Kitties

We have two new additions to our family.  Actually, it was three but the coyotes struck early and fast and the three quickly became only two. See, we had a little ground squirrel problem last summer, and decided that when all else had failed, that cats would do the job.   Matt's parents have a Cat Lady as a neighbor.  She takes in every stray cat who crosses her front door.  Well, go figure, stray cats aren't fixed and one of her mama cats gave birth to babies next to Steve and Cindy's garage.  Of course, all babies are cute, and Matt's mom couldn't bare to let them succumb to the elements, and those three little kittens became ours.  Two females and a male.

These three little kittens were ferrel and couldn't be contained, of course.  We tried to hold them in the cellar for a bit, just to keep them close to the house.  The male made a run for it, and we didn't see him for a couple of days.  We had Ryder hiking over to the neighbors to look for the him; Ryder was so worried. Next thing I know, I see the female kittens playing in the front yard.  They had found their way out of the holes made by the ground squirrels around the foundation of the cellar.  So, we had Ghost (named by Ryder) and Black heart (the name Matt blessed his kitten with because she had a black heart on her left paw).  And unnamed kittie because I couldn't come up with a name for a good 2 months.

Well, after about a month, Black Heart disappeared over night.  We searched everywhere, but were afraid that our worst fears were true.  But don't tell Rydie about the coyotes, he keeps asking when Black Heart is going to come back.  We don't have the heart to tell him the truth.  Black Heart was a sweet, playful kitten. Her favorite toy was a ball with a bell inside.  She was also the first kitten to let me pet her.  Here's one of her first and only pictures:

Ghost is a lover.  Especially when he knows he's going to get fed.  He now lets me pick him up, purrs like a motor, and follows me everywhere.  I sometimes want to call him "Piggie" because he attacks food like he'll never eat again, and wouldn't share with his sister if he could.  He's almost twice the size of her.  He's also really sneaky.  Even if I try to back in the front door to keep him out, he's sometimes able to sneak into the house -- then it's good luck catching him to get him back out.  The easiest way is to lure him out with (what else) food.

Boo, Ghost's sister, finally gained her name well after Halloween.  She partly got her name because Ghost and Boo sounds pretty cute.  But mostly because she runs if you say "boo" to her.  She more than a little skittish, but I'm still able to capture her once in a while (mostly if she's distracted eating), and she tolerates my affections pretty well.  In spite of the fact that she's a scaredy cat (no pun intended), she's super social.  She too follows me everywhere, and likes to sit outside of every door where she can see inside and check out what's going on.  She not bad at sneaking in the house either, but is easier to scare her away from the door when you're heading inside.

Even Matt's getting attatched to them and thinks they're pretty cool.  He is a little worried though, recently they like to play and wrestle a lot.  It's starting to look a little suspicious.  Next project is going to be bringing them to the vet for a little "fixing up."  Wouldn't want a few more kittens come spring.

It's an Apple World

I grew up in a PC family.  From the first Kaypro we had when I was in elementry school (which I know was not considered a PC) to the advent of the IBM computer and Microsoft, my family was PC all the way.  My dad was our first wiz at computers; and I could only hope to type as fast as him someday.  And my brother became a computer geek (a computer software engineer) and now has a computer museum of sorts (yes, the Kaypro still exists).  Apple or Mac was always a dirty word, and one would never even consider buying one.

I remember when, in my first year of college, the internet and email first came out.  (Yes, I know I'm dating myself!)  Computers had been a part of my life for years up until then, but other than using it to type the occassional term paper, I didn't use them much.  I even learned to type on a good old typewriter.  I didn't know what to do with the internet, and back then there wasn't much you could do with it.  And email seemed useless to me -- obviously I was wrong -- but then I still have a love-hate relationship with it.  The first computer I bought was a Gateway, which also doesn't exist anymore.  And I've owned two Dell laptops after that.

Okay, okay, I'll get to the point.  I never would have considered a Mac computer either (it was ingrained in me) until the iPhone came out.  I got one in 2008 and fell in love with it.  For over 2 years, I've endured Matt making fun of the iPhone.  I considered getting a Mac laptop, but was convinced not to (much to my regret as I've dealt with my annoyingly slow Dell laptop for the last 2 years).  But then, that all changed when I bought the iPad 2 last spring.  Of course, I got the usual harassment from my man... that is, until he used it and then I rarely saw it anymore.  Now, we signed up for our AT&T Family Plan, and Matt is getting his iPhone 4S.  And 4 days ago, we became the proud new owners of an iMac.  It's a beautiful machine.

Oh, how things change.  We're a Mac family now.  I just hope that my dad and brother don't disown me.

Letter to the Race Organizer

Dear Race Organizer,

Thank you for your recent event.  I felt  better during and after the marathon than I ever have before.  The support on the course was fantastic between the aid and hydration stations and the entertainment and cheering crowds.  I very much enjoyed my actual running experience.

But I have a few complaints.  The goody bags were pathetic.  A few coupons and some dish soap samples?  Come on!  Not even a t-shirt -- you had to FINISH the marathon to even get an event shirt.  That's stupid -- at least you should get the t-shirt for paying for the event and trying to finish. Granted I finished, but thats not the point for all those depressed DNFers out there.

I have never before been to a worse expo.  Running is not all about Nike.  The fun of an expo is wandering around, looking at new products, trying some out and getting free stuff.  I do not need to try on Nike sport bras or sign up for Nike Plus or get my picture taken in front of a Nike sign or drink more Gatoraide (I drank enough of that in training).  The expo was small and essentially lame.  We were in and out in 5 minutes.

As for the race, can you please announce race and running etiquette before the Start?  Like for all those people who decide to walk.  PLEASE walk off to the side.  A marathon is long enough without having to dodge walkers.  Please, please, please do NOT run with change in your pocket!  It is extremely irritating to hear the jingle for miles when I don't have the energy to sprint past you (or when I finally do, you decide to pick up the pace and pass me back).  Ughhh!  And for all you Team in Training Coaches out there...  please don't dash in front of other runners, to get to a teammate to cheer them on.  Plan better, or be on the correct side of the road, or something... anything!  But don't make me slow down or stop for you to do your coaching thing.

Now to the race finish.  You promote the Tiffany bling as the race "medal" at the end.  But all it is is a tiny little necklace with a microscopic charm on it that looks nothing like what you'd expect out of Tiffany.  And, pardon me, shouldn't the Marathoners get something different from the Half Marathoners?  Come on!  We raced twice as far, shouldn't we get a little more of an award???  Frankly, I'd rather have the traditional Marathon Medal -- so much cooler.

And last, but certainly not least... No post-race food at the finish after 26.2 miles, except water and a cold bagel?  I thought this was an anomally of poor planning at the Las Vegas Marathon, but apparently it's a chronic problem that race organizers let the Half Marathoners eat all the food before the Marathoners can get there.

So thank you for the experience, Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, California.  I'm glad I ran and finished your marathon.  It was an accomplishment.  But I won't be back.  Next time, I'll be running the Napa Valley Marathon where my "goody bag" is an actual dufflebag or back pack.  Where at the finish, I'll get a real medal.  And where there's hot showers and an actual meal, including hot soup, waiting for all the finishers.  Maybe you should look into that.

Sincerely,
Marathon Finisher

NWM 2011, Running the Stats

Mile 24

After an 18 week training plan and 584 miles of running, I have finished my 3rd marathon.  The Nike Women's Marathon was held last Sunday, October 16th in the beautiful (and hilly) City of San Francisco.  I drove up on Friday morning (did you ever realize how boring the 5 Freeway is?) and arrived just in time to hit 5 o'clock traffic.  Thanks to Rae (and her husband Chad who has every connection imaginable) we got rooms at the St. Regis, just a short walk to the expo and start of the marathon at Union Square.  Some very ritzy accommodations for the very down to earth runners that we were.  I probably will never see the inside of that hotel again, because I never could afford the regular price of the room.  But I must say we were very intrigued by the offer of the Krug Ultimate Bath which cost a mere $1600 and included champagne and caviar.  Maybe next time.

Saturday we headed out for a short run to loosen our legs and find Union Square. And after a carb-rich breakfast, we wandered down to the expo to register and pick up our packets.  The expo was the worst marathon expo I have ever been to.  No offense Nike, but not everything is about Nike!  How about some vendors and free stuff?!?  We spent the rest of the day hitting Nike Town (can you say mad house?) and doing too much pre-marathon walking on the streets and warf of San Francisco.  Our day finished up with some good ole' carbo loading pasta with red sauce.

Race morning, we were up bright and early.  I hit the instant oatmeal (not so tasty) and a banana for some pre-race fuel, suited up, and headed out at 6am to walk to the start.  Nike hype and estrogen abounded in Union Square where approximately 22,500 runners (mostly women and a very few men) waited for the start.  I took my place in the 7:30 to 8:59 minute per mile corral and at 7:00 am it was go time.  My first 3 miles were in the low 8 minute/mile range.  Matt had to point out that my 4th mile was one of my slowest, probably because I panicked that I was running too fast.  The course was hilly, especially the first half, but thanks to my Sunset Road running, I breezed through them.  At mile 11, we headed deeper into Golden Gate Park and about 18,000 Half Marathoners broke off to head to the finish.  Suddenly the masses of runners and the crowds of spectators were nearly gone, and we marathoners headed off into almost weird quiet.  Where did everyone go?  At mile 16, we rounded the corner close to the Finish Village  We got a glimpse of the finish line and a taste of what was to come after another 10 miles, and then started out along the Great Highway and the Pacific Coast.  After a lap around Lake Merced, we headed back up the coast toward the finish.  At mile 24, I saw Willem who ran beside me and captured my sweaty, tired form on film; and at mile 25, Chad and the Idaho contingent cheered me in.  Shortly before mile 25 a pacer caught me and led me in to finish at goal time and with my fastest mile the entire marathon.

Here's the stats:
My finishing time: 3:50:28
Overall Place: 223
Place of Female Marathon Finishers: 188
Place in Age Division (F35-39): 29 out of 831
Total Marathon Starters: 6324
Total Marathon Finishers: 4771
Females: 4389
Males: 382

It was my best marathon yet (although not my fastest by 5 minutes).  I felt great, I never wanted to walk, and I finished strong.  And the next day, only my knees were a little sore and my legs a little achy; and two days after, even that was gone.  Next up, maybe the Napa Valley Marathon on March 4, 2012.  A little running, a little wine, and some beautiful wine country... what could be better than that?

And It All Falls Apart

I hit 35 years old and my body falls apart.  Back pain hits (or right butt pain, take your pick).  Running is excruciatingly painful.  Which means marathon training is on hold.  And frustration is all I'm left with. 

I just can't catch a break with my training.  Bronchitis hit a week in and hung around for 6 weeks.  In spite of that, my marathon training kept going.  My top training run was 16 miles in very humid Michigan weather.  It ended with sopping clothing that I literally wrung the sweat out of, but overall it went well.  And I was actually feeling healthy for a couple of days until it all went downhill with an attempt at a jet-lagged 17 mile long run, right off the plane.  Matt had to come pick me up (at mile 3, I was hurting; at mile 10, I was over it; at mile 15, I stopped). 

It all stems back to not having physical therapy post-femur break.  I thought my own regimen of hitting the gym for 6 months and going back to running and riding bike right off of crutches would do the trick.  Think again.  Phenominal PT Jeff, laughed at me (in a nice way) as he tested my very weak right glute status last Thursday.  Yep, I couldn't produce any resistance to his strength testing.  So, I have apparently managed to overstress my Piriformis muscle, causing a spasm, and something like sciatic pain.  Thursday, I saw the pelvic physical therapist in our department, the chiropractor, had an hour long massage, and had a session with PT Jeff.  So far all is for naught.  I'm still not back to running (I tried this morning and limped home after a couple of tenths of a mile).

So cross your fingers for me, say a few prayers, and send good thoughts my way.  I only have 8 weeks before go time!

Sometimes I'm not too Bright but my RING is!

My first clue should have been that Matt decided not to go out and ride his bike.  That was his plan earlier in the day.  But when I came home from work that night 2 weeks ago, there he was not dressed and ready to ride.  Instead , he decides to head out to the garage to "do something". Weird, but okay, whatever.  

As a bit of a background, I bought Matt a record player for Christmas because he's got a bit of a fetish for old Punk Rock and has his own collection of classic vinyl.  But there wasn't any place to put it, so it ended up upstairs and not convienent to use.  So we've been looking for some piece of furniture to set it on.

Next thing I know, Matt comes back inside saying "Guess what I got?"  Yep, an old, vintage record player stand.  I admired it for a minute and before going back to what I was doing (opening mail).  What should have been my second clue, was when he said "Aren't you going to look inside?"  So I'm thinking "Okay, sure, I'll look inside; I guess I should've acted a little more interested."  So I look inside the doors where there's slots for records and where the previous owner had left some old records in there.  In my defense, I got it in my brain that someone had left stuff inside of it.  So when Matt told me there was a drawer on the bottom too and I should check that out, I remained oblivious.  There in the drawer was a jewelry box.  (Third clue should have been it was a brand new jewelry box, but hey, I'm not too bright.)  So this is what I say "Hey! Someone left a jewelry box in here!"  And, as I open the jewelry box, "And there's a ring inside too!"  Duh!  It wasn't until I actually looked at Matt, did it finally start to dawn on me that, HELLO, this isn't just a ordinary ring!  And that was when I got a very nervous "Will you marry me?"

Yes, Matt took me completely by surprise.  And, yes, I most definitely said YES!

My humorous actions continued that evening when I texted my siblings: "Matt and u just got engaged!"  (I got some funny replies back from that one.)  And I'm looking forward to the many more years with Matt to come filled with humor, laughter, adventure, and love.

I'd Rather Be Working

There's nothing fun about real, honest to God, sick days.  Being stuck in a stuffy house when it's 100 degrees outside, with a husky (but not sexy) hoarse voice, a hacking cough and a blazing sore throat during the middle of the summer, which means there's nothing good on TV to watch (except my new guilty pleasure In Plain Sight on the USA Channel, which might only be good because there's nothing else to watch).

Day 1 of my cold started with my long run for the weekend (11.75 miles in total at the end) and I felt great.  It was only when I ran into a friend (no pun intended) and ran with and talked to her for a bit, that I realized my voice was hoarse.  Hummm.  Was it because I forgot to turn on the humidifier to sleep the night before or maybe the dry hot air?  I couldn't be getting sick because I felt good otherwise, right?  But by the end of the day, I was starting to cough.

Day 2, I braved going to work.  I didn't feel too bad.  My voice still sounded terrible, and my cough had gotten a little worse, but not enough to keep me home.  I only had to walk out of a patient room once to hack away for 5 minutes.  By evening, I wasn't feeling to great, but hoped that this was a short lived cold and I was through the worst of it.

Day 3, my hopes were dashed and I woke up barely able to talk.  I'm not sure it was more painful for me to talk or for people to listen to me.  My throat had started to hurt and my nose to run. So I called off sick. Like I said, summer TV sucks.  In Plain Sight occupied me for a mere 50 minutes.  I was not amused to watch my newest yard pest, a multitude of California Ground Squirrels, eat my garden.  I wasted away some more time by banging on the window to scare them away (they always come back) and attempting to shoot at them with a BB gun (yes, I really did), but my aim is bad and bb's won't kill ground squirrels anyway.  (But more about that battle another time.)  I find I can only surf the internet for so long, and Facebook has lost it's amusement factor for me.  Fortunately, I had the newest bookclub book, "a visit from the goon squad" to take up a little more time.

Day 4 dawned after a night of little sleep -- it's hard to sleep when sleep is interupted by pain everytime you swallow and fits of coughing.  At 7am, my blazing sore throat gave me fears of Strep throat, it still hurt to talk, and my coughing was none the better.  So, call off day 2.  I took some more NiteQuil (even though it was now day) and slept until a text woke me up at 11 am.  At least I woke up feeling a bit better.  I frustrated myself again by watching the ground squirrels, but only shot the bb gun once since it really was futile.  Finding something to watch on TV was futile again too, so it's was back to reading.  And that's what I did the rest of the day, until I finished my book club book and now I'm writing a blog.  Fun times.
So tomorrow I'm definitely going to work.  Sick or not (of course, there's little chance I'll be completely better).  But I'm sensing I'll be at least a little better.  And if I'd take another day off, I'd definitely pay for it in more way than one.  Hopefully my patients will forgive my hoarse voice and a little coughing.