When the World Stops Spinning

It's apparent I've been MIA around here for a couple of weeks.  Maybe you noticed, and maybe you didn't!  But my cat's been sick and I just didn't feel like writing.  I don't even feel much like writing now but thought I'd check in and let you know I'm still alive.

It all started off so innocuously.  I took my cat into the vet last weekend for what I believed was a minor cough, and what I thought would be a simple diagnosis. They took chest x-rays and that's when they saw it.  A mass.

I heard the C word and then I lost it.  I felt like I was going to throw up and pass out at the same time.  My world stopped spinning.

I brought him home and then I cried all weekend.  ALL weekend.  Nothing else matters when someone you love gets that diagnosis.  Nothing.  An ultrasound yesterday confirmed the tumor.  We are still waiting on a biopsy which will be performed next week but in any case, it's not good. 

I'm sad every time I look at him, thinking there's something inside his body that's slowly killing him and there's nothing I can do. 

Why my cat???

I cry in the car and in the shower sometimes, when no one's around.  I cry when I look at him and see how thin he's becoming, wondering why I didn't notice anything sooner.  I cry often when I lie down at night. 

I don't know how I'll watch him go through this. 

How do you explain what's happening to a cat?  I don't know. 
How will I explain to his brother what's happened to his very best friend in the world.  I don't know.  How will I pretend that what's happening to him isn't killing me inside?  I won't.  

Tomorrow I leave to spend the holiday in ATL surrounded by family.  I'll board my plane and pretend my world's still spinning, and that my heart isn't breaking into a million little pieces.

And that's all I have to say about that. 

I realize this post is a HUGE downer and I'm sorry.  But that's what's been going on.  If you've ever had a pet with a terminal illness, I'd love to hear what you did, how you dealt with it, and how you helped them through it.

Wherever you are spending the holidays and whomever you are with, love them and hug them and tell them.  You never know how much time you have left.

It's My New Favorite Holiday!

HAPPY NATIONAL CAT DAY!!!

 

via Pinterest

 

 

Never heard of this holiday?  Me either, until just a few days ago.  And I LOVE it!  You can read more about why the holiday was founded here.  The holiday is a way to bring awareness to a great cause, ie. encouraging people to adopt shelter cats, millions of whom will be euthanized each year. 

 

I couldn't imagine my life without my cats, who I adopted from a shelter 11 (yes ELEVEN!) years ago when I moved to Baltimore.  I knew nothing about cats and didn't think I was a 'cat person', but at the persuasion of one of my very best friends, dove in headfirst and adopted not one, but TWO, kittens!  What can I say, I like to go all in.  I treat my boys like the VIPs they are every day, but I will be sure to give them some extra treats and snuggles tonight for being the loving little souls they are.

Babies!

We like retro electronics around here

Sneaker fanatic just like his mom

We all drink green smoothies in this house

 

I've also written them this lovely poem:

 

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

I just stepped in your vomit,

But I still love you!

 

 

I'm not a historian, but I know many creative, intelligent writers, inventors, and history-makers were cat people, so I think we owe some gratitude to their species.  And also, where would our society be today without the constant influx of funny cat videos and memes?  Internet cat videos are universal and bring people from all over the world together!  Therefore, More Cats = World Peace!

 

So what are you waiting for?  Go hug your cat.  If you don't have a cat, go hug your friend's cat.  If you have no friends that have a cat, I think it's time someone in your social circle GOT A CAT.  And that's my PSA for today.  Cats want only to sit on your lap, sleep on your head, be fed and loved.  There's really no purer motives than those.  I hope you all get to experience the love of at least one cat in your lifetime.

 

HAPPY CAT DAY!

 

 

I'm linking up with MamaKat today for her Writing Workshop.  Today's prompt:

October 29th is National Cat Day.  Write a poem about your cat.

 

 

 

Do you have a cat?

 

Know anyone who has a cat?

 

Enjoy funny internet cats on a daily/weekly basis?

 

If you answered No to Questions 1 and 2 but Yes to number 3, I think it's time you got yourself a cat :)

 



On Love, and The Top 7 Things Your Single Friends Do Not Want to Hear

Source/via Pinterest

I should prob try that

 

 

The title of this here little blog is 'Live, Love, Run'.  I pretty much talk about my life ad nauseam and there's always mention of running thrown in there too, but you may have noticed there hasn't been much talk of love lately.  I mean, I wish that weren't the case, but there hasn't been much to report in that area.  I haven't been doing much dating lately.  There have been some attempts and some dates here and there but nothing exciting to report. 

 

Also I've abandoned Tinder.  Here's a tip: If you want to see where 95% of your city's misogynists hang out, go on Tinder.  I guess I knew going in that it was pretty much a s*itshow and I can definitely confirm for you that is the case!  Additionally, I just read this article yesterday that states if you want to upgrade to Tinder's new premium version they are going to charge double the price if you are over 30!?!?  First of all, I'd never pay for Tinder, but second and more importantly, age discrimination much?!  I thought I couldn't hate Tinder any more but I officially do.  #boycottingforlife

 

Dating is definitely harder in your 30's for many reasons.  The big one for me is that just about all of my friends/family/sisters/relatives are years deep into their marriages and have kids and families of their own.  [I have participated in, attended and planned more bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings and baby showers than I can count.  My closet legit looks like Katherine Heigl's in '27 Dresses'.]  This significantly reduces not only the time I spend with them, but the possibility that they have any single friends with which I can mingle!  When we were in our 20's we were all in the same boat - going out, having fun pretty much any time we wanted, and there were lots of single people in the mix.  That just isn't the case anymore.  People are either spending massive amounts of time at their job, or they're at home with their kids and families.

Today I'm going to run down a list of some of the most overused and clichéd pieces of advice I've been given over the years.  If you're single, you've probably heard a bunch of these and rolled your eyes too.  If you're not single, and you're tempted to say any of these things to someone who is, I'd advise against it.  We really can't bear to hear them one more time!

1.  Have you tried online dating? 
This one usually comes from relatives in their 60's and/or people in relationships who have never once tried online dating.  Yes, we've tried online dating.  Anyone who is single in this day and age has tried online dating, and NEWSFLASH it's not some magic pill for finding the love of your life.  It may work for some people but not for everyone.  Do I think everyone is and should be a runner?  No.  There are many different ways to exercise just as there are many different ways to meet people.  Online dating is not the be-all, end-all. 

2.  It'll happen when you least expect it.
Oh I love this one. What does this even mean?! Do you even know what you're saying?  I haven't expected it for years and nothing ever happened.  So I just disproved your tried-and-true theory.

3.  You're not putting yourself out there enough.
Again, what does this mean?! I work, I go to the gym, I hang out with YOU, my friends, my family. I travel. I am not a hermit living under a rock.  Ohhhhh, perhaps you meant I need to 'let it all hang out' and dress more provocatively? Gotcha.  I'll try that.  That's probably a good look for a nanny.

4.  You're not trying hard enough.
Really?  I find this one to be particularly judgmental.  Most of the people I know who say this met their significant other/husband/etc in the normal course of their life.  They didn't have to go through the trials of online dating, blind dates, etc that we do now.  And honestly, I don't follow the school of belief that says dating is just a 'numbers game', ie. the more people you date, the more likely you are to find the love of your life.  If I go out and buy 100 lottery tickets, I'm just as likely to win as the guy who just bought 1.  I know people who barely dated at all and got married young and there are people out there who are serial daters and still not settled down.  The number of people you date really is not relevant.  Would you ever tell someone who was trying to conceive that perhaps they're just not TRYING hard enough?  No?  That would be insensitive and inappropriate, you say? Well, I agree and it's not appropriate here either, so zip it.

5.  You'll get married if you want to.
Ummmmmm, I want to win the lottery.  Like I really, really want to win. Do you think that will happen too?!  Or did you  mean I should consider becoming a mail-order bride because that's a sure thing??  This is another one that doesn't even make any sense.  Just don't.

6.  You're not in the right time/place/etc in your life.
Hmmm.  What exactly is the right place and when will it be the right time?  Cause if you could give me a roadmap or timeline that would be really helpful.  I don't like this one because it implies that we're currently doing something WRONG with our lives and until we figure out what, it's just not going to happen.  So not only are all my dating attempts futile in this current time/place, but now I also have to try to solve some kind of riddle as to what I should actually be doing/living in order to attract a mate.

7.  It'll happen when it's supposed to.
Cliché.  Vague.  Not helpful.  Pretty much meaningless and a waste of words.


I wanted to make this a Top 10 list because it sounded cooler but I couldn't think of 3 more at the current moment!  There are probably a ton I've forgotten or missed here.  Believe me, I've been the recipient of a lot of these over the years.  But the point I'm trying to make is that when we're feeling lonely, or hopeless, or frustrated, we just want to be heard, and listened to.  We don't want to be blamed, or judged, or hear clichéd statements that have no meaning.  Just try being the friend we know you are and listen without telling us that it's our fault.  If you're lucky, we might not make the bridesmaid dresses for our future wedding THAT hideous :)

Source/via Pinterest

Exactly what I plan on doing

 

 

 

If you're single, have you heard any of these?!  How do you respond?

 

If you're attached, what do you say to your single friends?

 



10 Reasons Why My Dad ROCKS!

It's Father's Day here in the US today, so I'm dedicating this post to my Pops.  I feel like for most of the year, Dads definitely do not get as much play as Moms.  I don't know why that is, but I know I wouldn't be who I am today without that guy in my life.  So without further ado, here is a little listy list of just a few of the ways my Dad displays his awesomeness.

1.  The man possessed the only XY chromosome in a house filled with estrogen, including my two sisters, my mother and our female toy poodle.  I don't know how he did it.  He deserves a medal just for that.

 

2.  The man wears cutoff jorts and knee high tube socks to cut grass, and rocks it.  Probably one of the few men alive who can pull off that look.  Or at least he thinks so ;)  [JK Dad, I love your grass cutting outfit]

 

3.  He fostered a love of sports and being active in us from a very young age.  There was no sitting around for us kids - he encouraged us to get out, move and play.  We were also attending PSU football games since before we could walk.

 

4.  He is one of the hardest workers I know.  I credit him for teaching me the value of hard work, no matter the endeavor, doing your best, and not leaving things unfinished. 

 

5.  He is one of my biggest supporters.  My dad worked full time, but still made it to every one of our Little League games, band concerts, track meets and anything else we were involved in, to cheer us on, win or lose.  Even now, he still comes to every race of mine he can.  Heck, he met me at 3 different points of the Runner's World Half last fall just to see me pass by for a split second!

 

 

 

6.  He shows he cares by doing, and goes out of his way to do so.  He still sends all of us kids Valentines!  He changes the oil in my car, or fills the tank when I'm home for a visit.  He cooks my favorite foods when I'm home, and sends me emails every now and then just to say Hi.

 

7.  He may or may not have single-handedly made my Styrofoam airplane for middle school science class, which subsequently won the distance flight test.  I plead the fifth.

 

8.  When I was homesick in college, he drove an hour and a half each way every weekend to come pick me up and take me home. 

 

9.  He loves being a Grandpop.  I hope one day I can add to his growing brood.

 

 

10.  For some reason, he loves me unconditionally.  Still can't wrap my head around that one :)

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

 

 

What makes your Dad awesome?!



 

 

 

 

 



10 Essential Life Lessons

The past few days have brought a whirlwind of bizarre, trying and puzzling situations into my life.  I'm blaming it on the current Mercury retrograde, but I'm thinking there were also some lessons I just needed to re-learn at this time.  If find yourself in the same waters anytime soon (I hope not), perhaps some of these will speak to you too.

Pinterest

 

1.  You can't control everything.  Or anything sometimes, for that matter!  Best to learn this one early.

 

2.  Don't take everything personally.  People say things when they're stressed or angry that they really don't mean.  We all do.  It has nothing to do with you.

 

3.  The sooner you let go of things that aren't meant for you, the better.  Let it Gooooooooooooooooooo, Let it Gooooooooooooooo.  Don't hang on to things that are no longer serving you out of comfort or fear.  (Sometimes much easier said than done.)

 

4.  Not everyone is going to like you.  And vice versa.  Shocking I know, but true.

 

5.  You can never really know what another person is thinking.  So don't even try. 

 

6.  Your worth is not determined by others' opinions of you.  When it comes to your self worth, yours is the only opinion that matters. 

 

7.  Do unto others.  Treat others as you would like to be treated - With a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

 

8.  Car repairs always end up costing more than you think they will.  It helps to get a second opinion.  #TimeToTradeInForABike

 

9.  Life will surprise you, every single day.  The only constant is change, right?

 

 

AND LASTLY,

 

10.  Vegan Treats make everything better.  FACT.

 

Vegan ice cream, not dog feces, I promise :)

 

 

Have you learned any lessons recently, either willingly or unwillingly?!

 

 

 

 

Thankful Thursday - Part 5

As I write this post, I can't believe November is almost over!  I loved being more mindful of all the blessings in my life this month, and wish I took the time to do this more often.  I hope this month has set me on the right path to do just that.  As 2013 winds down, I look back on this amazing year of change and growth for me, and just can't believe what a whirlwind it's been.  I am working on putting together some deliberate end-of-year recap posts as well as goals for the coming new year.  Things have come together this year in a way I never thought possible, and it's spurred even bigger goals and plans in me for 2014.  More to come.  But for now, let's wind down this month with my last gratitude list:

November 22 - My cats!  I know I've alluded to them in the past, but I am so grateful that I have these two special boys in my life.  I was always an animal lover, but prior to adopting them, I never considered myself a 'cat person'.  That seems absurd to me now because I was missing out my whole life on such a special little species!  And truly, being an animal lover means loving all animals, right?  I'm so glad I took the plunge and welcomed these guys into my home 9 years ago.  Today we had a visit to the vet, and one of my boys has a health ailment.  Something that sounds promising with treatment, and so that's what brought up these feelings.  I mean, obviously we were meant for each other - they're into protein shakes and running shoes!

 

 

 

November 23 - A clean house.  I will be the first to admit, I am no Susie Homemaker.  Many people in my life will surely pipe in and verify this.  I do not enjoy cooking (at all), cleaning, and housekeeping.  I know some people really do enjoy these activities and take pleasure in their ability to keep a beautiful home and prepare delicious meals.  I wish I enjoyed these activities more, especially cooking.  However, every once in awhile I get inspired to clean my little palace (ie. my 1 bedroom apartment) and the feeling I get after scrubbing this place from top to bottom just can't be beat! I was pretty proud of myself today and thankful that I that I have this place to call home.  Also, um, cleaning is a pretty hardcore workout!

 

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November 24 - Church.  It's been awhile since I've been to Sunday Mass.  And it felt really nice to wake up early this Sunday morning and go.  Even if it's been awhile, I always feel this sense of peace and comfort going back (yes, even though they've changed the prayers that were ingrained in my head since Catholic school and I now have to look at that little pew card!).  Anyway, there was a phrase that stood out for me today in the priest's homily.  It was all about Love and how our purpose here on earth is to share the Love God gave to us with everyone we meet.  That's it.  Just BE LOVE.  This theme of Love is coming up a lot lately in my life, in my readings, writings, and daily experiences.  I feel like there's some kind of magic in this message; I like it, and I'm learning a whole lot from it. 

 

 

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November 25 - Apple magic.  Seriously.  I did a whole post on it so you know this knowledge has had a profound effect on me this week.  Have you tried it yet?!

 

Jillyruns on Instagram

 

 

November 26 - Patience.  My trip home in the evening usually takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  tonight it took 2 HOURS.  No, I am not exaggerating.  There was pretty much a perfect trifecta of circumstances that made my commute trying, to say the least, and somehow I kept it together.  It's this new thing I'm trying where I just Let it Go.  It sounds weird, new-agey, I know.  It's something I've been reading about and it's hard to do.  Really hard sometimes, for me.  But the fact of the matter is, there are many, many things you will not be able to control in life.  And when you/me/people, struggle to try to control these things we just add unnecessary stress into our lives.  Obviously, there is nothing you can do about traffic.  The only thing you can do is surrender control, and let it go.  And once I did that tonight, I felt FREE.  Sure, it changed my plans this evening but what could I do.  That's life.  Things won't always go according to plan.  I just let it go and it was amazing the effect this had!

 

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November 27 - Green Smoothies!  (I may or may not be posting this in response to a recent post by OlivetoRun in which she admitted she's never had a green smoothie...what?! KIDDING!)  In all reality, I LOVE green smoothies.  And pretty much all smoothies.  I have admitted I am no cook, but I really love experimenting with smoothies and creating my own recipes.  I don't measure anything and I don't follow other recipes, I just throw stuff in there that looks good! And most of the time it comes out ok :)  This morning's breakfast smoothie consisted of the following:  Unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a little water, vanilla pea protein (vegan), 2 handfuls of spinach, pineapple, cherries and wild blueberries.  Lots of good stuff.  You get fruit, vegetables, antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and protein.  What is not to love about that?  Behold the deliciousness:

 

 

 

November 28, 29, 30 - Family, Friends & Food.  I love Thanksgiving because it means I get to go home and spend time with many of the people I love the most!  It also kicks off the holiday season, which to me is all about Family.  I am excited to spend the next few days really doing nothing but enjoying quality time with my people.  Well, that and the food!  There is nothing better than home cooked food from your extended family.  Since my mom's side of the family is Italian, we eat a few different things on Thanksgiving.  Perhaps I'll snap some pics and post them on Instagram for you!  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving today as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How about you?

 

How was your month of mindfulness and gratitude?



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Thankful Thursday - Part 4

So much to be thankful for again this week.  This has been a busy, busy week for me.  It started out with a weekend in Pennsylvania to celebrate two very important birthdays (see below), several days of boot camp, and lots of other appointments - some last minute.  I can definitely feel that the holiday rush has already started.  Before things get too crazy over the next month, I'm glad I'm taking the time to slow down and notice all the blessings that surround me. 

One of my goals for next year (ohhhhhh there are many!) is to try to incorporate meditation into my life.  I actually signed up for Deepak Chopra and Oprah's 21 Day Meditation Challenge as a way to kick this off, and although I've been reading the emails and thinking about the daily mantra's, I unfortunately haven't even tried to meditate once.  At least I am headed in the right direction.  Baby steps.

Now, let's jump right into this week's gratitude list, shall we?

November 15 - This is the day I headed back home to PA.  And where do you think one of my first stops was when I got there?  Vegan Treats!  I am so thankful that this delicious, beautiful, little slice of heaven exists in Bethlehem.  I stop by for something pretty much every time I am in town.  This evening it was chocolate soft serve:

 

 

 

November 16 - Today I was lucky enough to celebrate this marvelous girl's 11th birthday!  She is the stepdaughter of one of my very best friends in the world and I have known her since she was about 2 or 3 years old?  My word, that's 9 years!  It has been pretty incredible to watch her grow up.  She is incredibly smart (like is probably better at puzzles and brain teasers than me!), plays the piano beautifully, is a star cheerleader, and learned Cups before I even knew what that was!  Just a vibrant, sweet girl and I'm so glad to know her!

 

Jillyruns on Instagram

 

 

November 17 - Another birthday party!  What what.  Party animal right here!  Haha  Today I was so lucky to also be able to celebrate my nephew's 3rd birthday.  My sister planned the party of the century at a ski lodge back home, complete with a photo booth, Mickey Mouse bounce house, giant piñata, catered buffet, OPEN BAR (what?!) and a huge array of homemade, Pinterest-worthy cupcakes and desserts (including some vegan fudge for me)!  Oh and about 30 other little kids!  I can't believe my nephew is 3.  It seems like just yesterday he was a baby, and now he's walking around like a little man.  He's the sweetest boy I know.  So curious, polite, and loving to everyone he meets.  I love him to the moon and back.  Here are a few pics:

 

 

 

 

 

November 18 - Today I am thankful for Love, in all it's many forms, and from every single person I feel it from and give it to.  Today I was asked by a 4 year old "Do you love me?".  To which I wholeheartedly answered "Yes I do!".  I was reminded that even at a very young age, we know what love is, we need it and we respond to it. 



 

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November 19 - Big salads!!  "It's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it." (Elaine, from Seinfeld)

Every once in awhile, I treat myself to the salad bar at my local grocery store when I do my shopping because it's always really good and very fresh.  Today's salad included: spinach, spring mix, mushrooms, hard boiled eggs, chickpeas, tomatoes, red pepper, olives, and sunflower seeds.  Vegan and dairy free.  YUM!

 

 







November 20 - Boot camp!  I'm loving it so much.  I am so energized after each workout.  It's like Christmas morning every time I go to class because I have no idea what to expect.  I love the instructor, the people, the new moves I learn each time and the soreness!  It's all that I thought it would be and more, and exactly what I wanted to do during this off season from training.

 

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November 21 - My morning walks.  Because there is something so renewing about nature.  Because I'm walking at a slower pace than I run and I have no headphones, I am able to notice everything around me so much more.  The crispness in the air lately is just adding to my good feelings.  I hear the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet, I smell houses with wood burning fires, I hear birds everywhere (this morning I saw so many cardinals and one very vocal blue jay!) and I see squirrels foraging their rations away for winter.  The animals and plants have so much going on behind the scenes than we ever notice, even in the city.

 



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How has your week been?

 

What's on your gratitude list lately?