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.

Different angles II - Ann Arbor, MI

Lost queen

I watched a show called "Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen" the other day. It was about the greatest female Pharaoh Hatshepsut from 1508-1458 BC.

When Hatshepsut's father, Tuthmose I died, her half-brother and husband, Tuthmose II ascended to the throne. During the few years of Tuthmose II's reign, it is believed Hatshepsut was ruling. Tuthmose II died, and Hatshepsut took over as Pharaoh. Her stepson, Tuthmose III, was next in line for the throne. Hatshepsut was allowed to reign because her stepson was young. She dressed as a man and declared herself Pharaoh. Her legacy was removed from history. Historical records were destroyed and altered, monuments were torn down and her body was removed from her tomb.

This program talked about her reign, life and why she was removed from history. The biggest thing this show focused on was a team of forensic experts and archaeologist who used technology to identify the mummy of Hatshepsut. The experts figured out the identity of Hatshepsut by using DNA testing. They compared the DNA of family members to hers and it matched. That is pretty amazing for a mummies that are over 3000 years old.

Race listings

My byline has been appearing in the local newspaper since 1999. I've been on TV several times (only in the background of sporting events I was working at). One of my photos was featured in an regional bridal magazine ad. I can now add another cool thing to the list. My name appeared twice in an national ultrarunning magazine.

I received the December 2011 issue of UltraRunning magazine in the mail last week. In this issue, two 50Ks that I ran in late September and early October, the race results were published.

My first 50K, Dances with Dirt in Hell, Michigan, I placed 83rd out of 135 people. My second 50K, Can Lake 50K in Canandaigua, New York, I placed 12th out of 31 finishers. I was the third overall woman.

Runners who finish a ultra will have their names listed in the magazine. I just think it is awesome to have my name appear twice in one issue. My name will be appearing in this magazine again in 2012 and hopefully for many years to come.

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

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
Up Next: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling

Lights Before Christmas

These photos are from our trip December 1 to the Toledo Zoo's Lights Before Christmas. My husband and I have been to the zoo to see this display since 1996. It has become one of our favorite Christmas traditions. In the 15 years we have seen the Lights, I have never taken a camera before. I finally did this year. Instead of the camera I use to photograph sports, I brought along my small point and shoot camera. It is very small and easier to carry around. I posted a couple of my favorites.

Different angles - Ann Arbor, MI

Harry Potter

I started reading the Harry Potter series shortly after Thanksgiving. I'm currently reading the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. My thoughts on the books so far is that they are good. As someone who loves books, I'm glad it got many kids reading.

As I'm reading the books, I keep thinking how is this done in the movie? I will soon find out. When I finish the entire series, I will have a Harry Potter movie marathon at my house. I added all of the movies to my Netflix queue the other day. Right now they are at the bottom of the list, waiting. I thought of moving up the movies to the books I already finished. I decided against it. I waited over 14 years to read the books. I think I can wait a little longer to watch all of the movies.

CPR

I attended a CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) class over the weekend. As a liturgical minister at my church, I was asked to attend. The last time I was trained in CRP was back in sixth grade and I have never been trained on AED. I've seen them in public places, but have never been up close to one.

The class started with discussion and a PowerPoint presentation. All of it was basic stuff that I remembered from sixth grade. After the presentation, we were shown how to use the AED. The machine tells you want to do and shows pictures on where to stick the probes on the victim. It was all pretty self explanatory.

Following the AED demo, we finally got to try CPR on the dummies. We were split into teams of two. One person was to do the chest compressions, the other to perform the rescue breathing to the victim. My partner started with the chest compressions. We did a ratio of 30 compressions and two breaths. We did that for a couple of minutes, then switched positions.

I felt comfortable at both positions. Now if I had to perform CPR in real life, I would probably be nervous. The CPR dummy made a clicking noise if your hands were in the correct position while performing the chest compressions. Our instructor said it would be nice if that would really happen. But it doesn't. I would most be afraid of having my hands in the wrong spot and end up cracking the victim's ribs. But if I'm ever in that situation, I shouldn't think that. I should be thinking about helping the victim and getting them breathing again.

It was nice to have a refresher on CPR. You never know when it may come in handy.

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

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
Up Next: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling

Sugar Bowl

It was announced last night that the Michigan Wolverines football team will be playing the Bowl Championship Series. The Wolverines will be taking on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 3, 2012 at 8:30 p.m.

This is the first time since 2006 that Michigan will be playing in a BCS game and the first time in school history playing Virginia Tech. The Wolverines finished the regular season, 10-2. Virginia Tech regular season record was 11-2.

This will be Michigan's fifth appearance in a BCS game. Michigan has a 1-3 record in BCS games. In 2000, they defeated Alambama in the Orange Bowl, 35-34 in overtime and lost to USC in the 2004 & 2005 Rose Bowl and Texas in the 2006 Rose Bowl.

Washington & Lincoln

My husband and I are fans of history. I have read many books and watched documentaries about Abraham Lincoln. My husband has done the same, only with George Washington. We have been to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials, Ford Theater, Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) and Washington's grave site.

I took both of these photos many years apart. A couple of weeks ago, I was looking through some photos I took over the summer at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). I found one of a bust of George Washington. I did a severe crop of the bust and loved how it made the photo different. I found full photo of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial I took back in 2003. I cropped Lincoln on the right side of the photo. Washington is cropped on the left. I did that because these two photos will be printed, matted and framed. They will be hanging in our house side by side.

I love these photos and it makes history come alive.

Short December

The month of December is just going to fly by.

Heading into November, I still had two weeks of vacation to use before the end of year. If we don't use our vacation by the end of the year, we lose it. These vacation days are so important. It is nice to unwind and take a break from my busy schedule of photographing sports.

The first vacation day I used was for the day after Thanksgiving. Taking that day off created a five day weekend for myself because I had Wednesday and Thursday off. I have a three day weekend this week as I will be off Friday. But I saved the best for last. For the rest of December, I have every Thursday and Friday off. I have four day weekends for the next three weeks. I'd say that is a wonderful Christmas present.

License plates

As a child, I would love to look at the walls of my Grandmother's garage. On the walls were license plates. The license plates were really old. There were some from the 1920s, all the way to current times. It always fascinated me looking at plates that were that old.

I forgot about my love of license plates until the first time my husband and I ate dinner at Famous Dave's. Above the bar is a wall decorated with license plates from the United States. I just about died when I saw it. I found myself just staring at the wall. So many colors and plates from states I've never seen before. Every time we go back to eat at Famous Dave's, I have to look at the license plate wall.

I was on eBay recently. I looked up license plates. I found many that were for sale. I was thinking I could buy them and start my own license plate wall. Then I found an auction that made my jaw drop. A seller listed a lot of all 50 United States license plates. I so want this. The price of the auction is $160. Not bad for 50 plates. I keep hinting to my husband that I want it. I have taken him to the site several times. I have told him what I want to do with it. He knows I love license plates.

If I don't receive any plates for Christmas, I will buy them myself. I have so many ideas and have plenty of space to hang them. We have several blank walls down in our basement. They have been bare for too long. It is time to decorate them.

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

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
Up Next: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling

Hail to the Victors

It has been a long seven years, or 2926 days, since the Michigan Wolverines football team defeated Ohio State Buckeyes. The Wolverines finally took down the Buckeyes Saturday at The Big House, 40-34.

It was a back and forth game between Michigan and Ohio State. OSU scored first, then UM. With Ohio State driving with 39 seconds left, Michigan's cornerback Courtney Avery got an interception. With that, Michigan won the game.

Ohio State will be ready to play next year. The game will be in Columbus and they should have a great head coach. It would be great to see Michigan win down at the Horseshoe. Michigan needs to start their own streak of consecutive Buckeye losses in "The Game".

Photo Credit: mgoblue.com

Books read in 2011

Fourteen years after the first book was published, I'm finally going to read the series. One of my sister's let me borrow the Harry Potter series yesterday. When the books first came out, I had no interest in ever reading them. I loved reading biographies and non-fiction. Over the years, my reading tastes have changed. I still love reading biographies and non-fiction, but I have expended to reading fiction and young adult. I thought it was time to give the books a whirl.

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

Currently Reading: Bones to Ashes, Kathy Reichs
Up Next: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling

Thanksgiving Day run

If there was a local run near my home today, I probably would have run it. The closest Turkey Trot to me was north in Ann Arbor or south in Toledo, Ohio. I don't like to travel out of the county for just a 5K, so I ran at home. And it was much longer then a 5K.

I ran 22 miles on my treadmill this morning. I run long distance mostly everyday. But I like to run long distances on holidays so I don't feel so bad when I eat so much food. I try not to go overboard, but there are so many choices. You just have to sample everything.

I will be enjoying Thanksgiving with my family this afternoon. We will have some wonderful food, laughs and be watching the Lions/Packers football game. I think that is a great way to spend the day.

Short week

This week has been a pleasure so far.

I say it is a pleasure because I only had to work two days this week. I only worked on Monday and Tuesday. My department worked a double shift Tuesday. With us working a double, that allowed most of us to have Wednesday completely off. Some of my co-workers will have to work a few hours Wednesday, but nothing too major. Everyone in the building has Thanksgiving off. Normally I would be back at work Friday. But not this year. I have plenty of vacation time left, so I took the day off. I hope to sleep in that morning, but I know that won't happen. I will be up early running, not shopping.

What really makes this week pretty cool is, that I don't go back to work until Monday. I have five days off and I only had to use one vacation day. This time off will be a nice break. The busy fall sports season worn me down. It will give me time to relax before starting the winter sports season next week.

On Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Badgers men's cross country team won the NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship Monday in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Badgers beat two-team defeating National Champions Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Badgers totaled 97 points, while the Cowboys were second with 139 points. The Badgers last national championship was in 2005.

Mohammed Ahmed finished first for the Badgers in fifth place with a time of 29:06. Elliot Krause was the second Badger placing 17th (29:41), Ryan Collins (23rd-29:52), Reed Connor (36th-30:08) and Maverick Darling (46th-30:20).

Wisconsin has had a fabulous year. They first won the Big Ten Championship, The Great Lake Regional Championship and now the National Championship. They will lose Elliot Krause and Ryan Collins to graduation next year. But Ahmed and Darling will be returning. I hope they can lead their teammates to another fantastic year.

Photo: Members of the Wisconsin cross country team, from left, Michael Brice, Ryan Collins, Elliot Krause, Reed Connor, Mohammed Ahmed, Maverick Darling and Andrew Shields react after Wisconsin won the men's NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship Monday in Terre Haute, Indiana. (Associated Press/Darron Cummings)

Who has the runs?

I was featured on the Who Has The Runs: People who have the runs blog last week. I answered questions about running. Other runners are also featured on Scott's blog.

903

Duke's men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski earned his 903rd coaching win Tuesday against Michigan State. Duke defeated Michigan State 74-69 at Madison Square Garden. With that win, Krzyzewski passed Bob Knight as the all-time winningest coach in Division I basketball history.

Coach K will go for win 904 tonight at 6 p.m. when Duke Blue Devils square off against Davidson Wildcats at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Top photo: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski holds the game ball and is surrounded by players after his 903rd career victory, a 74-69 Duke win over Michigan State in an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday in New York. (Associated Press/Chuck Liddy)

Bottom photo: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski talks with Bob Knight after Duke defeated Michigan State 74-69 in an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday. Krzyzewski earned his 903rd win, passing Knight for the most Division I victories. (Associated Press/Kathy Willens)