Running and Shopping and Baking and Cooking

It's been a fun week - Christmas brunches and lunches with old friends, our Kelly Christmas Light Run and potluck, another hill party, and the last minute rush of the season. Whew!

We started our Kelly Christmas Light Run with Barb giving a brief prayer in remembrance of Kelly, then we ran a 5K route planned out by Wendy. We followed that up with a wonderful spread prepared by Wendy's Mom of pancit, egg rolls, slaw, spinach squares and more Christmas goodies than I can name, oh, and lets not forget wine and beer! It was a perfect gathering of friends.

Rob and Jenny mentioned that they wanted to join me on the weekly loop of the hill run, but they were both on break and wanted to go a bit later than my usual time. I set the time and posted, and it wasn't long till it turned into a hill party. The only problem was, I didn't know Jenny was busy at that time. Wednesday morning rolled around and soon, Rob, Rick, Jamal, Steve, Eric and I were gathered in the kitchen. Jane had said if she wasn't there on time, go without her, so we did. That's right - me and five fast guys. We started slow, but it wasn't long till I felt like I was in a race. I knew we were going faster than normal based on where my walk breaks fell. I'd trail behind on the hills, and they would either turn back for me, or walk till I caught up. Even though we were pushing it (for me) I was having a lot of fun with this group. Rob gave me periodic lectures, and because of that, I have to tell you that I chicked him. Okay, really it was for about three seconds on a downhill, but I did catch and pass him. And, technically, it probably wasn't a true chicking because it wasn't at the finish line. But still...I don't get to claim stuff like that too often, so I'm taking it!

I laughed once, in the last mile, when Eric commented that he had "really needed this recovery run". Hello! My hill run at my fastest pace ever, is his recovery run? Sheesh. Then Steve and Eric ran up behind me, looped their arms through mine and made me fly down the road - I imagine my feet looked like in a cartoon - just a whirling blur. It's hard to keep those legs moving when I'm laughing.

All was good and golden till I woke up yesterday with a sore throat. I've got a cold, mild so far, but I skipped the second run at the track last night, and am cutting two loops on Saturday to one. I've been feeling a little tired lately and with the cold on top of it, I'm opting for the extra rest.

As for the seasonal rush - I finished up the shopping this morning and bought all the groceries we need. The store was out of one thing that I'll have to go back for tomorrow, but that'll be quick. Christmas Eve we will celebrate with our extended family, then on Christmas Day, for only the second time ever, we are staying home for the whole day. The last time we did that was when I was expecting Web almost 21 years ago - he was due Christmas Eve, so we did not want to travel. (He didn't make his appearance till January 7th!) We decided we wanted a day at home with both our boys, and that is what we are doing. I asked what they all wanted for Christmas Dinner and the answer was homemade beef stew. Yes, real beef. I do it for them a couple times a year - but I also make a separate pot for me with soy meat instead. I need to bake pumpkin bread and carrot cake, make fudge and bake muffins. Plus, I haven't wrapped a single thing!

I'm really looking forward to this four day weekend - running and hanging out with friends, celebrating with family, and a few days with both boys home. I will be celebrating all the blessings that our family enjoys - family and friends, home, health, happiness, love. I hope that each of you find joy this holiday season too. Merry Christmas!