I am awake when I should ...

I am awake when I should be sleeping. It is 2:25 am CA time. This is when a gym at home would be great. I would be lifting right now. The treadmill is a little too noisy for this time of night. We are getting ready to leave on a four-day trip, and I really don't feel into it. I am concerned about missing my workouts because I tend to get grumpy when I do. Ususally when we leave town, I book hotels that have workout facilities, however humble they may be. And that helps. This trip is a camping trip, and I know I can incorporate hikes and maybe some swimming, but I'd rather be in my own routine. Plus, in a moment of insanity, we bought the kids a German Shepherd puppy that we'll pick up next week. I am scared of the commitment. But I envision him to be a great running buddy. I love running at night, but I live in the foothills, so there are a lot of things out there that scare me when the sun goes down -- coyotes, mountain lions, snakes... Well, back to bed for a few hours until I really have to get up. Everyone, have a great week, with great workouts. Remember to stretch. Hugs, Chris L.

I know how that insomnia thing is. Man it sucks. I think I get more grumpy when I don't work out. Earl is downright E.V.I.L. There are times when I tell him to go work out when he is ******g me off. Works everytime. I like working out with him because it is great motivation and call me weird I find it almost sensual. Oh, puppies...poop and pee...but you know I think it will be a really good idea for when you run. That dog will be the best friend you could ever buy! Seriously. I bet the dog bonds with you more than anyone especially on the running thing. So, relax, enjoy. Don't look at it as a committment, but rather an investment. One that will give you more back than you'd ever dream of. Hey, hiking is great exercise. Pick you up some logs and do presses with them. There is always a way to get a workout in! Have fun, and I will be with you hiking in spirit! Hugs, Val

Have a great time! I just have to tell you....about the puppy. My big dog Fred is a german shepard mix. I love him dearly, but never in a million years would have picked him out- my neighbor found him and literally put him in my backyard because I had mentioned that someday I wanted a dog. I just fell in love and kept the little sucker. Well, after he bonded and felt at home, I could barely pry his little sharp puppy teeth off my ankles! Owww! I bought books, consulted my friend who has (6) dogs..but shepards are special, apparently. I had tried this trick of putting pennies in a coke can to shake and say "NO!" with...Freddy took it from me and chewed it up! He was seriously doing damage to my lower legs, and I was getting concerned, so I called a woman from the yellow pages who did German Shepard training. I told her my story, she laughed and told me that when they had a litter of shepard puppies, they never went in (to feed, I guess?) without several pairs of socks and sweatpants on covering their legs. I tell you this only as a heads up and as a funny. YOu will love this puppy and they are fabulous dogs. (Freddy is a mutt, remember). Just don't be shocked if the little bugger likes to nibble on your legs! Enjoy your trip! Annie

Quick new funny Fred story: I just came in from cutting the grass in my backyard. It's a pretty narrow but deep yard and there's an alley in the back where we all put our trashcans and brush, etc. I walked around the yard first to pick up sticks and rocks and noticed that one of my trash cans was kind of leaning- it turned out it was about a third full of water- so I dumped it out. The perimeter of my yard has a path of hard packed dirt from the dogs, and so in the corner where I dumped the icky trashcan water was now a big deep puddle of stinky water. As I'm mowing, having my own little Zen moment- I notice Fred is sitting oh so happily in this muddy muck. It's not even that hot out AND on top of it...he has never liked water before! What the?? So he got a quick bath with the hose before we came back in....neither of was too happy about the whole thing...but he sure did look delighted sitting in his puddle. Dogs are nuts, but I LOVE EM.

You so funny Mike, you remind me of Earl. I was talking to him about cheerleading expenses, high school dances, etc...and he was just moaning in agony, and I said, "you knew I had kids when you married me" and the confirmed bachelor that is he is chimed right in with "but I thought they were like goldfish, or gerbils and they just died and we flushed them or something"! I thought that was hilarious. It was truly meant to be humerous (so don't be offended anyone!)

OMG!!! Well, all I can say is they can throw their extra cash my way!!