Ode to O-town...

Otherwise known as the Goodbye post and/or things I will miss the most about Orlando... (In no particular order)

• Being an hour's drive from the Ocean/Gulf
  


• Palm Trees
  


• Publix - Where shopping IS a pleasure
  


• Bike rides to the Farmer's Market at Lake Eola for Gourmet Cupcakes with The Brunette on Sundays
  
  


• Flamingo Paraphernalia


• The smell of Jasmine/Orange Blossoms


• Track Shack - My beloved Running Store
  
  

• Sun Showers
  


• Chick-Fil-A & Sonic - The only two fast food restaurants I'll eat at and they aren't up North
  


• Watching Shuttle Launches
  


• The wonderful Orlando Bloggers I've had the opportunity to meet and run with; Robin, Therese and Lauren.
  
  
• SeaWorld
  
  
• Cowboys - Because once upon a time this Cowgirl loved to get her line dance and Free Beer Saturdays on...
  


• The OUC 5k & Celebration Founders Day 10k
  


• Morning runs around Lake Davis

• Garibaldi's / Lee & Rick's Oyster Bar; my two favorite local dives to eat at
  
  
• Only being a little over an hour's drive East to NSB and my NSB Boys; Harold & Tall Guy Surfing
  
  
  


• Hurricane Parties
  
  


• Fresh citrus and strawberries
  


• Being able to hop in my car and drive a few minutes/hours to visit friends
  


• Cady Way Trail
  
  


• Porch Nights & Pool Days
  
  
• Running adventures with Lazy Runner
  
  
• B.o.B & The BRA being just a little over an hour's drive West


• Lake Eola


• My Florida Munchkins: Baby RJ, Gavmeister, Mason, Kaley, Davey & Maya
  


• ... but most important of all; My Florida Family
  
  
  
  My Beaker Luv - Circa First Halloween Party 2000
  
  My Jamily - Circa Girls Night Out 2006
  
  My Rixy circa No Doubt Concert 2002
  
  My Ebs circa Cruise 2009
  
  Rach & Yvonne-y circa Beaker Luv's Wedding 2007
  (Not to sell either short of their own pics, but this is one of my most favorite pics EVER!)
  
  My Kimmy circa 2008
  
  Linds circa Beaker Luv's Wedding Rehearsal 2007
  
  Mr. Beaker Luv circa Pub Crawl 2008
  
  

On the flipside, I will NOT miss:

• I-4 Traffic


• Tourists


• Angry Downtown Bums


• FIRE ANTS!!!
  


• The Relentless Hades Humidity
  


• Being in a LDR
  

Goodbye Orlando; "Veni, Vidi, Vici!"

In the 10 years I've spent with you I've loved, lost and grown. I've had more fun than should be legal, been fortunate enough to befriend some of the most amazing people ever and you will forever hold a very large and special place in my heart.

Rixy & I are currently en route to Michigan on the road trip of a lifetime... many a tourist trap stops we shall make along the way and sometime tomorrow we will reach our final destination, my beloved Spike and the new adventures of the Redhead...

3 Things Thursday

1. Lankle/Run Update: I have not run since Saturday thanks to contracting a lovely Upper Respitory Infection. I can't even walk 10 ft, laugh or cry without hacking up a lung. Running is out of the question and when I entertained the idea of going anyway the other morning The Brunette threatened to beat me.
   
   
   
2. Move/J-O-B Update: T-Minus 1 Day, 22 Hours and 0 minutes until Departure. YIKES! How did D-Day creep up on me so fast?!?!?
   
   Is everything packed? Have I tied up all the loose ends? Did I remember to forward the mail? How fast can you safely drive a car towing a trailer on I-75? Am I prepared to live in sin? What do I do if I don't find a job? Do I need a pimp or can I pick my own corner?
   
   And while I'm freaking out, Spike is worried about other things... LOL!
   
   
3. Goodbye's... I've had my fair share of them over the last week that my heart aches at the thought of my goodbye party tomorrow night. I tried to lighten the mood by making it a Toga party, a final themed party for the Theme Party Queen, but even so I will be rocking some serious waterproof mascara because tomorrow will be the hardest of all because I say goodbye to the people that have made Orlando Home to me; my best friends. I could fill pages and pages about why they have come to mean so much to me; As the years have passed they've seen me at my best, worst and all those gray fuzzy areas in between. They welcomed me into their hearts, homes and lives and have been more of a family to me than my own family has been and that is something that most people would never understand. Through it all they've loved me unconditionally, even when I was the worst version of myself they'd ever seen. There aren't enough words to express how much I love and cherish the memories I have made with them or how thankful I am to have had their friendships touch my life. I wish goodbye's weren't so hard but at the same time;
   
   "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
   
   Lucky indeed.
   
   Thank you my friends, for being you and loving me.
   
   "We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other with us."
   
   
   

A B.R.A. send off and then some...

This weekend I made my final trek over to B.o.B's for a long(ish) run and my B.R.A. Goodbye Party. It was a bittersweet visit; on the one hand I couldn't wait to see and catch up with everyone, but on the other I was going to be saying goodbye to my adoptive running family...

Friday night B.o.B & I had a gloriously yummy dinner at Coach T & V's house before hitting the hay for a long(ish) run in the a.m. I laid awake most of the night, as I have most nights lately, reading and thinking about all the other nights I've stayed in this room; long run eve's, race eve's, so many memories of my room at B.o.B's with it's futon, Lloyd hair, broken vacuum cleaners, large empty tv box I use to keep the door open in the mornings, the table lamp I always try to turn on that doesn't work and her bike with the shark horn. *sigh* I'm going to miss that room.

Saturday morning it was up and at 'em at the late hour of 6 a.m., which any regular here knows is WAY late for us to start a run, to meet up with the rest of the B.R.A. runners for a long(ish) run. Everyone had a 10 M on deck but wary of the Lankle and my lack of mileage lately I decided I would run to the 3.5 M mark and then turn back. The "Funky Foursome" as P-Funk has dubbed us, hit the ground running and got caught up on all our adventures since we've last met. At the watering hole I parted ways with Hollster and P-Funk and at the last second B.o.B decided to join me for the shorter run because she was having her own issues. We ran along just chatting until things got a bit discombobulated with 1.5 M to go. How fitting our last run together would end up this way, we just laughed it up on into the finish and then waited on the rest of the peeps.

Like every long run, we headed over to Panera to eat and chat away the morning. Listening to Cap't Nuts & Carribbean Steve bicker over Ragnar while P-Funk played H.R. & Hollster just smiled made me realize just how much I loved this merry band of misfits that I have come to call family. After breakfast and because B.o.B had to work, Hollster, P-Funk & I decided to get together and pass the time on the river and head out to the Bay. I was so happy to spend some quality time with the girls, if only B.o.B hadn't of had to work it would've been d@mn near perfect!



After the boat it was time to get ready for the B.R.A. party! Most of the regulars made an appearance and even a new runner that I had met for the first time that morning came. We all stuffed our faces, cracked jokes, gave Shorty-Shorts a hard time, retold race recaps... it was like a post long run breakfast only later and less smelly.

At one point in the night Coach EK called us all to order and gave a moving speech about how I came to the B.R.A. and became an honorary member before presenting me with an official B.R.A. running shirt signed by everyone framed in a shadow box with the words "Family" painted across the front. I def got a little choked up.


All to soon the night came to an end and it was time to say Goodbye. Two short years ago, while working together B.o.B and I decided to go for a run after work. We did this a few times and then she moved. We lost touch. Then, around the beginning of 2009 we reconnected over running once again and that is when running brought us closer together despite the distance between us. Shortly thereafter we started the adventures of B.o.B & the Redhead, treking over to each other's houses for long runs and in due time she introduced me to the ecclectic members of the B.R.A. Since then I've spent significant hours and miles with them, sharing my secrets, aches and pains, victories and defeats and everything else in between. Coach EK has helped me evolve into the runner I am today with his coaching and training plans. Coach T & V have shown me how to embrace life and love. Carribbean Steve has reminded me that if you keep it simple you'll always be happy. Navy Steve & Strawberry-E taught me how to dig deep when I don't think I have anything left. Cap't Nuts taught me... wait what did he teach me? LOL! Shorty-Shorts taught me to run fast means to wear shorty-shorts and plenty of axe. Speedy Jess taught me to always find my inner cheerleader. P-Funk taught me the importance of H.R. and making the most out of every situation. Hollster taught me how to pace myself but also know when to take a chance. Collectively you've become such an important part of my running career and together we've had some great memories including, my first 22 miler, Ragnar Leg 1, Leg 2 & Leg 3, 22 Miles of Confidence building before Gasparilla, and especially the Gasparilla Marathon. Thank you B.R.A. for accepting me into your lives, runs and hearts. I love you guys!

Then there's B.o.B... without whom I would never have met the B.R.A. Together we learned how to believe in ourselves and find our inner awesome even when Negative Nancy was creeping around trying to rain on our parade. We've laughed and cried, stayed up too late and got up too early, braved harsh weather conditions, injuries and marathons. You've done so much for me and been there with me through so many life changing moments that "Thank you" just doesn't seem words enough to express how grateful I am to have you in my life.


"Thank you for being a friend. Traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confident..." - Golden Girls til the end B.o.B & Red

T-Minus 4 days til D-Day...

3 Things Thursday

1. Lankle/Run Update: I am slowly but surely getting back up to speed. I have just been running for fun with no particular agenda. For absolutely no reason at all the Lankle was bothering me Tuesday, so I skipped a workout all together and did some xtraining on Wednesday to give it a little more rest before this mornings run. All in all I've logged a little over 14 miles since last week and I will attempt my first notable long run Saturday with my beloved B.o.B and B.R.A.!!!! I can't wait to run with my Gasparilla girls in the a.m., hit up breakfast and then catch up with EVERYONE at my Goodbye Party Saturday night...
   
   Ok, I may or may not have just shed a tear typing that. *sigh* How will I ever manage another marathon training cycle without them?!?!? Good thing I'm already well versed in being LDC'd (Long Distance Coached); as Coach EK & I have always discussed my training via email.
   
   
   
2. Move/J-O-B Update: Thanks to my relentless stress induced insomnia I am all but ready to go in the physical sense. (Insomnia = Late Night Productivity!) From an emotional stand point; notsomuch. But let's face it will I ever be ready to leave the 24/7/365 sunshine and my amazing friends? Nope. Is it worth it to get to my Spike? Abso-freakin-lutely. My last day of work is tomorrow. After a final Florida fun filled weekend, I will then spend the whole of next week tying up loose ends; spending quality time with my O-town crew, getting the hitch for the trailer installed on my car, getting the permanent crown put on my tooth (FYI - Do NOT wait to go to the dentist for the first time in 4 years on the fly because you won't have insurance anymore after the end of the month! Oi my poor face/jaw!) Finally, D-Day, next Friday morning, I will pick up the U-Haul to seal the deal. Friday night is my O-town Goodbye Party and then bright and early Saturday morning that's all she wrote; Goodbye Hades, Hello Road Trip North... (I DEF shed tears writing that)
   
   
   As far as the job sitch goes, I had an encouraging phone interview yesterday afternoon and I continue to put out resumes like it's my job. I am hoping that now that I am closer to being in state I will be able to secure more interviews and get something in the works ASAP! "Operation Get a Job/Avoid becoming a Hooker" MUST succeed!!!
   
   
   
3. Redhead Running Ramblings will resume next week and boy oh boy do I have a ton of stuff to get ya'll caught up on! Running Frenemy Stories, Marathon #3 Announcement, a long over due "You know you're a Runner when"... oh the things that have been swirling around in my head since we've last had a good chat! It's amazing all the things you think up when you're 3 weeks removed from the running blog world!
   
   Have fantabulous weekends, get your run on and I'll catch ya'll on the flipside!!!
   

3 Things Thursday

1. Run/Lankle Update: After 12 days without running I attempted my first run Tuesday (3 M) and all systems were go! Run #2 (3 M) this morning was another success. I pushed it a tad from Tuesday and so far so good. I am hopefully optimistic that time off helped and proceeding with caution as I ease back into things.
   
   
   
2. Move/Employment Update: Things are steadily falling into place as time dwindles down to D-Day. (Just over two weeks! Holy Sh*t!) I have been busting my @ss settling things at work so the transition is seamless with my replacement and I have been writing off hours of my life every day searching relentlessly for a J-O-B. I've had a few decent leads and some calls on my resume but so far nada in the way of secured employment. Keep your fingers crossed for me... otherwise you'll be able to find me hooking just off MSU campus soon. "$5 Dolla Make you Holla!"
   
   Spike is gonna be so proud. Speaking of, we had a fantastic visit last weekend and he FINALLY posted his Boston Recap HERE. (In typical Spike fashion he didn't disclose his Finishing time but I will tell you this; despite his pain he STILL managed to come in under my Gasparilla time. B@stard.)
   
   
   Love him!
   
   
   
3. On a not entirely unrelated note, I just gotta say that I miss ya'll a ton. I haven't been blogging, I'm rarely if ever on Google Chat or Facebook and I've even cut out most regular emailing as well. All in the name of eliminating distraction from the task at hand: Operation Get a Job/Avoid becoming a Hooker. Just wanted to let ya know that I try to steal a few minutes every night to skim the reader and see what ya'll are up to. Bear with me for another week and I promise regular blogging will resume. My last day of gainful employment is next Friday and from there I am just tying up the loose ends til D-Day.
   
   
   Keep up the running, enjoy a LONG run for me and I'll catch ya'll on the flipside!
   
   

3 Things Thursday

1. Lankle Update: I had my Orthopaedic Appt yesterday and the doctor confirmed that I don't have nor do I show signs of a stress fracture. Because of the centralized location of my pain he believes I have strained the tendons around my Fibula and has restricted me from the track (i.e. speedwork) indefinitely and told me to stay off the hills for the remainder of the month. All in all he says after a little bit more rest I should be fine. I'm going to take the rest of the week off as intended and test out a 3 miler next week. (Sorry Adam no amputation neccessary)
   
   
2. Guess who's coming into town tomorrow?!!? Spike! YAY! We had this trip planned before the whole move thing happened but I think it is a much needed visit. I have been getting so sad about leaving behind my friends; seeing my Luv will help me get excited again! I can't wait until 5:30pm tomorrow!!!
   
   
3. Speaking of the move, I just wanted to thank you all for your overwhelming support! It's all coming together and I have been caught up in all the hustle and bustle that's involved in making a cross country move (again). I have been putting out resumes like it's my job, cuz I need a job, and have been tying up loose ends left and right in preparation for D-Day. When I moved to Florida I was 18 and the world was my oyster... 10 years later I'm in a much different place in life and change is still exciting but scary!!! Have ya'll ever made a cross country move? Did you have a job lined up before hand? How did you handle adjusting into the new environment? How long did it take before you called it "Home"?
   
   I hope ya'll are running your hearts out in my absense! Miss you long time! xoxo
   

Ch..Ch..Changes...

While cliche, I am a firm believer of "Everything Happens for a Reason." My Lankle issues for example, better to have it now, when I have the time for it to heal then during my next marathon training cycle. Furthermore, a break from running right now might be a good thing, I can focus all my energy on all the changes that are going on in my life...

You see I am about to start a new chapter in my life. It's been in the works for a little while now but I haven't been able to talk about it openly until today. Today I put in my notice at work after having spent the weekend "spring cleaning" which was really just code for packing and purging. Last week I put new tires on my car and I have an upcoming appointment to get a hitch installed.

Have you figured out where I'm *going* with this yet?

Well in case you haven't, let me spell it out for you: This Redhead is heading back to her motherland aka relocating North of the Mason Dixon Line. Soon.

I think I may have just peed myself a little finally admitting that out loud for all the world to know.

So I'm assuming you want the deets eh?

Well right about the time my grandmother passed away, I was dealing with other family related issues and there became a living situation issue. (You may recall some rather less than peppy posts and cryptic status updates during that time.) Long story short it was decided that the lease needed to be broken to solve the problem and thus I decided to move up North sooner than I had intended.

I say sooner than I intended because I had originally planned on relocating in October when my lease was up but given the situation, wheels were put in motion immediately. "Everything Happens for a Reason" and while wholly unexpected, the timing worked out and will ultimately make transitioning into the weather easier as well.

While I am extremely excited to start this new chapter of my life I can't help but feel bittersweet. On the one hand I will finally have my Luv in daily schmooping range and a whole new adventure awaits me but on the flip side I am leaving behind my Florida Family aka the Best Friends a girl could ever ask for as well as my B.R.A. peeps headed up by my beloved B.o.B. I am truly blessed, as ya'll have seen, to have an absolutely amazing support network here among my friends. They are and have been my family for the last 10 years and have played a key role in helping me find myself and become the woman I am today. They are irreplaceable, mean the world to me and are the only reason it hurts my heart to leave. *sigh*

With that being said please understand that I have a lot to do and very limited time to do it in. My time now must be entirely spent on finding a new job (anyone have any connections in the marketing field?), preparing for the relocation and spending as much time as humanly possible with my friends before I leave.

This means a blog hiatus is to be expected, although I promise to check in every "3 Things Thursday" at the very least until "D" day. Departure Day that is. Which is in less than 4 weeks. Holy sh*t.

On that note I leave you with my tag line, ironic how much I've truly made it a reality:

"Running is what you make of it, make it an Adventure!"


An Adventure indeed...