A few months ago, I noticed that I was running more frequently than usual. 3-4 times a week on the regular is usually an indication that I'm training for something. This time around, however, I had not signed up for any races or events. Just got the bug to do it. But that led to me thinking, "Hey, I should sign up for something . . . " and then I spent a week or two kicking that around. I thought about the Run Like Hell half-marathon that I did last year and that is right at the end of October. But then I also looked at the Portland Marathon in the beginning of October and wondered if I could actually compress a 16-week training session into 13 weeks in time to do it. It would be tricky.
Decided to do it anyway. =)
We're now in the Why Did I Do This? phase of marathon training, where every long run on Sunday is a half-marathon or better and mid-week runs are upwards of 9-10 miles. My legs are in decent shape thus far with the occasional ache and pain, but none of the crippling knee problems that occurred when I did the MCM in '06. I'm optimistic I can get through the next couple of weeks and will have a good run on the 7th as I amble through downtown Portland.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
I'm back in shoes and post-birthday...
Hi guys! First I wanted to say thank you so much for the birthday calls with singing, cards and presents! I spent the day doing fun things - having brunch with friends, visiting a favorite yarn store, dinner out, a trip to Powell's and Cupcake Jones and most triumphantly, returning my crutches to the pharmacy!
On August 10 I was cleared to begin walking a little each day in a regular (but supportive) shoe with an ankle sleeve, with an official target of my birthday for no longer using the boot at all. I met that goal, so that was another great birthday present.
Every day walking gets a little easier. I've started using a pedometer and I am back up to my two-mile a week goal of either walking or using the elliptical machine we have in our office. That has particularly been good exercise because there's no impact and it is impossible to limp on it! ;) During my walking, I've been going slowly so that I can really concentrate on not limping - if I just walk and don't think about it, I limp.
I also auditioned and was accepted for a caroling group in Portland. They sing in quartets at places they're hired to be: malls, public areas, Christmas parties, and the like. I don't yet know if I'll be part of the full-time quartet or the part-time quartet, but either way, I should get several hours of performance time and did I mention this is paid? Woo! Rehearsals start this Sunday night, so I will know soon if I'm a part-timer or a full-timer.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Back home
Had a great visit with Helen. Richard and his wife drove down on Friday and Cheryle came on Saturday. We ate much too much food and got in lots of newsy conversation. Hadn't had much time before with Richard's wife, so it was fun to get to know her. She's an artist, so that was added interest.
We had fun going through ancient pictures including Helen tap dancing and striking pin up poses.
Helen is not well, but still able to enjoy life. Her knees hurt and she gets out of breath easily. At 89 the doctors will no longer operate. She misses Rich terribly and is exhausted from her move to a small room in Assisted Living and making decisions about what to give away, etc. With her trusty red scooter Helen runs around the large continuing care center. It's quite upscale with beautiful gardens, lots of things to do and places to gather. My guest room was larger than our Colorado cabin! She has many friends and is going back to playing bridge this coming week.
The overnight train trip is still not my favorite time to travel. It made me mad that it was kept so cold that you needed a blanket which you had to buy for $15. Of course I could afford it, but decided to see if the Washington Post would be enough for a blanket. A young guy across the way bought a blanket for me. That was pretty embarrassing, but I decided to accept it.
Started the book I Rigoberta Menchu for my American Indian course. It really adds info to what I learned in Guatemala.
Love, KMom
We had fun going through ancient pictures including Helen tap dancing and striking pin up poses.
Helen is not well, but still able to enjoy life. Her knees hurt and she gets out of breath easily. At 89 the doctors will no longer operate. She misses Rich terribly and is exhausted from her move to a small room in Assisted Living and making decisions about what to give away, etc. With her trusty red scooter Helen runs around the large continuing care center. It's quite upscale with beautiful gardens, lots of things to do and places to gather. My guest room was larger than our Colorado cabin! She has many friends and is going back to playing bridge this coming week.
The overnight train trip is still not my favorite time to travel. It made me mad that it was kept so cold that you needed a blanket which you had to buy for $15. Of course I could afford it, but decided to see if the Washington Post would be enough for a blanket. A young guy across the way bought a blanket for me. That was pretty embarrassing, but I decided to accept it.
Started the book I Rigoberta Menchu for my American Indian course. It really adds info to what I learned in Guatemala.
Love, KMom
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Sheryl says she doesn't know about the sermon. Sorry. Thought I had told everyone this. Maybe not.
Our interim pastor is off for several weeks recovering from double knee replacement. His home is in Williamsburg, so he isn't even in town. Since I went to a sermon writing class years ago with Bob Criswell, I was one of the people asked to fill in. I'm calling it The End Game. It's about some life lessons I learned working at The Hermitage. I'm using resident favorite hymns, their advice, their poetry, etc. One of them said I should start with a joke, but the joke is----I've forgotten the joke!
Love, KMom
Happy Birthday and etc.
Good thing I sent off a package to Sheryl early last week, because my good intentions about making a card have not yet been realized. Hopefully I'll get to that soon. Happy Birthday, honey.
Lisa suggested I use some of the art work from the Hermitage for my sermon this Sunday. Just got back from the church. Looks like we'll reproduce a resident drawing on the bulletin cover, I'll display a quilt on a rocking chair up front and the lamb's picture from our 23rd Psalm window on the communion table. May bring a couple of calendars and reminiscence books, as well. Last week I collected hymn and scripture suggestions and will use at least one poem as a prayer.
There has been lots of editing for the Pastor Nominating Committee. Scott has helped me get better with Mac computer tools.
Sunday I was able to get to the final day for some great exhibits at American University's gallery. There were fun things like nail and garlic sculptures and sticker art. My favorite was a group of Washington artists' work and portraits from 30 to 40 years ago and now along with a written page of what art means for them and what they hope it means to their audience.
The last Wednesday evening in August I'll travel by train to Georgia to spend some time with Aunt Helen. Could only find night travel. Will arrive back here Sunday morning, Labor Day weekend.
It's always fun to spend time with SMEE here and hear from the rest of you.
Love, KMom
Lisa suggested I use some of the art work from the Hermitage for my sermon this Sunday. Just got back from the church. Looks like we'll reproduce a resident drawing on the bulletin cover, I'll display a quilt on a rocking chair up front and the lamb's picture from our 23rd Psalm window on the communion table. May bring a couple of calendars and reminiscence books, as well. Last week I collected hymn and scripture suggestions and will use at least one poem as a prayer.
There has been lots of editing for the Pastor Nominating Committee. Scott has helped me get better with Mac computer tools.
Sunday I was able to get to the final day for some great exhibits at American University's gallery. There were fun things like nail and garlic sculptures and sticker art. My favorite was a group of Washington artists' work and portraits from 30 to 40 years ago and now along with a written page of what art means for them and what they hope it means to their audience.
The last Wednesday evening in August I'll travel by train to Georgia to spend some time with Aunt Helen. Could only find night travel. Will arrive back here Sunday morning, Labor Day weekend.
It's always fun to spend time with SMEE here and hear from the rest of you.
Love, KMom
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