It's not Christmasy - but it is pretty cheesy

But I don't care... for some reason, I love this. Happy Holidays



but I wonder... does Andreas know that Elmo isn't a real boy??

The Most Important Thing I'm Doing Right Now

CAUTION!!! Watching this video has been known to cause a lump in your throat and/or watering of the eyes. Side effects may include donating to help me or another of my TEAMmates reach our goals.

The Way I Feel Right Now

I'm running, I'm shopping, I'm emailing, I'm working, I'm cross-training, I'm AthFesting, I'm parenting, I'm fundraising, I'm blogging, I'm myspacing, I'm baking.... AAHHH!!!

More to come... The wheel keeps on turning, I think I can hold on 'til the Holiday's are over...

The Evil Look

My step-mother SueAnn, who always sends truly good stuff, sent me this the other day. Then, maybe, a half dozen other people have forwarded it also, so, I figure I have to post it as well.

This should make you at least smile... a little... if it doesn't, then I don't know about you.

Trying to be Open Minded is Tough

Fun Quirky Song

I can't wait to get a "real" camera... It is killing me!!!

Funny T-Shirts I Wouldn't Wear

Savannah Race Update

Greetings Record Enthusiasts!!!

No, I didn't end up officially breaking any records, except my own. I ran the 10K portion of the Double Pump faster than I've ever done a 10K before. Whoo!! Hoo!!

Place Bib Name Age City Total 5K 10K

159 4186 Andy Payne 37 M Athens GA 1:25:55 27:20 57:50 

So what, I ended up 159th out of 265 people. No where to go but faster, I hope.

Here are a few more pictures of the race:

Did I really go over that thing THREE times???

I love this shot

My Super Trooper, Trellis.
She was sick as a dog with some sort of mystery throat infection,
but she came out for me and ran the 5K. I loves my sis'!!!

The Double Pump

Real quick... I finished the Double Pump (15K) over the Savannah River Today. It is the "Toughest Bridge Run in the South" The bridge is a 5.5% grade.

What you do to do the Double is run a 5K over the river, then turn around, and run a 10K back over the river twice, ending up at the same finish line. 5K - 27:20 and 10K - 58:something.

It was the best race I've run so far... tons of fun. But I felt like I was cheating. Wearing the TEAM in Training jersey gave me such an advantage; people cheering for me, getting waves and shouts of "GO TEAM" from other TNT runners. It just gave me the biggest lift. I met most, if not all, of the Savannah TEAM; what a bunch of totally nice people.

Today I was running for a kid with leukemia that my good friend Tanner Shultz was a bone marrow donor for. (talk about being heroic) And I really want to thank Tanner being the biggest donor I've had so far, and his company Eli Lily does a 100% matching donation. Whoo!!

The most important thing that happened to me though was during the ascent over the bridge for the third time. I was feeling it big time, and had slowed to a walk at one point. All of a sudden I heard a voice in my ear, "Remember who you are running for" A man ran by me, and he pointed at me, and said, "They didn't quit, you can do it too" It was like a rocket being strapped to my back; I took off and passed all kinds of people, and made it up the last part of the bridge. After the recovery on the back half, you have to run through the flat part of the finish, but there is one more not that tiny hill to conquer. No problem!

I sought the man out after the finish and gave him a big hug and introduced him to my sister, Trellis, who'd run the 5K. He told me that he had been involved with TEAM in training for seven years, and just when he had stopped, his grandson was diagnosed with AMS. So, he knows what the society can do. He knows how it helps people and families diagnosed with cancer. It was a humbling and uplifting experience at the same time. That little voice of encouragement came at the best time and was such a powerful motivator, I felt like I was cheating, like I had taken a hit of some performance enhancing drug or something.

So, keep plugging away, keep running, if not for someone else, just do it for yourself. More pictures from the race and a few more stories to come. What a great day!!!

The Cause, the cause, the cause

We had a TEAM meeting tonight; we discussed proper footwear, which, since I am a tireless internet researcher, I already have. And we also discussed fundraising. Tons of cool ideas to help me reach my goal. I'm going to implement some of them over the next few months, so if you get multiple emails from me begging you to - SERIOUSLY, COULD YOU AT LEAST GO ONLINE AND GIVE ME A DOLLAR OR SOMETHING!!! just go about your business and delete them with all the other junk you get. Or you could check out my TEAM website, donate some cash, help some people struggling with a terrible disease, you get the idea.

I have gotten lots of support already from random people that I wouldn't expect, and I do appreciate it.

Tonight's run was on the treadmill again, 5 miles. And I did it in honor of our TEAM's honored hero, Oliva Cheek. Much more on her later.

Chance of Rain Inside The Gym - 0%, My Friend

I've been feeling a little puny the past few days, but I knew I had to get my "long" run in. I missed the GTS (Group Training Session) with the TEAM, due to them kidz and I in Dublin for Thanksgiving syndrome or TKAIIDFT syndrome for short. Plus it's been raining off and on all day, and I don't want to push the puny into full blown sick.

So, I decided to run on the treadmill today. Once I got going it went really well. I ran 10K in about 57 minutes, which is a record for me. I know the treadmill is way easier than the road, but still.

Tonight, I thought about Michelle, a friend of mine. She sent me a quick email and told me about her family and their struggle with cancer. Four of her Aunt's: Nell, Shirley, Cricket, Margie, all died from it. So, tonight's run is in honor of them.

If you want to donate to my TEAM in Training cause and our fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma you can click on the link to the right. You can also go to my TNT webpage, or the society's, and learn more about what they do and how your donation will make a difference.

Chance of Rain during my run 60% - Better Make it 100%

Happy Thanksgiving.

I set out on my 10K run this morning, thinking of my Mom, Sandy. Today's run is in honor of her. She has been a great devoted mother to me, and she has fought off liver cancer twice. I remember that day in the hospital in Thomasville, when the doctor came in and said, "It's Cancer" Truly one of the worst days in my life, but we and she got through it, twice. So, I thought of her often as this run progressed. Today was not easy; it started pouring down rain, I broke down and had to walk some, and it was really hard to start back up each time and try to finish, if not strong, then just OK.

I feel pretty good now, and I'm about to go to Dublin to spend Thanksgiving with both sides of my family. And I'm going to give my Mom a bear hug when I see her.

My Grandmother Payne

I just finished tonight's run, and it was tough. Not the run itself, but the running in the first place. I worked until 8 and got home around 8:35. The whole way home I was thinking, "Well, I won't run tonight. I'll run in the morning. I've got things to do, and I'm hungry" These kinds of excuses keep me and lots of others from just getting out there and doing it.

But one of the TEAM in Training video's I've seen had a scene in it where one of the coaches was telling everyone that the first mile sucks (everyone laughs), but it doesn't suck nearly as much as what someone battling cancer is going through. I thought about that as I was pulling in the driveway, and I thought, "All right, you are going to go inside, throw on your shoes, and do your 5K" And the run tonight felt like nothing. It was one of the easiest runs I've ever done. I didn't stop, I didn't take water with me, I didn't fade at the end, I just ran, and it felt great. It's the getting going in the first place that is the hard thing.

As I was running, I thought about an email that my Daddy sent me. He told me that my Grandmother Payne, who died of cervical cancer, would be proud of me for supporting this project. That led me to think of all the other people that I know personally or know of who are the real heroes.

So, I'm going to dedicate every run from here on out to someone I know who has fought or is fighting cancer. I may run out of people, we'll see. If you want me to run in honor of someone that you know, send me their picture, or tell me their story. I'll do the run, and I'll include them (if you don't mind) in an email or a blog posting. Having those thoughts running thru my head as I'm going are much more motivating than my ipod or the cool new shoes I felt I deserved.

If you get a chance, please check out my Team in Training Website. You can donate to the cause, and help support my Marathon training. You can also follow the links to learn more about TEAM in Training and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Thanks

Politics and Runnin'

I think the story isn't "What if Hillary tanks??" because we don't know if that is going to happen or not. The story is that Rudy "911" Guliani is getting stronger and stronger, and could be capable of showing some real depth. Scroll down a bit in this Slate article and see what you think...

Oh, yeah... Did I mention that I'm running a marathon next year, and that I would love you forever if you helped out and donated to this cause. My TEAM webpage is the perfect place to go to. Every dollar will make a difference. Please help me reach my goal and help fight cancer at the same time.

I'm going to run three miles tonight and 5 more in the morning. I'll report back how I'm did.

Monday

Got up around 6am this morning and went for another short run. I went out and ran a little over 2 miles. I really need to get back in the habit of running just about every day I can in order to prepare myself for my long distance goals. Again, I was nervous about running in the cold, but it wasn't that bad.

I'm sending out my first email about the TEAM and actually asking (and hoping for donations). Fingers crossed. This first effort is just going out to family and friends. I want to put a few dollars in the tip jar before I start going whole hog.

If you want to check out my TEAM website and donate anything yourself, Here's the LINK. It really is for a fantastic cause, which I'm going to elaborate on and on about I'm sure.

Sunday

We had our first GTS (Group Training Session) with the TEAM this Sunday. I stayed out way too late on Sat. night, and totally struggled to make the 7am meeting time, but it was so worth it. Thirteen of us showed up, plus Tammy and Kathy, and we ran 3.37 miles together down Millege, on Prince, around the hospital and back to Millege. It was the first time I've ever run in chilly temps, but it wasn't that bad. Kathy, one of our mentors, gave me some great advice on how to layer properly, and it worked out great. Cold before, perfect during the run, then hot leading into the cooldown afterward.

It was also the first time I've ever run with anyone, except in a race which really doesn't count. I really liked the flow of everything; I'm definitely going to do as much group training as possible.
I know my competitive nature is going to help push me further and faster than I've been doing on my own. Let's go TEAM!!

The other really cool thing that happened was that I met up with some quote unquote real runners. One of my neighbors, Greg, is extremely fast. I caught up with them near the end of our run, and then ran into his group at Jittery Joe's afterward. He, Lisa, and the rest of the "real runners" were very gracious to me, and I really felt like a runner.

He probably should have... you know?

There's been a lot of gum flappery about Obama breaking the law and such. But he really should have, no matter what he thought, put his hand on his heart during the National Anthem. You can read more about it on the Slate

...if you are so inclined.

Today's Run

Just did a quick 30 minute out and back run this afternoon on a break from work. I managed to make it back about 40 seconds faster on the back half - going uphill most of the way. My Nano's battery was dead, so I'm guessing I did a little under 3 miles.

I'm going to do the Double Pump in Savannah on Dec 1, so I'm doing a quick two week ramp up for that. I want to do more than just finish this one; I really want to do well. Runner's World online has a really cool training program; you can put in your parameters and it will custom generate a fairly specific training schedule for you.

Speaking of Brian Williams

I love how he keeps his cool no matter what... He just corrects her, no jab at Fox for being "the real news"

1234 - I know that now I love her more.

Run, Forest, Run

---

---

On Sunday, I completed a 10K trail run outside of Watkinsville, GA. It was EXTREME - people falling in the water, gashing their hands on trees, tripping and falling uphill and downhill. I finished in 1:05:51 - which was a little faster than my 10K in March in Charleston. So, I feel pretty good about that, because this thing was re-donk-ulously hard. Thanks to the drought, I made it over all the water crossings and stayed dry. I stumbled over a couple of rocks and roots, but never went down.

I've attached a post race picture. It was so cool wearing the Team in Training jersey; I had several people come up and ask me about it. It really felt like I was a part of something. I can't wait to start the group runs, and really try to improve my speed and stamina.

My next big challenge is doing the Double Pump over the Savannah river on Dec 1. I'll do the 5K, then turn around and do the 10K - three times total over the bridge.

P.S. - Yes, I know I am a huge squinter... Note to self: Buy super cool running sunglasses.

Someone actually writes these... Spam Poetry

Hi, what’s up at work? The answer is quite clear. You’re weary, man, I can tell! But take your time, you’re not the only one. Do you know that it grew up to a disaster, it’s being counted by millions already. Why? What would you expect with a life tempo like that? YOU ARE TO EARN THE MONEY. It’s all your headache. Of course you tired.
Add here, ecology, food and others. To sum it up? You prefer to conk out instead of making love. Your battery is simply dead . No wonder no one is by your side any more, your girlfriend is on her way to pack up her stuff and bog off.
But what would you say if I tell you that. I can provide assistance. You can manage that, feel renewed, feel you CRAVE and YOU FITTED. And WE’LL GIVE YOU A LIFT. And I’ll bet it works.
I’m sure you know what’s what.
You think that it’s costly.
Then I’ve got something pleasant to tell ya! Check out the prices, hot deals now!

Viagra- $153

Tempting ha?! It’s real, there’s just no need to overpay for the license which drugs stores simply do have to pay for the right to sell it out.
Be strait up, buy strait ahead.
And have a nice one!

Why is it a picture of a girl??

I'm a Balanced Yogi!

A Balanced Yogi You love your friends unconditionally and accept them for who they are no matter what their yoga style preference, religious beliefs, or spending habits. You focus on the good in people and would never try to change them. Almost everyone feels comfortable in your presence. You live your yoga. You are an inspiration to yoga students everywhere!

Take the Yoga Journal Yoga Snob Quiz!

If This Doesn't Affect and Effect You ...

This is one of the most inspirational and impressive things I've seen lately...

The Critics Are Raving

Still loving ThighsWideShut... You should go there. I think everything is funny usually, but it's pretty funny.

Sing-A-Long with Dave Grohl

Czech out this awesome blast from the past. Dave Grohl does a sing-a-long on the Craig Kilborn show. "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John - this reminds of me of why he is one of my favorite guys in the world.

My New Favorite Guy

Check out this video called "Fault Lines" I thought it was relationship - meaning one on one - based, but after a listen I know he's talking about much bigger things... hmmmn, maybe it's not all about me.

More Spam Poetry

In no case would it have been possible, once the deed was done, to prove that any falsification had taken place.

There was a sickening snap, and his seat sagged under him. And ever out of the north-east the brave wind blows, driving us on our course two hundred and fifty miles between the dawns.

Nobody said a word.

Her numb, nerveless hands shook, and she suddenly had not even the strength to pull back the T-bar and cock the weapon.

Specifies the permitted use of on members that are not visible.

Once the transmission channel is established and initial handshaking completed, the SMTP client normally initiates a mail transaction.

Brief but useful Internet guide with plenty of good advice on useful machines to paw over for data.

Experimental Stock Market Charts. We all live in a yellow subroutine.

An to use for resolving namespaces for prefixes in the XPath expression. Briefe, Tagebucher and Gesprache.

Spam Poetry

I'm going to start posting every day.... Damnit!!! How many blogs out there have entries just like this one? Promises... promises...

One new feature here at PPTS will be Spam Poetry. I'll be putting up some of the beautiful words that are included along with a Viagra/Cialis/Bigger, Stronger Stock Tips email just to get it through spam filters. It's interesting how much effort the spammers go to get our attention and/or evade prosecution.

So without any further ado, I bring you Spam Poetry:

Some crap going side dld because there downlaod.

Stanaphone catrambull nd ladym not workin rafiqu, restricted cone.

Diplomacy toolssign usmake links linkcite articlein modified march. Measurable structural judgments, committed might fallacy.

Fully functional product for days trial during this! Redo steps above make sure! Fallacy reduced tangible could dropped foot cities rather!

Often leads, persuaded along purposes explicit threat.

Transition sco collapse needing?

Was, able copy, internet, explorer.

Reply, never, showed up wrong ended decided?

Bodies cultural means, coined harvard university.

Installer extract folder pa browse wordpad updateinf section.

Military action hard economic incentives nyes wordsthe basic.

Expert recruit improve yourself see talk, consider. Unstalling add makes worstie keep coming running.

Way omg wt worked sorry. Right fix itself redo, steps above! That these are displayed on helpabout, dialog or licensing. Do get pin rayden, aug! Categories over subtlety, lost desire measurable structural.

Health reinstall repair, installs under! Values ideas others coercive measures.

Ddettracts iq gonna try.

Mberlant rd, yury, getting both, stanaphone catrambull, nd.

Action hard economic incentives nyes.

Receive, support by fax? Harvard university professor joseph nye. Opinion polls elite interviews case studies argues rest.

Married To The Sea

In Depth Political Film Analysis

I was going to do this whole post about how the movie "Idiocracy" is becoming truer and truer, but instead I want you to watch one of the funniest SNL skits I've ever seen.

Evan Dando... Needs a Sandwich.

I went to see "The Lemonheads" last Saturday. They played at the fabulous 40 Watt, here in Athens. I got pseudo-put on the guest list, and was able to go for free along with one of the best Plus One's I could have picked to go. We had a blast, stayed sober, people watched, sang, etc.

Oh, how was the show? Was Evan Dando still a "hottie"? Not that great and No! One girl that we were talking to was like, "Of course, I'd still do him!" but he seemed really incoherent and strung out. He only played for 45 min or so, with some lame excuse that he "didn't really like long shows" I think he felt like these photos look. People were into it, cheering, singing along, and everything, but several songs just fell apart, he did all kinds of crazy psychedelic guitar solo feedback stuff (which may have sounded awesome to him) and then just took off. No encore, nothing. We looked over and the bassist, who looked just like Jack White, was talking to some people and putting his jacket on. Oh, well; show's over folks. If I had paid $30 for both of us to attend, I would have been upset. But it really was a great evening overall, and he was pretty entertaining when he was playing. He did "Drug Buddy", "The Outdoor Type" and a few other hits, but no "Shame About Ray", no "Mrs. Robinson", no "Stove".

It was interesting to see a guy do what he truly wanted to do though. He was performing for the music sake and for himself. If himself had been a little more sober/clean it may have been better for everyone, but the show did have some flashes of inspiration and emotion that were enjoyable.

Here's a little bit of the show: (quality=poor but I think you'll get the idea)

Rachel Ray I'm Not

bloodorangepoundcake, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I made a stab at a pound cake today... A little too done, and I used the receipe for a pound cake pan, not the bundt one that I used. So, it came out a little on the small side. One thing I definitely learned is that I miss the KitchenAid stand mixer. There really is no substitute for it; I think I'm going to have to get another one before too long. Every time I try a new technique or receipe I find something else I need, just like when I do a woodworking project... Hey, it's an excuse to go to the store, right??

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I pretty successfully adapted this entree for myself and the boys today. Green beans from a can, noodles from a bag, but the chicken was from scratch and delicious. I used the Kitchenaid chopper my Grandmother gave me for Christmas to finely chop the pecans for the crust - Henry and Will ate every bite of their chicken, and I have to admit it was awesome. I used this new technique I learned of pan frying with a little olive oil on the stove and then finishing in the same pan in a 450 degree oven. Crispy and golden brown chicken tenderloin... Yum-Mee!!

But I did let them watch cartoons while I made dinner, so I still have room for improvement in the Super Dad category.

Getting Out

I went to see these guys on Saturday, and they really surprised me. I thought I would like them, but they put on a great show. It's really nice to see a band come back; the hometown crowd was so in to them. I did feel a little bit like a spectator at a few points; watching the crowd sing songs word for word brought me back to when I was a young lad going to the 40 Watt to watch a band that meant the world to me. And it was good to see my friend, Zack, who is one of the bartenders at the Fabulous 40 Watt. He was very hospitable even though crazy busy.