Power Paws Walk n Roll Dog Walk
I did it. I registered for my first 5K (as an adult). It's a walk and wheelchair roll that benefits an assistance dogs organization here in Arizona. It's 3 weeks from Saturday (January 27) and I have to say... I'M SO EXCITED!!!! I haven't walked in an organized walking event since I was in Germany doing a Volksmarch (high school - loooooooooooooooooong time ago!). And this will be the first for my son. I know he's only 6, but I think he can handle a 5K. We have the whole four hours to do it, so even if we have to stop and rest periodically, it'll be a good experience for him. There was also a list in the paper of upcoming walking/family friendly running events that I have starred. I could do 1-2 per month until April, when it starts to get unbearably hot here. But right now, I am focusing on getting through this first one. Did I mention I'm excited? I really can't wait! What a far cry from a year ago, when the thought of walking a 5K made me stroll, very slowly so as not to break a sweat, into the direction of the nearest refridgerator, taking breaks as needed so as not to pull any muscles. OK, I wasn't that bad, but seriously, I NEVER would have considered walking in an organized walking event. I mean, who has the self esteem to deal with all the LOOKS? Well...ME!! 
And what is more amazing to me is that I now know that not only do the LOOKS not matter, there probably aren't as many LOOKS as I thought there would be. I am so excited! hee hee! I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve!
My mom has been visiting this past week (that's why I haven't posted). We used to have such a volatile relationship, but we are aging quite nicely together. I like that she challenges me to look at things I usually don't take the time to look at. For example, she loves going to grocery stores. I must preface this by saying she is not, by any stretch of the imagination, heavy. Nor has she ever been. She just loves finding new things to try. So, while she was here, we went to a lot of different food stores - not just your typical grocery stores. She introduced me to things I never would have found on my own or never would have tried even if I had found them. Couscous, anyone? Really good! We found some quinoa, which I haven't made yet, but am excited to try (it's pronounced keen-wah, by the way. The guy at Trader Joe's had no idea what I was talking about when I asked if they had any kwin-oh-ah). She reintroduced me to butternut squash and I had asparagus for the first time in ages. The point being, it was actually fun for me to explore food. For a long time, it has been scary for me - will I trigger a binge if I just roam aimlessly around all that food? Will I go over budget on food I won't even eat anyway? Do I even have the time to grocery shop? It's like being an alcoholic in a liquer store. Well, the answers to those questions are - No, no, and yes. I love Sprouts. I like that it is smaller than your typical grocery store and almost all of the food is whole and natural. There aren't a lot of snacks and junk food to tempt me. And the prices are comparable to the typical grocery store. In fact, they had mangos on sale - 8 for $2.00!!! WOW! So, even though she left for home today, I hope I can keep my excitement about grocery shopping alive. I sure does feel good to know I'm giving my body the kind of fuel it needs. I am finally getting a sense of self-control!
It's back to school for me tomorrow - after a 2 week break, we'll see how soon my students can piss me off. I'll give them the benefit of a doubt and give them until after lunch. Wish me luck! 