Hooked on Running.

I know I'm crazy. A five mile race last weekend with a messed up knee - my husband shares this opinion. I guess I'm hooked and blame M and D for that. I was going to "take it easy" per my physical therapist AND because I haven't run in so long I could really get hurt. If I had run the whole thing I guess I would get maybe a 11/12 minute mile, walking maybe a 14 or so. So I did the full 5 mile in 1 hr and 2 minutes - I guess I forgot to take it easy - thought I was until I saw the clock. My knee was hurting and all I could think was my therapist is going to be mad at me.

I went to a knee specialist on Tuesday limping in and he was so nice to give me a cortisone shot. The MRI and xrays look good. I am still doing therapy and ran a little on the treadmill on Friday. After just about 4 minutes however I stopped and walked - not sure if I was just afraid to run full out.

SO crazy me ran a 5k race today. I ran/walked it, through the woods and puddles, and swamps, and ravines, and creeks, and I mean it. I walked a lot because of the course and my knee. My daughter V and the neighbor girl M ran/walked it with me. We had to come home rinse off our sneakers in the sink THEN put them through the washer. After a LONG shower to get the mud off my legs - and all the way up also, I felt so much better. So tonight as I write this, my knee is a LITTLE sore but not as bad as it would of been. I don't have any more runs on my calendar so maybe I can do just a little treadmill work for the next couple weeks before thinking of THE NEXT RACE.

I am however thinking of poor D who is planning to run a race tomorrow similar to the one I ran today. I called and left her a message but I don't know if it would matter. I hope she wears old sneakers and not new ones like I foolishly did. I also hope it doesn't rain for the whole time, like it did today. I saw someone with a t-shirt of the race D is runing tomorrow and I asked him if he was running that tomorrow and he said he was and asked if I was and, I said probably to much mud for one weekend. Wish them the best.

Another Race and Non-running Race

So have you travelled two hours to walk in the rain? I did have a nice time walking the 5k with my sister and my daughter. The rain did stop around the half way mark. My sister has never done a race before. I hope I can talk her into it again, maybe even run one in the spring. I think I have my daughter hooked - she loves winning. She did tell us at least twice that we were going slow - she is hooked then.

I volunteered at a marathon today. My friend D ran the 1/2 marathon so I left my water stop unattended for a few minutes and ran to the finish to pick her up. Upon returning we had two teenagers that had taken over helping. I think we embarrassed them with all our cheering and clapping on the marathoners. We had a great time even with the wind. I finally got to go to the finish and enjoyed some homemade cookies. I did manage a little nap when I got home. I guess getting up at 5:00am and standing in the cold wind wiped me out. I would do it again. It is fun volunteering - even if I didn't get a t-shirt.

Quet Weekend?

No running - what do I do? Do I go biking - not. Do I use the Wii - No. Do I do aerobics - No. So if I had so much free time NOT exercising how did my weekend go so fast?

My ten year old son stated Friday night that he SAW my husband and I doing the nasty. We were fully clothed in the closet hugging and kissing (innocently). My daughter walked in our room just then and we laughted at my son. He still believed we were doing the nasty. I tried to tell him that it not SEX. So what do I tell him. I SHOULD HAVE explained something, however. The next night at a sleepover with two other 10 year olds. He told them he saw his parents having SEX. NOW the boys MOM over hears this and calls me. I am laughing on the phone. So maybe my husband needs to have the TALK. One of the other boys has to brag and says "When I get married I am going to do it every day". My son has to top that and says "I'm going to do it every minute". It is just SO FUNNY.

Mexico Cider Run

It is called a RUN but there is an option to WALK it. I was very happy to see this since I hurt my knee and can't run right now. Of course I've never walked a race before (does that make sense?). V and I decided to walk it while D and L ran it. I really enjoyed the route and although we walked very very fast I found I had lots of time to enjoy the sites. We felt sorry for the dead squirl with the nut right next him in the middle of the road.

It is great little town and although not many spectators it was a nice course. It was great seeing D at the end TRYING to cheer us on but not quite sure to say to walkers vs runners. It was great seeing L join us. I hope I will be able do more walks/runs with my daughter it was great.

I would highly recommend this if you are not looking for chip time - none there. There even may be a FEW mistakes at the awards but everyone is so nice it just doesn't matter. Seems like everyone won something - they had tons of placks. The cider and apples at the end are the freshest you could ever expect to get. It was so fun - and my knee doesn't hurt. I don't know for sure what my time is because it isn't posted. But I guess we PR'd since we've never walked a 5k before. I am thinking it was around 40 minutes but not sure. I know we were at 27 minutes something at the 2 mile mark and I think we were doing about 13 - 14 minute miles. We did however ONLY come in 2nd and 3rd places (overall women) because of a very speedy lady we only saw at the start.

What is a workout?

I took a 1/2 a day off so I could go home and paint my dining room. It is nice to have a job that I can do that. Where else can you work 6:30 -> 10:30 and go home? I guess if you are a teacher you do have at least a month + in the summer off without taking vacation..hummmm.

I got a great idea - call and see if niece S is bored and wants to help me. I called and as a great niece she said sure. I was going to go pick her up but my brother said he would drop her off since they were coming in. We got started by 11:30 and actually completed the entire dining room, entrance, and hall by 8:00pm last night. That included a two hour break in between for dinner and waiting.

We had to prime all the red with a primer before we could even paint. I also wanted to paint the ceiling. We started by taping with the wonderful tape I picked up at a new store - Ollies. I have to say that was the best tape ever - ever - ever. I am thinking of going back and buying more now. We used the full two rolls I bought and were about six feet short which we just used regular tape - not as good. I painted the ceiling while S started doing the primer. I finished the ceiling and helped her with the priming. After done with the primer we have to let it dry for 2 hrs - hence dinner and break.

I was hoping to just get the primer done. I didn't expect to get the entire room done. We only used one can of primer so I can even return one. I am so pleased that 1) we used only one can of primer and 2) the paint went on great and covered in one coat. I thought because we could still see a little bit of red after the primer coat we would need two coats of paint but it looked good last night. I used to buy my paint from Home Depo and I was wondering how I would do with this new brand from a new store but am very happy. I still need to check it during the day today to see how it looks. I will have to include a picture when I get everything together.

Needless to say I did not run but boy did I get a workout. I am so glad we have central air because I put it down low at 72 and we were still pretty hot. I was getting a little tired reaching the ceiling. If I was just a few inches taller it would of been a lot easier (I guess 5'7" isn't tall enough). I did take some motrin before bed last night and slept SO good. S said her legs hurt from going up/down the step stool. So between the step stool and the reaching I guess it was a good aerobic exercise.

I paid for my niece to run Saturday's 5K but I don't think the $15 is quite enough to pay her for the 8 hrs of hard labor I put her through, I think I still owe her. Maybe I will take her school
shopping.

Relaxing

I took everyones advice and relaxed. I took the kids camping for five days and didn't even run. We slept in, read books, played scrabble, watched the kids swim. It was great. Vacation has something to be said for it - it's always way to short! We of course then took a week and went to PA to visit our friends. Great vacation with a little bit of site seeing and theme park but plenty of relaxing and scrabble. Now I am back to work and had to work all five days 45+ hrs. I need another vacation. See that is the problem, when you have a vacation, you need another. It is just a viscious cycle.

So after two weeks of vacation where I did manage to run three times thanks to M dragging me! I also managed to run 8 miles this morning and I am still able to move my little fingers. The rest of me is a little slower going but I am motivated now to work on reducing my speed (or is increasing it???) for the Wineglass where me, M, and D are going to run the relay. I am weakest link so I have no more relaxing days ahead of me.

Survivor

I've never watched the show Survivor but I think I just lived through it.

Friday:
1) Mortared, cut tile, hung tile in kitchen (about 15 feet x 2 feet)
2) Cleaned up from mess
3) Setup a tent
4) allowed two of my kids friends to sleep over
5) Found time to watch a little TV before knocking off at 10:00pm

Saturday:
1) Mopped stairs, cleaned dining room, clean wine rack over refrig.
2) grouted kitchen wall
3) cleaned up mess from kitchen
4) got my daughter, my niece, and my ear's pierces (2nd holes)
5) Setup another tent
6) made cupcakes and frosting
7) allowed five of my kids friends to sleep over
8) Found the energy to give my hubby some attention AND watch a little TV before knocking off at 12:30am

Sunday:
1) Went grocery shopping at 7:00am
2) bought pop-tarts for all eight children that slept at my house last night
3) made deviled eggs, homemade mac-n-cheese
4) cleaned kitchen again, setup for a party
5) had an afternoon quicky to keep the hubby happy
6) Picked up birthday cake
7) made dinner for 17 adults/children
8) Ate dinner BEFORE the rain hit.
9) Sang happy birthday, took pictures.
10) Cleaned up from party

Final
1) Survived to tell this tail. Feet are very sore, eyes are burning from lack of sleep, back pain is just unbearable, my hands are dry like sandpaper. I think I got another grey hair. I think I lost four or five pounds. It is 7:45pm now. I am left with only the five humans, two cats, and two hermit crabs. Can I go to bed before the kids? Even the cats are sleeping.

No one was seriously injured in the making of this long weekend. We did however have a loss of many bandages to cover the bug bites from the children playing outside after dark. No major cuts from cutting tile with a sharp wet cutter that is more a eating machine. All interested parties are warned to NOT try this at home for it may be hazardous to your health (especially Mental health).

Swamp Rat Race

I didn't run it (dang doctors!) but I guess I have to write about since all my children ran it. My oldest V-12 ran the 5k in only 38 minutes. It is her first, great START. S-10 ran the 1 mile in 12 minutes. A-6 ran the 1 mile in 10 minutes. I am proud of all of them. I told S that he couldn't run it as fast because he had his adnoids removed. He believed it. The "Really?" I got was so funny I hated to tell him NOT. He wanted some excuse to of been slower than his YOUNGER brother. I am afraid the competition is already beginning. Best run I've ever not run. All my friends M, H, D, and S came and ran it so the time just went way to fast. The ran held off until the end so it was just a littel chilly. I certainly can't complain.

My crazy life

So my family keeps growing. No I haven't gained weight, well maybe a little. Yes the kids are getting bigger but I'm not talking about them. We took in a little cat that was starving to death. She has become a welcome addition. Maybe K would not agree with the vet bill and the litter box - wow. How does a little thing like that make poo that smell the entire house. I never would think it is possible. I can't wait until she is well enough to kick her little furry but outside to do her business. How can I just get the kids to do that now!

So now we are two adults, three kids (that are getting bigger), two hermit crabs, and now two cats. I just can't take it anymore. I think I need a room to myself - no not the kitchen.

Running is going slowly since I can't seem to breath. I am thinking it might be allergies - like I need another excuse to not run. I told my good running buddy D to check when there is a 1/2 marathon in the fall so we can put it on our list. So although I almost died at the 5k I just ran this weekend (32 minutes) I am crazy enough to sign up for a 1/2 marathon. So instead of just 3 miles, I will add a "1" in front of it meaning "1" crazy women who is definitely lost her mind.

I know my kids are outside challenged. I have just banned my kids from the computer and TV and to go outside (and look what I am doing...). We get about 2 days of nice weather a year we better take advantage of it. My six year old comes in and sits down all bummed out. "Mom, there is nothing to do outside". I guess I better teach him how to run and run fast, there is always a 5k coming up.

Spring is just flying by

Wow, where has the time gone? I guess I've been enjoying the spring. I've been cleaning out my house and getting ready for a garage sale. NO it is NOT nesting, I'm doing spring cleaning. I've been busy watching my boys run the bases as they try to master baseball. It sure is more relaxing sitting in a lawn chair in the evening sun compared to watching a hockey game standing on cold bleachers.

I ran 5 of th 6 Mountain Goat training runs but DID NOT run the goat because of a knee injury. I guess I haven't mastered the running thing yet. I would most definitely recommend NOT running a race but signing up for it. I has given me a whole new insight. While everyone else huffed and puffed up hills, I got a massage, read a book, and relaxed in the morning sun. I would most definitely recommend this race however, just for the free food at the end, which I felt I deserved just as much as my fellow runners. I tried to look hot and exausted (not sure if I fooled anyone). I was surprised with the number of runners I now know. We have however decided I keep meeting people at the training sessions and on races, it must be because I have a sign on my back that says "Please talk to me". It is all about the visiting isn't it?

Our wonderful addition to the family (no not a baby), Pinch and Shy, are both doing well and have moved up to biggers shells. I still will not touch them - thank you.

I will be able to spend a little more time with the children this summer (and running) since my company is doing a partial layoff and I will have three weeks off. I may even work on my honey-do-list.

Camping season is quickly approaching and we turned in our leased truck. I think we may be looking for something like a suburban or something like that this time - used of course with the job situation. We however are enjoying not having the payments right now. It does make it hard to make summer plans however. We may be bunking it with friends and family this summer if we don't find something reliable to purchase before that. I don't do well in a tent, I'm too old to do "rough" camping. Did I just say "too old"??? yikes. I do have a friend that will be joining me in the big 40 group (same running age category) very soon so I better stop the "Old" jokes.

Darn Crabs

So is it being Crabby when you have to poo, not once, not twice, but three times after just a training run? Don't want to go into any more details than that.

My son thought we weren't crabby enough and came from the mall with a hermit crab. We were not even the remotely overjoyed but he was just so excited. You would think it was his birthday or something. His other siblings have all had animals but we've been down that road and did not want to do it again. I said why didn't you call me first, she laughed and said, because I knew better. If looks could kill. Now the human people we are now trying to give this creature a life with as little pain as possible before we kill it, like most of our animals do in this house. Other than cats our track record is not good. Sorry "Pinch".

Darn crabs.

Reasons for waking up at night

Shit, did I put that homework assignments of A's back in his folder? Damn, I forgot to make school lunches again. Did I leave a note for S to write his words? Did I put that early dismissal form in the school folder? I have to remember to do the laundry, go shopping, sign the kids up for baseball, pack all three kids plus myself. Maybe I can fit in a 30 minute run before dinner. I have to try to find time to buy new shoes for V. I'll never get to sleep, maybe if I make a list - get up make a list, go back to bed. Now the cat has decided to make her bed in the middle of my side. Then to top it all off, K starts snoring like a wind storm, maybe even a tornado, just great. As I start to dose the alarm wakes me at 4:45 to be at work by 6:00. My eyes are blood shot and I feel like I didn't get any sleep.

Have you ever had one of those days/nights? Great, I get them every day. Some day I will wish to be busy like this again - that is at least what EVERYONE tells me. I just can't imagine EVER WANTING this.

30 minute workout?

What to do in my 30 minutes at lunch? I tried to run the other day but changing, running, and then changing again - all in 30 minutes seems like way to much work. I guess it is sort of like having sex with very little foreplay, a quickie, and no cigarette after - and don't forget ALL BY YOURSELF. Well I don't smoke but you get the idea. I think I did actually run for about 20-25 minutes. I did have to go back to work after all sweaty. Maybe I should of stayed at my desk reading a novel eating my lunch and watching it all go to my hips.

Sugar is cheaper than Water

So am I cheap? We went to a hockey game with three boys and found soda was cheaper than a bottle of water. No, the water was not special. It was just like any other water bottle. It should of been a re-usable bottle wrapped in gold for the price they wanted. I actually let the boys have soda instead of spending $3.25 for WATER. I am talking WATER people. I just don't get it. Even the cotton candy was cheaper than the water at $3.00. So in the wonderful world we live in, it is cheaper to give your children lots of sugar and then claim they have some disorder and put them on medicine.

Tipp Hill Race - great time

I used to get nervous at races. This weekend we had our first race of the season and I was NOT as ready as I was the previous year but yet I was not nervous. It has now become very familiar. It did bring me some sorrow remembering last year when we did it with my friend M, her daughter and mine went along and cheered us on.

Did I mention the race is four miles, no not just four miles, but four hilly hilly miles? It does seem to go very fast because it seems every corner has music, many bands of great Irish music. There are spectators everywhere. The last mile however seems to be uphill all the way it is all worth it with a great finish. It is strange how people are now getting to be familiar to me and we run into people we know. It is just like another chapter of my life.

I am so thankful to have D to keep me inspired to run. She is so great. It was very nice have L and Z join us at the race as well. It is funny to see Z run in boots and to see how many friends L can make in one day.

Birthdays for Mom

Mother’s should be allowed to take their children’s birthdays off. Mother’s day once a year is not enough, AND it comes on a SUNDAY – you don’t even get a day off work. Who remembers the day their children were born more? I don’t always seem to remember the exact time but then I was a little busy. I figure my husband WHO WAS THERE NOT DOING MUCH should be able to remember the time better than me. So, after spending 9 months of back pain, stretch marks, and having to pee every five minutes, I also get to make a cake, buy gifts, and plan a party every year, for each one of those dang kids. I think all Mother’s should be allowed to go to a day spa, haircut, nails, have someone ELSE clean their house, go out for dinner and THEN receive a gift from that very lucky child for letting them be born.

What brings this thought on you ask. Today is my son’s birthday, on a Friday, should be perfect for a party on the weekend. The only problem is his brother has a hockey tournament with something like six games. After deciding Sunday afternoon would be safe for a party I called a family member who informed me of one of my nephews birthday party is already planned for that day – I was not informed. Now I don’t want to do a party but my poor son who is only six knows we ALWAYS have the family in. Yesterday he came home from school and said he wanted a "Guess" party. He repeated it three times. Then he said, "You know, when Uncle D and every one comes over", then the light bulb went off, oh "Guest". I think I will do the party next weekend – I will do some games and make tons of food to have 30 people crowd in our house…to see the gleam in his eye when we all sing him Happy Birthday - all for my off-spring.

To Wii or not to Wii?

My husband and I were the young and naive couple and went out and bought a video game for the TV and spent all our waking hours glued to the TV. After 29 days of no dish washing, no laundry, no ..., we returned it to the store. We VOWED, no more video games in our house.

After many years of marriage and three kids later our best-est friends got us hooked again. We were in video game withdrawal after one weekend at their house, we were hooked, my husband more than me. After much searching for the best price we broke down and got a Wii. My laundry and dishes are still getting done - check, kids are all still safe - check, homework is still getting done - check, dishes and laundry done - check, we seem to have added a neighbor child - ut-oh. We haven't lost any weight unless you count the $$ out of pocket. It is great punishment leverage. If anything, it sure helps pass the long - cold winter days/nights we have 10 months out of the year. Is it helping me train for the long-as-runs my friends are trying to get me to do - ah.....

Snow, Snow, Everywhere, need more to shovel!

How many snowplows do you think it takes to do the highway? On my snowy commute to work on Friday the snow was coming down 2" an HOUR. We had about a foot already - like that wasn't enough already. I was excited to get up to 50 mph. If anyone knows me that is probably faster than most people go but the wind was blowing and coming down so fast I just HAD to slow it down. It was going very good with only one car far ahead of me and one behind. I thought this was great. Then I saw flashing lights ahead, GREAT a snowplow. Although a little better than seeing a cop it is never fun trying to pass a plow. As I came up on it I soon saw traffic slowing down and backing up. Then I noticed it was not just one snow but, NO not just two snowplows, but THREE snowplows, one on EACH lane. So how in the world am I supposed to pass them now? Do you know how fast snowplows go, no not 50, no not 45, not 40, YES 35. Did I end up following them for 5 miles, no, 10 miles, no, 15 miles - at least. Needless to say I was LATE for work. Just another day in the North Country.

Freedom

So now I can't hold hands with my own husband because I might be holding hands the wrong way - I heard it is a sign of being GAY.

I can't wear a bandanna because I might belong to a GANG.

I need to get a job in the schools to find out the new things I guess.

Oh, what would happen if I lose an earring and only have one, will that mean I'm a lesbian?

What's next?

Hair color anyone?

I did something really stupid Sunday night. OK nothing illegal, or something I can't talk about. EVERYONE at work knows about it... OK do I have you interested?

I colored my hair. So what do you think it looks like??? Yup you guessed it - pitch black. V even thinks a little on the blue side. I think blacker than my computer. Yup - not what I planned. My hair is naturally dark brown but this I think is a tad darker. So now what do I do? I should never of colored my hair at 8:00pm at night on a Sunday and HAVE to go to work the next day with it. I had a number of people walk by and then come back to see who was sitting at my desk. It is a huge change.

Then guess what I did. I couldn't take it, it really did look blue-ish. I went to the store right after work and bought new hair color. Something a bit lighter, something more like brown. I lathered it up, let it sit for 30 minutes like the directions said. Totally undressed and jumped in the shower to wash and rinse. When I emerged - no change whats - so - ever - shit.

Then guess what I did. I had to take V to her piano lesson so in the 30 minute time I rushed back to the store and bought yet another kit. This time a highlighter for black or dark brown hair. After piano - 8:00pm again, I hence start again. This kit has a cap - what the fuck. I don't have the time. It also states wait 2 weeks after coloring - yah - 2 hrs is good right! So now I just put it on wherever and put my hair in a bag - real cute by the way. Then wait again 30 minutes and shower and all that again. At least when I got out my hair had some redish/brownish streaks in it - not bad considering. Probably not the best mind you. It sure beats blue hair.

The next day I go to work. Now everyone has to ask, wasn't your hair black yesterday. Now I am worried my hair is going to all fall out the next time I wash it. I don't dare go to a real hairdresser now, she will probably laugh at me.

Another Race

1st run of the year. Everyone was wondering what to wear. It was supposed to be 30 and winds 30-40 so that makes it pretty darn cold. My old faithful scarf really helped the wind stay off my neck. It was a nice 5k run. I guess I must of been ready for it because it seemed short.
Pros: well marked root, lots of volunteers, tons of spectators, beautiful sites, good porta-potties
cons: lots of people, big big big hill/mountain, long line for food, crowded after party.
Do again: Ya, I would recommend it, weather permitting. I do have an issue running below zero. The best part was the drive there and back. With five us in my car and our Tom-Tom to guide the way we all talked non-stop about everything. That probably just makes the day.
My official time was somthing like 39:.., for a 5k. I felt like my friend M who talked me through my first few 5k's. I did not mind doing that for L at all. I really enjoyed it.

Excuses

How many excuses have I used this year? I better not start counting. Can't run I see a dog, Can't run there's a hill, can't run it's too cold, can't run I have go poo... I think I am the ultimate excuser. Then there are kids. I can't believe the excuses they try to use: I had to put my lunch pale on the floor my arms were sore. I can't pick it up I didn't put it there. That has to be the best excuse ever. You know it just doesn't work as mother. If I try to use that line on my kids they would just look at me like I have two heads.

I do have one excuse that works pretty good for me: It's that time of the month and I have cramps. Unfortunately it is true and it is hell so I think I should be able to use the excuse at least once a week to make up for the two days of hell a month that makes this excuse true. The best part of this excuse is, my husband can't use it and the kids can't use it - it's all mine.

Another Birthday Disaster

I can tell you, never leave two 4 1/2 year old's in the basement to play with a very nice looking homemade birthday cake. It is way to tempting and WAS to tempting. All the pictures had finger prints. This year I tried to serve hockey puck deviled eggs. Our outside refrigerator (the attached garage) didn't work correctly and froze just the eggs leaving the soda, jello, and beer just fine. I will have to talk to old-man-winter and tell him next year not so cold. So my basement is not safe and now my garage, what shell I do for next year - bowling alley!

Ever been called Mrs. Clause?

When my co-runner D said I looked like Mrs. Clause I knew what she meant. Yes that I was pleasantly plump with grey hair and rosy cheaks. NOT. She called me this as we were running at -1 degrees and all my hair (what little strands were hanging out) were grey from frost. Even my eyebrows and eye lashes were grey. My cheaks were indead red from running just a measley 2 1/2 miles and it should be a warm up but instead I was panting and she was non-stop talking me through our mileage. I had to tell her I didn't think being called Mrs. Clause was acompliment and we both had a nice laugh.

It was the coldest I've ever run in, sort of. The wind-chill on top of temp might make a few other days colder than today but I still got my layers on and came home with Red legs. I told D about the time I went running with M in my neighborhood - when I was a "Novice" runner and said "no way" and turned around after only going up to the corner. She thought I was crazy. Of course I was not going running in the cold, icy weather. I guess I graduated from "Novice" stage now. Now D and M are still TRYING to talk me into doing a FULL Marathon. I have not committed yet.

I'm supposed to run what?

I am starving and my abs hurt and I'm supposed to run what? This new years resolution thing is for the birds. I am just so glad my kitchen is void of sweets and the TV is off or else I would be pigging out watching whatever is on. Now I'm supposed to make dinner and run what? I'm having a little motivation issue today if you can tell. Why do runners even think of running marathons? Who was the crazy person that started this thing and why do more and more people do it? Why do we keep putting ourselves through such torture. For the pain of it? I just don't get it.

Well I better go make dinner for the kids a WW yummy dinner for me, and then change to run my mileage tonight. Think of me while you are pigging out in front of TV.

Another year

A trip to PA and our first experience at a Wii were great. It was so much fun visiting and relaxing with our friends I think we all could of stayed for another week. I am sad that M ended up with the flu or something resembling such. I taught V and H how to stencil and they whipped my and J's butt's in Pictionary. I don't want to talk about who whipped who on the Wii. It was nice going South and seeing grass again. It really lends thoughts of moving to a warmer climate. Then we return home and reality hits with a foot of snow to be snowblowed and both boys having hockey games.

I took down the tree and all the ornaments and managed to run with D twice over the weekend. I bet her New Years Resolution is to get ME to run a FULL Marathon. That is why she was sneaky and had me run 5 miles today (dog free) when it was 5 degrees out (Fahrenheit.. Celcius would of been nice!) It was a great way to finish my vacation. It definitely goes way to fast.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to another great year.