Really?

Zubaz pants are back?

Srsly?

I mean, FINALLY!

I'll tell ya what I want, what I really really want.

I'd like to welcome the newest member of our household, the entertainment center! After ordering it what feels like ages ago, and the first time it was delivered it was all smashed, now we finally have it and it's not smashed and we put pretty things on it and it looks great! Although it makes it look like our TV is a miniature TV but oh well. I love it!

I am soooooo excited to see my mom and Jayla tomorrow! It has been months since I've seen them, I think this is the longest I've ever gone w/o seeing them. I miss them so much. Even though it's a quick visit, I am grateful for it and can't wait for them to get here tomorrow night. Tom and I worked allll day loooong trying to get the house clean and ready and organizing and going to Goodwill and the recycling center and doing laundry and I still am not done but I am so exhausted. I feel more tired right now than I did last weekend after running 6.2 miles and dancing for hours!

I love that Duke lost to WVU today. I love even more that I picked it in my bracket.

If you're one who celebrates Easter, then Happy Easter! If not, then happy first weekend of spring!

P.S. In case you were wondering, yes, that IS a Shady bobblehead on the top shelf.

Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.

All I’m saying is, if you are planning to wear that electric blue Marc Jacobs raincoat to the prom, one of us is getting our weave pulled out.

A challenge to the conscience of the world.

There's a lot going on in the world right now, and recently in the news we've heard a lot about a situation that is near and dear to me. The human rights violations in Tibet... if you've been following the events, you know of the suffering and repression and violence that has been going on as the Tibetans are struggling to make their voices heard. Demonstrations continue to happen all over Tibet and the death toll continues to rise.

There is one good side to all that is happening - it has brought the situation to the forefront of the news and people are starting to be made aware of the atrocities that the Chinese government has been committing for years, and continues to commit.

So I am hoping the publicity will spark some change. Already some positive things have happened - Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, and has harshly condemned China's actions. She is calling for an outside investigation into the situation and some of China's allegations against the Dalai Lama.

There are a few things you can do to help if you live in the US:

1. Call on President Bush not to attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in August. From Steven Spielberg to parlimentarians, many leaders are rethinking their involvement. We need to demand that our leaders stay away from the opening ceremonies in the wake of the bloody and continuing crackdown in Tibet. You may reach the U.S. President at 202-456-1111 or by email at comments@whitehouse.gov.

2. Visit www.racefortibet.org, or www.savetibet.org for more information, or to make a donation to the International Campaign for Tibet,

March Madness

(Click to view larger version)

Fuel burning fast on an empty tank.

Today was the 4th Annual Steve Haydu Lo-Tide Run on Carolina Beach. My first 10k ever. After seeing some pictures of other St. Patty's Day festivities, I decided I wanted to dress up and of course Nicole was also stoked about this idea. So we came up with a costume that consisted of awesome green/white striped knee high socks (which Nicole wrote our last names on!), green/white retro 70's running shorts, custom made shirts (also with our last names on them) and shamrocks on our faces. Also, I wore a shamrock headband while Nicole wore shamrock wristbands. It was AWESOME!! We got so many compliments on our outfits and have decided this should be a yearly tradition to run this race.

The weather was PERFECT even though the forecast called for a possibility of thunderstorms (which we're getting in a major way right now). There were a lot of people participating (there was also a 5k), and lots of our awesome friends came out to cheer us on and begin the St. Patty's weekend celebration!

It was fun, but challenging - especially the last 1/4 mile which was on the actual beach (sand!). I worked hard to train for it and am glad that I did it. Some others in our group of friends are now inspired to try a 5k, so the next one we do will definitely be a lot of fun! Most of the pictures taken are on Nicole's camera, so as soon as she uploads them, I will post a link.

Tom is playing tonight at Slick + Red's, but if the weather does not get better I don't know if I will be going. There are tornado watches and warnings right now and are supposed to last until 1 am. The thunder and lightning outside right now is fierce! Shady is practically on top of me. She is not a fan of thunderstorms.

I just finished Middlesex (read my review). I think I will start Random Family next... I have been looking forward to reading this one for a while.

I have officially recovered from the heart attack Roy's Boys gave me today... I was not expecting such a close game against Va. Tech, esp. considering their last matchup had UNC winning by 40 pts. But today came down to the last 0.08 seconds and a shot by Psycho T... and they won. I seriously chewed my lips for the last 15 minutes... I do that when I am anxious or nervous! ALSO, second best to UNC winning is Duke losing, which THEY DID, to Clemson! Duke sucks. Tomorrow UNC plays Clemson for the ACC Championship... then the real March Madness begins with the NCAA Selection.

I think it's time to end this novel of a post... not much else to report anyway. For those of you wondering about Shady -- her blood sugar is STILL super high. She is still on antibiotics though so I am hoping that as soon as she finishes them, the insulin will work better.

The baffled king composing Hallelujah.

Tonight's title is in honor of the great Leonard Cohen, who was inducted tonight into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Although maybe I should use a different lyric... Hallelujah has been covered so many times that there are many who don't know it's a LC original. It's funny, today on Gawker there was a post/graph about people covering Hallelujah. I personally can't complain because Jeff Buckley's version happens to be my very favorite.

Tonight when I was updating my nike+ training log, it gave me this warning about my shoes:




You can click for a larger version but it says: There are 303.57 mi logged on the shoe named 'Kinsei'. Because this is 3.57 mi beyond the designated cumulative distance of 300 mi, you may want to retire this pair of shoes. Once a running shoe has passed its distance lifespan, the cushioning material begins to lose its effectiveness. Updating your running shoes can help avoid injury; we recommend that you begin to run with a new pair."

I agree completely, Nike! Which is why I have a new pair of Asics waiting to be broken in. Hopefully I can get to that before the St. Patty's Day run. There are so many great features of nike+ and the nike+ site, including the training log, which I am a little bit obsessed with. In a good way.

Just finished Interpreter of Maladies! Am hoping to start Middlesex soon (just got it today, thanks Katie!), but I know tomorrow night is reserved for the LAST SHOW EVER of the best show on TV. (The Wire, obvs). Yep, now we all have to quit cold turkey.

Led Zeppelin performing now, going to go pay attention!

In life I know there's lots of grief.

My grandma called me earlier tonight because she is pretty shaken up over the murder of Eve Carson. For those not familiar with the story, she was the Student Body President at UNC-Chapel Hill (where I went to college), and she was found dead Wed. morning, after being shot several times. It is so sad and disturbing and shocking. I didn't know her but just knowing of her, you have to wonder how something like this could happen. Chapel Hill is not a place where murder is common. There are not random drive-by shootings or even a lot of drug-related crimes. It makes it that much more mysterious and confusing as to what happened. The police said last night they were searching for a suspect who was recorded attempting to use her ATM card and was driving what they thought was her car, or a car that belonged to her? I really hope they get some answers soon. I can't even imagine what her family and friends are going through. Something like this would just tear me to pieces. I've been thinking about it a lot too, it has really disturbed me and it makes you think a lot about life and how nothing is guaranteed. My heart is in Chapel Hill in spirit and I hope everyone can begin healing soon.

On a less serious but also somber note, we bid farewell this week to NFL legend Brett Favre. I am sad to see him retire, but after hearing his reasons, no one can possibly blame him. He played 17 long and successful seasons, and he works as hard as anyone does. He just doesn't want to do it anymore, and if your heart's not in it, you shouldn't be either. I'll miss watching him on Sundays, but I'll be hoping he's happy wherever he is.

And on a final note... I should not be doing things like making shirts after I've taken Ambien. In fact I probably shouldn't be typing right now. I was making mine and Nicole's shirts for our St. Patty's Day race next weekend, and one of the shirts was inside out and I didn't realize it. So I ironed on the design on the inside of the shirt. And wouldn't ya know, it DOES NOT come off. So now I have to hope I can find another shirt and that I have enough ink to print out another design (:

I miss Tom! He's only been gone a few hours but just knowing I won't see him until Tuesday makes it seem like forever! Ok, time to go test Shady before I get too out of it, otherwise this could be dangerous!

Hey - Wait! I've got a new complaint.

I am NOT a fan of Daylight Savings Time. At least not the way it works right now. Why do they take away an hour of my weekend? Don't they know that the weekends are the only time I can get ANYthing done?!? I would be perfectly happy if it happened on a Monday, say at 3 pm or something. Why does it have to be an hour of sleep I miss out on? Or an hour of doing something productive, or even relaxing? Not cool. Not cool at all.

Yesterday there was no relaxing. I was a nervous wreck about the game and put all of my nervous energy to good use, doing some spring cleaning. OH - in case anyone needs clarification... the Carolina/Duke game. The first time they play in the regular season is still a big deal, but for some reason I don't get as worked up about that one. It also depends on how the first meeting goes - if Duke wins, the next game is HUGE, because we have to win. Anyway... that was yesterday. And we won!!! I am a little bit superstitious so now I will have to wear the shirt I had on for every game they play now (:

Shady still has an infection, is still taking antibiotics, and as of this morning, is not eating. And I can't give her insulin until she eats. Her blood sugar has not come down yet... it's like a catch-22... the blood sugar being high causes the infections, and the infections/antibiotics keep the insulin from working effectively. Something's gotta give but I don't know what it will be.

Just started reading Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri. So far it's really good...

Tom is headed to Raleigh today for a show tonight at Amra's on Glenwood Ave. Then Monday night he'll be at Crowley's, also in Raleigh. Things are exciting right now - we have a publicist working with us, and right now she's at South by Southwest doing some promotion. Hopefully some good things will come of this, I am excited about it.

xo

Things that I think are awesome.

#1. Today is National Grammar Day!

#2. Polaroid Digital Picture Frame


Polaroid Digital Picture Frame

There's a dry erase portion on the bottom, and the frame can stand on its own or be pinned to a cork board for added realism. "Standard" mode emulates a regular digital frame, while "Classic" mode slowly fades the picture into view.

And as we all play parts of tomorrow...

I don't know if there's anyone reading this who lives in Texas, but if so, please read the following information. It explains how the Texas primary is different from other states - and it's more crucial this election year than ever.

In Texas, you can vote twice on Tuesday, March 4 - once in the primary between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and then again in your local caucus at 7:15 p.m. Both count toward delegates needed to win the nomination.

Your primary location and caucus location are the same place. Find it at Barack Obama's website: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/txevlookup

You can also call the Texas Secretary of State with any questions at (512) 463-5650 on a weekday.

You must vote in the primary to vote in the caucus. Caucus leaders should have a list of who voted – but if you have your marked voter card or your receipt from early voting, bring it.

If you voted early, you can still caucus. But your location is NOT necessarily the same as where you voted. So be sure to look up your standard voting location at the Secretary of State's website.

Visit the Move On website for more information.

She's going the distance.

I debated over whether to keep my travel plans for this weekend. I had planned to go see my family... my mom, my sisters, Jayla and Chase, my grandparents. I'd decided to take Shady with me (Tom had to stay for a show), for a few reasons. When I leave her, even though she looooves Tom, she gets kinda depressed. And I would've worried about her. But I kept feeling these bad vibes and I decided to listen to my gut and stay home. It crushed me though because I was sooo looking forward to seeing everyone, esp. Jayla. I have not seen her since her birthday, the first weekend in Jan. To be only 3 years old though, she was very understanding. I talked to her for almost an hour yesterday and she kept asking me if I would come to her house when Shady felt better.

Anyway it's a good thing I stayed, because after going to the vet yesterday, it turns out Shady has a "raging bladder infection." (The vet's words) He gave her a stronger antibiotic than usual and said that the infection could be why the insulin does not seem to be working. And it explains why she hasn't been feeling well this week. So I am glad I stayed, it seemed to be for a reason after all. We have to check her again next Friday to see if the infection has improved any.

I ran 7 miles yesterday! My farthest run yet. I felt great afterwards but it definitely took a lot out of me! I had to stop for water and food a few times, otherwise my little hypoglycemic body might not have made it. I feel a little bit more prepared for the St. Patty's Day 10k now.

I'm trying to figure out what book to start next. I think maybe Into the Wild. Tom just read that and loved it. I just finished Water for Elephants, which I highly recommend.