Run As One

This sunny April day, I had a 4-mile race in my favorite place running spot, Central Park. The morning started off chilly, but once we all got to running, it was sweaters and jackets off, and just go, go, go!!

Today's run was for a cause :: Lung Cancer. A few of my friends made teams in memory of family members and walked for the cause. I ran it, as it's part of the 10 races I am to complete this year.

At the beginning of the race, I felt a little sad because what's been my usual running partner (as of late) didn't join me. However, my dear friends, Kristi & Leon WERE there since Leon was running. Leon and I decided we'd (try to) run together & it worked out better than I imagined. I was nervous to run with him because he has been training at faster speeds than I have. I actually haven't been training for time at all. I've just been logging my miles and that's it. For me, that works just fine. Many of my fiends train & run for time, and that's just something I've given up on a while ago.

Anyway, Leon and I ran the 4-mile course together, motivating each other, keeping an eye one another, and just helping each other out verbally or not. We finished in a respectable time of 32:54, and I was pretty happy with that. It's been a long while since I've pushed that hard at a race. Leon was aiming for 32:00, and I never thought I'd get that, or anything close to it, accomplished. It's just been a long time since I've run like that. I think we were both pleased with our time. I'm happy that my first 'alone' race of 2012 wasn't alone at all, and glad that my friends were there to run with and support me. I was glad that we supported each other.

Too Old For ...

Is there anything we are really 'too old' for? Maybe so. Bangs, though? I'm not yet sure.

This may come across wrong, but I LOVE my hair. I do. I love to highlight it, change up my layers, keep it new and fresh as often as possible. Today, I decided my 'short / long' bangs were too long so I went to get them trimmed. This took all of 4 minutes at the salon. When I left, I thought they looked great. Not too short, not too childish, and they're long enough to be swept to the side. Wonderful!

After a while, though, I started to really look at them and decided I HATED them. Shocking, I know. Too late, though. That's the thing about cutting your hair; you really have to be certain before you go and make these kind of decisions.

To make matters worse, or so I thought, I had a dinner to attend this evening. As I drove there, I looked at my hair every chance I got. I sent Shannon the worst picture of my new hair decided I now have '80s' bangs. Really?

Well, either people were being really nice to me, or the bangs actually look decent. Everyone I saw complimented me on them, which was nice to hear, but difficult to accept as I'd just given myself such a hard time on the way to the event.

So, back to the opening question .. Are we too old for some things? Ice cream with sprinkles --- NEVER. Riding a bike with training wheels --- well, sort of. Bangs? At 35 -- I guess not. :)

Thoughts ...

As far as (romantic) relationships go, I must admit I have seen a lot over the past, say 20 years. That would definitely indicate that I've been on the dating scene for far too long. Many of my friends and I, actually. I can't help but think of Charlotte, from Sex and the City, who says her hair hurts from dating so long. It's a laughable scene and relatable, as well.

At my age, most women I know are married with children. A good number of my friends, both male and female, are still single, as well. Who has it better? The married friends or the single ones? And does someone from each side long, at some point, to be on the other? I know where I stand.

Speaking from the not yet married side, I can confidently say that finding the right person, the right fit, your sole mate, the person God created just for you, can take a lot of patience, meet and greets, happy times, amazing relationships and complete disasters. What keeps us in the game? What keeps us from throwing our hands up and saying, 'Forget it; I'm perfectly happy alone.'? I'm not sure, to be honest. We all long for that perfect fit with the right one. However, no relationship is perfect. Getting to know someone -- really know them -- can take a lifetime. In the meanwhile, if you have found the one you believe you want to be with, there is work that must be done ... Relationships require honesty, nurturing, time to get to know each other. Hopefully, most times will be blissful, but other moments may require work on both sides ... At times it may get so that it may not seem not worth the fight. That's when the questions and prayers come into play. Is this the right one for me? Sometimes, painful honesty is necessary.

When you do find that one that seems to have everything you're looking for, be prepared to go through it all with him/her. Work through the wonderful times, the great times, and the times when it seems a little less than great together. People should be able to talk each other through the insecurities & not fear they will be ridiculed or insulted. Problems will arise, yes. That is part of life. The challenge is how you deal with them -- together. IWhen you do meet that one, you'll enjoy your moments, look forward to the next times you'll see each other and, genuinely appreciate each little thing that you two share... A smile, a joke, a memory, a hug, etc.

In the end, I say this -- if you haven't found that 'one', don't give up. Stay hopeful and prayerful. God has created a very special person for each of us. Continue enjoying each day & working on making yourself your best self. And, if you have been blessed to have found him/her -- cherish that person and your relationship. Make new memories every day. Pray together and for each other ... And remember to have fun --- good times always follow the bad, a rainbow always follows rain.