Friday love

Workout: 3.16-mile run

I am changing my attitude. I am going to expect the best in the hopes that the best comes my way because, last night, I learned that when you expect the worse, you get the worst.

The inspection for our new home was slated for 4 p.m. yesterday. I couldn't go - you know, that whole working thing - so it was up to Mark to get the scoop on the house. And let me tell you, it wasn't ideal.

• The roof is leaking and it's at the end of its life. Replacement is not an option.
• The 32-year-old furnace is cracked in two places and is leaking carbon monoxide and natural gas. Obviously, it is not safe and needs to be replaced.
• Replacing the furnace involves the heat exchange, which means the air conditioner will need to be replaced. Something about leaking freon.
• And there are the other things that need attention but not immediately: less than adequate insulation in the attic, a slow drain in the kitchen and a pipe needs replaced, as does the garage door opener does.

As you can see, our "move-in ready" house isn't so move-in ready. We're going back to the sellers and asking for replacements. And I am going to believe that they are going to do it. You know why? Expect the best, get the best. Plus, they'll never sell the house with those issues.

But anyways, in light of our new positive mood, let's get to some Friday love.

Food. Knowing we had a busy day - and night - yesterday, i had Mark pick up a pizza from Papa Murphy's, using a gift card I scored off Plum Deals. I told him to get half-veggie and half-whatever he wanted. Instead, he got some "chicken thing" ... off the light menu. My husband ordered off the light menu! It was the Herb Chicken Mediterranean and, let me tell you, it was amazing. Olive oil, garlic, Mozzarella cheese, spinach, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and herbs. I might have eaten three slices. Might have.

Fitness. Let's just run down the list: 40+ degree weather, capris, ice-free sidewalks, the opening up of neighborhood routes, the sun rising over the river this morning, watching ice chunks dissipate downstream, still managing to maintain a sub-10 minute pace and listening to my iPod. I love it. And I plan to love every single run that I get to have in the coming weeks.

Life. As you know, or maybe you didn't, I'm a fan of audiobooks in the car. My most recent entertainment is "Unbroken," by Laura Hillenbrand and read by Edward Hermann (the grandpa from "Gilmore Girls"!!!). The book is about Louie Zamperini -- a juvenile delinquent-turned-Olympic runner-turned-Army hero. Louie was expected to become the first man to ever break the 4-minute-mile barrier before heading off to World War II, obviously my hook into the story. It's so interesting, even the war parts, and beautifully read. And even though it's non-fiction, I find myself wanting to know what happens next. I highly, highly recommend it.

What are you loving this week?