DebWDW - Disney & Twilight Obsessions

New & Old Obsessions

2011-11-27T12:57:00.001-08:00

I realized I have a ton of thoughts about Twilight, and no outlet for them. For my Disney obsession, I have tons of Disney podcast and Twitter friends -- but for Twilight, not so much. There are a few Twilight podcasts I love, but I haven't managed to build online relationships like I did in the Disney world.

Twilight Series Theories is a fave -- love those girls! I also look forward to the Bite Club, Before the Dawn (Marina and I are on the same page about Breaking Dawn), and of course, Imprint (when Andrew can fit one in).

So, the new direction of my blog is Twilight, but I will never lose my love of Disney. So to catch you up on what's happened in my life since my last blog (March 2010?!!), here's the scoop:

Although I enjoyed the bank work, I have to admit I didn't love selling services. It was cool to only work 30 hours a week, though. I got to see lots of movies and was able to make it to the gym regularly!

But as fate would have it, an opportunity opened up for me at a local university, working in PR & Marketing with a former co-worker. And I love it!!!! Although the hours are much longer, and the gym went by the wayside until recently, I am inspired and excited by the university environment!

I just recently joined a Powerhouse gym. It's reasonable, roomy and an easy stop on my way home from work. I've been working towards getting back into my routine again. Doing pretty good, and starting to love working out again :)

So now on to Twilight ... but first I have to head to the gym ... more tomorrow!!

Success Leads To Changes

2010-03-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was successful at finding a new part-time job! I'm going to work at a local bank as a part-time teller, something I did at the very beginning of my work career and really enjoyed. The only thing different now is that the computers are faster, and everyone in a bank including tellers are expected to sell -- in the old days we just had to be friendly!

So I learned a few things in the last few months -- some good, some bad!

The first thing I learned again, the hard way, is that I am a stress eater. All those pounds I lost last year training for the Half Marathon have come back with a vengeance! So I am trying to get going again, with the gym and running. I'm hoping it won't be too hard once I get into a routine with my new schedule and it's close to spring here in Michigan. And I'll also join Club 8 with some seriousness, not just for the fun of it!

The second thing I learned was that hourly retail jobs are pretty hard to come by. I originally was just looking for a job I could do at night and weekends, which would be easier than juggling two daytime jobs. I didn't apply at a ton of places, but never even got a nibble.

And the last thing I learned -- finally, in my old age -- was to listen to my mother!! If only I had done that years and years ago, I would be a lot better off in a lot of ways!! So this time, when this big change came along in my life, I decided I would do everything she suggested. So when she said try some banks, I did, and boom, success! Needless, to say, she will be very happy to say "I told you so"!

Happy Easter everyone!

Love Your Library

2010-03-11T10:20:00.001-08:00

I'm at a local library today -- not my town's, which is a little small. But one that's two towns over from me. And boy, is it a cool place.

I haven't been in a library for 10 or 15 years, and I had forgotten what wonderful places they are! This one is fairly modern and medium high-tech. But it's got a lot of tables, study rooms, carrels, and computer stations. And loads and loads of bookshelves and books!

It brings back the feelings I had when I was younger, of possibilities and knowledge and quietness and studiousness and learning. Ahhhhh.

When I was little, growing up in Concord, NC, our local library was in an old, two story, white, small Southern mansion. It was donated to the town by the Cannon family, of the Cannon towel/textiles fame. It had old, creaky wood floors and lots of small and medium sized rooms full of old wooden bookshelves and what seemed like millions of books! And since it was an old house, full of mostly old books, it had an old smell -- not unpleasant, but a very specific antique smell.

When I was little, I went straight for the Nancy Drew and "You were there" young history books. Later I grew into biographies and fiction, and the taller bookshelves.

Now, sadly, that old house is gone and the library is in a new, nicely modern building. I still remember that old wonderful, magical place every time I drive by the corner it used to sit on.

But back to today. I'm looking for a part-time job, and am here filling out apps online. At home, there are distractions and cats that need something every 12 minutes. So coming to the library is working out great for me.

And hopefully, I will get a part-time job soon, and then I'll be able to come to library for fun instead of work!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed time with special people, and at least enjoyed the calories that none of us really should have consumed! My crazy food included a Paula Deen butter and cream cheese cake. I could feel my arteries hardening.

But my first Christmas without my dad turned out okay. My mom, brother + fam, sister + fam enjoyed our time together, and no one caused any big uproar -- always a good thing.

Spending time in NC with my mom has made me realize I really need to find a way to get back down here quicker. Since my Michigan job has now turned into part-time, I'll definitely include NC in my job search. It sure would be nice if I could spend a significant part of the year with her. We'll see.

My running has been lame. But I'll keep at it.

Amanda had a great idea -- if I'm not running the Disney Half in the future, I could volunteer! I think it would be super fun! I will run local 10Ks, by the way. I won't give up running, just will run shorter distances.

See some of you soon!

2009-12-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

What a year. And I don't really mean that in a good way!

It has been interesting. Lots of ups and downs, for all of our gang.

For those of us who didn't have a great year of training and eating right, and know that we left opportunity on the table -- it is what it is. But every morning, every minute, we can start fresh. So let's keep trying to move forward.

I am pretty sure I am done with half marathons, but I hate that this year hasn't been an improvement over last year. I really was looking forward to building on what I accomplished last year. But I didn't know I would lose my dad this year, and I didn't know that training without that "fear of being swept" would be harder. I also didn't know our Team Voice would be more distracted and busy and less connected this year (I'm a prime example) -- but it's totally understandable. And it certainly makes me understand how TRULY MAGICAL our experience was last year.

But it seems like we do have some Team Voicers who have had a great year, and are destined to have fabulous runs -- and I am SOOOO happy for them! You know, all year I've watched Rae's training and races, and am still amazed and flabbergasted by her drive! Could we please bottle some of this up, Rae?!!

Hopefully I'm not speaking out of turn about everyone's experiences this year. Please forgive me if I didn't say something quite the right way.

Now despite my bummer of a year, I am still VERY excited about seeing some of Team Voice in a few weeks at WDW! I'm NOT excited about the race, but I'll just gut it out and try to enjoy the experience as best I can.

And after MILE 13, I'll start looking forward to enjoying some 10Ks!

Back, And Gone Again

2009-11-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

I'm back from WDW. It was a great trip! More on that later.

Tomorrow I'm driving to NC to spend Thanksgiving with my family, the first without my father. I think we'll be fine, and will enjoy our time together.

It's also the weekend of my mom's class reunion, and mine too! It's going to be interesting. Since I've been gone from town for so long, and have a terrible memory, I am going to be clueless about who the heck everyone is!

More next week!

Enjoy your turkey and your families!

Hey, I'm Going to Disney World!

2009-11-12T06:59:00.001-08:00

I've been so lame about blogging, that I just realized today that it might be a good idea to mention that I'm going to WDW on Sunday!

Me and my sister will be there for a week to celebrate my birthday on Tuesday. This is the first time the two of us have gone alone, and I think it will be a cool, bonding experience. Either that, or we'll be sick of each other by the end of the week!

She was not able to come in January 2009 for marathon weekend -- my parents and brother did. So I told her we would do this trip as her replacement, and finally I would get to have a birthday at WDW.

I'm going to try the dining plan for the first time this trip. I've always liked to have one table-service meal each day, usually lunch, just to have a break and some quiet time before heading out again. So the plan should mesh with my normal routine -- except for dessert. Usually I'm full enough that I'm okay skipping dessert to save calories and money, but now I will feel obligated to get a dessert! Could be trouble!

We're staying at the Boardwalk (DVC). MK will be open til 11 one night and EC will be open until midnight, so that will be cool. I love the parks at night.

And speaking of night, AK will be open until 8 one night, and I will finally get to see AK after dark! Usually we go in the morning, have lunch at Rainforest (can almost always eat at the bar without waiting), and then head back to BW because we can't take any more of the heat and humidity of the AK jungle!

This time, we'll probably head over to AK around 3, eat an early dinner at Y&Y, and then walk around and see how the park looks under lights! I'm really looking forward to it.

What else is new this trip? My birthday breakfast will be at Norway with the princesses. I happen to love buffet breakfasts -- love the fruit, pastries, and breakfast items -- and then I have the rest of the day to work off the calories! Much better than an evening buffet (except for not maximizing DDP dollars).

As I was making ADRs for the trip, I walked that fine line of choosing expensive spots (to maximize the DDP dollars) versus choosing spots that I like, had a menu me and my sis could enjoy, and had ADRs available. I suspect I'll end up about breaking even when all is said and done.

I'm also really looking forward to new Space Mtn and Kim Possible. I'm going to try and do all the countries, since I have five days. I also need to check out Vinylmation, and hope I don't get hooked!

I'm also going to use Photo Pass for the first time this trip. I've gotten pretty jaded about taking pics lately -- I took hundreds the first few times I went to WDW. But since it's me and my sis, I want to have lots of pics to commemorate the trip, and why not let the Disney photographers do the work for me?!

I also plan to Tweet, blog and record some audio. Now whether my iPhone battery will cooperate is another story! We'll see what happens, and how many outlets I find to use. Wonder if anyone ever asks for a table near a plug, instead of near a window?!!!

Nice Time At The DMV?

2009-11-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Since I'm heading to WDW for my birthday week, and my driver's license expires this year, I headed to the DMV this morning for a renewal.

Last time I was there, I got fussed at a little for not knowing I was supposed to stand on a certain carpet square for a certain line. So I wasn't quite sure what fun things would happen on this trip.

I did get to sleep late, which my cat loved, since the office didn't open until 9. And I stopped by my favorite bagel place on the way. Two fun things so far!

I headed in, and found only two people there in line. Cool. Pulled a number, just to obey the rules! Didn't want to get fussed out for not having a number!

My turn came and the lady was SOOOOOOO NICE!! She was happy, friendly, sweet -- I'm surprised she didn't give me a cookie or offer to help me to my car! COOOL!!

Eye test, photo snap, temporary piece of paper to extend my license, and I was all set!

Of course, now that I'm recalling the experience, I remembered that I meant to get an enhanced license (sort of a quasi passport-ish tyle license). But I was so flabbergasted by the nice lady that I forgot to tell her I wanted one!

Ummm, does that mean a trip back to the DMV? Will the nice lady still be there? What are the odds of that?

Maybe I better stick with the standard license and hope for the best in another eight years!

Good Week, Finally

2009-10-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Like some of you, I've really been on Space Mountain with eating and exercising. How crazy was I to think that after last year's dedicated training, that this year would be easier?! Hah!

But during my recent doldrums, I didn't give up. I just tried to minimize the damage somewhat, and kept looking at each day as a fresh opportunity.

And finally, low and behold, I'm back on track, moving forward like the TTA. Eating is good, exercising is good. I did a fun little 5K run this past Sunday at a friend of a friend's college business school -- even though it was October in Michigan! Luckily, it was in the 50s, not windy, and a little bit sunny. And it was just a 5K.

I wore my tech shirt from the Disney Half Marathon. It always brings back such good memories when I put that shirt on!

If you're on the low end of Thunder Mountain, just hang on and look at each day as a new start. And one morning it really will be!

Happy Friday!

2009-10-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hope we all have great weekends! Can I just tell you how much I would love to work a 4-day work week?! 10 hour days, but a 3-day weekend every week? I think I'd love that.

No snow yet in Michigan, but it's definitely time to fill up the storage shed and clear out the garage, to get ready for winter. Fun times as I point out to Dwain how we can stack, tuck, and pile up items in the shed, to fit everything in.

Poor guy just got back from a short Disney trip, and is experiencing that post-WDW depression. Spending time in the chilly garage may not help much.

I'm heading to WDW the week of November 15 with my sister, for my birthday. I'm looking forward to it, but am definitely bummed that I probably won't be able to squeeze in a December not-M-Fest trip. Sounds like a lot of my Disney buddies will be there enjoying each other's company.

But I guess we'll have a version of that in January, on race weekend -- so what the heck am I complaining about?!!

Clearly it's early and I'm rambling. The responsible thing to do would be to delete this post and start over. But then I'd have to try another post.

So you're stuck with this one!

Slacker

2009-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

So I've been a slacker this week! I had a nice little 3 mile run last Sunday. It was nice to not have the pressure of miles. I think I'll stick to short runs for a while and focus on speed for a change.

But on Monday I had a killer migraine that took the wind out of my sails for 2 days. Then on Wednesday I felt a hint of a cold lurking, so dosed up with cold meds and skipped the gym.

Finally last night, Thursday, dragged the old bones there and did a 1 mile run and a little stationery biking. It's always the first day back to exercising that's the toughest!

I'll hit the gym tonight and probably tomorrow, since we're going to have a lot of rain this weekend.

But, hey, it's Friday! T G I F !!!!!!

Bloggers Rock

2009-09-19T17:34:00.001-07:00

I just read blogs by Jonathan, Jeff W, Chris, Justin and Lori -- and they were just the inspiration, i.e., kick in the pants -- that I think I need.

I'm not motivated to run this weekend, but I really need to. The blogs reminded me about the feelings, the struggles, the euphoria -- all that stuff we get from this Team Voice journey we are on.

So I plan to go out tomorrow morning instead of blowing it off. It won't be a long run, but it will be a run.

Thanks bloggers! I'll report back!

Ahhh, D23

2009-09-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

I would SO like to be there. But at least it's fun to get a taste of the action from all the tweets and Facebook updates. And soon the pictures will start popping up too! And Lou's continue to do a live show at some point every day.

And just imagine the podcast segments that will start showing up next week!

Here we gooooooooooooooooo!

Nine. Now We're Talking!

2009-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks Team Voicers! I did make it through nine miles on Sunday, and the peer pressure once again definitely helped keep me out there!

It was a beautiful day in Michigan for a run. Sunny, blue skies, puffy white clouds, 70s, brisk breeze. And my mental toughness is finally getting back to where it was by the end of my training last year.

I didn't have any "I'm just going to quit, I know I can finish the Half, so I don't really have to do nine miles" thoughts. Don't get me wrong, there were moments when I was slogging, instead of wogging or running! But mentally, it was a good day.

Rae also had a good day, I think, finishing first in her age group. You rock, Rae!!

Now I do have one more challenge left for August -- I've got to do 90 jumping jacks today to reach my goal for the month! I don't think that's going to be very fun -- I think I'll definitely need some mental toughness for it!!

Hold Me Accountable

2009-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Okay Team, it's the weekend again (in a few hours) and time for a long run. This weekend the goal is 9 miles, since next weekend is Labor Day and I want to hit 10 miles then. (I will ignore the fact that by Labor Day LAST year, I had run 12 twice and 13 once!)

Anyway, I expect it to be hard. And once again I will keep in the back of my head that you all are cheering me on, and probably out there working just as hard as various goals that are just as tough for you.

And Ironwoman Rae is in another race this weekend, Jonathan's prepping for DL, and Mike is working toward Mike-speed again, so it would be lame if I took the easy way out and quit before I reach the big 9.

Maybe I better tatoo this blog on my arm?!! (Okay, I think I'll print it and put it in my pocket.)

Even Tougher Than Last Week

2009-08-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend's long run was EIGHT miles! And -- what a surprise -- it was tougher than last week!

It was tough physically, but that's okay, because the point of a long run is to get the feet and hips and ankles and shoulders and knees used to the pounding. And I did have a few minutes of runners high -- isn't it fun when that kicks in?!

But it was really tough mentally. At four miles, I was SOOOO close to quitting. But a few things happened. One, I had tweeted Rae before I started that I was going to do 8 -- and I didn't want to have to tell Ironwoman Rae that I had quit. (Thanks, Rae!)

Second, I got a few "signs" from my dad up in heaven. Even though he was probably on the sixth green of his morning golf game, he was still keeping tabs on me. The first sign was a runner that passed me wearing a tee shirt that said "Reach higher" -- funny, dad.

Second, one of my favorite songs about surviving cancer started playing. It's a great song, and of course reminded me how lucky I was to be healthy and able to run on a beautiful, green leafy park trail.

And right after that song was a song about a father who had been in war -- sounds depressing, but again, it's a very good song that reminds me of my dad. I can't imagine being 20 like he was, in the Army and living overseas, much less being a soldier today in war zones. How could I complain about having to run eight miles? In nice shoes, with an iPod, on a beautiful running trail?

So I laughed and thanked my dad, and told him to get back to his heavenly golf game. The rest of the run wasn't that much easier, but being open to some signs from heaven certainly got me through that bad mental patch.

The goal for next week is 8.50 miles. I really want to get to 10 miles this year by Labor Day. After that it gets a little chilly here in Michigan, and I do NOT run outside when it's cold. No icicles for me, Jeff W!

Seven The Hard Way

2009-08-18T06:07:00.001-07:00

My goal this past weekend was to run 7 miles. I really need to get up to 10 by Labor Day, before winter sets in up here in Michigan.

So I mentally prepared Friday night, but didn't have a good night's sleep. When I got up Saturday I really wanted to blow it off, but I didn't. Why? All week I had been visualizing getting the 7 miles done, as well as telling myself that this was really an exercise in mental toughness.

So off I went, about 30 minutes later than I planned, but I thought I could still get done before the heat got bad.

I did manage my 7 miles, and most of it was not too bad -- not much runner's high -- but not bad. My mental toughness was tested around mile four -- was all ready to quit, but didn't. And of course, that last mile seven was tough, but that's always the case for the last mile anyway!

So, the good news. I did it and it was a good mental workout. The bad news, this coming weekend I have to run 8!!

425 To Go!

2009-08-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

Ever since I started training last year for the race, I've been tracking my training data every day. And once I started tracking, it was natural to set some goals each month.

I track obvious things like total miles for the month (running, walking, biking, elliptical) and number of crunches. But I also track things like stairs walked up, calories burned and lunges/squats.

A few months ago, I started tracking Jumping Jacks. Yes, that oldie but goldie exercise that we all hated in grammar school!

It's still a really good exercise, and one of those that when I haven't done in a while, is really tough when I start them back up again.

This month's goal is 500! But so far I've only done 75! Ummmm, let's do the math ... 19 exercise days left in the month, 425 to go ... hey, that's only 22 a day ... piece of cake ... I mean piece of broccoli!

Try some JJs today yourself! How many can you get done before August is over?

New Realization

2009-08-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

I've really been struggling with food lately -- and running hasn't been going that great, but that's for another blog.

Anyway, I've been on a weight plateau for quite a while, and just in the last month or so, have been eating a little too much, and too much of some bad things. A few months ago, I felt like I was actually making progress in my quest to eat better foods long-term -- to improve my diet and therefore my health. But then the junk food started coming back into my diet.

And that, of course, is depressing.

But yesterday, a realization hit. I probably won't ever reach the point where I'm eating perfect food 100% of the time -- I don't think my personality will allow it.

So these hills and valleys are going to be a normal part of my life. So when the valley hits, I've got to just work thru it and keep trying, and look forward to the hill! And remember that each morning I start a NEW DAY of food choices, and the climb up that hill might start that day.

I also realized, not for the first time, that exercise is the key for me. The exercise really is the foundation that has allowed me to improve my nutrition and change my life to the point I am today.

Anyway, I'm going to try and remember that the hills and valleys are normal for me, and not be surprised the next time I'm down in one!

Good Things, Bad Things

2009-07-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished spending a wonderful week at the beach in NC with my family -- mom, my husband Dwain, sister & her family, and brother and his family. Just my dad was missing this year -- but we saw a few signs he sent from heaven to let us know he was still with us in spirit.

Anyway, it was a good week, hanging on the beach, playing games, lounging at the pool, and just being with each other.

Now the bad. I was very lame about exercise. No gym time, no biking. Just two days of two-mile runs. Lame.

I've come to realize that I'm basically a physically lazy person, who keeps trying to be an athlete!

And it's time to try a little harder!

Yes, I Did!

2009-07-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks TVers, for the encouragment and challenges! Yes, I was able to do a 5.5 mile run Saturday! This time, I was more prepared physically. And I was ready for the mental breakdown and was up for trying to get past it this time. And the weather was perfect!

I felt good, the weather felt good, and the mental breakdown didn't happen until mile 5.25. And at that point, it was pretty easy to make myself keep going!

I definitely thought about you guys, and did NOT want to have to admit on Monday that I failed again. So the peer pressure helps! (If anybody else needs a dose of it, just be sure and speak up!)

I hope to have a good week of eating (or NOT eating this week) and then a good 6 mile run (gulp) this coming Saturday. So I'll probably ask for a little more peer pressure toward the end of the week! (And Mike, I'd have to feel REALLY good to jump from 5.5 to 7, so you probably have an edge on me, but I'll give it a shot!)

Thanks Team!!

Happy Weekend

2009-07-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you just LOVE holiday weekends?!

It's nice to have an extra day to fill up. And I hope to have a good run this weekend. Unfortunately last weekend, I was supposed to run 5.5o miles. I was doing fine, but all of a sudden at 4.50 I just quit!

It was totally mental! I'm not used to long distances yet this year, so it will take me awhile to "learn again" how to fight off the "just give up" demon. But I will.

So I hope to run 5.50 THIS weekend!

Wonder if I should ask Team Voice to put some peer pressure on me?!

Okay, pals, go for it! Encourage me! Pressure me!

Team Voice Support

2009-06-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's Friday and I received my new iPhone today. But boo, it's not activated yet -- and I'm not looking forward to the process. And boo, I have been stress-eating like crazy lately.

So, what to do.

Depend on Team Voice, that's what!! I have to get back to the boards, and get back to daily blogs, so that my super-duper Team Voice teammates can encourage me and help me get back on the road to success!

I'm going over to the boards right now .... yes, right now .... c'mon over with me ... yes, now ... why aren't you leaving ... okay, I'll leave first .....

5 Miles and Inspiration

2009-06-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

I went to my niece's high school graduation in Concord, North Carolina two weeks ago, and the student speaker (no more validictorian/salutatorian) said something that I really liked.

Well, he said a few things -- he was a very good speaker -- but one in particular stood out so much that I grabbed my pen and jotted it down in the program.

Hope, Possibilities and Endurance.

I really liked that. And it seemed to tie back really well to my training for the half marathon last year. And as I learned last year after crossing the finish line, and therefore having reached a year-long goal, it applies to just about anything we might want to set our sights on.

And the 5 miles? I ran that distance today, even though my target was only 4.5 miles. I just wanted to get to 5 this weekend, on my way to hitting 13 by the end of the summer.

Hope, Possibilities and Endurance.

Mentally Challenged

2009-06-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

I've had a tough week of trying to control my diet -- I actually had TWO -- not one -- but TWO doughnuts for breakfast this morning!

But hey, it's Friday.

Last weekend I did manage to run 4 miles, so this weekend I will have to do 4.50. I have really noticed how difficult it is MENTALLY to build back up to the longer miles, since I've only been running short miles up until recently.

It was just as challenging last year when I was adding miles every weekend to get up to 13, so I did expect it -- but I thought it would be a tad easier than it's been. I seldom experience a runner's high during a run, and when I do, it's just for a few minutes.

But I'll keep working at it, so that I can take full advantage of the summer weather to get back up to double digits.

Hope you have a good workout this weekend too!

2 Or 13

2009-06-12T16:14:00.001-07:00

I ran a little two mile workout today, while Matt ran 13 miles in a half marathon! That means he's maintained his training since the Disney race in January! Way to go, Matt!!!

I, on the other hand, have had a lot of stops and starts and road blocks. But I'm doing okay and am looking forward to building up my miles again. I never stopped working out at the gym, and my strength and cardio is good -- I just haven't put in the miles yet.

I'm in NC this weekend for my niece's high school graduation. It seems like just yesterday I was at MY high school graduation! If only I knew then, what I know now! I sure would have taken more advantage of opportunities that came my way.

And ever since I finished the Disney half marathon in January, I know that the sky's the limit, if I set my mind on some goal.

Enough rambling for now ... join the Team Voice Juneathon!!!!!

Tuesday Treats

2009-06-09T12:14:00.001-07:00

It's Tuesday, and that means it's a gym night with my trainer. Last week we did some serious leg work -- so much that I felt it for days! And that's a good thing. Although it definitely is weird to pay someone to put you through misery.

I'm heading to NC on Thursday for my niece's high school graduation. Do you remember yours? Doesn't it seem like yesterday -- and like hundreds of years ago -- all at the same time?!!

I'm listening to Big Brian's Your Ear to the World podcast. Today he's in Canada with Martin Short. I really do like that re-do, but it would be even more enjoyable if we could sit down on swivel seats while watching it! Wouldn't that be fun?!

I'm Back

2009-06-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'm back. A little dented and bruised, a little blue. But I am back.

The last two months have been tough.

I was very busy at work, getting our office ready to move to a new suite. We're there now, and almost everything is back in working order. Still got a ton of unpacking and organizing to do, but the worst of the time crunch is over now.

And unexpectedly, two weeks before our office move, I received "that phone call." You know, the one where you are in one state, and your family is in another. And something horrible happens.

I received that phone call two years ago when my dad almost died from a blot clot that killed his large intestine and put him in intensive care for three weeks. But miraculously, he lived through it and gradually got his life back over time.

But then, "that phone call" came again. This time, my dad had died instantly from a heart attack. He had gone outside early on a Thursday to mow the grass, but came back in because it was too wet. He sat on the sofa in the sunroom and asked my mom for a bottle of water. She got it for him, turned to walk back into the kitchen, and heard him gasp. She turned back, saw him slumped back against the sofa, and her life was turned upside down.

The EMTs came, did a great job, but never got a reliable heart beat back. I'm okay with that, because if they had, it would have meant another stint in intensive care, and the life of an invalid because of more damage to his heart. He would have hated that.

So that day I hurried home, packed quickly and headed home to NC. I know some of you have lost parents and probably remember what an unreal experience it is to go through. It felt very odd to have to ask someone to be a pallbearer. On the one hand, you know they might feel honored to be asked, but on the other hand, you are asking them to choose to do an awful, emotional task.

My brother and sister had a tough time that week. I somehow remained strong and was able to support my mom, my nieces, them and close family members and friends.

But now, after the office move is over and life is back to "normal," I am feeling very blue and emotional and sad. I feel the breakdown is coming on.

I really am happy to have had my dad with me for 70+ years, and so grateful to have a wonderful, strong family. And I absolutely know that he didn't really like being physically weaker after his colon experience, and that he would have hated going through another intensive care experience.

And I know he's spending his mornings in heaven fishing, and his afternoons golfing. And now he has a perfect golf swing! So I feel happy that he's not in pain, and that he didn't have to go through a long, debillitating health experience.

But I am sad and blue. And I suspect I will be for awhile. But I hear that's what life is all about.

Hiatus

2009-05-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've been absent for awhile. I'm swamped at work on a project that will last a few months. About all I have time for is feeding the cats, waving to my husband Dwain occasionally, laundry and WORKING OUT!

So I'm not going to blog for a few months. I will keep an eye on Twitter -- I am debwdw. I don't tweet a lot but I definitely read tweets throughout the day -- at stoplights, lunch, before falling asleep. Twitter and podcasts are my only Disney connections right now.

Hope you all are doing well and are working out! Let's not lose what we've accomplished so far!

See you on Twitter, or here in a few months!

Ooops!

2009-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, does time fly by or what?!!

I've really gotten slack about blogging -- am vowing today to get back in the swing of things!

I had a GREAT month of workouts in March! I was very consistent, really pushed the push-ups -- and my arms are proof of that. I did catch a cold from my husband at the end of the month, but luckily had already met the Team Voice goals for March -- woo hoo!

I only got up to 2.50 miles of running, but should be close to 5 miles by the end of April -- and I'm really looking forward to that.

It's so much different this year building up my mileage than it was last year. Last year, I wasn't sure I could make it to 13 -- every .25 mile I added was a struggle and an unknown.

This year, I remember that I did 10, 11, 12, and 13 miles several times last year, so there's no doubt that I can do it again -- and I believe I can do it better!

So this year is WAY more fun building mileage than last year was!

Ahhh, Wednesday

2009-03-18T12:02:00.001-07:00

I've been doing great with my workouts, and am SOOO happy to be running again. I did 2 miles on Saturday! Woo hoo!

Food is another issue though. I still have this urge to eat constantly! But I am back to my Weight Watchers logging starting today -- logging really will work if I have the discipline to stick to it.

I am D23, R U? Although I don't think I can troop out to the Expo this year, I still want to support Disney's foray into fan support. It will be interesting to see how it all evolves.

It's almost getting to be spring here in Michigan, finally. No grass or leaves or foliage yet, but the lakes and the snow has melted, and we've actually hit the 50s a few times. But we could have one more little unexpected snow fall sneak in, so I'm not getting out the deck furniture yet.

That's all my rambling for today -- go do a workout!!!!

Big Run Tomorrow

2009-03-13T10:50:00.001-07:00

Bryan's running a 15K and Trace is running a 5K on Saturday! Woo hoo, the spring race season begins!

And I am running 1.50 miles tomorrow -- and I am very excited about it. My knee seems to be healed enough to start building up mileage like I did last year.

Last year I had a lot of uncertainty at this time of the year, about whether I could build up miles in enough time to be ready for January. This year, I know I can do it! And I am SOOOO looking forward to getting back up to that 5-6-7-8 mile range!

If you haven't started building up miles, either at a 16-min mile walking pace or a running pace, you need to set a goal of adding .25 or .50 miles once a week, so you are up to the big miles later this summer while the weather is good!

Get going!!!

2009-03-10T12:12:00.001-07:00

Way to go Team Voice ladies! You represented well! And we were all jealous that you were running a Disney race again!!

I'm back to my once a week "long" runs to prep for the 2010 Half -- and oh, by the way, Matt has rounded up his parents and grandparents to train for 2010 also!! The Team Voice phenomena continues!

Anyway, back to my long runs. Friday I ran 1.25 miles with no knee pain! Woo hoo!! And amazingly, I actually had a few minutes of that "dreadmill boredom" set in -- and I thought running would be easier this year -- silly me! But that feeling was actually kind of welcome -- it meant I was on my way again.

Our March goals are up on the AATM TV forum and the Team Voice blog. Check it out and make it a good month of training!!

Four More, Four More!!

2009-03-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

We need four more reviews on iTunes to get to Jonathan's goal of 100 by the 100th show! If you haven't written one, go and do it right now!!!

... (yes, that's the right spelling)
... (yes, a few glowing sentences is enough)
... (yes, now you can go back to your life)

And cheer on our Team Voice girls who are running in the Princess Half Marathon this weekend!! Yay Rae, Kate, Amanda and Fiona!!

The Last 100 Yards

2009-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

The host of the Running Shoe podcast pointed out that the last 100 yards of a race are the most emotional, the most wonderful, the most magical -- okay, I embellished his comment quite a lot!

But when he said it, it did make me re-live those last 100 yards in the Half Marathon. Now I got emotional when we entered Epcot over by the bus lot -- I think because that's when I really felt like I was almost at the end and I really was going to accomplish my goal.

But likewise, when we made that last turn out of backstage and onto the finish line stretch, it was amazing. The crowds, the noise, the sight of that finish line! I actually slowed down and looked around -- who cared about time at that point!

I also had to slow to spot my parents and husband in the crowd. First I found my mom over at the fence, so I went over and let her take a pic. Then she pointed up to the grandstands and I found my dad, who was standing with both arms up in the air like me. It was an amazing moment.

Then I started a slow jog on to the finish line, still trying to enjoy those last few minutes.

This weekend, Rae, Kate, Amanda and Fiona are all running in the Princess Half Marathon. I keep thinking about how LUCKY they are to be doing another Disney race so soon! They are going to get to experience everything Team Voice did a few months ago -- wouldn't you love to be there?!!

Be sure and go to their blogs and wish them well, or pop over to the AATM forums to join Team Voice with good lucks! If you want to track them, email me at debwdw@gmail.com and I will give you the info you need to get text messages or emails during the race.

And go post on the forums today!!

Then And Now

2009-02-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

I had a great telephone conversation with my dad a few days ago. He was feeling chipper (wonderful since he's in the second year of recovering life-threatening surgery), nothing good was on television, my mom was at a church meeting and he was in a talkative mood!

Although my family is close and very supportive of each other, we never said those three little important words when we all lived together -- "I love you."

We did love each other, of course, but like many families, none of us seemed to be comfortable saying it.

But a few years ago, my mom started saying it as part of saying goodbye to me. The first time it was shocking, but wonderful! And it took me a time or two of hearing it before I could start saying it, and now it's almost easy to say.

Eventually my dad started saying it occasionally -- not as much as mom -- but enough that it also has become not strange to hear from him.

So we had a great, fun conversation -- the auto bailout, the new Ford Fusion, my cats, my niece who just got her braces off, Nascar, the beach house with the pool we rented for our annual family vacation this summer, his daily walks, a recent trip to visit his sister with extended family -- and of course, the weather! (Dads seem to love to talk about the weather.) And he ended with a "love you" and so did I.

Gotta love warm and fuzzy moments when they come around!

What I Will Celebrate

2009-02-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

I think I've mentioned that I plan to spend my birthday (November) at WDW this year -- just me and my sister for a week! Woo hoo!

Now I've been a little wishy-washy as to where I wanted to be on my birthday day, and where I wanted to eat, and what I wanted to do.

Plans may change, but I think I've decided that I want to do the "Lunch with an Imagineer" at the Brown Derby. Which means that I will start my day at the Studios -- and that's okay, because it's ALMOST my favorite park.

So we'll start the day by being at rope drop and hot-footing it to TSM for a stand-by ride and a FP ride. Then on to Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney (haven't seen the new version), Idol at some point, the Animation tour (haven't done it in a long time), Muppets -- and LOTS of Streetmosphere during the day -- my most favorite way to spend time in the Studios!

No, there will not be a TOT or RNR ride that day -- no need to get sick on my birthday!

Then hopefully we'll get a little time at the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon, and then Epcot in the evening.

Sounds like a good day to me!

At The Beginning

2009-02-20T12:53:00.001-08:00

Today was my first serious week of training for the new year. So later today, I plan to run my second training run for the year -- one half mile!

I know, I know. Why such a wimpy distance? I'm still babying my knee and will build up miles slowly here at the beginning of the year -- then in early summer, I'll ramp it up faster to get back up into the 6-8 mile range.

It's funny how such a small challenge can be invigorating!

Hope all of you have some good workouts in the next week too!

Happy Friday!

2009-02-13T09:17:00.001-08:00

Just a few more hours til the weekend! Aren't Fridays wonderful?!

I had a good workout yesterday, and am now officially back on with serious training. I still won't run for awhile, but will definitely dig into strength training and cardio.

In a few minutes, I'm going over to the AATM Team Voice forum to post my numbers for the February challenge so far, and to see how everyone else is doing.

Every day when I finish at the gym, I put on my Disney Half Marathon shirt -- a warm layer before heading out into the cold Michigan air. It's also a lovely way to remember the experience and think about Team Voice!

Where's your shirt? Get it -- or your yellow Team Voice shirt -- out this weekend and wear it!!!

Life's Ups and Downs

2009-02-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how most weeks are full of lots of ups and downs?

It's wonderful weather here in Michigan -- 40 degrees! The snow is melting. We can see half of our deck, some of the edges of our driveway, and we're down to about four inches of snow in the front yard.

After being slack about what I've been eating lately, I've re-focused this week and am doing much better. And it feels good to be getting back on track.

But I've caught a cold. So that means not hitting the gym every day this week. And that's a bummer, because I am ready to get serious and get going with training.

And, hey, I've got some Team Voice goals to reach in February!

Training My Trainer

2009-02-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happened the day after the Half Marathon ... my brother David, husband Dwain and trainer Rob all sort of mumbled that maybe they'd do the race in 2010!

With big unbelieving eyes, I mumbled "that would be great."

To myself, I thought ... unfortunately my brother David has a bad back and hip problems and hobbled around the parks that weekend ... my husband Dwain who works out like a fiend, has zero percent body fat, an iffy back and a lot of joints that are bone against bone ... and my trainer Rob is in fabulous shape but HATES running!

Luckily, my brother came to his senses when he got back home. Dwain, however, has mentioned a few times that he had a "great run" during his daily workout, and Rob immediately starting running when he got back into the gym.

The first two weeks I didn't pressure Rob about the race. On the one hand, it's a WONDERFUL experience. But, it's also a lot of hard work. And I think to get the most out of the experience, you really have to want to do this deep in your heart.

But this week, I couldn't resist bugging him. His running day was Monday, until this week, when he kept putting it off. So by Thursday I was enlisting a gym buddy to run with him on Friday, and I was talking trash to him to get him motivated!

Payback is a ______, well, you know! I have to admit it's kind of fun reminding him that running, especially on the treadmill, is mental. And reminding him that I got up to six miles on the treadmill before spring came and I could get outside. And I suggested lunges might help!

But I won't keep up the harassing. Because, as I said before, you've really got to WANT this in order to stick with the training.

Will you see Rob or Dwain in 2010?

Although they'd leave me in the dust, deep in my heart I'd love to see the big smiles on their faces at the finish line!

All Signed Up

2009-01-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

I signed up for the 2010 WDW Half Marathon today, and it was SOOOO much more fun than signing up last year!

Last year, I clicked the button and feared the training that was ahead of me.
This year, I know what's ahead of me and I look forward to the workouts and the running!

Last year, I only knew Rae, Kate, Jonathan and Bryan when my year started.
This year, I have a whole slew of Team Voice members -- old and new -- right beside me!

Last year, I thought the joy of the race would come from running through MK and EC.

This year, I know the JOY of the race is the comraderie with Team Voice, the sharing of the experience, and the support that I will both GIVE and RECEIVE between now and the end of the race!

[Remember to post in the forums get our new TV members off on the right foot!]

Day One

2009-01-20T10:49:00.001-08:00

Okay, I've now completed Day One of the 2009 training year!

Last week I rested and did the bare minimum at the gym, to give my knee a little more healing time. But this week, it's back to serious training.

And it was fun! I was beginning to miss the good feeling I have after a nice workout -- both the sense of accomplishment and the relief of burning some calories to offset my never-perfect day of eating.

How about you? Time's a-wasting!

(Post in the Team Voice forums today, to give our newbies some encouragement!)

Happy, Sad

2009-01-16T12:12:00.001-08:00

So I was very happy to finish the race! I was also very happy to get the race over with, so I could relax a little bit.

But now, the blues are setting in.

It's over -- the excitement of the weekend -- being with my family, friends, Team Voicers, Mouseketeers, Disney fans -- race day -- the cheers and well wishes of all the strangers along the course -- looking at the medal a few times a day with relief and awe.

So now it's back to training, and back to focusing on food again to make the most of my Weight Watchers experience.

I'm ready. It's time.

(Go post on the Team Voice forums today so that new members can join in and experience what we accomplished this year!)

I Did It!

2009-01-13T08:06:00.001-08:00

I finished the WDW Half Marathon, and I am very proud of myself.

I’m mostly proud that I stuck with a goal for an entire year. I worked through ups and downs, and suffered through workouts and training runs, and also had moments of joy during the year.
But I absolutely, no way hosea, not in a million years could have accomplished this goal without Team Voice!

At MouseFest 2008, I met Jonathan and Bryan, and Rae and Kate for the first time. In just a matter of days, we were friends. (That happens at MF.)

All it took was for me to say to Rae and Kate that I had always wanted to run a WDW race, and they immediately started convincing me that I should go for it.

I – with a deep breath – said okay, I’ll join Team Voice and will start training. I came back to the gym and told Rob, my trainer, that he needed to get me ready for a half marathon, and his eyes GOT REALLY BIG. But he took a deep breath, and said okay.

When I later told my husband Dwain, he quietly said okay (but silently wondered if I was going to have a heart attack and if he should order some more life insurance)! And then when I told my family, they were a little shocked, but did what families do – supported me and encouraged me.

So January came and training began, and the Team Voice forums started heating up.

One thing that amazed me right off the bat, was the support that we gave each other despite VAST differences in our running abilities. The guys who could run at Mike-speed and were focused on improving their times were just as happy when I met goals like running 3 miles for the first time, or a 14-minute mile for the first time.

We also came from different parts of the country, were different ages, had different home and work situations – but what we had in common was a big goal and a true belief in each other.

It was amazing!!

I could not have finished this year of training and the race without all the support I got from Bryan, Chris, Heath, Jeff W, Lisa, Matt and Mike Fess – you’ll never know what a difference it made! All the “you can do its” sunk in and helped me believe in myself.

My trainer Rob had the knowledge to get me strong while saving my knees! He also knew I’d need to be mentally stronger to get through the long runs, and did a great job at toughening me up – I think I only reached the point of tears twice this year!

And my husband Dwain just stood by and kept his mouth shut, despite the doubt he had after seeing me have a lot of great ideas over the years and not get around to finishing much. But when I hit milestones throughout the year, he was the right there with congratulations.

My family was way more excited for me than I expected, and my parents even decided to come and see the race. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get them to WDW, but this did it! And my brother David was super enthusiastic, and 110% sure that I could do this – it was cool to go through this experience with him.

I also have a BIIIIGGGG hug and thank you for Jonathan – you were truly an inspiration to me. You experienced ups and downs like all of us, AND you were willing to put them out there on your blog. And then every time, you bounced back with an amazing positive attitude that was a beacon of inspiration to all of us!

And lastly, the two who got me into this mess – Rae and Kate!! You gave me the most wonderful gifts I’ve received in a long time – the gift of finishing something instead of giving up when it got hard – the gift of a new belief in myself that I really can accomplish important goals – and the most magical gift of support and friendship from the most amazing people!

I think I’ll do it again in 2010. See you there!

Here We Go!

2009-01-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Updated Schedule Below!!

It's almost time! As you read this, some Team Voicers might already be on the way to the World!

A few reminders ...

-- Print your waiver from the marathon website before you go.
-- Read the final race instructions that have been posted.
-- Print receipts for items you paid for when you registered!
-- Pack your timing chip if you have one or bought one!
-- Take your running shoes on the plane with you, not in checked luggage!
-- Email me (debwdw@gmail.com) with your cell phone number to share with the other Team Voicers.

Team Voice meets:
-- Noon, Thursday, Packet Pick Up with Jonathan & Lisa, meet at Milk House
-- 8:30 p.m., Thursday, AKLodge, Victoria Falls Lounge,
RANTfest with Matt, Chris, Mike F and others

-- 9:30 a.m. Friday, Packet Pick Up with Rae & Deb, in front of store between stadium and cafe
-- 4 p.m., Friday, Rae's group dinner at Crystal Palace (check with her for open slots)

-- 2 p.m. Saturday, Lou Mongello's meet at MK, Tomorrowland Terrace
-- 8 p.m. Saturday, Epcot, meet in front of France, walk to Japan for Illuminations

-- 10 p.m. Saturday, Jellyrolls at Boardwalk ($5 cover charge)
-- 3 p.m. Sunday, MK, Aloha Isle for Dole Whips

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S TIME?!!

Best Present Ever!

2008-12-25T11:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone, especially to my Team Voice friends. It has been such a wonderful blessing to have spent the year with all of you, mostly virtually!

Your encouragement, your friendship, your comedy, your craziness, your imagination, your ups, your downs and your inspiration has been a wonderful part of my life this year. I can't wait to see you all in a few weeks.

Honestly, at this point, the race is pretty secondary to what I've experienced this year. Sticking with this training commitment has been a monumental accomplishment in my life, and has proven to me that I really can stick with something and finish it. And of course, I really -- really -- never could have gotten through this on my own.

YOU have been the best present I've ever received since my Barbie dollhouse when I was eight, and I THANK YOU with all my heart!

Team Voice Kim-municators

2008-12-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Just like Kim Possible, Team Voice will need to keep in touch with each other on race weekend!

We've got a hotel list posted on the Team Voice forums -- if you're not included there, post a message or send me an email (debwdw@gmail.com) and I'll add you to the list.

If you would like to share your cell phone number with other Team Voice members, send it to me in an email. I'll compile all the numbers that I receive, and then will send you back a master list to put in your phone for race weekend.

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say don't be afraid to call around and see who is where and what they are doing. We'll all be honest if we are tied up with family or trying to rest -- but there may be times when we can hang out in the parks or hang out at a resort! So call!!

Now I haven't done the Kim Possible adventure yet in Epcot -- no time at MouseFest -- and I know the Kimmunicators are not really phones -- hey, sometimes you have to stretch in a blog!!

Snow, Snow, Snow

2008-12-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

Going to get several rounds of snow this week. My cat Chatter is NOT a happy camper.

I think I mentioned in my blog a few days ago that I got a really strained right knee on the very last tenth of a mile in my long run at WDW. I have no idea why -- I didn't trip or stumble along the way. I was wearing my old shoes, not my new ones, since it looked like rain. I suppose that might have been it, but I had no problems until mile 9.9.

It is getting better gradually. I'm icing it a lot and trying to take elevators instead of stairs whenever possible. But it's put a real damper on my training. How in the world do I get cardio without bending my knee?!!

It will be very interesting at the gym tonight!

More Mousing

2008-12-13T04:57:00.001-08:00

What day is it? One thing about a Disney trip, it's easy to forget what day it is -- unless you have ADRs somewhere that you need to get to!

Okay, I've looked at my schedule and it appears to be Saturday. Yesterday I met the gang from the "Be Our Guest" podcast at AK's Flame Tree BBQ. They are such fun people! And we ate our food down by the water behind FT. I had never walked all the way down the paths to lower eating area, and it is really nice down there.

While we were eating and talking, one of those big white cranes walked up to our table and was eyeing my MF friend Courtney's food -- it was a little scary! The bird's head easily came up over the table, and we had a feeling it probably had pretty fast reflexes -- but luckily it finally meandered away.

I also went to Fred Block's Muppet Meets. It was a pretty big crowd, and Fred is great, and I met several people there I really enjoyed talking to. And I never get tired of seeing the Muppets!

After that was Podfest, with about 30 podcast hosts all in one place -- the Backlot Express -- and probably 70 listeners. Lots of mingling and hugging -- and recording! I met Earl and the Bleepin' Wife, and Greg and Chris from the Travelears, and Lou from Beyond Main Street.

I actually "stalked" Lou via Twitter for two days, trying to track him down to meet him. His love for his family and Disney really comes out in his podcasts, so I wanted to thank him. When I got to the Studios he was in the GMR, but by the time I got out of Mermaid, he was leaving the park!! Oh no!! But luckily he did come back for Podfest, and I did get to meet him.

At Podfest was the first time I saw Bryan -- he and Amy had arrived on Thursday night. When Podfest was over, I walked with him over to RNRC with Chuck & Leigh. They got fast passes and then we meandered back over towards Toy Story, and met up with Mikey the Errand Boy and Lauren the Errand Girl. We all just hung out chatting and clogging up the path in front of TSM, until we moved over to the bar near the Backlot Tour.

When we started moving again, I decided to pop into One Man's Dream -- always got to have a dose of Walt and history when the opportunity arises -- and then I walked back home in the freezing cold to the Boardwalk.

It is COLD here -- everyone is bundled up most of the time. The warm weather should come back on Monday, right after I leave town!!

On the training front, I took yesterday off, after my 10-mile run the day before. But this morning I went down to the gym and did a little elliptical and some weights. My right knee is still sore from my big run -- I need to remember to bring my knee brace with me in January to wear after the race.

Food-wise, I'm not doing too bad. I am eating more goodies than I do in real life, but trying to get in some green salads whenever possible.

More tomorrow!

Mouse Fest

2008-12-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 6:30 a.m.
---------------------

I arrived at WDW Wednesday night, tossed my stuff in my room at Boardwalk, and walked over to EC at 9:10 to experience just a little of that special oxygen we get at the parks!

I walked thru UK, popped into the Canada store (I miss the Roots merch), and kept going to Norway. Rode Maelstrom, but they were done showing the movie for the night! And I love the movie! Quick spritz of the Laila perfume and on to the rest of the loop.

I'm not a huge Illuminations fan, so I mostly people-watched and enjoyed the music -- I do love the Illum music.

By the time I was heading out of the International Gateway, I realized that in the past, that loop would have tired me out -- I would have at least had some leg fatigue. But this time, nothing! Just a good quick walk around the loop after a day of working and traveling. What do you know, this exercise thing really pays off!

Now it's Thursday morning, 6:30 a.m. I'm up and eating and drinking, in preparation for a 10-mile run. It will be my first long run since late September, and my last one before the RACE. It was weird last night getting all my stuff out, setting the alarm, getting my food ready. I kept visualizing RACE eve, which was cool and scary at the same time!

The 10 miles will be hard, and I will want to quit. But I am determined to keep going. This will be a good test for me.

I'll have to run from BW to the Studios, then back by Yacht & Beach, over to the EC ticket booths and back to BW -- and that will only take care of 3 miles! And then I'll have to do that two more times!

Okay, time to get ready. I'll be back with you in a few hours.

4:30 p.m.
----------------
Okay, it's been more than a few hours! The run was pretty good. It was gray and overcast here at 7 a.m., so I decided to wear my old shoes, but they worked out fine. On my way to the Studios, I ran a few laps around the tennis courts, and then a few laps around the entrance plaza there. But I really covered some miles by running deep into Swan and Dolphin, and then into Yacht & Beach. Eventually made it to the Epcot entrance and then back to Boardwalk and over to Studios one more time. At mile 9 on the way to the Studios the rain started, so I was glad I was not on the slippery Boardwalk at that point. At mile 9.88 on the way back, my right knee had some fairly serious pain for the first time ever, but I really didn't want to stop until 10. So I tried to adjust my gait a little and slowed down to a fast walk to get to 10.

But I did it! Mentally, it was not as tough to keep going as it was in September, so that's good. And physically I was stopping at 8 in September, and then alternating between walking and jogging -- and now I've made it to 10 before changing to walking. So I think I'm ready!

I liked running with it being overcast instead of really sunny. I wouldn't mind these conditions in January -- without the rain!

Back to the Magic Kingdom tonight. And more about MouseFest tomorrow.
Sorry most of my buddies aren't here with me, but you will be here in just a few weeks!!

It's Time

2008-12-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, we're getting down to the wire, and that means it's time ...

It's time to pay attention to how we're feeling physically, and make good training decisions every day. Wonky knees, give them a rest, work out the abs. Sore ankles, change to the bike.

It's time to wash our hands, avoid the mall and inch away from sick people.

It's time to get in a reasonable amount of sleep, so we can stay well.

It's time to visit the thrift store and buy some sweats, hats and gloves that we can wear and throw away.

It's time to say NO to cookies and pop and chips as much as we can, to lose a few more pounds before we have to lug them through 13 miles.

It's time to make sure our new shoes are broken in enough.

It's time to plan what we are going to eat the night before and the morning of.

It's time to plan how the heck we're going to mentally keep going at miles 10, 11 and 12!

And it's time to go post on the TV forums!!

One Good Day

2008-12-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

I had a good workout yesterday -- three miles on the dreadmill at a 12-minute mile pace. Man, is the dreadmill a test of my mental fortitude!!

I was pretending each lap was really a mile, and imagining how I would feel on the course, and practiced talking myself into keep going when I wanted to quit!

Hope you had a good day -- let's really take advantage of EVERY DAY in December to give it our all by eating well and working out as much as possible.

Go to the Team Voice forums today and check in -- let's get some talk going!!

Let's Head Back!

2008-11-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

We've had such a great blog circle going on all year, but I think it's time to head back to the AATM forums!

It really is a great place for us to keep track of what's going on -- like we did early in the year when we were all just starting our training. Remember how we would post our ups and downs and training accomplishments, and we'd get such great feedback (or kicks in the butts)?!

Let's do that again!

Go to the Team Voice forums today, and let's get back in touch! See you there!

Two Thanksgivings Ago

2008-11-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Two years ago (I think), me, my husband, my sister and my three nieces spent Thanksgiving week at WDW. I was pretty worried about the week -- we never had gone at peak times. But it turned out great!

It's true that during peak times, the parks are open longer -- especially at night -- so we were able to tour just fine. I love late nights at MK!

Anyway, we had purposely not booked an ADR for a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. My nieces were not big on holiday food -- one of them likes ham, one of them only eats noodles, and the other one loves sweet potatoes. But that's it -- they want nothing to do with turkey or green beans. So it would not have been a good use of our money to pay for the special meals.

So we spent that Thursday doing normal Disney stuff -- rides, rides, snacking, and tons of walking. I can't remember where we were that day, but we had a good time.

Anyway, we left a park around 8 p.m. (we might have been at AK) and realized we were hungry. We decided to drive thru that McDonald's on property. Our mouths were watering as we drove up to the drive-thru, only to discover that they had closed 15 minutes before we got there!!

So now what? No one will admit to this suggestion, but for some reason we decided to go to the Coronado food court. That's the one where there are lots of separate stations -- kind of like Sunshine Seasons at The Land. You go around and get what you want and they give you a ticket that they keep adding your purchases onto, and then you pay one time on your way out. It's a little bit strange.

It was pretty empty when we got there -- what a surprise that it wasn't popular for Thanksgiving Day dinner!

Now two of my nieces went for food totally unrelated to Thanksgiving -- pizza and tacos. Me and my sister went for flavor, although I can't remember what we got. My other niece spotted ham and went for it -- the server ended up giving her extra for free, so he could empty his pan.

And then there was my husband, who was still grousing because he missed having a "real" Thanksgiving meal, and therefore went for -- yes, you guessed it -- turkey and dressing! But, yes, you guessed it, he really, really, really regretted it. Note to self: Never order turkey and dressing at the end of the night at any food court anywhere in the world!!

But, as most crazy Disney experiences turn out, to this day, we still talk about that "special" Thanksgiving meal!

Hope everyone has a restful, happy Thanksgiving with friends and family!

12 Minutes, Baby!

2008-11-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

I accomplished something on Saturday that I don't think I've ever done before in my life -- I ran a 12-minute mile!!

It was very exciting for me, one of those little milestones we all have in our heads. Now, it was just one mile, and I don't have any plans to keep it up for 13! I still need to pace myself to survive the race -- but it was cool to do it this week.

Hope you all reach a fun milestone this month!

So So Week

2008-11-21T05:42:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately I've had a so-so week of exercise, and not a good week on Weight Watchers. But I've improved in the last few days, and am focused today on making it a good day with both food and exercise.

Now that we're getting closer to THE RACE, a so-so day or week feels like a lost opportunity! But sometimes that's just the way it goes.

In a few weeks, I am lucky enough to be going to MouseFest again this year. I've been working on my schedule -- boy, is it tough trying to make exercise/running a priority amongst all the meets!!

Most days I'm planning on 7 a.m. runs -- luckily I only have one late night scheduled, the AATM Jellyrolls meet. But I've got to squeeze in some weight training at the gym too -- that's going to be all over the place, time-wise.

I'm actually thinking about wearing one of those surgical masks on the plane! I'm starting to get paranoid about not getting sick between now and THE RACE.

Happy Friday everyone!!

What A Year!

2008-11-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

One year ago, I was listening to podcasts and living a normal life. I had finally become addicted to the gym and had slimmed down and toned up, and was pretty happy with how things were going. I was an early AATM listener, and had emailed Bryan and Jonathan a few times, and I had started to read a few blogs, especially those from other Mouseketeers.

And then a few weeks later, an unexpected work trip to Tampa got me close enough to WDW at the right time, and I was able to experience my first MouseFest. And then my life changed!

To start with, I was amazed that I could walk up to a group of strangers and almost instantly fit in. Secondly, I was amazed at how quickly long-distance friendships could be developed.

But the most important thing that happened at MouseFest was that Rae and Kate and Jonathan (and probably a few others) talked me into training for the 2008 Half Marathon!

And now, here I am a year later. I have 10-12 new Disney Internet friends whom I love to bits! And I have turned into a quasi-runner, and reached 13 miles once so far! And as I mentioned last time, have finally moved off a weight plateau.

But more importantly than the running and weight, I've learned that I can actually stick to something longer than a week, and I can reach a goal -- especially when I have friends to support me like Team Voice has this year!

So thank you all for a wonderful year!! You've made this birthday one of my best ever!!!

Winter!

2008-11-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well it has snowed here in Michigan, and I am wearing my wool coat, so it's officially winter up here! It was only about an inch, but it took me 3 hours to get to work instead of the normal 1 hour! The first snow always confuses both drivers and the goverment officials who decide to send the salt trucks out -- hence the 3 hour drive!

Winter means back into the gym for my weekly long runs -- which as you all know is not that fun on a treadmill. But now I'm working on speed more than miles to build up my cardio more, so it will be time well spent.

I did 4 miles this past Saturday and only had minor moments of boredom, since one of my gym buddies was beside me. (I know 4 miles is not long, but I have to build back up my mental stamina to put up with the boredom! This coming Saturday will be 4.5 miles, then I'll keep adding til the end of the year.)

I'm also running during the week now, instead of just cross-training. My legs and knees are strong enough now to handle multiple days of running, so that will help my miles.

I think I mentioned Weight Watchers a few posts ago. I had my third weigh-in this week, and I really thought it would be a week of +/- a pound -- no big loss. But lo and behold, I was down another 2 pounds.

Considering I've been on a weight plateau for about 7 months, despite all the workouts and running, it has been wonderful to lose weight again!! In three weeks, I've lost 9 pounds! That's "Rae numbers"!!!!!

Hope everyone else is doing well, moving forward, and focused! Let's do this!!

Trio Of Gems

2008-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a heads up on three gems -- one old, and two new!

There's a podcast named Motivation To Move that I highly recommend. It's a great combo of tips (exercise and eating), as well as some really good perspectives on the mental part of what we are all dealing with. Check it out if you are interested in a fitness podcast.

Now, the new. The Henson.com podcast has a wonderful short video that is Halloweenish, is filmed on the Henson lot (Charlie Chaplin's old studio, if I remember correctly) and a Muppet! Very enjoyable!

And lastly, a short Disney podcast that I am really enjoying right now is Communicore Online. It runs about 10-15 minutes, is very funny and very well done. Paul Barrie recently ran a promo on his show, which made me check it out. It's high on my list now.

That's it for today!

A Little Less Crazy

2008-10-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a chilly morning in Orlando, so we bundled up and headed over to AK. Did the safari first, and saw hippos, black and white rhinos. Our truck had to stop for a giraffe to cross the road! We also saw one of the baby giraffes, and the baby elephant. I even saw an ostrich for the first time in a long time.

But the best was both cheetahs, each sitting up on a boulder in the sun, pretty close to the road! They just sat there, majestic and beautiful in the sun! We've seen them before, but always up in the trees way back in their area. It was an amazing sight!

(We also had a great driver. I need to write a letter about her and our France waiter.)

Then on to Everest for some fast passes. Then we headed to Rafiki's Planet Watch (or Conservation Station, as we still call it.) We haven't been up there for awhile, so it was nice to visit again. I got a picture with Pochahantas, who was hanging out up there with Rafiki. Also some great little reptiles and amphibians in various exhibits. Then we popped outside (still chilly) to see what was in the Affection Section. Lots of goats and two miniature donkeys that were doing all they could to convince their keepers that they wanted to get back inside their stalls! But back to the goats. There were a few kids who were sitting down on the ground, with goats' heads in their laps taking naps!

A little handwashing and a short train ride, and then we headed to the tiger trail. I never get tired of looking at those big cats!

And then on to the bird show, which I insisted Dwain see for the first time. It really is a great, great show. Some humor, and some eco-inspiration. See it next time you're there!

After that, it was time for Everest -- which was almost too much for me! Don't ask me about the Yeti, because my eyes were closed pretty much starting at the backwards section, and until we got close to the end! Wow!

We were planning to head to the Rainforest bar to eat lunch, but decided to check Yak & Yeti since we were walking by. Lo and behold we walked right in at 12:30 with no ADR. Food was good, building was amazing!

A little shopping on our way out of AK, then back to the hotel to rest, do a little packing and get ready for dinner -- and the Mouse Guest Experience/ AATM Giraffe Hunt meet.

After dinner, we bundled up again and headed to the AK Lodge. We had a great turnout, maybe about 20 or so. We chatted for awhile in the lobby and then headed downstairs. Don't tell Jonathan, but the only thing on the savannah was one hooved animal laying down and some birds! I think Bryan's going to put some of the recording up on the podcast.

Then up to the warmth of the bar, and some more chatting and hanging out. If you weren't there for this, rest assured you'll get to enjoy the company in January when we all meet for the race!

All that was left was some late night packing and early morning packing for me, and I headed off on Magical Express to come back to Michigan -- where the temp is only a little colder than Florida was!

Dwain is continuing his vacation solo for another two days. He'll hit Rock N Roller and Thunder Mtn again -- and who knows what else!

Crazy Disney

2008-10-28T04:41:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! Although it's a short trip for me, and I did not intend to cram a lot in while I was here, it's been a little crazy -- like all Disney trips can be!

I arrived on Sunday afternoon, took Magical Express to the Boardwalk, dumped my stuff and walked over to the Studios to meet my husband Dwain.

We had a nice, enjoyable stroll around DHS, rode Star Tours and watched the Muppets. We also kept looping by Toy Story Mania to check the wait time - generally around 90-120 minutes. He did not want to stand in line for that long. But I finally convinced him later in the evening -- and he loved it of course!!

On Monday, we popped over to Epcot and ate and drank around the Food and Wine Festival with the Mouse Guest gang. It was a nice leisurely stroll on a sunny day. Bryan, Dustin and Marissa were there to represent the Mouseketeers. (And aside from the Mango Mousse, it didn't kill my Weight Watchers points for the day!)

Dwain and I had an early dinner at France, and had a wonderful waiter who I chatted with using my high school French! He was great -- I'm going to write a letter about him to WDW! It's one of my husband's favorite Disney restaurants, and we denoted it as his official birthday dinner -- without the hoopla -- he hates hoopla -- I love hoopla! His birthday is October 31, yes, Halloween.

After that, we hopped the monorail over to MK which was going to be open until 11. We met Rae, her husband Eric, their friends from England and Bryan. We all rode Space Mtn first, then the England crew headed back to the hotel. The five us continued a leisurely, Florida night stroll around MK. After Space, we stopped at Mrs. Potts for my traditional choc/van swirl cone. Then on to Haunted, Thunder and Pirates. We wanted to do Jungle Cruise also, but it was closed.

Then we headed to the Partners statue -- another tradition of mine -- I always have to say thank-you and goodbye to Walt and Mickey on my last MK night. We also lucked out and saw the goodnight kiss from the castle, which I had never seen before.

And then we headed down Main Street to our buses -- standing room only, of course -- and back to the hotel to collapse!

I work out, I run -- how can my legs be so tired and achey after a Disney day?!!!!??

Weigh In Tomorrow

2008-10-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

So I've just about finished my first week on Weight Watchers, and it was easier than I thought. Considering I'm someone who isn't really good at following a diet, I've found that I've been able to make pretty good decisions all week. I've turned down some snacks that I never thought I would be able to ignore! So I'm hoping to see a weight loss on Saturday when I weigh in!

On Sunday, I am off to Disney World for a few days! My husband will be there all week -- he hasn't been back in more than a year, so he's really looking forward to a wonderful week. He hasn't seen the new Haunted Mansion, new Spaceship Earth, and Toy Story Mania! And neither of us has seen Stormstruck or the garbage truck exhibit in Innoventions.

I'm there for just a few days, due to work and the needs of our 19-year old cat Sasha, and her stepcatbrother/mortal enemy Chatter! I will get to go to one or two Mouse Guest Experience meets, and the AATM Giraffe Hunt -- I know, I know, I'm a lucky girl!

This will be my husband's first experience with an Internet community meet -- and he's a little leary! I think until you experience the friendliness and comraderie at a meet, it's hard to believe that you could have such a good time with total strangers! And then very quickly, you are thinking of everyone as new friends!

It is such a cool experience -- I am looking forward to watching him experience it for the first time. I'll let you know how he reacts!

I'll post some trip reports every day, and will also try and keep my Twitter updates going up.
(If you are not using Twitter, check it out. It's really easy and pretty fun. I'm DebWDW over there, if you try it out.)

Day Five

2008-10-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Despite all this working out at the gym and long runs on the weekend, I have been stuck on a weight plateau for months and months and months.

Although I have drastically improved the quality of the food I eat over the past year, I knew I was eating too much good stuff, plus some junk on top of that. But I couldn't stop eating!

And no, I wasn't hungry because of the working out. I was just eating out of habit and some strange mental urge that I can't explain.

So, on Saturday I went to a Weight Watchers meeting. I've always thought of it as a good program since they emphasize nutrition, exercise and portion-control.

But all last week, as I was planning to start the program, I kept thinking "This is the last cookie I'll have for awhile," and the "last dessert" and the last plate of peanut butter crackers and the last hunk of sourdough bread.

But I'm on Day Five now, and it's not that bad!!

So far, the program is doing what I hoped it would -- it's making me pay attention and it's reduced the amount of food I'm eating.

I've already seen the scale move down a little, so I think I'm on the right track!

Last Sunday of The Summer

2008-10-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I think our extended Michigan summer is about to run out. It was sunny and nice today, but colder than last weekend. When I headed to the park for my Elevator Tower of Corn run, I wore workout pants over my running shorts, and a long-sleeved tee over my running shirt. I fully expected to take them both off, once the afternoon sun kicked in.

But, although it was sunny, there was a brisk wind coming off the lake. I was fine in my layers until the last two miles. Then I needed more layers!!

I planned to try and do my second 13-mile run today -- did the first one a few weeks ago. I felt pretty good the first five miles. Miles 6, 7 and 8 were tougher, but I made it. For miles 9 and 10 there was more walking than running. And then I did walk the last two miles. I really, really wanted to squeeze out that last mile to hit 13, but I was getting chilled since I was only walking. So I headed home. And hit the couch for a nap.

I feel good about the effort, and am glad we have 80+ days left for more training.

Let's all keep on moving forward!!

Time To Go Back

2008-10-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

So I randomly opened my Disney reference book to the food section, and landed in Epcot. This time it is the UK's Rose & Crown, and Mexico's San Angel Inn.

My husband and I have have been on a mission to eat at all the WDW table-service restaurants, and we only have about 10 to go. So, since we've been working on this goal for several years, it has been awhile since we've been to these two spots.

First, the R&C. I was afraid to go in here -- you know, bangers and mash, kidney pie. But we did, and I think I was able to order something fairly uneventful! I do remember liking the surroundings and feel of the place, but actually don't remember the food.

We've eaten in Mexico several times. Obviously it's a cool environment, being in the low light and on the water of the boat ride. But I remember the tables being pretty jammed together. And the food seemed to be pretty authentic, rather than Americanized. And since I am not a very adventurous eater, once again, nothing stands out as something I loved.

Needless to say -- I really should go back to these two -- but it will have to be after we finish all the others that are still on our list!

I bet you are wondering which ones are still on the list. Here they are:

(1) Norway
(2) Germany
(3) Yak & Yeti
(4) Cap'N Jack's (Downtown Disney)
(5) T-Rex
(6) Wolfgang Puck
(7) Shutters - Caribbean Beach
(8) The Wave - Contemporary
(9) Trail's End -- I feel like I've eaten here, but have no proof!
(10) Maya Grill - Coronado Springs
(11) Victoria & Albert's -- Yes, that will be the last one -- Our reward!!!

Late To The Party

2008-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have gotten so hooked on Twitter. Okay, I know everyone else got hooked long ago, Twittered away, and some have appeared to move on to Plurk.

But I just recently took the time to spend some time using it -- and now I see what all the hubbub was about!

It's very cool to get little Twitters about what Disney fans are thinking and doing throughout the day. It's sort of like mini-blogging.

Boy, what's next for me? An iPhone? DisFriends? FaceBook?

P.S. My Twitter name is DebWDW, if you want to follow me!

West End Boo Boo

2008-10-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

So I opened one of my Disney travel guides to a random page to blog about, and lo and behold I landed on the Pleasure Island and West Side pages! Really, it was totally random.

When PI first opened there was a restaurant there named the Fireworks Factory, down on the east end. I think it was pretty good -- and the decor was sort of like eating in the Muppets attraction -- red brick and holes in the walls from fireworks explosions.

I also remember the country music club, Wild Horse something or another? I have a beer cup from there. It was cool and popular for awhile, especially when line dancing was popular.

Now, on to the West Side. I'll tell you an embarrassing story about Bongos, Gloria Estefan's cuban restaurant. We had eaten there, and were walking outside, and there were some little kiosks/booths there that were selling trinkets that I started looking at.

Well, there was a cuban-looking guy in a white suit with a white panama hat also hanging out there. Thinking he was "streetmosphere," I said a few things to him and might have tossed out the name Ricky Ricardo. Unfortunately, he did not react like streetmosphere, and I quickly realized my mistake! He WASN'T streetmosphere!!!!

Clearly West Side was not quite as "Disney-fied" as the Studios!

Also at West Side is DisneyQuest, which I really like. We don't do it every trip, but it can be a fun place to spend a few hours. Does anyone remember that when it first opened, there was a tunnel slide that ran from the top floor down to the bottom, with maybe one stop in the middle? I was never brave enough to try it before they took it out -- it was way too dark and hard to know how fast you would end up going.

I also liked the remote control jeeps on the bottom floor. The glass floor is still there, but the jeeps all eventually wore out -- they just removed them instead of putting money back into them.

Also on the West Side is Cirque du Soleil. Love it! Love it! Love it! If you ever get a chance to see it, do. It's a beautiful, artistic, imaginative show -- well worth the time and money.

That's it for my thoughts on pages 186 and 187!

Two Gems

2008-10-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

I listened to the latest Mouse Station podcast this morning. Mark, Mike and Andrew shared their memories and feelings about the Adventurers Club. Mark also had some interviews with some of the cast members from the Club.

I think they did a great job of explaining why the Club has so many fans. One thing that struck a chord with me, was that it's a place where you can freely join in and quickly pick up on what all the regulars know -- the inside jokes, the lingo, the songs. It seems like we all have a desire to fit in and be part of a group -- and you can do that at the AC.

I feel the same way about being a Mouseketeer and a Team Voicer -- I feel like I fit in with a group, a group of people who accept me and support me!

This afternoon, I'm listening to Those Darn Cats, the new episode where Lisa was in Marcelline for Toonfest. She has a lot of great audio -- she takes us along on tours and meals and drives and events. It's really neat! And as a bonus, we get to hear our very own Jeff W, who was also there that weekend!

Take a listen!

The Magic Number

2008-09-28T14:47:00.001-07:00

We're still experiencing late summer here in Michigan, which is very, very unusual. We've been known to get a few snowflakes in October!

The unusually good weather has been a blessing for my training this summer. I didn't have a single weekend that was a rainout this year. Amazing!

Last week I got back into my routine at the gym, after two weeks of NO exercise (and too much carb-binging) due to the cold/cough that seems to be going around. Last Sunday I ran 2 miles for the Apple Run, just to get back into the swing of things.

But I had my sights set on 10 miles today, and then the full 13.6 next weekend, before the weather changes.

I felt good today (although there more than the normal amount of nose-blowing). So the more I ran, the more I started thinking about just getting the 13.6 out of the way today, instead of counting on good weather next weekend. I really, really wanted to finish up my outdoor training by hitting the Magic Number, before heading back indoors to the dreadmill.

SO I DID IT!! 13.6 miles today! A half marathon!!

It wasn't easy. There was a lot of alternating walking and running the last three miles. But I was going to do it no matter how long it took. But it definitely wasn't easy.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I finished in 3 hrs, 23 minutes -- which gives me a 7-minute cushion from getting swept in January. Hopefully with more cardio training the rest of the year, I'll be able to shave off a few more minutes of time.

But my goal is JUST TO FINISH! And now, I believe I can do it, as long as I am well, and eat right, and get enough sleep the night before ... oh, you know all those IFs!

Jeff W -- I want the BIG MEDAL!! YAY!!!!!

Thanks Earl!

2008-09-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to the Trapped On Vacation podcasts this week. Earl is going to the Adventurer's Club every night until it closes, and putting up some audio from each night.

He's really capturing the magic and the mayhem of the place, and you can hear in the characters' voices that they are getting close to the end. There's been some special moments, like when the doorman came up on stage and received his 20-year pin from Disney, a week early so he could get it while AC was still open. And when one of the Hathaway Browns was performing for the last time.

We're so lucky now that we live in the world of podcasting -- we can "experience" the end of attractions or shows even if we can't get to the World.

Thank you Earl!

Apples & Colds

2008-09-23T12:57:00.001-07:00

Between weddings and Toonfest and back-to-school and that awful cold virus that's going around, we only had a few hardy souls who managed to complete the Michigan Apple Fun Run! Congrats to Jeff W (9.37 miles), Craig (9.32), Kristin (7.44) and Chris (6.21) for making it to the finish!

After two weeks of coughing and being sickly, I did go out for the first time on Sunday and managed to run 2.2 miles. It actually sounds pretty bad, but I had an easier time than I thought I would after not training for so long.

So this week it's back to the gym, and hopefully back up in the double-digit miles by the weekend.

I'm going to try my Michigan Apple Fun Run this coming weekend, Sept 27, so if anyone else is free and feeling better, join me!

We are having great weather here in Michigan, but winter could set it in any time now. We usually get about a week and a half of fall, and then bam, the cold winter winds blow through.

I'm trying to enjoy what little outdoor running time I have left, before I have to head back indoors to the dreadmill. Unlike Jeff W, you will not see pics of me running with icicles dripping from my face. I'm not Tundra-tough!!

Michigan Apple Run This Weekend!

2008-09-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the Michigan Apple Run is this weekend! Try and do a 10K or a 15K, or whatever a new milestone marker is for you in your training.

Jeff W will be in Marceline, so he's running Friday. Jonathan is sick with the flu, and I am just getting over a cough and cold, so no telling what we'll end up doing. I also have a family wedding in Cleveland, so my run will probably be on Sunday.

Hope you have good weather and a good time at the race!

Country Bears

2008-09-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, but I have zero interest in the Country Bears attraction. I think I've seen it twice, but I don't see the appeal. It's just a little too corny for me, even though I'm from North Carolina!

I can understand what a big deal the technology was when it was created, and I understand the historical nature of it -- but there's just nothing about it that draws me in.

Carousel of Progress is similar in terms of technology and history, and I do go see that one occasionally. I guess there I like the song, and I do like seeing old history.

But those bears ... I just can't bear it.

Apple Run Update

2008-09-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here's an updated list of participants in the Michigan Apple Fun Run on September 20.

Be sure and join us! Pop over to http://www.allaboutthecorn.blogspot.com/ and sign up, or leave me a message here.

Go Team Voice!

Time For Another Run!

2008-09-08T12:40:00.001-07:00

Michigan is famous for its apples, apple cider and donuts in the fall!

So, before summer ends up here and it gets too cold to run outside, let's all meet up (virtually) on Saturday, September 20 for the 1st Annual Team Voice Michigan Apple Fun Run!

It's being co-sponsored by the same folks who brought you the Corn Fun Run, our friends at http://www.allaboutthecorn.blogspot.com/.

Just mark the date on your calendars, and let either me or Jeff W at All About The Corn know that you are joining us, and pick your race -- either a 10K or a 15K. Keep in mind the 15K will be a great test to see where you are in your training for the Half or Full Marathon!

After the race, we'll all toast our success with apple cider and donuts!

And Team Voice will have one more race in October, sponsored by All About The Corn -- the Children of the Corn Elevator of Tower 13K. Keep checking Jeff W's blog for more info on that.

Hope to see you at the Michigan Apple Fun Run on September 20!

Another Beautiful Saturday

2008-09-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

It's another beautiful Saturday here in Michigan. We have had an amazing summer! I think it only rained on the weekends once or twice the whole summer. And our 90+ days only lasted a week or two.

Thank goodness! I sure was able to get a ton of outdoor training in this summer. Today was a good training day. I did 11 miles! That was great, but I honestly do not know how I can manage 2 more!

But I'll just keep training and trying!

Hope all you TVers are able to get out and get some miles in this weekend!

Miss Me?

2008-09-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Did you miss me? I've been out of sync for the past few days. I had a terrible 8-mile stroll on Monday, sporadically poor eating for several days, and I skipped the gym last night.

I have a million and one "good reasons" -- i.e., excuses -- but I won't bore you -- or me -- I don't even want to hear them. Unfortunately, it boils down to lack of mental toughness, doesn't it?

So, today is a new day. A new day of food choices, a new opportunity at the gym and a chance to get back on track.

So I will give it my all, and I will get moving again, starting today!

Rainy Days and Thursdays

2008-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's a little gray and rainy today, here in Michigan. But that's okay for two reasons.

One, we haven't had rain in several weeks, and the grass sure could use a good dose. We had to re-seed a patch in our front yard from grubs snacking on it last year, and we've been watering that spot for two months. It's nice and green, while the rest of the yard is all dry and brown. The Canadian geese think they are seeing a pond and have been swooping down on occasion.

Second, I really like rain. I like how it makes everything cleaner, and I love the fresh earthy smell, and I love the sound of it. I don't even mind driving in the rain. And, I don't mind Disney in the rain!

Yes, it's true that a few things shut down (parades, Test Track, Streetmosphere). But a lot of people usually decide to leave the parks when the rain comes. And that means shorter lines for those of us wearing ponchos!

I have two favorite rainy Disney moments. We were riding Splash once on a nice sunny Florida day, and we started heading up the hill for the big drop. Now I expected to see a bright blue sky up at the hole in the mountain at the top of the hill, but it seemed to be all gray and misty. So I thought the water effect had been turned up too high. When we were almost to the top, I realized one of those quick Florida showers had kicked in, and it was POURING down rain -- sheets of it -- right as we came out of the mountain and hit the drop! Needless to say, there was no time to get ponchos and nowhere to hide! We got drenched from the rain, not from the drop! And of course, five minutes later the sun came back out.

My second moment was when we caught the last Lion King puppet show in Fantasyland (remember that show, in what is now the Philharmagic theater?). We came out when it was over, and most of the park guests had cleared out. It had rained, so all of MK was glistening and sparkly because of the rain and the lights, and no one was around. It was wonderful walking slowly through the park that night!

Do you have any Disney rain stories?

The Big Wimpy Ten

2008-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

I completed 10 miles today! That's a BIG, BIG milestone for me!

When I started training back in January, running that first one mile was hard, and getting to three was a big accomplishment. And this summer, making it to FIVE miles was huge for me.

After that, I just kept adding .25 to my run each week -- staying out there another three or four minutes didn't seem unmanageable.

Last week I made it to 9 miles, and it was a really good run. This week, I knew I wanted to get to 10, no matter how long it took or how tired I was!

This week I didn't fuel up quite enough, and I got out a little later than normal, so after 6 miles, I did a lot of walking and running and walking. But I kept at it -- no quitting -- I had to finish 10.

On the last mile, I kept saying to myself that mile 13 was going to feel like this!! HARD!!

Anyway, I'm glad I got to the big number. I think I'll stay at 10 for a little while, until I get used to how to pace myself after mile 6 -- what combo of walking and running will work best for me.

(Now I'm off to Sears to get a replacement tire for the flat one I had yesterday.)

Flat Tire = No Training Run

2008-08-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday, time for my weekly training run. I was planning on 9.5 miles today and hoping to do the BIG TEN.

So I ate my big breakfast, got all vaselined and sunscreened up, put on my two watches and iPod and gathered up my other odds and ends. (One good thing about a weekly training run is that I have gotten very comfortable with what I need to eat and how I need to prep.)

Out to the truck, put it in reverse, and OOPS. Something didn't feel right, and I was a little tilted towards one side. Yes, flat tire.

Since my truck is only a year old, the Ford Roadside Assistance plan was still in effect, so I called them, they came and put the spare on. But my optimum running time slot has passed, so I'll try again tomorrow morning!

My husband, Dwain, is in Cleveland today visiting his dad who's recovering from knee surgery. The crazy thing is, every time he leaves town, something happens. Last time he was in Vegas, our well pump stopped working and I had no water. Previous trip, the lawn tractor made a weird, not too happy sound, and bit the dust. Time before that, a huge snowstorm hit and it took me several hours to get the driveway cleared so I could get to work. And then there was the air conditioner giving out on his previous trip.

Needless to say, he's afraid to leave town anymore!! I think today when he calls, I'll say everything is fine, and then maybe will break the news to him when he's about 20 minutes from home. No need to get him all stressed out when he's 3 hours from home.

Now less has happened when I'm out of town, but he's had a few experiences. Last time I was in Florida, he lost power for two days due to summer storms - not once, but twice in the same week. That was not fun, but at least it wasn't January!

I had a touch of a headache this morning, so it's actually not a bad thing that my run will now be tomorrow. And it's one more day to pysch myself up for the BIG TEN!

My Hurricane

2008-08-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

This week's Florida hurricane/tropical storm brought back memories of our Disney hurricane experience. I'm terrible with names and dates, so don't ask me which one it was! I feel like it was 6-8 years ago, but I could be a little off with that info also!

Anyway, I think when we left for our trip, there were rumblings that one was heading towards Florida, but it certainly wasn't close, and since so many tropical storms don't turn into hurricanes, we were comfortable heading to WDW.

On about the third day, the weather men and ladies started covering it, and of course, got very worked up about it. We felt that since we were in the middle of the state, the impact would not be as strong as if we were on the coast taking the full brunt, so we decided to ride it out and not end our vacation early -- although a lot of guests did head home.

We also were comfortable with the sturdiness of Disney hotels. The Boardwalk was not that old, and we were sure it was probably built with standards much higher than basic hurricane standards. We also figured Disney would be able to get power back up and running pretty fast, because of its everyday operating procedures.

So the day came that it hit the Daytona area. I think there were high tides and some flooding, and some high-wind damage, but luckily no devastation occurred. Later that day (or the next day), all of the parks did close early, probably around 1 or 2:00, and all guests were transported back to their hotels. This was done for our safety, obviously, but also so CMs could get home and take care of their families and property.

We were at the Studios that day, and saw a lot of preparations going on to batten down the hatches. Trash cans, benches, chairs were taken inside. Signs were removed or tied down. And at that time there was an old car on the right side as you headed down Sunset Blvd that was a pin station. We saw them wrapping that car in Saran wrap -- tons of it -- to keep the rain out.

Once the Studios closed, we headed back to the Boardwalk. Here also, there were no benches, trash cans or chairs left outside. It was really strange seeing the pool with nothing around it! It was also strange seeing video on the local news of the airport with NO planes anywhere on any tarmacs. You don't see that very often!

Since all the restaurants on property and at the hotels were closed (so CMs could go home), Disney provided small buffet tables in the Boardwalk lobby, and for $5 you could fill up a styrofoam dinner box with whatever you wanted. Then we took it back up to the room, settled down and watched the Orlando weather people get all worked up! Disney also instructed us via a letter under the door to stay inside, keep the curtains closed and fill the bathtub with water.

Our hurricane was going to be over Orlando in the middle of the night. I think I woke up about 3 a.m., looked outside and only saw a little rain. Luckily that time, the hurricane had worn itself out and was nothing more than a heavy rainstorm by the time it got to Disney.

Later that morning we let the water out of the bathtub, and had either a letter or voice mail from Disney saying that Animal Kingdom would be open that day. It seems like it opened at noon, but many of the shows that involved CMs (Tarzan, Lion King, etc.) did not run, probably because of limited staffing. There were a lot of supervisors out that day running the park!

Needless to say, AK was packed since it was the only game in town. But it was still good to be out of the hotel room and back in the sunshine. The next day, everything opened on time, and WDW was back to normal operations.

It was neat to see Disney in action -- but if that ends up being my only hurricane experience in Floriday, that will be just fine!

Cranium Command

2008-08-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the Meandering Mouse podcast today, and show #85 covered all the attractions in the Wonders of Life pavilion. I miss WOL -- it was a neat place, and one that really held so much potential. A boatload of money would have fixed that place right up!

What I really miss from the pavilion, of course, is Cranium Command. What a fun show!

I had forgotten that the drill sargeant's name was General Knowledge (get it?), and how he kept getting Buzzy's name wrong -- Scuzzy was my favorite version of his name! And the General's big threat was that he would put Buzzy in charge of piloting a chicken OR a talk show host.

And remember how many great comedians played the various body parts Buzzy was piloting? George Wendt as the stomach was a classic, but I had forgotten that Hans and Franz were the left and right ventricles of the heart (Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon from SNL)!

I'd love to see this show moved and re-opened. Can't we squeeze it in somewhere at Imagination?

If you miss it too, check out the episode.

Best Run Ever!

2008-08-16T09:12:00.001-07:00

It's the weekend, time for my weekly long run, and this weekend it was going to 8 miles. Up, good breakfast, usual pre-run prep, and off I went.

There was no doubt in my mind today that I could finish the 8 miles, even if the last mile was in the 16-min-mile range. But that would be okay. I was looking forward to reaching the big 8!!

It was another beautiful day in Michigan, temp in the 70s, fluffy clouds in blue sky, and the park was in its usual glory, all green with the lake shimmering and the swans enjoying the day -- along with the bikers, runners, walkers and skaters.

I have to admit, I didn't feel the urge to keep my speed up like last weekend for the Corn Fest Run, but I knew it was about endurance today. Mile 4 was a little tough, but I got into an amazing rythm on mile 8, so I decided to try and go for 8.5 miles!

And then, what the heck, I was so close to 9, why not?!! And I made it!! Don't get me wrong, I was slogging that last mile, but it was good practice for what miles 12 and 13 will probably feel like for me.

My time for today was 2 hours, 8 minutes, which is a 14.22-min-mile pace. I was very happy with that -- and now I'm a little closer to the B I G T E N mile mark!!

Hope all my Team Voice friends have good runs too this weekend!

Podcast Babies

2008-08-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

It struck me yesterday that we have four podcasts whose hosts are having babies this year!

On Mouse Guest Weekly, Eric and Cathy have a new Disney fan in production!

On the Dis Unplugged, Julie and Corey recently announced a new baby boy is coming!

On Inside The Magic, Skipper Ben (love his segments) and his wife have a little skipper on the way!

And, on Magic Never Ends, Shannon and Will will be blessed with a little one!

Wonder if any Disney-related baby names are being considered?!

Congrats to all!!

Team Spirit To The Max

2008-08-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Another great late night of Olympics. This time, it was the men's team event in gymnastics. China and Japan were supposed to fight for the top two medals, and everyone else was going to scrap for the third medal. The U.S. was not supposed to be that good, since everyone on the team was new to the Olympics.

But what a group of good guys! You could see the determination and grit in their eyes -- their young eyes. At the last event, the bronze came down to Germany and the U.S., neck and neck. The performances of the last three athletes on each team would determine who got the medal. Our first guy was bad, our second guy decent, and then came Sasha ...

Alexander Artemev, the last of the Americans to compete, unleashed a big air-style performance on the pommel horse, the final event, to secure the medal. It was Artemev's only performance on the day -- he spent more than two hours watching the five other Americans on the other five events, then was called on to nail it down.

This being gymnastics, what Artemev did is perhaps better understood in baseball terms. He came on in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, and threw three 97-mph heaters - after just being called up from the minors. Not even a week ago Artemev had been an alternate, not even a starter on this U.S. Olympic gymnastics team.

After Artemev's dismount from the pommel, the American side erupted, equal measures relief and unreserved joy.

His performance was amazing and beautiful and graceful and strong. He had to have been amazingly proud of himself. And unreserved joy is a good description for the team's celebration -- they had come through as a team.

Now I wonder what tonight's magical moment will be!

Amazing Effort!

2008-08-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Did you see the men's relay in swimming last night?!! Wasn't that absolutely unbelievable?!! When Jason Lezak made that final turn, I thought there was no way he could catch up to the French. And then, he inched closer, but he only had half a pool left to go -- and he kicked it up a notch and the Frenchman faltered a tad! And then it still looked like France had touched first -- but no, Jason got the win by .08!!

Here's what he said:

"I'm not going to lie," Lezak said. "When I flipped at the 50 and I still saw how far ahead he was, and he was the world-record holder 'til about two minutes before that, when Sullivan led off with the world record, I thought, it really crossed my mind for a split second, there's no way.

"Then I changed. I said, you know what, that's ridiculous. This is the Olympics. I'm here for these guys. I'm here for the United States of America. It's more than -- I don't care how bad it hurts, or whatever, I'm just going to go out there and hit it. "Honestly, in like 5 seconds, I was thinking all these things -- you know, just got like a super charge and took it from there. It was unreal."

For our January race, I look forward to all of supporting each other, and gutting it out for the team. And I hope I reach the finish line with more than .08 seconds to spare!!

Who Doesn't Love Corn?

2008-08-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished my first 10K ever, and I'm so happy that it was the 1st Annual Corn Fest Fun Run (I really should learn the right name)! Thanks, Jeff, for creating such a super event for us!!

My goal was to finish with a per mile average of under 15 min-miles -- 14.99 would have been okay. I finished in 1 hr, 26 mins, which averaged out to be 13.8 min-miles. I was very happy with that, and this has been my best run in a long time!

It was definitely different than just another weekend training run. I felt pressure to do a good time. I felt pressure to not hit the wall, or if I did, gut it out. I thought about the other TVers out there running.

At times, I actually felt like a real runner! I had a good warmup, so the first mile wasn't bad. Every time I felt myself falling into my natural slow jog, I tried to pick up the pace. And every time a real runner would pass me, I would draft them -- run their pace for a minute or so to pick up some extra time! That was also good practice for improving my breathing at a faster pace.

Anyway, now I'm sitting in front of the TV, watching the Olympics with ice packs on my knees, watching for posts on All About The Corn. I also just finished a donut, and I don't feel a bit guilty about it!

The US has two finalists in the ladies medal round for fencing, so we will win all three medals in that! Also watching badminton, they do move around the court alot, but it's still a little bit weird. Also saw some ladies weightlifting, hope some of them don't fail drug tests and get to keep their medals.

Did you see the opening ceremonies last night? WOW, WOW, WOW. The technology was amazing, the segments where they and 2,008 people choreographed, and those boxes the people moved! AMAZING!!!

TGIF!

2008-08-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's Friday!! I'm looking forward to the Corn Run tomorrow. It will be so cool when everyones checks in and posts their times!

This will be good practice for the real pre-race night! I'm going to do a light workout tonight, have pasta for dinner, and then am going to watch the Olympics!

I love the Olympics -- in past years I've been known to tape hundreds of hours and watched as much as I could. It definitely was easier before NBC started showing it on a gazillion channels!!

I actually watch a lot of the sports coverage on CBC, the Canadian channel that we get since we live in the metro Detroit area, with just a river, bridge and tunnel between us and Canada. Their coverage is very much focused on the actual events, still with some background stories, but not near as much fluff and commentary as on American television. You see a lot more action in the same amount of time, and you actually see MORE than the top three athletes in a sport. For skating (yes, I know, Winter Olympics), for example, you actually get to see 12 skaters in medal round, instead of just the 3-4 that NBC covers.

My favorite sports are the lesser-watched ones which are tricky to find. I love synchronized swimming - amazing, canoe and kayaking - very cool to watch, rythmic gymnastics - you know, the ball and ribbon routines, cycling - good, although not as good as the Tour de France, trampoline - what a weird sport, and rowing - I LOVE rowing.

Of the big sports, I'll watch swimming, diving, gymnastics and the triathalon.

I will probably catch some track, but won't go out of my to watch it. Ditto for archery, beach volleyball, equestrian, pentathalon, table tennis, and volleyball.

I will NOT watch wrestling, weightlifting, water polo, taekwondo, softball, soccer, shooting, sailing, judo, field hockey, fencing, boxing, basketball, badminton and baseball. Sorry!

Maybe we should all add NBC's Olympic theme song to our iPods to inspire us!

Good luck on the Corn Run everyone!!

Another Try

2008-08-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

I did make it to the gym last night, but only for a short workout on the bike. Hopefully tonight I'll get away from work on time, and will be able to run 1-2 miles.

I had forgotten that this coming weekend is the Corn Fest Run, and I signed up for the 10K! I've got to get some miles in this week so I'm not totally unprepared for Saturday.

Hope everyone else signed up for it -- it will be cool to all run "together"!

Back To The Gym

2008-08-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today's my first day back to the gym since my vacation. Was really swamped at work yesterday, and had to take work home with me, so no gym.

It will be interesting -- and painful!

I Miss My Routine

2008-07-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

I've had a great week with my family, and I always love being at the ocean!

But I do look forward to getting back into my routine at home -- work, peanut butter sandwich for lunch, the gym after work, and my shady running path by the lake in the park. And passing the time with my husband and my cats. And a little TV here and there. And having computer time to blog and read blogs. And time to listen to podcasts!!

Family Vacation

2008-07-26T19:11:00.001-07:00

Me and all my immediate family are at the beach in North Carolina for the week, for our annual family beach vacation. This is our 18th year of living together for a week, and we're all still speaking to each other!

My parents, my husband and I, my sister, brother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law and three beautiful nieces all rent a front-row beach cottage at Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. It's about an hour north of Myrtle Beach. It's a great family-oriented beach, more cottages than hotels and still a pretty safe place to vacation.

We hang out, swim, play games -- Monopoly, Scrabble, Uno and cards -- play bocce ball on the beach, ride go-karts and jet skis, read, watch TV, sit in the sun and drink a little beer. We take turns cooking a meal every night -- lots and lots of yummy home-cooked food!

In order to offset the yummy food, I do usually get pretty good exercise during the week. Last year, three of us did a few miles on the bikes first thing every morning. This year I will run every other day -- hopefully three miles -- and bike the other days. We also usually go to the gym 2-3 days. And I swim in the pool and ocean, and do 1-2 beach walks a day.

If I'm lucky, I'll end the week without gaining any weight!

Caught Up

2008-07-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, a few days of not checking blogs, and I miss a lot of action!!

Just caught up and discovered that our Team has had some good days and some bad days, but we are all hanging in there!

Let's just keep moving forward -- we've got five more months of good training ahead of us!

Michigan Family's Magical Moments

2008-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Want to hear some really good magical moments? Feel like shedding a little tiny tear today?

Then listen to show #33 of the Be Our Guest podcast! Mike has listener Beth from Michigan (yay, my part of the country!) on the show to share her family's trip report. They have a son who has cerebral palsy, so it's a good insight on traveling with a special-needs child.

But more importantly, they experienced a lot of magical moments that are fun to listen to!

Check it out!

Mousin' It Up At The Club

2008-07-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I got to go to the Adventurer's Club on PI earlier this year, since it's going to close at the end of September.

I had always wanted to go, since I do like improv. I LOVE the Citizens of Hollywood streetmosphere characters at the Studios. I always stop and watch the skits that pop up on the street -- much to my husband's chagrin -- and now even stop at Guest Services to find out the specific times they will be out. I really admire the quick thinking and creativity of improv actors!

I had always meant to check out the AC during my 25+ visits to WDW, but never quite got around to it. (Sort of like one of our Team Voice members who has NEVER done Haunted Mansion!!) It just goes to show that you should try to do everything at least once, since you never know when something's going to leave The World!

I have to admit, it was a shock when I first walked into the AC, entering up on the balcony level. Visually, it's a very unique environment that you look down onto -- lots of trinkets, 1930s safari furniture, and a crowd milling about. There was also an AC club member in full regalia (i.e., improve actor) espousing on some adventure or the club rules, or something "real" to their world. I was being pulled to so many visual and audio experiences!

It was quite an adventure being immersed into this crazy world, but I'm so sad that I only got to make one trip.

Big Brian, of the Mousin' It Up podcast, posted some audio from one of his visits to the AC. Take a listen to episode 37 if you want to experience of the AC for the first time or the last time!

Thanks Brian, and Kungaloosh!!

Up Close And Personal

2008-07-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in the nuts and bolts of animation, check out The Animation Podcast by Clay Kaytis. He's got 28 episodes of one-on-one interviews with a ton of Disney animators.

This week's episode is with Ken Duncan, who animated Meg in Hercules and Jane in Tarzan -- two of my favorite movies. They both have great music, strong well-rounded characters, fun and drama.

Unfortunately I can't draw worth a flip. Playing Pictionary once, I drew what I thought was an alligator -- but my team was pretty sure it was a cow! But I wish I could draw, and am certainly fascinated by the shapes and colors and style in each animated movie.

In addition to technical discussions about animation, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes tidbits from the various movie productions.

Check it out!

We're All In This Together

2008-07-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

Jonathan's been posting a lot of details about his training plan, and I've posted a little about mine, and Rae gives us a lot of details about her training with Isabeau. And other Team Voicers share thoughts on training, and the ups and downs we all experience.

We're all on this same journey, but boy are we drastically different in our experience! There's some young, fast healthy Voicers, and there's some like me that will be perfectly happy (and relieved) to finish the race in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

We're all in this together, and a lot of our experiences are similar -- bad food days, missed training, mild injuries (except for Rae's arm), gas station mistakes (Hostess Ding Dongs for me)!

But, most of our training -- techniques, weekly mileage, longest runs, average pace -- are all vastly different, because of our physical/athletic differences.

But what's MOST important is that we are DOING THIS! And we've been doing it for almost seven months!

And honestly, for me, the fact that I will have worked for a year towards this goal is really more important than what happens at the race. I want to finish, of course, and I when I start to goof off at the gym, I think about the fact that I need to feel like I gave it my all.

But I have thought about not finishing -- what I will do, what it will feel like. But as awful as it would be, I know that I will also be really, really proud of my year of training and my year of being part of Team Voice.

And that will be enough ... almost.

Rainy Run

2008-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I had planned to make sure I did one long run in the rain this summer, as practice in case it rains for the big race. And I succeeded.

On Saturday when I headed out to the park under very gray skies, I did wear my older running shoes, just in case. It really wasn't supposed to rain until later in the day, so I wasn't 100% prepared, but at least I did think about my shoes!

I got in three miles before the rain started, so I figured I would do five miles instead of my scheduled 7.25 miles, since I would be back to my car at the five-mile mark. I happen to like rain, so part of me didn't mind it. It was interesting having to dodge puddles, my shoe grip was okay, and I had already taken my glasses off. I did have to put my runner's watch and my iPod in my pocket -- note to self, on a gray day take a small zip-lock bag for these items.

Now just as I approached the parking lot, the rain stopped and the skies cleared. So I thought, what the heck, my shoes are not too squishy, why not keep going? So I did, aiming for my 7.25 mile goal.

Unfortunately, at the 6.5-mile mark, the rain came again. And I got back to my car at 7.1 miles, and just couldn't make myself do another loop to squeeze out the remaining .15 mile! I know, how silly! But I had done my time in the rain, so I didn't feel too guilty.

The good news is I don't have to run in the rain again -- at least not on purpose!

My Disney Store Is No More!

2008-06-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the mall today to get my second replacement for my original green iPod Nano. (Long story, but let's hope third time's a charm.)

I thought I would pop into the Disney Store to see what was new -- but discovered that my Disney Store was gone!!!

How can that be? It's a nice mall that is doing very well and is full of lots of popular stores -- Apple, Aveda, Bebe, Hollister, Sunglass Hut, Macys, Lord & Taylor, etc.

My Disney Store has been there forever, since the stores were first created. It was there when the store staff were "cast members" and wore those cute sweaters and skirts. It was there when Disney Stores had collectibles, like watches and cells. It was there in the heyday of animation, when I would pre-order a VHS tape and show up at the store before the mall opened to pick it up. It was there when all the stores had a big pile of plush in the back of the store, with a video screen showing Disney movies.

But now, it's not there. I can't believe I am now in that group of consumers that doesn't have a neighborhood Disney Store. My sister's been in that group for years -- but not me -- I had a Disney Store. And now I don't.

This is not good.