11.   NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The Nigerian National Petroleum Co. has a proposition for either me or my running buddy.

12.   My running buddy has a circle of girlfriends who still keep in touch, most of whom still live here or come back often to visit.

13.   My running buddy, on the other hand, only goes out there about once a week.

14.   My wife, aka the running buddy, is adamant about this, and I agree.

15.   My running buddy called the plumber, who pointed out the hot-water cutoff was on top of the hot-water heater.

16.   My running buddy gets downright stressed out about moving.

17.   My running buddy thought the entire incident was pretty darned hilarious.

18.   My theory is the female influence of my running buddy.

19.   Now comes Al Gore with his brand new running buddy, Joe Lieberman.

20.   Otto was the key to my running buddy getting over her fear of cats.