Getting close to another milestone

Well another month down, which only means one thing...I am nearing in on 100 days of running. Today I completed day 91. This week has been a pretty rough week for me due to soreness from the marathon, which actually improved a lot by Tuesday, but then yesterday I caught a cold from Trevor (who has been fighting a cold even before the marathon) and have been feeling crappy lately since I don't sleep well at night time. Oh well...it'll will go away even if I don't take any rest days. I'll just sweat it out.

Tonight we went out for dinner to East Side Mario's and for the second time in the past few months someone came up to us and told us that we have the best behaved kids they have ever seen. The first time it ever happened I was surprised because that particular day I thought they were acting up and today...well...they were okay. It's nice to hear stuff like that every once in awhile.

Well Trevor made a concoction of Neo Citron, Contact C (Night time), and a few melatonin pills which he gave me to take about 30 minutes ago. I think he is just trying to knock me out so that I don't sleep restlessly and keep him up all night. I am starting to feel the effects right now, so it's off to bed for me.

Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum

Well it's one of the things I dread doing the most, but once it's all said and done it is definitely pleasant. What is it? putting up the Christmas Tree. Yesterday evening Trevor was away at school, so it was just me and the kids and they asked if we could put up the tree together. Trevor actually thought that we should do it all together on Saturday, but I decided that we would just get it out of the way and save our Saturday for other things, since Kamden has a birthday party to go to that day anyways. So I told them as soon as your homework is done, we eat supper, clean up and then we will do the tree. I don't think I have ever seen Kamden do her homework so quickly before. By the time everything was done and it was time to put up the tree the kids were actually humming and singing Christmas jingles...it was really cute to see their excitement. It kind of brought back memories for me. I loved setting up the tree when I was a kid. I think the part that I dread the most is getting the tree out of the storage room and the mess it makes setting it up, but in the end I think we did a pretty good job.

Every year our family goes out to the Christmas store and we each get to pick out a new ornament for the tree. Trevor and I have been doing this tradition since our very first Christmas together. Although we went to Banff every year to the Spirit of Christmas store and picked something out from there and we'd spend the day in Banff, which ended costing a lot of money. So now we have settled to driving to the mall and going to the Chrstmas store there and picking out our ornaments. Here are some of our favorites...

We have quite the collection going and it looks like the kids enjoy this tradition because they asked me yesterday when we get to pick out new ornaments for the tree. I wanted them to have something that we did together as a family at Christmas that was special and I am so thrilled that they actually like doing this.

I can't say I didn't have fun

More than once the thought of "why do I sign up for these things" popped into my head while running the marathon. My sleep the night before the run was interrupted quite frequently with trips to the bathroom due to an upset stomach. I took a couple of Imodium's in hopes that it would settle down, which it eventually did. Our day started out at around 5:45am. Trevor and I had to pack our luggage as we were unable to get late checkout without a $15/hour fee. We quickly packed and got our running stuff together. We headed down for breakfast right when it opened at 6:30am, but still had to wait five minutes. When we finally got in I had a bagel and a banana...nothing too crazy for me. I was feeling pretty good in the morning, despite the nerves.

We walked to the race site, which took about 10-15 minutes. After arriving we watched the half marathon runners take off and then we tried to locate where bag check in was. It seems the race was fairly unorganized and there wasn't that many signs up or volunteers giving direction. We finally found where to drop the bags off. We then headed down to the start line and immediately I found the 4:45 pacer, which I pretty much latched onto and then gave Trevor a kiss and a hug and he was off and I was on my own. While waiting for the gun to go off I noticed a couple of racers in barefeet...crazy...they had t-shirts that had their website, which I haven't checked out yet, but just in case you want to it was www.runbarefoot.com After singing the National Anthem the gun went off right on time and we were off. 10 minutes past and I noticed that the pacer didn't stop for a one minute walking break. I quickly figured out that the don't do 10 and 1's...oh no....that's OK, I thought...I can do this...As I was running I could feel my water bottle really moving around...I had a bad feeling. Not even a few feet later my bottle fell out and I would've went to get it but there was too many people behind me and it was too dangerous. I had one of those holsters that sits at an angle...so much for that idea. So I had to stop at every water station to get water. Things were going great for the first 10 miles. I got that extra boost when I saw Trevor not once but twice. However, shortly after the 10 mile mark my tummy wasn't feeling too well and I had to make a pit stop at the Honey bucket....there was two of them...not too sure what the people were doing in there, but 10 minutes later I was back running and my pacer was long gone. I realized then that I was on my own, which worried me because me coming in at 4:45 was giving me half an hour of lead way to get to the airport for our 2:20 pm check-in (cut off time) for our flight out. There was no and, ifs, or buts...I had to cross the finish line at 1:30 max, which would put my time at 5:15. I ran and enjoyed the views and tried to have fun and enjoy myself. I felt that the aid stations were not very good and there was not as many with food or gels as I had anticipated. My big plan of attack was to run (shuffle) one mile and walk one minute. This plan seemed to work fairly well. My lower back was bugging my a lot after about mile 16. I thought I have to cross that finish line at 5:15...that's my only goal now. I ran into a runner at about mile 19, Bob Hiltner from Seattle, WA and it was his first marathon. I could see he was struggling way more than me. That's when I decided that I am going to run with him and get him in. That way I would have some company and he would have someone to push him, which everyone needs every once in awhile. He was doing a 5 minute run followed by a 1 minute walk (at no particular pace). I found doing the 5 and 1's helped make the time go by pretty quickly. I kept looking down at my watch watching the time go by knowing that I had to be crossing the finish line. I ran with Bob till about mile 25 and then I had to run ahead, so I wished him luck gave him a hand shake and then as I ran as hard as I could at that time and I miraculously crossed the finish line at:

5:14:24
1700 Overall
568 females / 104 division
5:13:07 Net Time

How is that for cutting it close??? I grabbed my medal and then I had to find Trevor. Oh yes, Congratulations to Bob Hiltner who finished his first marathon in 5:24:25. I was on my way to the Family Meeting Area where we agreed to meet. I realized that I didn't have time to eat as we had to go. Trevor grabbed a couple of yogurts and a chocolate milk for me and we headed out the door to find a cab. There was not that much food at the finish line. Trevor figured that most of the family, friends and half marathoners finished the majority of it. The food areas was open to everyone. When we got out of the building there were no cabs...great...we saw the school bus that was transporting athletes back to The Westin, which was the host hotel. We decided to take that and then grab a cab from there. Time seemed to be passing by fairly quickly. We managed to get to The Westin and grab a cab---as soon as we got in we told the cab driver our big rush and he was eager to get us to where we needed to go---and we headed to the Best Western where our luggage was in storage. We both got out, while our cab waited, grabbed our luggage and off we were speeding to the Seattle Airport. We had 20 minutes to check in to the Air Canada counter. Our cab driver did a great job---we pulled into the airport at 2:20pm wondering if we were too late. Trevor ran in while I got the bags. There was line-up to check in. By the time we were all checked in it was 2:34 (15 minutes late), but they still let us in. I think that whole experience was the closest to the Amazing Race as we will ever get. We got on our plane and flew to Vancouver, BC, where we finally got to eat. It seems as if I ate a days worth of calories in a few hours. To top it off we somehow managed to get first class from Vancouver to Calgary and ended up getting even more food. I also enjoyed two glasses of wine...heck...I deserved it...I ran a marathon.

What am I going to work on now? Practice pacing myself with my Garmin and figuring out how to not have problems with water bottles. As much as I DON'T like marathons I will most definitely do one again. I have good news I did break one record. Before this race Trevor held the worst marathon time in our family with a time of 4:55 (can you imagine speedy Trevor ever running that slow), but I broke that record...I am now the holder of that record...YEAH!!!

Congratulations to Trevor for running a 3:23:24...you are amazing and I hope that some of your running mojo will rub off on my one of these days.

OH YEAH...Running Challenge still continues. Yesterday's run was nothing short of being torturous, but I am sure todays run will be even worse. Actually, to tell you the truth, the most painful thing about the run was getting off the treadmill...ouch!!! I really really want to quit the challenge, but I Can't!!! Today is 88 days straight of running.

Tomorrow is the BIG Day

We safely made it to Seattle, although I think we may have taken one of the smallest Air Canada planes out there. Trevor and I thought it would be a great idea to not check in our luggage and bring it on as carry-on. When we checked in to the airline the lady at the desk said that by the size of our luggage there would be no problems bringing it on the plane with us as carry-on. However, when we got on the plane and actually attempted to stuff our luggage in the overhead bin it wouldn't go in. After a few minutes of attempting we just squished it in under our feet. Right before take off the flight attendant came by and noticed our luggage and then she took it and tried to get it in the overhead bin with no luck---so after this huge embarrassing production my carry-on was stuffed underneath and empty seat and Trevor's was stuffed under our seats. Oh well...in the end it all worked out.

Last night in we didn't do anything exciting. We went for Japaneses food and then came back to our hotel for a quick gym workout and then out for some gelato. This morning as soon as we got up we went to the gym, came back to the room and changed, headed to the continental breakfast and now I am just waiting for my turn to take a shower and then we will hang out for awhile and then the rest of the day will go something like this:

• 11:00 am Package Pick-up/Walk through Expo
• come back to hotel and drop off our bags
• Go shopping and take advantage of some of those American Thanksgiving Day Sales
• Lunch
• Go see Saw IV
• Go back to hotel and then for a light supper
• Go to bed

As for tomorrow the plan for me is to find that 4:45 pacer as I am not too concerned about my time as long as I enjoy the run and have a good time. So I guess we will be there a bit early to find that pacer. The race doesn't start till 8:15 am, which is nice 'cause we are still on Calgary time and that is 9:15 am our time.

So next time you hear from me it'll be my race report: )

The Nerves are settling in

You know I get way more nervous about doing marathons than with any other event that I've done before. I have been avoiding the whole packing issue for Seattle. My mom called me this morning asking when she needs to be here for the kids tomorrow and then it really hit me. I am leaving tomorrow and I need to get organized. Yikes, so much to do so little time. Oh well...I am sure I will make the lists tomorrow.

I still haven't decdided what to do about the race. Trevor has offered to run with me, but he has goals too and I definitely want to see him succeed. I will just do my best and have fun and enjoy everything about the race. Like I said before I am not looking to get any PB's or qualify for anything, but I just want to finish in a reasonable amount of time (enough time for me to grab something to eat before I have to get on the plane)...Okay...second thought...a PB is always nice, but we'll see.

Well I better get some stuff done...like folding some of that laundry : (

Conflicted...could use some help

I found out some info about the Seattle marathon, which I will be doing on Sunday. It turns out that there is actually going to be only 4 pacers 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 and 4:45, but according to someone that has previously done the race, the pacers didn't do a very good job at being visible and were difficult to find. The reason they use these pacers is because the are apparantly the main times for Boston Qualifiers, which I don't get cause the breakdown of the times is as follows...

Men
Age/Time
18-34/3:10
35-39/3:15
40-44/3:20
45-49/3:30
50-54/3:35
55-59/3:45
60-64/4:00
65-69/4:15
70-74/4:30
75-79/4:45
80+/5:00

Women
Age/Time
18-34/3:40
35-39/3:45
40-44/3:50
45-49/4:00
50-54/4:05
55-59/4:15
60-64/4:30
65-69/4:45
70-74/5:00
75-79/5:15
80+/5:30

Okay...I get why they are having a pacer for 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00 but is there really that many people that are males 75-79 and females that are 65-69 that are trying to qualify for Boston during the Seattle Marathon that need a 4:45 pacer. I just find it strange that they have 3 pacers in one half an hour span and than not another for 45 more minutes...I just don't get it...What do I do??? I did print off a pace band for a 4:15 time, but I've never paced myself before...obviously that is something I'll have to work on for the next race. So if anyone is doing the Seattle Marathon and wants to pace me for a 4:15 time....Please let me know.

For Once

Well I can't believe it actually happened, but it did. Yesterday, I, Susan Oseen, actually had to motivate Trevor to go running. Can you believe it???? Actually, to tell you the truth, I am still mystified. Yesterday was not a good day for Trevor. I think due to all of the traveling that he did his body started taking it's toll and he was not feeling good yesterday. His stomach was in knots and he actually felt very hot (but, luckily, he didn't have a fever). He had to go out for a few hours in the morning to work on some school work, while I took the kids to church---Simon loves when he gets to come I get to teach him in Discoveryland (Sunday School). After church I took the kids to the gym where I burned off my usual 1000 calories (at least I am trying to make it part of my usual daily routine), which consists of a run and doing the elliptical. Shortly after we got home Trevor walked in the door and after that he was down for the count. I spent most of the afternoon working on my Anatomy and Physiology Term Paper while Trevor rested on the couch. I hate to say this, but he looked awful. I could tell that he didn't want to to run. At one point he went and took a bath and actually fell asleep in the tub (that's not good) and I said to him "do you really want to quit your challenge now at 78 days in a row? You can do this...just run slow." It wasn't too long after that when he was out the door. No, it wasn't his best run, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that he went and I am proud of him!!! Hooray, Trevor!!!!

Isn't this the truth

Not too long ago I received the Blessings Christmas Catalogue 2007 in the mail from one of my favorite stores, Blessing Christian Publications. There was an funny/interesting article in there from one of the best selling authors and humorists named Phil Callaway. The article read:

Skipping Christmas Letters

I have decided to avoid writing a Christmas letter this year, partly because I am a procrastinator. My favorite t-shirt says:
Six reasons I procrastinate:
1.

I am also weary of receiving letters from people whose lives are perfect:
Merry Christmas!
It's been such a great year! Little Joseph (age 4) continues to excel in seventh grade, Jonathan (6) is on the honor roll again. He mastered Mongolian and leads a discipleship group. Joy (8) volunteers at the Seniors Centre and could win the Mother Teresa Award. My lovely wife June is tireless. She home-schools the kids, sells real estate, and has written her second dieting book, You Can Be Slim Like Me. With the proceeds we're wondering whether to by AOL or Google. Please pray that we'll have wisdom.
The Johnsons

If I were to write a Christmas letter this year, it would look more like this:
Merry Christmas!
I was hoping to tell you of our wonderful year.
Then January hit.
With love, The Callaways

The truth is, it's been a though year. On Valentine's Day the sewer backed up. March saw our van totaled. May began with word of the tax audit. In June, report cards arrived. Another child had made the horror roll.

THis year I've spent time choosing my father's tombstone, and visiting my mother in the Dementia ward. Though I write humour books, my life mostly teeters between the messy and the mundane.

Perhaps that's why I take such comfort in God's Christmas letter, the Bible. It reminds me that Jesus came to earth for families like mine. After all, if our greatest need had been stuff. God would have sent us Walmart. But our greatest need was hope, so He sent us a Savior."

Trevor's Back

I am happy to say that Trevor has arrived back home safely. When we finally saw him at the airport the kids ran to him and jumped in his arms...just like the movies...it was great!!

Trevor didn't come home empty handed, in fact, by the time he emptied all his bags our living room was full of stuff. Some of the stuff was freebies that you get from flying first class and staying in five star hotels, but most of it was chocolates, cookies, toys for the kids, shirts and a bag for me. Check out the new bag from Burberry---Beautiful!!!

2nd last assignment of the semester

This morning I got a phone call from my mom asking if she could take the kids overnight, which works out perfect for me because I have an assignment due on Monday. I was planning on working on it tonight when the kids have gone to bed as I have been doing the last few days. I am excited as this is my 2nd last assignment. I wish I could say that it was my favorite subject, but unfortunately, Anatomy and Physiolgy is just plain tough. It is difficult for me to memorize so many functions/bones/muscles/ligaments of the body, but I have managed to get decent marks on my past assignments including two marks of 100 %. Wow...who would've that that I could get that. I think my problem is that I second guess myself all the time. I try my best, but am never 100% sure that I did things correctly. This type of attitude usually causes me some stress while I am waiting to receive my assignment back from my instructor, which generally takes about 2 weeks.

Yesterday evening we (the kids and I) went for parent/teacher interviews. I thought it would be a great idea to take the kids to the flower shop to pick out some flowers for their teachers. When I look back and remember my teachers I wish I would have said thank-you to them a whole lot more. I want the kids to grow up knowing that it is important to show appreciation towards their teachers as they are the ones that mold thier little minds. Teachers make a lifetime of difference. Kamden picked out 24 longstem roses for Mrs. Liesch, that were yellow with a touch of red...they smelled wonderful. Simon picked out a colorful bouquet of daisies for Mrs. Walthers. I was trying to convince him to pick out some roses, but he said "No, her favorite color is green and there are no green roses." (some of the daisies in his bouquet were colore green and other daisies in his boquet were pick, orange, yellow, blue...it was pretty!!). As expected both teacher's were greatful for the flowers. I think for the interview Kamden's teacher spent about 5 minutes talking about the roses. Nice!! Both of the teacher's only had good things to say about the kids. They are doing extremely well in school and as usual we are proud of them.

Kamden with her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Liesch

Simon's New Hairdo

Last night we headed out to Beaner's (fun cuts for kids) for Simon. I used to cut his hair, but he requested that I never touch his hair again. I guess the last time I did it I pulled his hair a bit and now I am to not come near him with a razor again. Oh Well...

I am happy to report that Trevor is now out of Afghanistan and is spending the night in Dubai. He sent me and email this morning which read...

"We finally got to Dubai and have landed. We are in our hotel and I have
nothing good to say about it other than the VIP check-in, my robe, my bidet, my
slippers I get to keep, my suit bag I get to keep, the pant pressing machine,
the faloofa in the shower and the Mango & Diet Pepsi drink on check-in."

As you can tell by the email Trevor and we don't stay in five star hotels, so it was all very new and exciting. Kind of like a kid in a candy store.

Trevor called this morning at 7am. He was at the mall (apparently Dubai has the Best shopping) and called to check what I had wanted. I had requested a handbag and he was asking me a bunch of questions just to make sure he gets me what I want. So...I am looking forward to my very first authentic handbag either from Louie Vuitton or Burberry....Smiles...Smiles...Smiles...

Simon is at home with me today as the Kindergartners (is that a word?) didn't have class today. I heard "I don't have to go to school today and you do...Ha Ha" all morning at the breakfast table. That's our Simon trying to rub it in that he has the day off and Kamden doesn't. Yesterday I went to the grocery store and bought Kamden one of those lunch kits, so that she would feel that she got something Simon didn't get today. Luckily, she was happy with it.

Well I am off to the gym for a run and some abs...goal today is to burn off 1000 calories...I wonder how long I'll be there for that??

Trevor has sent me a couple of picture since he's been gone...

Trevor and his new friend from Afghanistan

Trevor with the two guards that have been guarding his house in Afghanistan

Life without Trevor

Well it has been 5 days without Trevor (only 3 more sleeps till he gets back) and it hasn't been easy. I think one of the things that I miss most about having him around is just the motivation and support he gives me. It's nice to hear "you look good today" or "I love you" on a daily basis, but with him being in a time zone that is 10.5 hours ahead we have only been able to talk on the phone once and even then we got cut off. Most of our communication takes place in the evening after 9 pm when it is morning where he is at and it is through emails. Trevor, despite, being in a wartorn country has been able to keep up with his running challenge (running around his house in Afghanistan 247 times). I am not sure if I would've been able to do that---what a guy!! see Trevor's blog for details.

Today is day 75 of the challenge and really it just seems like running is something that is part of my daily routine and I no longer think of it as a challenge.---I am sure Monday, November 26th will be a challange---the day after the marathon. It just feels like something that I naturally do, but not necessarily think about...kind of like eating, brushing my teeth, or getting dressed. I can't say that I have grown to love running and I am not sure that I ever really will. I do like the results that I get from running. Next weekend is the marathon...boy did that creep up...and I am pretty excited, but nervous. I have decided that if there are no pacers between the 4 hour and 4:45 then I will follow the 4:45 pacer. For me, personally, it is just easier to run with people (especially when it comes to a really long run). The one thing I was worried about for the 4:00 pacer was that it would be fine at first, but then towards the end it'll be too hard for me to maintain. I would rather have an enjoyable experience and enjoy the scenery that Seattle has to offer. I don't want to go into this one with the attitude that I have to beat a certain time, but rather that I enjoy myself...that is my number one goal. Goal #2 is to get to the airport in time for our 3:20 pm flight out of Seattle.

I came across this on the internet and I thought it was funny....

Mistranslation

Actual Signs

At a Music Store: Out to lunch. Bach at 12:30. Offenbach sooner.

At a number of US military bases: Restricted to unauthorized personnel.

At a pizza shop: 7 days without pizza makes one weak.

At a Santa Fe gas station: We will sell gasoline to anyone in a glass container.

At a tire shop in Milwaukee: Invite us to your next blowout.

At a Towing Company: We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.

At a Used Car Lot: Second Hand cars in first crash condition.

At an Auto Body Shop: May we have the next dents?

At an optometrist's office: If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.

At the electric company: We would be delighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don't, you will be.

At the entrance of the large machinery plant: Warning to young ladies: If you wear loose clothes, beware of the machinery. If you wear tight clothes, beware of the machinist.

Billboard on the side of the road: Keep your eyes on the road and stop reading these signs.

Car Lot: The best way to get on your feet....Miss a car payment.

Church sign: To remove worry wrinkles, get your faith lifted.

Door of a plastic surgeon’s office: Hello. May we pick your nose?

English Sign in German Cafe: Mothers, Please Wash Your Hands Before Eating.

Gym: Merry Fitness and a Happy New Rear!

In a Beauty Shop: Dye now!

In a cafeteria: Shoes are required to eat in the cafeteria. Socks can eat any place they want.

In a cleaner’s window: Anyone leaving their garments here for more than 30 days will be disposed of.

In a counselors office: Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is optional.

In a dentist office: Be true to your teeth or they will be false to you.

In a department store: Bargain Basement Upstairs.

In a dry cleaner's emporium: Drop your pants here.

In a dry cleaner's window: Anyone leaving their garments here for more than 30 days will be disposed of.

In a farmer’s field: The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but be aware that the bull charges.

In a Florida maternity ward: No children allowed.

In a health food shop window: Closed due to illness.

In a hotel during a conference: For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is day care on the first floor.

In a Laundromat: Automatic washing machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.

In a Los Angeles clothing store: Wonderful bargains for men with 16 and 17 necks.

In a Los Angeles dance hall: Good clean dancing every night but Sunday.

It's out...Finally!!!

The top tooth that has been loose since August finally came out.

Susanne, the childcare worker at the gym, actually pulled it out. Thanks!!!

Feelings of Lonliness

Trevor left on the plane for Kabul, Afghanistan last night (business trip) and he should be arriving in Dubai in an hour and a half. He got to take business class from Toronto, Canada to Dubai, for the 13.5 hour flight and he text messaged me saying how his seat had 22 massagers on it and how excited he was. He said "he's never seen anything like it". I am hoping to hear from him when he lands. Last night was pretty lonely. I have a lot of projects to do with school and when the kids are around it is impossible to get anything done. Kamden for the most part likes playing by herself and Simon needs to play with others, so I get stuck playing games with Simon. I don't mind playing with him, but when I have things to do, it gets frustrating. So, last night they slept at oma and opa's. I did manage to get some of my work done, but it was very quiet and lonely in the house. In fact, the kids were supposed to be over there for 2 nights, but I can't handle being alone one more night. So, I will pick them up this afternoon. I think the worst part about being alone for me is that I am an emotional eater and being lonely definitely triggers eating everything in site. So, I figure that during this week with Trevor being away I better keep the kids around so that when Trevor gets back I am not 10 pounds heavier.

I still have to get to the gym to do my run. I have 14.5 miles today. Trevor managed to shoot out his miles yesterday before coming home and packing for his trip. He is concerned that he may not be able to continue with the run challenge while he is away. Obviously, running in Afghanistan is not the safest and it looks like he will just be doing laps around the house he is staying in, which is fenced in and guarded. I know I will be saying a lot of prayers for him this week.

Well...I guess I better get my day started and head off to the gym. I got up a bit earlier today to work on school work and I am tired and it's only 9:22 am.

Those are my kids

With the very low mileage that I have putting on the past few days (with only doing the minimal requirement for my run challenge) and a lot of ointment on my toe (in the toe nail region) I am happy to say that my my toe doesn't hurt as much as it did. I believe that the infection is going down. I am going to stick with the low mileage till Friday and then on Saturday I will do a nice 14.5 mile run. I am not looking forward to going to the gym on Saturday as I will be alone. My running partner, Trevor, my hubby, is off on a business trip to Afghanistan. I am a little wee bit worried about him going as I am aware of all the fighting that is going on there especially in neighboring countries. However, I believe that God will keep him safe and there is absolutely no need for me to worry. God is in control.

The kids proudly brought home their first report card of the year. Simon begged me to open it as soon as I could. I guess he was aware of how well he had done. Simon is catching onto things quite quickly. I am pretty sure that him looking over Kamden's shoulder as she did her Kindergarten homework helped out as well as listening to her repeat her phonograms over and over again. Some of his teacher's comments included:

"A conscientious and enthusiastic student who works intently on all classroom tasks and takes pride in his work."

"Works hard on neatness, spacing and letter formation."

"A sweet little boy and a true pleasure to work with."

Kamden also did remarkably well on her first report card for grade one. Here are some of her teacher's comments:

"I encourage her to focus more on her own things as she likes to talk with her neighbours quite a bit."

"She has very interesting things to write."

"Kamden has a wonderful sense of humour and always seems to enjoy herself."

Well I guess the apple really didn't fall far from the tree as I was always getting in trouble for talking too much all the way through elementary school. I somehow do not expect anything less from Kamden. That's my girl!!

The next two days the kids have the day off of school. We are supposed to be getting quite a bit of snow on Thursday and Friday so I am anticipating that the kids will be spending hours and hours outside making snowmen and snow forts. It'll be a lot of fun for them.

Owww my toe!!

Saturday's 20 mile run, unfortunately, didn't go as well as planned due to an infected middle toenail on the left foot. I ended up only doing 10 miles, which is better than nothing. I've been having problems with that nail for sometime, but with running every day it has taken it's toll on the little nail. Trevor actually can't even look at it because he says it looks so bad. I just might have to make a doctors appointment this week to get something for it. In the mean time, I will keep up with the running, but bandage the toe up, so that my nail isn't banging around in my shoe.

We went to The Bee (the movie) on Saturday with the kids and I think with all the hype over it we actually believed that it was going to be this super great movie. However, I like children movies with a lesson and this one didn't really have a lesson. It really wasn't that great. The graphics were good and it wasn't too long...that was petty much what I liked about it.

This week is a short school week for the kids. They have Thursday and Friday off, which is excting for me as I have a ton of school work and that means no volunteering on those days for me. Yeah, I might actually get a lot accomplished.

Movie Night

I can't believe that it is Friday again. This week went by super fast. I think the reason is that tomorrow I have my last 20 mile run before the marathon and I am not looking forward to it in the least. In fact, this week I did pretty good with getting in the miles, but not that great with my times. It has been a tough slow week for me. To top it all off I started cutting back on munchies and started eating clean in hopes of dropping a few pounds before the marathon. I am not sure why I chose to start the day after Halloween, but it is definitely a challenge to avoid the bags of candy in the basement. It has only been 2 days, but I have been able to avoid the treats. Trevor, unfortunately, is having a hard time with the treats at work. Every time I talk to him on the phone he tells me about something else he ate. I think he had something like 3 donuts today...where does the guy put it? Why don't girls have the same metabolism as boys? I look at candy and I put on weight.

We rented some movies tonight, which we seem to do every weekend. Last weekend was Transformers and this weekend we will be watching Fantastic Four. Hopefully it'll be okay for the family as I didn't even read the back of the case. Tomorrow night we are going to the movie "The Bee" (Jerry Seinfeld) with the kids, which should be fun. Hopefully I'll be able to stay awake for that one.

Well I better get going...I am zonked...I have slept awful the last 3 nights....