My first week as a married man . . . Part 1

Well, almost a week. It will be a week tomorrow but I am taking some liberty with clock.

As you know, Susan and I decided to tie the knot on November 22. That's last Saturday for the calendar challenged amongst you. The week leading up to the big event was a whirlwind and full of activity and work. No time for running. Besides, my back has been bothering me a bit and though I know I need to be out there, my back is grateful for the respite.

Not sure how much detail you want to know-Last Saturday started with a bang. I had planned on sleeping in a little. Now mind you, sleeping in for me is 7:30 . . . maybe 8:00 tops. I even took a couple of Tylenol PM when I went to bed and had sat up and watched a movie just so I could sleep in. No such luck. I was wide awake by 6 and my mind was racing with all the stuff that needed to be done. So I got up, stripped the bed and started the first of four loads of laundry I was to do that morning. I did manage to get in 3 1/2 miles while the first load was running and the coffee was making. Perfect time to get my thoughts together for the upcoming day.

Man! Did I have a lot to do before getting married or what? I still had not brought any clothes to Susan's house yet. In fact, I had little idea of what to bring with me. After choking down a bagel and doing another load of clothes, I started organizing my clothes. Not all of them. Just essentials . . . things that I know that I will wear and can still fit my big old fat katucus (sp?) into. Let's see . . . underwear. Check. Socks . . . . colored and white. Check. Shoes . . . dress shoes, work shoes, Merrills, Keens. Check. Wait . . . I almost forgot-RUNNING SHOES. Big Check! Okay . . . shoes, socks, underwear. Essentials. If the house were to burn down or if someone started chasing me, I could get away with minimal embarrassment.

Real clothes next. Let's see . . . it's almost winter time so I'll need long sleeve shirts for daily wear at work. I'll grab maybe 7 or 8 of my favorites. Check. This is Alabama and we do end up with a few warm days during the winter . . . maybe 8 or so golf shirts. Check. Tee shirts. OH YEAH, have to have them. All my favorites. Wait . . . all my tee shirts are my favorites. CRAP. Closet isn't that big. Okay, don't panic. All my Life Is Good tees have to make the journey. A couple of my favorite race tees need to go too. Oh yeah, some of my odd shirts that make people laugh or mad . . . have to have them. You know the ones . . . . Three fingered Franks fireworks, PETA (People for the eating of tasty animals), Bite Me Live Bait (because size matters). Okay. Shirts squared away. WAIT!!!!! Dress shirts for eating out and church. Okay-whites, blues, yellow, stripes. Check. Not really cold natured but I'll also throw in a sweater and a couple of sweat shirts.

Pants. Wow, this is going to be tough. Dammit, think Jim!!! Okay calm down. Just think through you're normal week. Work clothes-Dockers. Khakis, green, blue, black, clay. Check, I'm covered for Monday thru Friday. Slacks . . . only four or five pair I can get into so that is no problem. Check. Jeans. Need 'em. Good old 505s. Check. Several belts. Check.

Another load of clothes in the laundry. Sweating profusely as the clock is running and the morning is getting away from me. Susan and the girls are out so I'll make a run to her house and stick my stuff in the closet and chest of drawers.

One hour later-another load of laundry. Okay . . . now I need to gather up "bathroom stuff". I know men should be able to get by on a toothbrush and razor but I need more than that. Deordorant, foot powder, gold bond medicated lotion, contact stuff, medicine and assorted other goodies that I use throughout the week. I think I've got most of the stuff I need to start my new life. Throw it in the car. Last load of laundry is done, bed is changed and made. Tux is at Susan's house. I'll run back to her house to drop off a few more items I've grabbed from around the house. I hustle out to the Tiny Kingdom (http://www.mytinykingdom.com/) and finish setting up shop.

Done at Susan's house for now . . . lunchtime. Go get a burger bomb at Mickie D's and run through Wal-Mart for a few items. I am supposed to be meeting my former neighbor, good friend and photographer for the wedding after lunch. He and his family came into town for the wedding and we decided to have a cigar and an adult beverage on the back porch of my house. His timing is perfect and he calls as I'm leaving wallie world. I go and pick Todd up and we hit the cigar shop where he proceeds to take one of their wooden indians. Yes, just pick it up and walk out with it. Of course, this is where Todd always did business and everyone in there knew him. He said something along the lines of "I always wanted one of these and you sorry SOBs never gave me a going away present . . . I'm taking this back to Atlanta with me!" Nobody stopped him so off we went with some good smokes and a wooden indian. I'm looking at the clock and time is running out. Gosh . . . we only have maybe an hour or hour and a half to bond and then I have to hit the road. Back to my house, light 'em up, have a scotch. Wow, LIFE IS GOOD. I'm on my back deck with two of my very best friends (Larry joined us), the sun is shining, the temperature is perfect and I'm marrying the greatest girl in about 4 hours. I regret that I had to leave Todd and Larry at my house but it was getting close to 2:30 and I still had lot's to do!!!

Back to Susan's house. Hoofing it. Quick shower. Feels good. I shaved in the morning so I don't have to deal with that. Should I take the tux to the church or go ahead and wear it??? I'll minimize the chance for screw ups and put it on now. 3:15 . . . tick tock tick tock. Yikes, I have to get going. I pack an overnight bag. We're planning on spending our first night together at Embassay Suites. I grab Susan's overnight bag that she had ready to go and throw it in the car along with mine. I grab all the other stuff that I'm supposed to take with me and I'm off to the races.

Go by The Club. We're having our guests to The Club for dinner and dancing. However, we know that it would be best to not let everyone sit where they want so we have a seating arrangement. We don't trust the wait staff to get it right so I run up there and set out the place cards and make sure everything is in order. Yep . . . spot on. Cool

Next, swing by the hotel and check in and unload the bags. Done with minimal hassle and on to the church! Arrive just smidge past 4:00. Getting hitched at 5:30. Susan's dad is there. Todd is there. No Susan. Where is Susan? WHERE IS SUSAN?????!!!!!! I'm pretty sure she isn't ducking out on me. I just know that she is not the first one to look at a clock. I text and she texts back. Okay. Whew, on her way. Her dad keeps wandering around in a circle saying "she's not coming". Great for the confidence booster there dad!

Susan, girls and the enterouge arrive and we jump through all the hoops getting pictures done. Thanks Todd. Very nice job. I'll be posting some pictures later.

Guess what???? It's 5:20 and in walks the minister. Way cool. I think we're going to pull this off! After taking a couple of deep breaths and relaxing, we are all ready. Though small and simple, it was something that will be remembered. E came down the aisle first. Then MAC came down and went to the piano and played Ode to Joy. Susan and her dad came down while MAC was playing. VERY VERY COOL. MAC finished playing and came and stood by me . . . she was my Best Man. After some some scripture, vows, "I do's", prayers, we were married. Just like that.

Afterwards, everyone came up to talk to us and then we all headed to The Club. We had a cocktail hour and dinner (filet and grilled shrimp). We had a great time visiting with our family and friends and dancing. Afterwards, we retired to the hotel, pooped but smiling. Little did I know what the week held for us . . . . . .

tick tock

It's Friday lunch time. 29 hours to go. Wow. Almost feels like a countdown to a marathon. Getting nervous, excited, worried about little details. I'm very AR but thank goodness I'm not as AR as Amy! and she pulled off her wedding even with the bad weather. I'm sure everything will be fine with ours.

I will be a husband in 29 hours. What more can I say? I'm happy and look forward to all the excitement that lies ahead. I'm excited and scared at the same time. A new page in the storybook of my life. I just hope that I can make her as happy as she has and will make me.

I will be a father (of sorts) in 29 hours. Two daughters. YIKES! I guess I had better clean my guns to keep the boys away. That's the scary part-I was a teenaged boy at one point. It gives me an advantage in knowing what they are thinking but it scares me silly!

A plus about all of this is that after the wedding, I'll be able to get back into a more steady routine. I really have not been doing much running over the last several weeks, working on getting our act together. No more trying to run between houses. I can now go home, strap them on, and get my big old hooha outside and start putting in some miles.

Wednesday. This seems to be the best day for me to catch up on things including my blog. Many things to talk about but I really don't want to bore you too much.

Running-
Yes, I've been running. After getting over my cold and back pains, I have crawled back out onto the pavement and re-started dragging my sorry butt around the 'hood and Susan's 'hood.

I ran 4 miles Saturday morning before cutting the grass and heading to Macon for Amy's wedding. More about that later and go check out her site.

I did a quick two miler at Susan's house on Monday. Wanted to do more but was pressed for time.

I did a three miler at Susan's house on Tuesday. It felt nice to be out there though it was a tad bit warm-low 80s.

Off today but will run Thursday and Saturday.

Okay. Other things-
We finally got around to getting started on painting MAC's new bedroom. She picked out the color. Dill pickle. Does that describe it well enough? Of course the girls wanted to help Monday. I was cutting in around the trim and ceiling and told them that they could roll the walls after I was finished cutting in. They wouldn't take no for an answer so I gave them a couple of brushes and told them to paint the corners. They also wanted to try their hand at painting UP TO the trim. Can you guess what happened? Yep, door trim now has some dill pickle on it. Oh well, we were going to repaint the trim anyway. Obviously, I'll do that!

Last Saturday I went to Macon for Amy and Troy's wedding. The weather was nice on the drive from Birmingham to about 20 miles north of Macon. I was in the convertible enjoying my ride when all of a sudden on the horizon I saw this big gray wall of water. Yep-rain. Pulled over in time and put up the top and plunged into the weather for the final 20 minutes to Macon. All along the way I kept hoping it would stop since the wedding was scheduled to be outdoors. No such luck. Poor Amy. Of course being AR type, she had plans for the rain and everything pretty much went without a hitch. In fact, it probably made things easier. Her alternate location was the Red Cross House in Macon where her reception was to be so we didn't have to drive from the wedding site to the reception. Lot's of folks I didn't know. Actually, the only ones I knew was Amy and Troy. Thanks guys for inviting me. I truly feel honored to have been there. Very handsome couple and Amy looked beautiful and happy.

I spent the night in Macon and Sunday I drove to Atlanta and spent the afternoon and night with my friends Todd and Kathy who recently moved to Kennesaw. Beautiful home off the beaten path. Thanks for the invite! Todd is going to be the photographer for Susan and my wedding.

That's about it for now.
Have a super day!

awwwwwwww . . . .
finally. RAIN. Glorious rain. It has been almost a month since we've had any appreciable rain.

Wednesday lunchtime. Chewing on a salad and about to get back to work but thought I'd just chat for a minute.

I ran a mile Saturday and about 2 miles on Sunday. Did those with Susan so they were easy jogs. I ran 2.5 miles on Monday afternoon and it felt pretty good to get out there. No blazing speed by any stretch of the imagination but good to get back out there after what ended up being several weeks layoff. It felt good to just run relaxed with no real expectations.

My back is feeling better and the cold is gone. Pretty much all systems are go . . . just need to get off the lazy keaster and get to it!

I'm getting fired up about my trip to Macon for Troy and Amy's wedding. I'm also going to swing thru Hot Lanta on the way home and visit with friends. Should be a great weekend.

Hello?

Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?

There is no pain you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown, The dream is gone.
But I have become comfortably numb.

I am here. I would like to say something neat like "I've been on sabbatical" or "I spent the month in Tuscanny". No such luck. Truth be known, I have been lazy. Well, I won't blame my absence entirely on sloth. I'll also let a series of aches and pains take some of the blame. Let's see . . . since we last spoke I managed to screw up my back, run just little, screw up my back again, run just little, go to a conference in Biloxi, have my GI problems arise (accompanied by a trip to hospital and again found out that there is NOTHING wrong with my heart . . . just my esophagus), and now I am battling a head cold that Susan and E tried to give me earlier this week. That's about all the excitement you have missed over the last 6 weeks.

On a more upbeat note . . .
We have decided that Nov. 22 is going to be the big day (you can read more about that on the other blog). I have been losing weight but how can I help but not lose weight when I am back on a somewhat restricted diet. The really neat thing is that I've been losing WITHOUT running. Once the cold is over and I can breathe again, I plan on hitting the pavement with a vengeance. I know, I know-don't over do it. The plan is to ease back into my routine . . . I'll run 2-3 miles 4 days a week for a few weeks and then start building back up.

Also, I am enjoying Autumn. Though we still have the occassional day in the high 80s, we are getting into the 70s regularly with cool nights. Perfect from riding around in my 99 'Stang GT convertible. I must admit that I miss my Miata. Or as Dom calls it- Me Otter. I saw Dom last week behind me at a redlight. We both had our tops down and both looked like middle aged men going through mid-life crises!

This month is going to be busy for me. Next weekend I am heading to Macon for Troy and Amy's wedding. I am also going to swing back through Hot Lanta to visit my friends and former neighbors, Todd and Kathy. The original plan was to take Susan with me but the girls' schedule would not allow it. The following Friday I am going to Lafayette, GA to see my best friend's football team play. My buddy Perry retired from the Alabama School system as the third most winning active football coach. However, he couldn't stand it so he took a job with the Georgia school system in the NW corner of Georgia. He's doing well and mid-way through the season they have more wins than any the've had for entire seasons the last several years.

One more note . . . .
Today I turn 49.

OUCH!

Just a quick break from lunch in order to update.

So far, it's been a great week. I've been on a downward trend with my weight, albeit slow. But the experts say that's the way to do it-no big crash diets . . . slow and steady. Sort of applying WW methods. Eat what I want, to a point, just watch portion size.

Monday was warm and humid. I did a 3 1/2 miler and the legs and joints are improving. I guess a new, second rate shoe (Asics Foundation are better than worn out top shelf Brooks Beast. Anyway, the run was good and believe it or not, I actually chased down and passed a runner in our 'hood. Boy, did that feel good!

Tuesday was warmer . . . low 90s. I did a 3 miler over at Susan's house. I wanted to do 4 but I know I need to build/recover slowly. I'd rather walk away wanting more than regretting it the next day. Afterwards, I got to play sitter/dad . . . . Susan had an open house at school she had to attend so I stayed with the girls. Guess what-I survived!

It's Monday lunch time and I'm catching up.

I think I may have figured out why I've been having trouble focusing. You'll need to go to My Hot Girlfriend to follow that train of thought ;-)

I ran 3 miles last Thursday and then played 9 holes of golf. The new shoes felt pretty good and the legs are coming around. The golf was okay . . . shot 44 (bogey golf).

I ran 4 miles Saturday morning. It was fairly cool but humid. New shoes are feeling better and legs aren't gimpy..

Did I mention that you need to go to the other website??????

wow. Time flys. Period. I need to catch up.

Last week was not a good running week. Really couldn't figure it out until the weekend when I started backtracking. The shoes. Yep. The shoes.

I had been noticing the last several weeks that the knees, ankles, thighs were hurting. Not normal for me. Even when I'm at my fattest, joint pain has never really been a big issue. Saturday, I actually had to stop and walk because my legs were hurting so bad. Being the engineering type, I try to keep track of miles run on each pair (yes I run in multiple pairs-it's better on the shoes). The shoes I've been slogging around in were bought in April of 07. Wow-that's pretty old. The mileage was the killer-400+ miles in each pair. No wonder my legs were killing me.

I've been in Brooks Beast 9 for awhile and I recently read where Brooks is discontinuing the 9 and bumping it up to the 10. However, I need shoes NOW. I went in the local running store, TrakShak, just to see what they had. I love Saucony . . . they feel good but wear out quickly. Same for Mizuno. Love the feel and my marathon PR was run in Mizuno Wave Renegades. However, I felt like a change. How about Asics Foundation 8. Let's give 'em a try.

I ran Monday in my old Beasts and barely finished 3 miles. Ran to TrakShak on Tuesday and bought the Foundations. Ran 3 miles in them on Wednesday. Initially, the legs were hurting but felt better by the end of the run. I'm planning on 3 or 4 miles this afternoon and then walking 9 holes. We'll let you know how it goes.

On a side note, I went to the Dr. last week. My neck and left shoulder have been killing me. No, not heart attack kind of pain. This is that stiff, hard to roll the head, feels like something is tearing kind of pain. My Doc took a series of neck and skull x-rays. I was concerned that I may have done some damage from a nasty spill I took about a year ago. Don't ask. Anyway . . . Tim called today and said that there are no signs of cracks, leissions, or disc damage. However, he did see signs of progressing cervical arthritis between 3, 4, 5 discs. Not much to do in way of treatment. He has put me on Robaxin (muscle relaxer) for a while. He has also said that anti-inflammatories would help. However, with GERD, I am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories. It sucks getting older. I think I'll call my GI and ask him about taking Motrin for a while. the main thing is to come up with a long term plan to limit the pain. Anybody out there ever done accupuncture?

just a quickie . . .

Ran 3 miles late yesterday afternoon. The temp was 94 when I started and again I did not want to know the heat index. Running in this heat is tough and I can tell I did the four miler on Monday. The legs aren't really sore . . . Just tired, I guess.

What doesn't kill you . . . .

will make you stronger? Not too sure about that one but I do know it will make you sweaty!

Very tough afternoon. Got home around 4:15 and was mowing the lawn by 4:30. According to my thermometer it was 96 degrees. I didn't even want to know the heat index. After mowing, it drank about 1 pint of water, laced up my shoes and started off on my 4 miler. I took a wet rag and turned on sprinkler. Very much needed. I completed the 4 miler and checked . . . still 96 degrees. YUCK.

The important thing is that I did it!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Way too short for me.

Down to business-
I ran 4 miles Thursday afternoon. Temperature wasn't too bad (low 90s) but the humidity was high and it just "felt" like hell. Wet rag and sprinkler time!

I was bad, bad, bad. I did not run this weekend. I normally try to get a run in on Saturday but passed in hopes of running on Sunday. Susan and I went to my parents for the "BIG BREAKFAST" on Saturday morning. Needless to say, we didn't have to eat the rest of the day. Seriously. I ended up going to bed without feeling hungry or eating lunch or dinner or even a snack.

Sunday, we went to church and worked in Susan's yard. It was so hot and after about 3 hours of digging, raking, etc. I just didn't feel like running.

I am planning on going for a run this afternoon. It should be interesting. Temps are in the high 90s with indices between 105-110. Definitely a damp rag and sprinkler day. I deserve the punishment for skipping my weekend run. I'll post results . . . if I survive!

It's Wednesday lunchtime and I'm sitting here glad that today is an "off" day for me. My legs and butt are stiff and sore. I really haven't kicked up my running so it's tough to figure out why the soreness . . . maybe the fact that I bowled at lunch AND last night. Not that bowling is a demanding game but it does bring into play different muscles. Anyway, all I have planned today is to help Susan cut her grass, if it doesn't rain.

okay-let's talk running.

Monday was a hot, humid day. Duh. It's Alabama and the end of July. Of course it's hot you big dummy! I went home straight after work and cut grass. I figured that would let me acclimate a little bit to the heat and maybe let it cool down a couple of degrees. No such luck. Regardless, I did a 4 miler and felt pretty dang good about. It did take me about an hour to cool off afterwards. Susan came over and we went to one of our favorite local Italian eateries for dinner.

Tuesday was oppressive. Fortunately, there were lots of clouds and thunderstorms popping up afterwork which meant shade and wind. The downside is that these storms pop up quickly and you can get caught in lightning if you're not paying attention. I started out wanting to get in 4 miles but it was thundering and the temp was dropping . . . sure signs a storm was coming. I made it about 2 1/2 miles before the lightning got close enough to chase me home. So be it . . . 2 1/2 miles and survive to run another day.

Hey all. Monday lunch and just catching up on the blogging. I was out of town on vacation at the beach since last Wednesday. The vacation is detailed on MY HOT GIRLFRIEND site.

I am proud that I kept up with my running while at the beach. Thus I have completed three weeks of 4 days a week running! woohoo! an accomplishment!

I ran 2 1/2 on Tuesday afternoon prior to going to the beach on Wednesday.

I ran about 4 1/2 miles Thurday morning. 1 mile with Susan and then 3 1/2 at my pace. While at Seaside, I normally run to Grayton beach and back but decided to go in search of a loop through Water Colors. Since my last visit Water Colors resort has opened up the road between 1st and 2nd sector which means there is a very nice loop with lots of scenery. There is also a good water stop at the tennis complex in Water Color about half-way which is also very good since it was HOT!

I repeated Thursdays run on Saturday morning though it was much hotter and I ran a little slower. However, I was very happy with the outcome.

Also, while at the beach, Susan and I did some recreational biking.

I am now back in town and ready for another week of running and plan on adding a mile or two total for the week.

Scorcher

Oh yeah. It's July in Alabama and it's only going to get hotter. Summer has finally settled in on B'ham and we really got to see what is in store for the next 4-6 weeks. It was hot this weekend but we decided to kick it up a notch today. Depending on sources, we were either at 98, 99, or 100 and that is air temp. I think I saw an index of 104 and 105 late this afternoon. My handy dandy atomic clock/thermometer told me it was 99.6 in the shade right before I went out for my run. For the fun of it, I put an oven thermometer on the road in front of my house (asphalt) and by the end of my run it was over 115 degrees on the pavement. Beautiful time to go for a run, don't you think?

God is truly merciful . . . he takes care of children and morons. I think I fall in the second category. Of course, so does Dom "the Dominator" and Marc "the Animal" because all three of us were running around 5:30 this afternoon in this heat. I never had to call 911 and never heard an ambulances which means we all survived . . . I think.

Yep. Another notch in my belt-4 miles in some very hostile conditions. I turned on a small sprinkler on my dying flowers and ran through it each time I passed my house and unashamedly stood in it when finished. For the first time this year, I also carried a washcloth soaked in cold water which I rewet each time through the sprinkler. I know it sounds sort of wimpy but I'm glad I had the wet rag to squeeze over my very hot skull this afternoon. I ran about 1 1/2 miles with Animal and finally told him to go on . . . I could not hold his pace. I do not have a problem with that! I was strictly in survival mode and I won.

It's almost 9:30 and at last glance the temp was still well over 90 degrees. Maybe this means it will be another great, hot run tomorrow!

Horrible

Horrible. That's how it felt to me watching Greg Norman once again self-destruct. How can a man who was once the greatest player in golf let the demons inside his head banish him again to the realm of perennial losers? I have watched golf for many years and I have always admired his game and his swashbuckler style but today that played against him. And what about his caddie? Gosh, these guys are supposed to help keep their players head screwed on straight! It appears that Greg is an older version of Phil Mickelson . . . a basket case when the game depends on steadfastness. Congrats to Padraig Harrington for being repeat winner of the Open Championship.

Okay . . . running.

I competed my second week of 4 days a week. My mileage wasn't important but the pattern is once again being set. I ran 4 miles Saturday around lunchtime. Yes, when the temp was really soring into the low-mid 90s. Afterwards I cut the grass and worked around in the yard. I got WAY TOO hot and should have known better. I was drinking lots of water and even had a Gatorade but couldn't keep it down. Yuck . . . nothing like warm Gatorade coming from the wrong direction. However, I kept sipping water and took it easy for a bit and ended up feeling okay. Went bowling with Susan and the girls late in the afternoon.

I am looking forward to my third week of full schedule running.

My buddy Dom noticed the absence of the NYC Marathon countdown timer. Yes, I am going to bail for several reasons- I am not in shape enough to even begin a 16-20 week program, I am really reluctant to travel with the economy being the way it is, I am trying to save vacation days because I've been using them too loosely and I like to make sure I keep a few extra free, just in case.

Everyone have a great week!

Friday lunch. Not too much longer to go until another brief weekend rolls by. I was in early today (5:45 am) so I'm blowing this joint by 3. That will let me run by Wally world to pick up dog food, trash bags, and other miscelaneous items.

I am starting to establish a pattern in my running once again. Since vacation I've managed to get four days in last week and should be able to get four days in this week. I ran a 4 miler on Monday and it felt pretty good. Wednesday was a quick 2 1/2 miler to avoid rain and to have dinner with Susan. Thursday I did another 2 1/2 miler and then walked 9 holes so my legs got a good workout. Until I get stronger, my two days in a row will be comprised of shorter runs just to get the body used to it. Don't worry . . . I'll be bumping the mileage up in another couple of weeks. My plan is to do at least 5 miles sometime tomorrow. I'd prefer to do it in the morning but I promised that I'd go with Susan to pick MAC up from camp in the morning. Either I'll have to do it EARLY or later in the day when it is hot. We'll figure something out.

Random thoughts-
The Open Championship is this weekend (the British Open for those of us in the US). Very fun to watch since this is more what God intended golf to be. It's fun to watch the primadonna country club boys get frustrated with the wind, rain, and chilly temperatures.

Speaking of the Open, at 52 years young, Greg "the shark" Norman is atop the leaderboard after two rounds. Some of my friends are goofy and do not like international players. Personally, I am glad to see the shark doing well and playing as if he were 20 years younger. I figure the golf gods owe him this once since he's been robbed by the fates on so many other occasions. 52 years old-goes to show that we should never give up.

Susan has gotten orthotics. Now all she has to do is get back to running! Maybe I can get her out this weekend.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Weekend is almost over

and I have not accomplished a whole lot. Let's see- I ran3 miles Wednesday afternoon at Susan's house. It was a hot and humid afternoon. Nothing spectacular, just a easy, sweaty run. It took me an hour to cool off before we went out for dinner. Another one of those summers where I just stand in the shower and sweat. I hate that.

Thursday my legs were killing me and I wanted to can the run. However, I toughed it out and did 2 1/2 miles before the thunderstorms hit. 3 days in a row . . . quite an feat for the fatman but I was definitely feeling it.

Friday was a rest day, thank goodness.

Saturday morning ran 4 mile and Susan biked the same. We're both struggling to get back into it and it's helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable. After the run, we worked in Susan's yard most of the day-cutting grass, cleaning out flower beds. The big feat of the day was digging out an old stump of a tree in one of her flower beds. Not a small one either. Fortunately, it was half rotten and once I got dug down around the base, the roots chopped rather easily. After much grunting, prying, cussing, sweating, we got the stump out of the ground and rolled it down to the road.

Sunday was a rest day. My back was feeling the yard work and was grateful for a good night's sleep. We went to church and then I headed home to work in my yard. I cut grass, cleaned flower beds, pulled weeds, etc. A pretty good days work until the rain set in. It was nice to have an excuse to shower up and sit down in front of the idiot box for a little while. Susan is coming over later with her youngest, E. She's bringing some s'ghetti and I'm ready for it! All I've had to day is a bowl of cereal and I am HUNGRY.

I know that I have to finish up posting about our trip to Williamsburg and hope to complete that tomorrow during lunch.

Hope you've had a great weekend!

Home at last

Don't get me wrong . . . I like vacations. However, 8 days away from work is enough. I like order and structure and after 8 days of disorder and sloth, I was ready to become a bum. Nothing against bums, I just don't want to be one. The problem is that I don't want to come home when I'm gone this long. And I don't want to work anymore! I start thinking about career changes . . . . maybe I can sell tie-dye shirts or run a slushy stand. You know, that kind of stuff. Now I'm back at my desk, happily working in my structured world.

I failed to do any running while on vacation. However, we walked everyday . . . lots of walking. My guess is at least 2-3 miles every day. I know it's not running but it is exercise and I actually found little time for my selfish indulgence.

I did get back on the horse yesterday. I only ran 2 1/2 miles. It was around 6:30 and the temperature was still in the low 90s. Rumor was that it close to 100 degrees in parts of B'ham yesterday. It felt like it-whew! My plan is to just do some short jaunts during this week just to get reaclimated to the weather since it was cooler in Virginia.

Trip details will be or are on My Hot Girlfriend site.

end of the week

End of the week or the start of the week . . . depends on if you start your week with Sunday or Monday.

I have gotten good feedback from my friends about new battle with the FATMAN. Thanks to all of you. Phil has even threatened to come kick my butt . . . now that is what I call friendship!

Let me catch you up-
I played golf on Thursday and walked 9 holes in 90+ degree weather. For those of you who say golf is not exercise, I challenge you to carry 25-30 pounds for 2 1/2 miles in 90 degree 60% humidity AND try to play well! I count it as exercise.

I was going to run on Friday but I was still worn out from my run with "Animal" and the previous day's golf. Plus I've been having headaches. Not sinus. Not migraines (I don't believe). Not high blood pressure (I check that). This is in the back. lower left area of my skull and hurts down into my neck. I'm going to go to the doc when I get back from vacation. Oh yeah, I'm heading to Williamsburg, VA with Susan and girls this coming week for Independence Day. I am taking running clothes and hope to get in at least 3 runs.

I did run Saturday around lunchtime after I cut the grass. There was a nice breeze and it felt good after cutting the grass so I thought I'd get in a quick 3 miler. Tough. The humidity was up and it go my headache going. Anyway . . . I got in a quick run.

I'm taking my laptop with me to VA and hope to post a little bit after the kiddos go to bed.

Hope you have a great week!

Ravings and lunacy

I started this week with a new attitude. I HAVE to.

As you know, I tend to yo-yo with my weight and recently it's only been in the yo mode. You know when you cast the spinning piece of plastic downward and expect it to return to you . . not so this time around. The "Fatman" has again reared his ugly head. He was devious this time. It's not like I heard him panting and pounding as he was approaching me from behind. No. This time I swear he came in like a Ranger paratrooper. Silent. Deadly. He leapt on my back before I knew he was there. Very tricky, this Fatman. You know how it goes . . . an extra snack here, dessert there. Skip a run. I mean, I've been doing some running but not hardcore, stay in shape kind of stuff. The whole time knowing that you're losing control but justifying the behavior. I am now paying the price- repeat it with me . . . .


JIM IS FAT (again).




So . . . . I started war on the Fatman beginning this week. Back to doing 100 situps each day. Promise. Back to counting WW points. Back to a healthier lifestyle. I even wrote it on my mirror in the bathroom- "YOU ARE FAT". Of course I can get out of the shower and see it but it helps to have the extra reminder. I guess the realization came while getting ready to go on vacation next week. I was trying to start pulling stuff together for the trip and was pulling some of my nicer shorts out. I held them up and thought . . . these can't be mine. Maybe Susan left these here. I'm not going to tell of the embarrassment of trying to put on a pair of size 34 shorts (which were comfortable 2 years ago). I've slowly crept my way into and out of 36 and now reside in the 38 range. OUCH!



I cannot afford to go buy new clothes. I cannot afford to become any more unattractive in fear of Susan realizing she's got a porker on her hands (not that fat people can't be attractive . . . I just happen not to be one of those).



okay. Here's the deal. Everyone who reads this is responsible for holding me accountable. I hate to burden you with that but I tend to lose my spine on occassion. Promise me that you'll help. PLEASE??????

I ran 3 miles Monday. It was so blinking hot. Low 90s.
I ran 4 miles Wednesday. Same thing-low 90s. This was a run that was supposed to be a "get back into it, you know you can survive it" kind of runs. However, my neighbor "Animal" was out prowling around looking for fat people to embarrass and he joined me on my run. I told him to get away but he wouldn't leave. It's not like I could outrun him. I told him I'd spray him with 100% Deet and he just laughed. So I huffed and puffed my way through 3 1/2 miles of excessive speed for my weight to temperature ratio. I crashed last night and slept hard. I awoke this morning "stove up". I think most of you know that expression. After mucho coffee and Arthritis strength Tylenol, I've started feeling better. I'm supposed to walk 9 holes with my neighbor "Basement Boy" and my buddy Larry. Should be a good workout. Nothing like luggin 30lbs of golf equipment for 2 1/2 miles in 90+degree heat.

I hope you have a great day.