Slow Down or Pay

Okay -  who is going to take the plunge and get me to 700 followers?? You know you want to be #700. Give into the temptation.

You know how people say, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew”?

I think that’s crap. I totally recommend biting off more than you can chew if it’s your favorite kind of cake, cookie or donut. If, however, you are taking bites of canned and soggy French cut green beans or yesterday’s egg salad sandwich that you left under the seat of your car, forget it.

This month I have completely bitten off more than I can chew. But, being of the black and white cookie variety with frosting (God, I love those), I have done it willingly and with zest. I am all about taking on too much it is indeed the stuff that I am passionate about and that which keeps me feeling alive.

We are all busy, I know. Just ask your friend how he/she is and they will commonly sigh and answer, “Busy,” or “Spread too thin.” It almost seems to have become a competition about who can be the busiest. I am a firm believer that if we are crazy busy it’s usually because we’ve made choices to be there. Thus, stop yer bitchen (SYB).

Sure - work, kids, and life are busy regardless, but all of the extra time we spend on texting, blogging (indeed), surfing the ‘net, and all the other stuff we cram into the “empty” spaces in our day do pile on. Not to mention all the garbage we say yes to when we really mean no (soggy green beans).

Instead of saying, “I’m busy”, I choose to say, “My life is very full.” Somehow that puts a positive spin on it and makes it seem as if the things I am busy with are the things I love. Which is the truth.

But, back to the past several weeks. How did I think I was going to cram in Running a Day with Dean Karnazes, training for that Running a Day with Dean (and my upcoming marathon), running a half marathon, being the logistical coordinator for a 1, 200 person 5K in Denver (with Ms. Jill’s help), working my part time job, being a loving and available mom who doesn’t strangle her children, and existing as a devoted wife?  I thought I could do this because I’m demented. I have an elevated perception of what I can handle. Lesson learned.

I did survive. Last week was a blur of handling 60 volunteers, stuffing 1,200 goody bags, and driving to and from Denver. Yesterday (with the help of practically every family member and friend I have plus many extra blogger friends and selfless individuals) we successfully pulled off the Skirt Chaser 5K in 95 degree heat. I was there for 12 hours. On my feet. Bossing people around. Sweating.

Things got remarkably better around 5:30pm when the beer started flowing (Jamoosh - Dales Pale Ale and Mama’s Little Yellow Pils by Oskar Blues). I had three. My bossiness got sloppy yet more laid back. I danced with my kids. I just found out volunteer Lynne (who is a hoot, loved meeting her!) caught a site of me dancing (I’m blushing) and posted this video and a great race recap on her blog (that’s my mini-me dancing in the pink skirt up front):

I never said I had rhythm. Lay off.

My favorite thing about the race besides the beer, great volunteers and dancing with Sam and Emma? Porta potties that flushed. Best invention ever. Not sure where the shit went, but it went. Weird how when you into a porta potty your mind screams “Do not look down!”, but you are grossly drawn to the shit-filled hole. Kinda like a car wreck. With the flushers, no car wreck.

It didn’t hurt to get a paycheck at the end of the day too.

All of this action, lack of sleep and physical activity has taken it’s toll. I am fatigued.  I have a huge cold sore on my lip. I have to have gum surgery on Wednesday to remove some cysts in my upper mouth. I had the major squirts on Friday and while running I actually had to squat in a gathering of low bushes along a busy road because it was either that or down my leg. Those construction workers are still talking about it over their salami sandwiches and Lays chips.

My newest ailment? I woke up this morning with a numb left hand. Not completely numb, just from my wrist to my thumb and forefinger. I am pretty sure it is not a stroke because I did an 11 mile trail run and am feeling fine. But it is something not normal that probably warrants a visit to the doc. Anyone ever have this? You know I’ve already Google-diagnosed and it’s not pretty.

I am disintegrating a bit, but I will persevere. When your body says “Woah” you need to listen loud and clear. I’m listening now. I swear.

Thanks volunteers!! You made the day a success and I loved meeting you all.