Dave: I can't ever imagine you as shy! But that's what others say about me, so it makes sense, as much sense as knowing that going to a WISH meet will be like a family reunion.
I don't want to make any of us sad, though, at the wait until ToT--so I'll just concentrate on how I get to "see" you several times a week. Yay for the weight loss and for getting back to that perfect weight for you. And I'm so glad that you posted about the core exercises--the more you (and Amy Beth, Carrie, all the Lean Meaners, etc.) remind me, the more I think, "C'mon, you have time for a quick set of crunches!"
And in the big news: It's great that Erica is healing well & moving. We're all proud of her. Let the 6-week countdown begin!
Lisa: DOOD wants to know if you know the word "dope slap," the back of the head slap you give someone when they're being, and I quote from his description, "a doofus."
I had no idea of that one, either, so maybe it's me. And I promise I won't make people look for me because, indeed, the threat of even greater embarrassment does work on me. Thanks for, um, caring!
I'm glad to hear that your recover goes well and that you're taking this opportunity to do some XT, which I think will do wonders for your ToT time. While your medical professionals sound great, sometimes you can best appreciate people if you're limited in exposure to them--like my extended family!
Beth: I love the DSis with watch story--it's like you're a fitness-tools drug pusher! And hey, aren't your strong negative splits results sort of like a contact high, with her excitement about the pace rubbing off on you? I think you could be a spokesperson! And re the story of the rude marathoner; I wouldn't call her a runner, as I think "real" runners are cool & supportive. She may be a racer, but I wouldn't design to bestow the runner label on her. And pssshhhhh, of course you're fit. I hope to be able to run as far as you sometime in the (hopefully not-too-distant) future.
Jeanne: You took the words right out my mouth, re: secretary (not even worthy of the term racer). I always want you in my corner.
Mike: Are you sure your running was in Chicago & not in Fargo? That was the only place I'd lived where it didn't matter what direction you went in, you were headed into the headwind. (It's also the only place I've ever lived with strong enough winds to blow me several feet to my left or right on a regular basis.) Given those winds, I'd say you should be really pleased with your time. And oooo, a whole 36 hours off?? Slacker!
Vic: WTG with your 3 milers. But big, impressive
for the TV. Me likey. Of course, you might now have enough room for some of those cars, now....
Connie: I meant to tell you...I call myself a "healthy girl," which was my grandmother's way of telling me, approvingly, of my big appetite & height. Some people may think of it as a euphemism, but I love it. And one of the first times DOOD & I went out, he called me statuesque--which I analyzed to no end at the time. (And it's an exaggeration, as I'm not that tall.) But I love such terms.
Lily: You take care of those "old bones" of yours, as your body knows when it needs a break. I do so hope you get a chance to bike to work, if for no other reason than your co-workers will have someone to serve as inspiration! Plus, I don't think they'll think you're off, especially with these gas prices!
Maria: I'm so sorry to hear about your week, especially your grandfather's passing away, the anniversary of your mother's death, and DS's school closing. I don't know how I would hold up under such a week.
I'm sure your grandfather knew how much you loved him, so please don't feel guilty. I can't even imagine the stress you're under about the school, or how your DS must be feeling. I'm so glad that you found some time to do good things for yourself, because you need to do that too. You're a strong woman whom I admire greatly--the epitome of a pretty princess.
On a lighter note, I have to tell you that this is the first time I've heard I might look unapproachable because I'm "together and fit." You actually made me snort out loud, because I'm that kind of classy. Usually, I get I'm unapproachable because of my heavy eyebrows, which always make me look like I'm angry. Thanks for brightening my day; I just hope I can do the same for you.
But ITA with
Lisa, I want us all the approach each other, regardless of the reasons we might hesitate: nerves, shyness, whatever. I know that I was feeling so nervous (and shy) at the Goofy last year, and couldn't work myself up to walking up to WISH folk before/after the races, although on the course it was different. That's my one regret from the marathon weekend. (Yes, Lisa, there's a good chance that was me--but I chalk it up to my nerves more than anything.) I so want to meet everyone, Maria, and I would consider it a great loss if I never got to know you. Nothing you've said is inappropriate. We all feel a little down about ourselves. Remember, we love you, we support you, and you've enriched our lives.
Stacie: SOOOO glad to see you back! I know exactly what you mean by being overwhelmed by training...been there, and am there again right with you, as my 1/2 is shortly after the Minnie. Remember, though, that it's your training that is allowing you to go these longer distances--that and your determination. I know you can do it!
Tracey: I think your 7 miler time was excellent; you must run very quickly, have short walk breaks, or not have much difference between your runs & walks (at least compared to me) to have such a great time. And woo hoo for not falling on your face! I'm convinced that your DS needs to be a trainer for my benefit--he could virtually coach me on the running, Amy Beth with Pilates, and Lisa with nutrition.
And you're right--it is the right time to buy a house. DOOD & I are going to try to quickly find a rental place with a fairly flexible lease & house-hunt near the same time. We just come to our decisions slowly, as we really have a hard time agreeing on what we're looking for. (Heck, half the time we don't agree on dinner.)
As for me: Well, DOOD & I had a busy weekend. Like I mentioned before, we began looking--very casually--at rental properties. The rule of thumb is that our new digs should be near where we live now or in an adjacent neighborhood so we can continue our pedestrian lifestyles. We also went to some open houses yesterday, which was eye opening. We don't need a lot of house, so we can prioritize location, but we haven't decided what we really want other than location.
In other news, I had my SP weigh-in today & I'm down 2 pounds from last Tuesday. Of course, this last week--with all the stress workouts--I really worked my booty off (really! I don't know where it is?). And I didn't eat as well as I should have--need more food--but I'll see if I can keep the loss. It hasn't met Maria's magic 3-day formula yet.
And in case I haven't said this to all my Lean Meaners & WISHmates: I am a better person for knowing you. 
I've NEVER done anything like this before so the idea of a 5 miler on Wed, 3 on Friday and then 7 on Sunday is just blowing my mind. Then the following Sunday, I'm scheduled for 8 miles! 
I'm back to work so let's hope and I get this hunger beast under control! My plan is to get to the gym tonight for the required 50 min of XT. I hope to do all elliptical, but the longest so far on that is 40 min. Since I missed last week, I may just do 30 min on the elliptical and the rest on the bike trainer. We'll see...
and trying to catch up with y'all. And...."jack slap" is my new favorite word. Oh, the things I learn here!
for the man who knows how to use a vacuum and do laundry. Good luck at the dentist.
She actually said it twice, not believing me........
3) she thinks that only people who look like herself are worthy 4) she is very narrow minded and 5) We don't like her!!! None of us! 
I feel horrible that it may have been you standing so close and not feeling welcome enough to join us. Angie was ready to pass out with the people so I was playing mommy. And, yes the threat of higher embarrassment works on me also so I figured it would bring the rest of you out of your shells. We truly are not so different...
--because we lived these transient lives for so long. So it's a mind shift, and a lifestyle change, for us in many ways. And I'm willing to bet you good money that DOOD and I will have several, um, divergent opinions about things. But hey, you'll all be on my side, right? 
It sounds like you and DOOD will be able to non-verbally communicate if & when you two meet--try not to leave any bruises from the slapping. 
