It was all fun & games until … it will all fun & games!

     

We parked at a friend’s house & walked to a nearby beach. The way that the beaches are kept private is by not allowing street parking. No shoulders – nada! Even though it was a Saturday morning – there were very few people on the beach!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day weekend was spent with family & friends enjoying sunny (& sometimes not-so-sunny) Florida.  We had a great time!!! We drove down Friday morning, saw NO TRAFFIC (red letter day for sure), and spent the afternoon at the beach. Nice. We spent the next day at the beach & then had grilled kabobs. (Note to self – must do kabobs! I am squeamish around raw meat so the kids will have to do the threading. They taste SO GOOD though!) Sunday - church was nice & then we went to The Lake House. It is so peaceful, lovely, and quiet that you just must relax! We had barbecue chicken from the Dutch oven that was super moist & tender. We played dominoes. I swear that I always lose – but not tonight!

Monday morning we had pancakes, freshly picked blackberries (yum!), and then went out on the boat. Launch time? 10:46. Crash time? 10:48. #Chris’ braces & #Ryan’s forehead made serious contact. My rule for when we need stitches is if I can stick my finger in it (not that I ever do). This definitely qualified. We hurried (sort of) to the nearest town with a hospital. It was REALLY REALLY yucky! We waited 15” at the window to check in & were not acknowledged. We asked around for another option & were given the name of a walk-in clinic that was OPEN. We still had to wait a really really long time, but Ryan ended up with glue instead of stitches. Chris will have to get his wire fixed – and his lip will have to heal (the hole is all the way through!).

THE Boston Marathon

     
Yesterday was AMAZING. Scott got up early & left for the race. I will try to get a guest post from him in the next day or two. (Right, Scott?) I ate breakfast & plotted my stops along the way. I could not have prepared myself for the crowds. As I went to board the subway, a Patriot’s Day celebration was taking place in the plaza. Lots of soldiers, the pledge of allegiance, & the national anthem. The mayor. Very cool that I happened to be at the starting of the parade.
For the first stop of the day, I rode the green line out to Woodline  (mile 17). All of the passengers on the subway were chasing runners and happy! For a few minutes I wondered where the runners would be, but as soon as I stepped off the train, I could hear the crowds & the bells [given out on the course]. There were already a lot of people waiting for the wheelchair division & the Elites.
The race was so inspirational!

• The wheelchair athletes came through, pushing with only their arms. What stood out to me the most was the number of young male amputees – veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The fastest athletes had been training for years & were really fast (25-30 mph fast!). The newer athletes definitely struggled but were still amazing.
• The elites came next. Elite marathon runners finish the race in less that two hours and fifteen minutes. (That’s really fast!!!) Police cars & photographers came by first & then the runners, hugging the edge of the course to run the shortest distance possible. I could have touched them from where I was standing! The women’s winner was Teyba Erkesso. Kosgei (pictured above) took third place. They were all amazing!!!
• The male elites ran as a pack – the BAA site says
“At 15 miles the split was 1:12:32 (4:57) with 1:17:10 (4:38) appearing one mile later. By this point, Cheruiyot had edged his way to the forefront, with the right hand turn at the Newton Firehouse on a near horizon and the hills immediately in front. As it was, so it is. The hills have told the tale before and did again this year. A 5:09 mile brought the pack to 17 in 1:22:19, at which point Cheruiyot had taken command, injecting a telling surge. Merga responded quickly, as did the pack; though it was evident that some damage was being done. Hall was, it seemed, struggling, close to 30 seconds off the pace, while Keflezighi appeared also to be feeling the effects.” Did you see that? 5:00 minute miles for the whole distance!!! I tried to get a picture of Ryan Hall, but he was running close to the crowds & Mr. Big-Fat-Head moved out in front of me with his camera so I missed him. It was still cool to see him close up.
• Next, I was able to see Scott. Luckily, he saw me & stopped to take  a video. He seemed to be having a great time. I kissed him & ran to get on the next subway (with lots & lots of other people). I squished on the subway, standing in a corner & talking to a lady from Phoenix, Arizona. I walked down the hill at the “Resevoir” stop, about 23 miles. I saw many people that I had seen before Scott & then started to see many whom I had not. When I saw a guy dressed as a rubber ducky – I knew that I had somehow missed Scott.

I went back to the subway station, squished into a corner at the front by the driver, and slowly, slowly made my way towards the finish line. I was tired & hungry (& my blood-sugar was low). Scott called me to let me know that he had finished, walked 1/2-mile to the bus to pick up his clothes & his phone, and walks back to the hotel. I was LOST and had a difficult time finding my way back to the hotel. Finally, a subway guy helped me get to the right gate to ride the subway back. Scott had been taken care of by the hotel - they had showers reserved & snacks for the runners in a room. He recovers so fast!!! He has already been out to run two times.
The race was huge & the crowds were huge! When I was waiting at mile 17, the runners started a few at a time & then came in swarms. Hundreds & hundreds & thousands of people all on a collision course with Copley Square. So many runners & fans & supporters. Everywhere that we went in town was swarmed with runners & their fans. The blue jackets with the unicorn logo were all over the place.
I hope we can return next year!!!

It’s the Boston Marathon, baby!!!

Scott left our hotel room early this morning – excited, nervous, and ready. I am planning to catch him at miles 16.8 and 22. Beyond that, everything is gravy. It is hard to know how crowded the subway will be. Based on a few rides that we had yesterday, I am hoping that my feet will touch the ground & I can find a bar to hang on to.

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, we went to stake conference and ate lunch with Scott’s friend Steve & his family who live near the Boston Temple. (So beautiful!!!) They are a great family – I couldn’t help but think how well our two families would fit together. Hopefully we can meet up with them at the beach or the slopes someday.

After stake conference, Steve took us to see the battlefield at Concord. As we stepped onto the grounds, I felt that I was treading on sacred ground. I am so grateful for the beautiful country that we live in & for the freedom to worship that we enjoy.When we visited Nauvoo several years ago, I could feel the presence of the people who lived there & built up the city. I felt the same way yesterday with the people who sacrificed so I can be free.

Scott is ready to run!  I made a name badge for him on muslin & sewed it to his technical shirt – we ran out of safety pins.  He left right after 6 this morning to get on the bus to Hopkinton – and just arrived at 8 a.m. The race begins at 10 a.m. & Scott’s in wave 1.

There will be tons & tons of crowds along the way. I can’t wait to see him (and the wheelchairs & the elites). I will post more pictures & results later.

Sweetness!

 

Terrific Kid – two kids from each class are picked based on good behavior & good citizenship. He was so excited to be picked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The celebration happened the morning after we decided to turn in the diorama late – I had been too busy with kids throwing up & driving the limo to & from baseball practices, piano, scouts, & night class to make any progress. It took about five hours! If you can’t get a late pass in second grade, then when???

 

 

 

 

I love this picture – my new camera has an amazing zoom lens. I switched to manual focus & took this shot through the fence from the bleachers. He was standing out by second base. So fun!!! It was super hot & there’s not much action on the field. Luckily, our coach is a really good pitcher. In kid pitch, that totally matters. He has watched A LOT of baseball on TV so he understands the mechanics of the game. Unfortunately, baseball is a lot of waiting around.

Success is more than Just a Medal!

Scott, my mom, my sister Julie, and I were all supposed to run in Myrtle Beach in February. The race was cancelled due to what we who live in the South call “snow”.

Scott wanted to re-qualify for the Boston Marathon so we needed to find another race. We found the Snickers Marathon in Albany, Georgia. (… I originally made hotel reservations at the hotel in Albany, New York.)

We ran – it was freezing in the morning & perfect by the end.

I learned a bunch of lessons that are carrying on into my everyday life.

• When the going gets tough? just grit your teeth (or your brain) and keep on going – hopefully the finish is just around the next corner – or at least a cute smiling Marine to cheer you on.
• Do you feel pain? It’s just a massage that’s helping to loosen your muscles.
• Lost? Just follow the bum in front of you.
• Hungry? Hopefully there’s something left in your back pocket. Shot blocks are yummy.
• Tired & sore? Ibuprofen and time.
• Recovery? It just takes time. It’s now April & I feel like I’m still recovering.

We had someone take our picture early, early in the morning before the race. We picked up our packets, warmed up in the car, stretched, waited in line for the portajohns, waited again, and then we were off. We did not run one step of the race near each other but it was wonderful to be participating in the same event. I was so tired in the middle (mile 7?) that I couldn’t do simple math. I was trying to envision where Scott was at on the course. I loved being at the finish line early enough to see him come in. I definitely do better when someone else is waiting for me to get my snacks though. :)

After I saw Scott head towards the finish line, I couldn’t find him! I walked around & finally thought to see him at the medical tent. He was sitting down & resting.

Scott’s time was 3:27.00 for the marathon.

My time was 2:46 & change for the half.

Next stop? Boston.

 

 

I come in peace. I mean you no harm, and you all will die!

This is my desk. I hope you will still be my friends.

How could I let it get at this state? I am organized enough, the bills usually get paid, and we arrive at our destinations. Yesterday, I took control & now there are only about 20 items remaining. Why do I let it get this bad? Because of HER. and HIM. and THEM. Who? I am talking about the customer service representatives that I have to talk to to solve problems. I don’t take care of my paperwork because I end up on hold ALL DAY LONG!

Whew! Now I feel better. BTW Isn’t that a cute picture of Jared? We were out at the tide pools on Pawley’s Island when he was two or three with our friend, Beach. Too much fun. At least there are good memories behind that horrendous pile.

Can you name the movie that the title is from?

Pre-race Jitters

Now that I have done a few races (one half, several 5Ks, one 8K), I am learning that the way that I handle the jitters is by SHOPPING! I bought three very nice new t-shirts the other day, an armband for my iphone, and some shot blocks (like super-dooper gummy snacks). I guess I am ready – 13.1 miles tomorrow morning and ibuprofen for the next few days. Exciting!!! Based on last years finishers and my normal walking speed, I should be finished by about 10:15 a.m. & be just in time to see Scott finish!!! SO EXCITED.

Green Valley 8K Race

On Thursday my good friend Amy told me that she was running a race on Saturday. I have signed up to do the Snickers Half-Marathon in a few weeks since Myrtle Beach was canceled. I signed up for the race on my phone in the Costco parking lot. Last night another friend Danielle mentioned that she was going – so we went together.

I was SO scared. I had never run an 8K before (about 4.96 miles). I walked a half marathon a few years ago, but I have had sore feet for three months & only done a 2.0 mile walk & a 5.0 mile walk/run on Wednesday of this week. My ITB (outside of the knee) was really, really tight & painful after Wednesday. But I decided to try – I stay on my feet for hours & hours every day, right? I could walk if I needed to. My goal was to finish in 1:15.00 minutes.

It was COLD to start – I wore Scott’s nice fleece gloves (thanks Julie!) plus a long-sleeved jacket. I had checked out the times from last year & knew that I would be in the END of the pack. I decided to run two minutes, walk three minutes for the race. It worked! The campus is beautiful – I even took a picture while I was walking. (… while putting the camera/ipod back into my pocket, I accidentally turned up the volume & blasted my ears.) The course was a lot hillier than I expected. The hardest point for me was the hill that was right after the 3.0 mark – mentally I knew that I had not raced that far. Luckily, my walk came just after that point & I was able to talk to “Michelle” for the next three minutes. It was funny being at the end of the back – the cyclists kept riding by to make sure that we were all still upright.

Music really helped me on the run – I made a new playlist this morning & enjoyed all but one song. (Bad language/topic – I didn’t know!!!)  For the last mile I just decided to run as much as I could. My time was 58:46. Not super fast but not really that slow either. :) I am so happy that I went the distance & finished & that my feet didn’t kill me. Next week I have to run 2, 5, & 6 miles.

“I Love Technology!”

Let’s sing in our best Napoleon voices! Lately, I have just been fascinated by all things techy! A few of my favorite things include:

The Flip video recorder is a tiny, easy-to-hold & use camcorder. It is just slightly larger than my old cell phone. It takes descent videos & the software allows you to take a snapshot from a video. The picture of the whale shark was taken from a video that I took yesterday at the Georgia Aquarium.  The whale sharks are only seen in captivity in Atlanta, China, & Japan plus in the wild in Mexico.

I think that the Flip could be very useful for photographing young children & babies. You choose a general time frame to take a snapshot & then pick frame by frame for the best shot.

 

My cell phone has been giving me great grief. If I held it the wrong way, I could hear you but you couldn’t hear me. My hubby & oldest son told me to get an iPhone & one day I finally did it. Usually, I research things out but this time I just jumped. The guy at the store even said, “You can bring it back if you don’t like it, but you are really going to love it!” And I do. It’s great to have my calendar with me all the time – and my to-do list – and a phone book, ipod, Pandora radio (fave!), LDS radio broadcasts, the scriptures, general conference addresses, etc. Today, I learned how to use the voice feature. I say “Call home!” and it does. Oh yeah, and I love having a camera & a basic video recorder. And APPS – my favorite funny? Sit or Squat – an application that helps you find the closest restroom facilities that are open for business.

 

My new digital camera has been a lot of fun! I love the details on faces, the droplets of water in mid-air, and the split-second action shots. I feel like it is very complicated still, but I love some of the results so far!

        

 

Our van has been a wonderful vehicle. I have never dreamed of owning a mini-van. It is just the most

practical and gas efficient way that we have found to take lots of people & stuff where we need to go. My boys asked me one day what type of car I would drive if I could. Because it has never been a choice, it has never crossed my mind.

I have driven to Seattle and back once (& only once). I have driven to the beach & back & been a passenger a lot of times. I have driven to & from school at least 170 times per year. We crossed the 100k mark about the same time that we paid it off. Hopefully, we will have another 100k miles on it. It has been a great car. And I think it is green.

DVR is the final cool thing I would like to praise – I love that I could record the Olympics & watch them whenever I want to and with or without commercials. I love watching & rewatching what I miss. I love that the television works for me & my time abilities & not the other way around. I still don’t know how to turn the silly machines on & off for watching movies but at least I can watch TV.

What are your favorite techy devices?