Garrisonville Road aka 610

Am I the only one going the speed limit on Garrisonville Road. On a regular basis, I have vehicles riding my ass waiting for the next opportunity to cut me off. What is the problem?

First off, I am driving 50 mph in a 45 mph zone; thus, I'm already speeding. When you get further down 610, past North Stafford High School, the road starts to dip and curve. Stafford is notorious for accidents on roads like this. Where the hell are the cops when you need them.

I am glad they have put up a few traffic signals--one in front of the high school, and one on Shelton Shop Road. How many people have to die before you all slow the fuck down?

Shoppers is the Spot

I remember when it used to be called Shoppers Food Warehouse. I love to go there for the big "colossal" donuts. If you haven't tried them yet, you've BEEN missing out. I first started eating them because they were cheaper than Dunkin Donuts. But I don't think they make them all day long; so I get them in the morning. Too bad they don't have maple. That became my favorite after spending some time on the west coast.

Now Shoppers has a food bar. I laughed at it the first time I saw it. Then, I glanced right quick to see what they offered. I was like, "Who the hell eats at Shoppers?" Well, then my mom got her some chicken wings one time we were there. Another time, I decided to get the mac n cheese. And we've been slowly eating there ever since. It is not inexpensive, but if you want real food, instead of McDs or something, then go ahead and try it.

Lastly, as much as I try to hide in Stafford, I keep running into people--my classmates...at Shoppers. Whoa! It has been three times in a row that I have seen a different female that I either graduated with, or was a class under mine. I almost stopped one of them because I think she even lived in my neighborhood. Maybe next time.

Post Office Cutie

I have been to the post office 2 days in a row now. I keep missing the mail lady (because she comes BETWEEN 1:30 and 4:30) and therefore I end up stuck with the same Netflix DVD repeatedly.

There is a really cute postal worker. He must be fairly new because I haven't seen him previously and I am familiar with the other people there. I got to be attended by him both times!!! If he's your husband, congratulations! He looks great in his business shirt (and tie?).

Driving 95 and the HOV lane

Last weekend, I decided to go to Baltimore, which is my hangout-spot.  I think I got on I95 at around 5:30 p.m on Saturday.  No sooner had I gotten to either the Dumfries or Quantico exit, traffic was at a stand still.  WTF?  I thought I was escaping traffic by leaving so late.

I enviously watched the HOV drivers speed up the highway.  Damnit, oh how I wish I had got on! I always wondered what was the purpose of using HOV on the weekends.  The one time I tried, I missed my exit because I didn't know quite how to get off.  So, I vowed to never get on it again.  And at other times, it seems that HOV is as slow as the rest.  But I think I have learned my lesson now:  Ride at all times (in accordance with the open HOV rules, of course!)!

And what was stopping traffic up on I95 going northbound and southbound?...All I saw was one cop that had pulled someone over IN THE HOV LANE between the Lorton and Springfield exits!!!!  After that point, it was all clear.  What is wrong with people here and how do you all put up with this madness?

When Can I Run?

Finally, I started an exercise routine about three weeks ago. I began with speed walking because my endurance is poor and my knees tend to swell after a lifetime of inactivity. I walk from an elementary school, to a middle school, or by a pool, or around another elementary school and through a neighborhood--anything to stay out of my own area. I don't want anyone I know noticing me; but if you see me in a red Jordan cap with a pair of Saucony's, then toss me a peace sign!

I'd say the distance that I travel is at least 2 miles. I have mustered up enough strength to jog at least half of it, though not all at once. I do a combo of walk, jog, walk, or the other way around. Originally, I wasn't breaking much of a sweat--and they say if you don't, then you're not doing any good. But my heart was pumping and jumping and I didn't want to die for it, so I'm getting my body acclimated slowly.

It is very, very hard not to quit. With every footstep my mind begs me to return home to eat and sleep. My gastrocnemius muscles burn intensely and sometimes I feel like I can't catch my breath. If only I could just stop. But I won't. I try to focus on everything besides the path: my breathing, the birds, other people and their pets. Then I start thanking the Lord: "Thank you for my eyes to see this beauty." "Thank you for my legs to do this run." "Thank you for my strong heart." And I push myself because I know my body is pleased with me. It seems like I start glowing.

For the past 7 days now, I've really been struggling. Last Wednesday, it was 68° at 9 a.m. and I could feel the heaviness on my chest when I began to walk in the humidity. Oh no! I pushed through it though and really broke a sweat. On Saturday it was 71° at 8 a.m., and I knew it would be even more of a problem. It was like running in a smoky room, but I pressed through it and stopped at a garage sale or two.

Today, it was 81° at 8:45 a.m. and I was devastated. I really thought about quitting before I began. My record for the past week has already been quite spotty due to this heatwave providing me a valid excuse. But I got out there, and jogged more than I usually do, sweat, and baked in the high sun. I've really got to get out earlier.