Be In The Know - What is K2?

I really try to avoid thinking that things are going to "hell in a hand basket".  We saw our fair share of drugs growing up in 70's, 80's, and 90's.  I was hoping that I knew enough that not a lot would slip by me.  Teenagers are always one step ahead.

My mother in law recently moved here from Michigan.  She came with stories of K2 and Bath Salts.  I had never heard of it at the time.  I now know that kids here are doing it.  I just want to make sure everyone knows what it is.......knowledge is power. 

K2 and "Bath Salts are bad.  Here are some links with helpful information.

http://www.livescience.com/6149-fake-weed-real-drug-k2-causing-hallucinations-teens.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_cannabis

The thing is it is legal.  I haven't investigated where you can buy it here, I'm hoping it's not something as simple as Kangaroo.

I just googled "teens killed using K2" and there were 10 incidents cited on the first page including the story by mother in law shared in the first weeks of her arrival from Michigan - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CFQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wlns.com%2Fstory%2F18649257%2Fteen-killed-after-allegedly-overdosing-on-k2&ei=uYLAUJDIBIT49gSr4oDYAg&usg=AFQjCNGNL4YWOG79BFB7X_qVHLJdYI_Z3g&sig2=YiJn7fQWqSPYEHjkUdlrtA

Michigan has outlawed it, but Bath Salts/K2 is legal in most states.  Here is the most comprehensive/simple information for parents I could find http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Parents360-Synthetics-Bath-Salts-K2-Spice-Parents-Guide-FINAL-2-13-12.pdf

If you hear of kids smoking a Hookah pipe, they may be using substances like these.  Join me in not digging my head in the sand and being too scared to know the truth - ask question, talk to your kids about K2 etc.  We're in this together..........

Invoking Best "Bobism"

Today, I'm invoking what I consider one of the best "Bobism's" that I know - "Fail to plan, plan to fail".  I had a friend share their secret for executing a fun, healthy year.  Every January, they have a special day where they get out their calendar and plan on fun "healthy" events to train for - travel to - and maybe even plan vacations around.  It's the perfect execution of the my previously mentioned "Bobism".

I pulled out my calendar early, so I can share some fun things going around in the Triangle and other places so you can start your wheels turning.

This is my plan -

Last event of 2012 - Love Girls on the Run organization.  Their philosophy is
"inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident!"  They have a 5K Reindeer Run December 15 - My daughter and I have signed up for it - go to http://www.gotrtriangle.org/events/registration-now-open-sports-endeavors-reindeer-romp-gotr-end-fall-season-5k 

Spring - yes, play more tennis.  I promise.  I am committed to 4 teams and when I'm say I'm committed - I mean it.  Yes, I've been on a hiatus but it's like riding a bike for me.  I learned early.  Just give me a few good practices and things will be back on track.  I've already spoken to my favorite fitness trainer, Amy Banfer, and am coming up with good training plan to avoid injury.

Right, I'm not going to run a marathon this spring - I'm going to run a half http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/event-details - so fun.  I'm organizing couples to go to New Orleans for pre Mardi Gras/fitness fun weekend. 

Join me for the first Dirty Girl event in Raleigh - http://www.godirtygirl.com/event-schedule/?gclid=CKX_m-uig7QCFQf0nAodRC4APA - my team is "Ivy Cottage Dirty Girls".  We are in Wave 13 (11 am) and we are raising awareness for MS.  This is going to be a blast!!

This local event is not a good weekend for me, but I've heard great things about it - http://tobaccoroadmarathon.com/!!

I may try to coerce my kids into a Stylski Team for this mini Tri - http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/link-detail.asp?linkid=1943

I love this site -
http://www.active.com/ - great place to start to find events - not just running.

I'm taking the summer easy and then will start training for the Philly Marathon 2013
http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/

Wow, I'm excited.  Join me in making 2013 a great healthy year!  Find your passion - make it happen.

Christmas Mania

Oh "Christmas Mania", why did you come early this year?  and why haven't I grown out of you?  A girlfriend of mine identified my season of "Christmas Mania" about 10 years ago.  Usually around  the start of December, I suffer from insomnia and weirdly don't seem tired.  Come January, I will go into hibernation and it will take me a week of 10 hour nights and possibly some naps to recover.  I get you Mrs. Santa - I get you.

My hearts racing and I can't stop the excited feeling in my body.  I can't sleep and I happy to report I actually lose my appetite..  I can't stop making lists in my head.  I can't stop planning, decorating, shopping, .......thinking about what I'm going to eat, what I'm going to wear, what should my kids wear, should I give the mailman money, should I give the yard guys money, how much, do I really have to give the trash guys money?  should I wrap?  Oh wow, they wrap for free.  Should I stay or should I go.  When should we leave?  When should we come back?  Will my kids be happy?  Do I suck as Santa?  If you get something on sale, should you spend more $ or be happy for the deal? 

.....OMG....Stop the Madness.  I wish I could - I can't.  Maybe I don't want it to.  We all get geeked up about something.  Christmas for my family has always been a big deal.  It's a lot of pomp and circumstance and I love every second of it.  It's a celebration.  I want to get lost in the small moments of joy and never let go of them.  Join me in celebrating something.  Find something to celebrate.  Life should be a celebration.  Make it one. 

Am I More Than a Phrase

Call me a geek, but I am easily inspired by a simple phrase.  Nike's iconic, "Just Do It" may be my favorite.  It just works.

Maybe I grew up in the era of phrases.  I feel like my parents used a lot that have stuck in my head.  I use some and sometimes I laugh because my kids are like what does that mean.  Truth is I don't always know, but sometimes they just fit the situation.

We should all use my dad's phrases regarding his philosophy on school,  "Your lack of planning does not create a crisis for me",  "Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail", and "Fail now, avoid the June rush".  As my husband was helping one of our 9th graders study for a World History test at 11 pm last night, I really thought he should invoke one of these "Bobisms" (yes, that's you dad). 

Then there's the "practice makes perfect" - so annoying when it came to a musical instrument, but in the end solid advice.

"Clean as a whistle" - how I felt after this weeks colonoscopy.  If you haven't gone and you're over 50, you should.  If you live in my neck of the words, call Dr. Vallabh -919-854-2500.  Get it in before the end of the year - easy way to drop of few before the holidays.

"Colder than a well digger's ass",  and "Colder than a Witches tit", probably political incorrect but when it's cold, I can't help myself.  Since I don't know any "well diggers or witches" I feel like I'm in the clear.

"The freshmen 15" - I wish.  It was more like 28.

Yes, I completed by second marathon in my 50th year. They were both awesome. I would liken a marathon to child birth. It's hideous when you're doing it but when it's over the reward was worth the pain. Things were pretty cool until miles 21 and over.  I literally growned out loud between the 21st and 24th miles. I tried desperately to make a friend. My music sucked and I didn't have the wear with all to change it. I considered a four legged crawl.   None of these crisis techniques worked for me. In the end, "Just Do It" was the best motivation of all. 

I don't know what phrases are in or cool these days, so join me in trying to figure out how to "hashtag this"!

 

 

 

"Fifty Shades of Grey" at Fifty

Well, this is a spicy topic and due to my current blog censorship, I may not be able to tackle with perfect honesty....(feel free to stop by 220 Benwell with a bottle of wine and we can tackle "Fifty Shades of Grey" person to person).

In case you haven't heard of "Fifty Shades of Grey", I'll give you the cliff notes according to Lysa.  Basically, it's the classic harlequin romance script, but updated.  Totally rich, gorgeous, emotional baggage ridden boy meets beautiful, crazy smart, emotionally well adjusted, virgin girl.  They fall madly in love, she fixes him, they have kinky fabulous sex, get married and have beautiful babies.  He can't gift her with enough Audi's, jewelry, expensive couture, 5 Star Getaways, and "atta girls".  They can't stand to be away from each other for more than a few hours.  And yes, I'm sure - he totally exists.  Most of my friends are married to someone very similar to him.

So "Fifty Shades of Grey" at Fifty,  hmmmmmm.  How about this?

 - A double headed shower - OMG, so hot and steamy it takes my breath away.

 - Dancing With The Stars - OMG, so much skin it's like Prime time Porn.

 - A good bottle of Chardonnay at $10 or under - OMG, I can't seem to get enough.

 - Any kind of chocolate - OMG, so rich and creamy, I can't stop licking it off my fingers. 

Join me in my continued quest for orgasmic experiences, sexual or not - okay kids, not sexual, I was just saying that to get a rise out you and your teenage friends that are weirdly reading and care about an old ladies blog - give me a break.

Desperately Seeking Spirituality

Sometimes, I'm more passionate about my search for spirituality than others.  I really fight my urge to believe in reincarnation because the alternative as I quickly approach 50 doesn't seem that great (oh, I know heaven is supposed to be fantastic, but I haven't heard any first hand reports so the jury is still out for me).  A few years ago, I knew I needed something more, so we tried a different church than what we had grown up in.  For me and my kids it works.   We could shop around more I suppose, but for right now we're comfortable at http://www.crosspointe.org/  I don't believe everyone needs something new - maybe some of us just to need to revisit what we have and reconnect.  Either way, our search for spirituality is important for our emotional health.

It's okay to church shop these days.  I remember someone saying, you can't change church just because you don't like the priest - not to put words in that person's mouth, but I bet they wouldn't say that anymore  It's important to find out what works best for you and your core family while still being respectful of other family members beliefs.  It's okay to be introspective.  You don't have to just dig your head in the sand, show up, shut up and give money.   It's not scary.  It's freeing.  Church is a personal decision and a family decision.  We have let our kids have more say in how we work as a family.  I want them to be kind, thoughtful, giving, spiritual human beings not just rule followers.  If they are not screaming, kicking and crying all the way and actually ask to go sometimes, I think we've made great improvements. 

Today is Election Day and another day off school for Wake County schools.   Our church and other churches across the United States are participating in something called Election Day Communion http://electiondaycommunion.org/join-us/

Basically, it's just about sharing time connecting as a church, agreeing that we're all in this together, joined by one force in the end.  We are supposedly, "One Nation Under God".  I can't come up with anything negative with that thought and prayer.  Join me in remembering "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" a little earlier than Christmas, but good timing nevertheless. 

PS:  To my Jewish friends - Mazel Tov!

Fabulous Fall Finds

Sorry, if you don't live in NC because my first Fall find is here.  Can you say ROADTRIP???... and get to Hillsborough, NC http://www.visithillsboroughnc.com/as fast as you can.  So pretty and some of  the yummiest eats I have had in a while.  Love Gulf Rim Cafe http://www.gulfrimcafe.com/ I am still dreaming about the Fried Artichoke Taco.  I had a hot chocolate at Matthews Chocolate and can honestly say it was the best I've ever had http://dinneranddrinks.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/matthews-chocolates-in-hillsborough-nc/  and hubby loved catching the scores and chugging a beer at The Wooden Nickel http://thewnp.com/ - I'm sure there's more, but that is all I could fit in an afternoon.

If you haven't connected with my new Tarot Card/Astrology friend Philip Young, www.blackunykorn.com - now is the time.  He is offering two free cards you can draw and take home with you if you mention you heard about him thru this blog.  Just had him over for a fun girls night and everyone enjoyed the experience.

For everyone, anywhere - check out the Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl's along with J Lo's.   There are some really cute things and with Kohl's sales and discounts good deals are easily obtained.

Loved the 2 recent New York Time's best sellers: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn and "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed!  The ending of "Gone Girl" was disappointing (left author opportunity for sequel is my best guess) but still a good read.  "Wild" was a life changer for me - so inspiring, I could read it again.

Secret coffee recipe - aka Pat's Brew: put splash of vanilla extract in coffee pot, sprinkle cinnamon on coffee grinds - brew coffee like normal = pleasantly not over flavored just delicious cup of Joe.

Clocks back this weekend.  Join me in not forgetting and not complaining when I can't keep my eyes open after 9 PM next week.







 

What To Tell My Sons

First, you will never find anyone like your mom - but if you are lucky you will come close.

Secondly, I get rights of first refusal. 

Thirdly, you cannot live here after the age of 25; okay 30, but that is my final offer.

I love and adore you, but you confound me.  My want for you is to be successful, happy, healthy adults.  That's all I ever wanted - it's an unwavering want filled with unconditional love that I know you are going to test.

Join me in having simple wants........

Editors Note - Although, I struggle to get the boys to read anything of educational value - someone has indeed clued them into my blog.  I lost a $5 bet to one yesterday that I did not specifically mention his name. 

So Gentlemen,

Since you're reading and your friends are reading and I did tweet this - here goes.........

If you both don't get a B or better on your big World History test today there is NO STATE FAIR this weekend.  Enjoy your Wednesday fellas.

It's Ratings Time B#$%^&*

Love this video that made a huge splash recently on Facebook etc.  I don't know of a tennis lady that doesn't get a chuckle out of it.

But as we all know it's not all fun and games out on the courts or behind the scenes.  There's a little pain behind the humor.  Our club lets the members/ladies put together teams.  Some teams vote players in (soriety style), most teams are captain's choice.  Other clubs/tennis facilities put teams together for the players.  It's a lose/lose situation for the professionals.   Let's be honest, they make $ from being on every one's good side.    I beg for a solution to the madness.  Nothing good comes from middle aged recreational athletes making judgement calls about others peoples abilities.

So ratings based on your Spring USTA tennis performance come out here in NC in mid November. Literally, by mid September people are jockeying for position, "making new tennis friends", creating firestorms to see what shakes out etc. based on what they think is going to happen.  If  you don't know already, there's some boot leg way to find out what your early rating is by going in to USTA through an Atlanta Team link because they have access to "early ratings".  Now, these are not for sure ratings just early indicators. 

The usual definition of a "friend" is one whom one knows, likes and trusts.  I maintain this rarely exists on the tennis court.  I rarely play tennis for fun.  I need the competition to make it fun for me.  You have to find a group that thinks the same as you.   Losing is never fun.  Losing with friends is no different.  So I never understand the "we want to have a team of friends, that just wants to have fun together".   USTA leagues are not for fun.  They are serious competition.  If you want to play tennis for fun - call your friends or make sure you join other leagues that are supposed to be "social tennis". 

My almost 75 year old mom recently was asked to not return to her paid round robin court time at her club because according to the b%^&*& in charge, "she wasn't up to their standard of play". Really? So a lady with 2 knee replacements awaiting hip replacement surgery can't show up to play for fun? Nice - ladies, nice.  I don't want to be one of those ladies.

My own words of tennis wisdom that I love to share, "if you don't get picked for a team maybe it's because the other players don't think you are as good as you think you are".............

Which brings me to my solution.  Join me in being confident in your abilities and if you're not then maybe you need a lesson, more practice, or more play time.  Be comfortable being a free agent.  It's like that old game where you line up 2 rows of people and you see who is comfortable being picked.  I was always the picker.  It my younger years, I would never have been comfortable on the sidelines waiting to be picked.  I've changed.  I've matured.  I'm comfortable that I'll get picked.  Wait till ratings come out to form teams.  People will move down and some will move up.  Be patient - wait to be picked.  It's humbling - but worth it.  And if patience isn't your strong suit, be a captain and do the picking.  It's that easy.

Side note - USTA Fall Combo sucks.  Am I saying this because I"ve gotten my a$% kicked?  Absolutely - but......the USTA created this type of league play to foster relationships between levels and build a teaching sort of environment.  This is not reality folks.  Combo is only fun if you are under rated.   Trust me - I know - I've been there.

Thank you Dr. Obvious!

My Philly marathon is a little over 6 weeks away.  I've been training for 8 weeks and I've had a few setbacks.  There was Labor Day weekend and too many margaritas (that was fun), there was the Achilles tendinitis, and then there was a little trip to the ER for  back spasms that literally brought me to my knees.  You may think I'm a little cracked, but I'm going to keep going.

I was at my sons football game a week ago.  One of my friends who is a big workout guy says, you know everything you do is on a hard service - road running - tennis.  You should probably do more cross training, chore work and stretching.

Well, thank you Dr. Obvious!  You are correct.  I have a little workout at the gym that I love that mostly involves upper body and chore.  I've just spent a few weeks in PT for my Achilles and they emphatically said if you don't stretch more you are going to be in serious trouble.

I'm heeding all advice. I was neglecting to do the other physical things I need to do to make running possible.  Marathon training, gym time and tennis take a lot of time and although it may appear that I have endless hours to do nothing (like blogging) it's not true; I'm just a very good multi tasker.  So sorry tennis buddies, but this alpha female at the moment prefers 2 hours on the road with head phones to a tennis match.  Physically, it's too much to do both.  I'm on a tennis hiatus.  Not permanent - watch out for me in the spring.  I'm only doing 1/2's after November I promise. 

Join Me in not neglecting the most important parts of being well rounded and fit - it can't just be one thing  - (even tennis)!

What To Tell My Daughter

In the words of a very dear friend's mother, "Marriage is not reform school.  What you see is what you get".  Oh yes, wise one... those are words to pass on....

Now, don't get me wrong.  I want my daughter to experience great love, great romance, great passion and I can't say much more cause she actually enjoys snooping on my blog.  She has an adorable boyfriend and they seem to enjoy a great friendship.  See this is where adults need a secret venue to share more thoughts that can't be read by their kids; similar to the reason that kids are no longer on Facebook (due to moms like me) and all have Twitter accounts and have made secret pacts to not let parents in.  Whatever........!!!!  Listen Zuckerman - the USTA has figured out a way to do 2 adult leagues - 18 and up and 40 and up - surely you can figure out the same for Facebook?!

What I am happy to share is this.........Be confident.  Be sure of what you need to make you happy.  Don't make any compromises on your expectations ever when making any romantic commitment.   Be selfish and single as longggggggggg as you can.  Never give up a way to be independent financially (I'm not trying to beat a dead horse. but it deserves another mention). 

Marriage may become only necessary as a way to legitimize your family.  Take Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.  They said they weren't going to marry unless it was legal for everyone.  Now, there's rumors they will marry.  The only reason I see this happening is because they are getting a lot of pressure from their children.  Children are the reason to marry and stay married.  I can't think of another critical reason at the moment, but I'll keep working on it.

This brings me to the stay at home mom vs working mom dilemma.  This is easy.  If  the smell of brownies in the oven don't give him a hard on, I strongly suggest keeping your day job.  If you meet a Renaissance man who adores the idea of June Cleaver - good for you.  But I think I've given you fair warning of the pitfalls of this choice.

Remember, mommy is always here for you.  Please don't ever go too far and leave me alone with all these boys - join me in my quest for you to be unencumbered for a very long time!

Meet My New Tarot/Astrology Friend

Philip Young, PHD @ http://blackunykorn.com/, 919-971-6818

This isn't my first foray into Tarot Card readings, but I finally did something I wanted to for a long time and that was to delve into more detail of my astrology/birth chart.  Interesting doesn't begin to describe the experience (all good).  I am still digesting and honestly need to go back now to ask more specific questions.

I went to a Western Wake Farmers Market benefit to support my friend

Juliann ZoetmulderPresident at Western Wake Farmers' Market.  Philip had donated an Astrological reading to the Silent Auction.  I was so excited.  I love that my friend that I was with commented that she didn't know that I was so into astrology.  I said, "Seriously Dude? I have my Sun Sign tattooed on my ass".  Really it's in the area commonly referred to as tramp stamp, so I knew she had seen it before.

 

Anyway, if you have ever considered doing something a little out of the ordinary, but in a very normal environment by a very reputable person and PHD I might add - call him.  Join me in being open to all types of spirituality - you never know where you'll get your next motivation from without a little research.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batten Down The Hatches

I have 3 teenagers; 1 saintly girl (or at least smart enough to appear saintly) and 2 adorable and ready for trouble almost 15 year old boys.  All 3 are in high school and this is my motto for the next 4 years.

"Batten down the hatches".  Definition - "to prepare yourself for a difficult period by protecting yourself in every possible way.  Usage notes: When there is a storm, ships batten down the hatches (= close the doors to the outside) as protection against bad weather."

I would liken this to why I am now glad that I have a security system installed and operating in my home.  It is not necessarily to keep the bad guys out as much as it is to keep the good guys in.  I am well aware that even good kids do bad things.  It's my job to make sure that opportunity for trouble stays at a minimum.  My plan is not foolproof and I'm going to need all of your support.

I don't know if this is a news flash to you, but kids sneak out - all the time.  Now, my daughter who has matured to the ripe old age of 16 1/2 acts like this is a passe past time of like 8th graders.  Say what???!!!!  I don't want to know more.

I caught on to the boys sneaking out because they weren't smart enough to shut the garage door on the way back in  - not 1 time but 2x. - seriously!  Then there's the walks to Kangaroo that seemed like a constructive use of time early summer.  Hey, I thought a little exercise, reasonable expense for endless refill of drinks - all good fun - until I found the condoms from Kangaroo.  Now, I believe there was a certain normal experimentation that was going on with those (water balloons possibly), but bottom line - bad plan!!!!!!!!!

Our village playground/park where we live is now a danger/drug zone.  If your teenagers are hanging out there and I'm guilty of occasionally letting mine  - I would put an immediate stop to it.  I'm working on it.  Sometimes they still pull one over on me.  Nothing good is going on with groups of teenage boys and girls hanging out together with no adult supervision.  If you think it sounds like a bad idea - it is.  Trust your gut.  Let's stick together.  We need to go retro parent.  Remember calling to make sure there are actually parents home when you kid goes somewhere?  This needs to happen - every time.  The one time you don't is the time there's a "Project X" party in the works. I've been getting the "your the only parent that cares so much".  I know that is not true.

Good news.  You may not see the aforementioned teenage boys on the roads in Cary anytime soon and I think this is rocket science.  You have to take and pass a week long Drivers Ed class to qualify for your Permit test.  I am never signing them up for this.  If they can figure it out good for them but they have  to have my signature.  As it looks now, the soonest they could get in would be next summer which means the earliest they could be licensed would be almost 17.  They have not caught on to this yet and it gives me a good private laugh daily (and these are hard to come by at their expense).

My goal for the next 4 years is simple.  No jail time.  No permanent physical harm to themselves or others.  No grandchildren...  and a High School diploma in 4 years..

Help me out here and join me in over parenting for just 4 more years!

Dammed If I Do and Dammed If I Don't

Yes, I recently took a little trip by ambulance to the Western Wake Emergency Room.

This is what led up to the trip.

Had a big training week for my marathon - 38 miles.  I may have gone a little overboard.  I was trying to make up for partying and not training Labor Day weekend.  The weather had turned and it was so nice the mileage felt good, but my chronic back pain reared it's ugly head.

Origination of back injury -  I was the lucky recipient sophomore year in college of the top bunk.  I took an accidental tumble out one night ( I would guess no specifics required).  I lacerated my chest and bruised myself a little.  I went to basketball practice anyway and favored that side of me.  Weirdly, it kind of threw my back out and it has never been the same. So it's a weak spot that occasionally flares up and I've seen a chiropractor for years to maintain a relatively healthy back.

So some needed R&R timed itself perfectly with a planned little getaway to the beach with my tennis buddies.  We left Saturday, played a little tennis on Sunday, and enjoyed some mimosa's on the beach Sunday afternoon.  The mimosa's led to some unbelievably great buzzed boogie boarding that I definitely regretted later that night - little more ouchie but still seemed worth it at the time.

Ran an easy 6 miles Monday, dealt with a head cold Tuesday, played a singles match against a girl still in her baby making years Wednesday (lost in 3rd set tiebreaker on hard courts) - woke up and was definitely feeling a little more ouchie.  Took an ibuprofen, powered up and met my team for another match on Thursday am.  Courts very slippery and ended up taking nice fall (opponent said it looked like I did a push up when falling) and then slipped again in the mud at back of court.  This was the straw that literally broke the camels back. 

By nighttime, I had to be helped into bed.  By the 4:10 am potty break I passed out on way back to bed from pain; slept for awhile in fetal position by bed where I landed after first pass out; tried getting up and passed out again.  At this point, standing was not an option and that's when 911 and ambulance were called into action.  Basically, the verdict was muscular nothing broken and not much to do for me but manage the pain. 

I spent this past weekend very doped up in need of bib to catch my drooling.  I slept a lot.  I don't remember much.  I went to the Back Institute in Cary and they verified what had already been stated - muscular pain - manage the pain, but don't stop doing what I want to do.  There's a part of me that is celebrating the great news and another part that is incredulous that there is not a more intense reason for my pain.  Back spasms hurt that is for sure.

So that's it.  They said run, play tennis, keep going.  I said that I actually felt other things hurting even though I hadn't done anything in a few days.  The female physician assistant said, "yes, sometimes the less you do the more you hurt".

If you're like me there's a new ache or pain that I could complain about everyday, but I'm going to continue to be active and ignore them and I've been given the green light by medical professionals to do just that.  Soldier on.  Power Up.  Join me -  and maybe keep some prescripton drugs handy for emergencies and no I'm not sharing so don't ask.

Partying in the Club

Editors Note - this blog in no way contains dire warnings of the state of my union - just tongue in cheek observations.

Over 40 - oh the trials and tribulations of long term committed relationships.  Over 40 and married for awhile, have a few kids, mortgage, and other financial obligations - romance can be challenging.  Life goes on, relationships change.  Some make it - some don't.  There are 4 over 40 marriage clubs.  They have revolving doors and you can find yourself in different clubs at different times.  I am not a romantic.  Marriage long term is about money.  Money is power.  Money is sexy.  Why you get in, stay, can or can't get out.  Money is why spouses kill each other.  I'm not suggesting in anyway you let it get to that point.  I did just come home from a girls weekend, so I'm full of husband bashing stories.   I heard this great line.  "If I had offed him when I first thought of it, I would be out by now".   True that sister!

The "Happily Ever After Amen Club" -  These are couples that enjoy a mutually beneficial intimate relationship, mutual compassion, mutual respect and seem to possess an understood spiritual connection.  Bills come and go, kids are a constant joy, and they enjoy spending time together.  When I'm drunk, I think this is a possibility.

The "Cheaper to Keep Her Club" -  Men think this is a secret men's club.  I feel obligated to put it out there.  You probably need to figure out if you're in this club.  The problem is some will eventually accrue enough cash to split without damaging their lifestyle and they don't have to keep you anymore.  You need to be ready.  You  need to be aware that this is a grim possibility.

"Fake It till You Make It" - My solution for sisters that find themselves in "The Cheaper to Keep Her Club".  I say, "get your shit together"!  Get happy, get fit, get your hair done, go shopping, have lots of girl friends, and enjoy life now.  At some point, the coast may clear and you can make your own break for it, and at least it will be on your terms. 

"Money Doesn't Matter Club"  - Millionaires, recipients of family money, trust fund kids, and celebrities.  They can marry, divorce, remarry again.  It doesn't matter.  Money is never the deciding issue.  They can afford to be romantic.  They're with someone new every 8-10 years.  It's easy to be full of romance and idyllic happiness if you get to perpetually trade in and go thru the newness of love over and over again..

I am definitely in the stage of life where I see a lot of marriages crumbling.  I get it, but I also know this - it's what most people want.  People want the comfort and safety of being in a commited relationship.  Just because you don't think your spouse is perfect, don't delude yourself into thinking that someone else won't.  Some people's trash is other people's treasure.  Can you imagine your spouse with someone else?  Do you want your kids to be parented by someone else?  Do you not think that 10 years down the road, you are going to have the same complaints about someone new that you have in your relationship now.  At least you have a known low.

Money may be the deciding factor of how or why a marriage ends, but I won't let it define me.  I won't let it pigeon hole me in a club.  "Easy for you to say, you don't make the money".  My response, "careful, I may not make it, but I can take it".

Join me in living a life that is about more than just money.  If you could also find me a salmonella egg salad recipe, I'll take a look.

Move Over Kardashians

Dear Ryan Seacrest,

Seriously, you need to call me.  I have material for you that blows the Kardashians away.  Yes, I enjoy them.  The Kardashians, Bachelor/Bachelorette, and Bachelor Pad are I swear my only current guilty pleasures.  But their material is old, staid, boring.  We need to shake things up and that's why calling me is a necessity for your future success.

Take the recent episode of the Kardashians where Kris Jenner had her 20 something old boob job redone.  Wow, that's all you got.  My mom had breast reconstructive surgery (due to estrogen induced breast cancer in the 80's) and now has a boob with no nipple.  She's almost 75 and she wants a tattoo.  She thinks she should tattoo a tennis ball on her reconstructed boob as a nipple as a nod to her passion for the game of tennis.  I say, "that is one of the best ideas for reality TV (and idea in general) that I have ever heard!"

Bruce and Kris Jenner have made numerous references to Bruce taking a pill to help with their sex life.  How about meeting your dad in the driveway for lunch and he has a bloody nose from mixing too much Cialis with Blood Pressure medicine.  Now, that's a dicey twist the Kardashians haven't thought of...........

And that leads me to my last teaser Ryan.  Kendall and Kylie were recently shown rifling thru their mom's closet for Gucci sunglasses, Channel purses, and other assorted designer clothing.  Me, well when cleaning out under one of my 14 year twin boys beds, I found a stolen and most likely recycled "Passion Party" sleeve under the bed.  (You'll have to google this item if you don't know what it is).  Now, that is unbelievably great, knee slapping, crazy reality TV stuff and I'm serving it up to you free (at the moment).

So pass this on to Kris when you chat.  I get her.  I get the wine guzzling, the sneaky smokes, the little nips and tucks, the cougar stuff, and even the grunting during tennis that embarrasses her kids.  But I've up'd the ante.  My stories are better.  No Ryan, I don't want you to join me - I want you to call me.

Seriously, dude.  These are real life stories.

Something to Say

I'm back to blogging today - mainly because I feel like I still have something to say and jeez, my little sister started a blog http://alisonguzzio.wordpress.com/ recently and I can't let her steal all my thunder (jk).........  just timing issue.

Congrats to my long time friend Nan Lammers for becoming, "Iron Nan" (her families nick name for her) yesterday or "Ironwoman" I would say since it sounds like "I am woman" one of my favorite Helen Reddy songs.  What an achievment an Ironman competition is.  Awesome job!!

I recently met someone whose competing in a Triathlon this coming weekend.  His name is Pat and this is his inspiring story.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M_nyIfgFss  My sisters will be there to cheer this awesome guy on.

A group of us are signed up to run the http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/ on November 17.  I ran my first and only marathon so far this past March.  It was grueling, but the feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming and hard to verbalize.  Overcoming obstacles of pain and other discomforts along the road of 26. 2 miles is something that comes in handy in daily living is my simplest explanation that I can offer of why people should try to push themselves to achieve an athletic feet.  I was encouraged to try a marathon by a friend on my street.  In conversation, she said, "Lysa, you should try a marathon, you could do it!"  I said no I didn't want to get hurt.  She offered to send me the training that she has used and survived.  I picked a race and I was on my way.

I'm passing on this simple message.  You can do it.  Pick something.  Sign up.  Find a friend.  Train.  Show up and complete it.  You got this.  It truly is that easy.  Right nan? 

Join me!