This was my second marathon, so everything about it for me was comparing it to my first. And while my first marathon will always have that special place in my heart (and it doesn’t hurt that it was in my city!) the second one was amazing as well.

D.C. is so beautiful (parts of it anyway), and a major reason I signed up for this one was because I couldn’t wait to run around all the monuments and on Capitol Hill. Also, it didn’t hurt that my in-laws live in Pentagon City and it’s an easy walk to the start line.

The expo lasted two days, which I thought was awesome because I got it over with on Friday, leaving Saturday purely for rest (race was Sunday.) I was disappointed in the T-shirts they gave us – they were cotton and very masculine (to be expected I guess, it is the Marines). Very good quality and probably will really enjoy wearing it around a campfire, but I wanted something I could wear more often. I picked up the pink jacket I showed you here, and I love it. I wear it all the time when I’m in workout gear.

Saturday I spent completely relaxing, save for a 2-mile run which I did with my father-in-law at their apartment gym. I then got to relax in the sauna for a bit. Pasta for dinner and bed early. Of course I couldn’t sleep (story of my life whenever I have to get up early.) Up at 5 a.m.-ish (if I remember right; it’s been so long even I can’t remember!). Had my standard pre-race breakfast – bagel (bagel thins this time, actually) and peanut butter and a banana. And of course a cup of coffee.

Gray (father-in-law) and Jeff were the perfect support crew, waking up early and walking me to the start line. It certainly isn’t easy to get up that early, and it was nice having company. They even stood in line with me for 20 minutes or so at the port-a-potty. A photographer snapped this on our walk to the start line:

Oh yeah, maybe now’s a good time to remind you the race was on Halloween. That’s a spider web headband, bat hair clips, and Halloween-themed socks and shirt. I got a lot of smiles during the race, and my outfit was a conversation-starter between myself and runners. It’s amazing how social a marathon can be – you wouldn’t think we’d be able to talk to each other with all that running!

Right before the Support Crew sent me off to join the running masses, Gray asked if he could snap my picture. I turned around to face him and posed. Right before he snapped it I felt arms wrap around me. I knew two people running that day, Corinne and Ronnie, and I was really hoping it was one of them – otherwise that’s just creepy! I turned, and it was Corinne! Corinne is my rose buddy in my sorority, and she was a roommate for a while in college. Out of 30,000 runners and we happened to see each other. Now that’s fate.

Corinne was running with Dan and they were in a different pace group than me, so we said our goodbyes and headed off to the start line. The white fencing was up, making it hard to get in where I needed to, and a very nice guy helped me hop over the fence without getting injured at the start line (which I would have totally been prone to, as clumsy as I am. How bad would that suck, twisting an ankle while getting to the start.) I asked him what his pace was and he said 4:30-4:45 and I thought “Well, that’s good enough for me,” knowing I was hoping to finish the race in about 4:30.

It took us 20 minutes to cross the start line but then we were off! Before mile 1 I was already making conversation with a girl who was running with a sash that said, “Marathon virgin. It’s my first time!” I told her to savor every moment because she’d remember it forever (as if I’m some sort of expert, ha.) I congratulated her then ran ahead before we got too chummy.

As social as I am, even on the race course, I really like to run my own race. I love conversing with people but I don’t want to run with anyone longer than a few minutes because it starts to mess with my head. If they are running slower than me I feel like I have to slow down. If they are running faster than me I feel like I have to speed up. I focus so much on what they’re doing and how I need to react that it messes with my head. I’ve only run one race with someone, my sister, and it was early on in my running career. She definitely took it slow for my benefit, which I appreciate so much even to this day, but I’ve learned that running my own race is best for me. Plus, she’s my sister so she puts up with my crap more than other people do.

So, this race, as the last marathon, was made up of lots of mini conversations. Mostly people commenting on my outfit or me commenting on others’ outfits. There weren’t nearly as many people dressed up as I expected for a Halloween run! About the same as Thunder Road, oddly.

Also, I learned the hard way after the first few water stops that running through the water stops as I had during Thunder Road was just not going to happen. There were way too many people who were stopping at the stops that I was running into the back of people who came to a stop right in front of me. You’d think these were people who had been crawling through a desert for 3 days, even during the stops at mile 2, 4, etc. After some aggravation, I decided if I can’t beat them, I’d join them. I walked through the rest of the water stops and it made it a bit more bearable.

When I signed up, my friend Allison told me I should seed myself an hour faster than I think I will be. “Everyone does it,” she said. I didn’t want to do that because if I was running with the 3.5 hour runners, I would completely be in their way as they passed me. As it was, she was right, and all the people in the 4.5 hour range were getting in my way – because they were not 4.5 hour runners. Next year I guess I’ll join the masses in lying about my projected pace. It’s too bad people can’t just be honest! Or maybe they’re just too optimistic …

Running through Georgetown (around miles 7-10ish) was one of my favorites. Everyone was out cheering and the crowds were just going wild. Lots of excitement there!

Around mile 9, I ran up behind a guy who was wearing a water bladder that looked strangely familiar. “Ronnie has that Camelback” I thought to myself. I then saw the back of the runner’s head. “Ronnie has that head,” I thought. And then I saw his tattoo. “Hey, it’s Ronnie!” (yes, it was a slow realization, but again, 30, 000 runners and I happened to see both of the people I know?). I ran up to him and we managed to give sweaty hugs while running – didn’t even break stride! He was running with his wife’s brother-in-law, so I ran with them for a few minutes then went on ahead.

Around mile 12, I had to go to the bathroom. And I knew I wouldn’t make it the whole marathon without taking a break. I figured I’d get it over with to make the rest of the race more comfortable. Ended up standing in line for SIX MINUTES. Two minutes to use the bathroom, losing a total of 8 minutes. I wasn’t really upset though – such is life. I couldn’t really expect to get through two marathons without taking a bathroom break, right?

I caught up to Ronnie again after the break, seeing him twice on the race course. Again, so amazed by that. It was wall-to-wall runners the entire way, and to see the people I know … that was just amazing.

Unfortunately, after the 12 mile break, I was mentally willing to take walk breaks. And so I ended up walk/running the rest of the way. When I look at my splits I’m pretty bummed that I didn’t push myself a little harder during that second half.

(If you look at my moving time, it was only 45 seconds slower than my first marathon time, in which I spent the entire way moving. The water stops and bathroom break are what contributed to that extra 17 minutes.)

No worries, though. I’m not doing this to win any awards. I’m not doing it to be competitive. I’m doing it to burn calories and have fun. 

But, the race wasn’t over after mile 12, not in the least. I still got to run around the monuments! Capitol Hill was around mile 15 (forgive me if my miles are a tad off; it has been 6 whole weeks …). And oddly, I barely remember the monuments at all! The crowds were crazy at Capitol Hill, too, which was awesome. And I focused on the cheers and on not stepping on the heels of the runners in front of me. And I did not see a single monument or important building.

There’s proof I ran by them, though:

Mile 20 was a huge awful bridge. It’s infamous for its challenge – you have to “beat the bridge.” Meaning the road is only closed off for runners for a certain amount of time, and if you don’t make it in the time limit, you can’t run on the road (it’s basically an interstate.) If you don’t make it, you get picked up and driven across it, leading to a DQ. I wasn’t really aware of this, but the guy at the mile marker kept yelling that we’d “beat the bridge” and I heard other runners talking about how we’d made it. (of course, we’d made it in plenty of time, but it’s still a nice milestone.) The bridge was horribly windy, blowing us sideways. It was the only time my headband threatened to fall off.

After the bridge is Pentagon City, which is where my in-laws live. Again, a great crowd. People offering free beer to runners. I so wanted one as I missed out on the beer at Thunder Road, but they were all the way on the left and I was all the way on the right. With the wall-to-wall runners, I would have had to either piss off a bunch of people or backtrack to get to them. Not worth it!

The last mile or two was the worst. Not a huge crowd support comparatively, a huge boring road, and I even saw a few people puking on the side. And you have to actually run up an awful steep hill to the finish line (they compare it to climbing Iwo Jima!) I was determined to run up the steep hill – it was so close to the end – but my body actually physically stopped itself for a moment on that hill before I got it going again. It was that steep.)

I looked for Gray and Jeff as I was nearing the finish but there were so many crowds, they were impossible to find. And then I crossed that finish line!

Finished the marathon with a smile, then cried my eyes out as I called my parents and my siblings and my friends. Got mostly voice mails until I reached Sally. She was waiting on the course for Ronnie and she was so full of excitement and congratulations that it got me even more excited! I talked to some others too, but she was the first.

A Marine put my medal around my neck and gave me a personal congratulations, a much better deal than Thunder Road, where they handed me my medal in a bag and I put it on myself. (My understanding is that some people got their medals put around their necks; they must’ve been behind on the medal unwrapping when I came through).

So, I did it! I felt a lot better physically after the second one. Missed out on the free beer after the race as I was waiting for Ronnie and Sally and Jeff and Gray at the family link up area. The guy in front of me got the last beer! (That happened at the half marathon in South Park in Charlotte in April; I have bad luck with that apparently.) I did get my free massage though; that was heaven. Way better than a free beer anyway. Celebrated at Champs with the in-laws’ and I wore my medal all day.

And yes, I can’t wait to run another one. I just need to decide which one I will do in 2011!

Halloween costume to run to:

What happens after I visit the mall and Claire’s Boutique has a 50 percent off sale on all of their Halloween gear:

What happens to my outfit after I ask my awesome, clever blog readers for help:

I loved everyone’s suggestions – so I used them all! The only thing I added was a tribute to the Marines for always defending our country and making this race possible. I will get my race medal placed around my neck by a Marine on Sunday; how amazing is that? I also added the names of the Marines in my family: Corporal Jeffrey Oyler, Captain Gray Payne and Major General Gray Payne. I’m running this race for me, but it’s for them that I picked this race. Oh, and I also got some black and orange hairspray. …

I think all that’s left to do is run! Make sure to track me online or on your iPhone if you can – I need the love!

We stayed at Camp Lejeune, and my father-in-law rented the general’s beach house. It’s oceanfront, and fairly private, so I spent most of my time going back and forth from the house to the water. Being that I’m the whitest person I’ve ever known, direct sunlight is not a good idea even with SPF 70. Luckily we have an awning that provided great shade for me, Colleen, Gray and Chloe (all the redheads).

One topic that came up lots during the week was Foursquare. Namely, why the hell Jeff and Colleen and I were like crack addicts on our phones, checking in everywhere we went (which for me was beach, house, one restaurant. Additionally, Jeff and Colleen made some store runs.)

For those of you who have no clue what I’m talking about, which is probably many of you, Foursquare is a game that runs through an application on your smartphone. You check in to places when you arrive at them, and your friends can keep up with where you are. And if you check into a place the most times, you become the “mayor” of the place. Many retail places and restaurants will offer specials to the mayor (such as free meals, free coffee, etc.)

So, the questions you have about Foursquare, I’m certain, are pretty similar to the questions the rest of the family had all week.  

“Why would you want everyone to know where you are?”
I, for one, do not always want everyone to know where I am. Which is why I limit my friends on Foursquare to those I actually hang out with or wouldn’t mind saying hi to if they happened to be socializing near where I am socializing. You can set up Foursquare to broadcast to Twitter and Facebook where you are, but I don’t do that for safety reasons.

“But seriously, why would you want everyone to know where you are?”
I have about 10 friends on Foursquare. They are people who, if I found out later that they were at the bar next door to the bar I was visiting and we didn’t know it, I would be kicking myself. So I want them to know where I am and I want to know where they are. A few other friends are on there who I don’t hang out with frequently, but I know them well enough to know they won’t be annoying if I don’t want to hang out for whatever reason.

“What if you had a crazy ex-boyfriend who wanted to hack your account and find out where you are?”
First, none of my ex-boyfriends are that smart. But if they were, then they would be smart enough to hack my cell phone in general and find out where I am. I’m not worried about Big Brother watching; if they wanted to they would be.

“Jeff and Colleen checked in at Food Lion? Why would they do that?”
Well, we now know they’ve made it to the store safely. We know which store they have gone to in case we need to call them with a request. Why wouldn’t they do that?

—

OK, I said all that to tell this story. The night before leaving the beach, I noticed that Scott was checked in at a place called The Front Porch. I’d never heard of that restaurant, and I’m always looking for new places to go in Charlotte, so it got my attention. Then I realized he was in Elizabethtown. I’ve heard of Elizabethtown but have no clue where it is (keep in mind I grew up in South Carolina, which means I don’t know a lick about NC geography. Sad, huh?) I realized he was probably at one of his weekend triathlons and dismissed it.

The next day, we were driving home from the beach and I looked up and saw a billboard advertising a restaurant called The Front Porch. Hmm, why does that restaurant sound familiar? Then I remembered Scott’s Foursquare check in. So odd, two restaurants with the same name … Unless … “Hey, are we near Elizabethtown by any chance?” I asked Jeff. He pointed to the map on the GPS, which showed us heading right into Elizabethtown. “Oh my gosh!” I said, “That was the restaurant where Scott checked in last night! He probably had his tri here today!”

So, I texted him to find out where he was. Turns out he’d gone back to The Front Porch for lunch and had forgotten to check in – and he was there at the moment! So we stopped in, had a beer with him and Michelle and Linda, and then continued back home.

Now, if it hadn’t been for Foursquare, I never would have known where he was and we never would have had this random meeting in a city none of us live in. Not the end of the world if I had driven by never knowing that he was sitting right there, but how cool was it that I did?

I had a dream last night that I was being secretly recruited by the FBI for an assignment of which I had no knowledge of but if I told anyone I would wind up dead. Also being recruited was an exboyfriend who is notoriously untrustworthy so why I would agree to an assignment which required him to keep his mouth shut is beyond me …

And I got a voice mail stating that if I wanted said assignment I would show up at this place and time. I recognized the voice as my father-in-law’s. Since I trust him I showed up and sure enough, there he was in his Marine Corps Major General dress blues. He asked if I was surprised to see him and I said, “Of course not. I recognized your voice!”

I blame most of this dream on the fact that I was watching an episode of Flash Forward on my DVR right before I fell asleep.

—

Jenny on the bike

Speaking of, I fell asleep at 8:30 last night because my sister and I went on a 20-mile bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail yesterday followed by a 3.1 mile partially trail run (partially asphalt) around Furman. My only regret was that Jessica couldn’t join us (that whole work thing), but I plan to come back in a couple of weeks and she’ll definitely come this time! We’ll make sure of it!

Jenny and I biked really really slowly, mostly due to the fact that we had to stop and ask directions a lot, plus we are both green on the bike. Plus there are lots of stop signs on the trail where roads intersect, and I’m a chicken when it comes to bike vs. car so I’d rather come to a complete stop and really look before crossing. I know, I’m a baby.

Jenny rode Chuck’s mountain bike and I’m still trying to get acquainted with my road bike. I practiced letting my body absorb the shock of potholes (or in our case, railroad tracks), as Kevin recommended for fewer tire punctures. Hopefully it’ll keep the flats to a minimum as I really have no clue how to fix it (even though REI gave a very detailed description when I went there to have them fit me and fix my flat from Sunday.)

Also, I got to spend a little time with my super-cute nephew, and I’ll totally brag that he let me hold him even though he’s wary of that with others. I’m thinking he remembers me from the two weeks I spent with him when he was first born!

—

And speaking of father-in-laws (I know, weird transition), I’ll be seeing my other father-in-law (the dentist, as opposed to the general) in a couple of weeks. I’ll get my teeth cleaned while I’m there. When I first met Jeff and found out his dad is a dentist, I thought I’d never be comfortable with someone I know as my dentist. Just felt weird and invading. But then I finally did a couple of years ago – and he’s literally the best dentist I’ve ever met. I’m hooked. I told my mom this and she reminded me my grandfather was a dentist. But he was never my dentist (retired when I was still a child) so I can’t speak for that.

Trips I’m looking forward to this summer:

- Orlando in a couple of weeks (mentioned above);
- Vegas in June;
- DC sometime this summer for Ronnie and Sally’s “we’re happy you got married” dinner, a Marine Corps parade and some marathon training on the course with Corinne.

Lots to be happy about!

But I’m so excited about the first photos I’ve been able to take of my unborn niece, that I can’t just be quiet about it! 

Here she is: 

Katie and Gray are expecting their first baby girl at the end of June, and I cannot wait. This baby is going to have such awesome parents – Katie is so sweet and fun. I love working out with her and hanging out with her. And I can talk to her about anything from what to eat for lunch to family drama. I always think there’s a bond between two people who share the same role within a family, and as we are the two sister-in-laws, in many ways I feel this awesome connection to her. 

And Gray is one of the kindest people I know. He’s always the one to step into the middle of a conflict in order to solve it (well, he is a Marine, so it fits!). He actually reminds me of my own brother, Kevin, in many ways. One of my first memories of Gray is when Colleen and I got into a fight over a game of Asshole (yes, for real), and we stormed off to our respective twin beds at the lake house where we were celebrating Fourth of July. Gray came to each of us in turn, picked us up and placed us on the couch, where he forced us to make up. So I figure, Colleen and I have given him some good practice which he can put to use as a parent. 

There was a baby shower last weekend in which yours truly designed the invitations: 

I went light on the pink, since Katie doesn't love pink ...

and took the pictures (with the exceptions of the ones I’m in; those Jeff took): 

I can’t wait to meet the little one!

This image cracks me up. It was taken at the Marine Corps ball in November; my in-laws were in town this weekend so they gave us our copy then. This was taken by the portrait photographers hired by the Marines. They must be used to couples and small groups occupying their space, but we asked if they could accomodate our group of 9. They aimed to please, so they were able to fit us in.

I’ll admit it was my fault – I’m the one that asked if we could get everyone in. This is the first ball I’ve been to in a large group, and I was excited!

The photographer had Colleen and me sit on the floor since we are the youngest. And then we all squeezed together and smiled.

And now, seeing the results – it totally looks like Colleen and I were edited into someone else’s picture! The lighting is different, and we look larger than life compared to everyone else.

 I thought about making up some story about this photo:

= Colleen and I were late to the ball so we inserted ourselves in to the photo so everyone would forget we weren’t there.
= We don’t even know those people behind us.
= We were actually at the bar across the street when the photo was taken, and they couldn’t find us so they went on without us.

Any of those stories would be believable, knowing us … but the truth is we were right there!

For the record, the others in the picture are as follows:

Top row, from left: Grandfather Gene, Uncle Jim, Father-in-law Gray, Jeff

Middle row, from left: Gene’s wife Harriet, Mother-in-law Caroline, Aunt Peaches

Bottom row, from left: Colleen and me

The ball was a great time, and of course, we did end up at the bar across the street – but only after everyone left, I promise!

Last year I wrote about some thoughts on 2008, and as I wrote them down I found myself wondering how in the world I could top 2008. I mean, I had run a 10K, hiked a mountain, and written a book …

So, without further adieu and without elaborating incessantly, I look back at 2009:

On exercise: Ran my first half marathon and my first marathon. Got a bike and rode in the last half of the year (though not enough; I was too busy training for marathon). Total workout distance for 2009: 1,368.35 miles (mostly running, followed by a little biking, a little walking, a little hiking). I think I would have saved somewhere in the neighborhood of $665 in gas money, had I been commuting by bike or foot to something. And sometimes, I was. Although I still hope against hopes that the Charlotte area will get better and better for cyclists and runners (We need sidewalks! We need bike lanes!). Did great the first half of the year for strength training but didn’t do nearly enough after the running bug took over.

On writing: I fell down on the poetryassignment front. Thankfully Heather is just as passionate about writing as I am, if not more so, and she was wonderful about keeping the art alive. I did write another book this year! I enjoyed it so much in 2008 that I couldn’t not participate in 2009. I did not take the same pre-planning time, so it was a completely different approach from the year before, but  it got done and it’s possible it’s a teeny bit better than last year’s. Yes, I am still editing both books, and no, you can’t read them until I think they are good enough to read!

On babies: The great part about not wanting my own children is I can absolutely spoil the nieces and nephews. Of course, I continued to hang out with my brother’s daughters, spending part of a week with them in October so he could take his wife to Mexico for a pre-anniversary trip (Thunder Road Marathon, which he ran as well, was on his anniversary weekend, so he better have done something good!) And my sister and her husband had their beautiful son, Cai, on July 31 – and I was there! And my brother-in-law, Gray and his wife Katie announced their good news – they are expecting! I suspect that June of 2010 will be very exciting …

On traveling: After not one, but two fabulous trips to NYC in 2008, I am sad to report I did not get to go at all in 2009 – a first not visiting my favorite city in a long time. I did get to go to Florida and Washington DC to visit both sets of in-laws, and another trip to Florida to see my brother-in-law, Casey, get married. Went to Dallas to move my parents back to Charlotte. Spent Thanksgiving with family in the Outer Banks and also had some fun weeks/weekends in Athens, Brevard, Greenville, Asheville, Greensboro. Not enough traveling for my liking but I’ll just call it “taking it easy” this year …

On graphic design: In 2009, I continued to create lots of fun memories for clients and loved ones, including magazines and book covers and advertisements and fliers. I love the work and often my biggest complaint is there’s not enough time in the world to create all the things my brain wants to create. Among other treasured projects, I got to design a wedding book for a bride who happens to be a very treasured childhood friend, Jenny. Being so front and center at her wedding was an amazing experience.

On home: My dogs are inside dogs now, which makes me so very happy. Decorating the house has taken a back seat to other financial priorities, such as running and camping gear, so that explains why my bedroom looks like this. I don’t mind, though, it’s all about priorities …

Thoughts on 2010:

On exercise: More, more, more! Have already elaborated on the running, biking, swimming front here. Also preparing for a Mount Mitchell trip next weekend. Recently purchased a ton of new gear which prompts me to think: More Hiking! Definitely.

On writing: Definitely putting a priority on two Very Important Things in 2010:  Priority 1. My grandmother’s memoirs. We have been working on them but it has not been as important as it should be. That changes right now. Priority 2: Editing my books. I’m dying for you guys to read them! But I refuse to let you until they are perfect. After that, I pledge to pay at least a little bit more attention to poetryassignment – creativity is a gift. You don’t use it, you lose it.

On traveling: As much as possible! Trips to Asheville, DC, Greenville,Wilmington, Charleston and Florida already in the works for the first 3 months of the year (gulp, as I read that last sentence). Would also like more time in Athens, New York City (of course!) and anywhere else that money and time can take me …

On babies: Absolutely cannot wait for June and the newest baby’s arrival. Will try to make even more time for the children this year – I love every moment with them.

On graphic design: Continue doing what I love. Finally get the portfolio done for my business web site. Create, create, create.

On home: I love my home just as it is, even without bedroom furniture. Of course, some would be nice, but only after all the hiking/running/traveling/fun is paid for!

On life: My grandmother has a quote hanging in her house: 

The purpose of life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave with a well-preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, completely used up, yelling and screaming, what a ride! — Author Unknown

Hell yeah.

As I prepare to run the longest run of my entire life in 3 days, my job this week has been to relax and be stress-free. And you know what I’ve realized? It’s really not that difficult.

There is a lot to be happy about. Whether I’m  going to run a life-changing run with my brother at my side and my sister cheering me on (she ran a marathon a year ago!), or whether I am relaxing at home with my dogs who want nothing more to snuggle with me, life is good.

I smile as I see the cycle shoes I recommended changing someone’s workout; I smile as I see I’m not the only one who thinks my friend is a handsome Jimmy Fallon-type who absolutely deserves to be on TV; I smile watching my friend learn and grow as she moves from one coast to the other – and knowing I’m not the only one who loves the art not for the money; I smile as one of my closest friends moved to the West Coast to find himself – and the best part?  He came back, and with a wife and a baby … and, speaking of …

There’s another reason I’m smiling, too …

I’m going to be an aunt! My brother-in-law, Gray, and his wife, Katie, are expecting! This will be the first niece/nephew on that side of the family, and it is so super-exciting. They are both two of the most nurturing people I know, and this child is so loved already. I cannot wait to spoil this child.

When I run, especially long distances, I often think about the children. When I have a mile left to go, I think of Sadie, who is one – one year, one mile. I think of her attempting to walk – she’s going through her own life-changing steps. I think of Cai when I need some strength during the long distances. He’s already run a marathon, you see – Jenny was 6 weeks pregnant with him when she ran her marathon last year. I also think of Jenny, 5 months pregnant, smoking Kevin and me at a 5K in March. So proud. And I think of Mia, 3 years old, standing at the finish line with her pom-poms, yelling “Go, Missa, go!” She’s already picked out the water belt from TrySports that she wants for her first race, and it’s pink, of course. That’s my girl.

And now, I will think about this new little boy or girl, who I will get to meet officially in June, and that’ll be sure to keep a smile on my face as I climb that hill on Colville Road on Saturday …

I will think of all of you, climbing your own hills. For some, it’s been a long climb, but I hope it’s been worth every step.

(Oh, and there’s this to be happy about, too: I realized I’ve lost about 10 pounds since I’ve been marathon training! It kinda snuck up on me, since I don’t weigh myself often or at the same time of day or anything, so there’s always a range when I step on that scale. But the high end of the range has slowly but surely come down. And the low end of the range is only 2 pounds away from my goal weight – Happy dance!)

So, the ball always starts with the dress, as does any formal event. Colleen and I spent a lot of time talking about ways to do the ball cheaply this year. We tried raiding each other’s closets but that didn’t work. In the end, she ended up finding a dress for a really good deal, and I wore a dress that I had bought a few years ago. I got new shoes and jewelry, though! (Even better in my opinion, I will wear it more often.)

The night before the ball we got pedicures. Likely pointless but still a lot of fun. I decided to make my toes match my jewelry, which was blue.

My toes, left, and Colleen's, right

I did my own hair this year – too short to really do anything fun with it, so I just did it the regular way. We took some pics at Colleen’s before leaving. You saw the dresses yesterday, but I’ll show you again just in case.

I wore an "old" dress, Colleen got a great deal on hers.

It's no dress, but Jeff got to don a nice tux.

The ball this year was at the Marriott in Uptown Charlotte. My father-in-law and mother-in-law were not only there, but my father-in-law, a Marine Major General, was the guest of honor. He invited Jeff and me, and Colleen, and Jeff’s aunt Peaches and uncle Jim, and Grandfather Gene and his wife Harriet. We took up an entire round table, which was fun! We got there late and missed the cocktails, which was a bummer, but we did get to chat for a few minutes before moving inside for the ceremony.

The ceremony is similar every year. I don’t know all the formal names for everything, but it always amazes me how beautiful it is to see these Marines, in perfect formation, putting on the sword ceremony. They somehow make walking with a sword look graceful and commanding all at once. I should not be surprised – these are Marines, after all.

There was an empty table for fallen Marines, the ones who gave their lives defending our country. The commandant’s message told of two Marines who threw themselves into harm’s way, and ultimately gave their lives, in order to save their brother Marines in Afghanistan.

There were three sets of parents in attendance whose sons were killed in battle, and the Corps presented them with yellow roses. I watched the Marine that handed them the roses, and he saluted them in very slow motion after he handed them the flower. It sent chills through me to watch. Such a beautiful and tragic moment. I’m sure those parents thought of their son when they saw that Marine in uniform. I’m sure the Marine was thinking of the son, too.

My favorite balls are the ones in which my father-in-law is the guest speaker. He is an amazing public speaker, and I’m so jealous of that, partially because I’m so terrible at it! He really knows how to engage an audience and keep the perfect mix of humor and sentiment, and how to leave the audience wanting more.

Major General Gray Payne, my father-in-law. He's the tall guy in the foreground, wearing an important looking uniform.

The ball is actually called the “birthday ball” and Marines tell each other happy birthday on November 10, which is the anniversary of when the Corps was founded in 1775. A birthday ball wouldn’t be complete without a birthday cake, which they wheel out with great fanfare and cut with a sword. My father-in-law, as the guest of honor, got the first piece of cake. The second piece goes to the oldest Marine present that evening, and he shares the piece with the youngest Marine present (as a symbol of passing on the old to the new.)

Then it’s dinner (delicious salad, steak and chicken which I don’t eat much of so I gave Jeff my steak in exchange for his veggies, and really really good cheesecake and chocolate cake. I gave Jeff half my cheesecake for half his chocolate.)

Then the party starts. The lights go down, the dance floor gets crowded. Think wedding reception or sorority formal (at least, that’s what I think of!) Unfortunately, this is also when the crowd we were with decided it was time to call it a night, leaving Jeff and Colleen and me alone at this big table. We were going to stick around but then decided it might be more fun to head across the street to Tilt for a drink, thus ending our time at the ball.

I could go to 100 more of these and they would never get old.

I don’t really know what it’s like to be a Marine Corps wife. Jeff was in the Reserves and he was out by the time we got married.  I do see the pride, though, when I talk to my mother-in-law, Caroline, about her role as a Marine Corps wife to my father-in-law, a Marine Corps Major General. I witness the honor at every Marine Corps ball I’ve ever attended (yes, I got to meet the Commandant last year!) I feel the love and support every time I look at Gray and Katie, practically still newlyweds. I feel proud as I watch them buying a beautiful house that she will make into a home while he is off defending his country.

Gray and Katie and me during their visit to Charlotte a few months ago.

Gray has email. I don’t know how often he will have access to it, but thank God we have that lifeline to him. Katie is already keeping us updated at every moment about where he is and how he’s doing.  And although when I look at Gray I sometimes still see that teenager who was more than willing to snag us some beers from a cooler at a certain Fourth of July party so that we could play drinking games, I also see a Marine. And I am proud.