Day 335 = Running + The Runner's High

Austin has seen some crazy rain in the last few days, but tonight I knew I must set out and run in the rain. So I got dressed with my green gloves and green weather-proof parka, but when I went outside at around 7:22 pm, the rain had stopped. I was looking forward to running in the rain, actually. Even though I'd already washed my hair today, I was willing to get it wet again from running in the rain.

I ran 3.22 miles. It's a new route that I made up, which I think is a little safer to run when it's dark outside. Then it happened.

For the first time in probably 6 years, I got a runner's high. I was almost to the halfway mark of my run when I started to feel it. At first it just felt like my feet were gliding. I even questioned, "Did I take some drugs today?" No. I had not. When I headed home, I still felt like I was floating. It felt so good. My feet felt different in my shoes, and I could feel a breeze on my toes. I stopped to remember what kind of socks I'd put on, and yes, they are the same socks that I always wear when I run. The endorphins were really showing up this time and not just phoning it in.

That's the thing about runner's highs - for me, anyway - is I never know when they're going to show up.

Day 334 = Gym + hCG

Have you heard of the hCG diet? It was also mentioned on Livestrong.com and you can read more about it here.

My friend Trey went on the hCG diet under his doctor's supervision and lost more than 50 pounds. He had 50 pounds to lose. I don't have that much. But what is so attractive to me is that the hCG diet targets fat and makes your body live off your fat stores during the 23-day course of injections of hCG. So I'm considering it. If I lose a pound a day, then 23 days should be just about right.

The rub is that I hate needles. So not sure if I'd be able to inject myself.

Tonight, I stuck to the old-fashioned way of fitness with good, ol' exercise at the gym. I have no doubt that I am able to maintain any weight loss. Because I've been working out for 334 days in a row, this is the first year that I started out without the resolution of losing weight. Sure I want to lose a few pounds in some targeted spots, but it's not like it's a hovering goal that I feel like I have to set in order to accomplish it. I work out everyday, so it's not a daunting thought to me.

At the gym tonight it was clear that there are people who are still going strong to follow through on their new year's resolutions. It's good to see so much enthusiasm for being fit because that's what it's about.

Day 333 = Running + LOST

I can't believe the day is finally here. I just don't think I've written about LOST enough in this blog. No blog is complete without it (that is, if you're me and you're writing my blog). I realize there are haters out there and just plain ol' people in denial about the lure that is LOST, but I am uh-dickted. It's so bittersweet that this is the end of the series. Note to anyone listening who cares: I want all those seasons on DVD. And while I hope to never stay home with strep throat again, believe me, I will find a reason to stay home in bed for days to watch LOST.

I remember last spring when LOST announced they wouldn't be back until Feb. 2. I was like, "Wha? No way! You can't do this to me, JJ Abrams." I felt hurt and sad and, well, lost. So many questions. And being a Pisces, I'm easily confused, so LOST is like a perpetual puzzle to me each time. A puzzle that I love to get lost in. OK. That last sentence was dumb. But oh so true.

So here are my questions:

1. Who was Jin buying that panda for? Maybe it's part of the parallel universe that the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 are living while their counterparts are still back on the island.
2. Who has taken over John Locke's body?
3. Why's it gotta be a smoke monster? That's ridonculous sometimes, but it is what it is.
4. I'm totally convinced that Juliet is not dead. How'd she know that "it worked?"

Now that I've watched tonight's episode, I think the point that Abrams, et al, are trying to make is that the survivors had a better life on the island and they just didn't know it. Am I right?

So, after being "lost" in a 7+ hour meeting today about building a database with people in India, I rushed home to get in a 40-minute run and then showered and baked some mahi mahi and settled in to watch lost. Without interruption. OK, Deacon can call but THAT'S IT! And only during commercials (which I allowed).

Day 332 = Resistance Bands/Home Workout + My Doppelganger

I should probably write an ode to cortisone shots for this blog entry because I cannot say enough about that painful, yet, gorgeous and most wonderful shot. I knew that I should have had one weeks ago instead of going on antibiotics. But I'm not the one who went to medical school. Not even one online in India.

Anyway, after WEEKS of nonstop suffering from allergies, strep throat, sinus infections and general crappiness, I went back to the doctor who at first wanted to test me for mono, but then he changed his mind and decided to just give me a cortisone shot to see if that helps. Fuck yeah, it helped. I did this last January 2009 when I had cedar fever. If you ever have allergies, I highly recommend a cortisone shot. I had no idea this existed until a fellow allergy-sufferer told me about it. Thank God for you!

I'm such a baby when it comes to needles, and the cortisone medicine is actually kind of painful. I have a fair threshold for pain, but I white-knuckled it for the shot and kept thinking how wonderful I was going to feel in a matter of hours and maybe even minutes. I was right.

I came home and decided to just chill out and stay calm and let the medicine work. I was updating my blog (I'm so behind!) and fiddling around on Facebook and learned that this week is the week that you should post a picture of your doppelganger. (In case you are paying attention on Facebook because you've been spending a lot of time at home being sick like me.) A doppelganger is the celebrity who everyone says you look like. I used to get Britney Spears all the time back before she went crayzay. I guess it's the brown eyes and blonde hair. But more recently, people are telling me I look like Anna Faris. Well, I'll jump all over that bandwagon.

I felt really good tonight and would have liked to have gone to the gym or to run, and I almost did, but I am really hell-bent on getting better. I hate being sick and I'm tired of being sick and not feeling like my old go-getter self. So I stuck to resistance bands and little home workout that I made up for core work.

Day 311 = Gym + Popcorn

Tonight after a 10-hour day at the old Dell campus, where Mistelle and I were quietly and diligently processing our leads, I went to the gym. My first day back at work after my second round of strep throat began with finding out that while I was out in December, the media agency I'm forced to use decided to spend all my money on paid search, totally ignoring the contract and admitting in writing to making an "erroneous assumption." I wrote in boldface and underlined in an email that this was absolutely unacceptable. Monday at 9 am and I'm already debating on the approach I may or may not take to tear a new asshole into someone. So I tried to sit on that email until after my next four meetings.

At the gym, lots of people seemed to be sticking to their New Year's resolution of getting in shape. It was 8pm when I got there, and most of the cardio machines were still full! Since I started this challenge in March, this is the first year since I can remember that I didn't make the resolution to "get back in shape" because I am already. Well, I'd like to lose a few more pounds, but I'm working on it. I was tired but pushed through a workout on my own. It went something like this:

• 11 min on the elliptical trainer listening to my iPod
• 3 sets of leg lift crunches in the Roman chair (all my sets are at least 15 reps)
• 2 sets of dips
• A little circuit of 2 sets each of chest press with 15 lb. weights (too light for me now), the "lawnmower" back exercise and a series of crunches, reverse crunches, seated leg crunches
• Then another little circuit with the lat pull down and the trapezoid push down (that's what I call it anyway)
• Then another little circuit of bicep curls with the long 30 lb. dumbbell and some kind of dumbbell lift and squat that Regan taught me, which I have no idea what it's called, paired with this oblique twist with the Freemotion machine.

I have to tell you that you need to run out right now and buy Orville Redenbacher's Natural Buttery Salt and Cracked Pepper popcorn. One bag is 160 calories, and it's perfect for dinner tonight.

I also want to tell iPhone users about this app I use to keep up with my favorite blogs. It's called RSS Runner by Francois Goldgewicht and it's free. The web site is here: /www.golden-apps.com/.

Day 280 = Resistance Bands + Bose

So while I'm still sporting the BodyBugg until my subscription runs out, I'm still plugging it in and checking out the calorie burn. Today I did so much walking that I burned more than 2,300 calories. Not so bad for a night of resistance bands. But hey, hey, hey - the night before a long run is usually scheduled as "rest" but it really just means "no running." Mission accomplished.

Another mission accomplished is I finally treated myself to the Bose iPod docking station. Merry Christmas, Me.

I've been wanting one for years, and not one to settle for just any old sound system, I'm glad I held out for this baby. It sounds great in my living room, and it's going to sound awesome at my party.

Now, I just need to start compiling the many playlists I'll have at the ready at the touch of my Bose remote control button.

Day 279 = Running + Trust?

This morning, I was smart and planned out my workout in advance. So I woke up early and ran 3 miles. I did this because tonight is my company Christmas party, and I decided to bring Deacon. I figure we've been hanging out a little bit recently, and it would be fun to bring him.

Where should I start? Well, he'd warned me ahead of time that he was going to wear a suit he bought at the Goodwill. I thought he was joking, but then I also thought he was telling the truth, yet if he was, I had faith that he'd have the good sense to wear something decent. Verdict? It was decent. I meant it was only about 15-20 years old and not, like, 30 years old, not that it's something I'd condone everyday or for everyone. But it's Deacon, and you just have to know him. But the shoes were thumbs way down.

I decided to check up on my match.com emails while we waited for the cab because I'd written him off on that fact alone. I mean, I'll be honest; I have been starting to wonder about him lately, you know, like does he have potential to roll with me? Um, not sure now. And certainly not putting all my eggs in one basket. But the upside is I could still relax and have fun and hang out with him.

So we waited, and waited, and waited for the cab. Hey, Deacon. I thought I said we needed to leave at 6:15? Scott rolled up with the Land Yacht at about 7:15 and about 2 vodka sodas into the night.

When we arrived at Thistle Cafe (where Deacon's friend happens to be owner and chef), a photographer snapped this picture of us before I could take off my own vintage mink coat (circa 1976). OK. So we were both wearing "vintage." Of course, under my coat I was wearing Michael Kors circa 2009. And you know what goes well with vintage? Vodka does. The bar was and will always be a good idea for Christmas parties. Especially open bars. And especially bars where Deacon has friends.

I realized tonight that yes, I can take Deacon somewhere and he won't throw the shocker sign for every photo and he can carry on a conversation with strangers and he has table manners. So with a few more drinks, I forgot about the suit thing. After dinner, we lingered for a while and talked to Deacon's friend and drank more drinks. Oh, vodka, how I could write tomes about you! That said, there were other bars to get to, so we didn't linger too long. Deacon suggested Malverde again, and I obliged, although I do not know what the big attraction is for this bar.

Once again, we were just about the only people in the place. We sat on a couch that was across from another bank of couches where another couple were "lounging." If you squinted your eyes just right, which is about the only way I could control my eyelids at this point, then it looked like you were watching soft porn. I think we took bets on whether they would go for it right there on the couch. I said, "get a room" out loud, but I knew they couldn't hear me over the music. I just wanted to say it. Out loud.

So to divert our attention and derail any sexual tension that might have been building, we started talking. I think Deacon did most of the talking. And I did some listening. I was tired because I woke up early to run and dare I say I couldn't only finish half of my 7th vodka soda. And at some point, like it has before, Deacon and I started talking about trust and how I should trust him. I told him that I had a dream that a friend of ours told me, "Don't trust Deacon." So this has been a point of contention lately.

Then right there on the couch, Deacon tried to kiss me, but I pushed him off because I said we are just friends (and I was still debating on how I felt about him in a "more than friends" situation). I take my time with things. But it was time for a change of venue, so we walked down the street to Lavaca Street Bar.

To cap off the night, I just ordered a beer. Deacon kept wanting to talk about trust again and why don't I trust him. I said I'm still getting to know you better. He convinced me to do the "fall into my arms" trust exercise. I agreed. But just as I was about to fall, I caught a glimpse in a mirror of him flinching out of the corner of my eye, and I caught myself.

You would have thought I'd just run over a baby if you were judging by the way his attitude changed to a "how dare you? how could you?" tone. I told him about what I saw in the mirror and he denied it. I told him it was a dumb game and I didn't want to play. He kept pressing and I said, "This is the end of the discussion. I'm not discussing this any more." But like a child, he wanted to get his way and have the last word or at least continue to press my buttons. I told him that if he wanted me to trust him then he needed to give me a reason to trust him and not play some stupid game with me. He argued his defense. I whipped out my digital voice recorder and started recording: his side vs. my side of this silly argument. I told him he'd had too much to drink and that when he was sober tomorrow, he could listen to how irrational he was sounding.

After that, we shared a cab back to his house, and I said, "This is why you are single. You go after women with drama, and I will have nothing to do with it. I don't want any part in drama. I'm not going to let you pick a fight with me over nothing." I don't know if he heard any of it or processed any of it or will remember any of it, but when we got back to his house, I didn't even go inside. I just said goodnight and got in my car and drove home.

I'm a little disappointed that the night ended this way. I was beginning to enjoy my time hanging out with Deacon and getting to know him and not having to make any decisions about trust or kissing or conflict resolution. But it is what it is, and there's always tomorrow. And more vodka.

Day 278 = Gym + Last Session

Oh, so sad that this morning was my last session with Regan. Whatever will I do on Monday and Wednesday mornings or when I step into a gym from now on?

I have absolutely loved training with Regan twice a week for the last six or so months. I have seen fabulous results. In fact, we took my measurements today and I've lost 8% body fat and 7 inches around my waist, plus more inches around my hips and other areas. Success!

Day 277 = Running + Bicep Indentations

I woke up early and ran in the morning. Just me, my iPod and my shoes. No, I wasn't running naked; it's not like anyone would want to see that.

My BodyBugg subscription is going to run out soon, and I think I might take a break from it for a while. It's been good to me and has worked well, and I think I know what I should eat each day and about how many calories I can expect to burn based on the activity. But wearing the Bugg starts to become a bugaboo and cumbersome after a while, not to mention that it starts to create an indentation in my biceps. And while that helps with toning my arms, it's still a pretty clear indentation that looks, well, weird.

So around Christmas Eve when the subscription ends, I'm going to take it off and see if my biceps don't fuse back to normal, yet cut.

Day 276 = Gym + On My Own

So this morning I was on my own at the gym. I was a little shy at first, and it was weird seeing Regan in the trainer area training someone else. But oh well. I better get used to it because money doesn't grow on trees and Regan doesn't work for free. I did end up burning about 375 calories according to the BodyBugg, so that's not too bad for "on my own." That tells me that I did retain some of the fine knowledge that Regan threw down on me.

Tonight I started planning my Christmas party and decorated my tree. I have used a blonde-haired, brown-eyed angel for about 13 years, and I'm wondering if I should change and go with a star. She just looks so dark up there with all the lights on the tree. I also think my tree needs something. Like a ribbon, but I don't know how people do that. I am not good at stringing lights and decorating a tree. Every year, I put as many lights on the tree as I can and just hang eclectic ornaments all over it. I'm sure there's a better technique to decorating a tree, kind of like they do on TV and in magazines and at The White House, but I don't have that special touch.

Day 275 = Resistance Bands + Christmas Trees

I need to start getting in my recovery runs on Sundays instead of bailing out and doing a light workout at home, like I did today with my resistance bands. Although, I did stay very busy today.

Around 10 am, I drove over to Deacon's house because I had asked him to help me haul in a Christmas tree and set it up in my house. He had the idea for us to drive to Elgin and cut one down. Oh, joy! I've done this before, so it should be fun. Even in the rainy drizzle.

If you've never cut down your own Christmas tree, you really must try it sometime. I had a fresh-cut tree about 10 years ago that smelled lovely and little Ringo loved to sleep under the tree. He was still a puppy then. I guess he felt like I'd brought the outside in. The tree farm we drove to is in Elgin, Texas, and that's about 45 minutes east of Austin on Hwy 290.

Upon arrival, we took a hay ride over to where the trees are growing. It's only Dec. 6 and already so many have been cut. Deacon grabbed a hand saw from a box when the hay ride trailer dropped us off in front of a row of trees. He kept saying I need something full. But I was looking for something tall to take advantage of my high ceilings that could accommodate my many years of collecting ornaments.

I gotta say it was slim pickins. I felt like we'd never find anything worth cutting down and we almost gave up. And then there it was. The perfect "imperfect" tall and full and green tree. So Deacon got to sawing and then hoisting the tree over his head like He-Man. Show off. But it was nice of him because if he wasn't there, I'd have to drag the tree myself. Wait, if he wasn't there, I'd be home with a cocktail right now.

After supervising him tying it to the roof of my SUV, we went to the ghost town. He'd told me about this place and about the burgers there. When we drove up, it really was a ghost town. It was like someone built this little fake old town from the 1800s. There was a saloon and a jail. An undertaker and a grave yard. And the ice house is where we had a ghost burger, fries and a beer. Then we took a tour and walked through the labyrinth. And posed for pictures in the jail. I thought this would have been a great date if this was a date.

We passed up the strip clubs on the way into Austin, even though Deacon thought I would get loads of comedy material from them. No doubt I would, but I was on a schedule. However, we did decide to drive through the Rundberg area of Austin in case we might have a hooker spotting. And we did. Saw a hooker and her pimp! Deacon said he'd never seen that, which I thought was pretty unbelievable, but I gave him a high five anyway.

Day 274 = Running + Blind Date

This morning, I was supposed to run 17 miles, but I accidentally shaved off the last mile and ended up with just 16 logged on the Garmin. I could have made up that mile on the trail, but I was so sore. And sometimes it just gets old. And me want taco.

Oh happy day. There is a taco place within walking distance from my house now. Not that I'm going to walk after this run, but it's nice to know it's there. It's a Taco Shack on Spicewood Springs. This is different from Molca's on Mesa, which is also walking distance, but they have other food besides breakfast and tacos, which they sell for $2.50 each. I know this because some mornings when I run down Mesa, there is a guy who stands out on the sidewalk with a sandwich board that advertises a breakfast at Molca's.

Today is Taco Shack. I was excited to try Taco Shack, and I just couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a migas taco. So I walk into Taco Shack and go up to the counter and looked at the menu and didn't see what I wanted. But the tall, blonde hyper guy behind the counter tried to help.

Me: Can you make a taco with egg whites?
Hyper Guy: Ummmm, no. We don't do that here.
Me: OK. Do you have migas tacos?
Hyper Guy: Ummmmmm, no. We don't do that either. But I could have them add pico and break up some chips in the taco for you.
Me: Ummmm, no.

So I just got two bacon, egg and cheese tacos and ate them at home without sauce. I'm going back to Juanita's or Tacodeli from now on. Shame on you, Taco Shack. Can't you separate a huevo?

Oh, but before I forget, I had a blind date tonight. His name was Brian and my friend Joel set us up. Joel told me that Brian had seen me across the room when I was at Burger Club and he was at a happy hour. I was flattered because this hardly ever happens, and by hardly, I mean never.

So I met Brian for dinner at El Arroyo, and he told me a completely different story of how Joel set us up, which knocked me right off my high horse. I needed to get off there anyway. After dinner, we walked across the street to the Mean Eyed Cat, which is a brick and mortar shrine to Johnny Cash. Brian and I sat inside in a corner, and I had a beer and kept trying to figure out how in the hell Joel could think we were at all compatible. Brian is nice and single and drinks beer, but beyond that, we don't have a lot in common.

Day 273 = Resistance Bands + TST Party

I'm supposed to be the social director of Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club, but I haven't really done a very good job. I'm really good at throwing parties, but it's hard when you have no budget and people have all kinds of random schedules and don't want to go to anything you try to organize. But when the president of the club throws a party, then it's all OK and people want to go to that. So I baked cupcakes (as promised) to bring to the TST Christmas party tonight, which was only open to board members and first-time marathoners.

Last night as I was making cupcakes, Deacon asked me what people talk about at a running group Christmas party. Well, to answer that question, I can now tell you since the party is in the past. Some of the first-timers talked about how they were nervous about running 17 miles the next day. My advice to them was to just get to the 8.5 mile marker and then just think the rest is on your way home. That's all you have to do is run home now. It's easier for me to compartmentalize it that way.

We also talked about where the where the best bathrooms are on the running route. Most Randall's and HEB grocery stores are good. Sometimes Starbucks will let you in if you don't buy anything, and I prefer them because they are one-stall operations. There's a new Burger King on 35th and Jefferson that is also a very clean one-stall operation.

Others talked about what to eat before a long run. I like to eat a non-fiber breakfast the day before, which consists of egg whites and cheese. I usually have a made-to-order omelet at work. I eat normal throughout the week, but I try to stick to about 1500 calories a day. As you know by now, on a long run day I reward myself with a breakfast taco or three.

Our coach told me about some carb-loading techniques. Evidently, there is the OG way and the new school way. I will have to expand on this later as I forgot those specific details that set them apart.

So tonight, in preparation for that 17-mile run before me, I just did the low-key resistance bands workout.

Day 272 = Running + First Fire

I have lived in my little condo for about two years and have been afraid to start a fire. I have no idea what's up in that chimney, so what if I start a fire and it becomes an uncontrollable blaze? I thought I might need a chimney sweep to clean it out before I get to cracklin'.

So I asked Deacon if he could recommend a chimney sweep. He said they are all BS and that I should just get a Duraflame log. Really? It's that easy? Sweet.

So after work, I went for a run and realized that I was really increasing my endurance and my general speed had increased. I attribute this to working out consistently everyday, but Regan says it is weight training. I'm not stopping either, so I may never know. But for example, my long run pace used to be 12:30 ON A GOOD DAY. Now, my long run pace normally hangs around an 11-minute mile or sometimes under. Sometimes I slow down toward the end, but I'm OK with that. I'm still faster than I used to be. During regular runs that are not long run pace, I'm easily running 10-ish minute miles.

After my run, Deacon sent me a text to ask about the fire. I said it's working! He said he wanted to come over and see it and he'd bring pizza. I figured, "why not?" So Deacon brought Mangia pizza and helped me make cupcakes that I'm taking to a Christmas party for my running group tomorrow. I made them all fancy by piping on the icing and then sprinkling on some Christmas-themed sprinkles. OK, to be a good hostess, I let Deacon sprinkle on sprinkles, too.

Day 271 = Gym + Match.com Date #1

This morning I worked out with Regan at the gym. She really throws so many workouts and variations at me. I hope I can remember them because today is my last official session. I remember a lot of the basics, but I'm not sure I'll be hopping on that step by myself.

Remember match.com and me joining up on this Internet wasteland? Well, tonight I had my first date, and I thought it went well. His name was Russell, and he was tall and looked like that guy on "Sleepless in Seattle" and "While You Were Sleeping" and "Mr. Wrong." Oh, that guy's name is Bill Pullman. He's cute.

We met at the Draught House, and he was already there. So match.com of him to beat me there, but I think I was late. I couldn't decide what to wear since nothing seemed to be clean enough to wear, and I didn't want to drag out 4-day old dirty jeans to wear on a first date. Russell drinks Guinness, so two points for him already. And he works for some hologram-making company, which I thought was pretty cool. But most of all, I remember he kept me laughing most of the time, so that is big time score for him.

At the end of the date, he hugged me and said he wanted to see me again. I said something to the effect of "yeah, I'm agreeable to that," but it was a little more casual. He's going out of town this weekend, so I hope I hear from him next week. Maybe match.com isn't so bad. For now, anyway.

Day 270 = Running + Fonda San Miguel

This morning I ran. I ran about 3 miles along Mesa Drive. The deer were out and about, as well as the people driving to work. And I was running in their faces.

Tonight I'm having dinner with my co-workers and our Microsoft sponsor at Fonda San Miguel. I've never been to this restaurant before, and I've always wanted to go, so I'm super pumped about it. But they don't have mole on the menu. Mole (pronounced mo-lay) is this sauce made of chocolate and spices and something else and it's usually served with pollo (chicken) but you can eat it with other meats or I guess over rice if you're a vegetarian.

Whenever I talk about food and try to find a good photo of food, I realize how difficult it is. Photographing food is a real art. I didn't take this photo, but it does represent what I ordered. The Ancho Relleno San Miguel, which is a chile ancho filled with chicken, olives, capers and almonds in a light cilantro cream sauce. I highly recommend this, and I recommend another 3-mile run to burn it off, too.

Day 269 = Resistance Bands + Chick Schtick

Being out of town for 5 days really gets me out of my groove. I hate when that happens. So while I'm going to use my resistance bands yet again tonight, at least I am on the high that performing at Chick Schtick gave me.

It went really well for being my first one. I'm still making friends there, so no need for any of my real friends to actually show up. I gave everyone late notice, but even those who claim to want to see me have not even showed up. Maybe I'm not such a good friend after all. Maybe I'm more of a loner than I think I am.

I was up first, and I got a lot of laughs. I told my doll house joke and the one about the songs on my ipod and the one about the tramp stamp. I was very pleased with my set. I wore what I wore to work today, which was a white button-down shirt with 3/4-inch sleeves and a black skirt and black boots. I thought about wearing my FMPs, in fact, I had them in my car. But I just stuck with the killer boots.

So here I am, 8 weeks into reuniting with my hobby of stand-up comedy after an 18-month hiatus and 6 years since the first time I ever gave it a try, and this was like a real show that wasn't open mic. Now what?

Day 268 = Resistance Bands + Joke Bombs

I flew back to Austin today and decided that I will be throwing another Christmas party, but this time, it's going to include men. Normally, my parties are usually girls-only events, but one reason I bought my house is because of its great floorplan that is conducive to partying. Why not let guys enjoy it, too?

I worked on my jokes for tonight at Cap City open mic while I was on the plane. I had a lot I wanted to try out from Thanksgiving. Too bad they bombed tonight. They weren't really fleshed out. I had thought about doing some of my set for tomorrow night's Chick Schtick, but I didn't want to be redundant.

Then I came home and worked out with resistance bands and went to bed. Unfunny.

Day 267 = Resistance Bands + The Paper People

Normally, a Saturday morning would begin with me running a lot of miles with my running group. But today I'm in Arkansas, and when I travel here, my routine just goes out the window. And honestly, I'm absolutely tired and worn out from the holiday. I hate letting go of my routine, but this trip is different, and I'm somehow OK with that.

Today, Mom and I had lunch with one of her oldest friends and her goddaughter, Margie and Anna, respectively. Anna and I have been friends for years. Mom and dad and Margie and Steve (her husband) used to hang out on the lake all the time. One time they were driving to the lake, and Margie said to my mom, "Carol, have you ever noticed how many people named Paper live on this road?"

So I'm just going to enjoy hanging out at home with family today and using my resistance bands later. Those things are so easy to pack.

Day 266 = Gym + Jukeboxes

For my brother's 31st birthday this year, I gave him a membership to a gym. No, I wasn't trying to send any message. This is what he wanted. For today's workout, he said he'd take me to his gym so we could work out "together."

My mom took me to his new house, and he gave big sis the obligatory tour. Jason now has two jukeboxes in his living room. One is his; the other is mine. And somehow, some way, I will get that jukebox back to Austin. It's a 1961 Seeburg, and it played music at my dad's office. The one that Jason is keeping is a lot cooler, but it's bigger and heavier, and it's the one that was in our house. The one in this photo is the one that will be in my living room at some point. Then I'll have to find someone to fix it. And then will be the fun task of filling it with records. Maybe I'll host a sock hop. With Jell-O shots.

At the gym, I made the rounds. Working out with Regan has trained me well. Jason and I didn't do much working out together, but he did spot me at one point. Thanks, bro.