Sometimes

Sometimes the Internet makes you feel close to people you have never met. And I love that. Sometimes the blogs that I read can actually make or break my day. And it just all comes down to the power of words and images.

Last night, I had someone tell me that once a prophetic phrase is spoken (and I don't mean that in a spiritual sense - I mean more of a predictive phrase), it's out there and it can never be returned. And the idea behind the words now has the possibility of becoming true/real, maybe even more so because it was spoken/put out there. I am oftentimes of the mindset that things don't have to be spoken/written to make them more real. Verbalization is literally not the final say in the validity or worth of things. But sometimes, like today, I read something that makes me understand how powerful putting our words out there - especially in the cold, yet interconnected world of cyberspace - can be.

And I wrote all that fluffy crap above - that may or may not make sense - because I want to recommend that you read yesterday's post from Jennifer, the author of She Likes Purple. The power and poignancy of her post made me understand how words can make things so much more real and how those words will remain long after they are spoken.

Training

Today I officially began training for the half-marathon that is on my 108 in 2008 list. Yeah, the list that I never cross anything off because I can't seem to manage more than one blog at a time. But the day will come when I concentrate hard enough to do both. Until then, be dazzled by my wit on this blog.

[somewhere a cricket chirps]

Anywho.

So, a half-marathon is 13.1 miles. And the half-marathon I'm running isn't until October. So, why am I beginning my training now? Maybe it's because I secretly want to spend as much time as possible at the gym in the hopes that super-athletic man will stretch in front of me more, Zandria. Or maybe because I am a weenie, because I can only manage three whole miles before deciding that walking is the only thing my legs were made to do.

Or maybe - just maybe - because after I run, I feel like I can fly.

Deep thoughts of the day

Have you ever noticed how music goes out of tune when you yawn? I guess it makes perfect sense really, since your ears close up when you yawn. Am I the only one who notices this strange occurrence? Am I the only one who cares?

There is a man at the gym, about 35-ish, who is in really good shape. And after running on the treadmill, he always comes and stretches in front of me. I mean, bends over and grabs his ankles stretching while facing the wall in front of me. Got the image in your mind? Yeah. And I am no where near his treadmill. He walks across the room so I have a full-access to his flexibility. Why does he do this? Truthfully, I'm much happier watching the news.

Steph, my older, pregnant sister, is full-term, though her baby is not due until May 8. I keep asking her to have the baby early because I have business trips on her due date and a couple of days after. Is this wrong?

I can't wait until tomorrow!

Every 30 seconds...

... a child dies of malaria.



If you haven't already, please read Kari's moving posts regarding this horrible, yet preventable disease.

And learn how you can help:

American Red Cross: Fight the Bite

Malaria No More

Nothing But Nets

The babies are coming!

So, my friend Meaghan just announced that she is having a baby! And I'm so happy for her and Chris. Send some love their way if you haven't already.

And I wanted to clear something up from my last post, because this is my blog and I want only fresh air 'round these parts. I am completely OK with being single, as in boyfriend-less, and without children. Being around a bunch of married, pregnant ladies my age just made me feel strangely out of place, though not wanting to be in their place. I really appreciate the encouraging comments, but I want everyone to know I am A-OK.

So, now that business is taken care of, I want to demonstrate even further my happiness with the babies surrounding my life. I mean, with both sisters pregnant, my older sister's final baby shower tomorrow, Meaghan's announcement, my cousin's new baby and all the other pregnant women surrounding me, I could sink into a bitter stupor, but instead I shall post a photo and a link. The photo being the gorgeousness that is my very pregnant, older sister, Steph, and the link being your way of contacting the photographer, Brandelyn Shirley. Because she kicks ass. No, seriously, she is one of the best photographers I know, and I know many. Comes with the PR job. Also, I've known Brandy since college, and I just think she's swell.



Click here to view Steph's photoshoot.

Click here to view the blog of one of the Atlanta area's best photographers.

Click here to view the website of one of the Atlanta area's best photographers.