Lucky Number 7

Disclaimer -- Meg and all those dreading exercise, skip this entry.

Alright, I have finally arrived at the perfect number! I am running seven miles now which is huge considering I thought four was my limit when I was in Georgia. For all my runner friends, I know you will be happy to hear this. I am running it in a little under 70 minutes which is average, but I am content with the time for now. Mister Average :), you were completely right -- shoes do make all the difference in the world. I love my Mizunos and think they were worth every bit of the money. I have also been running a track recently because my knees were giving me trouble. Yes, it is a bit monotonous, but the difference on my knees and hips is night and day.

Soapbox : I want to declare my deep love for running. It has become an enjoyable activity to me in the past year and a half. I began the day I got divorced and haven't stopped since. It is what I do to clear my mind and has become a time to pray. I never thought prayer and cardio would go hand-in-hand. Recently, as of this past week, I have started running early in the morning, and although I dread the alarm clock, I enjoy how alert I am the entire day. I want to give a plug for this exercise and say it is quite therapeutic and worth a try if you are looking for a free, enjoyable exercise. Also, it gives an opportunity to meet many interesting people involved in the sport and explore new places that would be missed by car. Enough of my soapbox...

I have decided to "up the ante" and work toward thirteen miles. My friend Ashley gave me a training schedule so I am going to give it a whirl. If so, I am definitely doing a half marathon. Anyone want to join me?

New York, Nephews, and Nieces

Along with my cousin and sister, I, too, confess to being a neglectful blogger. Lots has happened in the past few weeks, but for fear of using all my blog space, I will highlight with some pics. On July 4th weekend, I went to upstate New York. The trip started out with Niagara Falls which was amazingly beautiful. It is too bad that it is so touristy. We rode Maid of the Midst and took the tour behind the falls. The "Maid" ride was great and gave a very up-close experience of the falls. Walking behind the falls is a tourist trap to avoid. It allows a window-view of the falls and is fairly disappointing. We ended the night in Canada at the restaurant "Carpaccio" which was delicious. On the "Maid of the Midst"

The next day we went hiking all day at Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The leaves were full on the trees so we didn't get to see many ridges which made the hike just ok in my book. We headed back to Allegeny State Park in New York that night. The park is gorgeous and well worth the trip. Here is a great pic from the park. Who knew New York had this side?

A stop along the 13-mile hike. This was Travis and I halfway through the hike. Too bad we had another 6 miles to go!

The last trip day was my favorite. We went kayaking at Letchworth State Park in New York. It is called the "Grand Canyon of the East", and the name is well-deserved. There are small rapids through the gorge which make the kayaking fun. We stopped at a waterfall which was a fairly good size. Travis and I even went for a slide down it! I didn't take my camera though! I was so bummed. All in all, we had a great trip and saw lots of beautiful scenery that I had no clue New York possessed. It's quite a contrast from NYC.

This weekend I headed to Louisville for Owen's birthday. I spent Friday taking the kids to the pool which was a blast. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera with me so I missed out on the photo-ops there. I had a blast sliding down the big slide with Maggie and Owen; although, my bathing suit ripped half way through the day, and Meg had to save me and bring me another. Yes, mom, it was the bathing suit from Triple-R -- at least 7 years old. I guess it was time :) Joe, his dad, and I went to see The Dark Knight on Friday night which was great! It's a "must see". Saturday was the big day, and we decorated big for it! Mom and I were the decorators which was a little scary, but it all turned out pretty good. Owen loved his party ( I think), and the rest of us enjoyed seeing each other. My Aunt Patti K and Uncle Jim came along with my cousins JR, Lori, and TJ. I was SO glad to see them. It had been much too long.

My uncle Jim and I. We always make time to "rock and roll!"

Lori, Meg, and I. I love these two so much. Liv, I wish you could have been with us. The second cousins. Gwen and Gracie, we need you two to make the pic even cuter. The three amigos Havin' fun! Meg, Neila-Susan, and I. Neila is just like family to us.

I thought this was cute. Kirsten is like family too. She and Jim got to catch up a bit. And, Kirsten, the verdict is out -- the whole family thinks you are tops.

I am starting to pack and get ready for another move. It was so good to see everyone again, and I can't wait to be home to see you even more in a few weeks!