Day 4,381—Felix’s Birthday Party: My Struggle with Flowers—

 

   The party didn’t start until 10 a.m., so I had some time to go on a run. Earlier, it was raining, and I did some chores around the house. It seemed like there was always one more thing to do before I went running. I emptied the trash, started laundry, and picked up around the house. I didn’t have as much time when I started, but my goal was to be home well before 9:30, and I did that! I had time to help out and take a shower when I got home, so I only did 10 miles today. It was cold and rainy, so we couldn’t have the party outside. It also meant my hands got so cold that I regretted not bringing my gloves. I saw this eagle carved out of a tree stump at the start of my run. I love the idea of carving a wooden figure in a tree stump, but I don’t think an eagle is what I would want. It did look cool, and I thought the paint added a lot. Part of me just thought how out of place an Eagle seemed that low. There used to be eagles at Grant’s Farm when I was a kid. I remember they had one that would just hang out without a cage. I hope it was a rescued animal because it couldn’t fly anymore, but they don’t have any birds like that at Grant’s Farm now.

        At first, I saw no other runners out, but it wasn’t long on Grant’s Trail before I saw a large group warming up for their run. I saw someone talking about the groups that they could run with, but they must have gone the other way because I didn’t see them again. I did see a bunch of people walking with weighted vests, as well as some bike riders. I got creative on my way home, taking a route I rarely use, and ended up crossing Big Bend at the wrong time. I always forget how fast people drive on that road. I kept a consistent pace and focused on my form. I didn’t even need water, which made me think that this focus on form, while not making me go any faster right now, is helping me run more efficiently. I was barely phased by the run. Most of the time, I do push the pace if I can, so maybe that was the difference. But enough about my run. Felix’s birthday party was great! He is officially three years old, and it was so exciting to see him care about presents in a way that he never has before. He even opened them up on his own! It made me reflect a little on how easy it is to know what to buy them when they’re this age, so you have to take advantage. 

The second picture I took was flowers, which I always struggle to take good pictures of flowers, but I keep taking them.