21 September 2010

UNC CTO


I am spending the next two days at UNC-Chapel Hill (boooo Tar Heels) in the CTO program from the School of Government. Pretty neat, working with 35 fellow tech directors across the state over an 8 month period. In November I will 'graduate' and receive a certification. Great for the resume...

19 September 2010

Being a Parent

Yeah, tough sometimes. A struggle can come up at any time. You can feel so bad at the blink of an eye. You can want change so much, to help your child learn a lesson, all the while wanting to stop the tough love. Just a tough game, as those moments fly by so quickly.

18 September 2010

Another Fun Weekend!

With our crazy schedules lately, the weekends certainly are our chance to unwind. We plan to do just that this weekend. We'll drop Lucy off at a birthday party, then stop by Kerry's folks to test out their new Foosball and Pool table. Maybe drink a yummy Harvest Moon as well. I LOVE PUMPKIN ALES! Just some running, chilling, enjoying each other planned for the rest of the weekend.

13 September 2010

September--Keepin' Busy

Yeah, we're still here. Just super busy, as usual. Everyone went back to regular schedules today, after the three week track out. Now 9 weeks, and then DISNEY! We can't wait!

28 August 2010

Summer PA Trip In the Books...


Last week at this time we were up in the Mountains. Now home again, but we had a great time. Between our trip to the Carnegie Science Center (thanks, Aunt Cheryl!), helping out in New Florence with the house, and just hanging out, we had a great time. Then this past week students came back, so we've been busy yet again, but things should slow down relative this week. Kerry and the girls continue their track out, so they will enjoy the week. I am trying to find a day to take off so we can head down to Wrightsville Beach this week.

15 August 2010

ANDROID Arrives at Our House


Yup, we recently cancelled AT&T and moved to Sprint so I could snag the Evo. Kerry got the Samsung Intercept, also running Android. Wow. After about a week, and I LOVE THIS PHONE. It does everything I want. 8.0 megapixel phone/camcorder, two navigation programs, 4G service, wifi, just so much. So excited about the possibilities for this phone.

Busy Weekend, Busy Week, The PA Bound...

With the Cel-Kids event yesterday, a trip to the Dump Playground today, and a 6 mile run along the Falls Lake Trail, we stayed busy this weekend. Now we have a pretty busy week. Laura and Kiera will stop by, we'll pick up Sue from the airport, and then my County's teachers come back Thursday. Friday, I'll pick the girls up, wash the Kia, and we'll wait for Kerry before heading up to Pittsburgh.
--
Sounds like lots of fun up there. Aunt Cheryl wants to go down to the Carnegie Museum, so that will be a good time. We'll spend some time going through things at my Grandma's, which may be a little bit of a sad time, but I am excited to bring some things down here to remember them by. They will always be in my heart, and are always a part of me.

Cel-Kids Outing


Another Cel-Kids outing yesterday. We went to PlayNation in Morrisville for some bouncing/climbing fun, then sampled Happy Tummy Baking Company's frozen pizza crusts. Yum! Lots of fun for the girls!

08 August 2010

Fun With the Girls

Nice calm weekend.  Not much going on...just some playground fun and much needed rest.  I went for a 6 miles yesterday that wasn't too bad.  Maybe I will do the 1/2 marathon afterall.

31 July 2010

Don't I Know It...




You Are Brilliant



You are a true ideas person. No concept is too far out for you.



You have a good memory for facts. You always are an ace at trivia.



People excite you. You like to be up on what's going on with everyone you know and don't know!



You have a few key interests that are borderline obsessions. You can't stop thinking about them!


To The Dump...To The Dump...To The Dump, Dump, Dump...


Yup, another fun day of Wake County North Landfill Park. I met the girls there after a run. Not too bad of a day, cloudy, still humid, but tolerable. After some play on the playground, we hiked up to the top of the Landfill. Very neat, seeing Downtown Raleigh from there.
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Busy week. I attended filtering software certification training all week. But another certificate for the wall and the resume! Monday, after the training, I rushed to a school for some walkthroughs with a vendor, then went to the County Commissioners for a permit. Kerry had open house on Thursday, so I picked up the girls, and stopped in Lucy's class. Lucy received the Student of the Week award on Friday. So proud of her! (-: And tonight? Tonight is DATE NIGHT! Girls will spend the night with Grammie (Grandpa flew to France for some biking), and WE are going OUT!

23 July 2010

Myra-Daddy Fun Day!


I really do like the 4 10s work week. Gives me time to spend home with the girls. Or it did, until Lucy started kindergarten last week. Now today I just get to focus on Myra! A fun day of Barbies, playgrounds, BJs, and princesses. (-:
--

15 July 2010

Lucy Heads To Kindergarten


Yup, the day we dreaded for over 5 years came. I took Lucy in for meet the teacher, and her first real day is tomorrow. As you can see, though, Mrs. Evans is a technology-using teacher--Daddy will be happy!

12 July 2010

The Lucy Quote 'o the Day

I took Lucy to Grammie's this morning. Since July 1, she was done with preschool, so Myra still goes, but Lucy goes to Grammies until she STARTS KINDERGARTEN tomorrow. This morning on the ride to school she asks, 'Daddy, what happens to the For Sale signs when someone buys a house?' Wow. Amazing thoughts go through that girl's head!

11 July 2010

Brind'Amour

Also in this lull of my posting, my second favorite hockey player of all time, next to Lemieux, Rod Brind'Amour retired from the Hurricanes. Over the years down here, I really came to highly respect what he did on and off the ice. Luckily he will stay on with us in some capacity, hopefully in training! The guy is ripped! I will always have that Game 7 in my memory when he got the CUP and did his stomping. Thanks, Rod!

Splish Splash...


Pulled out the Slip n Slide again recently. Girls are FINALLY beginning to understand how to use it. And I don't believe either of them chugged any pool water this time.

Happy (Belated) 4th of July!


We, like all Americans, rang in the 4th with some illegal fireworks. The girls liked their 'first' fireworks show.

Flying With Uncle Gary



While we went to PA for sad reasons, we did enjoy ourselves. One morning we went over to a flying field nearby to see my Uncle and some other friends fly their model airplanes. The girls liked it, especially watching on Uncle Gary's truck!

Loss of Someone Special


All time record for me--11 days into a month without a post. Shows you how busy we've been. A little over a week ago my paternal grandmother finally lost her fight and joined my pap on the other side. She went to the hospital in the Spring, with a back needing surgery (where have we heard this before) and just never made it back. Very sad, but we definitely understand her sadness from losing Grandpap, her life partner for so long.
--
My gram holds a special place in my life. She helped teach me to read, supported me in my path into education, and provide me with so much advice that helped me in making all the difficult decisions in my life. I really am blessed to have had all 4 grandparents into my 30s, a rare thing these days.
--
We went up to PA last weekend for the memorial service. I was honored to to be asked to speak again, and did an ok job, focusing on that wise advice, 'God never closes a door without opening a window.' My sister did a knock down job as well. We loved the girls spending so much times with our family too...not the best reason to be up there, but glad to enjoy it somewhat.
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I chose this picture to post. I believe I was 3 or 4 when taken, long since to bed on a Christmas Eve. I guess according to the rumors, everyone apparent overdid the eggnog, except my grandparents (although it looks a little different), but you can see so much love in them. Makes me smile.

27 June 2010

Almost July!

Hard to believe we'll roll into July this coming week. Summer continues to fly away. We've been pretty busy so far, and the future holds the same thing...
--
Watched the US lose to Ghana yesterday. Pretty big deal for the US going this far, and they really had their chances yesterday. Now nothing in the middle of hockey season starting back up.
--
4 day week, then the girls and I will go to Marbles next Friday. Flanigan 4th of July picnic next weekend, and just some time all together!

20 June 2010

Happy Father's Day!

My girls already made it a special day! Myra made me a ceramic, painted turtle. I always wanted a turtle, and Kerry almost got me one, until we found they are illegal to have as pets. This will be a good compromise. Lucy made me a #1 Dad trophy and painted golf balls. Neat! Being a dad is my most favorite thing.
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May be a bittersweet day though...Grandma is not doing well in the hospital. Dad, Aunt Donna, and Uncle Gary are taking up the living will today that states she does not want any artificial equipment. We will see what happens...

18 June 2010

My Bed...




Your Bed Says You Are Down to Earth



Outward appearances are very important to you. You do your best to look good and have an attractive home.



You try to be an organized person, but you often fall behind. Certain parts of your life tend to fall into chaos.



You are not very high maintenance in general, but you are high maintenance about a few things.



In relationships, you tend to be quite dominant. You enjoy taking charge.



You tend to be a down to earth, practical person. You think in terms of what is actual.



You are a traveler. You are comfortable anywhere, and you rarely feel homesick.


New Blog Colors/Layout

Yeah, no kidding--new color scheme and layout changes! So I doubt I will move from orange and brown permanently, but figured I would play around a little with Blogger's new features...
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First 'Friday off' of the summer. We're doing 4 10 hour days in the office, then a day off. Definitely well deserved, as it was a BUSY 4 days. Nice to stay home with the girls. We went to the State Farmers' Market for peaches, corn, and a bunch of other things. Then Sheetz, and then RDU to watch planes from the Observation Deck. Fun!

05 June 2010

Cannonball into Hidden Lake!

Finally swam in Hidden Lake for the first time today. Three cannonballs later, and no amoebas yet! LOL! The girls enjoyed the water, just swimming around and Myra actually jumped in to my arms a couple times. Busy day in the hot sun (also a 6 mile run), so maybe more rest tomorrow...

31 May 2010

Summer Fun

Girls got new swimsuits, so we needed to try them out with the sprinkler. Of course, I needed to water the lawn too!

30 May 2010

More Fun From Hidden Lake


Ladderball!

Reunion at Hidden Lake



Finally got a moment to revisit the reunion last week. Kerry's Mom's family came down from NY, California, and Oklahoma to Hidden Lake last weekend. Definitely a fun weekend. We spent a lot of time on the boats and outside. The girls enjoyed seeing their cousins and playing.
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Memorial Day Weekend


Definitely a good time for a rest! And rest we need! Kerry had her retina surgery on Thursday. They placed a buckle around her eye to take the pressure of the retina tears, which will help her eyesight. She came through the surgery well, just in some obvious pain now. So I have been Mr. Mom a lot of the weekend. Been fun, we went to BJs and the Dollar Store, the playground, and the Farmers' Market. May head to Target today. Definitely enjoy my time with the girls!

16 May 2010

More Fun From Baileywick...


Location for our Cel-Kids support group picnic yesterday...
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Summer Arrives!


Yup, as usual, here in Raleigh we skip from Winter directly to Summer. 95 degrees yesterday. And not a cloud in the sky. As you can see, the watermelon at our Cel-Kids picnic yesterday was greatly appreciated!

09 May 2010

The Details of the 2010 Pittsburgh Marathon

So I made it. You know that by now. Now, a week later, I finally can find the time and energy to discuss how it went. Definitely a great experience!

So Lucy and I flew up to Pittsburgh on Thursday, bright and early. A nice, quick flight that left early and arrived early. Once they opened the door, though, I knew we weren't in North Carolina anymore--it was COOL! Nana and PapPap picked us up with a tea for me and a water for Lucy. And some flowers for Lucy! Very sweet! We headed out, and right into rush hour traffic heading down Greentree Hill, into the Fort Pitt Tunnel, into Downtown Pittsburgh. No worries, though, we headed out the Parkway East, and made a few pit stops along the way, picking up some gluten free yummies for Lucy at Giant Eagle.
--
I did not run at all while at my folks. I really wanted to, especially the first day, when cool, but I worried constantly about my heel, and then my calf. I figured the calf was just 'worry pain,' being within the tapering process, but still, figured I wanted to rest it as much as possible. So at my folks, lots of icing and heating. We saw my grandma and some other family, so that was nice.
--
Saturday we headed down to Pittsburgh. I needed to pick up my race packet at the David L. Lawrence Conference Center and just soak up some of the marathon atmosphere. What a LOT of people there. 16,000 runners, but then you forget that most of them will bring parents, spouses, children, and friends. A lot of excitement flew around that day. I did like being 'Dahntown,' for the first time in a while. Then we headed up to Granny's for dinner and some additional rest. The Uncles Gary and Al, along with Aunt Cheryl and Hope worked with my Dad to plot out their course of action. They wanted to see me EVERYWHERE, so I began to get a little nervous! Lucy and I decided to hit the sack for an early bedtime. Lucy slept on an inflatable mattress, so of course, every time she moved, she woke me up. Argh! But, I really would not sleep much anyway, so no worries.
--
I woke up around 5:40am, and my Dad took me down to the course. I really liked seeing him so excited for this! He did not participate in my first two marathons, being in Charleston and Raleigh, so this was new for him, and I would think his excitement rivaled mine! He dropped me off in the Strip District to go back and gather the troops to see me at mile two or thereabouts.
--
Even early, 6am, there was quite a crowd at the starting line. Still a little dark, but the buzz was apparent. I stretched, listened to music, and used the port-a-potties a few times. Kerry would've loved them--they had hand sanitizer right in them!! I really just tried to keep myself busy and visualize the beginning few miles. I still did not know how I would run, with the calf and heel, so it was just about staying calm.
--
Eventually, 7:30 rolled around, and I found my pace group. I signed up for the 4:45 group, and knew I may not stick with them, but I wanted to start with a decent pace. The first mile started smooth, taking about 8 minutes just to GET to the starting line, with lots of folks running on the sidewalk to pass. I figured I would pass them much later. Mile 2 passed, the rain began, and no family. )-: I was surprised at how down this made me, but up ahead--there was my dad in his blue Penguins shirt. He did not have my hat, as I apparently did pass all the rest at mile 1, but he ran with me for a few blocks...heehee! Yeah, I mentioned he was a little excited!
--
We then crossed the 16th Street Bridge, and I still felt pretty good. Another water break, then I hit the port-a-potty again. At this point the 4:45 group must have passed me, but I kept a decent pace through the North Side, back into Downtown, then back to the stadiums. I passed PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the new Rivers Casino, then over the West End Bridge. Whoever decided to make a bridge into two steep points should be shot! Much steeper than the other bridges.
--
On the South Side, it began to rain a little harder. I stopped for the picture coming up Carson Street. With the large, Forbes Avenue hill looming in a few miles, I did not think Carson Street would be as tough as it was, but I definitely faced some rolling hills along Station Square. Not a lot of folks out, but I did see a neat group of military high-fiving runners. The half-marathoners peeled off, and just the relay teams and full-marathoners continued on. Over Birmingham Bridge, and the ascent began. Forbes Avenue is pretty steep! Cheerleaders greeted us halfway, but at that point, it was me versus that hill. Made it into Oakland, and a lady in sunglasses and a hat came over to me asking me if I wanted a towel, hat, and Gatorade. It was Hope!! (-: So I walked with her a few strides, saw Uncle Al and Uncle Gary, and then continued on. Couldn't help notice it was not the Hurricanes hat I brought, but a Penguins hat! They said Madison and Aunt Cheryl were in Shadyside, so off I went to find them. I thought I made a turn into Shadyside, but just onto Fifth Avenue. And Fifth, like Carson, is surprisingly hilly. Phew! Check the Blackberry, and it stopped working. )-: No more Plurking or photos. I saw Aunt Cheryl and Madison, passed off the Blackberry and hat, and continued on.
--
Getting close, with some rolling hills before Bloomfield. Knowing I was getting to Bloomfield, the family, and eventually the end, I actually picked up the pace. The wall for me this time was definitely mile 9-15. Then I ran hard. Turned down Liberty, and knew I could do it. I stopped in Bloomfield with all the family there. Lucy, the Uncles, Gary waving a Penguins flag (and wanting me to carry it the last 4 miles--yeah right), and my folks, finally with a pair of shoes to change into!! I felt like a NASCAR driver, changing tires.
--
The last four miles were actually enjoyable. Still no real calf or heel pain, while my feet were pruny, dry shoes and socks helped. I just coasted down and finished. Four hours, fifty-six minutes. Really wanted 4:45 before, but with the rain, the slow early pace, and those hills, I took much pride in finishing. Definitely a much tougher course then you would think.
--
Spent the afternoon back at Granny's, watching the Penguins. Finally, I said my thank yous and goodbyes, put my Pittsburgh Marathon and medal on, and we headed back to the airport. More traffic through security this time, about 20 minute wait, but I saw other marathoners, so definitely cool. We actually had a husband and wife behind us on the plane to Raleigh, who just finished the half. Lucy fell asleep on the way, and we finally made it back home. A week later, my first run yesterday since the marathon, and I am already looking to the next one! While I really liked the atmosphere of a large marathon, I doubt I will travel to one again. But I will always remember that experience! And I LOVED my family watching. They REALLY helped!!

05 May 2010

I Did It!


Finished the 2010 Pittsburgh Marathon! 4 hours 56 minutes. Lots of rain, heel/calf pain, but I was happy to finish. Had some GREAT support from the family along the way. They really helped me make it through the day! More to come...

01 May 2010

We Made It To Pennsylvania!


Lucy and I flew in to Pittsburgh Int'l Thursday morning. Quite a quick flight, and Nana and PapPap met us at the security checkpoint, with a water and tea! And flowers for Lucy! We have been enjoying some cooler temps and lower humidity. Today we're going down to Pittsburgh to spend the night before tomorrow morning's marathon.
--
Speaking of the marathon, on Tuesday I did a quick 4 miler and began to have some bad calf pain again. Not so much the heel, but maybe some overcompensation. Anyway, I have been icing and heating, so hopefully I will make it. Much less pain now, so we will see.

25 April 2010

Smashing Pumpkins

Most people that know me know I have so loved the Smashing Pumpkins. Now, with their new album, they provide free downloads of the songs. Cool!

18 April 2010

More Fun From Marbles...

Surf's Up


Myra, Working in Rain, Sleet, and Freezing Rain...

Marbles--Great Times for Young and Old


Here in Raleigh, we're quite lucky to have Marbles Kids Museum. Marbles became when Playspace and Exploris merged a few years back. Now, we can experience an awesome two story museum of fun for kids. When on Spring Break last week, I took the girls, and we had an awesome time!! Yes, they do have a mini-rink, complete with special socks so you slide around. And yes, adults can go in too!

Why You Never Give Your Kids A Digital Camera...


08 April 2010

Daddy and Lucy Hitting the Links


This weekend, after my long run, I wanted some more time outside. So Lucy and I went over to the driving range to hit some balls. After a few years rest, I proudly can say I hit decent. Lucy, as well, for her first time, did pretty well also. Of course, she did like the ball dispenser best!

Social Networking on the Trail


So this weekend when I ran out at Umstead State Park, I took my phone. Got a couple pictures on the 13 mile run. Run was tough to start, but broke in and felt better once I reached the Graylyn Trail. I do love that park to run in!

05 April 2010

Less Than a Month...

Pretty good 6 mile run this morning on day one of spring break. Wednesday I have a 9 miler, followed by 26 on Saturday.
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Here's the map:

04 April 2010

Happy Easter!

Girls were up and at 'em before 7, but 6:30 is definitely doable. Of course I was awoken from a deep slumber by, 'Daddy, the Easter Bunny came...' and then, 'Myra, I already woke him up.' Hula hoops, cds, books, nightgowns, candy. Pretty good haul. And now just a fun day together.
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6 mile run tomorrow, 9 on Wednesday, and 22 or 24 on Saturday. Then the tapering begins. Four weeks left!

29 March 2010

Which Easter Candy Am I?




You Are Jelly Beans



For you, Easter is all about fun and sweet treats. None of that Jesus dying on a cross stuff!

Spring Has Sprung

I just sometimes like to post to remember the fun we have with the girls growing up. They already seem to age so quickly, so maybe if I can capture things digitally, I can keep them young always.

I think I posted before about Myra's Canadian/Spanish confusion with 'No Way Hoser.' Pretty funny. Went for a walk today, and of course, she starts at a spring down the sidewalk. Always running. Lucy too. Until they both want piggy back rides. To me, piggy back rides are them riding on my shoulders. Of course, they both are growing so much. Lucy pretty much kills my neck!

27 March 2010

35 Days and Counting!

Yup, only a month until the Pittsburgh Marathon. Had a short 10 mile recovery run today after the 20 last week. Pretty good run. Still considering race outfit. Just had a t-shirt, the Red Hat Linux one, so not sure if I go with that or just a sleeveless technical shirt. No chaffing (thanks, Body Glide), enough energy with one Power Gel, and good to go. Heading out to Umstead for a 15 mile run next week. Tackle the old Raleigh Marathon course that got the best of me a few years back.

24 March 2010

I Think I Can...I Think I Can...

Had my 20 mile run on Saturday...and made it! Yeah, some sluggishness. Yup, my heel/foot hurt at times, but I made it. I feel pretty confident now, with only 38 days to go, although I'm not counting or anything! A little sluggish this week, and my heel is pretty sore now, but I CAN DO IT!

15 March 2010

Marathon Mix

So I am going to take my iRiver Clix mp3 player along with me on the marathon. I never have in the past, but I really think it would help, and the Pittsburgh Marathon only strongly discourages it. (-:
--
I have begun to develop a playlist, since it's only SEVEN weeks away. Phew! Where did the time go. A 20 miler this weekend, then 10, then 13, then 26, then tapering. Yikes! Anyway, here is the beginning of my playlist--quite an eclectic mix!

Watcha Say--Jason DeRulo
From Yesterday--30 Seconds to Mars
Last 2 minutes of 2006 Stanley Cup Finals as announced by Chuck Kaiton
Something from Scott Sigler, best selling horror author
Blister in the Sun--Violent Femmes
Sober--Tool (my quintessential running song!)
Muzzle--Smashing Pumpkins
Seven Nation Army--The White Stripes
Spaceboy--Smashing Pumpkins
Under the Bridge--The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stand Inside Your Love--Smashing Pumpkins
Defy You--The Offspring (from the 2006 Cup Run)
Underneath the Stars--The Cure
Linger--The Cranberries
Today--The Smashing Pumpkins
Sugar--System of a Down
Jailhouse--Sublime
Dancing Days--Led Zeppelin
Big Empty--Stone Temple Pilots
Believe--Staind
In the Meantime--Space Hogs
Crown of Thorns--Chloe Dancer
Straight Lines--Silverchair
They Say--Scars on Broadway
I Get It--Seether
A Song for a Son--Smashing Pumpkins
Drive--REM
Make it Wit Chu--Queens of the Stone Age

And that Takes me through Q in reverse...more to come...

My Myra-ese...

Love the phrases that come out of her mouth. She went for a 4 miler in the jog stroller with me today. Fun!

After her bath, her phrase was 'no way hoser' instead of Jose. I guess she's a little Canadian.

12 March 2010

Do we like the same books?

I just joined Shelfari to connect with other book lovers. Come see the books I love and see if we have any in common. Then pick my next book so I can keep on reading.

Join me on Shelfari!

http://www.shelfari.com/

Chris


Shelfari is a free site that lets you share book ratings and reviews with friends and meet people who have similar tastes in books. It also lets you build an online bookshelf, join book clubs, and get good book recommendations from friends.

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Amazon.com, 701 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104

07 March 2010

Whodda Thunk It?




You Are Super Spiritual



You are in touch with the world around you, and you find peace in connecting with others.

You believe that every life is special and that every life has a purpose.



You value harmony and understanding. You try not to judge, bicker, and fight.

As simple as it sounds, you truly think it's important to make the world a better place.


Fun Sunday in the...Yup, Sun!


Wow! Woke up and was able to walk! Very surprised. The past couple Sundays after long runs, I woke up barely able to hobble around. Definitely a good sign! Just a ten miler this week, then 20 the week after!
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Went to Baileywick Park with the girls this morning. Fun! Lots of others skipping church it looked like. Weather is nice, almost up to 60. I think we are all ready for Spring this year! I love how Raleigh really had the foresight to create all these parks. We could go to a different park every day for a month!
--
Focus is giving me grief again. I *hope* I find out that once I replace the spark plugs, the stuttering it is currently doing will go away. Of course I need to get a socket extension for the poor way Ford designed it. I cannot wait to get a Kia Forte! I also am 'recharging' the Kia's K&N air filter. I cleaned it, now waiting for it to dry to add the oil. Pretty neat...

06 March 2010

Eighteen Miler Completed!

Yeaaa! Worried all week, but it was a pretty good run, considering. Of course my heel hurt, especially at the end, and my calf hurt some, but the biggest problem was just being winded. So confidence is high, even though I am sitting here on the couch, foot propped, watching the Twilight Zone. (-:

05 March 2010

It's March!


Wow! Feels like we just put away the Christmas decorations! A very busy month, both personally with the marathon training and professionally with a number of things. Even today, I am sitting in a conference in Raleigh. Phew!

28 February 2010

We'll Take the Silver!

Again, coming into these Olympics, I did not think the US could medal. With the Canadians so deep, Ovenchicken on the Russkis, Sweden, Finland, etc, etc etc, there seemed no room for the youngest team. However, they proved me wrong, and I am happy they did. While we did not receive the gold, barely, we will take the silver graciously and look forward to Russia in 2014!

27 February 2010

Run Chris Run!

Did a 10 miler today. Wasn't too bad, but still winded overall from an abbreviated schedule. Heel bothered me a little more today as well, with more downhills, so I ran more on the ball of my foot. The good thing, though, is it was pain I can run through, so I will continue on! 18 miles next week! Plus a 7 miler during the week. Two months and counting!

Next Stop: Ice Capades For Lucy!

Myra On Ice!

Our Own Olympics!


I took a couple days off this week, so we headed to The Factory for some skating. It was the first time on ice for Kerry and I in ten years, not since the rink at Kiln Creek at Newport News. I was quite impressed with Lucy and Myra's initial ability. For their first time, they did remarkably well!!

21 February 2010

U*S*A-U*S*A-U*S*A


Most exciting game I have watched since 2006's Cup here in Raleigh! I LOVE the Olympics!

Funny Tech User

Alright, how many of you are guilty of this?

20 February 2010

Pretty Awesome...


Sheetz is a sponsor of the Pittsburgh Marathon! W00t!

Long Runs Begin Again!

Completed a pretty good 16 miler today. No real heel pain until the end, and that was because of the 1 mile downhill. Ouch! Sore now, but I hope it will settle down soon. If not, look out--Advil coming! So only 10 more miles until a marathon. It was actually pretty strong today, after the initial toughness. I was at about a 10 minute mile, which I know I won't keep for the marathon, but, if I do, that's a 4 1/2 hour marathon! New PR! I can hope!
--
I also plan to ramp up my off day training. Looking to do some biking and some additional cardio.

15 February 2010

Ni Hao!




You Should Learn Chinese



Surprised? You shouldn't be - Chinese is perfect for an ambitious person like you.

You're a natural entrepreneur, and a billion people are waiting to do business with you!


13 February 2010

More Snow?

Yup, Raleigh received another 3 inches over night, but it is mostly gone already. What an odd winter. Two snows when we fight to receive one year. And then what's happening up North--phew! Glad we're down here!
--
Haven't posted my marathon progress recently. Before the first snow, things were progressing nicely. Then the snow. Then the heel pain. So in the past week, I really only ran about 20 miles. Went to the doctor, and he prescribed me an anti-inflammatory and to use some of the Dr. Scholl's heel pads. So I am trying them. Ran 8 today, and while tough, more from out of shape than anything, I did make it. Eighteen miles next Saturday. We will see...

01 February 2010

Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12-Mile Challenge

A possible training run for me in April before the Marathon. Plus I would LOVE to support the Trail (which I run often) and organized runs along it. Hoping to maybe sign up and sign Kerry up too!

It Snowed...

and iced. And melted. And iced yet again. All told, we received about 6-8 inches, sleet, ice, and a royal mess. Two days (and counting) of school snow days. Hopefully by Wednesday we will be back to regular days. I will venture into the office tomorrow--cabin fever set in big time today! We did enjoy the snow, lots of snowball fights, pseudo-sledding, and fun with Nana and PapPap. They go back to PA tomorrow, where they don't even have a delay with snow.

30 January 2010

Let It Snow...Let It Snow...Let It Snow...


Wonder how many posts share that title for our blog. Probably quite a few. Well, we are in the middle of a major snow storm. At least major for Raleigh. Which translates into 5-7 inches of snow and some sleet. We played out in it a little, but looking forward to more fun later. Of course I need to do a 10 mile run sometime today. Should be interesting. My folks made it down yesterday. They may be stuck down here for awhile.

23 January 2010

Pretty Busy...


A four day work week should go smoothly, right? Well, when a daughter goes home sick, can't return the next day, you have meetings off campus, whew! Made a fun day today, with a short (relative) 8 mile run, then some playground time with the girls. We love this warm weather, or at least the break from the cold cold cold. Would still like to see some snow this winter.

Ok, So I Admit It, I Like This Song...

15 January 2010

First Three Day Weekend of 2010

And don't we need it. Weather warming up, so we hope for a fun weekend. Some time at the playground, maybe some car washing, and just hanging out. I have a 12 miler tomorrow (almost halfway!), and we'll just enjoy our time together for the rest of the weekend.

10 January 2010

Halfway There, Almost!

Crazy busy weekend, but a good one, none the less. On Saturday, my longest training run yet. 11 miles. Really a pretty good, strong run. Ran through Bedford, then the Falls Lake Trail. Tough in parts, but really strong coming up Ravens Ridge. Excited that 11 represents almost the halfway point. I really felt good that I will do the Pittsburgh Marathon well.

01 January 2010

Totally Pathetic


That title is in reference to my first blog of 2010. So I figured I needed to come back and 'right the ship.' At least throw in a picture or something. Maybe my sign to the Canes will spur them on to move out of last place. Which, at the moment, seems quite impossible. Pretty sad, we went to the ECF last year, and now we find ourselves in dead last. I think it is time we replace Maurice and Rutherford. Craig Patrick, anyone?

First of 2010

Just wish I had something more to say!