TWENTY.

The time came this morning to own that 20 miler that has

been looming over us for the past several months

during our marathon training.

I had a fitful sleep, but woke up excited to take on the day.

I got my cold weather running gear on,

and was getting ready to eat a few baby oranges for

breakie when Amy called.

She had just finished a steaming hot bowl of hearty

oatmeal, a peanut butter spoon, some toast,

and I think there was more.

It got me thinking I should maybe load up also.

I gave a holler into my dad,

who was still in my parents room chitchatting.

"Hey dad, how about coming in to make me a bowl of your

famous oatmeal?"

- silence -

I heard him ask my mom,

Did she just ask me to make her oatmeal?

Yes, she'd like you to make some oatmeal.

He comes into the kitchen.

I will make you some oatmeal but I have never made oatmeal

once my entire life.

what??

Not true.

Your oatmeal is excellent....you used to make it all the time

for us kids.

It was again perfect...a breakfast of champions!!

M, my dad and I listened to "The Best of Queen" so I could get

pumped up for the run.

I arrived at Amy's.

We had her husband Lance capture a few high energy

pre-run photos.

We were indeed ready for the time of our lives.

Off we go.

Mile after freezing mile.

We did take time to get in some "planking".

As well as a few sky shots.

Plenty of stretching.

Photos of our magnificent surroundings.

Snowy over passes.

We did pretty dang good up to our half way point, which was

my brother Jason's home...this is his dog Bo.

We took a pit stop, refreshed our water supply and did a little

stretching.  We felt sure we could do without our gloves and jacket.

They were just weighing us down, extra baggage.

We took off from Jason's,

 and then began our gradual decent into

freezing drudgery.

We were now running familiar territory to both Amy and I.

She and I have run the last 8 miles together several times on other runs.

After our halfway point we had changed directions...

and in so doing the wind and cold changed on us as well.

It turned from a cold day,

to a bitter COLD one.

Our mouth and hands we frozen.

They were two of the "funny" things we had to laugh about.

Each time we hooked up and tried talking it was 

quite hilarious.

When we attempted using our fingers to manipulate the lid on the 

water bottle, or re-zip a zipper.

HA!

Oh....what fun.

Time passed.

It seemed like we ran from morning until evening time. 

This whole was a big mile stone we were looking to pass.

On our last run Amy told me she is always happy when she passes this,

because she knows she isn't far from home.

About 3 miles.....ouch, ouch, ouch.

Here is another we were watching for.

Amy says that she likes to think that this mailbox was put in by

a family whose son left on his mission.

The flames are the mothers hope for his speedy return.

huh...that's cool. 

Whatever passes the time...right?

Here is another spot.

I won't say what happened here, but it was one of Amy's

darkest running hours....the longest 8 miles of her life.

The last two miles for us today were quite torturous.

Not surprising.

Amy rose to the occasion.

She absolutely pulled me along and kept us running.

I had not anticipated being the weak one at the end.

Not at all.

But that was indeed the case.

I was really proud of that girl....not to mention grateful to her.

Not sure what was so ultra funny here...

but for sure we were more than happy to be done.

We were both frozen to the bone.

I took off pretty quickly for my parents house.

I phoned my mom as I started the 10 minute drive.

Mom, I am on my way.

So you are alive?

Yes, just.

Will you ask McCauley to prepare a few baby oranges for me?

I will hop in the tub when I am home.

When I walked (hobbled) into the kitchen,

my dear mother was stirring my hot cocoa.

She said, here are your peeled orange slices.

I heated you up some spaghetti,

and ran your bath, there are clean towels and

I refreshed the bathroom with a little perfume.

?

Home Sweet Home.

I was so happy.

Thanks Mom.

You are so thoughtful.

Dad, thank you for your wonderful oatmeal.

I wish Amy could have been here for the same treatment.

Great job today.

Treasure Trove of RANDOM Topics....

Training in Utah has been a bit evasive...

or at least I have evaded it.

My parents have a pretty sweet set up in their basement....

at least at first glance.

They have a nice room stocked w/ exercise equipment,

a good sized treadmill, weights, pull up bar, and a giant t.v. ....

SWEET FOR ME!!

I believed I could run for days just hanging out down there watching movies!

Good bye family...I will be running,

while I am feeding my mind with constant entertainment!

See YA!

(notice my dads Jerri rigged key)

Well....like I said, "at first glance"

it looks like a sweet set up.

The t.v. does not work...it is just to look at and fantasize about.

The treadmill whinnies and whines like you would

not believe....it is not so bad if you only run in the

upper left hand corner of the mat,

but I can tell you from experience that that is hard to maintain,

and takes away from the joy of trying to read while bouncing

up and down.

The first morning we were here I was pumped and put on my

NECK & NECK tank to keep me inspired and motivated.

I cranked out an hour on the mill.

The next day I had to force my way through a half hour.

I have not set foot on it since.

I can't.

I won't.

However.....

my Utah partner and I have hooked up!!

We got our matching outfits on and took a run two days ago.

It was a beautiful afternoon.

We knocked out 8 miles without batting an eye.

It was a happy time.

Tomorrow we can get scared...we will see who's smiling then...

our 20 miler is due.

It feels as scary as giving birth to a 10 pounder...

I have never done that,

but it seems like it would be just as intimidating.

(OK, maybe not)

Amy has our route mapped out.

We have decided where to plant our waters and Gatorade.

I will let you know how it goes.

..........................

New topic.

Take a look at the evidence below of how my mom applies

lip stick.

She sticks her stick in between her pursed lips and swipes it.

She says it saves time and effort.

....and to an outsider is totally FREAKY!

Plus the lipstick is unbelievably creepy looking.

Mine is the normal flat looking stick.

(very boring tube)

I like to put it on wiping it all all around both lips,

going up and over the edges of my mouth.

Then I go back and remove the excess, and blot it off.

I like the look of just having eaten a bowl of spaghetti.

Or being punched in the mouth, Or just having had a make out session.

Any of the above.

I gave a demo to my sister and mom.

They seemed surprised.

We asked my sister Amy how she applies hers....

she said that lipstick is for tiny children and babies.

She only uses Mentholatum. 

huh.

.................................

New topic.

Eye Bondage.

Good or Bad for you?

That is my question.

Last night I went for it....

I suckered into the peer pressure of eyelash enhancement.

There. It is out. Now you know.

I personally had no idea it would be so tortuous.

Your eyes are in lock down for 2 hours.

There is a bright light shining right into your incapacitated eyes.

It makes no difference whether your eyes become itchy.

oh well.

Your eyes are dried out?

sad for you.

You don't think you can take having your eyes strapped down another minute?

you only have an hour to go!

I am very surprised I did not need a straight jacket to

keep my composure and keep my hands and arms down as well.

Once you are into it an hour there is no going back.

Nothing is worse than spindly eyelashes.....

says my sister.

I trust her.

Yes.  They are pretty. But come on!

I am serious.

COME ON! 

are you guys for real?

......................................

New Topic.

Running Motivation.

This topic is close to my heart right now.

Not sure which way to go with it.

I just started reading Born To Run.

The author wants to know why his foot is hurting so badly.

He goes from doctor to doctor.

He won't believe that "running is not for you" is his answer.

He has been told he has Cuboid Syndrome.

He needs cortisone shots and orthotics....

and he needs to buy a bike.

I have read this quote from my book several times,

"It's not that I'm all that stubborn. It's not that I'm even all that crazy

about running.  If I totaled all the miles I'd ever run,

half were aching drudgery.  

But it does say something that even thought I haven't read 

The World According to Garp in twenty years,

I have never forgotten one minor scene:

I keep thinking back to the way Garp used to burst out his door

 in the middle of the workday for a five-mile run.

There's something so universal about that sensation,

the way running unites our two most primal impulses:

fear and pleasure.

We run when we're scared, we run when we're ecstatic,

we run away from our problems and run around for a good time."

That sums it up.

Not one of us wants to loose the option to be able to

step out our door and be free to run.

Don't tell me not to run.

We want what we can't have even more.

It makes the value skyrocket.

Like they say:

There is a time and a season for all things.

Rest and Repair.

I'm just saying.

That's my dad up there!

We are enjoying our vacation in Utah...

K is still far, far away, but we are hopeful he will be able

to get away and join us soon.

My parents recently became temple workers at the Bountiful Temple.

They have been going through their training, and working their

way up through all of the different areas of service.

They work the late shift each Thursday, beginning at 3:00pm.

Yesterday was a big day for them.

It was my dads turn to officiate a session,
my mom was up front with him as well as one
of the sister workers.

I really wanted to be there to support them and see them in action.

They were extrememly nervous.

Unfortunately,
I realized that I left my recommend in my temple bag at home.

Noooooo!

..... thankfully this did not pose a big set back.

I was able to call the temple, they called my stake president

and I am good to go for the duration of our trip.

Phew.

I am three months behind on my "monthly" temple visits

so I have some making up to do.

Not to mention while I am so close, I would be smart to get a jump

start on the new year and stock up on my visits just in case

unforeseen situations arise in the future.....

and really that is a given.

I was able to get my sister Amy to go with me this evening

on short notice.

The big boys were off on a fishing expedition with K's dad and brothers.

M and L went to my brother Jason's.

I saw my aunt Michelleen when we were in the changing room.

Gave her a big hug...she looked awesome.

Aim and I were running a bit behind schedule...we made  it in by the

skin of our teeth.

As we walked into the session room,

there was my dad up front.

Aim and I were about halfway back in the seating.

It was so exciting.

I really wanted to tell the whole group that that was our mom and dad up there.

Instead, I looked at the sister to my right,

Hello,

How are you this evening....?

awww.....hey, guess what? 

That is my dad up there!

No he didn't wave at me, but we did make eye contact.

Both my parents did a great job.

They looked so good up there.

We were able to visit for a few minutes between their next assignments.

A and I ate a most delicious meal at the temple cafeteria.

Somehow my parents were both able to sneak in for

a few minutes each at seperate intervals while we were eating.

It was a night to remember for sure.

A special experience I wouldn't trade.

I know they were very happy to have us there,

and vice-versa.

I am thankful for my parents fine example.



Please Look.....These PRIZE Possessions can all be YOURS!!!

You know that Marathon my self and Team Neck & Neck are running 

in less than a month??

Well, there is actually a cause that we are running for,

Thyroid Cancer Research.

We chose Thyroid Cancer because Tina is a recent survivor.

Cancer effects all of us,

even if we ourselves have not dealt with it as an individual.

We have grandparents, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and 

best friends

that have.

It is a harsh awakening when someone you love is pronounced

to have cancer, 

of any kind.

What you are looking at is our families

 whole hearted attempt to raise money for Cancer Research.

Please take a look.

A FAST, HARD look....

I hope you are a speed shopper.

This is a 3 day sale!

Have fun while you are at it....

we definitely had some fun putting it together.

I only screamed and got the crazy eye a time or two

throughout the entire process.

I really wanted to make this an auction,

but due to a trip to Utah in 3 days I put "suggested prices".

This means, you are welcome to pay more or less within reason....

Keeping in mind where the money 

is going I am not that worried...

but say you want to round up or down when you are getting 

numerous items.....wink wink.....

that would be super.

Every item will have a number, description, and price....

once you decide which Fabulous items you would like to claim,

please tally up your total and pay for them using my 

"Chip In" pay pal cube at the top right hand side of my blog.

The first person to list their items in the comments,

and pay for them will get the prize.

(Are you getting the feeling that I am expecting a mad frenzied rush for these TREASURES??) 

Be sure to check the comments before you get your hopes up.

I will try and remore what gets purchased as soon as I am able.

For those of you that are local,

I would ask if you could come pick up all items by Tuesday afternoon.

(If they are not Christmas gifts and you are not in a rush....you can 

wait and we will square up in Jan.)

If you live in Utah.....no problem....we will bring your items 

with us, and deliver them to you.

Let me say thank you in advance.

Flat Donations are welcome....

but it is a heck of a lot more fun to get something fun in 

return for your support.

Love, 

The Christenens

 1. Yo Ho Ho - Ceramic Pirate bust - Actually this is priceless.....but the boys were willing to let it go for the cause - suggested price - $15

 2. Beautiful Ceramic doll - Cauley and I talked - We thought $20 was fair.

 3.  You will go crazy over this Indian couple - If you are a person, you will love this set.  Hand crafted (by someone I bet), Ceramic again.  These are at least a foot tall each....I am guessing, but they may be bigger than they look.  Suggested $18

 4. Christmas soap pump - $5

 6. 6 charming Christmas mugs....perfect for sipping your Choffy from - $10

7. Southern Living Deep Christmas Dish - This is so beautiful.  Picture a giant Trifle in this beaut! $20

 8. Blown glass ornament from another country....sorry that is all I got - $5

 9. Um.....something from somewhere other than the USA.....$5 (Items K has brought back from trips)

 10. Harry Potter Birthday Pack - invitations, banner, and table cloth + authentic Sorting Hat!!! $12

 11. Partylite T light Clock Tower - the clock works, but needs a battery - $5

12. Rooster Cookie Jar....or for whatever you want to cover.....$4

13. Fancy Santa - let me sweeten the deal by letting you know this is a music box - Plays the tune - White Christmas - $8

 14. HOT ITEM ALERT - my first cross stitch sampler.  Lovingly Hand made by ME!!!  Might be cute for a little girls room - $10

 15. Picturesque country scene canvas - $5

 16. WOW!!!  Yes you are looking at a brand new, just purchased two by accident - Born to Run book....I have heard, and read excellent reviews for this book.  If you are a runner, or if you know one, and care about making them happy.....this book is for them - $12

 17. Cool New Design book - $4

 18. These are vinyl letting designs for your walls + Flower arranging book - $8

 19. Entire Season 1 of Arrested Development - $10

20.  I totally DARE you to buy this book.  K and I watched the movie together....it drove me to purchase not one, but two copies of the book.  It is wonderful....but one copy is sufficient. $8

 21. If you love Tea, and Parties....this book is right down your alley....(was that just too dumb?) Like new condition - $8

 22. This hand carved ball is absolutely amazing....there is ball after ball inside the other balls, all carved differently.  This thing is very ballsey.  Comes with a wooden platform to show off your balls.  $10

 23. For the cartoon lover in your home.  These really are the classics.  Don't you remember thinking Olive Oil was so gorgeous??  I loved it when she got dressed up.  I also still admire Popeye....because he loves spinach. $8

 24. This is a Southern Living at Home shelf, or you can fill it full of flowers or whatnot and hang it on your wall.  It has a scratch on the front.....hence - $5

 25. New frame....well you can see I paid $6.....how dumb did I used to be?....look, it was only marked down .75 cents from original price.  Boy have I come a long way.  This is actually a really cute frame, it has fun sayings all around the frame...."be a good boy, make us proud, listen to your heart but use your head"....and so on.You can get it for the bargain price of  $4

 26. A Bowl of some kind of steel....I hope K didn't spend too much on this bad boy..... how about $8

 27. Put in just for the joker on your list.....and because I cannot tollerate another second of it. $1

 28. K really liked this Beauty...sorry it is blurry...this has a stick applicator and is filled with perfume...not sure what kind.  You could dump it and start over.  Or just look at it cuz it is quite exquisite. $4

 29. Magnetic Barbie paper doll set.  Comes with lots of clothes and accessories and pets. $5

30.  M decided she could be done with barbies....we found several more after this was shot, comes w/ a large zip lock bag of clothing, etc.  Notice the homemade couch the barbies are sitting on.  $10

 31. Awwwww cute - $4

 32. New from Spiegel - very large decorator shams - $10

33. M decided she is also done with Polly Pockets - comes with that cool Kidgits carry all bag - $8

 34. Great advice - wood frame - 10

 35. Cute girls size 2, set of three shoes (brown Roxy pair is size 1) The cream pair are new - $8

 36. Book set - I have only read the Crossing....decent.  $5

 37. Sales persons dream - $5

 38. Read all 3 books, I actually really liked Ghost Boy...got me thinking anyway.  The other two definitely had good moments throughout....as well as boring ones $4

 39. Yikes.....watch Dinner at the Schmucks at your own risk.....Yowsa - $6

 40. HOT DVD 4 pack - all excellent movies...  Don't you think?  $15

 41. Young girls dream come true - size 2 Heelys - M was terribly excited to receive these last Christmas....but she just could never get the hang of them.  She was ready to let  another little girl take a crack at em - $10

 42. Brand new twin size bed skirt - $5

 43. Dressy Set - 11 dresses, all between size 5 - 8 - $12

 44. Causal Girl clothing set (except for the karate gee) hoodies, pancho, dance clothes, etc. $10

45. From fund raiser to fund raiser.  We really do not eat a lot of pop corn.....I don't know why.  $8

 46.These Books contain several hundred Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards.

The containers are very worn....but the cards are in great shape for the collector on 

your list. $10

47. PSP Games - ATV Off Road Fury, Grand Theft Auto, MX vs ATV, Star Wars Legos

Videos - The Island, I Robot, Pulp Fiction, The Italian Job, The Sahara - $10

48. This set is cool, it has two discs of the "making" of King Kong + plus a booklet - $8

 49. An adorable trio of Boyds Bear + little bench to rest on.  Like new condition - would make a wonderful gift - $15

50. The Palin Pack - I am sorry to admit I have never read either.....I sat down to try a few times but I just couldn't focus - sorry Tina. oh wait....did you want these back????  I will make them cheap - $5

51. Horrible, horrible picture, these are European shams from spiegel, new, in a deep purple suede. $10 

 52. Totally proud of this treat - homemade mini gift boxes from Lawson - he is willing to make as many as you need - and will use other cards depending on your occasion - $2 per set of 5.

 53. Super fashionable bracelets and one tribal necklace - $5

 54. Three super classy pieces, perfect for your fancy holiday parties - $10

 55. More European shams from Spiegel.....as you can see I have tons of these....but no European pillows to go in them....too cheap to fill the darn things - $10

 56. Motor cross chest protector - $12

57. Full Monster Racing outfit, including gloves ( size 32 pants) - $20

 58. Full BLT racing outfit - (size 12/14) - $20

59. Oneal Boots - size 8 - $20

 60. Oneal Boots - size 6 - $20

61. Miscellaneous Gear, several goggles, gloves, belt, size 30 pants - $20

Believe it or not...I do have a few more items,

but I am falling asleep.

I will update tomorrow.....

Happy Shopping!! 

...................................................

Good morning!

This is the last of it.

Time to make your move....before someone else gets your stuff!

 62. If you know me, you know that I LOVED this book.  I love it still.  Kev enjoyed this copy twice.  I feel like this is a relic, a gem to pass on to future generations, to all kin and friends alike.....you can't go wrong with this copy, unless you have poor eyesight, the print is pretty small - a bargain at any price - $5

 63. I cannot believe I am allowing myself to get rid of this.  I love SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK so much. What are your favorites?? "I'm just a Bill, yes I'm only a Bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol hill", what about "Figure 8"??? can't help but sing along with these.....don't forget "Conjunction Junction....what's your function".....I am ONLY parting with this because my own kids don't know what is cool and awesome + plus they have no desire to get smarter.  It is no fun watching this alone (I have tried) - May I suggest this would make a fantastic gift for grandkids.  (The parents would thank you!) like new - 2 disk set - $18

 64. This is one of those really cool Creative Memories DecoFiles.  Like new....it opens up like an accordion w/ removable pockets -  I keep looking at it.....do I need this?....this is the sort of thing that the minute you let it go, someone else comes up with this amazing way to utilize it, and you are left feeling like a lameo, and have to go out and purchase a new one. - oh well.  $12

 65. This book set is soooooooooo much fun.  All of our kids improved and strengthened their reading skills reading through these books.  M just barely finished them.  They are in surprisingly great shape.  Another EXCELLENT Grandchild gift idea - $15

 66. If you still have a VHS player and you like pilates, or have wanted to try it.  Jump at this!  I only watched each video a maximum of 2 times....not because they weren't good, but because shortly there after I joined the club.....my front room floor was no longer as appealing to me.  $10

 67. Awwwwww....super adorable Partylite t-light house w/ collectors box.  Would Thrill a daughter or grand daughter.....M has been know, on numerous occasions,  to use this as a pretend house for her squeenkies (sp?) and Polly's, etc.  It is in excellent condition, you will love the detail.  $8

68. Why on earth did this load sideways?  Who cares at this point, right?  This is Exodus....if you follow this blog you know this book had an impact on me.  It is a toughy to get through.....but pretty excellent. $5

 69. Two mini pillows....not sure if you can see them up against the sage back ground...they are there - $5

 70. Melissa & Doug Sticker collection - Super fun - there are a few missing stickers on almost every page.....maybe 20 out of 700 have been removed.  Still would provide hours worth of fun for any young girl or boy - $5

71. LAST ITEM ALERT!!!  - finally-  Bracelet and necklace are both Premire Jewelry - the earrings were a gift and I think they are totally cute....but they never look right on me....maybe it is my hair color, skin tone....who knows?? You should try them out....$12 for the trio

Say Hallelujah!!

We are done!

Thank you.....Thank you.....Thank you!