A breath of fresh air

I ran the first three miles with Jade.  During the second three, I sped up and did four strides.  I felt great and enjoyed the run.

Lars said he likes finals week.  You can stay home and study.  Then you go to campus, take a test for a couple of hours, and then you get to go home again.  I think he's also enjoying a break from his group.  They did at least twenty case studies together.

Jade, Will, and I ran up to the neighborhood.  Another enjoyable run.  We talked about games we made up as kids.  I really like Jade and her sister's game, "Oops! Sorry, Miss."  They would stand on opposite sides of the room and take turns calling out a body part.  Whatever body part was named like elbows, they had to walk across the room with their elbows sticking out.  Of course, they bumped into each other with the named body part and said, "Oops! Sorry, Miss."  They also played hide the magazine.

Will was a bit uncomfortable during the second half, but still great company to have around.

We were out of sugar and I wanted to make pumpkin bread for some friends for Christmas.  So Will and I ran to the store.  Actually, we ran past the store and grabbed the sugar on the way home.  The temperature was 26 degrees and the wind chill was 19.  It didn't feel that cold.  The day before the temperature was the same, but today felt warmer.  I think that's because we went today at 2:30 and yesterday we didn't get out the door until almost 4 pm.

Will and I put a few pennies in the Salvation Army bucket.  (Actually, Will had fallen asleep for his second nap of the day.)  The bell ringer said thank you and after I got the groceries situated in the jogging stroller's basket--I bought grapes, too--the bell ringer then said, "She off!"  It made me smile.  I am still smiling thinking about it.

Jade and I went exploring today.  We ran a new route which is more of a loop.  It was nice to have a change of scenery.  We talked about learning how to drive a manual.  Jade stalled straight through three green lights one time during the first week of driving a stick shift.  And I cried the first three times I tried to learn.  But, we both overcame the fear of the manual transmission.

I forgot some big news.  I found a marked trail that gets plowed!!  I ran on it today and yesterday.  It starts a mile and a half from my apartment.  A mile farther away than the other trail, but I'll take it!

Tomorrow we're driving to Columbus.  I am not going to run, but I'll still be able to make it to 25.  I've been sewing again this week, but mostly helping a couple friends with their Christmas projects.  It's been a sewing party at my home for the past three nights.  Jade wanted to make a brown pillow case for the body pillow she bought her sister-in-law. She had sewed once in eighth grade and I didn't have a pattern, but it turned out excellent--very professional. Mary Lynn, another friend, and I made Christmas towels that said Joy, Noel, and Jolly for family members. I am giving my towels to my mom. I am excited that this year I'll be there when she unwraps my present.

We made it to Ohio safe and sound.  I am grateful we were a day ahead of the snow.  Will and I ran around my parents neighborhood.  The temperature was 40 degrees and felt great!  Will fell asleep during the second mile and I met up with my husband during the fourth mile.  I enjoyed finishing my run with him.  Every once and a while, Lars would sprint ahead and then jog back.  We kept a pretty quick pace.

Because the weather was beautiful, my dad and I went golfing.  Neither one of us played real well. The best part was just being out together playing a game with we both love.