Merry Christmas, darling

Well…it's that time again.

Today I was driving to work, trying to find some music to listen to on the way. I can change the stations while I drive without looking at the dial, which is both good and bad. While on my way to work, I like to listen to upbeat music, which pumps me up for the day. Recently, I've been seeing Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations in stores and as much as I would like to be in denial about it, I can no longer do it.

There's a station in Kansas City, Star 102 (102.1 for you locally) that has a tradition of playing all Christmas music all the time from a certain point in November all the way through Christmas day. Last year, it was mid November, just before Thanksgiving.

This year, it was right after Halloween. Imagine my surprise to hear The Carpenters, "Merry Christmas Darling" on November 3. I'm sure the cars beside me thought I was insane as I started singing along loudly and grinning like an idiot.

Needless to say, I don't think we can be in denial any longer that Christmas is coming.

Even if we haven't even had our Thanksgiving turkey yet.

Put on your mistletoe hats and enjoy!

The Best Laid Plans.....

As you all know, Wendy and I have been training for the 4 mile run/walk at the end of the year. You also know that we participated in a 2k/5k last weekend and walked/ran the 5k. Yay for us! I really thought we were right on track, only needing to shave off about 10 minutes of our total time on the 5k to allow for the fourth mile later this year.

In theory, we had it all figured out.

What we didn't count on was an injury. Saturday, after the walk in the morning, we attended the company picnic and all was well. I got up for church the next morning and noticed my foot was a little sore, but chalked it up to the hard workout from the previous day. After church, Wendy asked me if I wanted to go to the mall with her and Makenna to get Mak some jeans. I said yes, but that I wanted to go home to change clothing and into my sneakers for a more comfortable walk.

This is where I should have known there was a problem.

I put my shoe on my right foot and it didn't fit right. I thought many things at this point: what if it's too tight, maybe it's the shoe, maybe my foot is a bit swollen from yesterday, etc. I changed shoes and put on the same ones I had worn. The same thing happened. It wouldn't fit right. I tied it tightly, hoping it would help support it and went with Wendy.

The next morning I arose and if possible, the pain was worse as I stepped on it. It's very difficult to get dressed and not step on your right foot. I worked all day on it and walked around like I normally do and I left work that night in a tremendous amount of pain.

Wendy and I talked and I agreed to go to Urgent Care. So we set out and arrived there. I was a bit concerned when we walked in and saw 2 people sitting in masks there. But I filled out my paperwork, paid my co-pay and waited. They called my name and I hobbled in and sat on the table. The nurse took my temp and was about to take my blood pressure when I informed her that I have a high pain tolerance and that my bp was probably high. It wasn't as high as I had thought it was going to be. I really wasn't in the mood for a lecture on high blood pressure.

I got an x-ray taken and then hobbled back to the room and waited…and waited….and waited. The nurse practitioner came back in and said the best thing all night:

"I don't see a break…………..yet."

I was speechless. But not for too long. Because when I said, "If it's a stress fracture, it's not going to show on an x-ray, right?" She said, "Right." I wanted to demand my co-pay back, but I was willing to listen to what she had to say. Which wasn't much. She gave me an ace bandage and a note to wear supportive shoes. (Are you rolling your eyes like I was?) Oh, and rent some crutches if it hurt "that bad."
So Wendy contacted a friend of ours who had a boot and some crutches. So I will have to wear the boot for at least 2 weeks. I got permission yesterday to use only one crutch or a cane. I'm finding a cane currently. I was hoping for one with a disco ball on it, but have been unsuccessful thus far.

Needless to say, I'm a bit bummed. I don't yet know what impact this is going to have on the run in December. I'm hoping to start swimming next week. No aqua ex allowed because of the impact, but I can swim. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

The 2K

Today was the BCBS of Kansas company picnic. The company organized a 2K/5K walk & run and I had decided to participate in the 2K, in preparation for the Miracle on Kansas Run in December. I asked Wendy if she wanted to do it with me and she said yes.

This morning, we arrived at the Expocentre to register and get our shirts. As we were doing so, one of the organizers was discussing people who were walking te 5k. Wendy says to me, "Hey, lets walk the 5K." My thoughts were first like... um no. But I agreed.

So we set out and got to the halfway point and turned around. On the way back, Wendy said, "Hey, lets do some intermittent jogging." I agree and we're off! We would walk along, set a landmark up ahead and jog to that point. At one point, I engaged her in a little sprinting and she nearly killed me. LOL

Needless to say, we finished in less than 1 hour. I'm so glad we did it, even if it took a little longer than I had hoped for. I'll be doing more intermittent jogging soon!

Attack of the Pink Glitter

In honor of my boss' birthday on Tuesday, our unit decided to have a Disco Themed party. We also decided to dress the part. I scanned my closet, in hopes of finding something that would be suitable for the party and still dress code appropriate. Hiding behind a skirt, I found a shirt with pink sparkly glitter all over it. Success!

I dressed on Tuesday morning, watching a cloud of pink glitter fall onto the carpet in my house as I put the shirt on. This should have given me an indication of what it was going to be like all day. It did not. For the remainder of the day, everywhere I went, I left glitter. Today, still, in my chair at work is a line of glitter from where it fell off as I sat there. In my car, it's like a special seat covering. I also went to the church that afternoon and spoke with our Youth Director in her office. I left her chair sparkly too.

By the time I got home, I was covered in glitter. On my face, in my hair, on my neck, my arms, etc. It did not help that it was hot that day and so the sweat just made it all the more glittery. I don't know if you know this, but glitter is darn near impossible to remove.

The next morning, I took a shower and seriously scrubbed hard, in an effort to remove the glitter from my body. I think I removed an entire layer of skin. Still, as I checked my appearance in the mirror prior to leaving, I found more. Unbelievable!

Last night I took a bath and when I went into the bathroom to fill the tub, I looked down and saw it. One piece. In the tub. Nice.

It's now Thursday and I am still glitter-laden. I guess it just means I have a sparkly personality.

2K

This coming Saturday, Wendy and I will be participating in a 2K Walk/Run sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. It's strictly voluntary and in conjunction with our company picnic, which is later that same day.

I reminded Wendy of this last night while we were chatting online and I'm sure she looked at me (from her apartment) like I was crazy. So I told her again what we had signed up to do. She then asked the best question ever:

Do we have to run?

I smiled and typed "no." Then I explained that it was only 1.2 miles and that we certainly could walk. She seemed relieved.

This is our first big road test in anticipation of the Miracle on Kansas Run/Walk in December. I'm pretty excited and I'm sure that it will be a huge success!

Wish us luck!

Vacation

Last week, I took a vacation with Brian. In case you don't know, he collects carnival glass and has founded a club, that is now worldwide. (See www.carnivalglass.org) The club's annual convention was last week in Greenville, Ohio. This was about 30 minutes or so from my Grandma's house, so it was very convenient to stay with her and then attend the convention.

We drove an RV to Ohio, filled with 4 other people besides Brian and me. We made the trip in one day, approximately 11 hours. The RV was great, as it had a bathroom in it (which I never used), beds, a couch, wireless internet and the capability to watch movies the entire trip. We only stopped for gas and when Brian had to use the restroom, as he drove to and from Ohio the entire time.

Getting there was fun. We all took naps, chatted, updated Facebook, etc. It was a great trip there. Yes, 11 hours is a long time, but it was fun.

Then the convention started and it was a fun-filled week, full of beautiful glass, lovely people and a wonderful banquet from a great restaurant. I re-met people that I had met 8 years ago and also met MANY people that I had not met, but were waiting to meet me.

Alas, the convention ended and we had to make the long drive home. We were all tired and tempers flared a bit, as you can imagine. The drive home was very interesting when we got into Missouri, the winds kicked up and we were blowing around the road like a kite at times. It was somewhat exciting. We did stop at Harrah's in St. Louis for dinner and a little casino fun.

We arrived back in Topeka at 3:33am and I dropped one of our party off at his house and finally got home and in bed at 4:30am. I slept until 12:30pm and awoke in the same position!

A fun time was had by all and I can't wait for next year!

Until next time!

Cheers!

Mom-isms

Today would have been my Mom's 58th birthday. As a tribute, I thought I would share some of the Mom-isms that Wendy and I experienced while growing up. Many of these, I still hear from my Grandma.

"Poise, Poise, Poise" - This statement was often yelled while we laughed uncontrollably, or rather, wheezed.

"Burney, Burney" - Used to signify a hot oven. What it means: DON'T TOUCH!

The next one is somewhat like a knock knock joke. Mom would say, "You know what they say about that...?"

We would answer, "No, what?"

The answer - "Well I don't know, but they say it." Nice, eh?


It makes me smile to think of these things. At the same time, I'm sad as she isn't here to experience things that Wendy and her family and that I do. I know that she's with me all the time and that she was with me in New York at Carnegie Hall (probably thinking, "How LONG is this song?!)

Right after she passed away, a friend of mine found out and put her death into these terms: Her soul got too big for her body and needed a bigger place to fly. I don't think I can put it any better.

Happy Birthday Mom! You're timeless!

DUH

Ok, please excuse the fact that I cannot add. I walked 15 miles (3 miles x 5 days).

I think it must be the fatigue.

:)

Cheers!

Miracle on Kansas Avenue....

Hello Friends

Yes, I know it has been a long time since I posted. There is something to say for not feeling like writing. This past week I think I refound my voice. (And I think I made up a word, refound.)

In case you don't know, Wendy and I decided last year, right after Christmas, that we are going to run/jog a road race at the end of the year. We have this parade right after Thanksgiving, to kick off the Christmas season, called the Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade. Prior to the race, there's a 4-mile run/walk, that you only get an hour to do.

Thus we have begun training. I started a little bit while Wendy was pregnant, but she couldn't do as much intensity, so now that Mavvie arrived, we are both on a mission.

Daily, we walk a 3-mile walk. This is not a leisurely "day in the park" walk. This is a Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" walk. On days when you're tired, it's a 45 minute walk of hell. It's a 45 minute DVD you can do in your house. My ultimate goal is to walk 3 miles, 7 days a week. This past week I had to take one day off, as my body was rebelling and achy. I did find out from a friend that if you drink a whey protein shake or eat a protein bar after a workout, it aids in muscle healing.

I'm pretty proud to say that this past week (counting today), I walked 5 out of 7 days and have racked up 12 miles thus far. So my goal for this coming week, starting Sunday 5/24 will be to walk 3 miles every day.

I'm also working on some strength training with a resistance band, weights, and some ab work. I can already feel a difference in how my clothing is fitting.

And so, dear friends, I must bid you adieu for today.

Get your walk on!

After the long wait.....

She's here. Mavvie made her debut today at 1:19pm. It was not exactly an easy birth, like we all thought.

After being delayed for almost an hour, Wendy went into the delivery room, totally ready. Tonight she told me that the anesthesiologist felt horrible because it took several times before they finally got the spinal block in. So, we're ready to go, right?

Wrong.

The spinal did not take. Wendy had to be put out for the delivery. Evidently David watched the whole thing and didn't faint. Good job, David!

Here are her stats: 8 lbs 7 oz. 20.75" long. Brown hair. Cute.

I just got home a little bit ago from the hospital. I have several pictures to share!

There will be more, of course, but here's what I got tonight!

Brought to you by the letter O

Because I'm 34 and succumbing to peer pressure, I'm going to favor Wendy and post a blog similar to hers, only my letter is O.

This post will be filled with things that I think are great....AND they all begin with the letter O.

Oranges - Winter brings the best navel oranges. MMMMMMMMMM

Optical Illusions - Yeah, I'm a brain who likes these things.

Owls - Hoot Hoot!

Orange Liqueur - A pleasure in cocoa, coffee and cosmopolitans.

October - one of my favorite months of the year

Oboe - one of my favorite woodwind instruments

Odd - someone once called me this

Opera - one of my favorite types of music

Orchid - a lovely flower

Opportunity - something we shouldn't pass up

Olive Oil - a great ingredient to cook with

Orchards - a great place to go for apples, cider, pumpkins, etc.

So go ahead, I dare you. Start your own blog with your own letter....

Carnegie Hall

Well friends, I have now returned home from NYC and am sitting down to write the last blog of the New York series. Monday was the concert day, so we were free in the morning. I went to Macy's with some people from my group and it was great! The building had 9 floors in it and I was on every one of them! I had breakfast at the McDonalds on the 6th floor and then perused each of the other floors. Talk about overwhelming!

After Macy's, we went to the Empire State Building. This is a huge deal for me because I have a huge fear of heights. I toughed it out and I made it to the top, where it wasn't nearly as frightening as I had thought it would be. Here is a pic of me on the top of the building. See, I don't look scared. (Not outwardly, anyway.)

We then rode the subway back to the hotel to get ready for our rehearsal with the orchestra at 2:30. We rode the bus all together to Carnegie and hustled to get our picture taken as a group, which is also shown below. The rehearsal went well and we finished right on time. I had dinner with some of my fellow choristers at a local pizza place. It was fantastic!

We hung out for a while, hit the Carnegie Hall gift shop, where I got a Mozart Action Figure. Yes, I really did. He sits on my desk at work. Then it came time to warm up and get in line. It takes some time to get 280 people in order, in case you were wondering.

We filed out onto the stage to see a full house. Then the orchestra came in, followed by the soloists and our conductor, Dirk Garner. I must say, I think he's probably the best conductor I have ever worked with. I hope to work with him again sometime.

The concert began and here is where words fail me. I cannot tell you or begin to explain how much emotion we all were feeling up there and how focused everyone was. We got through the last movement and he cut us off and I don't think anyone breathed for about 10 seconds. We were all looking at him expectantly, praying silently for that approval that we had performed to his liking. He paused, put his hands down and one onto his chest and smiled the biggest smile. I think the whole choir nearly cried at that moment. Even he was a little teary. I think, as a singer, that was my proudest moment ever.

After the concert, I saw my family and then hopped BACK on the bus to go on a 3 hour boat cruise with the other performers around the harbor. We ate, danced and socialized with the other choirs and even our conductor. We all had a great time.

Sadly, we had to leave the next day. I am already excited to think about going back to NY to visit longer, do more things.

Thanks for hanging out with me in NY! I'll be posting again soon!

Sunday

Today I started out just like yesterday - a 3.5 hour rehearsal in the morning. I did locate a Starbucks very close and had coffee and a donut prior to the rehearsal, which was good. The rehearsal was fantastic. The amount of sound 280 people can generate is amazing to me. This is really going to be a great concert.

After rehearsal, I did some shopping for Brian, Wendy and her family and my Dad and Susan. While on my shopping trek, I was asked for directions by someone on the street. I think I must have had that, "don't mess with me" look on my face and the walk with a purpose stride. Who knows.

After the trek, I had some lunch, then rested for a bit. My family called me and we set up plans to meet and go on the Staten Island Ferry. My cousin Kyle, who lives here in NYC got on the phone and gave me subway directions. I did ride the subway by myself and was completely fine with that. Kyle and his girlfriend Christina were waiting for me at the top of the subway when I arrived and we stepped out into the snowy weather. I had no idea it was snowing.

We got to the ferry and the rest of the family was there. There was a tiny bit of drama at the port. An elderly gentleman "evacuated" his bladder on another gentleman's coat. An unfortunate event, that my aunt steered us all away from. The boat arrived and we all jumped on. I will say that it was rather cold standing outside, getting a look at the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline. It was really funny though because my family doesn't do anything half way. When we get together, it's either 100 degrees or it's 100 below. We are the only people that would stand out in what one New Yorker called a "snowstorm" (oh please) to get a photo of the skyline at night.

Once we returned, we went to a vegan restaurant. My cousin and his girlfriend recommended the restaurant. I had a roasted vegetable salad. It was great. Then we took a bus back to Union Square where I got on the subway.

Regarding subways: It is an art standing there and not falling down when you're either lurching forward to go or coming to a halt. Try it sometime, you'll see what I mean.

Tomorrow is the concert. I am both ready and excited for this. I did find out I think we're going to have a recording, so it'll be great.

More on Saturday....

So my family called me and we decided that we were going to hook up and have dinner. In order to do this, some of them were going to come and pick me up at my hotel and then we'd go back and pick up my Grandma, then go have some dinner. When they walked into the lobby at the Hyatt, the comments started rolling in like, "Oh, this is where the 'stars' stay at...." I laughed of course, then we were on our merry way.

We took the subway (my first trip on it) back to their hotel, which is a very nice Hooliday Inn. When we walked in, I jokingly said, "Where's the fountain?" We all laughed when my uncle said, "We'll turn on the faucet."

We ate dinner at Mustang Sally's and it was great. We even got 10% off our tickets just because of me singing at Carnegie. After dinner, we made plans for Sunday, then I cabbed it back to the Hyatt.

Saturday.....

Today was our first rehearsal en masse. I was mistaken in the number of total singers that I thought were going to be performing. I had heard around 200. The actual number is 280. The sound that is produced is really intense and amazing. I really wish every one of you could come and see the concert just for the sheer sound of it all.

Our rehearsal lasted three and a half hours. Needless to say, I'm rather vocally tired. Our director is really wonderful. I feel so lucky to be working with him. I did find out that he works at a Conservatory outside of Cleveland, Ohio, so that's pretty cool too.

After the rehearsal, I met up with some friends who live in New Jersey. We had lunch at 2nd Ave. Deli. It was truly a "real" deli, complete with screaming waiters, delivery boys and customers. The ambience was worth it. The food was also great - complete with chicken noodle soup with homemade broth. Try it, if you are ever here and have the time.

One thing that did shock me just a little bit, though I didn't show it, was that when we walked out of the deli towards Lexington Avenue, we did get asked on the street if we wanted to buy some drugs. That's the first time and I hope the last time THAT ever happens.

I came back to the hotel then and relaxed for a while, before going down in to Grand Central Station for some starbucks and some dried fruit for breakfast tomorrow. Now I'm just hanging out in the lobby, waiting to hear from my family who are coming in from various parts of the country.

Stay tuned...

The Grand Hyatt

We arrived in New York with no problems on the flight. At one point, we were in a "holding pattern" for about 15 minutes, then we got released to travel the rest of the way to NYC.

In case you didn't know, the weather here is much like Kansas when we left - really really cold. We waited outside at the Newark airport for our bus to pick us up to take us to the hotel - The Grand Hyatt. Some people waited inside. I, myself, did NOT.

We got on the bus. Let me tell you I think I made a mistake sitting in the front seat. I sat beside our Director and pretty much had white knuckles the entire rest of the trip to the hotel. This trip took an hour. I've never seen so many cars trying to go from like 8 lanes to 3 in about 1000 feet. Crazy.

I had dinner this evening at Grand Central Station with some of my choir people. My family comes in tomorrow and rehearsals start bright and early. 9am-12:30pm.

More later!

I'm in a New York state of mind....

Well, it's finally here. What I have been patiently waiting for since July has finally arrived. Tomorrow I leave for New York.!!!

Last night we had our final rehearsal. It was chaos, as you can imagine. 20 adults sitting in a room talking (all of us) at one time regarding activities and tours, etc. that we want to do while we are in NY. Finally, after 15 minutes of this dull roar, we began rehearsing.

About halfway through, we stopped for a break and the talking began again. There were lists of airline seat assignments, cell phone numbers, and activity spreadsheets being passed around, amongst other things. You can imagine what this was like.

We got back into the piece, to finish the second half and then I finally looked at the clock. Only an hour had passed. I swear I thought it had been an hour and a half, at least.

It's going to be an interesting thing singing with 200 other people, compared to my 20 with a recording. And while I love this piece, I'm ready for live accompaniment.

I'm notoriously a non-list person. For this trip, though, I've had to make constant lists in my head, then write them down. I think I'm packing one little bag of power cords for my phone, iPod, camera and laptop. It's a bit sad to me that I will have part of my luggage for power cords. But we are in the 2000's and one must keep up with technology.

Tonight, I'll probably be up late and for one time, I don't care. I can sleep on the plane tomorrow. My goal, while in NY, is to post a blog every day (probably at the end of the day).

So stay tuned – New York here I come!

Dance Revolution

For Christmas this year, Brian purchased me the Dance Revolution game for my Nintendo Wii. Yes, it's that game at the mall that the music carries all over and a crowd of people stand around and watch one person dance on this special "mat" in order to score the highest points. Prior to Christmas, I believed that this was ridiculous and couldn't really understand how anyone could find it entertaining to 1. Do this activity, or 2. Watch someone else do it.

My opinion has since changed. After watching Brian do it on Christmas Eve prior to going to church and partaking in it on New Years Eve, I have a new found feeling for the Dance Revolution Game: humility.

It has a "workout" setting that I was eager to try. So yesterday, I got home from work, changed clothes and set the game for a 30 minute workout. You may think you have coordination and all will be fine - you are wrong. At one point, the game started booing. Fortunately, I was able to pull myself out of the depths and get a "C" on that dance. For 30 minutes I did this.

This morning I woke up and immediately wished I had an ejector button for the bed. I realized rather quickly that I should have stretched after dancing. A lesson I learned this morning.

Anyway, I plan on going home and doing it again. I'll have my cell phone in case I need to call someone tomorrow morning as well.

Happy Exercising!