Race day survival

Saturday's race was actually on the great side! I'm convinced it gets better every time. I trained more for this race than ever before, and I delayed feelings of desperation until the last mile of the race. My official time was 2:34. I was hoping for 2:20, but considering the temp, I was just happy I finished and was still smiling. The weather conditions unfavorable: it was 66 degrees at the starting line and about 82 at the finish. I kept thinking about those marathon runners and how much longer they would have to sustain the heat. It definitely caught up with me once I got to the finish line--I don't usually feel like puking afterwards, but I'm also a fair weather friend. I don't think it was a coiencidence that the two female winners came from very warm climates. I ran with my co-worker Dory and her friend Jon; it was really great to have buddies there to talk to and to stay motivated. That is the reason I finish. It was the first big race for both of them and they did awesome! Also, thanks to all of you who cheered us on! It makes a huge difference. People were distributed along the course, which gave us something too look forward to. I got some beautiful pink roses from Corey, who said he knew I would "win the race" and Liz and I had a great time getting our pedicures. I have a massage scheduled for today, so hopefully my left quad will be returning to full function.

Useful time spent considering time?

Now that summer in our household officially began, Corey and I have spent a lot of time talking about our (4) calendars for our activities, his activities, my activities; in theory it's a great plan so we know where the other is and when we might be able to have our calendars intersect. I always like to know what's going on, but lately I've been left with this overwhelming feeling that 1) I can't possibly fit everything in and see everyone I want to visit; 2) people will ask to plan something and I will out of obligation or won't be able to and will really want to; 3) I will have absolutely no time for the fun trips/activities that just pop up in the summer--going to someone's cabin, going camping, any other event that takes place outdoors. So the question then becomes, who is the calendar master of the universe and why do they have control over us? I know, I know, a lot of it is self perpetuated, but am I always going to feel like this? Usually people who are first married have fewer priorities and responsiblities, not more. What happens when you throw a kid and perhaps a dog into the mix? That might make my head physically spin at this moment. But I have friends who are perpetually busy and it's like they thrive on chaos. Where's the happy medium? How do you consciously stop doing things you've always done in order to simplify? Maybe adopting one of these other timeframes could do us all some good. That or just go back to using sundials and call it a day.

Nathan's latest escapades

CB, Mom & Katie
Buddy Walk 10/06

Ladies Weekend Extravaganza!

This weekend my college friends and I--all 11 of us--had some serious R & R at Jellystone in Warrens, WI. Try to picture a cozy resort in the middle of some rolling green hills--cozy but yet gigantic and impossible to miss from the highway. It's pretty much the Wisteria Lane of the Northwoods. At some point we discussed serious ambitions to go canoeing or hiking, but I think when we all finally get together, we really want to just catch up on each other's life, have a whole lot of laughs, talk about boys, and play some games. Oh yes, and eat. If I were to become stranded on a mountain with any of you ladies we would have some good eats, plenty of clothes and even TP. Having the showers for the bride and mommies-to-be was so much fun--I really liked putting the scrapbooks together and think I will try and use that idea in the future.
Driving away yesterday was bittersweet; I hold onto my female friends very tightly and I thank all of you for being the generous and dynamic people you are. You are all amazing! I know not everyone has female friends to depend on. And now as our circle begins to grow with new, honorary members--thanks to Erin, Kat, Janell and Tiff--it becomes even more apparent why we need each other and why our time together is so important.

Running is tolerable, almost fun

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon 2006

I went on the big 10-mile run yesterday, the last long run before the half marathon! Thank goodness I had some pals with me; it made it almost enjoyable. The weather was humid and misty, which makes breathing easy and running without the sun is preferable. I am looking forward to race day, but I'll be even more excited when I don't have to think about it again for a while. And to answer your question, Liz, yes, I am very excited for the pedicure that is to follow. Probably a large meal would be good, too.

Puppy sitting: the trial run

CB knew that when her mom need a doggie sitter, I was her gal. Basically, since Rusty came home, Carrie knew that at any mention or sighting I would go bonkers. Corey was going to be the one who needed convincing. Well, Kemp, I'm on to you: don't even try to hide the fact that you like this little puppy. I think I even heard him say that he wouldn't mind having a puppy like this around. I do have to admit, however, even the little ones know just where to sleep so that they are taking up a considerably unporportionate amount of room on the bed. That's okay. He's just fine there.

Now that you've seen the face, you can't say no...