One foot in front of the other. Repeat.

Well, I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I can't believe I'm really going through with this marathon business. Even if I have to crawl, I will finish this.

Unless the weather's bad...then I'll spend the morning with Scott, Ana, and mimosas. :D

Happily, the weather report predicts clear skies and highs in the upper 50s. It should be a great day; a grand adventure.

I really, really, really want to have a great story when I return. Yes. I am nervous, excited, frightened.

This first semester back in school has kinda put me through the wringer, so I am looking forward to the 26.2 miles of running back to myself (my old stomping grounds, my old friends, my old athletic self).

Anyway, thanks for stickin' with me through my absence and non-posting. Just three more weeks of school, 90 pages of writing, 850 pages of reading -- not that I'm counting.

Oh yeah...I've lost 20 pounds since I got here.

Ten Things

I am thankful for…

1. My parents being so caring that I never once questioned whether I was loved (call your parents).


2. Having friends from childhood who can share earlier (ridiculous) memories of my parents (I’m an only child…call your siblings.)


3. My two best friends from childhood being married to each other – saves me a phone call.


4. Laughter.


5. Sports.


6. My last day in Las Cruces…lunch in the park with Dinah and my students letting me sneak her into class. (She lay in my lap while I graded their speeches.)


7. Having her as my co-pilot for the drive to Iowa.


8. Being able to spend the last two days of Dinah’s life holding her while she lay on my chest.


9. My rental manager being willing to hug me when the vet wouldn’t.


10. You.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

My parents are crazy...or drunk

Oh for crying out loud. I got this e-mail from my parents in the Philippines. Based on the time stamp, they _couldn't_ have been drunk -- right? First of all, they're never this chatty. And is that a "video of me and your mom doing it" joke in there? Yikes.

Hey Kiddo,

Your mother and I just wanted to wish you a Happy Holiday but I can see that you are reading this but not really understanding any of it... your head is somewhere else... isn't it... You should be getting into the SNOWY season here real soon... if not already... well I have attached a picture of me and ma I just took today... about ten minutes ago... with my little camera... I messed it up and pushed the video button and got some candid moments... trashed them... don't want that kind of stuff out in the open... GOTCHA... got cha thinking now huh... nothing to blush about... your mother was just saying she had her eyes closed for both shots and we had to do it over... How's my dogs dealing with the cold weather... they still getting outside to play and chase the ball?? NO... you lazy brat...

Love you Knuckle Head