as all ye avid fans (my spam counter says there are thousands of you computer robots out there – and then julie:) of my blog know, i’m kind of, sort of training for the chicago marathon this fall – which would be the only reason why i’d get up at 4:30 and start running outside for long distances every sunday

so this sunday, i’m trying to practice good running technique and repeat some “power mantra” – according to running gurus, you’re supposed to have power words that you say to yourself – or phrases – throughout a run so that you have something to discuss and think about – oh, and so you’ll keep your mind positive (this would be for the elite athletes – normal people just put on earphones and try to drown out the pain:)

and yet, summer running makes me stupid (as evidenced by the fact that my no. 1 song right now is “call me maybe” – a song i couldn’t even listen to in may) so the whole mantra thing went out the window quickly today – and in it’s place…

“the fault in our stars” by john green – oh curse you john green for you had to remind me of that william carlos williams red wheelbarrow poem – which became my mantra today:) and really, all is forgiven anyway because “stars” was wonderful – achingly beautiful was the description on the back – and i would agree – two smart kids playing verbal tag throughout the book is a great plot for me (outside of the language and “adult situations” that i think i’m just forced to realize all teenagers deal with now…)

“the last coach” by barra – wonderful book on paul “bear” bryant – it’s the second time i’ve read the book – first time in about seven years – made me hit the internet for some of the obscure bryant video – and i’ve got a few requests out to the county for interlibrary loan books about the old bama campus – so very enjoyable read – the bear died pretty much right before i could remember him – but just when i could remember everybody else remember him – dad and i had some great conversations b/c dad sold drinks at denny stadium in the ’60s – so great read

the good news – the room is getting more in order – the bad news – the room is a lot messier because the more i pull out, the messier it gets:) hopefully, order will be restored sometime soon

drop by during sixth grade orientation – just say mayfield approved it – that’s the only time i’ll be there to give you your top locker…

maf