Less than 3 weeks. Wowzers!

I have a confession to make.

In September, I ran a half-marathon with a couple friends of mine.

Go us!

While training for this monumental (at least for me) task, I ran...a lot. I ran inside. I ran outside. I trained in different countries (ok, it was Canada...but still! It IS a different country!)

I was so relieved for the half-marathon to be over for the sole reason that I had no more pressure to run. I had run some before the half and would naturally continue after it was over. It was just nice not to have the pressure of having to run.

So here's the confession.

Since September, I have run exactly one time.

All my hard work. All my hours of busting my hiney to get in some kind of shape. Gone.

So what does this have to do with Africa?

Well, I am now at about 2 1/2 weeks until my departure date. I've started playing the "this is my last time to do......" game. And believe it or not, one of the things that I've been thinking about is...running. Whoda thunk?

See, I'm not sure if you've heard, but Sierra Leone is hot. I don't run very well in hot weather. Also, I tend to be a solo runner as I've found that running with someone causes them to worry that I'll end up in respiratory arrest. Not pretty. So, as it tends to go...you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Now that I've realized my running may be limited in Sierra Leone, I really want to start up again before I leave. Ironic. This has led me to think about the other things that I want to squeeze in one last time before I move. Here's the list I've come up with so far.

1. Running. I've already discussed this. Whether or not it really happens is yet to be determined.

2. Snow. I like snow but am usually content to watch from inside or play for a few minutes before coming in for some hot chocolate. However, I want to squeeze in one more trip up the mountain....even if just for a quick snowball fight!

3. Scarves. I love wearing scarves. I've even tried to figure out how I could pull it off in Sierra Leone. I mean, people wear scarves in summer. You know, those light flowy ones? I could try one of those! But then I remember the heat. And the humidity. And I immediately want to put my chin length hair up in a pony tail just to get it off my neck. At just the thought of the heat and the humidity. So I'll leave my scarves here. But I'll be wearing them a lot in the next 2 1/2 weeks!

4. Subway. No, not the transportation, but the delicious fast food restaurant that I may have mentioned before. Now this is a tough one, as I'm also pinching my pennies but I may be saying "yes" to Subway a few more times than usual in the next couple of weeks.

5. Hoodie sweatshirts. I LOVE hoodie sweatshirts. They are an absolute staple in my wardrobe. Last year my cousin told me that I still dress like a college student. After contemplating her observation I had to agree...but would not be deterred. My love runs deep. So if you see me around town in the next couple of weeks, expect me to be brandishing one of my favorite hoodies. Maybe with a scarf?

Of course these are the silly things. I have been blessed with amazing family and friends and will be squeezing every minute out of the day to spend time with them. While wearing a hoodie...and a scarf...eating at Subway....in the snow??