God Bless the iPod...and Christina Aguilera

I always enjoy running with music, and I love my little metallic green iPod Shuffle that is 1 square inch in size and clips conveniently on to Hank's leash. Today, my appreciation for my iPod...and Christina Aguilera... went to an entirely new level. Hank and I were 9 miles into an 11-mile run. I was getting tired...it was hot...I was hungry...I just wanted to get home. Then, I had a major burst of energy...thanks to Christina Aguilera's "Fighter". I changed up the words a little to make it more appropriate for running:

Makes me that much stronger,
Makes me work a little bit harder,
Makes me that much wiser,
Thanks for making me a fighter.
Made me run a little faster,
Made my skin a little bit thicker,
Makes me that much smarter,
Thanks for making me a fighter.

I listened to it 5 times in a row, and finished the run in record time and I even ran a negative split. I've always enjoyed the song, which is why is it on my playlist to begin with, and I've heard it many, many times. But isn't it interesting how sometimes a song will hit you with a certain something and you hear it in a completely different way? Same thing happed to me during the Los Angeles marathon when my iPod began playing "The Hard Way" by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Both are great songs to pick you up when you're in a training slump. Run on...

Visit with Mom and Aunt Jackie

Mom, Laurie and Aunt Jackie
Pretty pedicured tootsies

Mom and Aunt Jackie flew in for a night to attend a luncheon with me. (More on that later.) We had a great evening! Pedicures in Eagle, followed by wine and munchies for dinner on the deck. The next day, we went to the luncheon and then spent the afternoon by the pool. A quick Mexican dinner on the way to the airport, and then they flew home. Hopefully, we'll get another chance to get together soon...and we'll get a longer visit!

Accomplished Under 40

Mike and I were recently honored as two recipients of this year's "Accomplished Under 40." Since the nominations were made while Mike was still technically "under 40," he made it on the list despite recently turning the big 4-0. While we were hoping to be included on People's list of the "100 Most Beautiful People," we'll settle for 40 Under 40. There's always next year to make a run at the Most Beautiful People list...

Our Boy Turns 2

Hank celebrated his second birthday by heading to the local pet store and picking out a number of new toys. Here he is with all of his loot. He was like a child when we got home: he'd play with one toy for a couple of minutes, set it down and pick up another one, play with it for a couple of minutes, set it down and pick up another one...for hours. We also heard from the breeder on his birthday...Hank is definitely the leanest pup from the litter. The other two males, Dutch and Brodie, weigh in at 120 pounds and 90 pounds, respectively. Hank tops the scales at 65 pounds...must be all of that running. Happy birthday, Hank!