Weighing in on the Situation

Good afternoon people! The weather for the last two days has been terrible! It's been sunny, almost 90 degree weather until about 1pm, when all of a sudden these really REALLY dark clouds start sneaking their way over the city, the wind starts blowing hysterically, and rain begins to drench everything in sight. All I wanna do is pick up the dog poop, but it keeps raining! Luckily, the weather was only supposed to be here for 2 days, so if it comes back tomorrow, I'm gonna be really pissed off!!

I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise to hear me say that I'm tired, but I actually have a reason today. I didn't sleep well because I was so scared we'd sleep through the alarm and the GF would miss her ride to Cali. Silly, huh! I went to bed around 11:30, just after telling the GF she didn't need to vacuum the house, and started tossing and turning. Mostly because I was scared we'd oversleep, but also because one of the pups kept kicking me in the face! But now I feel so bad because the GF was up until 2am trying to get everything packed, organized, and clean and I was snoozing away. Then, she lost about 7 hours today just sitting around waiting to leave...one of those typical "hurry up and wait" situations. I'm sure her mind was swimming with things she could have been doing during that 7 hour wait and she's probably a whole lot peeved that they left so late and I know she'll never say that to them, but once she arrives and has a good long nap/sleep, she'll calm down and know that she only has 3 more days until she sees me again!!

As for me, I've gotta do stuff by myself this weekend that I'd normally do with her. Might be a bit weird...for instance, we were both a little unsure of what I would eat while she's away. You laugh, but she almost made me some large portion freezer dishes so I wouldn't go hungry!! If you see me this weekend and I'm looking a bit pale, just give me a cracker!

I've lost some weight with all this running and eating healthy crap! It's good, but now it's noticeable when I gain a few of those pounds back. For instance, let's say I weighed 126 pounds and now I weigh 120 pounds. Things are going good, then I drink a case of beer and eat a plate of nachos and some fried foods. Then I weigh myself and NOW I weigh 123 pounds! It happens so quick and then it takes another 2 months to lose those 3 pounds again. Why does food and booze have to taste so good!

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Eat something unhealthy!

~Chix

I'm Going Back To Cali...

Bright neon orange nail polish makes me happy! That's what I colored my fingernails today and possibly my toes later! It really makes my hands look darker brown. It's making me want to dye my hair orange too, which I've been thinking about doing anyway, so maybe this weekend I'll finally have the time to do it, since I don't have anything else to do!! It's Memorial Day weekend and I've got nothing but time on my hands. Granted, I would still have nothing but time on my hands if the GF were gonna be in town, but now it's alone time (that I'm looking to fill, so call me!). She's going to California! Lucky girl! She really doesn't have to tell people why, just that she's going to Cali and people will be excited for her. If I were to tell people I was going to Albuquerque for the weekend, they'd give me a really weird look!

I'm not quite sure how I kept up for the last 2 years in school, because I've been out for 2 weeks now and I'm so tired all day that I can't remember if I ever had energy to expend in class 2 nights a week, plus energy to study and do homework. I'm not sure where it all came from. Let's just say it definitely sucked the life out of me, because I just can't seem to get untired these days. Maybe my free alone time this weekend will help me rest up a bit! Who am I kidding, I'm not gonna sleep any more than if the GF were here. I'll get some reading done and catch up on tv shows and probably not get a single thing done! Good ole 3 day weekends!! Doing a whole lotta nothin!

I got my most exciting graduation present in the mail today, my new Canon camera! It is the new T1i that is capable of taking still pics, has HD video, and a lense that can get a close-up shot of the GF all the way down the street! It's gonna be amazing on vacation to be able to capture shots that would have been unheard of with our other camera. That's one thing I'll be doing for sure this weekend is figuring out how to use the damn thing! And shopping for a camera bag, so I can look really professional...maybe I'll get a lanyard with a ID badge so I can sneak into places like I'm the hired photographer. People can start hiring me for their parties and weddings! Well, that's in the future. Thanks GF, you're the best!

~Chix

Miss You Much

Hello! Did you miss me? Sorry I've been a non-poster, but I'm back today. It was a pretty relaxing weekend, and so the computer was never turned on. Friday I was busy and yesterday I had no motivation, so sorry you had to go through a 4-day drought, but I'm here for you today. Saturday afternoon the GF and I ran 7 miles at the gym and have just now been able to use our legs again. We're starting to wonder if 13.1 miles is such a good idea after all. All I know is that after it's over, I'm gonna wanna sit and do nothing for a long long time!

I had sushi for lunch today! It was awesome, tasty, yummy, delicious, and definitely hit the spot. I'm gonna have more on Thursday night too, because I love it so much. Do you remember the first time you ever ate sushi? Was it just recently you realized you've been missing out on the greatest stuff ever? Or had you learned at an early age that sushi is the way to go? My niece, my almost 5 year old niece loves sushi! Isn't that great!! 5 years old and she could eat an entire plate full of salmon and yellow tail! Not cooked, but sliced to perfection, arranged so delicately on the odd shaped plate, and garnished with the best bitter tasting ginger in the world. It really is the greatest meal ever. Although the GF makes me amazing meals all the time, I'm not sure if she'll ever master the art of raw fish!!

This week is hydration week (I just made that up), but I want you to drink lots of water this week. Try to take a water bottle with you everywhere and keep it full. If it's there, you'll drink it. If it's empty, you won't get up to fill it. So keep it with you and keep it full! Try to hit your 8 cups a day. Start by drinking a glass of water as soon as you finish reading this! I never seem to hit my 8 cups, but I try to keep drinking. You'll feel better, I promise. Although you may have to take extra trips to the bathroom!

WATER!

~Chix

Leftovers!

One of the good things about parties is also one of the worst things about parties: leftovers! I'm always excited to have leftover booze and the snack foods, but when you're trying to stay in shape those things can be deadly. They sit in your fridge just calling out your name everytime you open it up. They taste much better than the water or vegetables you've been eating. Well, since my party, we've had leftover cake (which is so so yummy and fluffy and sugary), we've had leftover queso dip (which is so cheesy and meaty), we've had leftover cheese and chips, leftover wine and beer, and leftover fat and calories! It's really been a great week!

So, for graduation, my niece made me a picture frame with a collage of family pictures she picked out herself. She cut them all up into small pictures and put them together in a frame just for me. She chose pictures of me and the GF, of her mom and dad, of her and her brother, of other friends and family, and of the animals. It really is the most creative gift you could get from a (almost) 5 year old kid. Another cute thing about her is that on Tuesday night at my softball game she reaches through the chainlink fence and says, "Chicken, try real hard, ok? Just try real hard." How cute is that?

Tonight's a beautiful night, so enjoy yourselves!

~Chix

Sunny with a Chance of Sleep

Good Afternoon! I'm exhausted today...and it's from doing a whole lotta nothin! I had softball last night and we stayed up watching Glee and Biggest Loser so it makes sense that I'm so tired, but I'm completely drained. Drain-O! But, the sun's out and I'm wearing shorts and I don't have to go to class after work today! Sounds like I could just go home and sleep it off, but I won't...I'll go home, read and relax, watch some tv, eat some dinner, and do nothing! Sounds fun, huh!! Come on over!

My foot is acting up again...and that's not a good thing! I've got less than 6 weeks before the race and now is when my mileage starts to kick it into high gear, and my foot feels like it's broken. Not all the time, but it starts to creep in when I get to about mile 3. If you don't remember, the race is 13 miles...so I'm not sure what to do about it now. I've been to the foot doctor twice and he's just given me some shots, which help for about 3 weeks and then it hurts again. So, I'm trying to decide if I wanna get a shot now to continue with the training and then get one about 2 weeks before the race so I'll be good to go...but what happens after? I'm already looking ahead to do some more competitive racing after this race, so as the doc puts it "is surgery in my future?" This is obviously the last resort, but I can't give up running that easily. I'd rather fix the problem now, so I can get right back on the horse! Maybe the next shot will help!

I miss you all!

~Chix

Day 90

So, I've talked about making goals before. I've talked about setting my own goals, monthly and yearly. I've also talked about the GF achieving some of her own goals. I've been known to have pretty large goals too, but somehow they always seem unreachable, untouchable, or just to extraordinary. But really, it's about breaking those large goals into smaller attainable ones, so that larger goal can seem reachable, touchable, and not so out of this world! For instance, let's use this half-marathon as an example. When I decided to run the race, there was no way I could even barely run 2 miles at once. So, it doesn't even make sense to try running 13 miles every day until I can do it. What makes more sense is breaking my training runs into smaller goals, like running a 5K first, then a 10K, then a 9-miler, possibly an 11-miler, and finally the 13 mile race.

This "smaller goal" concept can be used for many many types of goals in life. Like working on projects, planning for big trips, or even trying to get your dream job. So, make sure you have small goals that you can feel positive about reaching, so the large goal doesn't always feel so far away!

You know, my Masters program was a long 2 year journey with about 33 credit hours, 11 classes in Spring, Fall, and Summer. There was tons of homework, lots of studying for tests, many many hours at the library, hours spent in front of the computer, long papers, short papers, take home tests, tax returns, presentations, too much group work, and lots of memorization. Classes were online, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Study time was any free time in between and the majority on Sundays. Most nights were devoted to studying, class, or homework for over 2 years. It was a long road which has finally come to an end and although I said some thanks in my blog yesterday, I'd really like to thank my GF! She has stuck by me through all of this. Everything I just listed above she was a part of. She gave me my space to study. She drove me to the library and to class countless times. She sacrificed our time together so I could work on my school stuff. She even had her own struggles along the way and still supported me with my own. Because of her, I am successful! Because of her, I stayed level headed during all this. Because of her, I'm a better person. I love you so much baby! Thank you!

It's Day 90 and it's gloomy out. It doesn't help in the motivation or inspiration. All I wanna do is lay down and watch a feel good movie! Doesn't that sound pleasant? Well, I can actually go to my softball game tonight, so that's okay, I just wish my games were at 6:30 so I can get home at a decent hour. Today wasn't as successful at the gym as I hoped, but like I mentioned early, the smaller goals (miles) will help you achieve your larger goals (miles)!

I hope you can overcome your gloomy days.

~Chix

GRADUATION!!

I know you've all been waiting to hear all about! Graduation has come and gone and I'm not sure I feel much smarter or wiser yet, but I do feel relief and relaxation! I did not blog on Friday because work was so busy and we left early to make the Anderson Graduate dinner at Sandiago's restaurant. It is a mexican restaurant at the bottom of the Tram. Never been there before and it was pretty delicious. It was all free, besides the alcohol of course, but we had great selections and great company, so the night was great. Good views from so far up high. We could see our house...just a tiny little dot on the complete opposite side of town!

Saturday started early with us getting to Tingley Coliseum at 7:45 in the morning. It was your basic "hurry up and wait" scenario where you arrive really early and then wait until 9am to even walk into the main arena! Which was great because you have all these people cheering for you and they're there just to see YOU! Or ME actually! I got these 2 beautiful lei's to wear with my cap and gown and they smelled so good! I knew it was gonna be a good day! At one point, my GF, my brother, my mother, and my friend Jameson all made tears come to my eyes. It was going to be an emotional day.

After the ceremony, we jetted out of the parking lot so fast that we made 2 different stops before arriving home and my mom was still waiting to get out of the parking lot! There were so many people there I'm sure it seemed that she spent more time in the parking lot than at the actual ceremony!

Moving on to my party....we had wine, cheese, beer, snack foods, and cake! Was successful until I found myself telling everyone it was time to leave, just to find ourselves stuck behind the slowest truck in the world causing us to lose a bit of time. Funniest part of that trip was when the GF lost my tassle and took off in a full sprint (in her pretty dress) to track it down before anybody else. She found it and probably got a 40 time of 4.0! Second graduation was successful although the keynote speaker thought he was talking to kids who actually give a damn. We didn't, which is why I can't tell you his name or exactly what he was talking about! Afterwards we partied her and there and surprisingly got to bed at a decent hour. Sunday was spent relaxing and barely lifting a finger. All in all, a great weekend.

I'd like to take this space to thank my mother, Elaine, my brother, sister, niece, nephew, Jameson, and my beautiful GF for sticking it through the ENTIRE DAY with me. It really meant a lot to have you there on my special day. I know it was tiring being dragged all over town all day, but it really meant a lot to me. Thank you. I'd also like to than the few others that came to my first or second graduation...it was nice to see hear the extra voices when they called my name!

I'm almost half way through my first non-required book and it feels great! Thanks again to everyone for sharing in my special day! You guys rock!

~Chix

Random Thoughts!

When you go to the movies, what are you expecting? Are you the type who only goes to movies that they've heard good things about? Or the type who sees a preview and thinks that'll be something you like? Do you form opinions about the movie before you see it or after you've seen it? Basically, what are your expectations? When I go to the movies I try to not have expectations about it so I can form my own opinion afterwards. I hate when people try to impose their opinions on me, like I'm not allowed to have an opinion about it. For instance, if I go see a movie that I think is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, I'll just tell someone that I thought it was pretty hilarious. If they've seen the same movie, they'll always say something like, "Yeah, saw that, but I thought it was stupid." Why would you say that to me when I just said I loved it? Rude.

Do you know what I love about my GF? We talk. We talk about everything. We're not afraid to touch on those 'forbidden' subjects that lots of couples will never dare talk about. We're very considerate of one another when something sad or painful comes up during the conversation. We over analyze everything...EVERYTHING! We delve into subjects that neither one of us know what we're talking about and feel like we know everything about it when we're done talking! We can even not talk about stuff and feel like we've said too much! There's not a day that goes by when we don't talk to each other and I'd feel completely lost if we didn't!

So, one of my good friends is leaving me. She's moving far far far FAR away! And unless I go visit her, I may not be able to see her for at least 5 years. It's sad and poopie for me because she's fun and crazy. She talks funny sometimes too. She has really bad luck with cars (and boys), but bounces back real quick. She once found a crapload of money and spent it wisely instead of blowing it on vodka! She loves to travel, but hates to move. She's got long curly hair like I used to have. She thinks that one day I'm gonna turn into one of those old naked ladies in the women's locker room at the gym. I'm not! She's the only person that's ever gotten me to take a straight shot of vodka and I still hate her for it. She's also the only person I know that makes a 3 foot long dog scratch scar look sexy, but I'm sure you lose sight of it on her perfectly tanned and ripped quads and calves! She's a terrible shot with a rubber band, but has quite the arm with a straw or lemon slice. All-in-all, I'm gonna miss her. She's a great friend and I hope we don't lose touch over the next 5 years! I love you Nimrod!

~Chix

The Present Future

That's all folks! I did it! My last test was over in the blink of an eye! I took the latter half of the day off yesterday so I could study right up until test time. I went into the test with positive thoughts (and also a bit of "I'm not gonna learn anything else now"), and within an hour it was all over. Again, though, I was the first to finish my test and I didn't recall anyone following me out. Finally, my friend finished almost an hour after me and said about 15 more people were still working on the test. It makes me wonder if my test was missing some pages, or what I thought were the right answers were actually wrong because I was so quick to answer! Well, if I can just pull a B, I'll be just fine!!

I wanted to apologize to everyone for talking about having bad gas the other day. Some things I just need to keep to myself!

Moving on...my big Graduation day is Saturday, with my small open house wine party at my house in between ceremonies. Sunday is the "changing of the guards"! I'm a new person! I might look the same and act the same and say all the same things, but inside I'm starting to change! One day you'll look at me and say, "Wow! You look great!" It's because I'm changing! Changing for the better of course...just gonna try to improve on some things within my character, but it'll be for the better. I'll still be the same person, just changed! As clear as mud, right?

Today, I'd like everybody to think of a turning point in your life. It could be a small one, like the first time you rode your bike, or your first concert. Or it could be huge like having a child, meeting the woman (man) of your dreams, or even getting your masters degree. Think of a moment in your life when something like this happened and try to remember the happiness you felt. Use that happiness to get you through the day today! Love you!

~Chix

My Final Final!

Today's the day! My final final! At 10pm tonight, I will be done with my Master's program! That's it! No more! Now, I've still got about 4 to 5 hours left of studying to do in a bit, but then that's it! I'm not sure if I mentioned it on here, but I remember saying that this test was only over 4 chapters and is supposed to be the easiest of the 3 tests. Well, I'm sure it's definitely gonna be easier than the last test, but it's not gonna be easy by any means. There's so much information jammed into these 4 chapters, but I'm hoping I can get just enough points to pull an A in the class. If I end up getting a B, I'm okay with that too!

Well, I've gotten rid of the poopiness from Sunday's running adventure. Today I ran 4 miles and I felt great! I probably could of kept going for another 2 or so miles, but I needed to shower and get back to work at a decent hour! But it felt good, it cleared my mind for the upcoming test, and it reinstated some faith that I can still do this! I had a somewhat strange experience in the locker room after my shower. Some chick was putting on her bikini to go to the pool and felt it unnecessary to put her top on for about 10 minutes while she stood next to me rubbing her whole body with suntan lotion. I was a bit uncomfortable...don't get me wrong, I like boobs just as much as the next guy, but this was a bit out of control!

So, I've been eating a lot of fiber lately. Like, Fiber One cereal pretty much daily. Do you know what fiber does to you, to your body? I don't know the technical terms for what it exactly does inside the system, but the ultimate product is...it makes you fart! That's right, have really bad gas! I feel bad for the GF because I just can't hold it in! It starts to hurt in my chest and if I don't let it out I feel like I'm having a heart attack. I've woken up my roommate before because I didn't know what was happening and it turned out to be gas pains. So I say, "Let it out!" Don't be scared, just let it out! If it smells, blame it on the dog or your coworker. Go into the bathroom and spray it away!

Have a Gas-ey Day!

~Chix

Knee, Feet, and Hip Pain

My body is pretty pissed off at me! Yesterday we went on a 6 mile run and after 2 miles, I was praying for something bad to happen just so I could stop! Like, I didn't really wanna get hurt, but I was thinking of tripping and getting scraped up so bad that I had to walk straight back to the car to get washed and cleaned up. I'm pretty sure the GF would've been excited to see me fall because of course she would've had to stop too, just to make sure I was okay. She'd wanna help me back to the car for sure. Then we could resume our run on another day. Not today though cause I was just so tired from yesterday!


I'm so burnt out too! I'm talking burnt out like I don't wanna study for my last test, I don't wanna do anything at work, I don't wanna make any decisions about anything, I don't wanna get out of bed, I don't even wanna decide what I might want for my graduation/birthday presents. Can you believe that last one? I must be real tired if I don't wanna think about presents!! I just want Wednesday morning to come and tell me, "You're all done!" Put your books away, sit down, relax, do nothing! I'd much rather be doing that right now, but I know I have to disperse just a teenie bit more effort until Wednesday.


In case you were trying to keep track, today is Day 82 of my journey! Only 46 more training days until the big DAY! Race Day! I'm thinking I need to stop getting poopie like I am today and start moving! I'll need to alter my training schedule a bit now that we're getting closer to R-Day! If we pull this off successfully, and by successfully I mean the GF finishing the race with no real qualms or regrets, we might just continue our training and just keep on running! Once you get that 'high' from running a 10K, you get a bit addicted! Imagine the feeling when you cross the finish line after 13.1 miles! It's unbelievable and I can't wait for her to experience it! Well, you actually wanna throw up at first, then punch the person that made you sign up, and maybe cry because your knees and feet hurt so bad, but about an hour later you wanna cry because you actually did it! You'll be proud. She'll be proud!

Find your inner strength today and just get it done!

~Chix

Wonderful Weekend Weather

Good afternoon everyone! Today is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! The weather is amazing and I really wish I were sitting on a patio somewhere drinking lots of beers! But I'm here at work just gazing out the window not getting a darn thing done. I might as well be out drinking beers. I would even just drink a beer here at the office. But I can't. But it IS Friday, so regardless of when I get out of here, I don't have to come back until Monday, which is the day before my last final!

So, I got a big weekend ahead of me...of studying! And hopefully some sleeping. And some tv watching, and baseball game going, and some working out/running, and even some drinking. So, it IS gonna be a big weekend. I'll be studying for my last final next week. I'm a bit rusty from what's been going on in that class cause we haven't really talked about it for 3 weeks now. And with those stupid papers we had to write last week, I'm clearly gonna need some focus this weekend and really study hard.

I'm starting to make my booklist. This is the list that will include all the books I want to read once my last final has been taken. I like mystery, thriller, Harry Potter, and anything that'll hold my attention for the first few chapters. So, if you have any suggestions let me know. And please, nothing that uses really big words cause I want to enjoy myself and actually understand what I'm reading!!

Bless my brother's heart. He really is a changed man. He just recently posted something that said these kids at my niece's school were calling her "stupid"! He had enough sense to sit her down and make her realize how smart she is and to only play with the kids who think she's smart. What a good dad! I would've put her in the car, driven her to school, asked her which kids said that to her, and punched them all in their little 4 year old faces! Maybe this is why I only have supervised visits with my niece! Kids are cruel and are probably jealous of the smartest little girl in the world, but don't cross her Auntie, cause I'll take your lunch and make you pee in your pants!

Be nice to people this weekend!

~Chix

What's Motivation?

Well, my final was last night and we went out and had LOTS of drinks which is probably why I have ZERO motivation today. I'm really really tired and really really hungry. I promise to give you a better blog tomorrow! Love you all.

~Chix

Connor = Lover of Hounds

So, I was informed that yesterday I did not write about our run. We call it the "run back". This is where we get a ride to the gym and run back to the office. It's a 4 mile run if you come straight back. One of these days I'm gonna have to go on detours to add mileage to the run, but yesterday we did the 4 miles. The weather was perfect and it's actually a really nice run. Mostly downhill except for the first half mile is pretty steep uphill. Anyway, it's a real good workout.

Today we did some speed work and lifted weights (arms), which in the aftermath was not a bright idea because I got to watch my nephew for an hour today and holding him for a few minutes really made my arms start shaking. He's the most adorable little boy EVER. And I'm not biased! He really is the cutest thing in the world. He should be in movies! He was coo-ing and haw-ing and smiling showing off the most precious dimple in his left lower cheek! Then you see his big blue eyes staring you down just begging for you to kiss him...and of course you lean down and he slobbers all over you and you wanna squeeze him and bite his cute little fingers and toes. But you don't cause he's just a little baby, so you wipe your face and go in for more!!

Happy Cinco De Mayo today. Just another great excuse to drink beer and celebrate like on St. Patrick's Day! Except instead of skirts and bagpipes, it's sombrero's and geetars! But either way, it's beer and excitement. Tonight though, I'll be celebrating finishing my first final exam! After all the study help I've gotten from the GF today, I'm gonna ace the test! Thanks babe! I hope everyone has a reason to celebrate tonight...if not, just use the Cinco De Mayo excuse!

~Chix

Graduation Days...

Good afternoon! It's been a long day already and it's far from over. Last night I plowed my way through my last paper and this morning I turned both of them in. So, as of now, I've got a final tomorrow night and a final next Tuesday night....AND THAT'S IT!!! Let's not get all crazy here, I'll still have to go to work the next Monday morning, I'll still have to clean up after my dogs, and I'll still have to study for the CPA Exam. All I'm getting at is that I'll be doing all that with my Masters degree! Woohoo! About 5 years ago, this was not even an option. I was actually thinking about going to law school. I had already signed up for the LSAT and had been studying for a while. The day before the test, I decided there's no way I wanted to be a lawyer. So, I scrapped that idea...threw it right out the window.

I decided since I'm really good with numbers I'd look at business schools and found that Anderson had an actual accounting program. Now that was something I could wrap my head around. Unfortunately, I had to take the GMAT. I bought some books and never really dedicated myself to studying much, until the last month. I took the test and got exactly one point higher than I needed to apply to the program. I also had to take two prerequisite courses before I even knew if I'd been accepted into the program. Obviously I was accepted cause I'm rounding out the program now, but it's been a long 2 years. I don't understand why some of my classmates don't wanna go to graduation because I feel that I've put in so much time and effort over the last 2 years that these ceremonies are honoring my commitment to the program. They are honoring ME! All that hard work (and a bit of slacking too)has paid off and now they are throwing me a big celebration...2 celebrations actually...and I'm throwing myself one too!

I bet you all can't wait until I graduate so I'll quit talking about it! So sorry for you, but just hold on for 2 more weeks!! Love you all!

~Chix

Achieving Goals

Good afternoon folks! What an amazing weekend! First off, I had another softball tourney, which is also probably my last until late July. But I hit like a maniac. I probably went 8 for 11 with about 7 RBI's. I was on fire and it felt so good. I need to come up with a system of actually keeping my personal stats so I know how I'm doing! It was a nice day for the most part and my GF brought the pups to see me play my last game. They were quite excited, not to see me, but to see all the softballs flying through the air! Silly pups. Saturday night, one of our friends came over and we had a sleepover! She also came to watch us Run for the Zoo the next morning and take pictures for us. First off, let me say that it wasn't my first 10K and it probably won't be my last. I had a pretty good time so I'm happy. I beat the goal I had in mind, so that's all that matters.

Second, (and this requires a new paragraph) the GF ran her first 10K in her first race EVER! She totally kicked some major butt and she also beat the goal she had in mind! In fact, she shattered the goal she had in mind. She never stopped running once, except to puke on some silly Republicans' shoes, and she kept such a good pace that she finished in exceptionally good time. After the race was over and we got home, we shared in some hugs and tears because I was just so proud of her. In just 2 months she has gone from only being able to run for 5 minutes at a time, to running a 10K in an hour and 15 minutes! In mileage terms, that's about a slow quarter of a mile to 6.2 miles in 2 months! I couldn't be happier for her! Love you babe!

To finish out the weekend, we napped after the race for a few hours, watched some tv, I studied for a couple hours, and then we watched some more tv. As we were going to bed, we heard all these police and fire truck sirens around the neighborhood, so I eventually looked off the back balcony, just to find out that a house about 5 blocks away is up in flames! We could see the fire from our balcony! Just like 50 other people in the neighboorhood, we jumped in our car to get a closer look, but the cops had everything blocked off. I'm sad for the people who lost their house.

I hope you all had an eventful weekend as well.

~Chix