She's actually a girl

John had to go to a Reception at the Marine Commandants house in DC to represent Spectrum and he persuaded me to accompany him.  I tried everything I could to get out of it.  It meant I had to go out and  buy and outfit, shoes and even jewelry.  I didn't think it would be the kind of event that my "dressy" sweats would be good enough for.  So I tromped off to the mall - shoot me now - and actually had to try on dresses and stuff.  And what the hell is up with shoes these days?  You either had to choose 6-8 inch hooker heels and there were 1 inch grandma shoes.  I just wanted a nice pair of high, but not too high, heels.  It took me forever to find something.  So, off we went - dressed as grownups.  It was actually an okay evening.  The house was beautiful and the food was good, but I just hate having to make small talk with people I don't know.  Heck, let's be honest I don't like making small talk with people I DO know!  All in all it was a decent grown up evening!

3 down 9 to go!

Pre-Race beverage

Even though I was sick and practically main-lining Alka Seltzer Cold, and my running buddy (Zack) couldn't get his lazy butt out of bed,  I still managed to complete my 3rd 5K!  I did the Shamrock 5K in DC and it wasn't too bad.  My time was 32.10, which is perfectly respectable for me, especially considering I was sick.  My previous race was 31.51, so it was only a little bit slower - I was happy with myself.  It was a small, low key 5K, but we got to run along the Potomac and the course was pretty flat.  I'm just thrilled that I did it.

Notice the Green nails!

I'm still alive update/ Zman birthday

I've been sick for that last few days, so I'm going to use the next few days to catch up on the last few days.  I've had "Blog" on my To Do list for the last 2 weeks, but in the mornings I'm so overwhelmed by all the things whirling around in my mind that I can't sit down and concentrate, and by the evening I'm so wiped out all I can do is sit and stare at the boob tube or my spider solitare game!  Main excitement... my sweet precious baby boy is now 15 years old!  I just feel like I need to pull the emergency brake and jump off the time train.  Not only did one of my teenagers... move out of the teenager category, but now my baby boy, my cuddle bug, my zack a doodle is 15 fricking years old! 6 months away from starting to drive, who knows how far away from his first girlfriend, and just growing up (literally) so fast I can't keep up or keep him in pants!!  It was actually a very quiet birthday.  He didn't want to do anything - no party, no going out.  He wanted waffles for dinner and didn't even give me a birthday list... so he got some workout clothes and mainly a big IOU if he thinks of anything he wants.  He's at a funny stage right now, still loving and affectionate, but spends most of his time in his room on his computer.  But when he does poke his head out - he's funny and endearing and loveable.

I don't know if it's just different with boys, but he still seems to genuinely enjoy or at least not mind my presence when I come to practice or hang out at school.  He's smart and he's funny and I don't know why he doesn't have girls clamoring over him, but I'm glad he doesn't.   All too soon so other girl is going to steal my baby boy away from me, but for now I'm going to enjoy all the time I can with my almost Man.

20 Years and the Galapagos

5months at the beach

Today is my sweet baby girl's 20th birthday??!!!  How can it be so.  I know it all sounds so cliche, but I just don't see how it can even remotely be possible that my Brenna can be 20 years old!  She's not a teenager anymore.  All those teenage years when I swore one of us wouldn't make it to the end.  All those times I said I couldn't understand how anyone survived the teenage years - and here we are... not only survived, but successfully.  She's an amazing young woman.  Smart and funny and beautiful and making a name for herself.  She is taking responsibility for herself and her future and she amazes me everyday.  This is the same girl who, during her freshman year, would rather take a zero than ask which  basket her Spanish homework went in!! Now, she's the Wildlife Society's Student Representative for the whole state of Virginia! She's treasurer of her chapter of the Wildlife Society and President-elect for next year.  She's applying for internships and writing her resume... all on her own!  Sometimes I'll think of something I need to remind her to do, I'll text her .... and she's already done it!!

Now, she's celebrating her 20th birthday in the Galapagos Islands.  She's traveling to other countries, in charge of her own money, passport and life.  I'm so thrilled and happy for her.  So proud that I'm not even really sad that she seems to be moving on without me.  She still calls, texts and asks for advice - but taking responsibility for herself.  What more could a parent ask for.  I love my baby girl, and she'll always be my baby girl, the most precious present ever!

Snowflakes and Sci Fi!

We did end up getting a little bit of snow.  Sadly, here in Virginia even a little bit of snow was enough to get us 2 snow days!  I think we actually got about 2 inches of snow, but it was mainly mixed with rain, so it wasn't even very pretty or enjoyable.  But I'm not going to argue with 2 days to do nothing.  I spent them scrapbooking, catching up on projects and watching my favorite old Sci Fi movies.  I watched Logan's Run, which is actually the first real Science Fiction movie I remember watching.  I was in the 5th or 6th grade and we had a TV on a rolling cart that we could move from room to room.  I snuck it in my room, turned all the lights off and kept the volume really low so I wouldn't get busted and I watched Logan's Run.  I was fascinated and amazed by this movie.    Next on my trip down memory lane... Fantastic Voyage!  Oh how I loved this movie.  They shrink the people down, and inject them into the human body and off they go.  I was fascinated by it all.  Lastly, The Andromeda strain!  I think all these movies are why I love Science Fiction, why I'm a Lab Tech and why I love Microbiology so much.  No matter how campy or out of date or silly they seem I love them.  They are like comfort food for my brain.  I'm so thankful for the 2 days to let me enjoy them again.

Everyone's a flutter

We might actually get snow tonight and tomorrow!  Something about March in Va.  Everyone is in an uproar - a whole 3-6 inches... whatever shall we do. :o)   Only thing I'm concerned about, is Brenna is driving home on Thurs, don't want her to worry about driving in bad weather.   Plus, it's harder to row in the snow!   Kidding... bring it on... a snow day wouldn't hurt my feelings!

Bits and Pieces

I feel compelled to Blog something since it's been so long since I last posted something.  But.... nothing much has been going on.  I guess that's a good thing!  No drama is the way I want my life to run.

1.  I ran 6 freaking miles today!  I hadn't run in about 4 days, due to weather, laziness and time factors so today I decided "what the hell - let's just see if I can run that far."  So I did.  It wasn't the fastest, but I wasn't going for time, I was going for distance.  And I damn well did it!  I've discovered the first 1-2miles just suck to all ends of the earth, but if I can get past that point then it's not too bad.  I do still have to stop and walk occasionally, but that's fine with me.

Best running quote "Whether it's a 14 minute mile or a 7 minute mile, it's still a mile!"

2.  Brenna comes home on Thurs and then leaves again on Friday for the Galapagos Islands.  That lucky dog!

3.  John is playing his last hockey game tonight.  He's decided that it takes too big a toll on him and since most of the games they play are 900pm or later, he just can't do it anymore.  I know he's a little bit sad about that.

4. Spring crew started this week and it is freaking FREEZING!  Those kids are out on that water, doing their best, but it is cold, cold, cold!  I can't wait for the regattas to start!  He's still loving it and he's excited about being in a boat.

That's really about it for here.  Life is good and we're just plugging along.