Day 263

The boy has been coughing since before hockey tryouts last weekend. It's gotten worse and worse, and frankly, it's grossing me out. Plus, he needed a physical for his Scout trek in a few weeks. So, we hit the Doc-in-the-Box and got him checked out. He doesn't really feel this pathetic - it's just that he takes every opportunity to lay down. He is 15 after all!!

Day 262

Marathon training starts in six days. This is the race of a lifetime, even though it will be marathon #9* for me. I've waited four years for this opportunity, and I am going to soak in every step and enjoy the ride. To be able to do so means I am going to have to work like a dog this summer and really, really hit all my training runs so I can reap the benefits of that work on November 7. Bring it!

*I originally posted that this would be #8 for me, but I had to stop and think about it before I remembered that I've done the full at Cowtown twice. Both were nightmares, so I guess I blocked them out of my consciousness!! But, this will be #9!

Day 261

Hockey tryouts, part deux. Because he didn't get a contract with Dallas Stars Selects for the fall, we had to find an alternate team for Sandro to play with. Luckily, we have some connections and were able to get a one-on-one tryout with one of the Mansfield coaches, so he will be playing high school JV hockey this year.

Day 260

Sunday is long run day, and I had the chance to meet up with one of my running buddies, Kris, out at White Rock Lake. It was not as hot as last week's run, what with the breezes blowing off the lake, and we had a lot more shade. We ran about nine miles, and ended the morning with pancakes, every runner's favorite post-run treat (if it's not, it should be!!). It was a great way to start off the day!

Day 259

Rodger was the inspiration for my 365 project, and he is days away from finishing his year in photos. So I thought it was only fitting tonight that I take a photo of him taking a photo. Recursive much?

Day 258

Much like Thursday nights are reserved for speedskating practice, Friday nights have become gymnastics nights. Boys Gold class is on Friday night, and Ben's group works on the same type of things that the boys' competitive team works on. He's almost ready to move up to Team, which means our lives and schedules are about to get all kinds of crazy!

Day 257

Thursdays are speedskating days. Go fast, turn left. Rinse, repeat.

Day 256

Drove out to the north end of town to meet up with my runner friends for our usual Wednesday night run tonight. I got caught in a hideous traffic jam and ended up going about two miles in 20 minutes. I can run faster than that. Bah - traffic sucks.

Day 255

Ben-jammin' & I, done with gymnastics, headed home.

Day 254

One of the more stately properties in Arlington is an attorney's office up near the school, in an older part of town. I run by here at least once a week during my sons' Scout meetings, and I'd never stopped to appreciate the beautiful grounds and fountain in front of the building. Until tonight, when the mid-90s temps had me searching out any liquid and coolness I could find!!

Day 253

Had a great day with good friends celebrating Father's Day and this guy's second birthday. He is such a sweet little boy, and we all enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to him before he blew out his candle. Happy Birthday, Jorden!

Day 252

Dad's working, Sandro's at a Scout campout and Ben-jammin' & I had not a whole lot to do today. So we ended up at the only logical place to be when it's a freakin' hot day in Texas.

Day 251

Evening run tonight; bridge at the park looks almost spooky.

Day 250

Since Sandro is back into inline skating full-out now, he's heading out before indoor practice to outdoor sessions. It's the best way to build endurance that will help him with the indoor racing. Plus, it's the best way to enjoy the Texas summer!

Day 249

This is very often his preferred position for watching television. Such is life with a boy that is part monkey.

Day 248

The Three Musketeers before gymnastics class. They always have a great time together.

Day 247

In celebration of Flag Day today, one of my son's Scout friends led a flag retirement ceremony. For his Eagle Scout project, he collected hundreds of old, torn and worn-out flags, of all sizes, which the boys meticulously folded and prepared for an honorable and fitting disposal.

Day 246

Red Light Runners met up today for another long run, this time along the Trinity river trails. It was sweltering, muggy & hilly, but we had a blast, even if we were hot stinky messes by the end of it...

Day 245

Went walking with my BFF Alicia this morning, which meant I got to see Mr. Garza & Miss Olivia as well. This was a great way to start the day!

Day 245

A boy & his cat, visiting my office during my workday. Both are spoiled rotten, constantly hungry, wander the house at night & are certain they see ghosties in the walls. It's true.

*and yes, I know. I posted it Saturday morning, but I took it on Friday afternoon. I just forgot to post it Friday night. Sorry!

Day 244

Is it in you? after a good workout in an unair-conditioned barn, nothing tastes as good as a little Gatorade.

Day 243

Since I was in the neighborhood after my Wednesday night run with the Red Light Runners, I stopped in for a quick visit at Casa de Strother. It was fun to get a glimpse of the daily chaos that is life with my favorite 2-year-old, but it wore me out!

Day 242

Shhh, don't tell my quasi-trainer/nutritionist, but Ben-jammin' & I may have had a snack after gymnastics & running tonight...

Day 241

Texas is crazy hot already this summer & the intense heat couples with all the humidity in the air to create some pretty dramatic clouds. Sadly they were all for show today & didn't actually give us any rain.

Day 240

Baby duckings!! adorable & we had to stop & take a pic on our morning run!

Day 239

Bath time for both cars tonight & I had a front-row "supervisor" seat.

Day 238

Had a really bad run tonight so I made myself feel better by self-medicating with take-out sushi. Seemed to have worked.

Day 237

Go, Sandro, go!! Our baby buddy Jorde enjoyed watching speedskating practice almost as much as he enjoys watching hockey.

Day 236

This will not end well... if not for the cat, for my bowl...

Day 235

Believe it or not, this guy & his friends live about two miles from my house in middle of town. He was very friendly & came right over to say hello.