An early-evening quickie....take that for what you will.
Corinna: Your on-stage appearance is sure to be a success! You're more than ready to break a leg, metaphorically speaking. I'm also sure that your plan to focus on getting stronger and fully recovering is the best thing to do.
I keep reading about all your theatrical work and think it sounds both glamorous and exhausting, btw.
Jen: I didn't know that about your back. I'd say bareback horseriding is adventurous, and at least gives you a story about your wild youth! Although over my end-of-January trip I was carrying my niece around and thought, "Wow. I definitely don't have the energy to be a parent, let alone the upper-body strength." Kudos to you!
How are you coming with your Y challenge - I know you're busy, but I'm so impressed with the physical activity you (and Emma, too) are squeezing into your schedules.
Richard: I keep catching snippets about your training - it all seems like it's going so well. You mentioned something about the mental preparation going into your events; your post came right when I needed it, so thanks! And I can really see how that part of the game has made you sharper and more focused when I look at your upcoming goals. Great job!
As for us being harmless, shhhhhhh. I have a reputation to maintain.
Jeanne: Congratulations on the pending grandmotherhood, again! I think that's exciting and wonderful! How quickly it all happened, too, or maybe it's just that time flies by. It seems like only yesterday we were all introduced to the Greek.
I'm sorry to hear about the continued problems with your health. Glad to hear you're being weaned off the steroids in the long run, but hope there are some answers soon.
I haven't read "Ismael," sorry. But I read quite a few books that I don't understand - I'm not the brightest penny in the roll - and when I come across something like that I try to focus on something I do understand or appreciate - like the style or imagery. I hope that helps. (I also make snarky commentary about pretentious claptrap, but that's not good for book clubs.
)
JenB: I'm very jealous of ODDyssey, but it happens to fall when DOOD & I (and his honors students and colleagues/partners) will be in Oxford. I couldn't pass up the chance to go. We haven't signed up for ToT yet, but DOOD says we're in, even though it's a night race, only a 10 miler and at the beginning of the peak of his fall semester duties/travel. Methinks someone was pathetic when she broached the subject.
I didn't realize you were also serving as a pacer for the Princess. Your friend is very, very lucky - as you always seem to be having such fun! I'm also glad you signed up for the DL 1/2. Those spots were going really fast! The best news, though, is about DD. That running at Disney is worthy of her essay...just WOW!
And then to read the essay - look at how the crowd cheering for her utterly transformed her tripping into a great memory, a victory, and a positive experience. That's the kind of thing running (and running at Disney) does!
Last: A Chili cook-off would be incentive for me!
Kira: You're going to Mardi Gras? Really - is this a business trip? Do tell! It's been years since I've been to NO, so I'll want to hear stories when you get back if I don't always catch the live blogging! And great job with getting your groove on for 6 weeks - the weight loss will come, I'm sure. (I wouldn't focus on that, just running, while in NOLA).
Shanna: Welcome, welcome! Let's see, a St. Patty's Day, Pints to Pasta, Oktoberfest, and Wine & Dine...Hmm, I might hazard a guess that your preferred post-race recovery drink is a tasty adult beverage?
Jackie: A HUGE congrats on your marathon! It sounds like a wonderful event to take part in, and that your day was just about perfect (after the stress of the start). And I'm so very happy for your well-earned PR! You're an inspiration!
It sounds like you and your running partner are great for each other for training and race day. (And I'm sure for recovery, too, at least in terms of the company.) I hope today's race went well!
Beth: Welcome, welcome! Hmm, a Black Velvet...seems like you and Shanna will get along famously. (And have joined the right team....
) I've only been to the NYT
Disney Store a couple of times; it's wonderful and overwhelming at the same time. Hmmm, it sounds like a Philly race or two might have lots of the cousins. I may need to look at my schedule. The Mini 10K sounds amazing, as well.
Mel: Survivors on BBC? I must check that out. I'm a fan of all zombie works, but haven't been able to save "Walking Dead" for the gym. There's a zombie run out there that Vicky shared with me. I'll try to post it here next time. Are you part-time until the fall?
Rose: Um, well, I did think that Tom's 21st at Epcot was a great idea, if I recall. And I do think it will be a lot of fun. A chaperone, I am not. I tend to like to imbibe way too much.
In going to Oxford, I've had to promise DOOD I'd do most of my pub drinking away from his students. What? I'm of legal age. Seriously, that sounds like a fabulous time with Tom & his friend & Mike. I do have a question for you, though. Does that mean you're not doing ToT or Wine & Dine? (I may have forgotten.)
John & Rose: Canada. Pffft. Start at Mexico with tequila. All the rest is going to be a blur after that.
(And none of that frozen slushie stuff either. Blech.) Seriously, I do love me the whiskey flight at R&C, although that tends to undercut the DATW.
AFM: It's been a busy week here. DOOD & I are looking for new digs, which brings up all sorts of complications. Not the least of which is our two different sets of priorities.
That, and we've been seeing lots of places in our free time. Yech.
On the running front, I went out for my first official run - as in I've got planned intervals - since toe-mageddon. Slower by about 2:15 for each the 3 short miles I did, with a moderate amount of discomfort both during and after. But I think I was much slower on the walk portions than the run portions, if that makes any sense?
The good news is that I got out there, which relieved more of my mental stress. I want to give it a couple of weeks to see what happens before I start thinking about a late spring race. Right now I'm back to icing every day. And the other good news is that I'm getting back into a solid XT groove. Things happen for a reason.
And in my usual silliness. Next WDW trip is for spring break. We're going to see some Shakespeare at UCF while we're there. Yeah, we're a wild couple.
I emailed my sister in PA to see if they are going to be around the weekend of the Odyssey, but haven't heard anything yet. If they are, I think we are going to do it. If not, we are going to WDW.
Why did I ever think this was a good idea????? It started out as a 21st bday/senior college gift for him and a few friends and has turned into a big party.
Welcome Beth & Shanna! It's great to have new cousins!
I started Hula lessons last Thursday and have found that running beforehand doesn't really work (my legs were SO tired it was hard to do the moves fluidly) so there is another possible day I've knocked out of the running..! 
Once I get going though my body wants to EAT ALL THE THINGS to make up for lost time (I can't run well with much in there when I start either). Hmm... we'll have to see how this works out with Wine and Dine! The other races are short enough that I don't see any problem there... I am a NW girl of course we like our beer! 
this weekend!
to our new cousins! I'm looking forward to getting to know you!
