Had another good run tonight although there might be an issue a-brewin'. Gonna have to keep an eye on my shins, I think some splints are coming on. This happened earlier this year too around March when I was training for Fargo. I can't nail down what it's from though, the shoes or the training. I have right around 200 miles on my current pair of runners which is right around where I was with the previous pair when I got shin splints. BUT, in both cases I was ramping up my distances too. 200 miles is on the low end of how soon shoes wear down so I decided to run through the discomfort and get my money's worth out of the sneakers. The shin splints went away after a week or two and I ended up just under 500 miles with that pair before I bought my current pair. This time around I might buy another pair sooner and see how the shins react before drawing any conclusions. It would kinda suck if it's the shoes' fault because I really like these kind (Pearl Izumi), but it isn't reasonable to be forking out $100 every 200 miles.
Tonight's route was different than last night's. Wanted to keep it flatter to give the thighs some rest after last night and to do some speed work. I had a farmer unbeknownst to him help me out with the speed part. My first warmup mile was along the edge of town and then I turned left and headed out into the countryside. Nothing like long, straight, never-ending country roads to get you motivated to run (he said with a sarcastic tone)!
About a 1/2 mile down the road I came upon a soybean field and the farmer was out in his tractor spraying his crops. He timed it perfectly to end up as close to the road as he could get right as I was coming by. I'm sure it was planned, I'm sure he just sits and waits for runners to come by on August Thursday nights. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal since he would turn right around and weave his way back to the opposite end.
Nope, he didn't.
He took a 90 degree turn and headed in the same direction I was. Super, I thought, I get to suck pesticides for the length of the this field! Well, no better time to start my tempo runs so I picked it up a couple of notches and dusted that farmer while he dusted his crops! (I can talk like I'm fast when I'm running by myself)
I continued on my route out and only hoped he'd be done by the time I turned around and headed back. He was, but with it being such a gorgeous night there wasn't a breeze and the spray was still lingering in the air when I came by again! I would have to say it was worse coming through the 2nd time. I could taste and smell it with every inhale so I pulled my shirt up over my mouth and nose until I got beyond that field. I wonder if that's what it's like in Beijing? Well, at least I won't have weeds growing on me anytime soon.
Speaking of the Olympics, KARE 11 News (the Mpls NBC affiliate) sent Eric Perkins over there to cover them for the next 2 weeks. I love Perk, he's hilarious! Tonight's episode was about some of the food choices street vendors had. Kind of had a Fear Factor feel to it, not some things I would necessarily eat. I highly recommend tuning in to Perk's stories. On assignments like this he usually offers the not so obvious, off the hidden path type of stories that can help you get to know something/somewhere beyond the normal touristy things.
Speaking of NBC (don't you just love my segues?), is anyone watching America's Got Talent? Well, even if you're not, do this - one of the acts they put throught to the semi-finals had to drop out due to injury so they're letting the public vote for 1 act they previously cut to take their place. Vote for Victoria Jacobs (I think that's her name). She's a little, 12 yr old contortionist. The things those people can do to their bodies and the way they make them bend is next to unreal! I think it's the type of act that show needs, not some other dancers or singers. There are already other shows for those. Oh, and she's an adopted Chinese. Kinda ties all my stories together, doesn't it? :)
Speaking of other nationalities (I promise this is my last segue), the Irish Fair is this weekend in St. Paul. I'm embarrassed to say I've yet to go to it in all the previous years, but I have every intention of making it this year! I'm going to pick up my boys for the afternoon on Saturday and take them to it. I figure they just spent a week getting to know their Korean side, I better get them exposed to their other side before they want to move to Seoul. We'll go hang out with my brethren for a few hours, maybe the 3 of us will tip back a pint or two, do a jig, kiss the blarney. Should be fun.
-----------
And on a final note, the bathrooms got closed again today after being open only a couple of hours late yesterday and this morning. Apparently Roto only partially unclogged things and they got backed up again. Might be time to call in a real plumber. Know of a good one Jack?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Roto Rooter To The Rescue!
I think I'm back! I had a pretty good run tonight and it's boosted the running spirits again. The last couple of weeks I have been running, but it's more been a matter of just going through the motions and going out because I knew I needed to, not because I wanted to. I almost talked myself out of not making it tonight, but I'm glad that didn't happen!
Tonight was a hill workout, not one of my favorite things to do. I started out with a mile warmup that was probably a little faster than what it should be for a warmup (at my speed anyway, definitely not compared to Ryan Hall (if you don't know who Ryan is watch the Olympics on the 24th)), but I was thinking "let's just get this workout over with". After the warmup I started with my hill repeats.
It's a good and convenient hill to run, it's the road that leads up to my neighborhood, about a 1/4 mile long with a decent grade. I ripped off the first 2 repeats like I knew what I was doing and started thinking this aint so bad. On my 2 mile recovery jog in between sets I was in a much better mood than when I started. It helped that it was an absolute perfect night weather-wise to be out doing exactly that. I was able to enjoy and appreciate the countryside. It became less of a workout and more of a calming evening outside.
A couple of years ago when I got back into running I abandoned all technology and just wanted to run for running's sake - don't care about splits, pace, total time, etc. Save that for the races I enter and the results breakdown. It would've been interesting to know what my pace was tonight though because my recovery runs were over before I knew it. In my mind I was cruising! Got back to the hill, did a few more repeats and then had every intent of making my last mile a cool down mile, but instead it turned into a practice of my finishing kick. I was running on a high at that point and wasn't going to slow down!
Tonight's run was one of those that makes you actually look forward to the next one! Good timing too because with my marathon just over 12 weeks away the long runs are going to get exactly that, long. I have to finalize my schedule, but I'm thinking I want to try to do 3 20-milers, 2 minimum. A couple of recent articles I've read on workouts suggest this might be exactly what I need to do, especially compared with how my last couple of marathons have gone. I'll give it a shot, gotta mix things up a bit, try new things.
----------------
Have you ever taken bathrooms for granted around your workplace? A lot of people in my building did up until today! At about 11:00 this morning all of our bathrooms were closed in the whole building due to a clog in a main sewer line somewhere. Apparently there were even a few geysers from some of the biffys. Could've been even funnier if the right people would've been standing by them at the time.
Well, this commode closure caused quite the disruption for some coworkers who were all in a tizzy about what to do. Some of them even seriously suggested #1, they should close the building and we should all go home and/or #2, they should immediately get some port-a-potties set up. Get real. There's a convenience store and 2 restaurants right across the street from our office, plus it's lunch time so go out for lunch. So you would have to travel a couple of extra minutes to get from your desk to the loo, deal with it and plan accordingly. Don't fret though, they had everything flushing again by 2:30.
Sorry about that, kind of a shitty story, huh? Sorry about that, an even worse pun!
Oh yeah, before I forget, the lobster and shrimp were delicious!
Tonight was a hill workout, not one of my favorite things to do. I started out with a mile warmup that was probably a little faster than what it should be for a warmup (at my speed anyway, definitely not compared to Ryan Hall (if you don't know who Ryan is watch the Olympics on the 24th)), but I was thinking "let's just get this workout over with". After the warmup I started with my hill repeats.
It's a good and convenient hill to run, it's the road that leads up to my neighborhood, about a 1/4 mile long with a decent grade. I ripped off the first 2 repeats like I knew what I was doing and started thinking this aint so bad. On my 2 mile recovery jog in between sets I was in a much better mood than when I started. It helped that it was an absolute perfect night weather-wise to be out doing exactly that. I was able to enjoy and appreciate the countryside. It became less of a workout and more of a calming evening outside.
A couple of years ago when I got back into running I abandoned all technology and just wanted to run for running's sake - don't care about splits, pace, total time, etc. Save that for the races I enter and the results breakdown. It would've been interesting to know what my pace was tonight though because my recovery runs were over before I knew it. In my mind I was cruising! Got back to the hill, did a few more repeats and then had every intent of making my last mile a cool down mile, but instead it turned into a practice of my finishing kick. I was running on a high at that point and wasn't going to slow down!
Tonight's run was one of those that makes you actually look forward to the next one! Good timing too because with my marathon just over 12 weeks away the long runs are going to get exactly that, long. I have to finalize my schedule, but I'm thinking I want to try to do 3 20-milers, 2 minimum. A couple of recent articles I've read on workouts suggest this might be exactly what I need to do, especially compared with how my last couple of marathons have gone. I'll give it a shot, gotta mix things up a bit, try new things.
----------------
Have you ever taken bathrooms for granted around your workplace? A lot of people in my building did up until today! At about 11:00 this morning all of our bathrooms were closed in the whole building due to a clog in a main sewer line somewhere. Apparently there were even a few geysers from some of the biffys. Could've been even funnier if the right people would've been standing by them at the time.
Well, this commode closure caused quite the disruption for some coworkers who were all in a tizzy about what to do. Some of them even seriously suggested #1, they should close the building and we should all go home and/or #2, they should immediately get some port-a-potties set up. Get real. There's a convenience store and 2 restaurants right across the street from our office, plus it's lunch time so go out for lunch. So you would have to travel a couple of extra minutes to get from your desk to the loo, deal with it and plan accordingly. Don't fret though, they had everything flushing again by 2:30.
Sorry about that, kind of a shitty story, huh? Sorry about that, an even worse pun!
Oh yeah, before I forget, the lobster and shrimp were delicious!
Friday, August 1, 2008
There's supposed to be how many?!
I finally figured out what's been nagging at me this week. It's not that it really needed "figuring out", but more of a realization how it affects me. I miss my kids. It took talking to a coworker to fully realize this. Her only child is going off to college this weekend for the first time this weekend and she's having a hard time with that.
This week was (is) supposed to be my week to have my kids. This is also the week they're in Korean Culture Camp all week (their mom is 100% Korean for those that don't know, if any one of you are reading). It's a day camp, but met every day from Monday thru the closing ceremony tomorrow. With the logistics and start/end times of camp it just made it easier for the kids to stay with Lindsay this week too so, in essence, I forfeited my week.
I was able to see them a couple of times during the week and talked to them on the phone as well, but that no where near replaces bringing them home with me, listening to them play here, listening to them fight with each other, putting them to bed, waking them up, just being their parent. Is this what it's going to be like 13 years from now too when the last of them goes to college? Probably worse I'd imagine.
The closing ceremony should be fun tomorrow. Along with other things, the boys will put on a little tae kwan do demonstrataion and then Kayli will be part of a traditional dance number. Devon and Conner were cute the other day trying to show us what they were learning in t.k.d. telling us to hold some pillows out and they did their spin kicks and such. This has been Devon's first year being able to go and he's having a blast!
After the ceremony I get the kids for the weekend and we're heading up north to Mom and Dad's. Can't wait to get there! #1, most of the heavy projects should be done already by the group that's already up there (shucks, that's too bad) and #2, Mom and Dad are having a lobster and shrimp feast for everyone tomorrow night! My mouth's watering just thinking about it. Mom ordered fresh lobster from Maine that's flown in and delivered right to their door and the shrimp are as big as your palms. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm good! I better get in a couple of extra miles on my run tomorrow to make room in my belly.
So I made a batch of cookies tonight to take along for the car ride tomorrow (3.5 hrs up north). The recipe said it should make about 3 dozen. I ended up closer to 2 dozen. I'll admit unbaked cookie dough is a weakness of mine, but c'mon?! I don't think I ate a dozen's worth of cookies! In fact, I don't think I've ever been able to squeeze out the number of cookies the author of the recipe says it should. Apparently all the authors and I have differing opinions on how big the cookies should be. I'm not going to make something that you can just toss the whole thing in your mouth. Cookies should take 3 or 4 bites to finish. Am I way off base here? Has anyone else noticed this overapproximation? Yes, it's these types of things that keep me up at night.
Now that I think about it, I better do a couple of extra miles for all the dough and baked cookies I ate tonight too. I better get to bed so I can get up early enough to finish all these miles before the ceremony!
I'll give you a post-lobster recap on Sunday. Until then, happy eating!
This week was (is) supposed to be my week to have my kids. This is also the week they're in Korean Culture Camp all week (their mom is 100% Korean for those that don't know, if any one of you are reading). It's a day camp, but met every day from Monday thru the closing ceremony tomorrow. With the logistics and start/end times of camp it just made it easier for the kids to stay with Lindsay this week too so, in essence, I forfeited my week.
I was able to see them a couple of times during the week and talked to them on the phone as well, but that no where near replaces bringing them home with me, listening to them play here, listening to them fight with each other, putting them to bed, waking them up, just being their parent. Is this what it's going to be like 13 years from now too when the last of them goes to college? Probably worse I'd imagine.
The closing ceremony should be fun tomorrow. Along with other things, the boys will put on a little tae kwan do demonstrataion and then Kayli will be part of a traditional dance number. Devon and Conner were cute the other day trying to show us what they were learning in t.k.d. telling us to hold some pillows out and they did their spin kicks and such. This has been Devon's first year being able to go and he's having a blast!
After the ceremony I get the kids for the weekend and we're heading up north to Mom and Dad's. Can't wait to get there! #1, most of the heavy projects should be done already by the group that's already up there (shucks, that's too bad) and #2, Mom and Dad are having a lobster and shrimp feast for everyone tomorrow night! My mouth's watering just thinking about it. Mom ordered fresh lobster from Maine that's flown in and delivered right to their door and the shrimp are as big as your palms. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm good! I better get in a couple of extra miles on my run tomorrow to make room in my belly.
So I made a batch of cookies tonight to take along for the car ride tomorrow (3.5 hrs up north). The recipe said it should make about 3 dozen. I ended up closer to 2 dozen. I'll admit unbaked cookie dough is a weakness of mine, but c'mon?! I don't think I ate a dozen's worth of cookies! In fact, I don't think I've ever been able to squeeze out the number of cookies the author of the recipe says it should. Apparently all the authors and I have differing opinions on how big the cookies should be. I'm not going to make something that you can just toss the whole thing in your mouth. Cookies should take 3 or 4 bites to finish. Am I way off base here? Has anyone else noticed this overapproximation? Yes, it's these types of things that keep me up at night.
Now that I think about it, I better do a couple of extra miles for all the dough and baked cookies I ate tonight too. I better get to bed so I can get up early enough to finish all these miles before the ceremony!
I'll give you a post-lobster recap on Sunday. Until then, happy eating!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Chomp chomp
I've come to the conclusion that Lindsay has a valid point. Damn, I hate to admit that! She doesn't know it yet, but I'll agree with her that the kids should move from the school district they're in now (New Prague) to Farmington (her choice, the one she lives in). Taking everything into account it just makes sense and from everything I've heard and been able to find Farmington is a good district.
Conner was slated to be in an advanced program this year in 3rd grade. That was my biggest holdup regarding moving him, I didn't want him to miss out on that. It turns out Farmington uses the same assessment tests to evaluate their students so they'll accept his results without needing to re-evaluate him for themselves. Kayli's fine with moving and starting middle school and Devon's just starting Kindergarten so this is as good of time as any to move them I suppose.
----
Got together with "the guys" last Saturday night for a few drinks - Wade, Souk, Mesch . Always fun. We did our best Siskel & Ebert analysis and talked about a few movies. I saw Wanted a couple of weeks ago, I'd recommend it. Still wanna see Hancock and The Dark Knight. Usually I can wait for movies to come out on DVD, but lately I have the itch to watch these in the theater. Maybe I can take out a loan to go to the theater and splurge on some popcorn and a drink too. $9 just for a movie ticket, unreal.
One movie that was highly recommended (insert sarcasm) from 1 of the other 3 is Teeth. Check it out, hehehe. After being told what it was about we got quite a few laughs out of the concept. We have the sequels all lined up, or at least the names for 'em. Where do screen writers come up with some of these ideas?! Real life experiences? I hope not, especially now that I'm back out in that dating world scene (kind of, available to be anyway).
Speaking of, no, I'm not dating anyone and no, there aren't any potentials on the horizon. Thank you all for asking though quite often.
I'm fine with that. In fact, I'm not even really looking. If "she" were to fall into my lap I'd probably act on the opportunity, but I don't think I really want to be proactive in that realm right now. Occasionally I do long for someone to snuggle with or wake up next to, but for the time being I enjoy being selfish with my time and doing only the things I want to do, when I want to do them. Dating someone wouldn't necessarily allow for that. Besides, I'm not sure I could afford a date now anyway, my money's being funneled elsewhere, what little extra there is of it.
One of those funneling places is going to be for my next run, the RAGNAR Relay (http://www.ragnarrelay.com/). I'm really looking forward to this on 8/22-8/23. I'm on a 12 person team (7 gals, 5 guys) and we take turns running over pre-set distances, 1 at a time and then hand off to the next person, from La Crosse, WI to Minneapolis. A total of 205 miles, 178 different teams! Our team starts at 8:00 on Friday morning and we'll run all day, through the night and following morning until we reach the finish line. It should take us approx. 30 hours, give or take 2-4 hours. It's gonna be a hoot! I'm one of the co-captains for our team and am helping organize things. This particular race is in its 4th year I think and there are other Ragnar events throughout the country at different times. I think it would be fun to do some of the other destinations some year too.
Our team name is The Babes And The Boys and we're going to decorate our 2 support vehicles with bras, boxers and jock straps. This race highly encourages you to have fun with it and gives out awards for best team name, best van decorations, best costume, etc. It's more about the fun than the run. They also mention not to plan on getting any sleep and if you do it's a bonus. It'll be interesting to run my 5 mile leg on day 2 with sleep deprivation. If I remember I'll have to keep track of my splits.
Well, I better hit the hay. Before I do though, I think I might as well call Lindsay and tell her now. I'm sure she'll appreciate the 1:00 a.m. call. Hey, she's getting her way! I should at least be able to call when I want to, right?!
Conner was slated to be in an advanced program this year in 3rd grade. That was my biggest holdup regarding moving him, I didn't want him to miss out on that. It turns out Farmington uses the same assessment tests to evaluate their students so they'll accept his results without needing to re-evaluate him for themselves. Kayli's fine with moving and starting middle school and Devon's just starting Kindergarten so this is as good of time as any to move them I suppose.
----
Got together with "the guys" last Saturday night for a few drinks - Wade, Souk, Mesch . Always fun. We did our best Siskel & Ebert analysis and talked about a few movies. I saw Wanted a couple of weeks ago, I'd recommend it. Still wanna see Hancock and The Dark Knight. Usually I can wait for movies to come out on DVD, but lately I have the itch to watch these in the theater. Maybe I can take out a loan to go to the theater and splurge on some popcorn and a drink too. $9 just for a movie ticket, unreal.
One movie that was highly recommended (insert sarcasm) from 1 of the other 3 is Teeth. Check it out, hehehe. After being told what it was about we got quite a few laughs out of the concept. We have the sequels all lined up, or at least the names for 'em. Where do screen writers come up with some of these ideas?! Real life experiences? I hope not, especially now that I'm back out in that dating world scene (kind of, available to be anyway).
Speaking of, no, I'm not dating anyone and no, there aren't any potentials on the horizon. Thank you all for asking though quite often.
I'm fine with that. In fact, I'm not even really looking. If "she" were to fall into my lap I'd probably act on the opportunity, but I don't think I really want to be proactive in that realm right now. Occasionally I do long for someone to snuggle with or wake up next to, but for the time being I enjoy being selfish with my time and doing only the things I want to do, when I want to do them. Dating someone wouldn't necessarily allow for that. Besides, I'm not sure I could afford a date now anyway, my money's being funneled elsewhere, what little extra there is of it.
One of those funneling places is going to be for my next run, the RAGNAR Relay (http://www.ragnarrelay.com/). I'm really looking forward to this on 8/22-8/23. I'm on a 12 person team (7 gals, 5 guys) and we take turns running over pre-set distances, 1 at a time and then hand off to the next person, from La Crosse, WI to Minneapolis. A total of 205 miles, 178 different teams! Our team starts at 8:00 on Friday morning and we'll run all day, through the night and following morning until we reach the finish line. It should take us approx. 30 hours, give or take 2-4 hours. It's gonna be a hoot! I'm one of the co-captains for our team and am helping organize things. This particular race is in its 4th year I think and there are other Ragnar events throughout the country at different times. I think it would be fun to do some of the other destinations some year too.
Our team name is The Babes And The Boys and we're going to decorate our 2 support vehicles with bras, boxers and jock straps. This race highly encourages you to have fun with it and gives out awards for best team name, best van decorations, best costume, etc. It's more about the fun than the run. They also mention not to plan on getting any sleep and if you do it's a bonus. It'll be interesting to run my 5 mile leg on day 2 with sleep deprivation. If I remember I'll have to keep track of my splits.
Well, I better hit the hay. Before I do though, I think I might as well call Lindsay and tell her now. I'm sure she'll appreciate the 1:00 a.m. call. Hey, she's getting her way! I should at least be able to call when I want to, right?!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Where'd it go?
Lost my motivation to do anything today. I think that happened sometime this morning between rolling out of bed and walking across the hall to the bathroom. Not quite sure why.
It's not like this week has been stressful. Haven't had any major life moments. Work has only been work. Haven't worn down because of working out (can't if you don't work out). In fact, I need to get serious about running again if I'm to do another marathon in 14 weeks. Hopefully this is the lull before the training storm.
Lately I can't hold myself accountable to working out. I'm used to the group dynamic and having a schedule come from someone else. That needs to change since I'm doing this marathon alone. I know what needs to be done, I'm just not doing it.
Hopefully that'll change this weekend, as early as tonight. I told someone I'd be at a group bike ride tonight and it looks like the weather's going to cooperate (I'm not a rainy weather rider (say that 3 times fast!)) and then on Sunday I'm heading out to a tri to cheer a bunch of teammates on. Many of them are doing a 1/2 Ironman distance tri (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). For a couple of them this race is only a training day! They're doing a full Ironman tri in Sept. If watching them doesn't inspire me to take training seriously, uh oh.
I haven't been accountable to my housework either. It isn't fun coming home to dishes that need to be washed and laundry that needs to be folded, but I can't find the gumption to get those things done. I'd say getting a wife might be helpful, but the one I did have didn't do those things either. D'oh! Hey, that was kinda funny and made me feel a little better, put a smile on my face anyway.
Watch out, I'm in one of those vindictive, sarcastic moods. Maybe I should call up Lindsay and see if there's anything we need to "discuss". hehehe
It's not like this week has been stressful. Haven't had any major life moments. Work has only been work. Haven't worn down because of working out (can't if you don't work out). In fact, I need to get serious about running again if I'm to do another marathon in 14 weeks. Hopefully this is the lull before the training storm.
Lately I can't hold myself accountable to working out. I'm used to the group dynamic and having a schedule come from someone else. That needs to change since I'm doing this marathon alone. I know what needs to be done, I'm just not doing it.
Hopefully that'll change this weekend, as early as tonight. I told someone I'd be at a group bike ride tonight and it looks like the weather's going to cooperate (I'm not a rainy weather rider (say that 3 times fast!)) and then on Sunday I'm heading out to a tri to cheer a bunch of teammates on. Many of them are doing a 1/2 Ironman distance tri (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). For a couple of them this race is only a training day! They're doing a full Ironman tri in Sept. If watching them doesn't inspire me to take training seriously, uh oh.
I haven't been accountable to my housework either. It isn't fun coming home to dishes that need to be washed and laundry that needs to be folded, but I can't find the gumption to get those things done. I'd say getting a wife might be helpful, but the one I did have didn't do those things either. D'oh! Hey, that was kinda funny and made me feel a little better, put a smile on my face anyway.
Watch out, I'm in one of those vindictive, sarcastic moods. Maybe I should call up Lindsay and see if there's anything we need to "discuss". hehehe
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
So That's What E Coli Tastes Like
Just found out today that the lake/beach that I did my latest triathlon in is now closed due to an e. coli outbreak. That doesn't leave the best images in one's mind about what we were swimming and breathing in. All's well though, the outbreak came after the race. Rumor is someone tipped over a porta-potty or 2 at that lake and that "stuff" made it into the water. The Parks Dept. does a pretty good job with the recreational areas in my mind. They check the water quality every couple of days for situations like this and maintain the overall cleanliness of the beaches.
After a few emails back and forth with some training partners we found a suitable option for our open water swim workout tonight. This lake was pretty clean too for a metro lake, despite the first few steps through the weeds. I didn't think they were that bad, others (who shall remain nameless) did. This new spot could easily become the lake of choice, but it would help if it were closer. Is it possible to relocate a lake? Do you think they'd do that for me?
Despite my newfound affection for said lake, I'm currently sitting here in the middle of sneeze attack. One thing I've found out this year is that my lake allergies are back, from the algae, something that hasn't affected me in about 2o years. Pretty annoying. A couple of more good sneezes and my screen should be pretty much covered. Can't stop typing just to cover a sneeze! :)
Okay, that's it for tonight. Time to take some non-drowsy sinus pills that make me tired anyway.
Until the next outbreak...
After a few emails back and forth with some training partners we found a suitable option for our open water swim workout tonight. This lake was pretty clean too for a metro lake, despite the first few steps through the weeds. I didn't think they were that bad, others (who shall remain nameless) did. This new spot could easily become the lake of choice, but it would help if it were closer. Is it possible to relocate a lake? Do you think they'd do that for me?
Despite my newfound affection for said lake, I'm currently sitting here in the middle of sneeze attack. One thing I've found out this year is that my lake allergies are back, from the algae, something that hasn't affected me in about 2o years. Pretty annoying. A couple of more good sneezes and my screen should be pretty much covered. Can't stop typing just to cover a sneeze! :)
Okay, that's it for tonight. Time to take some non-drowsy sinus pills that make me tired anyway.
Until the next outbreak...
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Week That It Was
I have a few things to catch up on during this post so we might be all over the board with some of this stuff. Buckle up and I hope you enjoy the ride!
My final post about my "hair experience". Here are some pictures of the end product:
This first one is the view from behind after the first successful coloring using temporary hair spray paint.
That coloring washed out the next morning in the shower so below is what they came up with for the final go-around and what I raced with. Yup, neon green with a pink star on the top.
My final post about my "hair experience". Here are some pictures of the end product:
This first one is the view from behind after the first successful coloring using temporary hair spray paint.
That coloring washed out the next morning in the shower so below is what they came up with for the final go-around and what I raced with. Yup, neon green with a pink star on the top.
I'm now bald by choice (as of shortly after the race) and I have to admit I kind of like it. I'll probably stay a cue ball for the summer and then let it grow back this fall/winter.
Last Wednesday was Nan's funeral. It was a nice service. Her grandsons were the pall bearers and I also had the honor of doing the readings for the service. Public speaking isn't my forte, but I didn't think twice when I was asked the night before.
The (my) kids were marvelous during the whole thing. I wasn't sure how they'd handle it, this being their first funeral they've been to. The boys went up to the casket with me, by choice, during the wake and were very respectful. I kept waiting for Devon to say something "honest", but he didn't. He usually says something only a kid would be allowed to get away with (go figure, he's a kid) in situations like that, but he passed on the opportunity. No nightmares since either so I think we're all clear. Most of the relatives haven't seen the kids lately either, so it was nice to catch up on that front as well.
This weekend was a pretty good one. 1 of my neighbors put together our 1st annual block party. I have to admit I'm kind of a hypocrite because I've always wished our neighborhood would do more together, but I've never taken the initiative. It was fun. Wandered right across the street about 2:00 and didn't come home until 11:00ish. Ate, drank, ate, played yard games, drank and ate a little more. Gonna have to do some double workouts for awhile to justify my intake from that night!
Today was a busy one outside (once we made it out there). The boys slept in!! Woo Hoo, that's always a weekend bonus. Devon did wake up about 8:00, but just came in to my room to ask if he could watch cartoons. Absolutely I said as I rolled over. He later came back to my room and crawled into bed with me and we both fell asleep until 10:30!
He's so cute and adorable. He sleeps with "Horsey", a stuffed animal horse (unique name, I know). A lot of the nights I kid him that I'm going to take it from him when I go to bed so I can sleep with it and he always so no, not to. Well, this morning (and this has happened before) when he crawled into bed with me he had 2 stuffed animals with him and gave me Horsey to sleep with. I just smiled at him and took it. Such a sharer!
Once we got outside for the day none of us went back in until dinner around 6:30! Gorgeous day. The boys wanted to play inside a couple of times, but I made them stay out. Get some fresh air and be active! Such a slave driver I am. They'd complain for 5 seconds after asking each time, but they kept finding things to do.
I finally got some landscaping done (1/2 done I guess, technically) - dug up some bushes in the front of my house that are/were dying. I didn't have any intention of doing that today, but after I mowed the yard I decided today was the day. It was something I've been putting off all season. It wasn't fun digging up the whole root ball, and I'm sure my back will be barking at me tomorrow, but it feels good to get that done. I say 1/2 done because now I have 3 holes in my yard that need to be filled with new plants or something. That might be tomorrow night's project.
And the final topic for tonight is one I've spent pondering since Tuesday at Nan's wake. 7 years ago my older sister opted to remove herself from our family, for reasons I won't go into here. I had seen and talked to her once, 4 years ago at Grandpa's funeral, until last week. I figured she'd probably come back for Nan's because Nan had always stayed in touch with Kristin as much as anyone could/did. It turns out Kristin came down Tuesday for the wake and stayed through Thursday with my parents. She made it known that she wants to reconcile things and started explaining herself and her actions these past years to them. I'm not too keen on the timing of it all and using this event to take those first steps back, but it is a first step.
I have to admit I'm hesitant about the whole thing. I had feelings of indifference when I first saw her. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. After 7 years of negative reasons for not seeing each other I wasn't sure what to think. Kayli vaguely remembers having an Aunt Kristin, Conner was too young to remember anything the last time he saw her and this is the first time she's seen Devon and he's 5 now!
We did part with a hug and her saying she'd like to get together to talk. I said I'd be willing so we'll see where it goes from here. I got a synopsis of the conversation Mom and Dad had with her. A couple of questions were answered, a few more raised. Hmm, I'll leave it at that. Only time will tell how this one's going to play out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)