Monday, March 05, 2007

Where have you gone, Jimmy boy?

I've heard this several times over the last couple of weeks. To be honest, I have no idea where I have gone. Fortunately, that means that I have no memory of it; therefore, the pain is negligible. Work and life. Life and work. Right now I think they are the same thing. This is not a good thing. I know that it strains me and I am certain it is straining Susan, and for that, I am sorry. Sometimes I get too caught up in work and I tend to drop all things to focus on getting my job done. It's like some kind of weird obsessive disorder. Go figure. The good thing is that when I do have time on my hands, I focus this same strange disorder on running and other things that are actually more important.

As you know, I've been working some longer than usual hours under some not so good circumstances. Weird place I work. Enough about that. However, know that my running hours have been diminished to fit into my employer's schedule and not mine. I've been able to get in some shorter runs . . . 4 miles here, 6 miles there. That kind of thing but no real consistent training regimen. Maybe after another week or so.

I did manage to get a 4 miler in Saturday morning and then went for a run with Susan Saturday afternoon before our big shindig (see Susan's site and further down into this post). As usual, I let Susan set the pace for my second run of the day and I also let her pick the route. We felt adventurous so Susan took me on the run from hell. I like hills. Despite my size and lack of speed, I normally do a lot of passing on uphill climbs. The worse part of hills are the down hills. I just have trouble negotiating them . . . . do I remain parallel to the surface as some experts suggest? This just seems to make me build up more speed which will ultimately lead me crashing through someone's fence or jersey barrier. Not a big fan of fast down hill runs. Or should I lean back, squat and keep my knees bent as other experts suggest? This tends to be easier on the legs but I feel so goofy and kids are always pointing at me and laughing. Anyway, the hills that Susan took me on were so bad that it didn't matter what I did on the the down hill side because the uphill side was such a killer! Best as I can tell we did a 3 1/2 mile loop. And though I know it is impossible on a loop route, it felt that we ran uphill more than down hill.

I ran tonight for 4 miles and my legs still felt the hills. The first mile was a slow shuffle but after that I started getting things into order and managed to enjoy myself briefly for the remaining three miles.

On a sad note, my running buddy Marc "Animal" had his mother pass away today in Atlanta. Don't know details yet other than the funeral will be later this week. Not sure if I'll be able to run over there with work the way it is.

On a social note, Susan and I had fun at the Gala last Saturday night. We took many pictures. Unfortunately, most of them cannot be posted since we would probably risk being thrown in prison for years if they were actually revealed . . . . just kidding. We ate dinner at a beautiful historic home that had been restored and is on the historic register in Alabama. The host couple were very gracious and inviting. We picked this location because a lot of Susan's bunko friends were going to this dinner. Yes, bunko. The non-existent game where ladies get together, drink wine, complain about their men, and wish they had much better men. Anyway, Susan's friends were there and we all had a good time. After dinner, we all drive to Birmingham Country Club for a silent auction and dancing. This is all to raise money, via the Service Guild, for the Bell Center-a preschool for special needs children. A very good cause which I have been involved with in the past. Normally, I spend a few dollars at the silent auction but did not this year. It was very crowded at the club and after a few dives into the chocolate fountain with assorted fruits (pineapple, strawberries, etc. Not weird people), we decided to call it an evening. I am attaching a few photos that meet the definition of legal.



Susan and I at dinner. A little salad . . . a little entree. Believe it or not, Susan was wanting a cheeseburger and fries by 10 o'clock that night!














Susan (back center) with some of her bunko friends and one stray husband.














Susan and I holding up the fireplace. Or is that the other way around? Handsome couple? Give us your vote!

6 comments:

Phil said...

Good to have you back blogging. Ii was getting worried about you. I understand the pressures of the job and work schedules that don't support a rigorous training schedule; however, unless you're really wrapped up in the existential question as to whether you're working to live or living to work, you need to find the time to keep yourself healthy.

Thanks for sharing the party pics. You and Susan certainly make a great looking couple. I always enjoy seeing how comfortable you are with each other. You really seem to compliment each other.

Take care

Anonymous said...

Yes, I think we make a very handsome couple! As far as work goes, you should know by now there's no other place I'd rather be!

Anonymous said...

Yes, a handsome couple and work is only a way to pay the bills...and bills go on forever. But life is short and so enjoy it and make life your priority...Thanks for the pictures--
Ashville

Anonymous said...

Jim,

This post was what I needed to read tonight after losing my mom this week. Your humor really cheered me up! Thanks for making mention of my mother's passing because it always helps knowing other people have you in there thoughts and prayers.

-Marc "Animal"

Anonymous said...

Dear "Animal"
Do not have your blog address, so hope you will see it on Jim's blog. So sorry about your Mother and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ashville

Amy said...

I vote: Jim and Susan!!!!

Glad you're back!