Talking to my parents on the phone (at the same time, no less) brings me an immense amount of joy and unintended laughter.
We were at the coast again this past weekend and in the middle of a 3-mile hot, “feels like 99 degrees”, 80% humidity afternoon run, my parents called.
I had actually just stopped to catch my breath for a minute (and take a few photos of the coastal waters), when my phone rang.
Every phone conversation with my dad begins with the same low-growled pleasantry strung together to make a one-word question: “Whatareyoudoiiiin?”
I have heard my dad say this sentence millions of times and truth be told, it never gets old.
So, after the initial question, my dad asks about beds and memory foam, and motors. Then, my mom pipes in and at this point, they are both talking to me and then they begin to have their own side conversation while I’m on the phone.
Do anyone else’s parents do this? My friend Kelly Ann used to always say her parents’ banter reminded her of the Muppets at the Opera and honestly, my parents are no different.
After a few minutes, a few ridiculous comments by my dad and a few laughs, we determine that they SHOULD buy the adjustable mattress for their house (“I know it sounds like an old person bed, but you wouldn’t believe how comfortable it was…”) and my mom had this idea from the beginning.
I joke, but I don’t take these calls for granted. Life is so short and it’s a rarity to have parents that are not only still married after 40 years, but that seem to still like one another hahahahha. They make me laugh and I’m grateful I get to see and talk to them regularly.
Aside from my parental interaction, this particular run had a million thoughts swirling through my brain, per yoozsh.
Three 6 Mafia is 100, especially the song Who Run It.
Live oak trees are so pretty.
It’s hard to breathe out here.
How do Gen Z exercise in these tall ass socks? My feet are so hot I am about to panic.
I forgot to put sunscreen on my arms. (Oops.)
I love the North Carolina coast.
Did I brush my teeth this morning? (Yes, I did).
Which race should I sign up for next? (maybe the Charlotte Half in November?)
I need to text so-and-so back. (I owe so many people texts back that I’m ashamed.)
“Watch where you’re driving, a$$hole.”
And the list goes on.
Running is challenging physically and mentally but it’s one of my favorite times to think. I am a solo runner and love the time I get to myself to think about whatever comes to mind. It’s pretty freeing.
Also, if you’re looking for a good book, The Women by Kristin Hannah is a must-read!
I’m ashamed to say I did not know much about the Vietnam War beyond what I learned from watching Forrest Gump but this is one I read (not listen, I had the physical copy that my mother-in-law let me borrow) and really enjoyed.
The Women is about a young 21-year-old woman named Frankie McGrath that joins the Army Nurse Corps in the 1960s. She is placed in an evac hospital and is thrown into the heart of the fighting. This novel tells of her experiences of war, PTSD, feminism, love, and unwavering friendship. It told a side of wartime that was rarely seen (“women weren’t in ‘Nam…”) and I loved how the author told Frankie’s story.
This was my first Kristin Hannah book and I just bought The Nightengale to listen to. I’ll let you know what I think.