Wow, I've missed a lot. Just got back from our Oxford trip, the third trip since I last posted. And the most, er, interesting. It involved me, DOOD, three other faculty members, 28 college undergrads and an incompetent
travel agent/tour guide. It also involved me getting ill (and losing 4 pounds during the trip), confronting said travel agent, and becoming known to the students as both "snarky" and a "truth-teller." All in all, a memorable trip I wouldn't want to repeat. And DOOD owes me a real trip to England.
All that aside, it's good to catch up with the cousins!
Maria: Happy Birthday, Maria!
Jeanne: First, happy happy on all your news. Your new grandbaby, your son's accomplishments, and a belated birthday whoo hoo!
Mel and Richard: So cool you are CLIF Ambassadors. Well deserved!
Beth, Kira, Jen: I say this every year, but Broad Street is on my list for a mini-destination race. One year I'll be around for it!
Beth: Congrats on your sub-2 Broad Street! I'd not heard of Team Breakthrough. I admire you for signing up for the Chicago race, especially with your schedule, and know your friend's death will inspire you every step of the race.
Jen: That's very cool that
DCL's
Castaway Cay 5K is an official 5K, as I think of runDisney races as a gateway drug to other races. And the Goofy, huh? I'm not surprised. (We've not signed up for races yet, as usual. *sigh*) What a race schedule you have for the late spring/early summer!
How did your daughter's writing test go, btw? It IS a shame that testing can create such anxiety, esp. as it can make school and learning things to dread. You've been such an advocate for her, and it's made such a difference, and I hope everything goes/went swimmingly.
Sara: Woo Hoo! A belated welcome, but sincere nonetheless! I'm glad you're here - and even more glad you're doing the WDW Marathon in January. I have no doubt your muscle memory and experience will help the race rock for you. (Plus, your 3 miler was just great!) And WISHers, of course!

Plus, I'm super-impressed you've signed up for the distance, given your medical history, AND are going to train smart! You still liking Galloway?
Rose: Your improved time on the KDF is amazing, and a reminder of just how rough last year's KDF was for you!! Have you decided about January yet? I know you love the W&D, and must be looking forward to that one!
Rose & Jackie: I'll be at WDW in October, but I don't have dates yet. A lot depends on DOOD's schedule.
Jackie: I just love hearing that your family is doing races together, and I have no doubt that a sub-30 5K is entirely do-able for you! (Even if it's next year due to your training schedule.)
Richard: I'm so sorry that I haven't been around to wish you luck (not that you needed it) with your Ironman. I was so glad you made sure your bike has been fine-tuned for the race! A big, belated but sincere DISboards congrats on your PR! You never cease to amaze me!
Mel: I can only imagine how busy you've been, adjusting to your new life and digs. I haven't kept up with your rehab. How's the knee doing? Last time I knew you were focusing on strength training, I think. Anything specific? Did you join the neighborhood group?
That's a tight, busy work schedule for WDW Marathon Weekend. First PA class - new program?
Julie: Great news with getting back to running, the 7 miles, and the end (fingers crossed) of chronic PF! How have subsequent runs been?
John: Congrats on Madrid. You make me want to budget for more destination races. I don't envy you your summer training temps, though.
AFM: Just trying to get back in the groove of things. Lots of things happening on the home front that may affect travel and other plans. Including that the president of DOOD's university got fired, and the uni's external audit, both of which creates a lot of instability and changes. Including news of DOOD's tenure bid, with an extended notification deadline to take into account the provost has stepped into the job. And his contract negotiations for his 1/2 time administrative position...also delayed.
And while these things don't directly affect me or my work, they do have a tsumani-sized ripple affect at home, KWIM? Hopefully there will be good news soon.