Running

Every day, at least twice a day,I take the puppy for a run.


After a run - August 20, 2009

I won't go so far as to say that I love it...

but I am regaining shape, slowly losing some weight, and going further and faster. It also clears my mind and, after running, I am more productive for the remainder of the day. Yippee for running! Hip hip hooray!

Now the big question, how can something that is so good for me literally (physically) be so bad for me figuratively (emotionally)? (am I using literally and figuratively appropriately?...too many ly's)


Most agree, running from your emotions is bad. It can make you physically ill. If you run from your emotions for too long you may do or say something you can't take back. Eventually, the emotions you are running from will catch up to you.

Personally, I find it easier to run physically every day than to face my deepest emotions every day. Emotions are difficult and scary and usually require some type of action in order to achieve resolution. Usually, you have to say something to someone and risk their reaction. I value my relationships so much that this is often difficult. In the end, I recognize that facing your deepest, most difficult emotions is beneficial, but oh the journey...the long, long journey.

5 miles a day is easy for me physically.
How is five miles a day measured emotionally?
10 minutes of crying, 6 hugs, 15 minutes of introspection, and 1 blog post?

Let me know when you figure it out, literally.

Girl Time

On Saturday, I met up with my friend Alison. We had tea and talking at Starbucks. Talking was long over due. There was so much to say.

Then we took a short drive to the mall, a place I rarely visit. We went to Lush for hair care products. Bath and Body Works because I had a gift certificate. Victoria's Secret because she had a coupon for a free pair of panties and $10 of a purchase of $10 or more. Second Time Around, an awesome second hand store.

Inevitably, we spent most of our time (and money) at Anthropologie. We would both like to live in that store. Something about Anthro is so calming and inspiring. It is a visual and textural feast. Prancing around the dressing room in ridiculously amazing frocks bestowing compliment after compliment on each other was delightful. I bought a dress, a skirt, and a top. Alison, six months pregnant with her second son and absolutely radiant bought a top, too. We left so many things we really loved behind. I guess that means we will just have to go back again soon.

There is something so therapeutic about spending time with a girlfriend. Time falls away. Worries are eased. We feel free to be ourselves, without care for what those around us might think of our silly antics or intimate topics of conversation.

Alison, I am so grateful for your friendship and always here for you no matter... Thank you for Saturday!

Around (Water)Town

In the blue light of evening, the puppy and I took a stroll. There is a certain charm to our town. It speaks for itself...

Town Hall and its tree:




A bit of the library. See the lady in the window?:


Old Coca Cola sign:


By the river:

The Charles River


Bench and Flowers


Mills Turned Art Studios


Old art deco(?) facade of town pool

Ma'am

At CVS this morning an employee asked, "Need any help Ma'am?"

At Town Hall, a gentleman held the door for me, "Ma'am." he said as he nodded me by.

At the gas station where I waited for my car to be inspected, "Ma'am, you're all set." the boy not much younger than me proclaimed.

Do I look like a Ma'am to you?

Exhibit A:

Okay, so maybe the glasses are a little "Granny" and I do have some freckles. No wrinkles though and I think the hair is pretty sexy.

Exhibit B:

The corduroy blazer is a little "Ma'am ish", I guess, but the rest looks pretty young and fresh to me.

Exhibit C:

So you can assess my ma'am ish ness from another angle...

I actually looked up Ma'am, short for madam, which is by definition:
"a women of refinement." In my case, this is debatable.

"the mistress of a household" True.

"a woman in charge of a brothel"
My favorite definition. Though not true, it is possible that with the plunging neckline, shape defining jacket, wild hair, and cunning smile, one of the three thought it to be true.

Maybe, Ma'am is not such a bad way to be addressed after all. It doesn't necessarily mean I look old and at least it shows some respect.