6 Down 6 To Go

Happy Holidays!!!

Well, I finished up another week of training! YAY me! I finished up the week with 24 miles! Woof! I had some great running buddies this week. I only ended up running alone 1 day. So cool. I had one day this week where I ran the track at the athletic club. It takes 7 laps to make a mile and boy was it tough to keep track. I ended up getting my 4 miles in but I won't make a habit of doing this at the gym. The air here has been awful and it's been oh so cold, so I thought it would be nice to try moving my run inside. But running outside, if possible, is sooooo much better than running on a treadmill or around in circles on the track. I'm VERY ready for some spring and summer running!

So this week's long run was a blast! First of all, it was the longest run I've EVER done. 8.24 miles long! Nikki and I headed off from our houses and ran down to Liberty Park to meet Elizabeth again. I was planning on 7 miles... Elizabeth had to do 5 miles... it's roughly 2 miles to the park, so win win. I decided it was time to try some "fuels" before the half so I could see what worked, what didn't... and what made me sick. Today we tried Jelly Belly Sports Beans, Shotbloks, and the Honey Stingers. I wouldn't say I noticed much of a difference overall or with my energy level, but I guess it is amazing that I made it over 8 miles. So maybe there is something to them? I do know we laughed and laughed trying these things. I like the Jelly Belly beans the best as far as consistency and flavor. They are easy to just pop into your mouth and they taste pretty good and take your mind off of running while you are chewing them. So I guess that's something. I didn't like the Honey Stingers much at all. The thing with any of these energy shots that are used electrolyte replacing is that you need to take them with some water. I have been trying to train with my water over the last few runs so I can get used to carrying something. It's going pretty well. It would be a lot nicer if it weren't so cold.

Sooo... I have 43 days until my first half marathon. YIKES! But before that, I have a super duper Caribbean cruise that I am going on with one of my besties, Debs. This week we were able to take advantage of an incredible price-drop and upgraded ourselves with the savings to the Aqua Spa category of rooms. I've been dying to try these rooms. Being a travel agent and all it would be lovely to see how these cabins rate against the others. I know they are all basically the same, but the one thing these cabins come with is the ability to eat at the specialty restaurant called "Blu". It's more of a culinary event and not so much a huge dining room experience. The reason why we've never tried Aqua Class before is if all your friends aren't in that category, you all can't eat together. WHICH is one of the funnest things about cruising. SO, since this cruise is just the 4 of us, we decided to try this category. I'm way excited about it. This cruise is going to be WAY different than all of my other travels. I am going to have to RUN! LIKE every day run! And my first double digit run is while I am on vacation. Yikes! On one hand it has to be better than running in this bitter cold I've gotten used to, but... it will be a huge difference on how I usually behave on vacation. Should be interesting.

I started reading a fascinating book this week called Born to Run. A friend of mine has been suggesting it since I started this crazy project. Well... all the reviews are right. It's a VERY interesting book. Even if you aren't a runner and never plan to be. The story is incredible. It's about a hidden tribe in Mexico called the Tarahumara, otherwise known as the Running People. They run hundreds and hundreds of miles every week in SANDALS! Anywho... a portion of the book is about all the shoe companies that have sold everyone on the idea that you need a better and better shoe... to make you go faster and further. And how this really isn't true. Anyway... lots and lots more to the story. I highly suggest reading this book. Even if you aren't a runner. Great book!

Ok... so the half marathon is right around the corner and I read a few things about custom t-shirts are a MUST for marathons (or half in my case). I wanted something to mark my cousin and my incredible experience together. SO, I made us running shirts. I bought the clip art on Etsy (a site I love!) and designed these babies. I think they turned out SOOOO CUTE!!! They arrived this last week and must say the sizing ran a bit smaller than the website specified so hopefully I don't look like it's a sausage casing by February... oh well if so :)

I want to start doing one thing on my runs starting next week. Every day I want to try and find something to take a photo of. Either cool, or funny... or just me looking like a fatso in my layers of spandex. Something! I can spend the whole run trying to decide what that is. I really wanted to get a photo today or video really, of Nikki running like a lunatic after having an energy shot. It was SOOOO funny! You had to be there, but she took off like a SUPER fast runner, kicking her butt while doing so... FUNNY shit!

Anyone have any New Year's resolutions? I haven't thought about it much. Maybe I'll try to think of a good one while running this week. I feel like I've already tackled some major things, albeit a bit early :) they may have to do... My friend Nikki is going to try and run 2012 miles in 2012. I really think she should try and quit using drugs that make her sound crazy. Just say'n...

One thing happened on today's run... a feeling came over me that said "Ok, I got this." I was under 4 miles shy of doing a half today! So... 6 more weeks of training? I can totally do this, right?

Tonight is Christmas eve and this time last year we were in the Children's hospital watching my daughter undergo a Bone Marrow transplant that lasted until the wee hours of Christmas morning. Today is her second FIRST birthday. What a difference a year makes. Tonight we watched Christmas movies, had a few martinis and ate junk food. It was a perfect day! Happy first birthday to my daughter, Alex!

Well, that's about it for this week's training. I found another friend on Daily Mile this week and we are hoping to meet up for a run this week also. YAY! It's SO much more fun having someone to run with.

5 weeks down 7 to go...

Another week behind me. YAY! This week I finished up with about 18.5 miles.

Training this week was pretty good. Or as good as it gets for me. Nothing feels super good yet. My legs are sore from the minute I head out until almost the end most runs. I've read a few things where it takes a good 3 months for some of the muscles and connective tissues to start feeling better. I'll let you all know if that is a bunch of BS or not.

One thing super fun that happened this week is my long weekend run included a running buddy and meeting a new Daily Mile friend. I tell ya... it's almost worth paying these people to run with me every long run day! The time went by SO fast! I had "chatted" with this girl named Elizabeth a few times on Daily Mile and I knew she was a local, beginner runner. I thought it would be LOVELY if she wanted to run together. I messaged her on Daily Mile and we set a date. It was so much fun. We decided on meeting at Liberty Park. Her run was considerably shorter than my own for the day, so I decided to run down to Liberty in order to get a few miles in before meeting her. My friend Nikki wanted to go out, so we met up and ran to the park together. It was as much fun as one can have whilst running! We all laughed and chatted and the time truly flew by. Nikki and I did almost 7 miles and finished up at the coffee shop. GREAT LONG RUN DAY!

My new world consists of Vitamin Water, spandex, fleece, bananas, peanut butter... deciding on what to eat rules most of my nights. It's crazy! I love the fact that carbs are "in". I think that is the single cool feature about running. I'm trying to think if there is any other thing that is super cool... and I'm coming up with nothing. I don't try to watch what I am eating or drinking unless it directly relates to what I am running the next day. My diet coke has quickly been replaced by water and vitamin water zero.

One of the things that I really need to start doing on these upcoming weeks is to start trying fuel. I have purchased several different types of energy snacks and I will see what ones work and what ones don't. This is crucial before the half marathon. I also want to train with my water bottle from now on. I have read a few blogs about this, and I think I really want to have something to drink as I go. I did almost 7 miles last Sunday carrying water, so I should be able to do it. I'm not sure the water belt thingy is for me.

My cousin, Rian, sent me this quote from "12 Things Happy People Do Differently". I really like it.

Commit to your goals. – Being wholeheartedly dedicated to doing something comes fully-equipped with an ineffable force. Magical things start happening when we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to get somewhere. When you’re fully committed to doing something, you have no choice but to do that thing. Counter-intuitively, having no option – where you can’t change your mind – subconsciously makes humans happier because they know part of their purpose.

Gear this week was almost all the same... IceBreaker merino wool pants, long sleeve fleecy lined shirt... and my Columbia vest. I wore gloves all week and half the time needed my new neck gator. It is so not fun training in the cold. I'm very much looking forward to spring and summer where I can get up early... or run later. Right now I seem to be planning my runs for the warmest part of the day.

Oh, and still only down 3 pounds. WTF is up with that? Oh well... I never started running to lose weight. Good thing, eh?

46 days until the Half. YIKES!

Half Marathon Training - Week 4

I think unless something really interesting happens, I will just summarize my weekly training. This week went by pretty much the same as the previous 3 weeks. I did buy a few more things for my winter wardrobe. My bedroom is literally covered in running gear. I am a member of a running community called "Daily Mile." I really love being a part of it and getting some encouragement from other runners across the country. It's pretty cool. There is so much advice and support. I was reading a thread last night about investing in the sport of running and what was the best "investment". This guy wrote this:

A spouse who gets it. As far as an investment goes this is oft. over looked but it's a big one. She gives me time, tolerates stinking synthetic clothes hanging on every possible fixture in the bathroom, is the loudest voice at my finishes and still listens unfailingly as I drone on about pace, stride, this race or that

I thought this was such a great post. And so true too. Dan is definitely my biggest fan. And rightly so I guess. I wish I had some running buddies, because I really don't. I have some really good friends that run, but I don't really have someone to run with on a regular basis. Although I would quickly be left in the dust unless I found someone that was just beginning like me.

This week I ran 20 miles! Who knew I was capable of running 20 miles in a week!? NOT ME! I would say that 10 of them were pretty miserable. Ok... maybe 8 :) This is not an easy sport for me to pick up. For some reason, for the past year (almost) I have wanted to be a runner. I guess I am a runner, since I am running. But I want to be one of those people in the park with a nice ass that seem to be effortlessly running along enjoying the great outdoors. Whatever.

It's amazing how everything I do now seems to have running in the background. I try to eat and drink according to what run I need to do on my training schedule. It's amazing the changes that have occurred around here. I know my peeps are wondering just what is happening to me. The truth... trying to do everything possible so that I don't die out there on the trail. If that means I give up soda, I'll gladly give up soda so I can breathe. I'll eat shit like oatmeal and yogurt so I can have a bit of energy for my run. I'll not drink on the nights before a run because... well, I've done that and it didn't work out too well. SO, this running thing has turned me into a different person.

My training weeks are like this: Mondays are my weight and stretching days. I can do whatever I want as long as there is some resistance training and stretching. This is a very important day and JUST as important as a running day. I am not to do heavy weights but light weights and many reps. This will help my muscle mass and this will help me run better. YAY! I don't want to miss these days. Tuesdays are shorter runs... week 5 makes Tuesdays 4 mile runs. These days are gradually increasing in mileage. Wednesdays are short run days.... 2 miles... this sounds easy-peasy but these are supposed to be faster or work in some hills... I just have to switch it up in a way that challenges everything. Hell, just getting out of the house is challenging. Isn't that enough? Ummm, no. These days are really hard for me because going faster is almost impossible and so are hills... but I try and that's all I can do right now. I can't wait until I get to a point where it's like "OH WOW! I haven't been able to do that before!" Thursdays are running days also... like Tuesdays, these are a middle of the road mileage. I am supposed to combine some weight training with my Thursday runs, so I have been trying to make it to Pilates. Not only is the class amazing!!! It also provides an amazing stretch for a runner. Fridays are my rest days and I like Fridays best. I don't do anything. I even fight walking out to the mail box. I'm supposed to rest! Saturdays are cross training days and these are important also. I'm supposed to something that is a low/no impact. I've been swimming and it feels wonderful. I don't do laps or anything really structured, but I do swim for about an hour. And then I sit in the glorious hot tub at the gym. I love Saturdays. Then comes Sunday... Sundays are my long run days. I kind of dread them, but in a way I kind of like knowing that I am getting better at this running stuff. This last Sunday I ran just over 6 miles. AT ONE TIME! Amazing! That is seriously a LONG way if you Google Map it! I can't believe I am going to run a bit more than twice this amount. I try not to look ahead too much. It doesn't do me any good to look at the 13.1 miles and how I'll get there. I'm doing what I am supposed to do to get there. I guess I have to believe in the plan.

This entire week has been in the low 30s. It's been pretty sunny but the inversion has been terrible. I'm just glad I have had this time outside. I think my time is coming where I'm going to have to move indoors to the track and then try and figure out how I'm not going to go insane running in circles?

I'm thinking of doing a 10K for New Years Eve. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Even though I am on week 5 of my training schedule, I've been training for a full two months today. Two months ago today I took my secret want of becoming a runner out in the open by registering for a half marathon. So... in two months time I've lost a whopping 3 WHOLE pounds! Unbelievable. I have ran 150 miles in TWO MONTHS! My training plan says I've burned 122 doughnuts. WTF? I should have eaten them then! 3 measly pounds. Damn! Oh well... I find this is a pretty normal phenomenon so I'll just go with it for now. I've given up all kinds of good stuff too :O( Like WINE! My wine consumption has seriously taken a nose dive. I've also given up most of my Diet Coke. Those that know me know that this is more serious than taking up running. I love my soda. But... I've given up all but one Diet Coke a day. And now I even forget to have that here and there. Shocker! I will say that I am seeing changes in my body. I haven't noticed so much in the clothes that I wear yet. But I do think I am looking better overall. I guess that is something.

Also... everything from the waist down hurts. In case there are some beginner runners than have happened along my blog... everything hurts. You are not alone. It takes a lot of Motrin to get me through all this. Luckily the things that are doing pretty good are my feet. No blisters and no real pain. Woohoo! I wish my poor little shins could say the same. But I'll take what I can get. My hard, foam roller is my bestie through all of this. I use it religiously twice a day. Before a run... before bed... some times just for fun. It hurts like bitch, but it's so worth it. I'm also semi-besties with my two bags of frozen peas. They are IDEAL for ice packs. They fit over my legs very well and I can reuse them over and over. I will feel bad for whoever housesits and I have forgotten to tell them NOT to use the frozen peas in the freezer. heehee

4 weeks down and 8 to go!

My first race... Jingle Bell 5K

Well, the day had come... my very first race. I had done the distance many times so I wasn't too worried about that. I was looking forward to the race to get some experience before the half marathon. It turned out that I learned many things.

One of my besties, Natasha, decided she wanted to do the race with me. She wasn't a runner but wanted to come along anyway. I had 2 other runner friends that wanted to come along. It was going to be a group. My friend Pam, who is a rock star runner, said she'd stick with me whether I walked or ran or whatever... It turned out she didn't mean half of this statement. What she did was made me run the entire time. She almost killed me. I finished the race with my best time to date, 11:28. I think I killed a few brain cells in the process but I did it.

Note to self... RUN MY OWN RACE! I need to make sure that I am not trying to keep up with anyone or set any type of record. The only one I am competing with is myself. I learned that I need to shake up my training runs a bit more. The terrain, which was really fine, was harder on me than I thought it would be. There was a lot of concrete and I need some more concrete training. But... I crossed the finish line with my best time to date. I guess it wasn't all that bad. Once I caught my breath :)

It was so nice that my mom come down to watch... Dan was there... and it turned out to be a great day.

Natasha and I ready to go!

Pam, me and Natasha... entering Liberty Park

Natasha, Pam, me and Pam's daughter Jessica

So you wanna run do you?

Ok... time for some catch up. I want to include my running escapades in my travel blog because really... who wants to read through several blogs that I have written? I'm hoping to combine running and travel anyway, so why not? And mostly this journal is for my own benefit. For when something like Alzheimer hits and I need something to remind me what I've done during my life. As you can see by my blog, I'm not very good at keeping a journal. I never have been. All I can do is try. I guess it's more than some people do, right?

Soooo... This last spring (before my cruise with my mom) I started running at the gym. Nothing extreme but was finally doing it (on the treadmill that is). After a month or so of working out on the treadmill I decided to take myself out into the neighborhood. Well... I couldn't even make it to the end of my street! SO NOT KIDDING! I felt stupid and slow and my legs were screaming at me and I couldn't even go a mile. I came home after one tiny block and threw my shoes in my closet and probably ate some bon-bons.

I have been a (pretty) good gym person since 1998. I've had some times that have been better than others. For any new readers, my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007 and then after 2 and 1/2 years of treatment, relapsed and had to have a Bone Marrow Transplant last Christmas eve. Well, the last year has packed 20 pounds on this short little body. TWENTY POUNDS! And I wasn't exactly skinny to begin with. I chalk most of this up to hospital cafeteria food (mostly bacon, which is the only thing good there) eating out for almost every meal, and FAR too much to drink! Who wouldn't need a glass or three of wine each night? This also threw my workout time out the window. I've never ever been a dieter and everyone that knows me knows I'd rather exercise than diet. I love food! I love to cook really good food... and I love to go out for really good food. I do not diet! But (cancer aside) I do have a really good self discipline for working out.

Jump ahead to October... my cousin Rian, who lives in California, posted on Facebook that she was thinking of running a marathon. Like me, she's always had the idea that running is only the result of being chased by someone. And even then, I think I'd only run if the option was getting raped. Otherwise just shoot me and get it over with. I DO NOT RUN! And we know how my last attempt worked out. So... I posted on her Facebook wall that maybe she should shoot for a half first. Because 26.2 miles is like... a LOT! I told her what I was doing at the gym on the treadmill. Well... a few days go by discussing running and stuff and she writes and says I should do this half marathon with her in Huntington Beach. WHA WHA WHAT!??? Me? run? Outside!? For no other purpose than to say "I've done it" and to get the shiny surf board medal at the end. This is IF I make it to the end. They do not give you a medal if you take a cab to the finish line. Something I really don't understand because really... what's it to them if you can live with yourself for doing this? Selfish bastards really...

In a very weak moment (and warm thoughts of the Newport Beach area in February) I agree. I've read many things since saying you should always think about what you are getting into... take a night to sleep on it. A book I am reading now says "Do... do sleep on this decision because it's going to be the last really good sleep you'll have until your marathon is over." This is not a lie.

Well, I didn't think on it... that very day I registered and bought airplane tickets. And then I texted my very good friend Cynthia (who is a marathon runner) and said "FUCK!!!! I've registered for a half marathon in February. Can I possibly do this?" And she sends me a text back saying "If you start training immediately and work hard. I'll email you a training schedule." I print out the schedule and hung it on the fridge. I had 4 weeks before the 12 week Half Marathon training schedule for beginners started. You think about the 13.1 miles weeks and weeks in the future, but you don't really think about the 100s that you will run before getting to that date. YIKES! What have I done. I can't even run around the block. And this proved to be TRUE for 4 solid weeks of trying! I kept telling myself every single day that all I can do is try. If February 5th comes and I cannot run on the pavement, I will know I tried to every single day until that day. I went to the gym and ran 4 miles every day and then I hit the streets each night trying to do anything... something! My little stems just hated the great outdoors. My shins screamed! My ankles screamed... I sounded like I had asthma and had lost my inhaler months ago. But every single night I tried. I would see fat people running and point and say "Look... they can do it...and it looks like it's easy for them." I started working out with a hard, foam roller (an evil evil tool) that eventually became my best friend. And I still have my two bags of frozen peas in the freezer that I use most nights on my legs. I was starting to become a bit depressed about my progress and my training schedule was looming large on the fridge.

And what the hell was I thinking with training in the coldest part of the year? Had I lost my mind? I know there are some of my friends that are still questioning my sanity.

SO... I signed up for my first (I say first because I'd love to grow and love this sport and go on to become a rock star like some of my friends) half marathon. I signed up on October 12th. As of now I have completed 4 weeks of my training schedule. It's been BRUTAL! I keep asking people if this is going to get easier? Even a little bit easier? I want to be one of those people out there that look like they're enjoying themselves. Instead I am focused on my midfoot strike... and keeping my body in line and trying to become a stomach breather instead of wheezing from my chest. I'm trying to find the perfect layering combination so I don't freeze my ass off. And mostly I'm just wanting to stick to the plan. Because they say if you stick to the plan you can do it. I have enough of a "anal retentive" streak to follow simple instructions to a T, so the plan is working for me. I am working off the Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training plan for beginners. It seems pretty workable if you are in semi-fit condition. Luckily my cardio fitness is pretty good.

I laughed in the new book that I am reading The Nonrunners Marathon Guide for Women. She writes that one of her first stops is to see the Shoe People at the running store for gear. And after dropping about four thousand dollars she is ready to train. She is joking of course but I was laughing because getting ready (especially for winter training) is not a cheap endeavor. There are shoes, and pants (special wool ones that don't weigh you down or freeze your ass off) and there are jackets... and vests... and coats if it's snowy... and hats and headbands... and gloves and sports bras designed so I don't get a black eye while doing all this bouncing...and my nifty new GPS app on my iPhone. There is a LOT of gear! My bedroom is now littered with so much running stuff it's funny!

Mostly I've just been running in my neighborhood. It's pretty (as it can be at this time of year) and I'm not too far from home. And... to try and get me in the racing mode, I've signed up for my first 5K... and I've talked several people into doing this crazy ass thing with me. I do have some good friends! That's for sure! Why else would you pay money to run in below freezing temperatures when you are the type who can run half marathons in a blink of an eye? GOOD friends do this shit with you! And even friends who don't even run but they want to spend time with you doing what you are trying to do. I have great friends!

One day while trying out my new shoes I started down this hill toward home. I'm not doing well, my legs are screaming and I am ready to abort the run. As I am jogging down the hill, I slowed down my pace and all of a sudden it clicked.... Nothing is hurting... I'm JOGGING!!! I turned a corner and kept on running! It's WORKING!!! I haven't been back on the treadmill since! I still have to walk up the hills most of the time, but I'm running OUTSIDE!!!

A week to my first 5K! I've been running outside and I'm going further than 5K on most runs so I'm stoked for my first race. Woohooo!

Bad bad blogger!

I know I know... I've been a very bad blogger. It was such a crazy summer that I didn't get much blogging done at all. I had a fabulous time on my "mother/daughter" cruise and then it was full speed ahead into regular life again.

The next traveling adventure that we had this summer was our long awaited trip to New York City and Washington D.C. My bestie, Debs and I had this planned for quite awhile. With our plans for NYC and DC, I asked my best friend Cindy if her and her husband would finally like to come to our lake place in the Adirondacks. This was something we've been wanting to do for years, but just never happened. Cindy and Paul decided it would work great... so the planning included 5 days at the lake followed by 5 days in my favorite US city, followed by 5 days in Washington D.C. It would become the "Natural Disaster Tour 2011."

We had a great time up at the lake with Cindy and Paul. It was really fun spending some vacation time with my BFF. We drank and ate way too much. Mostly I was excited to get to my city and spend some time with all my buddies. This was Paul's first trip to NYC. I think he ended up having a good time. We went to Mamma Mia on Broadway. The boys have been wanting to go to this play, so we arranged it. Cindy and I have seen Mamma Mia every trip to NYC. It's such a great show. We also took the boys on a bike tour around the Upper West and East side... through Harlem and Columbia University. We also met up with some cruising pals this trip. Judy and Michael from Connecticut took the train down and spent 2 days with all of us. It was a blast. We went to some great restaurants and had a fantastic time. I hated to see our city time come to an end. But it was time to say goodbye to Cindy and Paul. It was time for Dan and I and Debbie and Rich to head off to Washington D.C.

I had never taken the train within the US before. After this trip, I know why! OMG! We decided long into the planning of this trip that we would take Amtrak from NY Penn Station to D.C.'s Union Station. It would be fun! It would be different! It would be better than flying! Yeah, right. We were choo-choo'ing along just outside of Philadelphia when the train came to a stop and there we sat for a good hour. We learned there was an earthquake right outside of Washington and they had to inspect the whole track leading into D.C. YAY! It took us 6 hours to reach D.C. While waiting on the train for hours and hours, we were also following the hurricane coming our way from the Gulf.

We finally arrived D.C. with our besties and hurried off to check into our hotel and hit the ground running. I had written to my congressman months and months ago and had secured us all a visit to the White House, the Capitol and the Treasury. All and all it the tours were pretty lame. I don't know... maybe I've seen so many places now that I have a bit higher expectation of things. There were a few aspects of the white house that were interesting and thank god it wasn't standing in line for hours and hours like I had read about, or it certainly wouldn't have been worth it. One really cool thing about our visit to D.C. this year was the Martin Luther King Jr. monument that had just opened the day we arrived. It was incredible and I'm so glad we got to see it. Because... we probably won't be heading back to D.C. any time soon. Since Dan and I had been, it was pretty much all repeats for us. Something that I didn't think would be a big deal but ended up being kind of boring. THANK GOD we were with our besties! I don't think they'll be heading back there any time soon either. Don't get me wrong. I think everyone should go once. Preferably at Cherry Blossom time. That is the time I was there before and it's incredible. But it's kind of one of those places that if you've been, there really isn't anything new to see or do. Well... about 3 days into our time in D.C., Hurrican Irene decides to hit. NYC is expected to take a real beating and we are supposed to take Amtrak back to NYC for our flight home. Something I was really not looking forward to. Well... flights were canceled... trains were canceled and NYC shut down all the subway systems. It didn't look good for our return. SO... after many phone calls we got our flights home changed. We really did have a great time in D.C. We never lost power or anything and we only had one bad day that we couldn't really do too much. It truly was a great couple weeks away with friends. But Dan and I both agreed that 2 weeks was too long to spend touring our own country. Sounds horrible... but that's how we felt about it.

Paul, Cindy, me and Dan in Albany... stopping for dinner on our way to the lake.

A cool covered bridge near Great Lake Sacandaga.

Debs and I with the Naked Cowboy in Times Square

A great photo of Debs and Rich & Michael and Judy... at a great brunch spot in Soho

Us girls in front of an awesome pizza joint in Greenwich Village

Our super fun Segway tour in D.C.

A cool picture I took at the Vietnam Memorial

The new Martin Luther King Jr Memorial... Very very cool!

A New Beginning... A plan in motion

I am going to try to be a better blogger... I am going to try and carve out a little life for myself and not let cancer define me... since I have had so many non-fun things taking place around here, I have let my other blog slip. I would like to get back on track. As I prepare for another great trip I realize that I need to catch up some serious travels that have passed.

I am (pretty much) 5 days until my mom and I leave for another incredible cruise. As a travel agent, I get so many great deals forwarded to me and this one I just couldn't pass up. My mom and I really wanted to do some type of "girl trip" this year and this one came at the (almost) perfect time.

I have prearranged tours with a few different private companies. It's kind of funny... I would actually make commissions off the cruise line shore excursions, but I absolutely hate them and I never recommend them unless there is no better choice.

I have met a few people on the CruiseCritic.com and have arranged to get together with a few different couples for tours. One couple I am really excited to meet is Anthony and Maria from Australia. We'll be joining them for a tour in France, and they'll be joining my tour in Rome. Since we've emailed back and forth several times, we have also decided to join up with them for dinner each night. I look forward to our time on my favorite ship! Solstice... HERE I COME AGAIN!!!

I have made our pre and post cruise reservations at the same hotel where Dan and I stayed after we were married on the ship in Barcelona. We are staying at the Duquesa de Cardona and it's just a perfect hotel!

I have arranged a pre cruise dinner with a few people on the CruiseCritic.... Les Set Portes is supposed to be a fabulous restaurant with excellent paella. I'll let you know after we eat there what the verdict is.

Post cruise in Barcelona is going to be a great time. We have 3 days to explore the city. I have been to the city several times but this will be my mother's first time. I have put together a Gaudi day (Antoni Gaudi)... seeing all sorts of Gaudi designs. One of my favorite's is Casa Batllo and the one of the most famous buildings of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia. Love it or hate it, it's a site to be seen!

We have arranged all our Italy tours with RomeinLimo... this is a FABULOUS company and worth every penny for their private tours. We share a van with people we meet on the Cruise Critic and it becomes less expensive than the ship tours... and SO much better!

The planning is done... the tickets are printed... now to pack my bags!

5 days until we go!

Our cruise itinerary is:

Barcelona

Nice, France (visiting Monaco, Eze, Nice & St. Paul de Vence)

Livorno (visiting the Montecarlo wine road and Lucca and Pisa)

Rome

Naples (taking a hydrofoil to Sorrento for the day and enjoying the Amalfi Coast)

Kotor, Montenegro (this is a new stop for me... and looks amazing!)

Venice (2 days in Venice... the sail in and out is so incredible)

Dubrovnik, Croatia (this place is gorgeous and I can't wait to show my mom)

Barcelona