New Year's Day 5K Race

There is always something virtuous about starting the New Year with running. In 2016 I ran the Hamilton Hangover, a 5-mile race through Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ. I remember running that race twice, but I'm only seeing one blogpost. I enjoyed the race, but it was discontinued.

Friends, such as Sandra, have raved about Hillsborough's 5k race, starting at the civilized hour of 11 am. At first I didn't do it because Hamilton's was closer. Then I didn't do it because I forgot about it until I heard the slots filled up.

This year I made a point of doing it. Everyone raved about the race being worth doing for the hoodies alone. This year they switched things up and we were given really nice running zip up sweatshirts instead. Probably something I'll use more often. (Don is wearing his in this picture.)

After all that, I did not bump into Sandra. I later heard running octogenarian Betty was at the race, but did not see her, either. I did bump into Pastor Jeff, who I did not recognize in running gear, and a woman whose daughter was in a play at Somerset Valley Players with Ashley. Don did the race, too, but thought he would walk it since his back was bothering him.

The race itself was a fabulous local race, the kind I wish they did more often in Lawrenceville. The kind where every runner and walker in town bumps into a bunch of friends. We started at the municipal building and did a loop around the building before crossing the finish line and doing a larger loop through the neighborhood. The course was flat. People came out of their homes to cheer on their friends and families. 

I can't complain about the race, I only wish it was in Lawrenceville and I bumped into more people I know. It was very well organized with lots of volunteers and an indoor space to hang in, and with indoor plumbing. The swag is nice -- even included a $20 off coupon to Princeton Running Company. People were very friendly. Don left saying he wanted to do it again next year. We'll see.

2020 Resolutions/Goals

Nearly a week into the New Year and I'm still struggling with good resolutions/goals. I looked at last year's list, the one that stands out is my second goal: 

Visit a new (to me) city. Other years I've said I wanted to go to a new (to me) country, but international travel is far from glamorous these days, so I'll amend that to any new city,with Charleston and New Orleans currently in the lead.

Wow! A year ago I had no idea life would take me to Israel to live on a kibbutz and participate in an archaeological dig. Going on a dig has been a goal since I was in my 20s, but never a realistic enough one I thought would really happen.

Most of my other goals did not happen. I still have not explored low-carb recipes, or make a friendship as solid as the one I had with Carin (though I have strengthened friendships and reconnected with people, none are at that daily, confident stage). Instead of having races in the 4-10 mile range, I've cut back down to 3.1 miles. A series of scraped knees had me fall out of the habit.

I would like to kick diabetes in the ass and be able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want, without guilt (which might lead to having to lose weight after I pack on some pounds from carefree eating). Last week I had a setback with that goal when a blood test revealed I have a gluten intolerance (which I don't feel) and must avoid gluten at all costs, especially cross-contamination and possibly lotions. This means my dreams of international travel without having to worry about what I am eating have vanished. It stinks when dreams die.

Mind you, I have been controlling diabetes with diet and exercise (and no medicine) for nearly five years, I just want to be able to eat carbohydrates again and stop feeling like I am depriving myself.

Meanwhile struggling with where Ashley will go to college next year. Her top choice is too expensive (very little aid offered) and the other school she applied to has since been deemed too close to home (even though they offered a generous merit-based scholarship). A goal is to find her a new dream school. But I can't do it without her.

A work goal would be to raise $1.2 million to renovate the house on the property and use it for classrooms. Anyone reading this who wants to donate, reach out. Naming opportunities are available. Another work goal is learning Publisher.

Probably a realistic goal is to become a notary. I am fortunate there is a notary at the school, but what if she is out? It would be helpful to have a back up notary. The county has monthly swearing ins for only $15. Like I said, realistic as well as quantifiable.

So, now what? Continue floating through life in a low-carb haze? Just see where life takes me?

What are your goals/resolutions?

PS: I really thought I set the goal of running ten 5ks a month. Does it count if I add it in December?

Still Struggling with Finding a Bestie

With the passing of Charlie Cat, I'm once again thinking about how much I miss Carin, and how hard it is to make friends. I don't know if the challenge is my age, my stage, or life in general.

When Ariel Cat and Sandy Dragon died, I reached out to Carin, who expressed just the right amount of sympathy and compassion. With her death over a year ago, there is still that hole.

A couple of days later I told our cat sitter, who was sympathetic. I told a couple of other people (one who still has not gotten back to me), but there is no ONE person I wanted to reach out to talk about my feelings. Don and Ashley were also mourning, and we talked about Charlie. I long for someone fresh to talk to.

As we go through the struggles of the college search, I keep thinking about how Carin and I should be going through this together. Reminding each other about deadlines. Encouraging each other to look in new directions or at different schools. I don't necessarily need a friend whose child is at the same stage (though that would be nice), I'm really looking for a friend who always replies to my messages and who opens herself up to share bits and pieces of her life with me. Husbands, daughters, and parents can't always be my emotional support. There is nothing like having a best friend.

Writing this helps. I've been bottling up my feelings for too long. I continue to pray for a new best friend. 

Reach out if you are seeking one, too.

RIP Charlie Cat

This summer

A week ago Charlie Cat passed away. It still seems a bit unbelievable. As much as I enjoy writing, I've been struggling with what to say. 

About 13 years ago we adopted Charles II (Charles I had a bad habit of sleeping in the street and did not last a year). We guess he was about a year old at the time. 

2015

From the start, he was Don's cat. He had no interest in me, except towards the end of his life when he was always hungry and begging me for lunchtime food. Not long before he died he snuggled. It is a trait I notice our pets do not long before they die -- they suddenly become my best friend and my heart melts.

The night before he died he was on the step where we found Ariel Cat a few years ago. His claw was stuck in the carpet and he couldn't free himself. Don untangled him and put him on the carpet in the bathroom under the heating vent with some food. Poor dude could not even support his back legs and ate the tiniest amount of food. Before going to bed I petted him and told him he was a good cat. I didn't think he would make it to the morning. 

By 2 AM he was dead.

The "Mighty, Mighty Moosa" had faded into skin and bones. It was a conscious decision to not take him to the vet and let him die gracefully. He hung in longer than I thought he would. When I left for Israel in June, I thought he would be gone before I came home. Thankfully I was wrong.

He was doing great until last winter when the neighbor insisted he stay inside because he was always in her yard and always pooping in her garden. While I sympathize with her, she first said the black and white cat was the one causing trouble (so we kept her in the house), then a few months later called animal control saying it was the orange cat. Nice neighbor. Ugh. Charlie enjoyed roaming our yard. We never once saw him come from her direction, let alone sit on her front porch. I suspect there was a different orange cat, but to keep the peace we kept him inside and put up with his complaints. The neighbor "thanked" us by ignoring us anytime we waved hello. 

This is the first time I'm publicly expressing my annoyance, which brings me to the deeper part of this post: I miss having a close friend. The friend you can always kvetch to without fear of it turning into gossip, or having your feelings belittled. More importantly, being that friend who always listens and supports (at least I hope I was that friend).

Meanwhile, Lucy, our 7-year old kitty, has become affectionate, spends more time with us as a family, snuggles, and eats more. So I guess one good thing has come out of Charlie's passing.

Alpha Phil Omega's 5K Race for Suicide Prevention

Last year a friend's son committed suicide. He was a student at The College of New Jersey (our alma mater) and seemed to have his entire life ahead of him. Last week would have been his birthday. His parents wanted to organize a 5K in his memory, but it just didn't happen. Last weekend they went on a walk for Suicide Prevention about two hours north of us. Today Don and I walked in Ewing in his memory.

Turns out there were three suicides at TCNJ in the past year (or so the person from the co-ed fraternity I spoke with could remember). No matter the number, it is too many.

The 5K started 20 minutes late (readers of the PillsPress know this is an annoyance of mine, hence the reason for mentioning). It was a perfect fall day with temperatures around 50 degrees and no breeze. A super flat course with two loops of about 1.55 miles (it measured very short -- my GPS said 2.83 miles, giving everyone a PR). 

The fraternity provided fabulous support and encouragement. The event reminded us just how picture perfect and friendly the campus is. If only they offered a Tech Theater major (they are talking about having one) then Ashley would apply.

Really glad the track team did not participate,

or we would have been crushed.

Love the Class of 2019's gift of a swing.

 Totally off-topic, but the new "Trenton State College Park" next to the old TSC Roscoe L. West Library highlights how frequently the alma mater has changed names since 1855. The "new name" is 23-years old, which is turning into one of the longer times the college has had the same name. Perhaps it is time for me to adjust to the new name before someone decides to change it again?

 

Notre Dame's Pink Out

Last night was baseball weather, not football weather, but I'll take it. A 60 degree evening in New Jersey in October is a rare treat.

For the past 11 years Ashley's high school has raised money for breast cancer by hosting a Pink Out football game. They honor the "heroes and angels" who are surviving breast cancer, and those who lost their lives to this disease during their extended halftime. They also line up people to quickly donate 8-10 inches of hair, which will be turned into wigs.

A before shot from Thursday

Ashley and some of her friends were among the 45 women donating their hair. 

They line the women up into nine groups. Each hairdresser quickly snips 5 sets of ponytails. The actual snipping is done very quickly -- hard to get good pictures, though we all line up and try. Doesn't help that they all look alike from the back with their pink shirts and long, straight hair. I think I did pretty well.

Seven months until prom, let's see how long it will grow.

(After picture to be posted after work, the haircut has taken place.)

Bridget, Ashley, Sarah, Rose

Sarah, Bridget, Ashley, Rose

The cut

Ashley, Bridget, Rose

The middle (after comes after seeing a hairdresser to even it out)

Ashley, Bridget, Rose

My parents with Diane, the coordinator of the event

Ashley's favorite teacher from middle school --Casey

 

Archaeology in New Jersey

While at the Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair a couple of weeks ago I stopped by the booth for the booth for the Archaeology Society of New Jersey (ASNJ) and learned two weeks later they were hosting an archaeological dig open to the public.

Cool!

The dig was at the Jonathan Dunham House in Woodbridge, NJ on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, from 8 am-4 pm. The days were divided into two four-hour shifts with slots for up to eight volunteers.

The "tool box" of finds.

Both professional and volunteer archaeologists were encouraged to participate. Experience ranged from a professional archaeologist from Pennsylvania to someone who was walking by and got swept up by the fun -- it was something she always wanted to do. I fell someplace in-between having gone on small local digs and a month in Israel.

It was fun.

This reminded me of the pictures they took at Tel Keisan.

Unlike my experience in Israel, I felt more than qualified and strong enough to do the work. It did help that the shift was four hours instead of four weeks, and that I could sleep in my own bed instead of in a dorm on the other side of the globe.
But it was more than that.

It was also the type of work done. The squares were 5 foot by 5 foot, instead of 10 meter by 10 meter, plus everything was sifted -- my favorite part.

As we sifted off the loose dirt, we have a treasure hunt looking for finds. Children were visiting the site and helping us look through the dirt for treasures. Their parents were also totally engaged. 

We used small tools -- not the giant tureens and pick axes, but trowels and smaller shovels. I brought my own trowel and put it to work. There were plenty of strong bodies to lift buckets of dirt, and much appreciation for our efforts. 

Also a lot of education about a time period I understand.

Jonathan Dunham, the original owner of the house, was President Barack Obama's 8th great-grandfather. It was built in 1717 (which is more relatable than 7th-9th century BCE in my head).

As for what we found, some bones (which I did recognize from Israel), lots of brick, mortar, nails, oyster shells, and charcoal, some sherds of pottery (different from Israel), and a thimble.

Pig foot on the right

I met someone who is a student at my alma mater, Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey. TSC is where I took my first archaeology class, which was my favorite class. They are still digging around the William Green Farm House. I met a woman who runs galas at her school in North Jersey. It was a neat assortment of people.


This is an annual event. Now that I know about it, I hope to hear about more digs. Have trowel ... will dig.

Shutting down for the day