Chicago Week 1 Training

Where on Earth did this past week go? 

I was pretty active during this past week.  I attended water pilates on Tuesday, and then did a 3-mile walk Tuesday evening.  On Wednesday evening I went to Aqua Boot camp, it was awesome.  It was nice to change it up.  On Thursday, I had physical therapy in the morning and finally had a right calf that had some flexibility.  This has been 7 weeks in the making and attending physical therapy twice a week for an hour each time.  After my PT appointment, I had Boca's agility class, well on one of the tight turns I would up buckling from my right hip flexor and was in quite a bit of pain all day.  Fortunately, Thursday is currently a "rest day", but I could not do anything.  Boca and I had his obedience class on Thursday evening, and Boca was a champ despite my leg pain.  Then Friday, I did an H2O Power Hour class, and it was an absolute blast too!  My neighbor is selling many items, and I bought her treadmill.  My good friend Pat and his stepson Josh were so kind to come over Friday evening and move it from my neighbor's house to mine.  So on Saturday, I did my 3-miles on the treadmill.  It is going to take some getting used to.  I am still trying to stick to speed walking, however the better my legs get feeling, the more I think I should push it and attempt to run some again.  I am so torn, but I figure I will try things as I continue to heal and get better.

Today, I completed a 9-mile jaunt.  I have learned that starting each one of my scheduled distances with a 5- minute warm-up has really helped me both mentally and physically.  It slows down my overall average pace, but who the heck cares.  Today, however, I was toast after 7 miles, but got all 9 of them done.  After my 5- minute warm-up, I did the first mile doing 1 minute walk/ 1 minute run intervals.  My pace for that mile was still only 13:18, but my legs and ankles felt good so I will take it.

My home project is continuing to come along.  I didn't get up all the trim as I had hoped for the week, but got 90% of it done.  Also began the demolition of taking down the crown molding.  I believe putting the new crown molding up will be a complete pain in the butt, but I have to say that I really think the room is coming along.  I can't believe this coming week is the last week in June, but I am glad that I have taken my time and done things right and well so that the room will stay looking good for a period of time.

SO....where does that leave me?  I am not real sure :).  I will begin week 2 of Chicago Marathon training. I will continue working on the home office project.  I need to buckle down with my academic work, I have still been slacking on that.  I need to work on putting together a presentation that I am scheduled to give at the end of July during this upcoming week, since it has to be uploaded by July 9th. 

I am going to leave off personal goals for this week, as this is the last week of the month that I have designated as "mine".  I will get back to setting personal goals next weekend.

Until then, wishing everyone a great week!

Running Behind...

Well the title of this week's entry is so fitting.  I am a day and a half delayed in my normal blog entry timing.  I took Sunday to add color to the home office walls and celebrate Father's day with my incredible dad.  So I guess the good news based off of that information is accomplished some of my personal goals for the week.  Here is what I set for myeslf:


Goal 1:  Get back to writing down what I eat
Goal 2:  Cook a great dinner meal at home one night
Goal 3:  Workout at least 30 minutes 4 days of the week
Goal 4:  Get to writing that manuscript
Goal 5:  Work on getting more of the spackling done

I am going to comment on these in somewhat random order.  Obviously if I was working on adding color to the walls of the home office, that means I got not just "more of the spackling done", but got it all done.  I think my total spent on spackle was around $150.  That's just crazy.  I think it looks pretty decent considering what I had to start with.  Once I get the room complete then I will add pictures to my blog to share the process.  So, I am very proud of the amount of progress that I made on that silly room during this past week.

I also got my workouts in during the week.  I have started my "race walking" training this week.  I got in a class of step aerobics, miles on the treadmill, miles on the river, and some aquajogging this week.  I also got in some miles on the bike on Sunday (which technically would count towards this week had I gotten my blog entry done on Sunday as I usually do).

I have been more consistently tracking what I eat this week, but it has not been 100%.  I am not sure what my deal is with that.  I have maintained my no sugar, no fried food lifestyle.  I really don't crave sugar that much any more.  The only thing that gets me from time to time is ice cream.  It's getting to be the hot days of summer and I really want the occasional ice cream cone.  The fried food is not challenging EXCEPT for going out to eat Mexican food.  I really love fajitas and there is nothing in fajitas that is fried, but it's the chips and salsa that sit on the table prior to eating the yummy food that is so tempting to me.  I think when June is over, I need to really evaluate why it is I want the chips and salsa so much.  I have felt very empowered to have the determination and will power to say no and not have a single chip.  I wish I could report that the number on the scale has been dropping like a ton of bricks but it really has not been.  That is so frustrating to me.

I have officially started my outline for my next manuscript. I have started working on the concrete information in documenting the methodology and organizing articles that support the concept behind the research.  I really have to get on the ball with this goal as time is just ticking by.  These articles aren't going to write and publish themselves.  And if I don't get after it, I will be up for review at my job and be up a creek without a paddle, not having enough peer-reviewed publications to maintain my job.  It is true what they say in tenure positions: publish or perish.

As far as cooking a great dinner meal at home one night, well I made chicken sausage and sweet potato fries (baked in the oven of course).  It was quite delicious.  Not so sure if it counts as a great meal or not, but I thought it was good and it was filling.

I find it so hard to believe that there are only 12 short days left in June.  I have really enjoyed taking a true break from going into the office.  I had to go into work today to meet with some students about their research projects.  I think having the break from the office made me prouder of them for pushing through and finding their way.  It opened my eyes that maybe in some small way I am an enabler. I try to help too much to make students successful.  In reality, if I would just lay low a little these students will step up to the plate and do a great job.  I have to keep the faith that I am a good teacher, and that I have valuable things to add to the profession and not push so hard.  It will happen if it is meant to be.

So this will be a shorter week for me, so going to limit the number of goals I have:

1) get all the trim up in the home office (with my dad's help)
2) start my training for the Chicago marathon and get the 9-mile speed walk in on Sunday
3) begin actual writing of the manuscript
4) write down a compliment to myself each day (that is not about Boca)

Hoping everyone has a wonderful rest of the week. 

Home Renovation, Tulsa Tough, and Getting off track

Wow week 3.  It was a very busy week in my household.  This week consisted of a large project related to the home office makeover.  Removing an old door, discovering there was a second door, removing the second door and installing a new door that leads to the driveway.  I was thankful my parents returned from their Florida stay to help with the labor and knowledge to get this done.  The sad news is that none of the painting or spackling got done.  All efforts were put on getting the door situation taken care of.

I had several personal goals throughout the past week.  I was successful in some, and not so much in others.

Goal 1:  get all of the creases in the home office spackled and taped and the 2nd coat of primer on all of the walls

Well, as I stated this did not happen.  I did get a first coat of primer on all of the walls.  This goal was moved to this upcoming week because the door project absorbed so much time.

Goal 2:  continue the no sugar and no fried foods

This is going well!  I have to say that after riding 40 miles in the Tulsa Tough Grandfondo ride on Saturday I really wanted to delve into a yummy sno cone, and debated eating some yummy nachos made on delicious fried chips, but I did not!  I let my power of health win out during this time.  I utilized Stinger wafers made with honey sugars and dried pineapple as my "fuel" during my bike riding.  These tools worked well for me.  I have finally gotten to the point where when offered a cookie I don't long to eat just one bite any longer.  I mean I am sure they still taste absolutely delicious, but at this point I need to put my health first.  I greatly wish the weight was just melting off which it is not, but it gives me mental strength that I am making good choices throughout each and every day....

Goal 3:  document what I eat

I did great on this through Friday.  Tulsa Tough came along, and endurance events just throw me off of my whole game.  This is something I am going to really have to work on as I begin to think of marathon training in just a week or so..

Goal 4: attend 2 group fitness classes at the Y

I went to yoga!  I went to one class during the day, and one in the evening.  I really enjoyed the one during the day as it really focused on stretching and posture.  The Thursday evening class was more focused on working the muscles and building strength.  Both classes were good.  I definitely need to work on muscle flexibility.  I'd like to do a couple more classes throughout this upcoming week, but I have bizarre appointments spread out during the days.  So we will see.

Goal 5:  aquajog at least once for at least 45 minutes

I am really sad to report that I did not get this done this past week!  Some of the reason was because of the house project and the times I had available.  The other reason is because my physical therapist taped my quads on Thursday to help me on Saturday and I didn't want to risk the tape coming off on Friday.

Goal 6: begin e-reading manuscript for vocabulary acquisition

Well....this goal wasn't a complete fail.  I worked on pulling up research articles to provide the introduction and support for the study my friend and I completed.  I just have to find a couple of days to get into a writing zone.  I could use a couple of rainy days to get this done.  I am hoping it won't take me too long once I get started, I just need to get started.


So, looks like I'm at about 50% for accomplishing personal goals this week.  The house project really absorbed a lot more time than I had planned throughout the week.  I have to share that I enjoyed participating in Tulsa Tough! Even it was "just" the 40 mile ride on Saturday.  It is tough...super hilly and it gets warm quick.  It really pumped me up to start training for the Hotter than Hell Hundred in August.  I was proud of myself for playing it smart and not riding on Sunday with how sore my quads got on Saturday.

So now to determine my personal goals for this next week:

Goal 1:  Get back to writing down what I eat
Goal 2:  Cook a great dinner meal at home one night
Goal 3:  Workout at least 30 minutes 4 days of the week
Goal 4:  Get to writing that manuscript
Goal 5:  Work on getting more of the spackling done


Hope everyone has a fantastic week!  Can't believe it's already the middle of June.

Getting on Track!!

Well week 2 has passed, and I did well with my stated goals. 

Goal 1:  Cardio activities for at least 30 minutes 3 days

I accomplished this goal through power-walking and joining the YWCA.  I walked for at least 30 minutes on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  I then got "off the wagon" a little while I worked on my home renovation project.  Then on Saturday I joined the YWCA and did 45 minutes of aquajogging in the pool. I also got in a lot of "cross training" while working on the home office makeover project.

Goal 2: Document what I eat
This really makes such a positive impact for me.  It keeps me accountable for everything I put in my mouth.  It also gives me some accountability that I am being good to me.  It also helps me to really focus on whether I am truly hungry or attempting to avoid something, or trying to console my stress level.  Of course this is much easier for me to do during the summer when I am not on contract with TU.  I have been really trying to eat more at home too.  It's amazing how much you can consume when at a restaurant, even if you order a simple salad.  I bought a cool little contraption at bed, bath and beyond that let's me take 2 tbsp of my own salad dressing with me.  I think this is a huge saving grace as it allows me to know exactly what is in the salad dressing and how many calories of salad dressing I have eaten.

Goal 3: Starting June 1, no fried foods for the month of June or sugar
Thus far there have only been 2 days in June and this is going well.  I lost 5.6 pounds during the month of May.  I think this is due in part to the fact that I did my best to cut sugar out of my diet.  I wish that I was one of those people that when I cut out sugar I would drop 10-20 pounds, but I am not.  It gives me a little self-confidence that I'm not eating a horrid diet, or I do think that would have been the case.  I am hoping that removing the "fried" from my diet will help me get rid of another 5-6 pounds during the month of June.  Of course, who knows if it's the above 2 goals that will accomplish this result or removing fried food, but I think I am worth giving it a try.  I teaching in my class that it is silly "To expect significant results without significant change".  I have adopted this motto in regard to my weight and well-being.




Goal 4: Empty the home office, vacuum and get the wood paneling washed
I got all of this done, and have been way ahead of schedule.  So far I have cleaned out the room, washed all of the paneling, and applied the first coat of primer to 3/4 of the walls.  I have spackled many of the creases between the wood slats.  It is quite the undertaking.  I am really hopeful that it will turn out great, and become a great room in the house.


So where does this all leave me now?  Good question.  I am going to schedule myself to do 2 group fitness classes at the Y during this next week as well as go aquajogging at least once for 45 minutes.  I must continue to document what I eat.  I have found that with my new eating habits, I make more "short" trips to the grocery store to buy fresh fruits.  I love that it is watermelon season!  I ate a half of watermelon all on my own during this past week as well as an entire carton of strawberries.  There really is nothing quite as tasty as cold watermelon after a workout outside during the summer.

I am really feeling more centered and full of positive energy.  Again, this could be in part due to the fact that I am not on contract with TU.  I am however working, just not at work which is making a huge difference.  It's been a rough week professionally this past week.  So finding a happy place about my career choice and job is critical.  I actually have to include a work related task on my to do list for this next week.

So what are my weekly goals?  Here ya go:

1) get all of the creases in the home office spackled and taped and the 2nd coat of primer on all of the walls
 2) continue the no sugar and no fried foods
3) document what I eat
4) attend 2 group fitness classes at the Y
5) aquajog at least once for at least 45 minutes
6) begin e-reading manuscript for vocabulary acquisition

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

Finding Drive & Motivation

Well week 1 has passed.  I am not sure what happened this week where I found myself too busy to take care of me.  I can blame a lot of things, and make a lot of excuses, but the fact of the matter is that I did not put me, my goals, and my health first.  The winds have been blowing here like nobody's business.  As a result, my allergies are completely enraged.  I have actually avoided doing many things outside this past week because of allergy headaches, and having a scratchy throat.  It is my goal to find a way to motivate myself to either 1)join a gym to get in cardio when the weather is bad or 2) suck it up and go out and do it anyway.  For the 3 years 10 months (holy cow can't believe it will be 4 years in July!!), that I have lived here in Oklahoma, I have gotten my runs in 90% of the time regardless of weather conditions.  But, I really burned out of always training for something.  So when I decided I was going to take a training break, I let some of that determination go as well.

I have been really trying to work on my weight and healthy eating.  I am now 27 days without sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or "fake" sugars as much as possible.  I still have been eating bread products, and salad dressings and things that I know contain sugar, but have really been reading labels and becoming much more aware at how many products out there contain sugar.  I wish I could say that this change has resulted in a huge weight loss, but unfortunately it has not.  I believe I will only be down about 5 pounds for the entire month once it ends.  However, this does not make me want to jump back into eating all of these sugary foods.  People have asked me about my energy level and if I can tell a difference and things along those lines.  I think my energy level is about the same as anyone else.  There are 2 areas where I have noticed a difference and I am contributing it to sugar: sleep patterns & mood.  Of course the better and more consistent sleep pattern may actually be what is impacting my mood.  But I feel more "stable" in my mood.  I don't feel as responsive, or maybe reactive is a better word, to negative comments or people.  I am not as emotional.  I just feel more in control of my own head.  Of course that could also be due to the fact that I am not working this summer.  Don't get me wrong, I have tons of work I am doing on research related activities, and things that are required for me to keep my job, but since I am not paid to teach or advise or conduct research during the summer, I am avoiding my work office.  Students don't really get this, because every other faculty member in my department does get paid to be there over the summer, however I do not.  So I have done well trying to set my boundary of "no pay, no work".  It's really not that unreasonable, but it is indeed challenging with email and texting and everything else today.

I have decided to take on a June "house renovation" product.  It would seem I am going to be here in Tulsa for at least another 2 years, because of how promotion and tenure works in academia, and in actuality will more likely than not be 4 years.  In response to my working at home on research and writing, I am going to overhaul my home office.  It currently has real wood paneling, and brick, and some awful windows.  I have had some good friends give me tips and advice on what to do with the paneling to make it look great, so I am going to give it a go.  I am a little worried about how much window replacement will be, but definitely want to look into it.  The windows in the office are quite ugly.  I started moving all of the office stuff out to "Boca's" room, and will start by washing all of the walls.  I think it will give me some good cross-training.

So for this next week here are my personal goals:
1) cardio activities for at least 30 minutes 3 days
2) document what I eat
3) starting June 1, no fried foods for the month of June or sugar
4) empty the home office, vacuum and get the wood paneling washed

Have a great week everyone.

Starting Anew

I decided that it is again time to start documenting my goals and outcomes for all who desire to see.  This blog was created in order track progress towards a life of better fitness.  I have definitely lost sight of that over the past couple of years.  So today I wish to start anew (if that is at all possible).  First however, for my own record and your knowledge let me attempt to recap all of the running adventures I have had, since I ran my first 5k in April of 2007.

Half Marathons:
Waddel and Reed Half, Kansas City, MO October 2007
Lawrence, KS April 2009
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Oklahoma City, OK, April 2009
Albequerque, NM September 2009
American Discovery Trail, Colorado Springs, CO September 2009
Edinborough Half, Edinborough, Scotland May 2010
Women's Half Marathon, Nashville, TN September 2010
Mother Road Half Marathon, Joplin, MO October 2010
Philadelphia Half, Philadelphia, PA November 2010
Kansas Half Marathon, Lawrence, KS, April 2011
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Oklahoma City, OK 2011
Wounded Warrior Half Dallas, TX June 2011
Hottest Half, Dallas TX July 2011
Summer Sizzler Half, Dallas TX August 2011
Disney Half Marathon, Orlando, FL January 2012
Joplin Memorial Run, Joplin, MO May 2012

Full Marathons:
Athens Marathon, Athens, Greece November 2009
Disney Marathon, Orlando, FL January 2010
Route 66 Marathon, Tulsa, OK November 2011
Disney Marathon, Orlando, FL January 2012

Little Rock Marathon, Little Rock, Arkansas March 2012

Ultra Marathon:
Pumkin Holler Hunderd 50K, Tahlequah, OK October 2011

It's pretty interesting to share, that I have had to go look at race medals to determine what runs I have done.  When attempting to list my half marathons, I was able to recall 13, but knew that I had completed more than that.

Anyway, I digress.  I never realized how internally competitive I am.  I grew with a brother who seemed to just naturally excel at everything he attempted.  He was able to not take school too seriously, make lots of friends that seemed genuine, and be athletic and successful in anything of his choosing.  I think watching this example, really caused and continues to cause me too much self-doubt.

I titled my blog, so eloquently 3 years ago in it's conception.  It's 80% mental.  Although this was referring to running specifically at the time, I believe that this is true for so many different aspects of life.  I have always been a very cognitive person. I am always thinking.  So much so, that there was a point that a physician prescribed me medication to take to basically "turn my brain off" so that I could sleep better.  I am one of those people who constantly worries and tries to plan the next step.  Now don't get me wrong, I can be laid back and go with the flow if I know that is the expectation.

Lately, I have been allowing myself to have inner reflectivity.  I have tried to take things that cause me pain and sorrow out of my life.  I have to admit that after my run yesterday in the Joplin Memorial Run, I feel that running has become one of those things too.  I really feel the pull to quit all together, but know that for my health that is not an option.  I do however, think I need a break from running group drama, and get back to walking which is something I have always loved.

I think I allowed myself to get caught up in the peer pressure, and desire to please, and to fit in, and that's how I have done all the crazy things above.  Yes, they are accomplishments, but of the entire list there are probably only 3 that I really have positive feelings and great memories of.  The rest are just check marks.  Me, trying to prove myself to others, that I am good enough to be deemed a runner.  Yesterday, I started the run in the "Walkers" section.  I actually had a friend take a picture and made a joke about it.  Why?  Why is there such a negative connotation to "Go Walkers" rather than "Go Runners"?  Why did I allow myself to think, "oh goodness, I don't want to be 'just a walker'"?

I have found myself going down the same path in bicycle riding.  I have always loved just riding my bike and being outdoors.  Now, I have this pull to go faster, do more, go longer miles.  Why?  To keep up with the Jones', whomever they might be. I have got to stop this cycle.  I originally signed up to ride Tulsa Tough this year, and I think I am going to drop from doing the whole thing.  I have got to get myself in a healthy state of mind, before I can go do such group events that might influence my mind set.

If it is truly 80% mental, then I am only about 20% in a good place today.  That is something that I can control and work towards, rather than following Einstein's rule of insanity: doing the same thing (running) and expecting different results (be more accepted).

Half #10...Who woulda thought??

TCBG (The Charlie Brown Gang) made a trip to Lawrence, KS on April 16, 2011 and conquered either the half marathon or the 5K on April 17, 2011. My good friend Ken Childress (AKA Pig Pen) already posted a great blog about the run itself, but I thought I would post about the adventure.

First, everyone is asking how on earth we all became "TCBG". Here's the story to the best of my recollection:



As you have read before Pat and I began kind of running together back a couple of weeks before the Tulsa Run 15K, which takes place in late October. Pat has a tendency to "milk" his woes when someone pushes him to his true capabilities. So I would always say "poor Pat", which then got shortened to PP. Pat wasn't too fond of PP, but said that his mom always called him that. So then I thought you can be Peppermint Patty!! This is how it all began. I originally wanted to be Sally because it starts with S like Sandra, but Pat said I wasn't as sweet and kinda as Sally...okay he didn't really say that, but he said I fit Lucy much better. And since Lucy is the one that sets up her booth "The Doctor is In," and I'm still very proud of finishing my degree I have owned the nickname "Lucy".



When Dana started running with us, in our Elite Covert Running Group, we had to give her an appropriate TCBG nickname...since she is such a sweet caring person, we immediately dubbed her "Sally". Once Lawrence was close, we knew we needed to find good nicknames for Ken and Paula. Everyone has to admit that "Pig Pen" is extremely appropriate for TZ, as he is the trail zombie who would rather play on the dirty trails any day of the week. With Paula, we wanted to pick someone who hung with Peppermint Patty, so we named her "Marcie," who is Peppermint Patty's best friend and affectionately calls Peppermint Pat "Sir". I doubt we will be hearing Paula call Pat "Sir" but you get the idea :).

Okay, so our adventure begins at my house at 8:30 Saturday April 16, 2011. Pat has major control issues with cars and driving so he "volunteered" to drive and since the 5 of us could all fit in his car alright we let him. I have a tendency to get car sick, so Dana and Ken bought me my own steering wheel so I could be a "front seat driver".



I had great fun with my new toy. I let Pat borrow it while he let me drive his car around different parts of Lawrence. We made it to just north of Owasso and it was time to get some coffee and fill up the tank of gasoline so we could make the entire way to Lawrence.



We made a couple of other potty stops on the way up, but for the most part we just trekked on up to get to the home of the Jayhawks. Once we got to Lawrence we went to my all time favorite Mexican restaurant, El Mezcal. It was so super yummy!! After that we went and checked into our hotel and headed off to pick up our race packets. Pat was now officially the keeper of a half marathon race number and chip.



After that it was time for a tour of Lawrence! You can't go to Lawrence, KS without visiting the Phog Allen Field House.



I took a close-up picture of the gang with the statue of James Naismith:



We visited the Booth Athletic Museum...amazing stuff in there:

The original "Pay Heed" sign..there is still one in the Field House


What Marcus Morris' locker looks like:


The Original Jayhawk mascot costume:


The had hand prints, foot prints, and "wing spans" of some former KU basketball players, it's quite amazing how big these guys and gals are:








TZ once caught a fish "This Big"!!



And of course the National Basketball Championship Trophies:


After looking around the Museum, I took the gang to the place where I got married: The Lawrence Visitor Center. It is still a very beautiful place, and we even got to witness one of the freight trains passing through. There are about 100 trains that pass through Lawrence every day. We decided to get a picture with all of us in it:


Then we went to Downtown Lawrence. Downtown Lawrence is just a great place to hang out. We went and visited Sunflower Bike Shop, Jocks Nitch, a T-shirt shop (I don't remember the name), Wyldeberry Wines (I highly recommend the Elderberry Sweet Wine), and Brown's Shoe Store. Then I decided to take the gang to see where Boca was born and meet Boca's family. So we took a trip to Ozawkie, KS (TATUR Dave) has family here too. It was great fun. Here's Boca's canine mom and dad:

Dad "Lovey"


Mom "Mocha"


Then it was time to get some dinner. We went to a Lawrence favorite Italian restaurant: Paisano's. One of the 2 high schools was having their prom, so we were worried we would have a long wait, the 25 minutes the hostess told us, turned out only to be like 5 minutes. It was great. They have the best bread sticks anywhere!!! I was trying to get a picture of Ken and Dana, they tried to do a kissy face picture, but I snapped just after the kiss..Dana's face was just too priceless not to post it:



So of course I was nice and took a second one:


Then I captured Pat and Paula as well:


The rest of the TCBG had calamari as an appetizer it seemed to work well for all of them as a prerace food:


Then it was back to the hotel for some rest. I slept great! Race morning was great! A little chilly but perfect. Here are the Race photos I have to share: TZ has a much more detailed report on the run itself.









At the end of the run with one of my favorite Lawrence buddies Krista!! It was her 2nd half!!





Once the run was completed, we headed back to the hotel, took showers, ate at Culvers Frozen Custard: Home of the Butterburger, and hit the road. Here are 2 pictures to commemorate the ride home:





I never would have thought 4 years ago when I began running that I would get to the point that I could say I've completed 10 half-marathons, but I have indeed done so. This trip was not at all about it being my 10th half, but rather an opportunity to do something that I enjoy doing with friends that also enjoy doing the same thing...all in the name of fun and good times!!