Ooooh, it's been a busy, busy thread!
Jen: Awww, the story about your DH giving you the
was so cute. Running IS the way to find your happy place, you know. And if I tell you that, maybe I'll believe it about me, too. I just need an emotional GPS, you know? But if we keep moving, I think we'll both find our places.
I'm glad you get to go camping and enjoy all the sights. So tell me, is camping like seeing how the "other half" lives for you or is it more like a homecoming? (Homecoming, in my case.)
Johanna: 6 p.m. race, Maine, mid-July. Oh, I'm sure it'll be cool and crisp.
It's in Maine, after all. And if it's not, why, then you have incentive to move even faster so that you can finish!!
Plus, you know, you graduated C25K, so this is like your processional. Sort of fits right along with you becoming a DIS veteran! (I'm a permanent Mouseketeer, I think.)
I won't tell you how much I love some of the foods you mentioned, because I know you're on the WW wagon. I will look into the Hungry Girl cookbook, too. And know you're always welcome on the Lean Meaner thread.
Nancy: Beth tells us that you didn't get to visit WDW? Boo. But you did get exercise in, which surprised no one here. You are so consistent.
Robert: If anyone can go through your injury/surgery and complete PT in time to be ready for the DL, it's you! They have the technology, you have the willpower, and I think of you as the million-dollar RW. Now, c'mon, give me that Steve Austin smile!
Mel: It sounds like your C25K is going well--feeling up to the 20 minutes? I'm still stuck on W3 as I try to build speed--it's not coming easy to me, at least with the breathing.
I've not read Evanovich yet--can you believe it? Anita Blake reminds me a bit of Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski, though, in her concern with working out and clothing. (But without the interest in socio-political commentary.) I cut my teeth on hard-boiled novels by Marlowe, Chandler, and Hammett, so that's my background. The fantasy angle is new to me; I was just interested in reading a NYT best-selling author whose books were a hybrid of fantasy/detective. We'll see how it goes--you know I tend to devour several of a series and then move on.
JenB: Can I call you Jen B? Welcome to the family!!!
So the podcasts provide info on the January races? Cool, now I need to listen to them!! I saw that very same Nova special and found it fascinating--although I wish they would have followed some of the participants' journeys more closely. (Like the guy who bonked during a LR because of fueling issues.) I'm so impressed that you and DH just jumped right in to the Minnie. Good for you!! And then on to DL and the 1/2!
Don't worry about speed and walk breaks. You'll find we run the gamut here--or should I say run, walk, and run/walk the gamut here. And you'll get plenty of advice and support--we're a friendly bunch here on Ohana (chatty, too). Then again, so is all of WISH. I think it brings out the best in all of us, not just as athletes but as people.
I know Robert and Linda are in for the DL 1/2, as are people on the weekly WISH thread (Jeff and Tracey come to mind).
Maria: We've been missing you. August can't come quickly enough, IMO. I don't think you need any excuse for a new pair of running shoes. All the better to run with and track down those young gazelles. (New heels, though. Nope, can't justify them. Ouch.)
As for your reading and writing...my dear, you ARE coherent, cogent, insightful, eloquent, and just plain funny! Hello, Miss Remiss who's missing.
I stand by all my statements, including a desire for a WISH book club of which you are a part. Your lists of books always inspire me. Maybe not always to read the exact titles, but to read widely and wildly. (As I advise my students.)
I read the entire post--my iPod suggestions are coming up--and I'll take the ComicCon tickets. Because I already have your love, right? I swear, I'm going to get out there someday. (Some friends are going for their wedding anniversary--and I'm jealous!)
Jeanne: I'm always amazed at how many of Jefferson Starship songs I know. (Sorry, didn't know Airplane until I was familiar with Starship--although I did want to be Grace Slick for a while). I would love to own DVC. DOOD and I talk about it casually from time to time, but now's not the time for us. House first, kwim?
What, you didn't love
The Great Gatsby?
You wouldn't fail, but you'd probably hate the class! No, you're right--it's not everyone's cup of tea, especially if you like a more plot-oriented book. But as a character study of an American type. And the last lines..... Wow. I usually have students look at
The Great Gatsby alongside
Citizen Kane as two innovative works of the 20th century. Most will (grudgingly) admit I have a point. That's the best I can hope for, most days.
The ice-cream place in Royal Oak you're looking for is
Ray's Ice Cream. Now, the location won't seem as picturesque as much of Royal Oak, but it's an institution. Go there, hang out for a while, and you'll see the gamut of locals: baseball teams, couples in love, bikers, families.... And the ice-cream ain't bad, either!
Let me know if you want suggestions on other eats in the area, although I know you have a tour guide who will want to impress you! (Hint: Blue Nile Ethiopian in fashionable Ferndale...yummy.)
Richard: I'm so glad to hear you don't appear to have spinal damage.
Still, that back pain is troublesome. So, are you working out (lightly) or is the pain too much. I'm sure you are, but am really glad you're following the doctor's orders. It'll be better in the long run, I'm sure. Boo on the car still being in the shop--I suppose it's a small consolation that your replacement car is the same as yours, though. Still, your car was new, wasn't it?
Kayci: Welcome!
I'm delighted that you actually considered whether to use halfs or halves in your post. Whatever the proper usage is--I go with halfs--I hope you find some ones that interest you. Not to tempt you to leave your 3 girls to the fun of
Walmart, but the Princess 1/2 is an inaugural event. You could test out the waters for future family vacations that include the race?? Oh, I see you have TnT experience--good, we can pick your brains about that. Wow, you really sound like you adapt well--3 miles in a short period and all the weight lost. Me, my body hangs on to its poundage and loves inertia. I think it thinks it's in permanent hibernation.
As for your being old because of your iPod list. Hah! I'm having none of that, young lady. I don't have the Beastie Boys on my iPod, but I do have Public Enemy, Blondie, The Clash, and The Circle Jerks. I also listen to Motown, and I know Jen and I have Elvis on our lists, so I do groove to oldies. Plus, I just turned 40 years young and am proud of my rejuvenile status! (Look that one up, pop-culture freaks!)
Julie: Scary and exhausting story with DS, the ER, and an ear infection. I hope he's feeling better, that the family is back on schedule, and that you can squeeze some "you" time into your weekend. You deserve it!
As for the cougar tales--hah!--the boys here don't know what to make of me half the time. One of the boys at the local movie theater no longer believes I have a DH. He's never seen DOOD (because DOOD is gone), I don't wear my wedding rings, and I have been known to wear a t-shirt that says "Chick Magnet." (Have the young 'uns never heard of postmodern irony?) I wouldn't discount your ability to attract boys with the mommy look--in fact, it might increase the attraction.
Ewwww. Be sure to dial down that sensuality, at least until you're on your kid-free vacation. So, what's the reading material of choice? I hope it's adult-oriented. (You can't see me, but I'm waggling my eyebrows.)
As for me: I'm settled in, at least as much as living here means I'm setting in so many ways!
I'm sure DOOD will want to rearrange lots of things once he gets back. That's fine by mean, so long as I'm not the one moving the furniture--again. I've already earned my XT for those things. I'm ready to play with my free time this summer!
I'm still kind of funky (mood, hopefully not smell), but working my way through it. Part of the reason, I believe, is that I'm trying to work on speed before training for the marathon commences. Why? You know, I ask myself that question a lot. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
As for my iPod, I just added "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas to my list. And "Timebomb" by Beck. And in what might come across as incredibly narcissistic, my classic iPod (not the one I run with) has several covers titled "Debra." Sometimes it's nice to hear my name and to be spoken about lovingly. I thought of that because I have Beck's "Debra."
But I also have "Debra" by The Voltaires, which includes these lyrics:
I can see the passion in your face
It will be a lucky man who feels your warm embrace
So let it out and let me in
The way you did one night, my friend
'Cause I can feel the crosswinds in your heart
So don't be afraid, don't be afraid, don't be afraid
'Cause you're beautiful today, Debra.
Hey, somebody should call me beautiful, right? I admit, it's all about the affirmation for me. And I think all of you should have at least one song that includes your name in it. Because you're all beautiful (even Robert, Richard, and Denny)!
ost your miles" thread to learn how the challenge works. Then if you have any questions, just give a shout. By the way, we own DVC also (OKW). And so do Nancy (padisneyfan) and Denny (Dennyha). Anyone else? 
Have fun camping. I hope you are able to stay dry.
