate the game. It’s the game, it’s doing what the game does. You either learn to bend a little or you spend your entire life fighting it, most likely to succumb to death (like the rest of us) with frustration. No one is forced to play, and you certainly don’t have to like your hand, but if you choose not to change, then you can’t be surprised when the house wins.

____________________________

I ask you –

Do you have someone in your life who makes you laugh wildly?

Tell me – do you play the game or do you expend your energy fighting it?

(The post I just can’t first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Monthly Recap – September Edition

Not a humble brag, but I must share how funny it is to me when people act shocked I do strength training. My claim to fame – does infamous count – is running, not lifting.

For many years, I would run during the warm weather, then lift during the cool months. It was a cyclical balance and how I was trained. It worked so why not.

During last October’s 43-day furlough, who’s counting, I devoted more time to strength training, specifically employing a two-a-day method: a run/walk and a lift. For mental health, it was awesome! For physical health, holy crap! I got stronger, leaner, and the scale began to budge in incremental decreases.

When I added creatine this past Spring, I felt as if I unlocked the code for my body. Sure, there are days when I don’t have a lot of motivation. Creatine can’t fix that! But I regularly complete two-a-days, and I’ve now completed 8 strength training routines of 5-6 weeks each. I genuinely enjoy lifting, even if running is my true love.

So what else happened in September? I don’t know, I slept some? I completed a leadership cohort course, I was well on my way to death by heat, and I was selected for a fitness course slated to begin the end of October – the AF equivalent of a Navy CFL, which I was in my prior life. Definitely more to come on that subject.

I might have completed one puzzle in September, but I’ve picked it back up again. My closet collapsed – an entirely other ordeal of epic crap. I’m on a self-imposed shopping sabbatical. And I recall eating a lot of cake.

September was busy, but not as busy as the next few months, I’m sure. More to come!

____________________________

I ask you –

Tell me a few things about your September.

(The post Monthly Recap – September Edition first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)