Is it really an award if you don't win anything other than the opportunity to answer invasive questions about yourself?

Because I'm a complete narcissist avid blogger, I just love blogger awards that involve questionnaires and surveys in which I am invited to overshare and brag and self-promote. When I get to use links to previous posts and recycled pictures, well, all the better! #pageviews! Thank you so much, Marie, for presenting me with this outstanding framework for self-expression that will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for my blogging resurgence. Or not.

On to my responses to the invasive questions:

1) What is my current health-related goal?

Get freakishly skinny. This IS health-related...there were no parameters established as far as positive or negative impact on health. My goal is to lose 15 lbs. and get my BMI down to 17. I figure my third place finish at the Head of the Charles is setting me up for an Olympic coxswain bid. I have 12 months to get grossly underweight all in the name of Olympic glory. Nothing like a self-destructive overreach to pump blog readership! I did this back in 1992 by following a steady diet of jellybeans and Honeycomb cereal and a 45-mile a week running program. I lost 20 lbs. in 10 weeks and still didn't get selected. I think it was because I wasn't sleeping with the right people. 

2) What is my biggest irrational fear?

I suppose my biggest irrational fear right now is that I'll blow the wrong person in my quest for Olympic glory (see above). 

A balloon is probably not selecting the team :(

3) Do I enjoy wrapping presents?


I like wrapping and UNwrapping presents. I actually used to be a professional wrapper. I can make the shittiest present look beautiful. It really is a gift.

4) What is my favorite cross training activity?

I love the elliptical. LOVE. And doing pull-ups. 

Please click this link to Marie's post if you want to see the most amazing cross-training GIF in the history of the internet.

5) If you came to visit me, what would we do?

We would laugh too loudly and too hard in public places. I would make you see redwood trees and teach you how to row. And we'd probably go to the zoo.

Our zoo has a male elephant.

6) I have two weeks off work and two round trip plane tickets to anywhere. Where would I go and who would I take?

I'd go to Indianapolis. Duh. I wouldn't need to bring anyone...Marie already lives there.

7) What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen to me during a run or a race? 

Once after a race I had taken my sportsbra off through my shirt sleeves (you know that awesome skill that all females eventually acquire?) and was hanging out in my t-shirt. It was July and insanely hot and humid. It was so hot and humid, in fact, that my t-shirt was too much. Forgetting I had nothing on underneath, I pulled my shirt over my head fully exposing my bare bosom before realizing I was flashing a large crowd. 

8) Three best days of my life? Or at least the top three that come to mind.

I can't pick my kids' birth days because someone would be left out, but all of those days were pretty awesome. I'm not going to say my wedding day because I was pretty stressed out and kind of bitchy. I'll go with: 

1. the day I met my husband...fairytale love-at-first-sight, 
2. the day I won trials to go to Cuba for the PanAm Games,
3. and May 23, 2013.

9) Okay, so I HAVE to eat a fast food meal. Which restaurant would I choose and what do I order? 

In N Out, hands down. Double meat protein style no tomato...because that's all my delicate-flower, princess gut can handle. 

10) Have I ever met a celebrity?

Honestly, I feel our society is way too preoccupied with celebrities. I've met many. They really aren't, as a general rule, any more special than you are. Some are nice, some are assholes, some fall in between. Daphne Zuniga was a friend of mine when I was in elementary school. I took skiing lessons with Jodie Foster. My very close friend's dad is a bonafide movie star and I've met him several times. Does Fidel Castro count? I hugged him once. How are we defining "celebrity" anyway? Having been in People magazine and on Wide World of Sports, it might even be argued that I, myself, am a celebrity. Just kidding. No one knows who I am. 

11) Share a pic of myself in non-workout clothes.

Are you sure?

and more recently...

12) If I could choose to have a “do over” and switch careers, what would I choose and why?

I've gotten by for 51 years without a career. Aside from the no money part, it's kind of awesome. I get to play Candyland and watch Frozen multiple times a day. But if I had to pick something I would be a rowing coach. I did that for a little while. Driving around in a motorboat telling people what to do and getting paid for it...not a get-rich-quick but again, kind of awesome! 

13) If I won an Olympic Gold Medal, how do I think I would react?

Immediately post-event I'd no doubt be trying to catch my breath and dry-heaving. Then, when on the podium, I would probably smile so hard my face would turn inside out. 

14) What did I want for Christmas?

I wanted a car that wasn't broken. And a trip to Hawaii. Santa listened.

15) What skills do I lack?

Practicing humility and knowing when to stop.

Passing the award on to …

Alicia
Tina
Kathee
Char

Do you hate me for that?

If you feel left out, consider the survey to be our rainbow questions and answer them in the comments!!!!!!!