Palin's daughter

At first glance, I thought - Wow! Palin is a serious threat to Obama, because of her similarities to Hillary. She is confident and strong, but that image crumbled. She has only been a mayor and just became governor. Both she and McCain have only talked twice and now her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. I am glad to hear that she is supporting her daughter as she faces the issues of motherhood and being a wife (she is marrying the father). It is tough whether you have resources or not. It also reinforces her pro-life viewpoint, but almost makes it her only issue. I guess you can't lose the image of her carrying a gun, so she loves to carry a gun and protects children. It's like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the body of a woman.

I pray for the next woman who gets a chance to run for office. I mean if hillary didn't win and as much as I want a woman to win I hope that McCain loses, what kind of woman will it take to become president?

What's your favorite show?

In the days of "Wipeout" and "I survived a Japanese Game Show" I long for good television. I am looking forward to Chuck and Pushing Daisies, but I have found new shows.

Burn Notice is a new favorite and Mrs. FL has gotten me into Eureka. They are both on USA.

I am, of course, excited about Project Runway. The contests have been very interesting this year. Dressing drag queens, using green fabrics and I am sure there are more ahead.

Speaking of which I gotta get out and run so I can catch Heidi Klum.

What's your favorite tv show?

Can someone explain this to me?

Tonight on the olympics for the first time BMX bike racing will be an olympic sport. Needless to say, I am not going to watch it. I am shocked that softball is getting kicked off the long list of sports and BMX is on. I mean why can't we get rid of handball and keep softball?

I really want the US Beach Volleyball ladies to win tonight. I know they are favored, but it would nice for them to keep their streak going. GO USA!

Well, the fun continues after the olympics. We just flew through Denver over the weekend and read all about the upcoming DNC there. It sounds like quite a green event - hey, they are shipping in 1,000 bicycles for the delegates to use during the week. I wonder how many will actually get used.

Enjoy the end of the olympics and get ready for the MLB playoff soon. How are the Red Sox doing by the way?

Michael Phelps

Okay, so I didn't really know much about this 20 something before Saturday, but now I want to watch every race he is in. The little 1 minute overview of his experience at the prior olympics and his relationship with his mom drew me in on NBC last night. He is 23 and just beat his own world record in the 400 IM by 2 seconds. How is that possible?

I am usually a fan of the gymnastics but this year I am more impressed with the swimmers.

Those opening ceremonies were also amazing! I am trying to find them on youtube because we missed some.

GO TEAM USA!

Who will be the next VP?

Does anyone else think it is strange that Obama and McCain have not picked VP candidates yet? It is almost August and we will decide on a VP in a little over 3 months. I would like to know who is going to be on Obama's ticket. I get that Hillary's probably not going to be on it, but we have no idea about the person who will be the President if something happens. I think most people have decided already who they will vote for, but still it seems irresponsible.

In other news, please keep the people of TN in prayer who experience violence in their church and community this Sunday. I am amazed at how often this seems to happen today. There are also kids in MA who are not going to be able to go to college this year on loans due to banks not making loans after the catastrophe of the prime rate mortgages. I can't imagine getting to your first day and find out that you are needing $10,000. There is much to pray for in this world, especially for these future presidents and the people they choose to have around them. I hope Obama makes a good decision about his running mate. It is time for "good" change, not just change.

There is still one woman on the short list of candidates Kathleen of Kansas. Does anyone know about her? Maybe people in Germany or Israel know?

Running...

Yes, Mrs. FL and I are still running. We are trying to up our routine to 2x a day of one run and then something else(biking, aerobics, etc). We have begun reading running magazines and getting into the whole culture of the sport. Who knew that an industry could be created around people running in their own neighborhoods? Hey, if Starbucks can put two shops in the same strip mall anything is possible to market.

As I read more and more it is clear that running is a mindset. I grew up running everyday in high school. I played sports and had practice daily. It was a task in my schedule. I don't have that mindset anymore. It is hard to get out there everyday, so the suggestion that I read was look at running as a reward. Okay, you might think that is crazy as you think about running in 90 degree heat outside. I agree. However, I have learned that the running is not really the reward. It's how I feel after I run. As I get more and more healthy, I feel better. The better I eat, the better I run. It is not about feeling good about running, it is about feeling good all the time. The reward is getting myself into a routine to keep myself healthy for the long run. I have got to work on getting myself out on the road today and when I am 75.

I am trying to look at running as a gift that I want and lose the idea that ice cream is a treat that I deserve. It is tough to break old habits, especially when I think there is a built in GPS in all the women in my family for ice cream shops. One thing I have learned though is things take time and this is just not about accomplishing it now, I gotta do it everyday.

So if you time to say a little prayer each morning for us as we try and get up early and hit the pavement, we'd appreciate it. Thanks.

what a great house!

Walking into the house it was like walking into a new house. It was really nice to get a fresh perspective on our fabulous house. We have been working hard to make the house our own and it was great to see how beautiful our "new" house looks. For those wanting pictures, we are working on getting our camera fixed. We have to send it back for repairs, so I am finally to the point of just buying a disposable one for now. It is really nice to own a house I must say. As much as it can be anxiety ridden, it feels great to know that you have a place that is yours.

I do miss the ready excuse though of making it "margarita time" whenever on the island, but I am not worried. I will find a way to live the island life here in this land locked town we call Atlanta. Thank goodness for more vacation. Oh and spending time at the spa. On our last day we got manicures and pedicures. I love having pink toenails =)