run? jog? bouncy walk?

I'm not entirely sure how you could classify my dryland exercise adventure today. It certainly wasn't a run . . . maybe more of a jog, with a bit of a bouncy walk thrown in.

But, I did it! As you know I made a deal with myself that I was going to enter AND COMPLETE the "See Jane Tri" ladies only triathlon this fall. So, time to step up, lace up the sneakers, hit the track and see how it goes. Not too bad actually. I dug out some running garb, loaded up my little ipod with Dave Matthews music and drove over to the Monte Vista track. I know, a little counter intuitive, driving to the running spot. My idea was that the track would give me measurable "milestones" so that I could track my progress. Small problem, the MV track is closed until late July. Where now? Not SRV, chances are the Hoots would have a game there and I certainly didn't want to run into them. . .ah-ha Las Lomas in Walnut Creek- also close to Trader Joes for a dinner ingredient pick up. Although the pool at Las Lomas was full of young men playing water polo, the track was empty. Before I left for this adventure I did some reading online and decided that a slow and steady approach was going to be the best. 20 minutes of "movement" was all I was expecting of myself, broken into alternate walk/jog. So lap one, walk (sort of speedy) lap two jog . . . hmmm surprisingly not difficult. Let me say here, I could have maintained this pace and done lap three jog too, but decided to stick to the original plan and avoid "injury". Lap four jog. . . small arm pump, I've completed a mile! lap five walk, lap six jog. I could keep going, but have hit my 20 minute mark.

Kinda fun. I'm sure I'll feel something in my back or hips later but for now, I'm rather pleased.
This afternoon I'll hit the pool for the first time since the biopsy- if it stings (the incision) I'm outta there, but I'm hoping for a nice, long, stretching swim.

So, I'm officially entered. I'm starting my training. I'm going to do this thing! See Linda swim, cycle and run (or jog, or bouncy walk)

A beautiful word . . .

It's like a game show from the 60's. Put the two pictures together to sound out the most wonderful word to hear today.

Two days ago, after a follow up digital mammogram, I had a breast biopsy done. To preface this let me tell you what the radiologist said when she read the second mammogram, "I'm not 100% sure it's cancer" . . . hummmm, not the most reassuring thing to hear. Anyhow, I kept a very positive attitude- at the very least I realized that we found the little bugger very early and treatment, should it be necessary, would be simple. After we finished the biopsy on Tuesday she told me she would call in 4-5 business days to let me know results. Here, two days later, she calls with the GREAT news and the only caveat is that I need to go back in 6 months.

The past 2 weeks have been excellent in terms of giving perspective. Life is short- make the most of the time you have, and take good care of yourself. So, the moment the doctor gives permission (this weekend) I'm back in the pool AND am starting training in earnest for the "See Jane Tri" a ladies only triathlon which benefits breast cancer research. Randy and I have had time to make promises to keep care of ourselves, and each other. I hope you all will do the same.

To the ladies out there, be sure to keep current on your mammograms!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

As I finally have time to sit and write this today Ashley who is on East coast time has already moved onto June 20th.
Twenty four years ago today (the 19th) our lives changed forever.
I remember just before she was born I had a sudden panic and was worried I was under qualified to be a parent (I was) and would never be able to rise to the task.
I think we did okay.
This gorgeous (and smart) baby is now in an "off off" Broadway play, she is totally self sufficient and "living the dream" in NYC.
With good intentions and lots of love, things turned out well.
Live your life as you started it- loud and in control, causing all those around you to fall in love with this magical person.
Happy Birthday Ashley Anne Harrell!

what happens in Vegas . . . comes home in Travis' pocket

To celebrate his 21st birthday, as Ashley had enjoyed before, Travis experienced the Mom and Dad trip to Las Vegas. June in Las Vegas is a very warm affair. Temperatures were over 100 degrees all three days we were there but that didn't stop the intrepid Harrell's from walking the length of the strip from the Wynn to Mandalay Bay. We enjoyed a wonderful show, hung out at the pool, ate and drank plenty and of course, did a little lever pulling (gambling ala' slot machine).

The agreement was this, Travis was given $100 to do with as he pleased. He started slowly and enjoyed his time at the nickel slots never losing too much. Monday after walking to Paris for breakfast we decided to head down to the Wynn and work our way back to our hotel (MGM). Once in the Treasure Island Randy spotted his favorite "wheel of fortune" machines. Travis sat down and after a slow start had a very lucky streak. We had quite a system, my job was to count winnings so that he always quit ahead. His job was to be loving to the machine which seemed to love him back. Over $200 later (in the black) we walked back to our hotel. Monday night after a walk in the opposite direction and Travis having a ride on the roller coaster at NY NY we spied some "lucky" $1 machines- these would come to bless us this morning. After a late breakfast today I stood guard at the machine Travis chose as he and Randy got ready to come in for the kill. Randy gave Travis $30 in coin which he promptly turned into about $150. All in all the kid went home with about $400 in his pocket he didn't have when we landed in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.

Sunday we also went to the newest Cirque de Soleil which is based on Beatles music- VERY GOOD. Perfect for a huge Beatles fan (Randy) and someone who loves all music (Travis)

A wonderful trip, excellent memories, and Randy made money too- no wonder we are all smiling!

A moment of pride. . .

As parents most of us can reflect on times when we stood particularly proud and often that involved something our kids did. It starts with small things like actually making it to the toilet on time and grows over time to include athletic, academic and social accomplishments.

Today I had a moment of extreme pride and it was my Mom who inspired it.

You may remember a bit ago when I "revealed" that I had been born Republican and chose to become a Democrat? My parents were both Republicans when they first arrived here as their close circle included all or mostly Republicans. That same circle remains even though some have probably changed their views (or maybe not, who knows). Today my Mom got an email which was one of those stereotypical bashing emails about Obama. She said that deleting it didn't give the satisfaction she needed so she REPLIED ALL and said "Folks, this is hate mail"

Right now I'm standing an applauding this 76 year old woman who simply had enough. A brave step and one that makes me want to stand next to her, hold my head up high, and thank her for saying "enough is enough" Way to go Mom!

looking for something to do this weekend?

do you already have plans for next weekend?
if not, please check out the link below . . .
http://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news/may08/peace29may08.htm
Previews start Thursday the 12th and opening night is June 20th.
more than anything I wish I could see this!

sunday . . . updates

This will be boring.
As of today, my annual swim mileage is 172.68 miles. Given the date, it appears that the original goal of 300 miles should be fairly easily achieved. Now I also have breathing room for some anticipated absences from the pool. This coming week I'll miss 4 swims, it will make June light, but I have to look at the end game and not worry about small setbacks.
Sunday we take Travis to Las Vegas for his "21 year old celebration"
We have show tickets in hand and between that and some time to read and relax, I'm a happy gal.
I'll leave the gambling to Randy and Travis! wish them luck!

Fahrvergnügen

Remember the ads from the 80's or 90's which had this little phrase in it?
Do we know what it means?
I have an idea, now in 2008 when gas is over $4.00 per gallon farvegnugen means "you get more than 14 mpg (like in your Ford F150)
it also means "when you move away to college, your mom gets to drive something with working air conditioning"
Frustrated by fuel costs we elected to invest in a commuter car for Kyle. Now he gets to ride with leather, heated seats. Working air con, a 6CD changer, power front seats (adjustable for individual drivers), a moon roof, and every other goodie a good German car could provide. Am I jealous? hell yes. Am I bitter, well . . . maybe just a bit!

a happy dance!

I know this looks like it's probably McCain supporters, but it was the best I could come up with this late at night, and after a long day.

Yahoo, the primary season is finally over. Conventional wisdom says that Hillary will finally "suspend" her campaign on Friday and we can then begin to coalesce the message of the Democratic party and get to the business of winning the White House in November.

It's going to be an exciting election year. California is also going to have it's share of interesting propositions to consider. I feel like I'm back in the 60's and we will be fighting for peace and civil rights. Now, that's a fight I can get ready for!

Sunday morning pundits

I love watching political TV. Most evenings, when making dinner I first spend a little time with Keith Olbermann on Countdown and then Dan Abrams on Verdict. I love both these shows as they have a pretty even panel representing all sides. On the weekend you can watch a little George Stephanopolis, (I meant a small amount, although he is little). Tim Russert, Face the Nation, just about anything you want. Today my friend Fiona sent me this clip as a forward from her brother in Tennessee. Do you suppose these are the new FOX news hosts? Please watch it- VERY GOOD!