Tired

The problem with “powering through” this final traditional course is that you (ahem, I) have failed to see the toll it’s taken on me. Like a slow burn, one may not notice the wick is gone until the candle goes out. When I’m taking it week by week, once I submit a paper, then I take a day of rest. With the power on always, it can be hard to see the light beginning to flicker. Until it goes dark. In taking strides to maximize my break before beginning the next course, to have 14 days off instead of 7, I just keep plowing ahead. And there are consequences for it.

Like the constant exhaustion. And the lack of restful sleep. Much like overtraining, it plagues me until I back off. And when I finally get a chance for uninterrupted sleep, it doesn’t feel like enough. My brain forgets to process the message that it needs to rest. Go to sleep, dammit! Hopefully by the time of this post, I’ll have realized it’s just a phase and sleep will have returned to a normal pattern. Or else I’ll have stayed up way too late to watch the Super Bowl. Priorities.

So instead of complaining, or continuing to complain, here’s a recent photo of mini with her ice cream cone. She gets it. Life is too short. Eat ice cream.

________________

I ask you –

Have you been struggling with sleep?

Do you tend to power through?

Favorite ice cream brand! Braums.

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

Which reminds me –

There was a whole week it seemed of rain and gloom and doom skies, followed by a whole week (now 2) of sunshine and nearly Spring-like temperatures. It was glorious! Obviously I took every opportunity to be outside, even if it was walking to random places to visit people I had no business with. Some of them I didn’t even know. Which reminds me – when I’m running outdoors during work hours, I realized I know at least one person at nearly every building; therefore, I know where the closest bathrooms are. This is important stuff!

Anyway, I got in several runs, even a 5k to round out January which is incredibly surprising since I only got cleared to run approx. 12 days before the end of the month. I barely made it. At Which reminds me – I’ve also completed a February 5k (via the walk and talk method…how I prefer to do business). Hopefully by the time of this post I’ve been able to get in at least 1 more run. The goal thus far is to run 3x/week. Some days I also do a strength workout, some days I’m extremely exhausted.

Which reminds me – intramural volleyball starts in March and our team is slowly taking shape. I declined participation; instead, I’ll function as assistant coach because our coach will be playing. I just didn’t think it was my best idea to play so soon after being told I could run. One or the other, Kel. I do play during the week and that’s good enough for me. However, I’m torn between trying out for the team just to prove I could play (and be selected) if I wanted to…or not trying out at all because I have nothing to prove.

This course is going swimmingly well. I’m more than halfway through – the grades are very slow coming in but I just keep writing until I get sick of it then hit submit. Thankfully, qualitative analysis is much better than quantitative analysis. For me anyway. The school auto enrolled me in the pre-dissertation course set to start late March. Which reminds me – if I want to have a full blown panic attack, probably best to do it before then because after that date it’s game on. So, essentially, there’s about 11 weeks remaining until I have to figure out my life and begin this whole “doctoral candidate” stuff. Student. Candidate. Whatever.

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I ask you –

What’s the weather like where you are located? Actual winter or summer?

Do you know where the nearest restrooms are?

Tell me something you’re reminded of!

(The post Which reminds me – first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

I Have Questions

I’m always curious about what happens to prompt someone to step in wet cement. Accident? Purposefully? What if they were running from a crime scene and this is the killer’s feet? What if?!

Credit: twatwafflezzz_ via Instagram

Maybe there’s no question here except why not? I love the ability to share what I’m feeling, going through, have gone through, and all things between because someone, somewhere is dealing with the same. And maybe they’re ashamed or fearful. So I say the hard things only they think about. Occasionally I open my mouth in the wrong forum but I also hope my heart speaks for itself, that my passion shines through, and forgiveness is given freely.

Yet I still have questions.

_____________________

I ask you –

Have you ever stepped in wet cement?

Do you question most things? Everything? Nothing at all?

Tell me something good you have going on!

(The post I Have Questions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

But That’s Where I’m At

Vision Board Event – where dozens of people go crazy with glue, magazines, and colored paper. McK, Parts, and I are making strides toward doing more creative-type projects and spending time together outside of the workplace. Not too bad to start 2024.

Now, the random: Unbeknownst to me there is specific terminology within the academia field that eludes to transitional terms. For example, whilst completing the coursework associated with a doctorate, the student is called a doctoral student. Apt. However, once the student has completed the required coursework and has begun the dissertation process, the student is now a doctoral candidate. Fancy. Also, there is a special kind of nonsense for those of us who simply can’t live without education called a Postdoc. Just as it’s spelled, it’s what a ridiculous person would do after they obtain a doctoral degree. No thank you.

Also unknown to me is the option of applying for grants and funding to further the research portion of my degree. A quick search resulted in a few Veteran-related PhD grants, as well as several scholarships. No harm in completing the applications.

Finally, no matter what others (…me) might say about the loneliness of this process, I’ve made some incredible connections, including forming relationships with others who have obtained their PhD and gone on to become professors and/or researchers. At this time, I’ve been conversing with a woman who wrote her dissertation on a subject I’m extremely interested in and am considering how to mold it into my own dissertation. She’s been kind and generous with her time, something I value greatly. More to come.

Finally, I never thought I would see the day that a few 8-10 pg assignments seemed laughable. Remind me in a few weeks how excited I always am to start writing again.

__________________

I ask you –

Any creativity-centered goals for this year?

Have you ever applied for a grant?

Tell me an absolutely ridiculous page length!

(The post But That’s Where I’m At first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

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.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

And, on the island, I do island things. Like visit coffee shops and such. I know I’ve only mentioned this one as part of other blog posts, but it definitely deserves its own place in the Caffeine Injected series!

Cafe Karma

As they have two locations on the island, I had to visit both. The original location, address mentioned below, is more traditional, smaller, and cozier. The second location is modern, spacious, and includes the option to order boba. And German chocolate cake – don’t do it. It’s a trap to make you fall in love.

Introducing Cafe Karma, a coffee shop on the beautiful South Padre Island. Specifically located at 5200 Padre Blvd Suite 101, South Padre Island, TX 78597, many of their drinks pay homage to island flavors, like coconut and mocha.

Cafe Karma started as a partnership between two men who served together in Afghanistan. What a way to reconnect. Today, they’re making espresso drinks, affogato, and other signature drinks. The original location also serves Blue Bell ice cream. My favorite. I’ve been visiting Cafe Karma for many years, each island visit. They have a few sugar free options which I enjoy, of course. Mini chose a coconut frappe, which she appeared to love! My spouse didn’t love his drink, it had hints of caramel and pecan but somehow those didn’t work too well together.

You can find out more about Cafe Karma by visiting them here. Stop by, 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.)

(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.)

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.)

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.)