Crazy, Compulsive Multi-tasker!

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Family, Humor/Light Hearted2 Comments

Monday morning found me standing in the shower, the water flowing, deep in thought.  I reached for face wash and realized I was about to scrub my face with my toothbrush.  Still wearing glasses,  a fitness band circling my wrist, I paused.  For a moment I wondered if I should consider taking a step back and slow down.  Nope!  One of my favorite quotes, is “Someday I won’t be able to do this, but today isn’t the day.”

I am a compulsive multi-tasker as my husband, Ron will attest.  Every morning, I get to the car with more bags than I should carry.

Many mornings, I shut the car door, buckle the seat-belt and realize my phone,  purse, or lunch is missing.  I unbuckle, go back inside and backtrack to find the missing item.

When I sit down to view a television program, I gather a novel, a crossword puzzle or a sewing project or two.  If I’m working on a writing project at my computer, I will open a class I’m enrolled in or edit a different writing project.  Hey, it helps jump start the creative process.

This month, I am actively training for a half-marathon, taking 2 online classes, working 40+ hours a week, crocheting an afghan and working on a quilt.  I say actively, because I have many other projects, in various stages.  I don’t profess to be proficient at many of the things I tackle, but I enjoy attempting new things.

During a recent day off, I took an online class in calligraphy.  When Ron asked why, I smiled and replied, “It was free, and it was fun.”

I don’t sit still well and I love variety.  Ron, however, will stop what he is doing to give me his full attention when I talk to him.   What a wondrous ability he has to focus.

In my defense, we commute an hour plus each morning and each afternoon. That’s two hours I can write, crochet and brainstorm or anything else I can manage in a car.

The next project will be a weekend of soap making for the girls, at my house.  I want to learn the process.  Sharing the experience with my daughter, granddaughter and sisters will be a lot of fun.  I can’t wait!  If anyone has a favorite recipe or special tips, I would love to hear from you.

So am I the crazy one?   Probably, but If so I like this kind of crazy!

Nature, miles and friends

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Family, Food, Friends, Writing4 Comments

While much of the country has been dealing with extreme weather,  in my area we’ve been more fortunate.  Austin, TX residents woke Saturday morning to a mild 64 degrees.  It was a perfect day for a long training run. If you have to run long, you may as well run for fun! Bastrop State Park is a short 15 miles from my home.  Running in nature while I train is a great distraction.2015-02-22 15.34.35 (1)

A fire devastated Bastrop State Park in September 2011 along with many other areas of Bastrop County.  The fire destroyed many of the ancient pine trees.  It affected 96 percent of the park.  The fire was a tragedy, but it has been wonderful watching the rebirth of the park, aided by many volunteer organizations and their members.

Dez, Ron, and myself arrived at the park with two expectations; to complete an 11 mile training run and to enjoy ourselves.  We put no constraints on time or speed.  Dez and I kept to the trails as much as possible while Ron opted for the park roads.

The trails range from sand, gravel, or packed dirt and is easier on your body than pounding on pavement.  The steep inclines and declines work muscles not used in street running and compel careful navigation to prevent falls.  The combination is a great workout.

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We quickly realized that it was going to be a silly, fun day when we started laughing at everything.  We stopped along the way to take pictures, to view the blackened, fallen trees and to enjoy the newly planted baby pines.

Throughout the morning, park guests greeted us and we shared waves and greetings in return.  At mile 6 we found a restroom, which had been recently renovated and was sparkling clean.  While we were stopped, we visited with Ranger Carpenter and learned a few facts about the park rehabilitation.

We stopped at mile 9.25 to enjoy a bit of solitude at a pond hidden among the trees.  I had spent the day in search of the elusive Houston Toad.  We were pretty sure we heard one in the distance while we were at the pond.

The Pond!

The park ranger we spoke with encouraged us to find a tree and claim it.  He suggested we take our picture with the tree and return annually to document the growth.  So we each picked one and began a tradition.

Our final mile tally of 11.5 miles was full of fun.  After surviving  our trek through nature, we ate lunch and stopped by Austin City Wide Garage Sale.  This weekend the sale was being held in Bastop, Texas.  After an hour and a half of wandering through the maze of exhibits we were a few dollars poorer and a few items richer, and our energies had been fully expended.

We ended our day with sweets from  the Sugar Shack in Bastrop.  We each had two scoops of ice cream and I brought home treats for later.  It was a lovely day and the best one I’ve had in a while.  A special thanks to my cohorts today for helping me make wonderful memories!

Toto we’re not in Austin anymore…..

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Friends, Humor/Light HeartedLeave a comment

I’m still playing catch-up on my training for the Zooma half marathon.  I am slowly building up both time and distance as the date moves closer.  Tonight we ran through downtown Austin.

We started at the Treaty Oak on Baylor and ran down 6th street toward the interstate.  At the interstate we looped around and started down 5th heading to our car.  As we ran we wove our way through tourists, 5:00 o’clock workers heading home, valets parking cars, homeless people and early evening patrons heading into one of the many bars that pepper 6th street.

We discovered a sign for the best hamburger in Austin, one that said they had the best dumplings in Austin and discovered an entirely different town alive with entertainment.

We drive these roads every day, but everything changes when you’re on the ground at 5:00 PM on 6th street in Austin.   We may not be setting any speed or distance records but we did have a lot of fun!

See you on the trails!

Motivation where for art thou?

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Humor/Light Hearted, WritingLeave a comment

I’m not talking about the motivation of New Year’s resolutions.  I’m talking about motivation for the lifestyle of exercise and eating healthy food that I have professed to follow for the last ten years.

Never Give Up!
Never Give Up!

I know my motivation was here in December!  It was there when my good friend and running partner said, “Let’s do the ZOOMA TEXAS HALF MARATHON at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, in Bastrop, TX.  She and I ran the half marathon in 2009.  That year, we completed a training program of sorts to prepare for the “challenging course through the scenic Texas countryside with rolling hills”.  Or as I like to describe them, “the brutal hills with a few flat stretches thrown in.

As I write this on February 7, 2015, 7:00 PM, I checked the website.  The countdown says 48 days.  Now you would think that would motivate me.  So far I have not run one full mile since the first week in December.  I hope it works!  I planned to get on the treadmill this morning, but excused myself, due to a fender bender I had yesterday.  No, I’m not really sore and I wasn’t injured, but it gave me a great excuse.  In December, we were traveling a lot, so I didn’t train.  My husband, who is always motivated, ran while we traveled.  The first week in January, I had the flu, so I took January off, even though the flu lasted less than a week.

So looking at the countdown, I have to admit, these are all a lot of excuses.  I’m out of time for excuses.  In just over 6 weeks, I have to run 13.1 miles of not so gently rolling hills.  So in the morning, my plan is to drive to Bastrop State Park and run/walk some hills.  Wish me luck!

My hope is that perhaps my motivation will return soon.  If you see it, would you please send it back?  I sure could use it about now.

Back on the Trail
Back on the Trail

P.S.  As always, be careful what you ask for!  Monday morning, two different friends reached out and invited me to go for a run with them this week.  Motivation or not, run I shall!

Veggie Burger , can I get fries with that?

On By DGThomaIn Family, Food, Humor/Light Hearted, Travel, WritingLeave a comment

When I first gave up red meat, chicken, pork etc., there were very few options for fast food dining.  Sometimes when you travel it feels like fast food is the only option and certainly the most convenient.  Today most national chain restaurants and many small local diners offer multiple options for vegetarians, vegans or any other meal plan you may follow.

Veggie burgers aren’t my favorite meal, but when Burger King started serving veggie burgers a few years ago, BK went to the top of my list for grabbing a quick meal while traveling.  Today, people who want more alternative menu choices have many more options.  I can almost always find a salad, a fish option or a bean dish.  At the Counter Custom Built Burgers in NYC, I had a wonderful custom made Ahi Tuna burger.  Many restaurants have developed their own veggie burger recipes.  Elevation Burger in Austin, TX has a vegetarian and a vegan option.  Both are equally delicious and made from real vegetables.

Recently, in the Dallas, TX area I was trying to find a quick drive thru meal.  We stopped at a Taco Cabana, but I was stuck on the phone.  I waved my husband inside thinking I just wasn’t in the mood for beans and rice.

There was an In-N-Out next door to the Taco Cabana.  We pulled up to the drive thru window, I asked, “Do you have a veggie burger?”In-N-Out

A cheery, “Yes we do!” floated through the speaker.  “Awesome”, I thought and replied, “I’ll take the combo with a veggie burger.  No cheese and no sauce.”  As she repeated back, “A veggie burger with lettuce and tomato only?”  I answered, “That’s correct.”

As I Anticipated some yummy salty French fries, I pulled up to the window.   This was my first visit to an In-N-Out burger and so far it was looking good.  Receiving my food from a smiling server, we pulled into a parking spot to “check” the order.  Diving into the fries was a delicious treat; hot, crispy, fresh and salty.  Unwrapping the burger, I quickly realized something wasn’t quite right.

There was definitely lettuce and tomato, but that was it.  No patty, just bread, lettuce and tomato.  My husband carried the burger back inside.  When the server asked if I only wanted lettuce and tomato and I said yes, that’s what I got.

20150203_175219When he came back out carrying the burger , he confirmed, “Nope, this is the In-N-Out version of a veggie burger.”  Laughing, I had a delicious lettuce and tomato sandwich.    At least it didn’t have any soy.  Kudos to In-N-Out on the most authentic veggie burger I’ve ever had.

Let it rain, Let it rain…..

On By DGThomaIn Humor/Light Hearted, Musings, WritingLeave a comment

Texas is in a drought as are many other states.  When I first moved to Central Texas 12 years ago, it rained often.  Someone once commented, a 20% chance of rain meant it would rain at least 20% of the afternoon.  And it did rain most afternoons; a light pleasant shower.

Now when rain falls, we cheer.  Rain in Austin often comes in heavy, concentrated downpours that are a deluge and cause flooding.  But we welcome any rain with glee.Rain Clouds

Last week, we had rain in Austin, Texas.  Rain fell hard and fast and it was wonderful.  I love the rain and smiled happily, as it poured.

Austin drivers are more courteous than I have experienced in other large cities.  There is a sense of camaraderie rarely found in commuter traffic.  But, drivers in Austin don’t just forget how to drive in the rain, they become ridiculous risk takers.  I wonder if the rain is so miraculous that it makes them feel invincible.

Last week, we were driving to work, rain pounding, and visibility a quarter of a mile.   The dry ponds along the highway were teeming with the brackish rain water.  As we drove through an intersection in heavy commuter traffic, a small dark car entered the flow from the left.  The car shot across four lanes to access the McDonalds parking lot on the far right. I hope the Egg McMuffin was worth jeopardizing themselves and dozens of other cars!

Remarkably, everyone survived and I heard no metal on metal screeching.  Inching forward we moved toward the next traffic light which was green.  Suddenly, the Super Shuttle van in front of us pumped the brakes and came to a full stop at the green light.  Expecting the driver to look up and move forward, we waited unable to change lanes.  We assumed he would wake soon.  Nope!  The light turned red while we were still waiting.

I could just imagine the driver, looking back at the passengers and calling, “Don’t make me come back there!”  Followed by, “I’m not moving until you settle down!”  The light changed back to green and the van made an illegal left turn from the center lane.  “Ah,” I thought.  “Missed his turn.”

As we move into 2015 I hope the drought comes to an end.  Perhaps if it does, Austin drivers will remember that when it rains you should exercise caution.

You are not traveling alone…

On By DGThomaIn Friends, Musings, Travel, WritingLeave a comment

Today will be my 44th post.  I began posting weekly in May 2014 and have posted each week since.  For those of you who joined me, thank you.  I love to read your posts and spend time with you through your writings or photographs.Peaceful Waters

The past week has been a busy whirlwind of activities, some good and some not so much. I wasn’t able to write this week, so I searched my snippets to see if I might stumble across  a ready made post.  No luck.

I found a poem of sorts I had written for someone special and the last line was “Please remember each time you look at it, you are not traveling alone”.    The line referred to a ring I had given as a gift.

The Culture Monk, a blog I follow,  posted today about community.  As I read the post I thought about that line. I realized community was exactly what I was describing.

My interpretation of community is an ever changing sea of people and environments. Since December 19th, I  traveled from Austin, TX to New York City, NY; back to Austin Travelsand immediately on to Tulsa, OK.  I returned to Austin for a few days before being called to Wichita Falls, TX where I spent the last week.  Now I am back in Austin and am scheduled to be in San Antonio, TX this weekend.

What a profound community I have experienced!  One thing I know for certain.  I am not traveling alone.  During my travels, I was entertained by people, moved by others and exchanged smiles with many.

I received hugs, handshakes and words of encouragement.  So I offer to you to “Remember you are never traveling alone”.  There is always someone nearby with a smile or a story.

Death becomes us

On By DGThomaIn WritingLeave a comment

A Grandaughter and her Granny…..

Katrina Wightman's avatarKatrinaWightman.com

A phone rings.
Come home.
Across the miles we all run.
At her bedside we gather.
The center of our family.
Bringing us together one last time.

Past differences forgotten.
Hanging on every breath.
Holding ours and each other.
A circle of love.

Promises.
The bonds bound by your love
are woven in our hearts
and will not break.

Permission.
Rest your weary body.
Well lived dear one.
One final breath.
Tears and hugs.
Sleep Sweet.
Our Blue Angel.

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The Legacy

On By DGThomaIn Family, Writing1 Comment

If you ask me if I am like my mother I would tell you no. Her name was Dorothy Jane Cooper Greenway. She was a caregiver and a lifetime homemaker. I am a professional and work in an office away from my home. But those are only superficial differences. My mother was a strong and determined woman. She battled numerous physical ailments and was in a wheel chair for many years. She gifted us with the realization that nothing was unattainable if we worked hard enough. She would listen carefully and value your opinion right before she convinced you she was right and you were wrong. From my mother I learned to be a diplomat.

Mom was also a peacemaker, doing what she could to keep everyone happy. She gifted us with a talent for mediation.

Today is the day I say goodbye to my mother. I’m really glad she isn’t suffering, but selfishly I still want her to be at the end of the phone when I call.
As I sat in the floor this morning, scrubbing baseboards at 5:00 AM I reflected on my mother. I want the house to be clean for everyone coming to celebrate her life. I believe perhaps I am like my mother in many ways and for that I’m extremely grateful.

How Could I Resist “He’s the One”

On By DGThomaIn Family, Humor/Light Hearted, Musings, Travel, Writing6 Comments

I recently resurrected crocheting as a hobby.  It’s been years since I created anything with yarn and a crochet needle.  Crochet patterns and yarn have changed significantly.  I practiced on some old yarn I found stored in my sewing supplies and contemplated what I should create.

When my daughter was scheduled for surgery on her broken ankle, I knew I would have some down time while I waited.  I decided it was time to start a project.  I intended to pass time during her surgery by crocheting.  A great idea, but I didn’t get to the store before the surgery.

Because I would stay with my daughter in Tulsa while she recuperated, I picked up yarn the following evening.  Although I had crochet needles at home, I picked up a new set along with a two skeins of yarn, (Yarn Bee, First Love, he’s the one) a beginner refresher book and a basket to hold the yarn.  The baskets were half price so I couldn’t resist.

He's the one!
He’s the one!

I found a basic afghan pattern and realized I would need a lot more yarn.  The yarn I purchased was variegated so I decided not to worry about the lot#.

I headed back to the original Hobby Lobby and discovered I had bought the last two skeins.   I did find and purchase 4 small skeins of a nice cotton blend.  After all they were on clearance. How could I resist?  En route to the second Tulsa location of Hobby Lobby on East 71st, I spotted a Barnes and Nobles and decided I would duck in for just a minute.  An hour later I realized I had no idea what time the second Hobby Lobby closed.  I paid  for my books and rushed off in search of ‘he’s the one’.

As we pulled into the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby on 71st, I could see people milling about as I hurried toward the entrance.  No luck.  A store employee  waved me away and mouthed, “We are closed”.

I searched for the yarn online and discovered it appeared to be sold exclusively at Hobby Lobby.  The yarn was out of stock for on-line purchasing.  The next morning, I called the store on 71st and found out they were also out.  Apparently, ‘he’s the one!’ was a big seller.  And so began the quest for ‘he’s the one’.  An internet search identified Hobby Lobby stores in two nearby towns.  A phone call to Owasso confirmed they were out of the yarn but the Broken Arrow store had 4 skeins in stock.

My husband set off  to Broken Arrow to pick the up the yarn. He returned triumphant with the four skeins.  That was great but I still needed more yarn.

We would drive home through the Dallas area the next day, so my husband called the Dallas Hobby Lobby on Preston.  As I was making lunch, I could hear him on the phone.  “Yes, I need to see if you have a specific yarn.”  (pause) “Yarn Bee, First Love, he’s the one!”   He had to keep repeating, “First Love, he’s the one!”  as he was disconnected twice and transferred between departments.   I believe he just demonstrated, he is definitely the one!  Finally he was told that yes they did have 5 skeins. The sales clerk said no they could not hold them until tomorrow and no he couldn’t purchase them over the phone.

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Still searching for yarn, I made an afternoon trip to Tuesday Morning and found 4 skeins of cashmere yarn and 2 of a lovely wool blend on the clearance aisle.  Of course I had to buy them!

When we left Tulsa, OK for Austin, TX,  I used Google maps to locate a Hobby Lobby in Sherman, TX where we found 4 more skeins of ‘he’s the one!’  on the shelf.  Score!  Stopping by the clearance section, I found several more skeins of yarn which found their way into my cart.

Work In Progress
Work In Progress

I now have 10 skeins of ‘he’s the one’, and about the same number of skeins of miscellaneous clearance yarn.  Doing the math I realized I could use a few more of ‘he’s the one!  We set off to find the Dallas store to determine if they had any of the five skeins left.  Upon arriving, I rushed to the yarn department to grab all five skeins which were still on the shelf!  I completed the quest!  This will be a lovely and fun project!

Now I just have to buy a bigger basket for all the yarn and figure out a few more projects.  Aren’t clearance sales wonderful?