I'm still here for those of you wondering. I had to post this because I refuse to go an entire month without posting something. I'm in FL next week...I will be able to catch up then.

BTW...no running. I'm kicking myself however and dadgummit I'm bringing my stuff with me and I am dragging my but out to run...even if it is just one measley mile.

Making up for lost time...

I've been too busy to post lately...I had some catching up to do before it got out of control...enjoy.

Birthday - April 30th, 2007

Another year in the books…looking back…I must say it was a pretty good year. I’m happy, healthy and loving life.

I decided to take the day off. The hubby couldn’t swing it since we are taking Friday off to go to Sa.n An.tonio. I was fine with that…I slept until 11a, had some breakfast then went shopping. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day…shopping!

I wasn’t feeling 100% before shopping and hit a wall and felt 35%. I decided to take a nap because the 13 hours I slept the night before were evidently we not enough. The hubby came home and I had dropped to 25% feeling well. Great!!!

After the boy came home we opened presents. The hubby’s Dad and Debbie sent a very nice card and some money. The hubby’s Mom and sister sent me some stuff from Old Navy. The hubby…are you sitting down…got me the GAR.MIN Forer.unner 305!! Snoopy Dance. The boy gave me a CD with MP3 of a TON of running songs. I’m sure he had help from Dad but…you never know.

I took some painkillers (not the drink) and started feeling much better.

The boys sang happy birthday and the boy got his piece of birthday cake. My man and I had sushi for dinner and had cake while watch ‘The Bac.helor’. It was a great day. (I can’t wait to run with my new Gar.min.)

Flamingo – April 28th, 2007

Tonight is Flamingo night. I believe I have mentioned this awhile back but for those who don’t know I’ll bring you up to speed.

Back in December of 2005 we had just moved into our neighborhood and one of the neighbors had a get together. I had mentioned that I had read an article about a cul de sac that had flamingo parties and wherever the flamingo landed that person would host the next party. Evidently the story stuck because the following day a flamingo was in our yard. Now that you are up to speed…

After a long sabbatical, 5 months, the flamingo reemerged a few weeks ago and boy did we get our party on. Kevin, Pam and Jane hosted a crawfish boil. It was a beautiful night so we spent the evening eating crawfish by the spool (spa/pool). One of our new neighbors, from the north side of the street, joined us. Us south siders don’t really get along with the north side...because they don’t represent. We’re not haters so we let them join in. We did take notice that they left early. It was their first one so we will let it slide.

As the evening progressed the topic of conversation seemed to have centered around the hubby and I. How we met, Russia and Finland...whether or next kid will be a boy or girl. Then…it happened. Kevin sat behind me and put his feet on my shoulders. Oh no you just didn’t…

That was all they needed and it was like vultures on a carcass. Needless to say someone has some very interesting pictures of me upside down in a chair and two of our neighbors, each with a leg in hand, one sucking one of my toes and the other massaging my other foot. GROSS. I am so the anti-foot fetish.

I had my fill around 1a…plus we’re paying premium baby sitting fees. I told the hubby to stick around and that I was going home. I think he stumbled into bed around 3a.

Needless to say he was hurting pretty bad on Sunday. We have the best neighbors ever! Except they need to stay away from my freakin feet!

Bayou Bash Relay

Hey…look at me…getting up before dawn to go to a race. As I am getting ready evidently the boy came and got in our bed, an unfortunate habit that started a week or so ago. As I come out of the bathroom I tiptoe out of the bedroom hoping to go unnoticed. Thank God for noise makers.

I make it…out of the house. According to hubby about three minutes after I left the boy figured out I was gone and he was not pleased.

I’m on my way out the door and I’m driving out to Be.ar Cre.ek Pa.rk. Funny thing…I have driven out to that park practically every weekend for 20 years. This is the first time I am returning in almost 10 years…with a different sport. A bit of nostalgia makes the ride a bit shorter. Ya know…10 years ago there was construction too. Good grief.

I get to the race…a bit later than I wanted. I make it just in time to be apart of my first official Strider picture. I then proceed to search the crowd for someone I don’t even know. I’m walking around…”Alma…Alma…does anyone know Alma…have you seen Alma?”. I’m starting to get a bit anxious because we are 10 minutes from start and I haven’t found my team.

Thankfully, I run into Steve with his clipboard and he directs me to where two of my teammates, Lisa and Janet are waiting for Alma. I run to the potty where of course there is a line and get back and Alma has arrived. Alma is running first, Lisa…second, me third and Janet fourth.

The Strider Die Chicks did ok 1:19:59…I of course have not trained and a Lisa and Janet were coming back from injuries. I’m not complaining I managed a 10:30 pace which is good for me who has not consistently trained since January. My teammates were lovely and I can't wait to see them again at another event.

The post race activities we ok…I didn’t stick around for much. The pizza had run out and I couldn’t make myself eat ice cream and cake that early. Seriously…pizza, ice cream and cake.

I did get a chance to meet follow bloggers June and Vic. I introduced myself as Sandy and blank faces were staring back at me…Reddaisy…the blog. OH…recognition at last. It was good to chat with them for a bit.

I had a great time. I really enjoyed getting out and running again.

Jim.my Buf.fet - April 21th 2007

I am no longer a “Buf.fet Vir.gin”. Oh my gosh what a good time! Here is a link to Hubby's blog detialing his personal experience. (He's a much better writer than I am...DON'T JUDGE ME!). With painkillers in hand we proceeded over to the tailgating lots. I’ve seen my share of tailgating for football games but for a concert! This was quite an experience, one that you can’t just read about…you so have to be there.

Almost immediately we ran into our neighbors Paul and Suzette. We didn’t even know they were going to be there.

We walked…and talked. I caught a guy checking me out so I went up to him and said hi. The hubby thought I knew him and wondered why I didn’t introduce him. I told him I didn’t know him…he was like…ok. LOL

A girl on crutches stopped us and asked what we were drinking “Are you drinking milk?”. Of course we are…on a warm day such as this…nothing like 64 ounces of milk to quench your thirst! Uh...mam…it’s a painkiller. What’s in a painkiller you ask…Orange juice, Pineapple juice, coconut milk and rum. YUM-O

We begin to make our way in to Min.ute Mai.d and the hubby and I stop off at the bathrooms. Well…the hubby does and I am stuck in a line halfway around Min.ute Ma.id Park. The hubby grabs my hand and says lets go...the guys bathroom is practically empty and the stalls are definitely empty. I think about it for a sec and I have had just enough to drink to agree. I put my hand over my eyes and go for it. The hubby guides me to the bathroom and I do my business tell him I’m opening the door…with my hands covering my eyes…he guides me back out and bam…it’s like nothing every happened. Apparently I got a few grins from guys coming in the bathroom. It was all good.

We get to our seats ON THE FIELD. It was awesome. We were located shallow centerfield. I had my nachos….gotta have me some nachos at the ballfield. Yeah…I paid for it later but it was worth it.

Rob.ert Ea.rl Ke.en came out and he was great. I haven’t seen him in about 6 years. I was a hootin and a hollerin…genuinely annoying the lady in front of me with the screaming. I apologized to the couple next to me and told them I’m a screamer and they welcomed to the family. Evidently the lady in front of me didn’t welcome…she kept giving me dirty looks every time I belted one out. So…I laid off a bit. REK ended up in true form with “The Road Goes on Forever” and it seems like the park erupted. FUN!

Jimmy was great…come to find out we were the opening concert of his summer tour. You wouldn’t have known it. It was awesome sharing the experience with the hubby.

We decided next year we were going to purchase tailgating tickets and make it a “flamingo” experience. Here’s to next year!

April 20th 2007

I am sitting in mis.sion con.trol manning my console and a neighboring colleague receives a phone call. There is a gunman in building 44 and 5 shots have been fired. I assumed security detained the gunman almost immediately so I didn’t think much more of it. Other than…are you freakin kidding me!

The same colleague receives another phone call and evidently there is a hostage situation, this is before the story breaks on the news. Shortly thereafter, on the loud speaker, a voice tells us to stay put and no one is aloud to leave the building. The building is not on official lockdown but we are not to leave until further notice. I immediately call the hubby to let him know what is going on and in the wake of the Vir.ginia Te.ch tragedy he is VERY concerned. I try to let him know I am fine and in no danger.

The news brakes nationally and the phone calls start coming in. I receive a phone call from a frantic mom that lives in Ohio, her daughter is to relieve me within an hour. I assure her that her daughter is ok and I make a phone call back to the office to make sure she calls her mom, they were all in the conference room watching the news.

At about 4 O’clock “the voice” comes back on the loud speaker and tells us we can now leave the building. So…I’m walking out to my car helicopters are in mass overhead and police are blocking off the parking lot that my car just happens to be in...adjacent to building 44. Because I had a clear view of the building from where I was standing, with many others, and there was something about being in proximity to a building that may or may not still have a gunman inside that didn’t sit well with me so I went the other direction and headed back to my office on the other side of campus. I made a couple more phone calls along the way to pass on info that I was fine.

I make it to my building and it was decided that I take my friend Jodie’s car home…since I live 45 minutes away it takes more of an effort to “borrow” a car. I’m about halfway home and the new reports the gunman has taken his life and the “real story” starts in unfold.

One of my neighbors came to check on me to see if I was ok.

Did I know the shooter…no.

Did I know the victim? Only in name and I attended a few meetings that he attended also.

How do I feel about what happened? It is hard to say. This world scares me. People scare me. The unknown scares me. But I have faith on my side. That faith is what allows me to get out of bed each morning, send my son to school, see the hubby off to work and finally have the courage to pull out of the driveway every morning. If I live my life in fear then “they”, “it” or whomever will have won and dadgummit…I choose to live.

Finally…I ran! Yay freakin me! Monday I ran 2.5 miles. I really didn’t time myself since I was attempting to take it easy since it’s been a couple of months since I ran. The weather was perfect and the legs felt good. I had to tell myself to slow down a couple of times because everything felt too good.

I had sushi for lunch and it seems I had a bit too much wasabi because my chest started burning about halfway through. Or was it the lack of cardio trainig in two months? I'll blame the wasabi. It really worked out to running 2 and working .5. I’m happy with that.

I also managed a quick run on Tuesday…hey look at me! Two days in a row. It was raining so I ran on the dreadmill. And it lived up to the name…every 2 miles of it. My legs were feeling a bit heavy the day before and I didn’t want to go crazy. Plus I saw my life pass before me when I was so engrossed in the handover ceremony aboard ISS that I tripped and nearly fell flat on my face. I’m such a spaz. The guy next to me even asked me if I was ok. I’m planning on keeping it to 2 – 2.5 this week and getting back on track with 3 to 4 next week. I should be good to go for the relay on the 28th.

Congrats to all the Striders that braved the weather in Boston. You are awesome.

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the event that took place at Virg.inia Te.ch on Monday. 33 people didn’t come home on Monday; a statement that resonates rather frequently in my mind throughout the day. Figure out how we can use this tragedy to make the world a better place for the future. Pass it on…

New Do!

Ok…so I blew my challenge last week. When I had initiated that challenge I forgot I had a hair appointment the next day. And I went from this…




to this sassy thing!



Totally worth it!

The rest of the week gave way to a bevy of working late to make up hours from said hair appointment, a court date from an expected run for the boarder and I’m not talking Mexico or Canada. Finally, the day I actually had time I went to the trails, opened the back of my car only to find a lonely pair of running shoes. The hubby had taken my running bag out of the car the weekend before and I didn’t know it. I always have my running stuff…just in case I get that sudden burst of energy to pull over whenever and wherever to bust out a few miles. Yeah right…I haven’t busted out to do any kind of running since February. So I went shopping instead.

So…today I made a conscious effort to get the bag in my car…and I’m running dadgummit!

The weekend was the perfect weekend. We managed family time, couple time and some time apart…perfect.

On Saturday we went to a BBQ at my boss’s house. I have worked here for almost 8 years now and this was the first of its kind; It was ok. The weather could have been better. I made the hubby go so he could put names to the faces that I have complained about over the years. It was pretty uneventful, the ones that showed he knew plus he spent most of his time chasing around the boy.

Sunday, the boy actually let me sleep until 9 and he and I spent the morning together running errands. The hubby planted our Queen palms. YAY…they are so beautiful. No more picking them up when the wind gusts above 5 miles an hour. I worked on the curtains in the bedroom and the hubby had already hung up or new print while I was gone. It looks so good. A few finishing more touches and we’re done.

We had the babysitter come over for a couple of hours to watch the boy as a precursor for next Saturday when the hubby and I are going to see Jim.my Buf.fet. The hubby and I had a nice evening relaxing. We went to a sports bar for a couple of drinks. We arrived just at the end of the NAS.CAR race and a group of ‘necks were in the corner cheering and shouting at the TV. The hubby’s mouth dropped in awe. “I’ve never seen the likes.” Oh sweetie…I proceeded to give him a crash course in Neckcar. I can say these things as I am a 3 time Daytona 500 attendee and I have my pictures with several drivers. That was a past life…so I’ll leave it where it belongs. We finished up with our favorite…Sushi.

In conversation during our date...I totally suggested that the hubby go with the babysitter to see Bi.g D and the Ki.ds Tab.le playing at the Ware.house tonight. When I came back from bizarro world...oh my gosh...I just said you could go out with our babysitter. That is not my final answer. He just laughed. Alhtough I trust him immensly it would look really bad! He didn't even bite.

I’m looking forward to this week…being over. This coming weekend is gonna be supa dupa fun!

Good luck to those running in Boston this morning…that is some crazy weather.

Conversation held in the bathroom last night as the hubby and I are getting ready for bed:

Hubby: “So…am I taking the boy in the morning?”
Me: “Yes…I’m on console. Didn’t we…wait…we only negotiated Friday.”
Hubby: “You’re not taking him in the morning?”
Me: “I’m on console”
Hubby: “So…I’m taking him tomorrow and picking up and taking on Friday.”
Me: “Yes…does that work for you?”
Hubby: “I guess…”

Feeling guilty:
Me: “Ok…I’ll take him on Friday.”
Hubby: “No.”

Still feeling guilty:
Me: “Ok…I’ll take him on tomorrow and be a bit late.”
Hubby: “No.”

A couple of seconds later:
Hubby: “Get your boobs off me.”

Pause
Hubby “Get your vagina and your boobs off me…I’m tired.”

Then we spit the toothpaste out of our mouths.

I can’t believe I let last week get away from me without blogging. Well, actually I can. There just hasn’t been that much going on and I haven’t been that motivated to write. I didn’t get a chance to run last week because I had to work extra hours at work since I took Good Friday off. The boy’s school was closed so I took the opportunity to potty train him. I won’t go into detail here…but if you are interested you can read The Boy’s blog.

I had planned on running today however I am recovering from a heck of a stomach bug I got yesterday. I have absolutely no energy today. I can’t imagine why…I am almost sure the negative calories I had yesterday and the 300 calories I’ve made myself eat today may have something to do with it. I’m getting there. I have to since I have a race I need to be ready for in a few weeks. Thankfully it is only 2.5…definitely something I can still manage.

Challenge…tomorrow…I blog about actually running instead of why I didn’t!

Back in the Saddle...

I committed to the Bayou Bash relay April 28th. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet the all of the Strider websites I’ve been stalking reading. Also it gives me some motivation to be more consistent with my running. Thinking about it…I’m really excited now.

Work is SOOOOO slow…I’m dying over here.

Anyway…the hubby’s birthday went great. He and I had a very nice relaxing day. We did a little shopping and bought some more wall art for the house. We have fallen in love with Di.dier Lour.enco. We picked up two more of his prints New Or.leans – Do it and Per.ro Y Bic.icleta which now brings us to 4. Hubby thinks we have too many but I told him we buy the art for us…and that seem to make him feel better. We purchased New Or.leans for our bedroom because that place holds a special meeting for us. I fell in love with the other because looking at brought a since of calm and relaxation and I thought it would be perfect for my office. It looks like I am going to have a challenge with keeping it in my office as the space on my walls are not friendly to anything bigger than an 8x10 frame. We will see.

We had lunch in the Wood.lands at Tom.my Bah.amas. The meal was very tasty and of course good conversation. We decided to head home and get in a movie before we picked up the boy from school. We began 007 Casino Royale…it was good, we didn’t get a chance to finish, perhaps this weekend.

After the boy came home we opened gifts and needless to say the hubby was very surprised…or he’s a really good actor…when he found Jim.my Bu.ffet tickets in his card…on the field no less. Nothin but the best for my man…and he thought his concert days were over. Whatever…

The boy and I sang happy birthday and the boys blew out the candles and we finished the night with sushi. YUM-O I so wanted to take the rest of the week off with hubby…it was really hard to get up and go to work on Thursday…especially since I began a fight with the Euro.peans and the Rus.sians. I wouldn’t be too concerned though…as I am not the Pres.ident of the Uni.ted Stat.es.

I am looking forward to the weekend…tomorrow we have the birthday party and the rest of the weekend I’ll be working on house stuff from my to do list. It’s been over a year since we’ve been in the house and we still have boxes that haven’t been unpacked and decorating to do…AND perhaps a trip to the plant store. I love buying new plants in the Spring...oh the possibilities

Have a great weekend!

I am finally back among the living. Good grief that was some serious stuff. I had the flu for about 5 days then I when I thought I was over it I got slapped with severe sinusitis that knocked me out for about 4 more days. I so wanted to rip my head off…flush some saline solution through it and move on. Like I posted before I hadn’t been this sick in probably over 20 years. So needless to say when it hit…it ran over me like a mac truck.

The hubby had a spell of the flu over the weekend…he seems to be doing much better and the boy looks like he got away with just a fever for a couple of days. Thank goodness.

Now that our sick house is recovering we’re moving on. The hubby’s birthday is tomorrow and we are planning on spending a much needed day together. For tomorrow’s festivities, I am thinking…breakfast at IHOP, sushi for lunch and perhaps a movie or shopping somewhere in between breakfast and dinner, just leave it loose…ooh a massage. Hmmm….

An update on running…there hasn’t been much of it, especially with the sickness and being too weak to move from the couch to the bed, I thought I would sit it out until I finish my antibiotic. Something about Achilles tendon rupturing as a side effect that I do not want any part of. I’m thinking I will start slowly next week.

The boy and I managed to go out to the Seabrook trails marathon and cheer on my friend and her family that was running as a relay team. They did great; I was really proud of them but sad because I wasn’t involved myself. Whatever…originally I was supposed to be in Florida for work but due to weather issues my trip was cancelled and I hadn’t been training. Oh well…there is always next year.

It also looks like the family vacation destination has changed. We still want to plan something relaxing and family oriented now we need to come up with a new place. It is difficult with timing because of the Shuttle. We could be launching anywhere from May 11th – 21st and I need to protect the week before and at least a week after for work…good grief, I would like an easy button please.

I hope everyone saw the March 21st episode of CSI:NY…and saw the hubby’s chocolate truffle showcased. If you missed it you can watch the episode on the ABC website. It was really exciting to watch and I got chills and it is not even my company. I am really proud of the hubby and all the work they’ve put in to their business. Don’t worry…the truffles are poison free…believe me I’ve had my fair share of sampling. But they really are to die for…

This weekend my friend is having a birthday party for their son…he’s turning one; what better way to celebrate than to have a crawfish boil. It’s a yearly thing for my friends and since Landon won’t know the difference we’ll be indulging in some mud bugs and suckin heads…I won’t…but I’m sure there will be plenty of people that will.

Have a great week.

Sicker than a dog...sick...sick. I haven't been this sick in 20 years.

More later...

Soupy Run

Ran 3 yesterday 33:45...more like swam. It was soupy and I swear I ran through every single cob web on the trails. If someone that was driving by saw me they would have thought I was running like Phoebe on friends and I was at times trying to get out from the tangles of the cob webs. Overall it felt good, and no back pain!

I also worked out yesterday morning...got up at 5am. YAY me! But I am feeling it today. My hammy's and my glutes are screaming...that's a good thing right? I have Yoga today which should feel great and stretch out all that tightness.

Not much else to report. The boy and I are planning on going to the Seabrook Trails marathon on Sunday to cheer on some friends "3 Cowgirls and a STUD". I was originally supposed to be in Florida for the Shuttle launch but thanks to mother nature that didn't work out. So...I'll be in the cheering section for this one.

Also, I cooked everyday last week! I told hubby that I believe that is the first time that had happened since we have been together. It is not that I don't enjoy cooking it is the time that I don't have. So...I'm using this down time at work and rearranging my schedule so I can so EVERYTHING. Workout in the am, run, get home in time to start dinner before I pick up the boy before 6. Whew...I'm winded just thinking about it. In all that chaos I find comfort in knowing I'm doing something for myself, fulfilling my obligations at work and keeping my family healthy.

The week passed by and no post...sorry about that. Not that it was crazy or anything it seems time got away from me. The hubby and the boy are in our bedroom watching TV now so I thought I would use this time to my benefit.

I ran only once last week...2 miles. I injured my back about a mile and half...way up in my middle back, beneath my shoulder blade. I could barely breathe. I went to my trusty chiropractor and he fixed me up...I hadn't had to see him in about a year. He said we caught the injury early so with a couple of visits I should be just fine. I felt 100% relief when I left.

On Thursday a couple of friends and I did Yogalates. It was awesome! Friday muscles I didn't even know I had were sore. Even way down in my woman parts. LOL The best part is I talked with the instructor about my back injury and she gave me a couple of stretches to work it out. OH MY GOSH. By Friday I had no risidual pain. Just like that. LOVE YOGA.

I'm rearranging my running schedule yet again. I want to incorporate Yoga and the Yogalates and weight training and the only way to do that and not kill myself is to run on the weekend. Which means I have to get up early. You so don't know how much of a sacrifice that is for me. I love to sleep. I think the Houston heat will eventually remind me that I am making the right choice.

The family went to Chuck E Cheese this morning for a birthday party. The boy had a lot of fun. Nothing like pizza and cake at 10:30 in the AM. We stayed till about 12:30 and he was just exhausted.

It was a beautiful morning for the Bayou Classic...I hope all ran well.

I LOVE productive days. Email has been down at work, internet is SLOW and nothing worse than slow internet. So...I’ve knocked 6 things off my “work” to do list, made a list of what is going on in the next two months of weekends, wrote down what I want to get accomplished AND got the hubby a birthday present (nope…you can’t make me tell). Whew…it’s just after 1p and I’m already tired.

A few of us formed a weight watchers group at work with about six women in my group. I’m uber excited…I’ve got about 10 lbs of baby weight that I would like to get rid of plus a bit more to challenge myself to see how much more I could lose if I really worked at it. Oh yeah…and I’m going to Cali in a couple of months…the land of plastic and size 0. Portion size is my issue so I purchased me a food scale and we’re off and running. Literally…I plan on doing 3 miles today. I’m excited about running again…hopefully out of my funk. Thanks Steeeve and Pony for the words! I’m getting back to it!

This is the first time I’ve done something like this with a group…all of us girls are type A’s so it will be an interesting experience. We may have to hand out happy pills at the start of each meeting. I LOVE REWARDS. I’ll mention progress everyone once in awhile here…but I will have a separate blog for this one.

Update on the boy…he is doing much better. Only two times at the office last week instead of 5. The school even said they see a big effort and progress. That so makes us feel good. As parents we need just as much reinforcement as the kids. We’re going for no days…at least we are closer than a few weeks ago.

The family is planning on a trip to Cali to see the family in May…so I’m working on getting ready for that…physically and mentally. Although I am going to continue with my running training I am not planning any races until after May. It will be hella hot but like I said I just planned my weekends for the next two months and it’s not looking pretty; coupled with a Space Shuttle launch that may or may not happen in the next couple of months. I need a nap.

Hammer Pants

Nothing really exciting to blog about.

I'm not motivated to do anything but shop. I can't justify it right now...except that it is spring and as I scour my closet every morning looking for something to wear I see NOTHING. I've got nothing to wear. And I'm not excited about the prospects that are filling the stores. What is it with the shapeless mu mu's they are trying to pawn off on us this season? Don't even get me started on the tights. I was a child of the 80's and I do not wish to revisit that fashion debacle. Next thing you know a model in M.C. Hammer pants will be on the front cover of Vogue. I shutter at the thought.

Running...nope. Just nope. I don't know what my problem is. Well...I know what it is...I'm not making time to do it. I just don't know how to get out of the funk. I'll start by just doing it.

Like I said...not much to blog about.

I'm coming home...

Well...much to my disappointment I did not run at all this week. As much as I planned and prepared to run I did not. My schedule wasn't very friendly and I didn't have my own car to go do my own thing so I was at the mercy of others. Enough excuses yet? I will start again on Monday when I am back to my routine.

I will be back in Florida in a few weeks for work again along with a lot of others including Spring Breakers and families. I know this because every freakin hotel room is sold out. Thankfully I managed to secure a hotel on the beach and I will have my own rent car. SWEET! Now I just need to figure out my schedule. Shuttle launches at 6:30a make it very challenging to function on a "normal" schedule. I originally thought the fam could come down and we could do a sidetrip to disney but the ugly schedule did not really make that possible. Oh well...perhaps next time.

Nothing really news worthy to report during my stay this week in Florida. The weather was outstanding although I didn't make it to the beach. As I said before...we do actually work over here. Dinners were good...and I had Wahoo for the first time. That is a fish that I always see on the Babin's list of fish but they never carry it. It has a Ahi texture and flavor which causes me to pause and think that perhaps they used Ahi in stead of Wahoo. Who knows...whatever, it was still a great meal.

I am heading home today. Reports from home say that the boy has had an outstanding week. No trips to the office and he hasn't been giving his dad a hard time. Looks like we'll be making a trip to the Houston Museum on Saturday as promised. YAY! Jodie and her son may be joining us.

Defensive Driving is complete! That was the most expensive trip to taco bell I've ever had. Thank God it is over.

Be safe this weekend. Good luck to those running.

Coming to you from Sunny FL!

I can't believe it is already Friday. Time as gotten away from me as is apparent in my postings. So...going back to Saturday and the Mardi Gras Beach Run.

Galveston was beautiful. The race started at 8:30 which was perfect for those of us who had a bit of a haul to make the race and it also allowed for warmer temps at the start of the race.

Galveston to me is a place that holds a lot of memories. Trips to the beach growing up, Spring Break in high school and the several historical home tours that I shared with my Mom. I've been to other beaches that blow Galveston away but every time I go to that island a bit of nostalgia comes over me. 61st and Seawall...I can't explain the feeling I get at the stop light with the Gulf before me, it's a beautiful sight with the sun coming up and the water seems to be less muddied.

The weather was perfect. The wind was manageable. Jodie and I were "so cute" in our skirts. She in her black and me in my root beer with matching pink shirt with a white long sleeve and gloves. I had to take my gloves off around 2.5.

My goal was for sub 30 time. I don't know what I was thinking because I haven't been diligent with my training. The first mile clocked in at 9:18. FAST (for me). Too fast because at 1.5 I was hurting and I had to walk for a minute. Jodie went on ahead. Mile 2 clocked in at 20:20. Which wasn't too bad, I was on track for a new PR. To finish the race they brought us off the seawall via a small hill and I believe that was the fastest "kick" I've ever had. The small hill DOWN to the finish was awesome. I would like that for every race please. I finished with a 32:39 and a new PR!! No sub 30 but I didn't deserve it, I hadn't worked for it but a new PR was worth it.

The after race festivities were ok. The standard grub, nothing fancy. They did have hot chocolate to warm everyone up a bit. A live band played cajun music and we stuck around for a bit. Then it was off to IHOP for breakfast. A girl in the bathroom said she saw me at the race. I am sure it was the skirt. Jodie and I were the only ones in skirts and we were "so cute"! Overall I would recommend the race. The mardi gras parade starts a couple of hours after the race so it's great for some family fun.

I was back home by noon, put the boy down for a nap and took one myself. I'm looking forward to March...I gots me some work to do.