Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Adventure of the Non-Adventure and the Girl in the Red Bug


It has been a bit since my last post....my most recent adventure...getting over some bronchial type sickness that seemed to linger for weeks! Ughhh! So miserable. I am finally feeling better after about three weeks of my "adventure!"

Needless to say, my training came to a complete halt, which was very discouraging. I feel like, in general, with my exercise and eating, for everyone one step forward I take, I go back three! It's very frustrating and really plays with my mind and my spirit! One setback really seems to throw me into a funk. Being sick, along with the stresses of work have wrecked havoc on me!  I have felt defeated on all levels of my life! Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?

Fortunately, a night of laughter and talking with some wonderful girlies, seemed to feed my soul and get me back on track. I found a Groupon for Yoga Deva in Gilbert. I got an incredible deal and signed up for month of unlimited yoga sessions. My first session was last Thursday. I took the Warm Yoga, which is an alternative to hot yoga. The class is an hour and 15 minutes in length and I felt awesome afterwards. There is nothing like going to an actual yoga studio for yoga vs. the regular gym. It is a whole different feeling when I am not listening to the racquetball balls hitting the wall, and the loud grunts of the players, when I am in the Child's Pose. In addition to signing up for Yoga Deva, I have revamped my training program. I have broken it down into smaller races. I am signing up for the 12ks of Christmas again this year, and my goal is to run the 12k, instead of the 6k, like I did last year. This will help with preparing for the Huntington Beach Half Marathon that I am shooting for in February 2013. I think using yoga as my cross-training is going to help significantly with the tightness I constantly experience in my hamstrings and will also help strengthen my core, which is horribly weak.

Adding some simple tracking tools to my revamped routine should help in keeping focused and motivated. Of course, I am still placing $1.00 in my workout jar, every time I work out, I do love seeing the green in the jar grow. Also, I put a whiteboard calendar on the fridge with my weekly workout schedule. I have planned my running time and cross-training through the month of November. All steps in the right direction.

One little adventure I did have during my little bout of sickness was the Neon Splash Dash 5k. I had signed Masen and I up for the run, prior to being sick, so there was no way I was having us drop out. There were thousands of people at the run. We started in waves and made our way through fours different "splash" stations where we were sprayed with various neon colors. It was a cool run and definitely one I would like to do again in the future. Until the next time...The Girl in the Red Bug

Monday, October 1, 2012

The Adventure of Week 2 Half Marathon Training and the Girl in the Red Bug




So, this has not been a very good training week at all. I have had ZERO energy and am really trying to identify what the root of the problem has been; so far, I have not been able to pinpoint the issue. All I can say is I am thankful that I have more time than scheduled out to fully train for the half-marathon. However, I don't want to get in that mindset, it could potentially derail the whole program and goal.

Everyone I talk to, that has done any type of distance running, talks about the mental piece of running and the importance of training your mind. Our bodies are capable of so much more than our minds allow them to do. I understand there is so much more to training than just logging miles; it will be a balance of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, diet...it encompasses us on every level.

This week...the good, the bad and the ever so ugly!

Day 1 - Rest Day, I definitely was an overachiever on rest day - probably not the area I should be overachieving in.

Day 2 - Treadmill Run - almost 1.5 miles (not good - supposed to be 3 miles). I felt tortured!

Day 3 - was a scheduled cross-training day and I......didn't workout! Ughhhhh, my mojo is off.

Day 4 - scheduled run....and you guessed it, didn't do it! Feeling pretty low about the progress so far this week. I am seeing another "Pull your head out of.....well, you know" talk with myself.  Get committed! Sheesh!

Day 5 - rest day! Rest day? I haven't done anything to rest from, but I will go with it. And actually am thinking now I deserve it. I volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul's, this morning, with my team at work. Lots of unloading trucks, moving furniture, and arranging and organizing; after 4 1/2 hours, I was pooped!

Day 6 - Does a trip to Ikea and walking around opening night of Mighty Mite football count as cross-training? I didn't think so, but thought I'd through it out there!

Day 7 - The day isn't over, but so far no run

Wow! There is nothing like humiliation to inspire a person to get back on track with their training program. With every detail I wrote, I was embarrassed by my lack of commitment for the week's training, but oddly inspired and refocused at the same time! I am looking forward to a much more successful and healthy upcoming week.

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Adventure of Being Blessed and the Girl in the Red Bug


This last weekend, my sis and I were getting our eyebrows done at the esthetician we go to on a regular basis. I love going to our esthetician, not only because I leave feeling    like I have beautiful skin and eyebrows (you know the eyebrows are the picture frame for your face, right!?), but also because of the soulful conversations we have. I wrote on my Facebook page, afterwards, that there are those people you interact with that you just feel the love of Christ oozing from them, she is one of those people.

When I say what I am about to write, I will put out my disclaimer that I am not trying to offend anyone, or hurt anyone's feelings, because I sadly categorize myself in with this statement (there, disclaimer out of the way!)

I have met many people throughout my lifetime that proclaim to be Christians, they go church and Bible Study regularly, many can even quote the Bible, often drawing their words like Cherry Valance drew his pistol in Red River. They proudly display their church bumper stickers on their cars, while practically running you off the road (probably one of the main reasons I have never put a sticker on my car - seriously what representation would I be giving? Ok, I'm from California, I have a honking issue!) They say their mission in life is to preach the gospel and reach others, all in the same breath as they are bullying those around them, or saying hurtful things. Now, as I said in my disclaimer, I am not saying I am perfect Christian, because anyone that knows me, knows that I am miserably inadequate in this area...but, I don't claim to be anything but who I am..a sinner who falls short, but by the grace and mercy of God, I know that I am loved.

I digress, back to my original thought! There are those people that absolutely are shining stars for God. There is something so special about them, often words can't express what you seeing or experiencing, but you know there is something different about them. And, how awesome is our God that a) He has created these wonderful people and b) that they appear in our simple, everyday lives! I know that when I get my eyebrows done, or on happy hair days, I will be blessed. I know that when I read certain blogs, texts, or Facebook posts, I will be blessed! What an absolute gift! And although, in many ways, these bright stars make my inadequacies seem larger, they are never judgmental; they uplift and encourage! That something "different" that you notice is shared with everyone they interact with, it isn't just saved for Sundays, for just friends, or for their family members; it just naturally oozes from them - WOW!

I am so thankful that God places me in moments to have conversations that remind me of the magnitude of His love and the many gifts He provides me. And along with that, I pray that I can be a morsel to others, what these people are to me. I truly, in my heart, long to be one of those people that other's say, "I can't put my finger on it, but there is something different about her." But, honestly, I don't even know how to go about it. But, everyday is a new day and a new opportunity to be a better me. A chance to make a slight difference in this big world.

Until the next time...the Girl in the Red Bug

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Adventure of Week 1 Half Marathon Training & the Girl in the Red Bug



I am using the Hal Higdon 1/2 Marathon Training app. It is a 12 week program geared towards novices. I definitely consider myself a novice, since the furtherest I have ever run is four miles. I am thankful that throughout the summer, that I tried to maintain some semblance of a running program, even if it was on the treadmill! At least it won't be like completely starting over (well, hopefully it won't be).

One of the things I like most about this app, is that you can track how you feel during the training session, what the weather conditions were, and what the terrain was for the run. It also provides handy tips, which I love.

Throughout my blogging, I want to share with you the ups, the downs, the good, the bad and the ugly of my training. So, here we go!

Day 1 - a rest day. The app has Monday as a rest day, this will be valuable as the program rollout, since Sundays will be the days slated for the long runs. I am already experiencing a little anxiety about the long runs.  But, as far as today was concerned, I felt like a bit of a slug for not getting in some type of exercise! Thought for the day, "It is far better to be exhausted from success then to be rested from failure." Mary K. Ash, founder of Mary K. Cosmetics, Inc.

Day 2- was scheduled to run three miles, but only went 2.13 miles. I will say it was slightly rough.  My pace was off, and the air felt muggy. Am praying that I can get back into the swing of things.

Day 3 - a cross training day. I lifted weights, did push-ups, sit ups and the dreaded plank. It was a decent workout that I kind of made up on the fly.

Day 4 - was scheduled to run three miles, but only got in 2.04 miles. It was a better run than Tuesday night. My pace felt better, not perfect, but better.

Day 5 - Rest Day...I was thankful for the rest, I was tired from my week.

Day 6 - Did a Pilates workout from a series I have been recording. Wow! My core is weak and my hips are so tight. It is very obvious to me, that I need to continue these type of workouts to strengthen my core and to loosen my hip muscles. I can only imagine this will make my running easier.

Tomorrow is my scheduled 4-mile run. I really want to do well with the run. I am hoping that my doing it earlier in the day, will help. We'll see.

Day 7 - Today I completed my 4-mile run. I really wanted to lay in bed, but was going through Facebook and saw that a friend of mine had gotten up and completed her workout, so it inspired me to do the same.

Overall, the run went well. I'm still not back to running the full mileage consecutively, but I am seeing improvement from my earlier runs this week, and that propels me to keep going! I am looking forward to this coming weeks training. Happy running!

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Adventure of the Half Marathon Training and the Girl in the Red Bug

This is the week I officially start training for my first half marathon. I am nervous, afraid, excited...several emotions all rolled into one! I have wanted and talked about completing a half marathon for about five years now. Each time I get geared up to start training and then don't follow through. As I get geared up, yet again, to begin the process of training, I felt I needed to look at what has held me back from the whole process in previous years...the bottom line, a fear of failure. The fear of actually not being able to complete the task at hand! Do others feel this way? Does fear of failure dictate what you will, or won't do? I find that the half marathon is the symbol that represents many areas of my life, it's a symbol of so many things I want to accomplish but yet am fearful to try.

 So, this is it folks, the time to make a change is now! The time is now to kick the fear of failure square in the butt! But, I know I will need help along the way, I will need words of encouragement from those that have the same fears and reservations that I do, from those that have set their goal and successfully completed it, whatever that goal may be. By putting this out there for God and everyone to see, I am hoping it will keep me focused and encouraged. I am inviting all of you on my journey...on my adventure of the half marathon!

Until the next time....the Girl in the Red Bug

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Adventure of the Master’s Program and the Girl in the Red Bug


Recently, I started back to school to complete my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am attending Ottawa University, and I have to say I am loving the classes and loving the instructors.
On Tuesday night in my Diversity class, we wrote poems, well actually, I don’t know if you can categorize it as a poem since it doesn’t rhyme? But, anyway, in the poem you had to describe yourself and each sentence had to start with “I am.” Here is who I am.

I AM
I am an aunt with a heart filled with love
I am a proud daughter and grandaughter
I am an oldest to only, birth order confused, crazy sister
I am a good book being read next to a blazing fire
I am a runner with struggling feet and muffin tops
I am Sunday supper with the family
I am a basket full of colorful Sharpies
I am an iced coffee and a Red Velvet cupcake
I am a princess longing for a tiarra
I am a hopeful romantic still waiting for the “right one”
I am a scrapbook full of memories
I am birthdays, cupcakes and cake pops
I am a blogger of adventures
I am a lover of red Bugs
I am a glass of merlot while listening to soulful jazz
I am puppies, kittens and snuggles on the couch
I am San Francisco on a spectacular day
I am a pair of fabulous kitten-heeled boots
I am Foul Play, You’ve Got Mail and Sweet Home Alabama
I am a friend
I am a pieced together quilt, made with love and care
I am a child of God that struggles and falls short
I am a girl, a woman, silly, and soulful

I have to say when I first started this activity, I stuggled. It's challenging to come up with something in 10 minutes, so when I got home I had time to reflect on who I am and the things that represent me. I think this list pretty much sums me up and what is important to me.

Who are you? I challenge you to take the time to create you own I AM poem, and post here if you would like. 

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Adventure of Operation 2012, Part Deux and the Girl in the Red Bug


Here we are, already into the middle of June. I am not quite sure where the year has gone. I must admit, I’ve been feeling a little anxious about already being in June, feeling like the year is flying by and that my biggest fear of having the “Lost Year ~ Part Deux,” is coming true. My work/life balance has been a huge challenge for me, so far this year. I am struggling and trying to figure out how to set boundaries for myself and my life. I must admit, I admire those super organized people that are able to accomplish every little goal they put out there. Or, those people that don’t have the constraints of outside forces that have the tendency to dictate our lives to us.
I took some time to review my Operation 2012 Goals. It’s good to celebrate accomplishment; as well as make plans to complete goals that haven’t been met, or even thought about yet. Below shows where I am...and well, yes, where I need to be.
Operation 2012
The Year of Doing Things Differently
  • Try 12 new recipes - OK, so-so on this goal. I think I have tried more recipes, but haven’t really kept track - will need to be better about keeping track and posting.       - made Cake Pops for Easter and the nephew’s birthday. Successful on both accounts and will definitely make again. - baked chicken coated with plain greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, and Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Complete 12 runs, including one run outside of the state of AZ - To date I have completed ten runs. Some were really great; some, my performance not so great. But, looking at what I have accomplished so far, either way I am proud and encouraged to continue on my running journey. I am beginning to feel a bit more comfortable in calling myself a “runner.”
  - London’s Run (1/28)
-The Lost Dutchman (2/19)
-The Nun Run (3/10)
-St. Patrick’s Day Run (3/17)
-Seville Skirts & Shirts (3/24)
-Firefly Run (4/14)
-Tillman Run (4/21)
-Too Hot to Trot (4/28)
-The Night Run (5/12)
-Bay to Breakers ~ San Francisco CA (5/20)
I have several runs planned for the remainder of the year and am also looking forward to my first Half Marathon in January 2013.
  • Read six books - Currently reading a James Patterson novel. I need to get motivated on this goals.
  • Go on six hikes - 0 completed - YIKES
  • Take a photography class- This goal is being replaced by starting a Master’s Program.
  • Lose 12 lbs I have nothing to say about this one and that says everything! Ughhhh!
  • Participate in a Bible Study - No progress on this
  • Attend church, at least twice a month - Refocus needed - STAT!
  • Finish a quilt-It is summer and too hot to do anything outside, thiscould happen sooner than later.
  • Become a couponer, yes with a snazzy binder and everything!-Need to get back on track with this.
  • Take 12 pictures a month - I have been hit or miss with this goal. I want to start taking more random photos. 
  • Take a cooking class - Being replaced with the Master’s Program.
How do you balance work and personal life? How are all of you doing on your goals for the year? 

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

Saturday, May 26, 2012


The Adventure of the Bay to Breakers and the Girl in the Red Bug
It was a crazy week before my trip to the Bay-to-Breakers. My job has not offered me much work-life balance as of late, therefore my training and preparation for the run was almost non-existence, which I was completely bummed about. I really had wanted to go into the run prepared and feeling ready. But, regardless, the adventure was an absolute blast and I loved being able to share it with my most cherished friends.
Friday morning was a busy morning, with last minute preparations for the trip and organizing the house. After the last minuted items were checked off the list, off I went to the airport...in which I promptly took the wrong exit. Fortunately, I had left the house in plenty of time, and the Friday traffic was kind to me. I finally made it to the airport, after taking another wrong turn and the ramp to the airport being closed. Since I had been going at warp speed for the three days prior to my trip, I completely forgot to check-in and print my boarding pass for my flight, so yes, I was almost the last person to board the plane and I had a lovely middle seat, on a packed flight. But, nonetheless, it was a good time to relax with a cup of coffee and to get a little blogging done.




                This is me, with no time to train...yes, I was afraid! Lol!

Once I arrived in San Francisco, my friend Michelle picked me up at the airport and off we went, to the Ferry Building, to meet my friend Cathy for lunch. Cathy had been one of my roommates in college, and we had not seen each other for years. What a special treat it was to be able to reconnect and visit with her for the afternoon. The weather was absolutely perfect, really perfect doesn’t even describe it. We were able to sit outside, while having lunch, with a beautiful view of the Bay. A wonderful way to start my Bay-to-Breakers adventure.



Friday evening, we met more friends from high school; Roel and Pat. It was so nice to catch up with them and to meet Roel’s wife, Jenn and Pat’s finance, Tane. We had a wonderful dinner, at a Vietnamese restuarant, The Slanted Door. All the hype about the restuarant was true, the food and the service, were absolutely OUTSTANDING! If you ever get an opportunity to eat at the Slanted Door, I highly recommend it. We had had great conversation, great laughs and great food, it was a perfect evening!


                           Pat, Tane, Michelle, Jenn, Darla, Roel, Cindy, Karen and Me
Saturday, was a relaxing day, several of our group were still arriving in the City, at various times throughout the day. While we were waiting for the rest of our group, Chris and Michelle, took an exercise class called the Dailey Method, while Darla and I headed back to the Ferry Building for breakfast and a walk around the Farmer’s Market. The afternoon, we walked to the Bay-to-Breakers Expo, located at the Civic Center. I have to say, I was somewhat disappointed in the Expo. I thought there would be a ton of vendors and lots of products available for purchase, but it was relatively small and I was not overly impressed with the vendors. After the Expo, we headed back to the apartment, for a light dinner and conversation. One of the things that I love most about our get together’s is the flexibility to do things as a group, or to do things as a smaller group; there is something for everyone’s individual wants or needs. Several of the Breaker Babes (not sure where I came up with the name, but I think I will go with it!) ventured out into the City that evening. Darla and I opted to stay in, with an early appointment with Mr. Sandman.


                                                   Darla and I

Sunday morning was the big day...the Bay-to-Breakers. Off we went to the start line. As we were making our way, the first corrals, with the elite runners, we off and running. We were in Corral D, so we had little time to make our way through the crowd. The streets were filled with participants and spectators. There were people in costumes, people with no clothes at all. It was 100% San Francisco; eclectic, funky and wildly crazy and I loved absolutely every minute of it! I didn’t do much running, but I felt OK with it. I loved being with my friends and watching all the “sights.” I was able to take pictures, throughout the run, and really just take everything in. After the run, we went up to a restuarant called the Cliff House, which had a beautiful view of the ocean. What a wonderful way to end the run. Back to the apartment we went..some napped, some sat in the hot tub, another perfect day!


Karen, Jill, Michelle and Darla...my besties!



                                                    So many people!


Darla and me

Here we are at mile 4

This was our view as we came off the hile to complete the run...Spectacular

                                             Yay! We did it!
                             Chris, Karen, Kelly, Becky, Jill, Darla, Michelle, Yvonne
Monday, was my last day in the City. Michelle, Becky and I, hopped on the F Line and went to Fisherman’s Wharf. We had a wonderful breakfast and talked and laughed...and laughed...and laughed! We walked around the Wharf, took some last minute photos and then Michelle took me back to the airport. I was sad to have my trip come to an end, and by Tuesday mid-day, it seemed like my trip to San Francisco, and the adventure of the Bay-to-Breakers, was a long ago, distant memory.
I am thankful for the time I had with my wonderful, lifelong friends, and I am already looking forward to our second annual Bay-to-Breakers adventure.
What adventure have you had lately?
Until the next time...The Girl in the Red Bug!

Sunday, May 6, 2012


The Adventure of the Life’s Surprises and the Girl in the Red Bug
I was watching Morning Joe, on MSNBC, the other morning and the question was posed, “What about life has surprised you?” This got me thinking...what has surprised me...my response? What hasn’t surprised me!? A vague, general response no doubt. So, here are some things that have surprised me, specifically, about life.
Surprise 1 - Age is just a number? I can remember getting so frustrated, at times, with my Nan, when I was in my teens and 20’s. She dressed hip and happening, drove a snappy sports car and she loved hanging out with me and my friends (horror, especially for a teenager!). What has surprised my at 47, I GET IT!!! She didn’t feel in her mind, or heart, the age she was. Although, my body has aged, certain parts have shifted, or in some sad instances are actually drifting...my mind, my heart, my spirit are still that of that teenager I once was. I don’t feel 47, and honestly, I don’t even know what that means!! How is one supposed to feel or act at 47?
Surprise 2 - You do get better with age? Along this crazy journey we call life, I believe I am getting better with age. I am more accepting of who I am and my likes and dislikes.  I am very clear on who and what is important to me and that is where I chose to spend my time and energy. My view...if it doesn’t add value to my life, or those lives around me, why put energy there?
Surprise 3 - You can find a passion at any age? I am happy to say that I have found a new passion, running. Who would have thought?!? I love going for runs; I love participating in runs; I love having a cupcake after my runs (oh wait! That shouldn’t be here!) Truly, the spirit and energy at the runs is infectious, it makes me want to keep training, keep participating in runs, and keep getting better.
Surprise 4 - Life CAN turn on a dime? I always knew this to be a true statement, but until I actually experienced it. I don’t think I understood how true the statement really is. Of course, I had a bit of life’s experiences under my belt; a divorce, my grandparents passing less than a year apart from each other, moving, being down-sized at jobs;  but those life’s events were anticipated like a slow burn that you know will ignite, regardless of how hard your try to distinguish it. The anticipation of something doesn’t make it any less painful, but if we are honest with ourselves, it’s typically not a huge surprise. So, when did I learn that life can turn on a dime? When my dad passed away. He and I had talked the week before, he had told of falling and not being able to get up. Of course, we joked about it in our typical sarcastic, make fun of you kind of fashion. The following weekend, was when he was admitted to the emergency room. Even knowing that he was in the emergency room, I really didn’t think it was a huge deal - two days later, my dad was gone. Surprise! Life CAN (and does) turn on a dime!
Surprise 5 - Everything in life is a surprise! If you are a Type A,  or a bit of a control-freak like me, that surprise made you break out in a cold sweat. We want to control and plan everything...and when what we plan doesn’t come to fruition, it can lead to...well, let’s just say problems. But, I learned many years ago, God’s plan for me is greater and trumps all my plans. All that time of me trying to fit the square peg, in the round hole - wasted time and energy. Every little detailed plan I had about what I thought my life was going to be, is not even close to what my life is today. And...I am ok, actually, better than ok with that. I am blessed and thankful for this crazy journey called life! I love the surprises...the good, the bad, and yes, even sometimes the ugly! Embrace the surprises!
Until the next time...the Girl in the Red Bug

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Adventure of the God Run and the Girl in the Red Bug

In one of my previous blogs, I touched on how blessed I felt participating in the Midnight Madness Run on New Year’s Eve. Then I was just reading a Facebook entry from, Gibson’s Daily Running Quotes, which said how critical it is for us to record moments of inspiration when we are running; such as finishing our first runs, etc. This reminded me that I wanted to blog about some of the blessings I have encountered when I have been on my runs lately.
I realize there are many things bigger in life than me trying to become a runner. But it is something I have literally wanted to do my ENTIRE life, but have always struggled with and have basically given up on each time I have tried to conquer. Last year, with the help of my sister, I finally started to see progress. I was up to four miles of running, without stopping. Granted, I won’t be making the Olympic team with my speed, but I was finishing each run - which was so exciting to me. But, as the hot months got here, I stopped running consistently. When I started back up this fall, the struggle and frustration were back, in full force.
So, I continued going to runs, but hadn’t been pleased with my performances at all. So, part of Operation 2012 was to start the year out differently, which I did by participating in the Midnight Madness 5k. I had a bit of a drive to the 5k, so I decided to use my time wisely...I prayed. Yes, prayed. I fully lifted my drive to and from the run and the run itself up in prayer, the entire drive - which was about 45 minutes to an hour. Then throughout the run, I continued praying for strength and endurance to complete the run. As the steps were completed, I would then praise God for the strength and endurance. It was an experience that is difficult to explain in words, and as I am reading what I am writing, it sounds slightly odd - perhaps a little “out there” even. But, I tell you it worked!!1 As I was finishing the last portion of my run, I could feel that I was going to finish the run and I became so excited that I began to pick up my pace - I was THRILLED! And...none of it was me, I know that is was all God.
Not only did I start my new year out differently as I wanted, I also had something reinforced to me; God wants all our “stuff.” He wants the major things, but He also wants the minor things. He wants to be with us through all things. The runs since the Midnight Madness are still speckled with struggle and frustration, but I find the ones that I fully, and truly, turn over to God are speckled with strength, endurance and of joy. If I use my run times to converse with God, to praise and thank him, the run takes on a whole new meaning. I pray that each of you find something that you want to do, and share it with God, and see what happens! It will be spectacular!
Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Operation 2012 and the Girl in the Red Bug


The end of one year has passed and we are already half way through the first month of the new year...and I am already thinking, “where has this month gone?” It truly is amazing how quickly the days go by and how caught up in day-to-day life we can get.
My fear for this year, is that it could potentially become a repeat of last year...or what I refer to as the lost year. As my years on earth tick-tock away, I become more and more aware of the lost years, the lost moments, the lost chances of creating lasting memories for myself and those that are important to me.
So, my cure for the lost year, was to start out 2012 differently from years past. I am typically a stay at home person on New Year’s Eve and am slightly embarrassed to say, that normally I am asleep on New Year’s Eve, by 10pm. But this year I wanted to do try something different, that included being awake past 10pm. So my remedy was to complete a 5k. The run started at 10:30 pm so it gave runners and walkers ample time to complete the course and be back to ring in the new year, with other participants and a bowl of chili, cornbread and some music. What a great way, to start the new year! I ended up going to the run by myself...another first for me. And, I completed the entire run with no walking, not necessarily a first, but it has been a while since I had done that, so I was super excited and felt extremely blessed (which I will write about in a later blog).
Back to my resolution of not having another lost year...I wrote in December, some goals I have for this year. Not necessarily resolutions, but adventures for 2012. I had listed a few, but really wanted to sit and thoughtfully think of things I wanted to spend my time on this year. A friend at work shared her goals for 2012 and the theme of “12” that she is using in conjunction with her goals, then I was watching my new favorite TV show and one of the co-hosts said how they don’t make resolutions they refer to it as “Operation Year,” the year is whatever year it is. I loved both ideas so much, that I wanted to incorporate into my adventures for the year. With that being said....here is 
Operation 2012
The Year of Doing Things Differently
Try 12 new recipes
Complete 12 runs, including one run outside of the state of AZ
Read six books
Go on six hikes
Take a photography class
Lose 12 lbs
Participate in a Bible Study
Attend church, at least twice a month
Finish a quilt
Become a couponer, yes with a snazzy binder and everything!
Take 12 pictures a month 
Take a cooking class
I am looking forward to the adventure of 2012 and creating memories.
Until the next time...The Girl in the Red Bug