Daily Driver

We traveled a lot of hours together recently to move her storage unit contents closer to home. Travel, sort, load = 10 hours. Travel, unload = 1.25 hrs. Well worth it. Considering we’d both been dreading this for nearly 3 yrs, I think we did a great job and had a lot of laughs along the way!

It’s apparent we should have our own podcast. If you think I’m funny…haHA! Parts is a riot.

Except when she made me drive myself, like a peasant, to work 2 days in a row. And, the first day, it hailed resulting in numerous dents. To be fair, she got a cracked windshield out of it so I’m not truly complaining about my dents. Inside the fitness center, it sounded like WWIII. Alas, no major injuries were reported, just lots of broken windows.

Now that I’ve returned to my chauffeured-lifesyle, I’m sure I’ll never see hail again. One can only hope.

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I ask you –

How many times have you moved?

Have you ever suffered hail damage?

Tell me your thoughts on carpooling! Big fan, as long as it’s with Parts.

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

Photos and Minimal Explanations

Why do they keep tempting me?!

Spring is my favorite!

We’re 4-0!

L -> R: Jordan, Beth, Sam, Brittany, me, April, and Roland (not pictured: Jarrod and Tina)

First, Parts got me addicted to Starbucks frappes. Now, we’ve progressed to HTeaO. The unsweetened coconut tea is divine.

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I ask you –

Will you try the newest Blue Bell ice cream?

What is your least favorite flavor?

You can only pick one: unsweetened tea or coffee. You already know…

(The post Photos and Minimal Explanations first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Another Miscalculation!

I’ll do my best at this analogy – a PhD is somewhere between childbirth and the stomach bug…very exciting but makes you very nauseous. In keeping (mostly) with my tradition of not looking ahead at courses because hello, nauseous I realized some time ago that I wasn’t doing myself any favors and probably should plan more for what’s ahead. Control the controllables and all that. And it worked out.

Taking my new bag from The Note Bags with me!

Then, it came to a point where I needed to repeat the looking ahead process and I got a little shocked when I believed I would be completing the actual fieldwork part of this research next Spring (a year from now). Instead, I will spend the summer writing the lit review (which is actually great timing) and the fall is dedicated to the research and methods portion. Great, I was an entire season off in my calculations. Sure, it sounds like no big deal, why stress when we haven’t even made it through spring yet much less summer. But that’s what I do. I stress!

I know for sure I’m going to the border. Despite some who have attempted to talk me out of it, that’s where my research will take me. Surely my limited, rusty Spanish, sarcasm, and wit will keep me out of trouble and prevent inadvertent kidnappings. I talk too much to be a valuable asset. This is why…border communities are stigmatized. Much to my point of going there!

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I ask you –

Have you heard of The Note Bags?

What are your stress levels like? 30. Minimum.

Go ahead – give me your best safety advice.

(The post Another Miscalculation! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Tip Toe’ing

…thru the tulips!

It’s a good thing the expedition called for tiptoeing because my knees are very bruised from volleyball but we’re undefeated so I can’t complain too much. Also, a day after turning 38, I managed to bust all the blood vessels in my middle finger putting the volleyball net away. Not my middle finger! I need that one! This is why…I have spare parts.

Back to the tulips, the Texas Tulips located in Pilot Point, TX. Only accessible about 6 weeks out of the year, it’s a fun getaway, one I didn’t know anything about until a few weeks ago. Spring Break presented the perfect opportunity.

I might have also overindulged in sushi and cookies. Both were incredible! If you’re in the DFW area, Sushi Axiom is one of my favorites. I probably should have taken a photo but I ate it all before considering the photo op. For the cookies, Insomnia Cookies is the way to go. Only available near college campuses, they’re open until 0200ish and offer delivery of warm, fresh cookies to your doorstep. Not kidding.

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I ask you –

What are your favorite flowers?

Have you heard of Insomnia Cookies?

Any idea on the origin of the word tiptoe?

(The post Tip Toe’ing 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.)

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.

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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.)

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!

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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.)

RoF – Caffeine Injected

It’s been too long since I shared a new coffee establishment!

Trinity Street Coffee Bar

There was an ice skating mishap that resulted in a Black Friday jaunt to a gigantic mall replete with a (real) ice skating rink. Of course, there’s not enough coffee in Texas to make me not need an extra dose of caffeine so I googled and found this hidden gem in downtown Decatur.

Introducing Trinity Street Coffee Bar, apparently a local favorite. Not too far off Hwy 287 (110 N Trinity St, Decatur, TX 76234) it exists on a sleepy square of other reputable establishments, like a burger place and antique store, among others. If only I’d had more time to explore. They also host a whiskey club, wine club, and social run on regular days of the month. And they’re open late!

For my order, I got my usual latte made with heavy cream and sugar free vanilla. Turns out they roast and sell their own magical beans! Indeed, it was a delicious cup of coffee; not too bitter or burnt tasting like many of the places I’ve tried. Clearly it was pretty good because I usually wait until at least the 2nd try before posting.

Needless to say, next time I’m headed toward anywhere east of Texas, I’ll be stopping by! You can find out more about Trinity Street Coffee Bar 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.)

Baltimore, in photos

Funny how some time alone recharges your batteries (jokes) and provides genuine reflection of your aspirations. Highly recommend!

Start ——> End

A quick work-related trip to Baltimore was exactly what this chick needed. Me. I am the chick.

A lot of pizza and beer were consumed. We walked approx 842 miles/day. We met lots of people. And we didn’t get arrested! I have dozens of other photos but I’d be here all week if I tried.

The highlight of the trip was this incredible library, the George Peabody Library, located at Johns Hopkins University. Awe inspiring. I truly have no words to convey how amazing it was.

Below I’ve listed and linked some of the places we patronized. Baltimore, you were amazing!

The Horse You Came In On Saloon – oldest operating saloon in America; said to be the final place Edgar Allan Poe was seen at before his death

Thames Street Oyster House – where we ate raw oysters and McK had her very first lobster roll

Lexington Market – originally, we went inside to locate Faidley’s Seafood; however, they were under renovation but their other location is only a block away so we went there instead (see second group of photos, top right). Eventually, we returned to the Market and purchased sweet treats from Market Bakery which is well-known for their Berger cookies. And now for the snickerdoodle cheesecake.

Pub Dog – best pizza, beer, and service in all of Baltimore, in my humble opinion. Of course, the company makes it the best and we befriended an incredible, beautiful lady, KJ.

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I ask you –

Have you ever been to Baltimore? Thoughts?

Are you interested in old libraries?

Tell me something you look for when visiting new places!

(The post Baltimore, in photos first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Out & Abouts

The truly funny part about the title of this post is that it’s significant in the military realm to indicate ensuring the base populace is not out doing nefarious things during the witching hours, aka being kids as kids will be. For me, it just means a week or so of constant activities.

Starting with Oktoberfest in Muenster! Mini had the time of her life with the help of a very popular aunt duo. I received about an hour of uninterrupted time to myself to peruse the wares and engage in a rather inappropriate but oh so funny conversation with a pre-mental health/post-correctional facility turned earring designer vendor. I saw his uterus and his boo-bies. Don’t ask.

It’s finally feeling fall-ish in North Texas so every chance to run is on my list. Thus far, I make it out about 3-4 days/wk. Heaven on earth. The 40s are encroaching – I can’t wait!

Finally, I stayed up late one night to facilitate the usage of my facility for something called Midnight Madness which really just looked more like a lot of amateur basketball players going hard for a few mins, then walking a lot. The real problem stemmed from my decision to accommodate this event while also conveniently forgetting I had another event the next day and would be suffering from a severe lack of sleep. This is how I take breaks! Which turned into an even longer night than anticipated when ego overtook common sense and involved the use of uniformed officers. Exactly what I needed at 1am.

With the addition of my wingwoman, we made it through a very long week. And witnessed the eclipse!

Wingwoman!

Indeed, the Women’s Conference was a welcomed reprieve from the movement of real life. I had an incredible day with incredible women of faith and love; and I got to spend quality time with my sweet niece who I’m still struggling to understand is now an adult. Love is watching the people you adore grow up and into themselves.