Aloha Jeff: Year-round school--sounds like a good thing to me!

And very much like college, a schedule that I'm familiar, maybe too familiar, with. Hopefully the Queen likes it, too. I'd imagine the Princesses are used to being treated like celebrities; I remember some of the early pics you took of them getting autographs and photo ops with running celebs. They certainly are photogenic.
I read your list of foods, and I have to say it sounds pretty tasty. I can see why all those goodies might not be conducive to losing weight. Then again, I don't think you need to. Must be your running club's motto working for you. And I got a good chuckle at the cartoons and really enjoyed your description of catching and neutralizing (ew) tako. You always provide us with cool visual things--and now I'm gaining some insights into Hawaiian language and culture, too. .

Plus, now I know you scuba dive--you're an all-around athlete.
Oh, and

to the driver of the van who killed the bicyclist.

to the family at this difficult time.
Stacie: I'm with you--a strong margarita to go with spicy Mexican food. You want to balance out the flavors, you know. Yay for getting your reservations!
You're back in the pool--this time for swimming! (You're my aquacise water baby, you know.) 1/2 hour is impressive, and I can see you enjoying lessons and even more pool time. You should definitely get new goggles, I think. Good gear is never extraneous, IMO.
Tracy: Ugh to losing electricity; I have to go around resetting the clocks and other minor annoyances. But....good for you for going out for a run anyway. (And with a good time, too.) I sometimes wish DOOD was the "stay in bed" type, but he's a morning lark when it comes to the running. Going to bed early, that's another story.

And just when I want to pop a movie into the DVD player, too.
AmyK: I'm glad you enjoyed (mostly)
Breaking Dawn. I know how it feels to be let down by a favorite series. I'll definitely be seeing the film adaptation of Twilight, too. Can't miss a phenomenon. I wonder what her next project will be? Yay for doing w4d1 and for finding a good, sustainable pace.

I think you're doing a really smart thing with your long cool downs, too. I've been trying to emulate that strategy and it seems to work. Love the tunes, btw! Catheters, though, I don't love so much. IME, they don't cause pain, really, I was just aware of "things." DD sounds like quite the feisty trouper with the whole situation. (The holding down thing...yea, I'm willing to bet that was a bigger factor.)
Congratulations on your weight loss back to your pre-vacation weight. That's terrific! You really have been doing great with becoming leaner. I'm a big proponent of Ys for the family vibe, the classes, the potential for variety. I don't belong to one currently, but my FC operates very much like one in those respects. Very family-oriented and even has trainers who specialize in physical therapy & gerontology. I like being around people of all ages and backgrounds. So, yeah, I like the Y or other community centers/gyms.
Your ressie question: I have to defer to others on this one, but it's my understanding that it's easy. The only thing you have to be aware of is if you have numerous special requests that accompany the reservation (e.g. fridge, location, birthdays, etc.). In that case, make sure you double-check with the CM who makes the change to make sure nothing gets accidentally deleted.
Howard: Why do your fun facts make me go

? That's terrific, and certainly provides info that helps create a bigger picture of your leaner success (not to mention the miles and pace). Even thought I know it's not particularly accurate, I do so love looking at my totals on my Nike+. Oh, and you had a very healthy XT day in terms of variety.
Mike: I hope you and your 6yo enjoyed the Museum of Science and Industry--I'm sure you did, as a matter of fact. And I'm sending you some PD for a good, pain-free run tomorrow on your new shoes. After a couple of days off, it'll feel really good to get out there I'm sure!
Beth: Woo hoo for the early a.m. run--we expect that kind of strong will from you. But double and triple woo hoo for a night in Atlantic City with DH!

It sounds so right to have a date night! That's a healthy family relationship example to follow!
As for me: An odd day, schedule-wise. I met with my new (would-be?) Chair about my fall teaching situation, her suggestion. I don't know why--nothing's changed. In other words, she's still expecting approval to go through and expecting me to teach the film classes. But still no formal word from administration. And no contract. I'm being too hard on her--she's being very reassuring. She explained that she'd been promised an answer on the situation yesterday (and to expect a green light); that's why we met today. It's just that I'm frustrated. And a big part of the reason I'm frustrated is because it interfered with my workout schedule. I ended up working out tonight, which isn't nearly as good for me. I got my XT in, but it throws me a bit off.
On a happier note, tomorrow is DOOD and my 1-year wedding anniversary. Oh, we've been together forever, but married for a year. Our big plans? Nothing like the "healthy relationship" advice Beth so sagely provided. I told him I'd make him dinner tomorrow; when he told me I was going to do that anyway, I replied, "I was hoping you wouldn't figure that out."

No, really, we'll both be working tomorrow and won't really celebrate our "anniversary" until the 14th. It's not our wedding anniversary, but it's the day we celebrate becoming a committed couple--no need to change the date, right?

(That's not to say I won't try to convince him on a little celebration tomorrow, not if I can double-dip on observing the occasion. With ice cream and other forms of sweetness, of course!

)