Drums please!

I did it! the goal was to do it in less than 5 hours. I did it in 4 hours 58 minutes and 35 seconds. I'll write the full story tonight, after the SuperBowl, or tomorrow morning. But The good news is in, I DID IT!

Pre-Race Thoughts

So it seems that by this time tomorrow(Sunday) I will have completed my 1st marathon. Hopefully that will be true. The other option will be that I attempted my 1st marathon. As you can see, attempted and completed are not the same thing.

I'm trying to stay positive and I keep reminding myself about all of the training miles and hours I've put into this. But, I'm still hampered by the thoughts that my last 3 weeks of training were not very good and that I've been ill lately. I feel much better now but worry that the loss of energy will hurt me tomorrow.

I have put a lot of pressure on myself to complete this marathon. I have made it, in my mind, into a make or break moment in my life. I have attached extra significance to this race that I should let go of. It's not make or break, it's not do or die, it's just a marathon. It's just me testing myself to see how far I can go. Hopefully, I will go 26.2 miles. Tomorrow is a big day, and I hope to look back on it and gain confidence from the accomplishment, but this is not the defining moment in my life. I am going through that defining moment right now, but this race is not it, just a part of it.

The defining moment is how I choose to live my life everyday, not just marathon day. I choose to live my days the same way I'm going to live tomorrow, living life on my terms, being open and honest, overcoming challenges, persevering, enjoying the moment and looking forward to a bright future that has already begun.

I don't know how tomorrow is going to turn out, I wish I did. But no matter what happens I will end the day knowing that I gave it my all, and really, what more could I do than that?





Check back Sunday night to find out how it turned out. If there is no post then check back on Monday. I'm taking off that day, a present to myself. And thanks to all of you who have been emailing me and texting words of encouragement, y'all rock my socks!

A Final word and then running stuff

Just a quick final word about my previous two posts. I meant them both. I nearly deleted them both but this blog really is a chronicle of my life and I don't want to act like that part of my life doesn't exist. But, I won't have much to say about it from here on out. The End.

So, the marathon is Sunday. I gotta tell you, I'm pretty worried at this point. I've put in a lot of training but the last couple weeks haven't been that great. I've really been drained lately. I think I'm gonna try some B-12 supplements this week. I hate to start something new right now but I gotta get some pep in my step.

I'm putting a plan together for my support team. I'm trying to figure out what intervals to space them out at and how to coordinate getting them the stuff that they are going to give me during the race. I'm also a little concerned because the race starts at 7 am. I thought it started at 8. That means I'm gonna need to get up at like 4:30 or so, then drive down, park, figure out how to get my Gatorade and gels to my support peeps, loosen up, and run. If I stay in BR it'll be an hour and 15-30 minute drive, and I guess I'll drive it alone, which means I'll have to drive myself home. I'm sure I'll be able to drive but I know I'm gonna be hurting.

I could stay in Slidell Saturday night, but I don't sleep as well there. But, I could get a ride to the race from my folks. Problem is, I would have to got back to Slidell after the race. In that case I would probably drive back to BR on Monday(yes, I'm taking Monday off). Don't worry I'll get it figured out.

The fact that I feel like I have no energy is what really has me worried though. I'll just have to keep reminding myself to slow down and take it easy. As much as I would love to finish in under 5 hours I see that the biggest goal is just to finish. I can always get better. Right now I just need to finish.

So, now you know my thoughts about the upcoming marathon(this Sunday morning). I know I'll have lots more thoughts on it as it closer. I'm sure I'll have a lengthy post on Friday or Saturday as the nervous energy (or overwhelming fear) builds up.

Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted.

Another milestone day

Hooray for Lily! she ran her 1st 3 mile run today. The 3 of us headed out and I initially planned to just take them for the 1st 2 miles but as it was nice and cool out I thought she would be able to handle it. She did great. She pulls a good bit and is still scared of almost everything but the kid has stamina. When we got back she headed straight to the water bowl and drank half of a full bowl(it's a big bowl). Then, she and Sadie both found comfortable places to lay down and relax. Sadie on the couch, Lily on my bed(her favorite place in the house) .

She must know I'm talking about her because she's trying to climb up on me and lick my face as I'm typing this. What a mess, these dogs are just fuzzy angels I guess(or is it tired angels, I forget the lyrics)

Yes, the angel thing is an inside joke. That one was just for you;)

I'll probably come back later tonight or tomorrow to update you all on my training and how I am doing with things. Take care friends, and please remain prayerful.

Yours truly,
Sadie and Lily's pack leader. AKA- the Alpha Male.

Cramping my style

I talk a lot about overcoming barriers in my posts. I know I have many to overcome and I truly look forward to the challenge and am confident that I will overcome those barriers. However, I've got one that is truly owning me right now. It's bringing me down and destroying my life. The cramp that I developed in my left calf at mile 19 on Sundays long run came back today.

I was doing a tempo run(faster pace)today and at mile 4 it reared its ugly head, and man did it hurt. It is super frustrating because I was supposed to be doing 8 miles today. I got through 5 but did not want to risk doing any real harm 2 1/2 weeks before the race.

I don't know what to do about it. Should I run less, stretch more, use Icy-Hot? This is terrible timing.

Keith and Julie, please feel free to give any advice on this matter. You're sort of my marathon advisers.

My biggest worry is that if I don't get this resolved soon that it will be a lingering thought in the back of my head on race day. That could create major problems if i'm thinking about that while running for 5 hours.

This is not what I need right now. I could totally use some type of ego boost right now.

This is totally "cramping" my style

3 weeks to 26.2

I figure I should keep you all updated on my marathon training. I have just under 3 weeks left until the big day(Sunday, Feb. 1). Sunday, 2 days ago, I did my final 20 miler of the training regimen. It went very well. I finished it in 4 hours 20 minutes. But, I stopped for about 4 minutes after every five miles to stretch and let the dogs in/out of the house. So, I guess I could cut that down to actually 4 hours and 5 minutes of running.

All was not perfect though, at mile 19 I started having a lot of tightness in my left calf. The cramping was manageable and I finished running 20 but It has me a little concerned as I am not sure if I could have made it to 26 with that pain in my leg, which I am sure would have only gotten worse.

On the other hand, I am optimistic that I will be able to avoid this situation again. I think the cramp was largely due to lack of hydration. I hydrated well on the run but I know that the 2 weeks prior to this run my hydration has been not so good. I think if I get back into good hydration habits from now until the race I will be in good shape.

I am a little concerned about the distance. But, I know that I have been training hard for this and have put in a lot of miles to get me to this point. I know that those miles will get me through the 26.2 on Feb. 1st.

Some people have asked me if I think I can run the whole way or if I am going to walk some. The answer is that I plan to run the whole thing and I hope to do it in under 5 hours. This is a lofty goal for a 1st timer, but I think it is a reasonable goal and one that if I focus and work hard, that I can reach. I can not pretend to know what will happen during the race. I may be out of it by mile 10 or I may finish 20 minutes faster than expected. What I do know is that I have a singular vision to run the entire race and to finish. If it takes more than 5 hours that will be OK. What matters to me most is to overcome the obstacles and to finish what I've started.

I WILL run the entire 26.2.
It WILL hurt, but it WILL be done.

sometimes I go to far.

Sometimes I say more than I probably should. Sometimes I might push people a little too far or even over the edge. I have done this twice in the last couple weeks.
There is a time and place for everything, but there are somethings that just can't wait.
This past week I was overwhelmed with emotion and felt like I had no where to release it. I felt consumed by my thoughts and feelings and could not focus on anything else. So, when I got the opportunity I unloaded on one of my best friends and think I might have said too much.

But, as I said, I couldn't hold it in anymore. It had to come out. I feel bad for crossing the comfort line but I feel very good for speaking open and honestly about the mistakes I have made and haven't made.

It feels good to be open and honest. Most of you already know that. I have always known that but have struggled with it at times, usually to save myself from embarrassment. I am relearning the old saying that honesty is the best policy.

I have gone too far with lies and I do not like where it has lead me. Though it is hard to face the truth sometimes, and though I know that it will sometimes hurt to say it, and hurt others to hear it, I recognize that that pain passes much faster than the pain of lies and deceit.

Friends, I encourage you to be open and honest with the ones you love.

Billy Joel penned the lyric "Honesty is such a lonely word, but mostly what I need from you". I couldn't agree more. To be honest is very scary when you are admitting to wrong doing and when you know that it will hurt someone. It hurts because you know that you have caused that pain. No one else, just you. The Loneliness that comes from causing pain like that hurts like none other. But I hope we have learned that in honesty that pain and loneliness is temporary. It can also help build a foundation of trust and respect. Nothing is worth more than that. Trust me on that one.

There is no feeling like knowing you have nothing to hide. I wish I would've arrived at this point years ago. I knew it then but still feared the embarrassment that the truth would bring. I don't have that fear today. But I do fear that I pushed a friend that I dearly care about away. I hope I am wrong about that. Sometimes I go too far.

Sometimes I go too far, sometimes I am too open and too honest. I have been guilty of this lately. Though that might cause me some problems I will take it over holding things in and lying any day. No, I'm still not perfect, but I am learning.

Sometimes I go too far.

A Measure of Me

I came across a quote today that I had heard before but haven't thought about in a while. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said,

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

and it seemed to resonate with me today differently than it had in the past. In the past I lived in comfort and convenience, today I feel like I am in the eye of the storm of challenge and controversy. My life has been far from perfect and anyone and everyone who knows me can tell at least one story of a "mistake" I have made. But, I am beginning to realize that my ultimate measurement is is that of a good man. I know that I can not change the way others see and perceive me. I can not change the fact that I have hurt people or let people down in the past. I can change what i do and what I think. I used to look at myself in the mirror and think how imperfect I am, and I am, but now I look in the mirror and see a heart that is sincere about being better everyday, being more caring and compassionate every day, being in tune with the ones I love. Most importantly, I know that I can face and overcome the greatest obstacles and challenges that appear before me.
Though I have not always been, I know and view myself to be an open and honest man. I feel like I have nothing to hide and no reason to hide anything. Yes, I feel shame for things I have done and for hurting people in the past but that is in the past and I have learned that I do not want to live that way or make those mistakes again. I might, but I will try with all my heart not to by keeping myself out of situations that present the opportunities to fall short of my goal.

A little better everyday, that's all I can try to do. I may have set backs along the way, but the goal does not change and neither does my value. some may measure me as a good man. Some may not. I recognize that I have left a lot of room for improvement. I just know that I will try with all the strength I can muster to be better tomorrow than I was today.

This is definitely a time of challenge for me. Sometimes I don't feel up to it, but I will not give up. I can not give up. The prize is just too damn important to me.

you never forget the first time

Today is a big day in our house. Lily became a runner today. Today was the first time that she got to go for a run with Sadie and I. She did great. She ran 1.5 miles. I'm so proud of her.

Lily came to us in June. My mothers neighbor found her running the streets of New Orleans East, with no apparent home, and brought her to his house. But, He already has 2 full grown German Shepherds and his wife was about to give birth to a baby. The house was to crowded. K and I were staying at my moms house for an extra, unplanned, day. I'm glad we stayed, that's the first time we met Lily.

We wanted a second dog to keep Sadie company while we were gone. We figured it would be a good idea to get one during the summer so she would have plenty of time to get used to us before school started again. And, since we were moving into a bigger house with a huge yard the time just felt right.

The first night we had her we had our doubts. She wouldn't come near us and she wouldn't sleep. Of course not, she was in a strange environment with strange people. After a couple days she started sitting by us on the couch. Now, she tries to lay on me when I'm laying on the bed.

I assume she was about 4 months old when we got her. Now she would be around11 months, I guess. because it's been a little rainy I haven't let them out in the yard as much the last couple days. I could tell she was restless today. So, with a little over a mile left on my 8 mile run I went inside and put their leashes and harnesses on. I knew Sadie would run with me but wasn't sure about Lily. For the most part she did what Sadie did. It was the first time she ran with me and she did great.

She is still a nervous dog, and very shy, but she is a lot like me, getting better all the time. It has been great to watch her come out of her shell. Like her mom, K, she has a wonderful personality and it makes me happy to see it come out.

Lily is a great dog, in fact, she's an angel and I am so proud of her. I am proud of Lily and Sadie, and of their lady who brought them into my life.

Congratulations Lily, I look forward to many more of your firsts, and many more runs with you.

1-800...........

Is it possible for me to run 190 miles in the next 3 days? Hells no! But, today is special because I went over the 800 mile mark for the year. After todays 16 miler I have officially logged 810 miles for the year. Though I will not be reaching my initial goal of 1000 I am very happy with what I have accomplished. I will set next years goal at either 1000 or maybe 1200, I'm not sure yet. I have just over a month until the marathon. I am very excited and confident but it still makes me nervous. I ran 20 miles last week but was short a marathon by 6 miles. I really need to make the next month count in terms of my workouts, rest, and nutrition. Starting today everything thing needs to be focused on how it will prepare me for the race. If it won't help me, I ain't doin it. That might be my new motto in life.

On the personal level I am doing fairly well. I am working to make myself a better version of me. I can sum it up in the words of a song by The Blind Boys of Alabama, "I ain't what I ought to be, but I'm better than I used to be, and I'm gettin' better all the time".

The important thing in life isn't to be perfect, it's to see where you can improve and do something about it. That's where I am right now, doing something about it. I know I can overcome the obstacles in my life. I've now got 810 reasons behind me to prove it.

He's going the distance....

He's (not) going for speed.

I made it through 18 miles today. It took a little over 4 hours. I think I figured out the hydration/nutrition issue. that seems to have helped today. I still should have had a more energy producing dinner last night. I'm getting all the kinks worked out. However, my shoes are killing me. I went to the local running store earlier this week and they didn't have the shoes I want in my size so they ordered them for me. They New Nike Air Pegasus 25's should be in any minute now, I can't wait.

I crossed the 700 mile mark for the year. I'm now at 714 miles. Those of you who look at the stat tracker at the bottom of this page know that my goal was to get to 1000 miles, but it ain't gonna happen. But, I am happy that I will be able to break 800 miles(knock on wood). I'm averaging 25 miles a week with 4 1/2 weeks to go. that should put me around 830ish for the year.

On an unrelated note, this is the last day of my Thanksgiving break. I'm not looking forward to doing lesson plans tonight or going to school tomorrow. On the bright side, it's only 3 weeks till Christmas break. Christmas break means we're halfway to summer break( you gotta keep things in perspective). It's good to be a teacher

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Thanks to my friends and family, I appreciate your efforts this week.

18 & life to go

I don't know what happened, or why. Yesterday was my first attempt at 18 miles. I was very confident that I would be successful given how well 16 miles went last week. Maybe it was overconfidence, poor hydration, poor diet, lack of rest, old shoes, warmer temperatures, or the stresses of my life right now. I don't know what it was but I know that 18 miles just wasn't in me.

The first 5 were great. Maybe too great. I think I went out to fast and burned out. Alls I know is that after 11 miles everything on me hurt or felt weak. I made it through 12 miles then started to walk. I don't know why I stopped running, but once I stopped I couldn't get started again. I was about 3 miles from home at this point so I walked it in. I guess I could say I did a total of 15, but I didn't. I died at 12.

Paula Radcliffe, I promise I won't make fun of you pulling out of the marathon in Athens anymore. I totally feel your pain.

I'm supposed to do 20 this Sunday. I'm gonna set my goal for 18 and if I'm not dead at the end of 18 I'll keep going. Among other things in my life this is a major blow to my confidence. I can already feel myself putting too much pressure on my upcoming 18/20 mile run.
Right now I'm just gonna try to focus on one step at a time, eventually those steps will add up. I wish it was as easy as it sounds.
It amazes me how running can be a metaphor for life. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you'll get somewhere, I hope.

As well as I can remember, "18 & life to go" was recorded by the band Skid Row sometime in the early 90's. I think.

Sweet 16

This morning I ran 16 miles in 3 hours 28 minutes (13 minutes per mile) and I didn't puke or die. Yea Me!

I'm not a man of many words....

.... So I'll let the picture speak for itself.

I take it as a compliment

Over the years I have had people say some pretty nice things in regards to my running. But, I think the nicest, or at least the one I like the best, happened on Thursday. I have a neighbor a couple doors down that gets home from work about 30 minutes after I do. I usually change and get ready for my runs as soon as I get home so just as I'm starting my run he pulls up to his house. He always says "hi" or waves, but Thursday as he was passing by he slowed down and said, with a smile on his face, "do you ever stop running"? All I could do was laugh. I know that I give people that I don't know nicknames, like "shirtless Joe" who lives across the street (you can guess why he gets that name). I wonder if they give me names like "The running guy" or " the idiot with the Alabama flag" or something like that.

I would be OK with either one of those names.

At any rate, it made me feel good that someone thinks I run a lot. I usually run about 25 miles per week, which I think is good. Which brings me to the story of today's run. Last Sunday I ran 12 miles in about 2 hours 50 minutes. I was very happy about that. But all week I've been thinking that I need to be running a little faster. So in my workouts I have picked up the pace slightly. Today I was to do a 14 mile run. I did the first 10 miles with no problems, 2 hours 5 minutes. That is a 10 mile personal record for me. My overall goal was to do the 14 in under 3 hours. I was cruising, then it went down hill in a hurry. At about mile 10.5 I developed a sharp pain in my right hip. I tried to run trough it but it was like having someone hammering a railroad spike with every step. I stopped and stretched and then continued at a much slower pace just wanting to finish. I hobbled and stretched till the 13Th mile, which happens to be right in front of my house. I decided that I had just completed a half-marathon and that I had never done 13 miles before, I counted it as a victory. I did walk the last mile. I got to 13 miles in 2:40:30. I was able to walk in the final mile at 2:59:36. Goal accomplished, I guess.

It seems as though my sciatic nerve was not happy with me today. I had this same problem when I first started delivering water. But after a couple months of lugging bottles I got a bit stronger and the problem went away. Hopefully that will happen again.

Sciatic problems are truly a pain in the @$$.

I also but an iPod shuffle today, I'll let you know how that turns out.

On top of ol' smokey

I thought I would share a couple of pictures with you. And believe it or not, there are no pictures of the dogs. Nope, I take it back, Sadie is in the background of the 1st picture.

A couple of weeks ago I finally got a smoker. I went with the gas variety thinking that it would be the easiest way to maintain a steady temperature. I think I was right. I found one at Albertsons in BR. When I first saw it it was marked down to $99. I was gonna go back and get it. I happened to be there again a week or 2 later and saw that it was marked down for final clearance, $69. I think the original price was $149, so I am very pleased with the deal I got.

I decided that my first experiment would have to be spare ribs, my favorite. But, since this thing has such a high capacity I also threw in a salmon filet. I did my prep work on the ribs the night before, created a rub from the "stuff" I could find in the cabinet, and let time, heat, and hickory smoke do their thing. The result: pretty good, not yet great but pretty good. Even K-Love, who is not a ribs person, said she thought they were good and had a second helping. I plan to make ribs my specialty, I've still got lots of work to do. The salmon was good also but he ribs, mmmm, the ribs!

In an unrelated story. I find my neighborhood to be very nice and the people seem pretty friendly. EXCEPT for my neighbor. I have tried several times to wave and say hi but she doesn't seem to want return the effort. Now, I'm from the kind of place where one neighbor coaches the other neighbors kids in Little League or one neighbor brings former New York Mets first basemen and Alabama Alum Dave Magadan over to say hello and sign an autograph (true, I wasn't home but our neighbor did bring him over, pretty freakin' cool, I know). So I'm really not used to having stand-offish neighbors. She also has an LSU flag hanging on her carport, like most people here in Capital City. But, come Saturday she unleashes her giant inflatable LSU helmet.

Now, I have no problem with school spirit, in fact, I love school spirit. As my loyal readers may recall, I have even decided to stop saying negative things about LSU. BUT, this lady has waged war with her incivility and giant purple and yellow dirigible. So, I went on-line and ordered my self an Alabama banner to hang outside. I think of my self as a pretty classy guy so I only fly it on Saturday, I fly my American flag the other 6(as you might expect from a civics teacher).

I don't plan to buy anything inflatable for the yard at this point, but I have scoped a few things out on the net. Just in case. Maybe K and I should invite her over for some BBQ ribs on November 8Th* so that we can "make peace". Just a thought

*Nov 8, LSU vs. Alabama

Me? A morning person?

Anyone who knows me well, and has known me for a while can tell you some sort of story about my "dis-agreement" with mornings. My sister could tell you about the time when she was 6 and tried to wake me up on a Saturday morning and I kicked her in the head. No, it wasn't on purpose, she tickled my foot to wake me, I never opened my eyes, shook my leg to stop her and WHAM! little kid crying on the floor.

My Dad could tell you about me stumbling out of bed on the weekends just in time for breakfast, or lunch as they called it.

My mom can tell you that during my college years she learned to never, ever, ever, call before 10 AM. If I did answer the phone, it was like talking to a wall. If!

But that was a long time ago. Since moving back to Louisiana in 2003 I have found reasons to wake up before the Sun.

First, My job at Abita Springs Water. Up at 5:30, to work at 6. Hauling water by 6:30.

Second, Raytheon-warehouse support. Up at 5:30, commute 50 minutes, at work by 6:30.

Third, living in BR, commuting to school in NOLA. 8:00 classes so I woke up at 5:30, left the house by 5:45. Catch major traffic in Kenner, get to class 10 minutes before 8.

Fourth, Teaching. School starts at 7:20. Teachers must report by 7:05. It takes me 30 minutes to get there. So, I usually get up between 5:30 and 6.

I say all that to say this(that's for you biddy). My running has been suffering lately. I feel very tired when I get home everyday. That makes my workout runs very un-enjoyable. Thus, I have shortened and skipped several runs lately. I usually get up at 6:30 on Sundays to do my long runs. That got me to thinking that maybe I should do my runs in the morning before work. The problem is that I would have to get up at 4AM. I am not really happy with that idea. But, I have a half marathon in late November and a full marathon February 1st. They are not gonna run themselves.

My eating habits have also been out of control lately. Basically I eat whatever whenever. This does not help the workout program at all.

So, Wednesday night I decided to set my alarm for 4:30 AM. I figured that I would make the decision to run or not when the alarm went off. The alarm never went off. Instead, Sadie decided that she wanted to wake up and start her day at 4AM. I tried briefly to get her to go back to sleep. But, I know her so well that I knew it wasn't gonna happen. I realized that I wasn't going back to sleep anytime soon so I might as well get up and run. I got up, got dressed(white shirt and white shorts), Put on my miners headlamp flashlight, and turned one of Sadie's reflective collars into a reflective belt.

After a sip of go-go juice(gatorade) and half a granola bar I turn on my headlight(singular) and I'm on my way. The goal for the day is 3 miles, just to see if I can get up and see how I feel later in the day. The run itself is pretty uneventful. My body woke up pretty quickly. But, given the early hour I found myself in an unexpected race. A race againt the little white light. Though the street lights did a good job of lighting the way I found mysel running in and out of darkness. As I ran into the dark spots the light from my headlamp, a small circle about 6 feet ahead of me showed me the way. It was the first time in several months that I have run without my MP3 player. For all my precautions I was passed by not a single car and saw no one. Not a single dog bark. It's an odd feeling to be out in the middle of the city and feel so alone. It's also odd to run without seeing the road beneath you. You quickly learn to trust your bodies natural abilities and instincts. My feet and ankles, legs and joints adjusted to each foot fall, my body finding its natural rhythm and seeming to float through the miles. It was a beautiful experience. Knowing what I know now makes me wonder if I should do it again. It's never as beautiful the second time.

But, I know that I feel better when I run. I know that I run better in the morning. So, on Tuesday's and Thursdays I will be, or at least attempt to be, getting up at four to go running. I felt fine during the day on Thursday but a bit sluggish on Friday. I'm gonna have to figure out a sleep pattern.

So now, not only do I wake up before mother nature, but I will be going to sleep at supper time. What's next? taking K-love to get the Denny's early-bird special at 3pm, then to bed after Entertainment Tonight.?

I don't know how this is gonna turn out, I'll keep you posted.

I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink

I have been tired a lot lately but have managed to get a lot done both at home and at work. I got the Malibu working(not that you knew it wasn't). got a lot of the tree out of the back yard(the Gustav tree that is), and I bought a new Lawn mower yesterday, because the old one was becoming a pain in my @$$.

I cut the grass today, the new mower is freakin' awesome. It's a Troy-Bilt 190cc (6.75 something or others) push mower. It has a hell of a lot more power than the old mower(I use the term hell for emphasis, this thing's a beast).

But, it took me almost 2 hours to get home from work today, it usually takes 30 minutes. Therefore, instead of finishing the yard at 5:15 or 5:30, I didn't finish till 7:00. Not exactly how I like to spend my Friday evening. Then I threw burgers on the grill and we are currently watching the Presidential debate. Big fun on a Friday night.

Tomorrow we're taking Lily to the vet. She's been limping lately and we wanna get it checked out. Then at noon I'm helping one of my podna's move. And in the PM I'll be glued to the BAMA/UGA game. Luckily, we still have the big screen, yea!

Sunday, me and big brother are heading to the big greezy for the Saints/49er's game. So, I won't be able to work on lesson plans until Sunday evening. Not to mention that I'll be waking up at 6am Saturday and Sunday to get my runs in. So, I don't guess I'll be getting much rest this weekend. At least I won't be bored.

The title is a line from the Beatles song "I'm so tired" on the "white album". As a side note, the official title of that album is "the Beatles" But it has come to be known as "the white album." Not to be outdone, in the 1990's, Metallica released an album with a black picture on a black background. It's official title is "Metallica", but it is know as the "black album". Is it their homage to the fab four? have no idea, but it is an interesting parallel. Well, interesting to me, at least.

500 club

Hello Friends. It's been a while since we last chatted. We survived the hurricane. We went with out power for about a week and a half. Even worse than that, we went with out cable for 3 weeks. But, we got it back yesterday. My mother evacuated to our house for the hurricane and brought her big screen TV with her. she is in Hawaii this week so I get to keep it, with cable, for at least one more week. She also left he Wii. Yes, I have already hooked it up to the big screen.

My running has suffered the last 2 weeks. I have been really tired lately, probably because of the crap I've been eating lately and the lack of sleep. So, I've been taking it easy and will start hitting it hard this week. Tomorrow is supposed to be 11 miles. I think I will scale it back to 8 or 9.
The 10 mile race I have been training for has been cancelled due to hurricane issues(Middendorfs, the host restaurant, is right on Lake Pontchartrain). So, I don't have a tune up race for the half marathon in November. I think I will continue my current plan and just have a one man race that day.

One spot of good running news. I hit the 500 mile mark this morning. My goal is to run 1000 miles this year, I am now half way there. Woo-Hoo! It's taken 8 1/2 months to do 500. I don't know if I can do another 500 in 3 1/2 months. But, I'm not giving up yet.

On the career front. I think I just had my best week as a teacher. I, for the first time, felt truly confident in my abilities to teach, motivate, and support my students. I like the way that feels. I know I will face some ups and downs this year and in my career, but right now, I feel good.

There is some other stuff I've been wanting to blog about but I don't remember what right now. But I did by a smoker today. I'm sure there will be many BBQ/smoker posts in the future as I master various techniques. Till then.......

And I think to myself....

The electricity is back on at our house. Woo-hoo! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed and sleep an hour later. The drive fro "the Dell" to Capital City is a B-otch. Now, we just need to clean all the debris in the yard and do some cleaning inside and we can restore a senses of "normalcy" to our lives.

Normalcy happens to be one of my least favorite words. I don't remember ever hearing the word before 9-11. It was used to exhaustion after Katrina. and now I wish it would fade away. I've been trying to come up with a new word to replace it but haven't found the perfect word just yet. Though I am currently leaning towards normalociticiousness. Just a thought.

The other word that I don't care for is wherewithal. Ray Nagin used this word at least 27 bazillion times after Katrina and used it in full force during Gustav as well. I don't recall ever hearing this word before Katrina, but it is possible that it's just because I have a small vocabulary. Or, a low measure of vocabulariousness.

But enough about words for now, I have electricity. Now, if I only had cable. "What a wonderful world this would be."

You may recognize the title as a line from the Louis Armstrong classic "What a wonderful world". The last line of the post is from the 1960 Sam Cooke tune "what a wonderful world(this would be)". Both of which you can find on our old friend youtube.