Hair.

A man came to our door two days ago and asked if we wanted to buy cable through Comcast. Alaina noted that he had gold jewelry nearly everywhere possible, but I didn't waste too much time describing our non-interest in cable television.

"That's okay, I'm not the badgering type," said gold man. Then, looking at me, and remarking to Alaina, "He's going to die with a full head of hair."

Almost-creepy factor aside, the guy probably isn't too far off.

Related like, Alaina picked a day to get her own hair cut from the lengthy locks to this shorter version:

And finally, in more recent news:

Florida is coming up and thanks to rewards points we have a gift card for the Hard Rock Cafe. ( It is actually for 25 instead of 5.) We are getting excited and finding some fun things to do. We are looking forward to sun and hopefully no rain. =)

Learning: Alaina's Version

1. Juice is a must at every meal. Jam is a close second

2. Getting to know just how much time it takes for facial hair to go from scratchy to soft.

3. The home button along with the page up/page down. Totally changed my facebooking experience.

4. Tron is actually kind of cool, at least the lightriders are.

5. Having a bed buddy is nice when they warm up your side, but not so much when they grind their teeth or make it too warm.

6. The beauty of a well known inside joke .

7. I can totally win at tickling.

8. A hug and a kiss are good, but lots of hugs and kisses are better

9. Whoever is the driver gets to decide the route.

10. Make everyday a day of love and kindess.

It's been a great 9 months of marriage so far and we are both excited to see what the next 9 months teaches us.

Learning

Things I've learned from Alaina:

1. Pringles can be purchased, if they are $1.00 or less.

2. Keep the water bottles filled and refilled.

3. I am a fan of delicious flavor.

4. Clothes should make it to drawers or hangers.

5. I am quite oblivious.

6. How to start peeling an orange with your teeth. (ps. Yuck)

7. I shouldn't wear high-top socks with shorts and sneakers.

8. Getting out of the house for a fresh air walk will do wonders for my attitude.

9. Someone else in this world actually gets those "I don't know how to respond to that." moments.

10. Love is, every day, a decision to love, always.

11. There are few moments I love more than when we meet at home.

:) List to expand.

Justin's Running Slump

I ditched the stopwatch this afternoon for a personal 10k. My shins have been hurting since I bought my new shoes, and I was halfway unsure about keeping them or finding a new pair. But new shoes always look cool! I just couldn't do it. :)

So recently I tried running my own stride again. I had switched to smaller steps since running with Alaina, because otherwise I was ending up pushing us too far out of pace. But today's small jog was a good reminder of the feel-good of running.

When I was training for my last marathon, I was also going through school, a long-distance relationship, and a new house of roommates. Each had its separate demands and I found so much pleasure in heading out in the early morning for an 'easy' 10-miler. I loved the circuit I ran around Salt Lake. Then I'd head up to afternoon class, work at the newspaper after, and then an occasional text/call to my sweetheart (she followed the Rules, I later found out). :)

But I always ran alone. I always pushed myself up the hill, fighting side-aches and mild dehydration. I always tried to run what made me feel good. And lately, my runs have been dominated with hurt muscles, but no feel-good seratonin.

So I ditched the stopwatch today.

And I smelled a pink-laden tree that ran sweet from 20 feet away; I saw a bird drop from the treetop and glide over the signpost; I heared a motorbike head north on 2200 West; I tasted the salt of my breath; I felt wind, full-force in my face; I felt good.

I don't think stopwatches are for me. :)