13.1

Yesterday I ran a half marathon. St.Jude hosts a marathon weekend every December that includes a 5k, half, and full marathon. Having run a good number of 5k races I decided it was time to take on a bit more distance. I knew that in order to finish the race it would be in my best interest to train. So, I made a nice schedule that I {for a few days} was determined to follow. Unfortunately, at best my training was sub-par at worst it was nonexistent; however, I made it. I ran all 13.1 miles and finished with a time of 2:25:35 which isn't too shabby for being ill prepared. I kept reminding myself that Isaiah 40:30-31 says: Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted;but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. Those verses along with the thousands of people cheering along side the race course helped me push through without any significant injury or pain.

Speaking of the people cheering the runners on, I think it is very important to applaud their creativity. Many of the men and women along the sides were holding signs. Some of my favorites were:

• Mile 3: If it were easy, I'd be doing it.
• Mile 5: Blisters don't need chemo! {This was on the St.Jude campus}
• Mile 10: Run like you are being chased.
• Mile 12: Don't stop now...People are watching.

When we got in the car yesterday morning the thermostat read 29 F, that fell to 26 F by the time we reached downtown.

Did I mention this is a huge race? 15,500 people participated.

From about mile 7 on the only thing I wanted was a Starbucks mocha.Of course, a Starbucks mocha was not available right after the race so I settled for a Diet Coke and some chocolate milk.

My race bling.

Thanksgiving (A Quick Recap)

This year for Thanksgiving Peter and I committed to staying in Memphis; after years of traveling and battling holiday traffic, we wanted a break. In turn, we offered to host. Last Tuesday Peter's parents, his sister Lisa, and her pup Bailey joined us in Memphis for Thanksgiving.

Here are the highlights: Wednesday we did some prep work for the meal. Thursday morning we participated in the Turkey Trot and Turkey Leg Relay (during which we got to run/walk with an actual turkey leg that was handed off as the baton). Later in the day we hung out and finished preparations before a few more of our friends joined our group for dinner. {Black} Friday we were sure to run by a few stores before heading to the local movie theater. Saturday, after breakfast at Panera, the Slatons headed back to GA and Peter and I watched the Clemson vs. Carolina game. Below are a few pictures from the holiday.

Our guests eagerly awaiting dinner.

A delicious warm brie, spicy mango, and bacon appetizer.

Thrifty & Festive Tablescape #1

Thrifty & Festive Tablescape #2

One of the delicious homemade pies Lisa created.

Evidence of a great meal.

I Love Uniforms

I loved wearing a uniform during middle and upper school. Each morning I'd wake up and grab a white polo and green skirt and run out the door. I loved the mindlessness and ease of a uniform. While I was teaching at Southside, I opted to dress in a uniform as well. I bought 5 collared shirts embroidered with the school emblem and my name which I paired with chinos. This was not only a simple outfit but I didn't care if I got marker, pencil, pen, or chocolate milk on me. {One unfortunate morning last year a full carton of chocolate milk was "accidentally" thrown at me. Of course this was before I'd adopted a basic uniform and the milk got all over a lovely wool coat that I was wearing for the first time}.

A few weeks ago I began working for Mission Graduation within Streets Ministries. Let me first say I love my new job! It is fabulous in ways that I had a forgotten a job could be. My coworkers are great, the students are wonderful, and it is the perfect combination of Christ-centered, education-focused ministry. But, like so many jobs there is no uniform but rather, a dress code. The rules of the dress code are very simple: closed toed shoes and a collared shirt. In true Parker fashion, I have taken to the dress code by adopting a simple uniform: skinny pants, button down shirt, black or white tank, accessorized with a scarf, vest, belt, jewelry and/or purse.

My New Uniform by PSlaton featuring J Crew