Monday, September 29, 2008

Negative emotions

I may be the most negative person this Monday morning. I know I have not taken to the blog lately, but I have been incredibly busy.

Today is one of those days where I know I am in a "funk" and just can't shake it. Many of you know MW and I move to Charlotte a year and a half ago when Wachovia relocated us here. We love Charlotte and hope to stay a very long time. With all that is spiraling out of control in the US Economy I am starting to just feel crippled. The office does me no favors since I work at a Bank! With Wachovia being sold to Citi it is bound to significantly impact my city and the landscape in which we live. With last week's purchase of Merrill Lynch my company now has a significant amount of real estate in NY and NJ- mind you this is where we moved from. Does anyone see where this is heading- I don't want to move again and although I probably will not have to I fear for my little city, my neighbors and the community as a whole. My neighbor has worked for Wachovia for 33 years. I am sure his day is a lot harder than mine.
Of course while all of this is happening we have zero gasoline in this city and as with the rest of the country everything has gotten SO expensive! I just feel as though we are spiraling out of control- and I am much safer in my own little world somewhere where I do not have to deal with this- unfortunately, none of us our exempt and we are all trying to see this through to the other side. I know that MW and I are much better off than most during this trying time for our country, but I want to put it out there that the fear is in me and I sweat over this every day....I pray for all of my friends and family and that we will all come out of this as better stronger human beings.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Off Again

I am heading on a last minute trip to the fine state of Delaware. Work has been nuts, so the posting has gone to the wayside.

As a quick update- the 1/2 marathon is in Charlotte and anyone who is interested in joining can stay at my house for the weekend. We have plenty of spare space!!!!

More updates soon.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Running

Maybe if I blog about running it will make my commitment that much more real. I have signed up for a half marathon on December 13th. I know I mentioned it before and then the crazy summer heat set in and I hid from the outdoors. I set September 1st as my benchmark of when I had to get my act together.
So, sure enough September 1st I set out for an easy, but hilly 3 mile run. It was still HOT out, but the breeze made the 88 degrees more bearable (I don't know how so many people do it- running in the extreme heat).
Tuesday I spent some time looking at various training plans and then yesterday I absolutely forced myself out the door. I DID NOT want to run- it was 6:30 when we got home and I was starving- running did not sound too exciting. It must have been the mentality because the entire run was painful. It was hotter than Monday and there were people BBQ'ing along the entire run. I probably ran just shy of three miles, but the run was just not a good one. I had cramping and muscle pain. Either way, I did it and accomplished my goal: Run 2 work nights a week- the next goal: Begin longer weekend runs on Saturday or Sunday.
I read blogs like Fresh Toth and am so inspired and I only hope that I can be that strong. I remind myself of my competing priorities and am going to try and make running more of one. MW is not overly supportive of this initiative because he wants me to get a road bike to ride with him (ever since his knee surgery in January running is not comfortable). I am all for biking, just not spending the money on a road bike. I also really want to accomplish this goal. I do not desire a full marathon, but a 1/2 is something I have been wanting to do for years. December is the perfect time for me to run it since I am not a great warm weather runner.

I will keep everyone posted on my progress as I begin to dive into training. If anyone has any plans or advice I welcome it. I did find some great info online, but there is nothing like advice from a friend.

Next post will be photos from last weekend's wedding in Hartford. Anne was the most beautiful bride!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Update

My grandfather successfully completed round one of therapy. And in true fashion to his personality he says, "I feel fine." So, we are all praying that he continues to "feel fine." He felt so well, that he received the full dose of chemo. He had half of dose the first day and the second half before he left the hospital. His next treatment will be in three weeks and he will continue treatments for three months. The next dose is supposed to be a bit stronger or different and that is when they caution extreme fatigue, but for now my grandfather is proving to us how strong he really is.

As a side note, his doctor told him she is a bit concerned for him because the oldest patient she has ever treated was 86. He is 89. Imagine being the oldest patient a doctor has ever treated? It is almost an honor if it wasn't for such a lousy illness. He is blessed to have lived to 89 and to be strong enough to fight this cancer.