Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Louisville - With Pictures
Sorry this post has taken so long to get to. I'm feeling really good now, so while doing my best to keep up with house work and family, volunteering at school, religious ed and training - I have been pleasantly distracted away from this blog. It's rainy here today, the perfect time to sit and write a little something for you to read ....
Laura at the door of our room. One the smallest hotel rooms I've stayed in. I think the rooms on 
a cruise may be a bit smaller - but not much. 
That's the room. The whole room. I'm standing next to the desk and the door to get in. The bathroom is just to my left. Good thing we're not big people, and I'm not kidding when I say that. You almost had to stand in the tub to close the bathroom door. If any one is wondering if we shared the bed, the answer is yes, 
I could say something funny about that but I won't :) Not to change the subject but here's me at the swim out. It was a beautiful afternoon. 
The water was choppy though. It didn't look inviting at all and I was hoping it would calm down for the next morning. Here are some pics of team spectate!!! Yes, we had a large group down there to watch and cheer on our buddies. I was worried about feeling kind o
f old or out of place, I'm not much of a party person but I didn't feel out of place at all. These are a great bunch of people. Let's see, I think the official name of the group was "super spectators" - was that it? Barbara was our fearless leader and lead us she did.
Thanks to her we knew exactly where to go and stand and not miss a thing. We were up early race day morning. I think it was just before 4 a.m. which would mean 3 a.m. Chicago time! We che
cked out of the hotel this early cause we weren't sure about the day and didn't want to have to worry about doing it later. Laura and I met Dennis in the lobby of his hotel around 5:15. It was down to bike transition, body marking 
and then over to the swim waiting area. Seeing transition, I had a tweek of a desire to be there and over by body marking, I felt the sameway. My heart was jumping all over the 
place by this time. I was wondering if I was having signs of a thyroid relapse or something. Literally it jumped around all that day. I think it was the excitement of the day because it has since settled down. The line to the swim entry was neverending long. It would be enough to 
unrattled the most prepared athlete. It just kept going, and going and going. Plus it was very dark. Finally we made it to this sign and then waited for just about an hour to start moving again. From this point on it was race time. The athletes were moving and so were we to watch them. It 
was so much fun seeing them out there. Screaming for them. Here's Val and her hubby, to the right and then Chris, Barbara and Karen to the left. Me and Laura had a plan to spectate the biker's - "more cow 
bell" .... Thankfully the weather was great. The athletes did an awesome job. The was long. I know, anyone reading this that participated is thinking, huh, really long for you huh?! Honestly it was long for all of us. But I can't think of any ot
her way to spend it. I was glad to be there. Watching. It helped me put things in perspective. And remind me just what I put the hubby and family thru back in 2007. In the end it is all about family and friends being there for you. Being there while you train, being there while you race. Supporting you, even on the days when you think they aren't. I got to see a couple of 1st time Ironman finishers and I got to witness a friend qualify for Kona. Plus, I got to know someone a little better. Me and Laura had a fun ride home. We were tired but made it in 4 hours! It was a day I won't soon forget.
a cruise may be a bit smaller - but not much. 
That's the room. The whole room. I'm standing next to the desk and the door to get in. The bathroom is just to my left. Good thing we're not big people, and I'm not kidding when I say that. You almost had to stand in the tub to close the bathroom door. If any one is wondering if we shared the bed, the answer is yes, 
I could say something funny about that but I won't :) Not to change the subject but here's me at the swim out. It was a beautiful afternoon. 
The water was choppy though. It didn't look inviting at all and I was hoping it would calm down for the next morning. Here are some pics of team spectate!!! Yes, we had a large group down there to watch and cheer on our buddies. I was worried about feeling kind o
f old or out of place, I'm not much of a party person but I didn't feel out of place at all. These are a great bunch of people. Let's see, I think the official name of the group was "super spectators" - was that it? Barbara was our fearless leader and lead us she did.
Thanks to her we knew exactly where to go and stand and not miss a thing. We were up early race day morning. I think it was just before 4 a.m. which would mean 3 a.m. Chicago time! We che
cked out of the hotel this early cause we weren't sure about the day and didn't want to have to worry about doing it later. Laura and I met Dennis in the lobby of his hotel around 5:15. It was down to bike transition, body marking 
and then over to the swim waiting area. Seeing transition, I had a tweek of a desire to be there and over by body marking, I felt the sameway. My heart was jumping all over the 
place by this time. I was wondering if I was having signs of a thyroid relapse or something. Literally it jumped around all that day. I think it was the excitement of the day because it has since settled down. The line to the swim entry was neverending long. It would be enough to 
unrattled the most prepared athlete. It just kept going, and going and going. Plus it was very dark. Finally we made it to this sign and then waited for just about an hour to start moving again. From this point on it was race time. The athletes were moving and so were we to watch them. It 
was so much fun seeing them out there. Screaming for them. Here's Val and her hubby, to the right and then Chris, Barbara and Karen to the left. Me and Laura had a plan to spectate the biker's - "more cow 
bell" .... Thankfully the weather was great. The athletes did an awesome job. The was long. I know, anyone reading this that participated is thinking, huh, really long for you huh?! Honestly it was long for all of us. But I can't think of any ot
her way to spend it. I was glad to be there. Watching. It helped me put things in perspective. And remind me just what I put the hubby and family thru back in 2007. In the end it is all about family and friends being there for you. Being there while you train, being there while you race. Supporting you, even on the days when you think they aren't. I got to see a couple of 1st time Ironman finishers and I got to witness a friend qualify for Kona. Plus, I got to know someone a little better. Me and Laura had a fun ride home. We were tired but made it in 4 hours! It was a day I won't soon forget. 
Friday, September 4, 2009
It's Here
Well, it's here.
My 45th year.
Gracie woke me up this morning with a huge smile on her face. She's so excited for my birthday. She has a present for me. It's a surprise! But Scott let me know cause he was so excited he couldn't hold it in. She's taking me out for ice cream after we have dinner tonight.
4 5
Forty Five
Can't believe I'm that old.
Now I get to get my teeth cleaned as a birthday present to myself.
Can't wait to tell you about the Louisville trip. Gotta download the pics though.
:)
My 45th year.
Gracie woke me up this morning with a huge smile on her face. She's so excited for my birthday. She has a present for me. It's a surprise! But Scott let me know cause he was so excited he couldn't hold it in. She's taking me out for ice cream after we have dinner tonight.
4 5
Forty Five
Can't believe I'm that old.
Now I get to get my teeth cleaned as a birthday present to myself.
Can't wait to tell you about the Louisville trip. Gotta download the pics though.
:)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Louisville
Driving into Louisville from Indiana Saturday afternoon left me with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat.
Crap! I thought. This week-end is going to be ruined because I'm suddenly feeling very sad about not racing on Sunday.
Well, I got over. I don't know if it's because I said how I was feeling out loud to Thelma (Laura) or what but the knot and lump shortly dissolved away and shear joy of watching an event like an Ironman unfold Saturday afternoon was a blast!
Over the past several weeks I've wondered if I will have the desire to want to "race" an Ironman distance. The expense of just signing on to do it has soured my feelings toward the race since I lost $450 cancelling my entry this summer.
But after yesterday, I know in my heart I'm meant to try. In my heart I know I should be out there and giving it everything I have. Next time I won't be carrying my phone with me, or stopping on the bike several times to pee or call the family, not taking 20 minutes in transition each time. I need to know what it feels like giving it everything I have. This year my body just wasn't ready for that but I know someday it will be.
I'm looking forward to someday.
Congratulations training buddies. You worked hard, it was an amazing day for you. God bless you Ironmen!
Crap! I thought. This week-end is going to be ruined because I'm suddenly feeling very sad about not racing on Sunday.
Well, I got over. I don't know if it's because I said how I was feeling out loud to Thelma (Laura) or what but the knot and lump shortly dissolved away and shear joy of watching an event like an Ironman unfold Saturday afternoon was a blast!
Over the past several weeks I've wondered if I will have the desire to want to "race" an Ironman distance. The expense of just signing on to do it has soured my feelings toward the race since I lost $450 cancelling my entry this summer.
But after yesterday, I know in my heart I'm meant to try. In my heart I know I should be out there and giving it everything I have. Next time I won't be carrying my phone with me, or stopping on the bike several times to pee or call the family, not taking 20 minutes in transition each time. I need to know what it feels like giving it everything I have. This year my body just wasn't ready for that but I know someday it will be.
I'm looking forward to someday.
Congratulations training buddies. You worked hard, it was an amazing day for you. God bless you Ironmen!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
"Life Changing"
Last winter I doubted the term "Life Changing".
I watched the movie "Gone Baby Gone" and couldn't stop thinking about how people throw around the catch phrase life changing. I believed then that we eventually all return to our bad habits and the way we treat people.
Well, it's August and I have to say, I now believe that "life changing" experiences do take place. I have to also say that we are all different, obviously, so what affects one person may not have any affect or impact on the guy sitting next to you.
Since starting this hyperthyroidism journey, I was forced to stop drinking caffeine. I was certain once the problem was taken care of I would return to my morning Cinnamon tea habit. Well, I'm here to say I haven't. As a matter of fact, I don't even like the taste of the tea anymore. Huh, go figure. I still love having some icy cold coca cola or a hot chia tea latte but I don't need it everyday.
But that's not the only thing that has changed. For many, many, MANY YEARS, I have been a time obsessed person. Not in the sense that I'm always on time, (the hubby wishes I were like that) no, I mean in the sense that I had to wear a watch and check the time. Like every 5 minutes obsessed. And I would time everything from a waitress in a restaurant to a movie we were watching. For some reason, that has ended. I no longer wear a watch. I really don't care to. It's the craziest thing. I honestly just don't need to know anymore.
My 45th year is in my drive way getting ready to knock on my door so we can start the party. Part of me is dreading it. I can't believe 44 years of my life have gone by. I'm definitely greyer and the fine lines on the face are getting "finer" but part of me is looking forward to the future. and what tomorrow is going to bring. Why? because nothing is written in stone. Who know maybe I'll even become a better speller. :)
I watched the movie "Gone Baby Gone" and couldn't stop thinking about how people throw around the catch phrase life changing. I believed then that we eventually all return to our bad habits and the way we treat people.
Well, it's August and I have to say, I now believe that "life changing" experiences do take place. I have to also say that we are all different, obviously, so what affects one person may not have any affect or impact on the guy sitting next to you.
Since starting this hyperthyroidism journey, I was forced to stop drinking caffeine. I was certain once the problem was taken care of I would return to my morning Cinnamon tea habit. Well, I'm here to say I haven't. As a matter of fact, I don't even like the taste of the tea anymore. Huh, go figure. I still love having some icy cold coca cola or a hot chia tea latte but I don't need it everyday.
But that's not the only thing that has changed. For many, many, MANY YEARS, I have been a time obsessed person. Not in the sense that I'm always on time, (the hubby wishes I were like that) no, I mean in the sense that I had to wear a watch and check the time. Like every 5 minutes obsessed. And I would time everything from a waitress in a restaurant to a movie we were watching. For some reason, that has ended. I no longer wear a watch. I really don't care to. It's the craziest thing. I honestly just don't need to know anymore.
My 45th year is in my drive way getting ready to knock on my door so we can start the party. Part of me is dreading it. I can't believe 44 years of my life have gone by. I'm definitely greyer and the fine lines on the face are getting "finer" but part of me is looking forward to the future. and what tomorrow is going to bring. Why? because nothing is written in stone. Who know maybe I'll even become a better speller. :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Nasal Sinuses, Where?
So, I've been battling a summer cold for a couple of weeks now.
Blamed the mildew cup but the endocrinologist said that I would have gotten rid of that as quickly as I drank it.
I had enough of dealing with the coughing and not being able to breath and was lucky enough to score an appointment with a nasal sinus guy down by the hubby's new building.
I thought I was feeling better when I woke up the morning of my appointment. On the drive down the cough from the post nasal drip started and I was glad I didn't cancel. I hate coughing in elevators. It was hard holding it in on my ride up.
The door for the docs office had a nose for a handle. Which I guess is cute but you had to put your hand up the nose to get the door open. Kind of gross.
After a brief consult with the doc, he has me sit in what looked a lot like a dental chair. He's talking but I can't really hear what he's saying cause he's approaching with what looks like a thin knitting needle. Um, okay, I'm thinking my nose is about to be terribly violated.
And it was. I was seeing red. Did you know if you put a red light up your nose you can see that red light from the inside, without a mirror. I didn't until last Friday. I'll try not to be to graphic with what I'm about to say next - I'll use his words. "I can't see anything, I have to give you a decongestant spray. You go for your CT scan and we'll try again. when you come back" He told me that after he plunged the long stick in and out about 5 or 6 times. OUCH!
Well, the bottom line. My sinuses are covered in infection. He told me he would show me my sinuses on the CT scan but you can't see them, it's nothing but grey on the picture, where my sinuses should be. He went on to say he's not sure what caused it. It could be anything or a little bit of everything, the ablation, the cup, the allergies and so on.
So, I have drugs, lots of them and I will take them. And rest. I have to go buy some more kleenex now.
Blamed the mildew cup but the endocrinologist said that I would have gotten rid of that as quickly as I drank it.
I had enough of dealing with the coughing and not being able to breath and was lucky enough to score an appointment with a nasal sinus guy down by the hubby's new building.
I thought I was feeling better when I woke up the morning of my appointment. On the drive down the cough from the post nasal drip started and I was glad I didn't cancel. I hate coughing in elevators. It was hard holding it in on my ride up.
The door for the docs office had a nose for a handle. Which I guess is cute but you had to put your hand up the nose to get the door open. Kind of gross.
After a brief consult with the doc, he has me sit in what looked a lot like a dental chair. He's talking but I can't really hear what he's saying cause he's approaching with what looks like a thin knitting needle. Um, okay, I'm thinking my nose is about to be terribly violated.
And it was. I was seeing red. Did you know if you put a red light up your nose you can see that red light from the inside, without a mirror. I didn't until last Friday. I'll try not to be to graphic with what I'm about to say next - I'll use his words. "I can't see anything, I have to give you a decongestant spray. You go for your CT scan and we'll try again. when you come back" He told me that after he plunged the long stick in and out about 5 or 6 times. OUCH!Well, the bottom line. My sinuses are covered in infection. He told me he would show me my sinuses on the CT scan but you can't see them, it's nothing but grey on the picture, where my sinuses should be. He went on to say he's not sure what caused it. It could be anything or a little bit of everything, the ablation, the cup, the allergies and so on.
So, I have drugs, lots of them and I will take them. And rest. I have to go buy some more kleenex now.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Family Staycation Day #65
Welcome - pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee and a cookie. Enjoy the following slide show of our family staycation day #65. Ah, life is good.
Oh, and don't worry, tomorrow I won't post a bunch of pictures of what my kids really looked like during the day. This day really was pretty much as good as it could get.
Called the hubby to tell him we arrived - ask him were he is and he tells me to look up - he's in that little cage - the kids were jumping up and down at this point :)
Yes, it's moments like this, when you're lucky enough to capture it in a picture, that make life so great. Then the moment gets topped off when Zak says - "Mom, I'm so lucky I get to wear dads sweat for the rest of the day". And he meant it, now I guessing right around the time he turns 10 or so, he'll make a comment more like, "Get that sweaty helmet away from my head - that's disgusting."
I was starting to wear thin on our walk over to the beach. What's a suburban mother to do when she starts to run out of fuel - why head into the local Starbucks of course. It worked.
See that long dot in the center of the picture? That's a momma and her baby ducks swimming. Thought it was pretty funny to see them out there. This is considered "Tri" beach, I've never seen ducks swimming in this area before. And she was swimming fast. Must be the training she does out there.
The water was a bit cold for Zak :)
Not Gracie though. She was posed and ready to tackle what ever came her way.
Zak loved hanging on the beach and pretending he was Godzilla, eating the heads off of sand people.
Mmmmm, Starbucks lemon glazed cake. Refreshing after a lake front swim.
Who has time to stop and eat when there is so much sand to dig in?
This picture is one of many attempts to try and capture the kids playing at the beach for this years Christmas card. I don't think this picture will work. The lovely ladies in the back ground may be to much for some of the older card recipients to handle.
Gave up on the pictures and told the kids to just have some fun.
We made a new friend. This little boy spoke very little english. He knew water. They played for about an hour and half and had a blast.
Ok, I know you see my kids, but just in front of them is what I'm trying to photograph. Zak pulled this pile from the lake. There was more than this actually. He wanted to take it home for dad. Hmmm.
He's trying to convince me here that he can carry the load back to the car and not get tired. He succeeded. Half way back to the car though we stopped and dumped about half the load and then guess who carried the bags from there. It wasn't Zak or Grace :)
In order to avoid some of the crazy commuter traffic, we stopped at McDonalds for dinner before getting in the car. We found where we were on the map and I had the kids point it out.
Yes, fries, chicken nuggets and orange drink, the best way to finish a great day.
Oh, and don't worry, tomorrow I won't post a bunch of pictures of what my kids really looked like during the day. This day really was pretty much as good as it could get.
Called the hubby to tell him we arrived - ask him were he is and he tells me to look up - he's in that little cage - the kids were jumping up and down at this point :)
Yes, it's moments like this, when you're lucky enough to capture it in a picture, that make life so great. Then the moment gets topped off when Zak says - "Mom, I'm so lucky I get to wear dads sweat for the rest of the day". And he meant it, now I guessing right around the time he turns 10 or so, he'll make a comment more like, "Get that sweaty helmet away from my head - that's disgusting." After this pic we kissed daddy good bye and made our way over to the beach.
I was starting to wear thin on our walk over to the beach. What's a suburban mother to do when she starts to run out of fuel - why head into the local Starbucks of course. It worked.
See that long dot in the center of the picture? That's a momma and her baby ducks swimming. Thought it was pretty funny to see them out there. This is considered "Tri" beach, I've never seen ducks swimming in this area before. And she was swimming fast. Must be the training she does out there.
The water was a bit cold for Zak :)
Not Gracie though. She was posed and ready to tackle what ever came her way.
Zak loved hanging on the beach and pretending he was Godzilla, eating the heads off of sand people.
Mmmmm, Starbucks lemon glazed cake. Refreshing after a lake front swim.
Who has time to stop and eat when there is so much sand to dig in?
This picture is one of many attempts to try and capture the kids playing at the beach for this years Christmas card. I don't think this picture will work. The lovely ladies in the back ground may be to much for some of the older card recipients to handle.
Gave up on the pictures and told the kids to just have some fun.
We made a new friend. This little boy spoke very little english. He knew water. They played for about an hour and half and had a blast.
Ok, I know you see my kids, but just in front of them is what I'm trying to photograph. Zak pulled this pile from the lake. There was more than this actually. He wanted to take it home for dad. Hmmm.
He's trying to convince me here that he can carry the load back to the car and not get tired. He succeeded. Half way back to the car though we stopped and dumped about half the load and then guess who carried the bags from there. It wasn't Zak or Grace :)
In order to avoid some of the crazy commuter traffic, we stopped at McDonalds for dinner before getting in the car. We found where we were on the map and I had the kids point it out.
Yes, fries, chicken nuggets and orange drink, the best way to finish a great day.
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