Christmas Eve 2008

I spent the evening with my in-laws, Jeanne and Murray Lufkin. I went to their church service, had a chili dinner at their house, then opened presents with Greg's parents, his 2 sisters and their families. Greg's brother couldn't make it, but was there in spirit.

Before dinner, we were all able to say hello to Brian and Andy, who couldn't make it home from Orlando. We talked to them via skype, on our webcam. It was so nice to see them, and it was almost like they were there with us. Chris had to work, but he'll be able to make it up from Rochester, MN tomorrow.

Greg is flying for the airlines this week. If it isn't bad enough that he is working over the holidays, he just got a pretty nasty cold. He isn't too sick to fly, but he is pretty uncomfortable. He does have a fever, which makes it even more fun for him. At least his head isn't too stuffy. I just feel horrible for him.

On to something better though. Greg and I made out very well tonight. We exchange homemade gifts with his siblings. They've all come up with some pretty darn cool stuff. We received some delicious treats from his sisters. Greg's dad made us a personalized 2009 calendar. I will leave you with a picture of the cover. It speaks for itself....

Snow Day!

This is how we spent our snow day yesterday. Greg was throwing the Frisbee for Skeeter (you can see all 3 in motion to the right). Skeeter was so excited to chase that green disk all over the yard. However, after about 4 throws, he was exhausted. All that new powdery snow was up to his chest. He was covered in white. Skeeter was the happiest dog that ever lived that day. I think this scene is what he dreams of at night. There is nothing better than snow, his Frisbee and his dad. Happy days!

Boomer our wonder cat spent his snow day pretending he was a fierce beast. He hid behind the table cloth and would attack your feet if you came near. He would jump on the chair next to me, and bat at my leg, all the while hiding behind his red curtain. He's so fierce. You can see the danger in his eyes....

Weighty Issues

OK, so the diet is going well. However, the more weight I loose, the less I get to eat. How is that rewarding? Weight Watchers bases the "points" you get to eat on your weight. The less you weigh, the less the points. I'm just wondering when this decrease in points will stop. I'm down 3 points a day from when I started. I don't want to complain to much, because each decrease in points means a decrease in weight... which is pretty cool.

To celebrate the lack of points, I went for a run. I was going for 30 minutes, but while I was stretching I decided to go for 40 minutes. While I was running, I decided to go for 45 minutes. A little later, I realized I could get in 4 miles if I went just a bit longer. So, I ran for my 4 miles and I feel great! I'm sure my legs will tell me otherwise tomorrow. For now, I'm basking in the glow of my running success.

As for tomorrow, I plan to dig myself out of another snowfall. It's been an odd winter so far (and it really isn't winter yet). We have about a foot of snow on the ground, with almost another foot expected in the next few days. Skeeter is thrilled to have all of this new snow to bound around the yard in. He's like a puppy again out there. In fact, he played so hard to day that he is passed out on the floor in front of me. Sleeping dogs are so cute!

Jingle Bells

Yesterday, I ran the Northfield, MN Jingle Bell Run 5K. It was wonderful! It was in the upper 20s and warming up. As you can see, the sun was shinning and we were all ready to go. (I'm in black with a blue scarf) My wonderful husband and Skeeter the Wonder Dog were there to cheer me on. Skeeter wasn't so sure about it all, but he did like the attention he was getting.

Races in Northfield hold significant memories for me. You'd think they'd be wonderful, but they aren't. The first 5K I did here was 3 years ago in the fall. I had been battling a bad back all summer, and didn't run very much. I was the first time I had to walk during my 5K races. It seemed like the hills were HUGE. The next year, I ran with my friend Kari. She told me not to worry and pick someone who I knew I could pass and beat. She picked on for me... a blind man. At about 2 miles I heard a click, click, click... Before I knew it, the blind man passed me. It still hurts.

So, I'm ready to go (2 years later). We are begin the race and I look to my right and who do I see? The blind man!!! You can see him in that picture. I was filled with dread. At 1.5 km, he passed me again. So, to mark this tragic occasion I took his picture to prove to Kari that this had happened again!

In spite of all this, I had a blast and felt really good about it all. I'd wanted to do this run for 4 years, and it was worth it! Too bad my next race isn't until Mother's Day. I may have to find another somewhere soon.

Home again!

I just got back from an amazing trip to Mississippi. What made it so good? I passed my PT test!!! OK, that should be expected, but it wasn't for me. I let myself go over the past few years. I ate my pain of infertility away. I'm lazy. In June, I realized I couldn't live like this anymore. However, I had a summer of trips with the Hurricane Hunters and realized a diet over the summer wouldn't work.

So, in October I started Weight Watchers on-line. I have a great friend, Jackie, who did this last spring and lost 60 lbs. She inspired me. So, I jumped in with both feet (what a tidal wave).

I've lost 25 pounds in a little over 2 months and feel great. losing those 25 pounds has made it so much easier to run. In fact, I cut about 2 minutes off my run time (1.5 mile) and 3 inches off my waist! Yeah!!!!

I was so excited about my run time that I screamed and fell on my knees on the track. My commander was there, so I felt really stupid. However, he said it inspired him. What a HUGE compliment.

Anyway, that's what I've been doing. I'd say it's been tough but it hasn't. I love this program and I feel great! I'm going to make my weight and fitness goals and I can't wait!!!