There's nothing like running nearly 5 miles with an Egg McMuffin at the half-way mark on a gorgeous morning. :) I am bored easily and therefore am trying to find ways to make my runs more interesting. You would think I run 20 miles to have a chance to get bored, but nope--I get bored after about two or three. I am, of course, a new runner and hope to gradually increase mileage. Right now, 3.5 is as long as I go without walking, but know, even then, I could run another mile or more if I didn't talk myself out of it. Until then, I am having fun mapping out routes that end at yummy destinations. Yesterday, it was a 3.3 mile route ending at Tropical Smoothie. Because I have to walk home then, I am still able to burn calories-- food in hand! Tomorrow, I am thinking a Subway breakfast sandwich is a good idea. I LOVE food, and if it motivates me to run farther, then awesome!

Four more days until Phoebe comes home!!! I can't wait! She was supposed to come up by car with her grandmother yesterday, but plans changed. She is now flying up on Wednesday with her friend and a friend of Olivia's. Their friends will be visiting for a week. We have many fun things planned such as seeing Harry Potter 7 in IMAX, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and Hershey Park. I am sure shopping will be on their agenda as well. But that they will have to do that on their own because I'd rather get a filling than shop at the mall. Now that I can no longer shop at Gymboree for my "little girls", shopping has completely lost its appeal.

Today, Olivia and I plan on continuing our organizing frenzy begun yesterday. She turned their bedroom and closet upside down making it look absolutely amazing! I organized my desk and the school supplies as I plan on ordering this years school books in the next week or so.

Well, I'm off to do chores! :) Happy Saturday all.

Can I just start by saying that I NEVER want summer to end? I just love this season, and seeing school supplies in Walmart the other day reminded me that another school year will indeed arrive despite my objections.

Olivia and I have been having a fun week trying to stay busy while Phoebe is visiting friends and family in North Carolina. We lived near Wilmington, NC for ten years, and my girls will always consider it "home". But Olivia and I miss Phoebe so much! She flew down on Wednesday and will be traveling back Friday the 15th by car with my mother-in-law. She will be bringing one of her best friends, Heather, with her to visit with us for a week. They have been friends since the first grade, and I am thrilled that she is able to spend time with her even if it's lonely here without her.

Tonight Olivia and I are going to Barnes and Noble. It's been a favorite "hang out" spot for us for over ten years. We used to do our homeschool lessons at the Barnes and Noble in North Carolina, and I spent many hours studying for my college exams there. Thank God for Frappucinos and stuffed pretzels!!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention--- my ankle is BETTER!!!! I am so incredibly thankful and happy :) I was able to run over 3 miles for the last three days without a problem, so I am ready to add some mileage and see how it goes. I may even go for a second run this evening. I like running twice a day. (Mostly because I can eat more!) I've had ice cream three times this week! So far, Lapp Valley Farm Peanut Butter Ripple is my favorite!

I haven't posted in awhile (obviously). I don't like to "talk" when I am irritated and for approximately the last two weeks, I have been a little bit perturbed. Why? Well, as it turns out, I have really started to like running. It's quite miraculous because a month ago I still despised it, but did it because it was the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to burn calories. I progressed at a snails pace, but gradually increased speed and distance. Then one day, about a month ago, I said to myself, "that was sort of fun." I'm not sure if that's exactly how it went, but I have started to really like running: there is something about not needing anything but a pair of sneakers-- and truly you don't even need them. I am all for minimalism.

So, now back to why I was irritated: INJURY! I am still not sure if I hurt my Achilles or peroneal tendon (or maybe it was neither), but what I do know is I could barely walk let alone run. Talk about frustrating! I believe it had something to do with running on sand over vacation. I had just cancelled my YMCA membership, but thankfully it is paid through mid-July so I have been able to use the recumbent bike and run in the pool while waiting for my ankle to heal. Well, last night, I was able to fast walk three miles with little pain. I am so thankful, because, honestly, I was beginning to worry that I'll never run again. I know that sounds crazy, but I can't remember ever being injured before and I was so disappointed that I just started worrying when I should have had more faith. I knew my mom, daughters, and Crystal were praying for me, and for that I am VERY thankful.

Tonight I will be heading out to walk again. My goal is to run a short distance Monday and see how my ankle responds. I'm hoping for the best!