Marine Report

So... the running is done.  I went to DC last weekend and finished my third and possibly last marathon (Pictures to come).  The weekend went really fast but it was good.  The marathon was amazing.  I got up and wasn't the least bit nervous.  I'm not just saying that... it's true.  Typically before any race I get pre-jitters and nerves and anxiety and stuff.  I woke up before the race and was just ready to do a run... sobeit a 26.2 mile race but it was a run.  Kelly and I got up and got ready and headed to the Pentagon.  We hung out in the Pentagon for awhile, listened to the national athem, talked to other spectators, and then it was time for Kelly to join the spectators and me the other runners.  Finally the beginning gun went off and me and 30,000 other runners (yeah... did you see all those zeros) start our trek around Washington DC.  I think this is one of my favorite runs so far but next time I might just stick with the 10K and be able to enjoy the city afterwards. 

The run started, I made my way through the city of Rosslyn, through Georgetown University, ran across the Potamac and onto the Mall.  We started weaving our way around all of the monuments.  We did a large outer loop and then made our way to the inside.  Right after passing the Mile 17, I saw Kelly.  I dumped off my long-sleeve shirt.  After several miles, everything you're carrying starts to get pretty heavy (including shirts).  At Mile 18 the scariest thing of the whole race happened.  I wasn't hitting any walls, I was just going from mile to mile.  My goal was just to get to mile 20 before they closed the bridge.  You had to "Beat the Bridge" and be on the George Washington Parkway (also known as a freeway... never thought I'd run on a freeway).  At Mile 18 a lovely little car passed with a lovely little sign on the back of it that said "if you can read this, you are not going to beat the bridge". Not a good sign to see since you're not to the bridge yet.

That's when I pushed it... I made the bridge.  The guy actually came by early so no one was happy to see the car.  At this point, I also had to use the bathroom.... First, I wasn't going to be like all those many many guys who stopped wherever they thought was convenient... Second, I needed to beat that bridge... Third... potta-potties only occur at certain miles.  I had to make it across the bridge and luckily there was those lovely potta-porties after I made it off that 1.5 mile bridge.  At this point, I had 4.2 miles to go.  Doesn't sound like a like at that point, now does it.  We headed into Crystal City, and then came back out and made our way back to the 9/11 Memorial Highway, past the Pentagon, past Arlington National Cemetary and finally made it that last loop off the highway, up the hill.... up a bigger hill and through the finish line and finally stopped my run right in front of Iwo Jima. 

It was truly amazing.  This was by far my slowest race but I took my time to not kill myself and I took pictures.  Mentally, this was my best race.  I wasn't nervous and knew I could do this.  I just focused on every mile individually and had to keep reminding myself that I was actually running a marathon.  I still can't believe I did it.  There were Marines on the course, there were Marines at every mile marker, there were Marines handing out water along the way.  It was incredible. 

Recovering has been slow but not imbearable.  I was sore for a few days and was more sluggish that slow overall.  My legs are still tired but it's okay.  I'm glad I was able to accomplish this goal.  It was a marathon I wanted to do from the beginning of my marathon days back in 2004.

But let's say this... the running is over... I'm ready to have a social life again.  Friends... I'm ready to play.

Runner #14241

I am freaking out...

There are 6 days to go until I am doing my race in Washington DC. I fly out in 5 days. I have printed off my Confirmation Card, my Flight Plans, my metro directions, and many other items to make it through the weekend in the best way. I am now making my packing list. I'm not ready yet but I'm getting close.

During the last two weeks I was getting very concerned. I got this cold that was not treating my nice. Between not letting me sleep at night for several nights in a row, having the constant cough, having a hard time breathing, I was getting really worried. I went as far as asking a friend for a blessing but after asking him, I was finally able to get some sleep. After 3 nights of no sleep, that was a welcome event. I didn't need to get that blessing after all but it was nice to feel I had someone I thought I could ask. It's not always the easiest thing to do. But I'm feeling good now. I took the weekend off; I didn't do my last run... but at least I can breath now. I've been able to to get two 20-mile runs in so I know I can do the distance... but hopefully I can do the distance fast enough.

This weekend is going to be fun, and Kelly is coming with me. I'm hoping to be able to carry a camera and take some pictures along the way. I'm used to carrying my phone, so I'm going to replace my phone with my camera and hopefully document a few things along the way.

There has been a lot of work going into the race from my training to the fundraising involved with the race. I'm running this race on behalf of Safe Kids, the non-profit organization that I manage. I may not have reached my financial goal but I do appreciate the support that I've received from all of my friends and co-workers. I'm going to do my best to show my commitment to the race and the organization but representating the best that I can.

It's Almost Here

Sponsor a Mile

For those of you who are actually reading my blog... I've recently set some lofty goals. Because of this, I had to scale back on a few things. I am not doing P90X... that will be saved for .... later... when there's time... maybe 2018.

However, I am doing well on the school part (super busy but still excited about it) and the no snacks/treats part. I'm at 3 weeks and 2 days and still no snacks (having utilizied the cheat days yet). Oh... but last night... who how I wanted a snack. I guess that's what happens when I'm heading home at 10 pm for the first time all day.

And, finally, I'm doing well on the running part. I'm bumping up this miles really fast but I'm doing it. My race might be slow, but it's going to be completed. So... here's where you come in or loyal listeners.... I need help.

This race that I'm doing is the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. I work and run an organization called Safe Kids Utah. Our parent organization in headquartered in DC. Safe Kids USA is a charity sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon. In order for us to participate in this event, Safe Kids USA and Safe Kids Utah are raising funds to help support our organization. Safe Kids is run completely, 100% on donations. We are a public health organization whose mission is to help prevent unintentional injury and death to children 0-14 years old. We provide education through providing car seats to families in need, distributing smoke alarms or bicycle helmets or educating parents and caregivers about water safety, fire safety, and home safety, these proven initiatives help prevent the number one killer of children in the United States--preventable injury. This work can only be done through donations, whether large or small, to help complete our mission.

So... I'm taking it upon my self to raise $5000 for Utah. However, I'm hoping to have some friends and families who know of the importance of this mission and what I'm doing to be able to help with some donations.

Which mile do you want?

I am giving you the chance to sponsor a mile. You choose the mile, and I will dedicate that mile specifically to you. I will do this by taking pictures, blogging, or tweeting (when finished) about what I saw and heard on that mile, dedicated specifically to you. I will even design a T-shirt with your name on the bag with the mile that you sponsored. You tell me the mile and the donation, and I'll take care of the rest. If you want to donate at a different level, here are some suggested levels:

• $26.20 = Marathon Level ($1/mile)
• $52.40 = Double Marathon Level ($2/mile)
• $100.00 = Ultra Marathon

Go to my personal fundraising page to follow my progress... oh... and you can submit your donation directly to that page.

That's all for now, my loyal readers. Thank you upfront for your substantial charitable donation.

And the race is on....

Countdowns:

Ute Football:  17 days until kickoff (too bad I have to miss that game, so 24 days until I step feet into Rice-Eccles Stadium in a lovely shade of red.

PMBA:  4 classes (10 days) until my first PMBA class is complete.

MCM: 75 days until the Marine Corps Marathon.

Christmas: 130 Days until Christmas and the first annual (or maybe just first and only) Fisher 5K

Wasatch Back/Ragnar Relay: 298 Days until Team BattFishMan: The Greatest Superhero... ...ever makes its running debut throughout Utah.

Come for Dinner???

Quick question????

When you invite someone over for dinner, who's doing who a favor? 

Interesting conversation I had tonight though....  I call you and invite you to dinner and this might become a semi-regular invite (along with some other friends), but you only take up the invite occasionally because you don't want to wear out your welcome.  So, who's doing who a favor?

90 Days Left (Starting Tomorrow)

I've been using this blog to make annoucements when I set goals.  This is my way to be accountable to a few friends and get the friendly reminder of how I'm doing.  So, right here, right now, I'm going to let you know that starting tomorrow, I have 90 days to complete my training, to complete P90X, and to take a break from sugar.  So... by Halloween, I should feel pretty healthy.

Tonight, I invited over a bunch of friends to help get rid of the junk food in my house.  They did a great job!!! Just downed those cupcakes, cookies, and root beer floats.  A few very special friends took home a few bottles of root beer.  The rest of my treats are tucked safely away in my freezer.

By Halloween, I'll be ready to run a marathon, have graduted from P90X, made it halfway through my first semester of the PMBA program, have sworn off sugar (but I'm giving myself 5 cheat days... just a little FYI), and have followed the UTES through 75% of their final season with the Mountain West.

I think that should keep me occupied enough.  Check back often for more updates... I'll keep you posted.

2 Out of 4 Ain't Bad... Right!!!

Marathon Training Update

So... last week I was supposed to go running 4 times.  I made it twice.  Well... at lest that's a start.  I ran on Tuesday and Thursday.  This week will be better. 

Tomorrow morning, I am doing my Saturday run of 5 miles in the morning and then back on schedule.

So... Week 2... Here's my schedule.

Monday: 5 Miles (AM)
Tuesday: 3 Miles
Wednesday: 4 Miles
Thursday: 3 Miles
Friday: 2 Miles
Saturday: 6 Miles

If only it wasn't going to average 100+ degrees all week.

Because I Love Halloween

There is 110 days until Halloween. ...  And since I love to dress up, go to costume parties, haunted houses, etc., I've already planned my weekend.  Yes that's right.... 

I'm getting out of town...

In 110 days, I'm going to be in Washington DC....

Which means... there are 110 days until I ran my next marathon. I'm so excited to do this race. It's in Washington DC, it runs past all the national monuments, and it's supporting Safe Kids, plus Kelly's going to try and come and do a 10K race.

Now... to just start training.

So... this gives me actually 15 weeks and 5 days to train.  I can do it.  I keep telling people that they can train and run a marathon in 16 weeks.  So, I'm going to put this to the test. 

I had every intention of going running tonight, but there's a problem when you get home from work and fall asleep for a few hours... but not that deep sleep but the one where you're trying not to sleep but end up sleeping for 1 1/2 hours.

So... this week, this is my schedule:

• Monday: Rest (apparently take a nap on my couch)
• Tuesday: 3 miles
• Wednesday: 4 miles
• Thursday: Rest (or cross training)
• Friday: 3 miles
• Saturday: 5 miles
• Sunday: NOTHING (maybe go for a walk)

I'm making myself accountable to you.  I PROMISE!!!!

Because One Wasn't Enough

Congratulations!!! You have formally been accepted into the Professional Masters of Business Adminstration program at the University of Utah. ...

Crazy, I know.... I just got accepted and starting on August 10, 2010.

What the... I know...

Approximately 5 weeks ago, I had this crazy thought that entered my mind and wouldn't leave. Four weeks ago, I made a decision to follow through on this thought. Three weeks ago, I finished up the application process. Two weeks ago... I got accepted and now I'm hoping to add another degree to my resume.

Apparently, there are a few more things that I want to do in my life and suddenly getting an MBA is one of them.

Graduation Ceremonies: True Allegiance

It's been almost one year since I graduated from the University of Utah with my Master's Degree.  My family was able to attend that graduation and my sister, Sherrie, brought her 3 kids.  They knew the University of Utah likes the color red, so they all dressed themselves and wore red to my graduation (see Cory in the picture next to me). Canyon is very observant and always wants to do the right thing.  He knows (according to his dad) that he's supposed to be cheering for BYU, but I think he might be a little confused how this whole thing school loyalty thing works.   

Last week, Megan Renae Fernquist (soon-to-be Fisher) graduated from BYU.  Sherrie (my sister), who is a BYU alum (along with her husband, three brothers {if you count BYU-I and one who's 1 year from graduating from BYU}, two sisters, two sisters-in-law {again, counting BYU-I}, dad, and who knows who many Batty's), went to support Megan at her graduation.  She took her kids.  These are the same kids who have joined their dad in mocking my choice of choosing red over blue, Utah over BYU.  These are the same kids who during the Holy War, will call and trash talk me.  These are the same ones who chat "Go Cougars".   These are the same ones who proudly wear their BYU Cougar sweatshirt from Aunt Kelly.  

Well.... I found out wear their true allegiance lies...

Please refer to the following email, received April 23, 2010 at 1:58 pm...

Christi,


We are at Megan graduation ceremony... The kids dressed themselves. On the way here Canyon mentioned that all wore red because everyone wears red at graduations. Oops, wrong color this time.    ~ Sherrie

Go UTES!!!

Birthday Wishes and New Projects

I'm not sure what's gotten into me lately but apparently I want to expand my skills and so forth.  This weekend, I decided to figure out how to start making cakes.  I have a long ways to go with this but eventually I'd like to make some extravagant wedding cake or something but I need to start somewhere. 

In addition to that, this weekend the NBA Playoffs started and the Jazz are playing the Denver Nuggets.  Can I just say I LOVE THE PLAYOFFS?  So, right now I'm a little Jazz obsessed.  So.. with the idea that I should learn how to do cakes and the Jazz Playoffs... err... NBA Playoffs and with a good friend and former roommate's 30th birthday happening this weekend, I decided to make her a special cake for her birthday. 

It actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  I had to buy a few supplies but hopefully, I'll make the most of them.  But this was a lot of fun. 

Oh... and the Jazz, as of tonight are 3 and 1 in the series.  Stay tuned to hear about a little business venture Suzie and I have decided to do during the season.  All I can say is... I think buying those tickets were a good idea... even with the rough route we had to take to get them.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

I had a good friend that decided he was willing to mow my lawn yesterday.  So, while he was mowing, I decided to run to Home Depot and buy a couple of rakes so that I could help him out.  While there, I got side tracked and ended up buying a bunch of seeds and a kit to grow a herb garden.

So... guess what I'm doing this summer.... 

Hopefully, by the end of the summer I'll actually have something to eat or to cook with. 

Today was the herb garden day.  I've planted the seeds and in x-# of weeks we'll see how it's going.

Tell Me What to Do!!!

I can't find my bucket list so I recreated one.  If you want to see it, it's on my blog.  However... I need some more suggestions. 

What do you think I should add to it?  What should I do before I DIE!!!!!  I need something like 35 more items....

Life in a Cube

Welcome to my Office!!! All I can say is… it really stinks where I sit, literally.

I sit right outside of the all of this: the breakroom, the copy room, the stairs, the printers, and the water cooler. I know… you’re thinking… that’s convenient… but it’s not.




I get to smell everything people are having for breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, early dinners, and whatever else they feel they need to cook in the microwave. Let me tell you… the smells of tuna fish, mixed with BBQ sauce, burnt popcorn, toast and leftover ham from last nights dinner, does not help ones appetite for their own lunch. I’ve tried to drown out the smell by sitting here eating my Reese’s Peanut Butter eggs but that only helps so far. Really… people… think!!!!

Oh… and the stairs…. Being in a cubicle world… there’s nothing quite like it. I think people feel that these ¾ high walls block out any and all sound. Trust me people… it doesn’t. Hearing about your upcoming vacation, your baby woes, what your teen-ager is doing now, who you’re dating, your wedding plans, and what you did last night can be quite amusing. However, you might be wary of what is being heard on the other side of the wall. I hope you really didn’t want to keep THAT a secret.

All in all, it’s not bad. But it sure makes the day interesting.

Really… I just want to know, whose bright idea is it to put tuna fish in the microwave… TODAY!!!!

...and that my friend is what they call CLOSURE

CLOSURE: Main Entry: clo·sure
Pronunciation: \ˈklō-zhər\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin clausura, from clausus, past participle of claudere to close — more at close
Date: 14th century
...7 : an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality ; also : something (as a satisfying ending) that provides such a sense

clo·sure (klzhr)
n.
1. The act of closing or the state of being closed: closure of an incision.
2. Something that closes or shuts.
3.
a. A bringing to an end; a conclusion: finally brought the project to closure.
b. A feeling of finality or resolution, especially after a traumatic experience.

So... I decided this last week I needed some closure to a friendship that wasn't going anywhere. I had been told by several friends to just let it go. Not to say anything to them and to just move on. Well... this wasn't wworking for me 100%. So... I decided I needed to let them go. This person has been around for almost 5 years and we have done a lot together but we weren't helping each other out. Anyway, I decided its over.

Has anyone every really broken up with a friend? Well... I think I just did. It didn't happen the way that I wanted it to but it happend. And, surprisedly, I'm okay. I really okay. I feel very free. I think I was having a harder time making the decision a reality than when it actually just occurred. To protect the innocent, I'm not naming names but I'm good. I've forgiven them, I'm moving on, and I wish them best in their life to come. And... I plan to do the same.

Taking Applications... for the Perfect Man

I've had some conversations with people on what I'm looking for, and have been accused of being picky... But really... can't I expect a little more than okay with who I get.  They need to be good enough... but come on... I want a little more (not much... but a little more).

Do you remember how when you were like 14 and had to make a list of all the qualities that you wanted?  That's what I did here.  So... while writing down some thoughts on another blog, I started listing what I'm looking for.  Maybe this person doesn't exist... But I want to believe that he does.  I've decided to share this list with you loyal readers.  Good thing I think there are only like 4 people reading my blog.

So... here's the list...

I want to be able to find someone who...

• Really, truly cares about me
• Is strong in the gospel
• Will make me laugh
• Is not afraid of the kitchen… or at least someday will to help in the kitchen (they don’t have to learn how to cook but will hang out with me and help me… awwww cute…)
• Loves children
• Watches ESPN (I don't follow enough on my own but I like to be in the loop)
• Loves his family
• Loves his mom
• Likes sports (playing, watching, etc.)
• Potentionally likes to travel
• Is educated (… I don’t care if this means they are a doctor but they do value learning)
• Is fun
• Is genuine
• Is taller than me
• Is good with money
• Thinks they are the luckiest person by being with me (because I’m sure I’ll feel the same way)
• Is good at their calling
• Likes to serve
• Can work hard
• Is easy to talk to
• Loves me
• I can have fun with sitting around the house doing nothing
• Will make me happy

Do you know of anyone like this?

Addicted to Cooking and I'm in Love....

My name is Christi Fisher... and I'm a cooking addict.



This year I decided it was time to really start trying some new recipes.  I think I've gone overboard but lucky you if you get to be the guinea pigs who tries out my recipes.  Most have been successes but there are a few that I wish I could do over... (Sorry everyone... next time I won't use a jar of pepper like the recipe called for.)

Also, I'm in love with Rachael Ray.  I love her kitchenware, her recipes, her personality, her show... and... yesterday I found a deal where I can subscribe to her EVERYDAY magazine for less than $3 for the year... I bought a four year subscription for $11.72 (give or take some change).  Now, I'm really stalking her.

So... I figured since I'm so good and keeping this blog up-to-date, why not try another one.  So, I've created a blog just on the recipes I've tried, family favorites, or ones that look really good.  If you want to follow along on some recipes I've tried go to my online cookbook.

It's been a lot of fun... and mostly really good.

Low Country Boil (and late night blogging... excuse any typos)

It's 1:52 AM... It's getting to be a regular routine of not being able to go to sleep on the Sunday nights.  So... I'm being productive.  I'm going to make Wendy proud (she's the cute girl in the pink up above).

I love Sundays, and in particular Sunday nights and dinner at my house.  A few weeks ago, I decided to introduce Low Country Boil to a few of my closest friends.  It's fantastic!!!!  You take a little bit a sausage (make sure you specify to Tina what Summer Sausage is though because otherwise you have to get creative of how you use the sausage), corn on the cob (not as easy to find in January, celery, carrots, and some raw shrimp.  Add some spices let it cook for awhile and then drain it...

And dump it on the table!!!!

It's a feast.  Really... one of my favorite meals.

What Do We Have in Common?

So... If you know of anyone... send them my way.

New Year... New Home

So... I figured there wasn't enough going on at Christmastime that I decided that I needed to move as well.  So... I packed up my 400 square foot bedroom, in my 4800 square foot house and moved into a 1100 square foot place.  I'm not fitting very well but it will come.

I'm excited to make a change but really apprehensive at the same time.  I decided it was time to make some big changes in my life.  I'm actually not really sure why it was time now to make this change and this week has been an adjustment but time will come and I'll be able to adjust.

I have one roommates who's going to be great to live with and it's in a part of Sugarhouse that I love.  Now I just need to adjust of not living with my friends and former roommates.  This will be different.  I didn't realize it as much, but it is.

So... if you're bored, come over and say hi.