Half the Distance, Twice the fun!!

The half marathon was a success. Our goals were to finish and not be last. So....success!!!

I think we placed about 980 out of 1000. We'll know for sure when they post the results. We had a good time, although I can't explain why I like doing this type of thing. Calf cramp, blister, sore muscles....mmmm...fun. I can't explain.

Here we are before hand. See the anticipation? Nerves? The fact that we're not quite awake yet?

And here's happy Pam afterwards. See how happy? See the relief? See the empty parking lot? We had to take our own pictures because all the other runners had left. HA.

We're looking for the next race now. I would like to do one once with better training (or any training, really) and see what I can do.

We're Cooking Again

Rachel Rays Turkey Shepard's Pie ..... Don't bother



Shrimp Newburg, Duchess Potatoes, and Sauteed Spinach .... Pretty good

Cats found the Crib

The Roof

This is a little story about how Jeff and I can blow some money...

A while ago we noticed a roof leak. We called the roof guy to take a look and then learned about our excessive hail damage... nuts. Although we should have known last fall when Every Other House on the street had their roofs replaced. Oh well.

So we call the insurance company who says, "Umm....Mrs. E there hasn't been a hail storm during your coverage with us. I suggest you call your previous insurance company." You gotta be kidding me. There's no way they'll pay. We're no longer giving them money, so I doubt they're gonna wanna pony up for us.

But as is turns out, they have to. And they did. So nice.

They agree to pay X dollars. Okay. We could get the roof done for that, but how much fun would that be? A bargain basement roof on our house? No way.

So when the roofer says, "While I'm up there, you want gutter screens?"
We say, "Great idea!"

Architectural shingles? .... Sure!
Ridge vent? ..... Absolutely!
Fix skylights? .... Oh, Yes!
Sun tubes? ... Two, please!

And there you have it. What could have been free, now costs a fortune.

But it does look oh-so-nice!!

Just this side of Hell

This morning I was suppose to meet my race partner at the park..7am. The plan was was to do 13 miles in preparation for the half marathon next weekend. HOWEVER ..... I woke up to the patter of rain on the skylight. YES!!

We were giddy on the phone at 6:30am.

"It's raining"
"hee, hee. I know!!"

We don't do rain. So we went back to bed and agreed to do the required mileage on our own treadmills later in the day. I had my Ipod, tv, radio, and ceiling fan. There are no hills on a treadmill. I should have been set, but treadmill trotting is BORING!! Tedious!! Painfully monotonous!! And it doesn't matter what kind of entertainment you have. Also, it's harder....don't know why. Maybe it has something to do with the forced regular pace.

In the end I made it 10 miles. A considerable amount of walking was part of the equation, but I'm happy nonetheless. That's the last long run before the race. Wish me luck.

Playing Catch up

Yes, I know. It's been awhile. Here's the hightlights:

The Adoption
The last set of referrals came out while we were on vacation. Although it was for a hope-inspiring number of LID days, rumor 'round the 'net says it wasn't for an impressive number of actual referrals. But since I have no way of knowing the number of actual referrals, I choose to focus on the good news. They made it thru 18 days of referrals!

Also, the next set of referrals should be here any day. Very nice. Especially nice since I personally know someone who will FOR SURE be getting her referral. Yeah!

The newest prediction for our referral based on the recent pace would be a July referral. That is assuming it will take the CCAA 2 months to get thru every month of LID's. Since I'm on a kick where I'm focusing on the positive.... A July referral means September travel. September travel means my "maternity leave" will stretch thru the Christmas season. I'll get to miss a Christmas at the post office. Hoo-rah! See?....there IS an advantage to waiting 9 more months.

Oh, and as of yesterday we have been logged in for 10 months. Over half way there. Right? See how positive I am? I'm so impressed with myslef. Truthfully, it doesn't seem that long. Weird, huh?


Work
I can't tell you what Jeff has been up to at work, since I don't really understand what he does. It doesn't stop him from telling me about it, but I can't repeat it with any accuracy. (Virtual servers, VM ware, etc.)

My work is totally getting cranked up for the Christmas season. Long days and more and more packages. I have one woman on my route who gets 20+ catalogues DAILY. I have no idea how she even reads that many. I hope she recycles.

Home Improvement
We're back on the war path. Jeff is laying flooring as I type. I really need to help. It's not like I really do anything, but I think he likes me standing over him offering help and praise from time to time. When he's done we're going to pull up carpet down the hallway, then some painting. We're contemplating a bathroom remodel, but can't decide how crazy we're gonna get in there. (have the tile painted vs. laying new tile)

Also, we're having a new roof put on. That's a whole post on it's own. Maybe during my next brake.

Oh Crap

Remember a long time ago I said I signed up for a half marathon this fall. Well....it's fall.

When I came back from vacation my friend asked if I had run on vacation. Ummm, no. And now the race is in about 3 weeks.

"Do you still plan on doing it?"
"Ummmm"
"Georgia, if you're going to back out, tell me now."
"Oh no, no, no. I'm still doing it. sure."

Crap.

Now Jeff keeps saying things like, "You should go run. You're in training" And then he laughs. "Is that hamburger part of your training plan?" More laughing.

Not funny. I'm in trouble. 24 days to go.

Vacation is over...

...back to work tomorrow. You do get sooo spoiled on vacation. I'm ready to get back to my routine, but this particular vacation sure has been nice. We rented a house on St. George Island last week. St. George is an island off the Florida pan handle. If you're looking for the anti-Panama City, it's the place to go. 6.5 hour drive from Atlanta. Empty, gorgeous beaches.

We spent the days sitting around the house, the beach, the pool. We rode bikes, walked on the beach, hunted for shells, watched nature, and RELAXED. Here are some pictures to help you get the flavor...