monday morning five miler

this is our morning run- I should be posting the TEN miler we did on Sat, but isn't the 5 even more meaningful, now that you know that we ran TEN just two days ago?!?

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year! No resolutions for me, just try everyday to appreciate my kids, loved ones and buddies!

All of the family has departed and we had a great visit...pics coming as soon as computer woes are ironed out. So, too, will a New Year's card- just got to get one computer up and running 100%. I think that will be under control by later today!

I'm looking forward to having the rest of this week off from school and hanging out at home with the mooklettes. hope your little corner of the world is bright, happy and full of love!

ps- I do have a goal for 2008- to run 1000 miles...we'll see!

Cara

let me tell you a bit about Cara McDowell:
-when I am with her, I am at my best!
-we've known each other since 1991 and hit it off immediately
-my husband once danced her into our kitchen and she still has the scar to prove it
-she taught me how to play Set
-some of our best days were spent in the Westchester house eating take out Mexican food and hanging out
-she is K's godmother
-she is the reason we call C., Cara
-she is the teacher I try to be
-I am so happy she has such a full and wonderful life in TX with her awesome husband and darling boys
-when we are together, it is as though not a moment has passed
-she is much,much older than me :)
-when we part company we say "see ya' next week", because otherwise I cry inconsolably at the thought of how long it will be until we are together again
-I miss her every day!

Ten Miler

managed to do 10 miles this week- all by my lonesome! It took me just under two hours, so I am hopeful that I'll be able to do the half in just under three, but we will see. the kids are amazed that I have run nealry 250 miles in order to be able to run 13.1 successfully on Sunday.

this is my early b-day present and it has been quite a journey. i started it because i wanted to prove to myself that i could finish something i started, and to lose weight. well- one goal down(i am finishing) and one to go(have not lost a single ounce). i find great humor in the fact that i qualify for the CLYDESDALE division! Just call me Bessie! I think the absolute best things that have come out of this 20 week journey are: the clothes (comfy and cute), getting to a place where I can actually run without thinking about it, becoming familiar with products like BODY GLIDE

...and most especially: getting to know my running buddy Kathleen on a whole new level. If you ever want to find out how great a person is, run long distances with them. you can't imagine how great it is to have someone who is not competing with you, but rather inspiring you, pushing you and rooting for you. besides, even when I'm slow, she sticks with me, what more can gal ask for??

and she's back...

with a lot of support from my friend and running buddy, Kathleen. (Who, may I just say, is awesome! She hung in there through my mental breakdown and was all smiles and support this morning when I showed up at her back gate at 7am- she is incredible!)
two more weeks to go, and for the first time, I actually think I might finish the race with my wits intact!

in other news, hoping to see Cara today in San Diego- K's godmom and fabulous friend! She is one the people in my life that, no matter how long we go between chats or visits, it is like not a day has passed.

right now, I am off to deal with some chaffing issues- have a great weekend!

Worst Run to Date

This is the graph of our 5 miles from this morning- Kath was awesome, as usual- I just wasn't feeling it. We were supposed to do 6 miles, but I wimped out. You can tell i walked a lot- those are the down swings on the graph.
Well this is the point in the training where the outfit and the gadgets don't cut it.I will dig in this weekend and complete the whole 6 at a nonembarrasing pace!

Sweet Sarah

You would have to meet Miss Sarah to believe that she is for real-
kind
beautiful
loving
smart
funny
fashionable
heart on her sleeve
goodness personified

Sarah you are loved more than you'll ever know!

OMG- I did it- but not without help!

I ran 5 miles today with the excellent coaching of Kath! You are a superstar Kath! As I gasped for breath and grabbed my side "chipper" Kath talked me through the whole thing. Isn't great to have friends who support your goals??

More running news: the IPOD is up and running again and it talks to my shoes. The lovely female voice tells me how I'm doing and keeps track of how far I go and my pace.

Later today we will be off to the dreaded mall to find some Joe clothes for the 8th grade dance. Then we will head to Ken and Cheri's 25th anniversary party for some dancing. Hopefully, I'll still be able to move!

And they're off...

We are off to La Jolla for the 5K/Half-marathon. Most of us will do the 5K and then cheer Kathleen and Sarah at the finish line of the half. Today we pick up our materials and have a girls' night celebration for Karen's birthday!
I'll post pics on our return!

Karen

Stylish
Savvy
Sophisticated
SMART (understatement)
well-Spoken
Super-Seller
Stellar Mama,Teacher,Friend

Monday, Monday

Here we go... I finished Teacher Man (yeah), so I can add pages to the Read-A-Thon list! Today C. and I are off running errands- university, costco,old navy, and if she can hang in there a couple of stops at the mall. Chris leaves for science camp tomorrow and will be gone for the rest of the week...We will try again this afternoon to get a Christmas card pic- 200 shots and counting! Science fair due this week for K., three family stories for John, who knows what Joe will be needing! Ortho on wed.- pain to follow the rest of the week for the kids- bring on the tylenol.
Something to look forward to: Kathy Griffin with the girls on Sat. and trying to get to Amy's on Sunday- fun, fun, fun :)

Gratitude

Thanksgiving was a great day and a wonderful long weekend-

Things to be thankful for:
digital cameras that let us share our days quickly and effortlessly
slings for babies to keep them close
books, books, books
wonderful relatives like jen,amy, and cheryl- i miss not seeing them more often
friends who love your kids
kids who go out in the world each day and do their best
little ones who change a bit every minute

why i love janine-

'cause she is awesome and rocks the classroom...

'cause she makes work fun...

'cause she takes up new interests and follows through

'cause she is all about what is fair and sticking up for the underdog