Olympic Marathon Trials

For the first time, the men's and women's Olympic Trails Marathon will take place on the same day and place Saturday in Houston, Texas. The top three men and three women will represent the US in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The men will start first at 8 a.m. The women's start will be fifteen minutes later at 8:15 a.m. The marathon course starts and finishes in downtown Houston in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. They will run on a 2.2 mile inner loop through downtown Houston and then run an outer 8 mile loop to finish the marathon.

There won't be a live video feed from the race unlike the ING New York City Marathon. The marathon will be tape-delayed and shown later in the afternoon at 3 p.m. (EST) on NBC. I will be watching twitter and hopefully there will be updates there.

Looking forward to finding out which men and women will be representing the United States in the marathon for the upcoming Olympics.

The New Girl

I've been going to the same dentist office for four years now. The experience has been good. My teeth are in good shape. No cavities so far. The only major issues I had done were having my wisdom teeth removed. Other then that, I have only been in for cleanings and x-rays.

I have gotten along with my dental hygienist. She has been working on my teeth for the entire four years. We could joke with each other and talk about our lives. Earlier this week, it was time to head back to the dentist. I was sitting in the waiting room and I heard my name being called. I looked up and it was someone new. I was thinking to myself, "where is MY hygienist?"

As we were walking back to the chair, I asked the new hygienist where the other hygienist was. She said that the former hygienist left and she heard so many good things about her. The new hygienist offered to take my coat and my hat. I handed her my coat, but decided to keep my knit hat on. I wear my hat everywhere.

While the new hygienist was working on me, I kept thinking of what my old hygienist did. Their work procedure was very close, but different in a couple of areas. She did good work. But it really felt weird to me to have a stranger's hands in my mouth. When her hands weren't in my mouth, we made small talk. I know that she is married and has a dog.

After she finished, she rang for the dentist. The dentist came in and looked me over and said my teeth looked really good. Once the dentist left, I said that the old hygienist and I had a running joke. For the four years I've been attending that dentist office, I have only seen the same dentist twice. Every other time, it was someone new. The new hygienist asked if I had seen this dentist before. I said no. She said maybe we could have that running joke too. I told her we could.

The new hygienist was really nice and did a good job. I know I'll get used to her and hope we can have the same friendly relationship I had with my previous hygienist.

Tinker Tailor..

My husband and I drove up to Ann Arbor over the weekend to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. We went to Ann Arbor because the local movie theater in town didn't release it. That 45 minute drive one way was worth it. It didn't disappoint.

I read a review and it said that you have to see the movie twice to understand it. For me that is unnecessary. I understood the movie. I didn't think it was very difficult to follow. There are some flashback scenes. But I found it easy to know which was which was a flashback and what wasn't.

Gary Oldman was fantastic. Such superb acting. Not just Oldman, but the entire cast. This movie should get plenty of award nominations. If it doesn't, it will be shocking.

Now that I've seen the movie, I'm hoping to get my hands on a copy of the book. Should be a great read.

Books read in 2012

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley

Currently Reading: Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
Up Next: The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb

Weekend of sports

So many games were played over the weekend. One game that I didn't see, because I was away from the house and my DVR was recording two other programs, and three games that I caught a half of.

University of Michigan women's basketball team met #8 Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday evening at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines swept the Buckeyes last year in regular Big Ten play.

UM upset Ohio State for a third straight time with the score of 73-62. Courtney Boylan lead the Wolverines with a game high of 19 points and six rebounds. Ohio State was lead by Samantha Prahalis with 17 points.

I was hoping that Big Ten Network would replay the game later in the evening. But they didn't. I was disappointed that I missed seeing this game.

Later that evening, the Detroit Lions played in their first wild card playoff game since the 1999 season.

I only watched the first half of the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints game. The Lions were ahead 14-10 at halftime. They were playing really well. Matthew Stafford was throwing passes to Calvin Johnson. The defense was stopping the Saints. Then reality set back in during the second half.

The Saints scored five touchdowns in the second half. When you score that many touchdowns, you are mostly likely not going to win. The Lions only scored two touchdowns in the second half.

As a Lions fan, I was happy with the season. They finally made the playoffs and had a winning record. Hope they can keep the winning going in the 2012-2013 season.

The University of Michigan men's basketball team played on Sunday afternoon. They hosted the Wisconsin Badgers.

I flipped it over to the game starting in the second half. I couldn't believe how low the first half score was. Michigan was leading Wisconsin 25-19. Michigan went on to defeat the Badgers 59-41. The Wolverines held the Badgers to a season low only allowing 41 points. Wisconsin's average is 68 points a game.

The other game I watched over the weekend was the Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos. I have never really been a fan of the Steelers, so I wanted the Broncos to win.

With less then three minutes left in the game, I said to my husband, "If Denver can hold onto the ball, they should win the game". On the next play, the Broncos fumbled. That fumble led to a Steelers touchdown and tie game at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Denver won the coin toss and elected to receive. On the first play of overtime, Tim Tebow threw to Demaryius Thomas for an 80 yard catch and touchdown run. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23. It was a great throw and catch. I was happy for the Denver fans. At least their team won a playoff game. Next week, I don't think the Broncos will be so lucky against the New England Patriots.

Top photo: Michigan guard Courtney Boylan battles for a loose ball with Ohio State guard Maleeka Kynard during the second half of a NCAA basketball game in Ann Arbor Saturday. Michigan won 73-62. (Associated Press/Carlos Osorio)

Middle photo: Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson catches a second half touchdown as New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson defends an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday. (Associated Press/Gerald Herbert)

Bottom photo: Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas breaks away from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Mundy for the winning touchdown in overtime of an NFL wild card playoff football game Sunday. (Associated Press/Joe Mahoney)

Random things

I didn't watch the Sugar Bowl live. I had to work. Immediately after working, I ate dinner and went to bed. Before going to bed, Michigan was down to Virginia Tech 6-0. I watched the game off my DVR on Wednesday.

From what I saw of the game, the Wolverines were playing horrible. They had many three and outs, an interception and a defense that wasn't stopping anything. It was a very ugly game, but Michigan won 23-20 in overtime.

After the last two horrible seasons, it was so wonderful to see Michigan have a winning season. Brady Hoke turned around a terrible program and took them to a BCS bowl game in his first season. This year was a great. Hoping for another great season next year.

I watched the Rose Bowl Monday between Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin Badgers. I really liked Oregon's chrome helmets. They were unique, flashy and really cool. I hope the Oregon Ducks will play games with them again. The design is just really neat.

Finally! My husband and I will be going to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy this weekend.

Top Photo: Members of the Michigan football team celebrate after a 23-20 overtime win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans Tuesday. Associated Press/Dave Martin

Bottom Photo: Getty Images/Harry How

Favorite photos of 2011

Miles run in 2011 - final count

The past year has been very good for me. I ran a bunch of miles and didn't get injured. In 2011, I became an ultra runner. When I started running again in 2003, I never imaged that I would ever run that far. It took me years before I realized that I needed a new challenge and finally decided to do something about it.

I ran my first ultra in September, a 50K at Dances with Dirt in Hell, Michigan. It was a very difficult course and challenging race. During the race, I fell numerous times, walked through water, climbed up hills on my hands and knees and ran over rocks and tree roots. I finished in 7:01: 42. A couple of weeks later, I ran my second 50K (can Lake 50K) on the rural and very hilly roads of Canadaigua, New York. I finished the road race in 5:45:48. I was 12th overall, the 3rd overall woman and first in my age group. It was after that race that I knew I would be able to conquer a new distance: the 50 mile.

I will be running my first 50 mile race in March. I'm really looking forward to it. I still have a couple months of training yet to do. I really looking forward to running this new distance.

Total miles run for the year:
2011: 5745
2010: 2764.9
2009: 1257.9
2008: 960.2
2007: 573.7
2006: 470
2005: 350.8
2004: 318.6

Books read in 2011 - final count

Final count: 64

Favorite books of the year: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, Dean Karnazes; The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After, Steven M Gillon; The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, Steig Larsson; The Hunger Games triolgy, Suzanne Collins; William and Kate: The Love Story, Christopher Andersen; Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher; My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe

Least favorite books: The Laurell K. Hamilton books. They just weren't my style. I read them because my sister gave them to me.

1. The Laughing Corpse, Laurell K. Hamilton
2. Circus of the Damned, Laurell K. Hamilton
3. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle, L.J. Smith
4. The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion, L.J. Smith
5. The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall, L.J. Smith
6. The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Origins, L.J. Smith
7. The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Bloodlust, L.J. Smith
8. Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, Dean Karnazes
9. The Kennedy Detail, Gerald Blaine with Lisa McCubbin
10. The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After, Steven M Gillon
11. 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathon in 50 Days, Dean Karnazes
12. The Brotherhood: A Precinct 11 Novel, Jerry B. Jenkins
13. 127 Hours, Aron Ralston
14. JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, James W. Douglass
15. My Life on the Run, Bart Yasso
16. On the Trail of the JFK Assassins, Dick Russell
17. Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss, Dean Karnazes
18. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Steig Larsson
19. Second Wind: One Woman's Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents, Cami Ostman
20. The Scarpetta Factor, Patricia Cornwell
21. Dual in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley and America's Greatest Marathon, John Brant
22. Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
23. Iron Heart, Brian Boyle
24. Running With Joy: My Daily Journey to the Marathon, Ryan Hall
25. Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell
26. Predator, Patricia Cornwell
27. Port Mortuary, Patricia Cornwell
28. Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, Ryan Powell & Eric Grossman
29. Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss and a Record-Setting Run, Marshall Ulrich
30. I'm Here to Win, Chris McCormack
31. Book of the Dead, Patricia Cornwell
32. The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness, Pam Reed
33. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
34. Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
35. Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins
36. The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls, L.J. Smith
37. William and Kate: The Love Story, Christopher Andersen
38. Reading Jackie: Her Autobiography in Books, William Kuhn
39. My Story, Sarah Ferguson
40. The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown
41. Diana and Jackie: Maidens, Mothers, Myths, Jay Mulvaney
42. Sarah: The Life of a Duchess, Ingrid Seward
43. Diana in Private: The Princess Nobody Knows, Lady Campbell Colin
44. Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
45. The Death Valley 300, Richard Benyo
46. Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself, Sarah Ferguson
47. Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis
48. My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe
49. Once a Runner, John L. Parker, Jr.
50. Again to Carthage: A Novel, John L. Parker, Jr.
51. Running Hot, Lisa Tamati
52. Confessions of a Backup Dancer, Anonymous
53. Killing Britney, Sean Olin
54. Devil Bones, Kathy Reichs
55. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, Gabrielle Zevin
56. Death Du Jour, Kathy Reichs
57. The Last Days, Scott Westerfeld
58. Bones to Ashes, Kathy Reichs
59. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling
60. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
61. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
62. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
63. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling
64. Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling

Movies watched in 2011 - final count

Final count: 38

Favorite movies: J. Edgar, Love Actually, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Swedish & American version), The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Favorite documentary: Ultramarathon Man: 50 Marathons, 50 States, 50 Days

Least favorite movie: Drive

1. 127 Hours (2010)
2. American Experience: The Kennedys (1992) TV
3. Big Jake (1971)
4. Center Stage: Turn It Up (2008)
5. Conspiracy? - Princess Diana (2008) TV
6. Diana: Last Days of a Princess (2007) TV
7. Double Indemnity (1944)
8. Drive (2011)
9. Frank Sinatra: The Man and the Myth (2004) TV
10. Hardcore (1979)
11. Harlow (1965)
12. J. Edgar (2011)
13. Love Actually (2003)
14. MST3K: Ring of Terror (1962) TV
15. MST3K: Teenagers from Outer Space (1959) TV
16. Our Fathers (2005) TV
17. Out of the Past (1947)
18. Remember Me (2010)
19. Running the Sahara (2007)
20. Saved! (2004)
21. Somewhere in Time (1980)
22. Stolen (2009)
23. Strangers on a Train (1951)
24. The Conspirator (2010)
25. The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
26. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (2009)
27. The Girl Who Played With Fire (2009)
28. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
29. The King's Speech (2010)
30. The Other Guys (2010)
31. The Quiet Man (1952)
32. The Stranger (1946)
33. The Town (2010)
34. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
35. The Upside of Anger (2005)
36. Ultramarathon Man: 50 Marathons, 50 States, 50 Days (2008)
37. Young Adult (2011)
38. Zero Hour! (1957)

New Year's goals

1. Lose weight - I gained some weight back during 2011. It's not enough for other people to notice. But I know I did. I let my tight grip on what I've been eating, slide a bit over the year. In the new year, I'm going back to really watching what I eat. When the new year starts, I will be saying goodbye to cookies, doughnuts, ice cream and cornbread yet again. I will not be buying them at the grocery store. If I have any of these items in the house, I can't stop from eating them. My willpower is terrible around them. My husband baked cookies for Christmas, I probably ate half of them. The items I listed make for a fast and quick snack. Instead of reaching for them, I will be grabbing a banana, yogurt or granola bar. Also my mindless snacking has to end. I know it will end if I don't have anything tempting in the house.

2. Continue running - I will keep running as long as I can. I don't plan on setting a number goal to reach in 2012. I just want to keep running and keep myself healthy. I have three big ultras planned for 2012. I want to be sure I'll reach the starting and finishing line in all of them.

3. Take a class - I have wanted to take a class for years. I've been interested in learning a new language, cake decorating and flower arranging. What has stopped me from enrolling in a class, is work. I work a lot at night. That is when most of the classes take place. I found a website where you can take classes online. You have up to six months to complete them and it is self paced. I think this is the solution I have been looking for. No more excuses. I can learn something new.

4. Shoot more photos for myself - This item is on my list every year. It will continue to be on it until I do it. Like I said in January, I want to photograph the things that interest me: cemeteries, cemetery statues, graffiti, decaying structures and abandoned houses/industry. I must do this.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I have read the books. I have watched the Swedish movies of the trilogy. If you are able to rent the Swedish movies, do it. They are fantastic. You have a choice of reading subtitles or watching a dubbed English version. Michael Nygvist and Noomi Rapce did a wonderful job as the main characters of Mikael and Lisbeth. Rapce was a bad ass in these movies.

I will be heading to the movie theater on Friday afternoon to watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In this movie, the main characters are Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. An added bonus is Christopher Plummer. Plummer is one of my favorite actors. He plays Henrik Vanger in the newest version.

I have read that this movie is a bit long, but it stays true to the book. I like movies more when they don't change what was written in the book. I'm hope I like the US version as much as the Swedish version.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was released on December 9 in the US with very limited release. I have been waiting patiently for that movie to come to a theater near me. Tinker Tailor Solider Spy was written by John Le Carre who also wrote The Constant Gardner.

This movie is set in the 1970s and the head of British Intelligence resigns after an operation goes wrong in Hungary. The head of British Intelligence believes one of the four senior figures in the service was a Russian agent, mole, and the Hungary operation was an attempt to identify which one of them was it.

I will be buying or checking out the book at the library because I really want to read this. I'm hoping I don't have to wait much longer before the movie is released.

Books read in 2011

The Laughing Corpse, Laurell K. Hamilton
Circus of the Damned, Laurell K. Hamilton
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Origins, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Bloodlust, L.J. Smith
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, Dean Karnazes
The Kennedy Detail, Gerald Blaine with Lisa McCubbin
The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After, Steven M Gillon
50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathon in 50 Days, Dean Karnazes
The Brotherhood: A Precinct 11 Novel, Jerry B. Jenkins
127 Hours, Aron Ralston
JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, James W. Douglass
My Life on the Run, Bart Yasso
On the Trail of the JFK Assassins, Dick Russell
Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss, Dean Karnazes
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Steig Larsson
Second Wind: One Woman's Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents, Cami Ostman
The Scarpetta Factor, Patricia Cornwell
Dual in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley and America's Greatest Marathon, John Brant
Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
Iron Heart, Brian Boyle
Running With Joy: My Daily Journey to the Marathon, Ryan Hall
Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell
Predator, Patricia Cornwell
Port Mortuary, Patricia Cornwell
Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, Ryan Powell & Eric Grossman
Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss and a Record-Setting Run, Marshall Ulrich
I'm Here to Win, Chris McCormack
Book of the Dead, Patricia Cornwell
The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness, Pam Reed
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls, L.J. Smith
William and Kate: The Love Story, Christopher Andersen
Reading Jackie: Her Autobiography in Books, William Kuhn
My Story, Sarah Ferguson
The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown
Diana and Jackie: Maidens, Mothers, Myths, Jay Mulvaney
Sarah: The Life of a Duchess, Ingrid Seward
Diana in Private: The Princess Nobody Knows, Lady Campbell Colin
Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
The Death Valley 300, Richard Benyo
Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself, Sarah Ferguson
Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis
My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe
Once a Runner, John L. Parker, Jr.
Again to Carthage: A Novel, John L. Parker, Jr.
Running Hot, Lisa Tamati
Confessions of a Backup Dancer, Anonymous
Killing Britney, Sean Olin
Devil Bones, Kathy Reichs
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, Gabrielle Zevin
Death Du Jour, Kathy Reichs
The Last Days, Scott Westerfeld
Bones to Ashes, Kathy Reichs
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling
Up Next: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

Weekend update

I had a wonderful weekend.

My husband and I saw the movie Young Adult Friday. Charlize Theron plays the main character Mavis. After her divorce, Mavis returns to her small Minnesota hometown to try to get back with her ex-boyfriend. The only problem is her ex-boyfriend is now married with a daughter. If you want to see the movie, skip the next paragraph.

Mavis tries for the entire movie to get back with him. I'm glad that she didn't get her happy ending. She leaves her hometown empty handed and returns to her life in the big city of Minneapolis. There are some laugh out loud parts in the movie, but it is a dark comedy. Which I like. I thought Patton Oswalt did a great job with his character and his flaws.

My husband and I hosted a family dinner after Christmas mass Saturday. We had a total of 11 family members in our house. If we had anymore, there wouldn't have been any place for them to sit. For appetizers, we started with a meat and cheese tray; cookies and bread and olive oil. For dinner, we served salad, pot roast, potatoes, onions and carrots. To end the meal, we had a choice of cake, eggnog cheesecake or pumpkin pie. Everyone enjoyed dinner. Family, conversation and great food made the night wonderful. Hosting a huge family dinner on Christmas Eve is my favorite holiday tradition.

My husband slept until 11:15 a.m. on Christmas morning. Since I had plenty of time, I ran 20 miles that morning. But before running, I looked in my stocking. "Santa", aka my husband bought me a variety of Clif bars, a big box of Nerds and two of Adele's CDs, 19 & 21. I've been wanting Adele's 21 for a long time. Very excited to see it in my stocking. In my husband's stocking was Pecan Sandie's cookies, gift cards, Michael Jackson's Thriller CD and three sample bottles of vodka, Grey Goose and Absolut. When we were buying wine for his stepfather, he mentioned that he would like to try the different vodkas.

As for gifts, I received a stack of books, clothes, new running shoes and license plates. Yes, the license plates that I have been drooling over. My husband bought me a set of all 50 states. My husband and I discussed remodeling our porch and hanging the plates on the wall. Above a counter, the plates would act as a back splash and using more plates as a border near the ceiling of the porch. As for the plates that won't fit in the porch, they will most likely end up on the wall in our basement. My husband surprised me with the newest Mizuno Wave Rider 15. They are so pretty and bright yellow. The colors are lemon and dark shadow. I love my shoes to be a bright color and different from everyone else. I like to be different and stand out.

I had today off from work. The office was closed to recognize Christmas. I have enjoyed my five days off. I have been taking advantage of this time off. I have been running, catching up on work, reading, spending time with my family and napping. It has been great. Tomorrow, it will be back to the grind.

More from Graffiti Alley - Ann Arbor, MI

End of the year questions

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Ran two ultras. Both were 50Ks.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes. I kept three out of five resolutions. I ran way over 2800 miles (over 5200 so far), read a ton of books and I ran some new races. The two that I didn't meet were losing a few more pounds and always, taking more personal photos for myself. Both of those will be on my 2012 resolution list. I plan on succeeding at both of them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
The US. Went to Wisconsin for the first time. Back to Chicago for a short time and went to upstate New York.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I would love to make more money.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 24 and October 8. Those were the dates I ran ultramarathons (50Ks). I went from someone who said they would never run a marathon (which I haven't yet, an official one that is) to running ultras. Running ultras has taught me that I can do anything as long as I try.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Running over 5000 miles.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not shooting more personal photos and gaining a few pounds.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. Not this year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A Camelbak. It worked well for me during my ultras.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Student loan, gas, groceries, books and house payments.

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Running in Ragnar Chicago relay, running my first ultra and becoming a runner for Oiselle.

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Rolling in the Deep by Adele and Love the Way You Lie by Eminem

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter. I gained a few pounds.
c) richer or poorer? About the same.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of? Shoot photos for myself.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of? Complain.

18. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes. I love my husband more then ever.

19. What was your favorite TV programs?
Community, Modern Family, Dexter, Blue Bloods, Top Chef & The Vampire Diaries.

20. What was the best book you read?
The Hunger Games series. Can't wait for the movie.

21. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Adele

22. What was your favorite films of this year?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. I watched the foreign films and they were just as good as the books. I hope the US versions will be as good as the foreign ones.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32 and I ran 32 miles on my birthday.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I didn't gain back a few pounds. I plan to really watch what I eat in the new year. I will lose the weight I gained.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Same as last year. Jeans, shorts, and shirts from Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister and Abercromie and Fitch.

26. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. What an elegant and classy woman.

27. Who do you miss?
My dad who passed away in 1998 and college friends that live so far away.

28. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. Running ultras has taught me that I can do anything as long as I try.

29. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Sometimes we're strong, sometimes we're weak/Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep/We live this life breath to breath/We're all the same, we all bleed red. - Bleed Red by Ronnie Dunn

30. Do you have any big plans for 2012? I will be running my first 50 mile race in March. I also plan to run a second 50 mile race in October.

Days off

This will never get old.

After working three days this week, I get five days off.

The reason for all of the days off is because I had a bunch of vacation days to use. Back in November, I had two weeks of vacation left to use. If you don't use them, you lose them. And I don't want to lose them. The first day I used was Black Friday. I took it off with the purpose of sleeping in, not shopping. I don't think I even slept in that day. With one day down and seven vacation days to go, I took the first Friday of December off. After that day, I took off every Thursday and Friday for the rest of December. That meant I only had to work a total of 12 days for the month of December.

Today is my last day of work for this week. I wouldn't have worked anyway, but the office is closed this weekend for Christmas Eve and Christmas. The management also decided to close the office on Monday to recognize Christmas. Since the office is closed on Monday, that gives me five days off. Next week's schedule will be the same with New Year's.

I'm thankful for the time off. It gives me time to relax and slow down. After the new year, my schedule will be back to normal and busy with the winter sports season.

Books read in 2011

The Laughing Corpse, Laurell K. Hamilton
Circus of the Damned, Laurell K. Hamilton
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Origins, L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries: Bloodlust, L.J. Smith
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, Dean Karnazes
The Kennedy Detail, Gerald Blaine with Lisa McCubbin
The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After, Steven M Gillon
50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathon in 50 Days, Dean Karnazes
The Brotherhood: A Precinct 11 Novel, Jerry B. Jenkins
127 Hours, Aron Ralston
JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, James W. Douglass
My Life on the Run, Bart Yasso
On the Trail of the JFK Assassins, Dick Russell
Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss, Dean Karnazes
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Steig Larsson
Second Wind: One Woman's Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents, Cami Ostman
The Scarpetta Factor, Patricia Cornwell
Dual in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley and America's Greatest Marathon, John Brant
Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
Iron Heart, Brian Boyle
Running With Joy: My Daily Journey to the Marathon, Ryan Hall
Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell
Predator, Patricia Cornwell
Port Mortuary, Patricia Cornwell
Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, Ryan Powell & Eric Grossman
Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss and a Record-Setting Run, Marshall Ulrich
I'm Here to Win, Chris McCormack
Book of the Dead, Patricia Cornwell
The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness, Pam Reed
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins
The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls, L.J. Smith
William and Kate: The Love Story, Christopher Andersen
Reading Jackie: Her Autobiography in Books, William Kuhn
My Story, Sarah Ferguson
The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown
Diana and Jackie: Maidens, Mothers, Myths, Jay Mulvaney
Sarah: The Life of a Duchess, Ingrid Seward
Diana in Private: The Princess Nobody Knows, Lady Campbell Colin
Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
The Death Valley 300, Richard Benyo
Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself, Sarah Ferguson
Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis
My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe
Once a Runner, John L. Parker, Jr.
Again to Carthage: A Novel, John L. Parker, Jr.
Running Hot, Lisa Tamati
Confessions of a Backup Dancer, Anonymous
Killing Britney, Sean Olin
Devil Bones, Kathy Reichs
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, Gabrielle Zevin
Death Du Jour, Kathy Reichs
The Last Days, Scott Westerfeld
Bones to Ashes, Kathy Reichs
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling
Up Next: Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling

The DIA

My husband and I saw a travel agency marquee in town mention a bus trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit the other day. The tour was for the exhibition "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus". The exhibition features Rembrandt van Rijn's paintings, prints and drawings that portray Jesus and events described in the Bible. I said I would be interested in seeing the exhibition and my husband said he was too. He said we could see it on a day trip.

While I was looking at the DIA's website, I saw that they have another exhibition that I want to see. The exhibition is "Detroit Revealed: Photographs 2000-2010." According to the website, "the photographs and video was inspired by Detroit and its people, diverse culture, and industries in work created from 2000-2010. The artists shed light on life in the Motor City during the past decade, a time characterized by unique challenges that continue to influence the landscape and society of Detroit in the post-automotive era." What I'm hoping to see is urban decay, deteriorating factories and graffiti, which are my favorites. Every time I'm in Detroit and I see it, I'm drooling. To me, it is just so beautiful. To others, it's ugly.

The DIA also has a collection of Egyptian art. Another added bonus. It would be nice if we could go visit the DIA after Christmas. If not, we will definitely make it there before the Rembrandt exhibit closes in February.