Day 14223, & looks like chondromalacia of the patella...

So, I know that I was going to blog all about my marathon training.

Which road was rumored to be paved with good intentions?

Well, summer sucked. I don't do heat. Mentally, I hate heat. Physically, it would seem that my body isn't too fond of 90 degrees, either.

Then there was work. The never ending battle to be in control of my life has been a rough one, most recently plagued with some managerial drama that threatens my schedule every day. People often tell me how lucky I am to own my own business and dictate my own schedule. Ha ha! Mine is a schedule dictated by the whims of others, never by me...

And, let us not forget my new found activism. I just can't imagine where all the time goes. At least I don't have children.

Excuses, excuses...

Well, not really. A million things have gotten in the way of training. When does life ever go the way you plan it? Rarely, at best. We just have to trudge through the shit and move forward. I think I have done a pretty good job of that recently. I even ran my second half marathon last week, shaving 20 minutes of my previous time. It was a good race, despite my resolve to run it, as opposed to racing it. Sub 2 hours, check. Sub 9 minute miles, check? And I accomplished this while recovering from injury, again. A week of rest and my legs were good as new. The entire run felt great and it felt easy. Immediately, post run, however...

I did it though. I ran a strong run with a negative split. I finished ahead of the middle of the pack and I did it without really pushing too hard. While I stretched after, I tried to envision myself running the entire course again. Would I have the strength? How miserable would that feel? Seemed like something I could do, particularly if the reward was a breathtaking view of the California coastline and the promise of 26.1 beers with friends. Yeah, I can do it. Maybe not sub 4:00, but certainly sub 4:30.

And then, post stretching, I tried to stand up and walk.

So, yeah, I think I have runner's knee.

It started a several weeks ago in my left knee, but it went away pretty quickly. Two weeks ago, it returned in my right knee and seems to be settling in for a long, unwelcome stay.

I know what you're saying. Where did you study medicine? I answer with a simple: at the Google. You might also be saying, if you are one of those people, that it is only a matter of time and I am bound to screw my knees up with all the running. Well, maybe so, but I can't imagine a more serious issue would jump from one knee to the other. Additionally, I am guilty of all of the infractions listed as causes. And the symptoms? Dead on...

Meanwhile, I have 22 days until the marathon, my first. I am not going to miss it. The plane ride alone is worth the trip. I don't expect any possible circumstance beyond this coincidental equipment repositioning that will get me on Delta's 777LR. After all, Dubai is not on my itinerary. I need to run to justify my training, but I also need to justify the trip.

What to do... Three weeks. Let's see. Well, 7-10 days of that will be spent on the taper, leaving 12-15 days to train. Yesterday's planned 10 miles ended at an abrupt 8 because of the knee, resulting in a 2.5 mile walk home. The solution seems quite clear, and quite unappealing.

Elliptical machine.

No!!!

Looks like I will be going to the gym and spending countless boring hours on the sleep inducing, life sucking, elliptical trainer.

What doesn't kill me makes me stronger?

Hope so...

Day 14102, & it is another scorcher...

So, it's freaking hot!

I hate summer in the South. There's no getting around it. OK, well, I didn't hate the last 2 summers so much. This one though? It just started and its been nearly 100 for the last four days. And, I probably would have hated the last couple of summers, too, had I been running much back then.

I picked the wrong week to start marathon training (and to quit sniffing glue.)

Anyway, I have 143 days to get ready for the Malibu Marathon. 20 weeks. Most of these weeks? Summertime weeks. Awesome...

Last week was a training FAIL. I started strong but I lost steam after sleeping past 6 one morning and missing the window of tolerable opportunity. I know, I sound like a wimp. Whatever! I can tolerate heat, some humidity, and glaring sun. I just don't like to have to tolerate all three at the same time. It's a lot like tolerating Reid, Pelosi, and Obama at the same time. Impossible! But if we just had to put up with two of them, I could probably deal. Anyway, mornings allow me to at least avoid the sun.

Yeah, so I overslept. I missed it and when I let the dog out it felt like I was opening an oven. Correction: it felt like a giant jacuzzi was emptying out all over me. Hot and wet. Gross...

What to do? Well, I did what anyone would. I joined the gym. The Y to be exact. And let me tell you, that shit ain't cheap. Quite a price to pay for a little shut eye. Sigh...

I needed to do it anyway. I need cross training options and now I have them. I haven't been in a gym in 2 years. I haven't been on a treadmill in over 2. But elliptical machines? Bikes? Yoga classes? Yeah, I need them; though, I have to say I really haven't missed the treadmill or the gym. Oh well...

I am now in need of a revised training plan. I'm thinking of going with an every other day run/gym routine, but it won't give me the miles I want. Oh, speaking of miles, I found someone doing the Hanson Brothers' Plan. A motivating read, and someone else gets to be the guinea pig...

That pretty much sums up a dull start to training.

Week one: 25.15 miles, five days
Week two: 26.12 miles, six days
Week three: 29.24 miles, six days
Week four: 19.83 miles, three days Boo!

This week, so far, I've gotten in 8.something miles and a really strong gym day today that included bike, elliptical, stairclimber, along with calf, glute, hamstring, and quad weights.

Tomorrow, I think I might be sore...

Day 14084, & I might have something to say...

So, It has been a really long time since I posted anything to this blog. As I have mentioned before, it seems that many blogs have been neglected over the last year or two. And while I am sure that we could do a psychological study on the effects of recession on one's creative endeavors, I'm just glad to know it's not just me...

Meanwhile, I have news.

I registered for my first full marathon. I will be running the Malibu International Marathon on November 14th, 2010. Yes, the day after my 39th birthday, I will be running this:

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Those hills look rough, especially after you've just run 20 miles. That would be the glass half empty attitude that I have been trying to break myself from. I am actually looking at this elevation chart and thinking that there is a little downhill reward after each of those inclines, not to mention a really long 2.2 miles downhill finish. See? Me? Half full...

I have to admit, I picked this marathon for a silly reason or two. First, it is in California. Good excuse to go west. Second, California, and LA specifically, will require a nice plane ride. Remember, I do love a nice long airplane flight. So, I redeemed A SHITLOAD of Delta miles for this:

This equipment is only used domestically on a few transcontinental flights. Since I don't see myself flying to Asia any time soon, I figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity. Plus, since Jay typically hates to fly, this provided him a bit more incentive to accompany me. After all, imagine what people would say about him if he didn't bother to cheer me on, witness my first marathon finish, or be there to collect my remains? Whatever the case, he's going...

On to the real reasons for this choice.

First, it is the day after my birthday. Ideally, it would have been the day before, but the marathon planners did not consult me. I would have preferred to complete a marathon at age 38 versus 39. Oh well. Plus, as I was born in Southern California, it only seems appropriate that I visit again for such an achievement. That way, if I die during the run, you all will be able to romanticize the story for all of your friends. I'm kind of selfless like that.

Secondly, there is the elevation chart. It is intriguing to me. The rise is nearly 200 feet and the hills are miles long. I don't even know what to think of that jagged, razor-like middle 10 miles. At the end of the day though, who doesn't want a 2 mile downhill finish, complete with airplane arms and all?

Most importantly, I picked it because I have plenty of time to train. I started with 6 months of time. I still have 161 days. I can allow for very gradual mileage increases, occasional cutbacks, and even a possible minor injury or two. What I have learned in the last two and a half years of running is that no matter how much I love the long run, it always hurts me. Too much, too soon. Apparently, the Hanson Brothers have discussed it extensively. Based on every injury I've had, It would appear that they are correct. No run should be more than 30% of my total weekly mileage. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So, yeah, I am back at this blogging thing, for a bit anyway. Up until now, I have consistently used the "no time" excuse to justify my neglect. I have often used that same excuse to skip a run.

No more time for excuses...

Day 13541, & I am just busy...

So, anybody remember me?

More appropriately, anybody still reading this?

Not that there has been anything to read.  When we last left off, I was throwing a tantrum.  I am happy to report that the tantrum ended quickly.  No time for that.

Anyway, I did go see Madonna again in Atlanta.

It was fantastic.  Apparently, being right next to the stage makes a huge difference in the concert-going experience.

Here is another one.  Isn't she tiny?  

The show was pretty much identical to the Boston show, per usual.  However, staring up Madge's nostrils made for a whole different experience.

When she tours again, I might have issues if my seat is not quite this good.

Meanwhile, despite my travels, the restaurant opens next week.  I would post some current pics, but we seems to make a new mess each day.  Rather than show you how the magic happens, I will wait until we are about to open the doors.  Those pictures should be stunning.

And that concludes my post.  Feel cheated?  You should.  There is so much more to expand upon, in graphic detail.  I just don't have the time.

Oh, and I haven't run since the last week in November.  Should make training interesting when it resumes next month.  Need to get the miles back up...

Miss you!

Day 13415, & quite a few other days, too...

So, if running details bore you, then this isn't the post for you.

After being sidelined for a bit after July's 10K, it took me awhile to get back into the routine of my training. Once my leg stopped giving me trouble, it got hot and our manager left town for 8 days. Any change in my routine always seems to throw me off. Having to close the restaurant at night and still get up early to beat the heat? Not a good way to prepare for a run. I like sleep. I require a minimum of 7 hours on average.

As a result, I have a new friend. Mr. Tread Mill. I used to find the gym runs to be dull. Now, with highs in the mid 90s, I think they are quite, well, cool.

Now, I still manage to get out on the street, but I try to get that started in the mornings, no later than 7. If I can't drag myself out of bed by 6:15, then forget about an outdoor run. Suddenly, I am beginning to understand why all the marathons are in the non-summer months.

Anyhow, I used up all my free weeks. Now, if I really want to run the Chickamauga Full in November, I have to keep with the program. This is discipline that I don't really have. I have really enjoyed running. I am enjoying it less as something required. Again, as I have said before, things are not as enjoyable when they are mandatory.

I am managing to push through the hard days. It is proving more difficult to hold back sometimes on the "rest" days but I am. All said though, I am still having trouble getting into the middle to upper portion of the weekly mileage ranges of my schedule.

I am not a fan of the bare minimum...

So, my runs have been decent. I still haven't learned how to used my Polar watch properly on the indoor runs. I need to read the instructions so that I can retrieve the info afterwards. Needless to say, I just get home and write the mileage down, with little other info. This is proving to be beneficial. I am becoming a little less obsessed with pace and time. I am learning and working on endurance and stamina. I trust that speed will come on its own, with help from hills and my plan.

Week 16 (2 weeks ago) was a bit of a wipe out, for the reasons outlined at the start of this post. I had a great tempo run and a decent long run of 12.5 through Nashville. I totaled out at 28.5 though, due to 2 days of no running. What can I say? I was tired and I was busy.

Week 15 (last week) was much better:

Monday- 3 miles, treadmill, slow and easy (rest day)

Tuesday- 8 miles, treadmill, interval, averaged around 9:00 pace

Wednesday- 6.7 miles, treadmill, hill level 8

Thursday- 5 miles, Greenway, supposed to be tempo, but I ran outta gas after 3 miles and ended at a 10:00 overall pace

Friday- 3 miles, treadmill, easy

Saturday- 13.1 miles, 9:30-ish pace (10:00 with stops) medium hilly city run. I was going for 15, but failed to adjust my route properly. And face it, after 13.1 miles, in the heat, how am I going to run past my house to tack on more miles?

Sunday- 3 miles, slow and easy neighborhood run

Total- 41.8 miles

I am still questioning whether or not I am doing my interval and tempo runs correctly; but, I assume that I am going to benefit from the way I am doing them, regardless of their correctness.

This week is going to be OK, I think. The temperature is going to drop tomorrow and it looks like this Saturday's long run is going to be in the mid to high 60s. Anything under 90 is fine. Anything under 80?

Freakin' fantastic!!!

Day 13400, & I hate summer...

So, the heat index is expected to be 105 today.  That is incredibly obscene.

This morning, at 7, the temp was already 79 degrees.  When I say "already" I think that I might actually mean "still."

The heat always takes its toll on my mood.  Apparently, I am not the only one.  If you look at the blog feeds on my sidebar, nobody seems really clever lately.

Meanwhile, I am quite sure it is lovely in the Adirondacks.  I was supposed to get up there for a bit of R & R (read: running and racing) before Catherine returns to Nashville; however, as usual, my life and schedule are dictated by others.  I had no idea that it would be so hard to be the "boss."

Anyway, aside from a few new house/yard pictures, I have nothing new to say...except that I was over 30 miles last week!

Thank god!!!

What is this?  It is just behind my shin.  A tendon? It seems to small to be a muscle.  Well, anyway, it has been giving me trouble.  It doesn't hurt at all, unless I am running.

It started right after my long run three weeks ago.  I forced myself back onto the elliptical machine that week, as I had the 10K that weekend.  

Then, in Dodge City, I only got in one good run.  The others, spoiled by this leg problem, each ended in a walk of shame back to the house.

So, I didn't really run that week, either.

Remember, I am supposed to be training for a November 8th marathon.  When I selected my training program, I gave myself a couple of slip up weeks.

I have now used them all up.

Last week:

Monday: 3 miles, flat, at 8:48 pace

Tuesday: 2.5 miles, light hills, as I ran to my last training session, and then back home after (I will miss you, Shannon!) pace of 8:45

Wednesday: 5.6 miles, mostly flat, at a slow 9:28

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 5 miles, flat, at 9:01

Saturday: 10.3, half hilly, half flat, at 9:30 including 2 water and 1 bathroom pit stops.

Sunday: 5.7 miles, treadmill, 54.44, including 5 minutes warm up, and 5 minutes cool down

TOTAL: 32.1

And now, I will re-start the training schedule.  Today is a "rest" day.  Maybe I will...

Day 13363, & it's all about the little things...

So, first of all...

This is my favorite one, I think.  Genius, I tell you.  Better than Apple commercials, maybe...

This was my morning, as I had a training session and had to go to the gym on this beautiful morning.  I was VERY jealous of the runners I passed on my way.

The rest of the week looks good.  Morning temperatures in the 60s.  Yea!

I registered for my first half marathon today.  Now, it might not be my first half marathon that I will run, but it is my first that I have registered to run.

Murfreesboro 1/2 on October 11th.  Not too glam, but limited to 2000, and right down the road, sort of...

I have found a race to run each month between now and November.  Good practice in my training, so I read.

I am trying to figure out which marathon to shoot for in November, but I don't want it to be too close to the Rocket City on December 13th.  My dad is telling me I don't want flat terrain.  "Too much running with the same muscles!!!"  So, I guess I need a mildly hilly, cool climate, not too far from the south, 30+ days before 12/13 marathon.  That might be harder to find than it will be to run...

Nat, maybe we will just run the next one together... After you get the sub 3:30, I won't feel so worried.

Meanwhile, back to the world of extra gay, look what I got in my email today...

I can only HOPE this is close to the real set list!

Dress You Up, for the first time since I was a wee tot of 13, seeing The Virgin Tour...

Let's just see it again, ok?

FYI, I think I am the 3rd one getting out of the station wagon...

The 80s were really a sight to see, huh?  She used a couple gay dancers, versus a dozen lesbianese ones... Madge is such a trendsetter, a chameleon, really...

Day 13309, & Spring is in the air...

Ahh, Spring...

Flowers blooming, grass growing, bees buzzing, airlines merging...

I have been pretty worked up over the last few days. According to Jay, I have been mean, hateful, and angry. Mayhaps this is true, but it isn't you, dear...

Anyway, just to catch you up, as it has been awhile since my last post:

Issue #1- The democratic primaries are just plain annoying. If one more issue gets tied up in race or gender I just might scream. Hasn't anyone realized that these two are just petty and foolish? Childishness is not a race or gender issue. It is an issue of maturity. I am beginning to wonder if I wouldn't make a better president.

Issue #2- Gas prices. I know that this isn't news, but it is very annoying. If it costs me 50.00 to fill up, so be it. But, of the 50.00, the government is getting 9 bucks. So, McCain suggested that the US suspend the gas tax for the summer. Good idea! Then, his critics said that such action would further the budget deficit. Really? Cause that's odd? Are they saying that the budget for the year was written under the assumption that the government would be getting .50/gallon this year? Hummm, interesting. It is like they planned it. I am not one to throw around conspiracy theories. This just really ticks me off.

Issue #3- Some oppose the Delta/Northwest idea. They say the deal isn't fair to the employees, the shareholders, or the consumers. Well, maybe the deal isn't perfect. I think it is preferable to 80000 lost jobs, an enormous stock loss, and the loss of TWO airlines. After all, Delta lost 6.2 BILLION dollars in 3 months!!! Really? Said merger is a bad idea? I will have more on this as I develop my strongly worded letter to the editor...

Saturday was Jay's birthday. Jay is one of those people who like to celebrate the birthweek. I am not one of those people and I refuse to do it. That said, I will pretty much deal with whatever he wants to do on his actual birthDAY. For example, I let him drive. Secretly, this is a selfish maneuver. It is my way of avoiding his critique of my driving and most certainly prevents a minor argument.

Anyway, off to the Farmer's Market we went. Why? Well, apparently we needed...

A pot. And, apparently, just any pot would not do. "We" looked and looked for just the right pot. This was fine, as there is really nothing I would rather do than hang out at the Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning before I have gotten my full coffee fix. We didn't ever find an acceptable pot during this morning trip. Maybe the afternoon would prove to be more successful.

After Jay's family dropped off their gifts, cards, etc, we were off to his favorite pond supply/garden/fish retailer.



I am much better with this than the earlier excursion. Who does like to look at a pond or two? We went with the plan of choosing a few new koi for the backyard. Easier said...

Upon arrival, Jay begins to think about all of the things he can do to change his pond. Coincidentally, all of these new ideas cost money. I point out that he said that the last time we enlarged the pond, he said that was going to be it. I also pointed out that the new pump, filter, etc that he bought last month should eradicate his newly acquired inferiority complex.



But still...


A man can dream...
(And, no, this thing is NOT going in our backyard!!!)

Anyway, back to the task at hand. We had to select a fish or two. I, of course, wanted to go pick out the biggest fish we could afford. Jay, the realist, wanted to buy a smaller set of fish. Apparently, he felt that if we got an expensive fish home to the pond it might die. He easily convinced me that I didn't want to gamble away such money on a fish. We shopped in the small fish section.


I should mention...

Jay takes fish selection VERY seriously...

After we selected our three new mini-koi, we headed home. Not so fast! "Let's stop at Home Depot and see if they have a pot." Damn this wretched pot dilemma!!! Now, I love Homo Depot as much as the next queen, but I never love it on a Saturday afternoon. Again, as it is Jay's Birthday, I don't object. And, we found a pot. The ficus has a nice new shoe.

Happy Birthday, Jay!

Meanwhile, I have been running a bit. Went out to the greenway for my run last Wednesday morning. Sunny and 65 outside. I successfully ran a warmup mile in 9:45. Off I went... No stoppin', no walkin'...

5 miles in 0:47:50.

Thursday was an easy elliptical day, then training. Friday, my ankle was bugging me, so it was elliptical again. Boring!

Then Saturday, while Jay's family was over, I hit the greenway again. 5 miles in 0:46:18. I fell in right behind some guy who was running a perfect 9:15 ish mile. I followed him. That seemed to help, until I had to turn back at the 2.5 mile marker. I decided not to request that he cut his run short for my benefit. But still, I was pleased. I held the pace on my own.

Sunday, I drank some beers.


Monday, I felt good and decided to give my newly planned street route a try. Hills. Big ones. Ouch. I plowed through my 2.6 mile route in 26:15. Not bad. Big hills at a 10 minute pace. OK. I'll take it.

Tuesday, leg weights, with a mile elliptical and a mile treadmill warmup. Again, I felt good. Training was good.

Last night, however, I couldn't sleep. My legs felt tight. Today I was a bit stiff. But, over my first few hours, I walked it out. Or, so I thought...

Tried for a 3 mile run, but by the beginning of the third mile, my left ankle, right calf and shin, and left knee were all giving me stern warnings. So, I walked. 3 miles, 36 minutes.

Meanwhile, Nat is here in 48 hours for the marathon. I am excited. It has been 15 years. Maybe I will drink a beer for each year...

Day 13292, & no pain...

Which implies a bit of gain...

I am feeling fantastic about my run.  No pain today.  No stiffness.  Just a tad tight in the calves by the end of brunch.

Now that I have officially been dubbed a runner by Nat, I must develop a plan for my further development.

I would think that this would not be difficult, as we have managed to develop a plan for the restaurant for the last 5 years.  Managing a growth plan for running should not be quite so stressful.  That said, it is stressful.

I do weight training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I do beer training on Sundays (2 for 1).  Sunday is generally the day off...

That said, I am fearful of a substantial run on Mondays, because I am doing legs on Tuesdays.

That would mean no substantial running on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesdays.  That seems silly and unproductive.

So, my thoughts as a newbie:

Monday: 3-ish mile Greenway (flat)

Tuesday: 2 mile treadmill warm up, leg weight training

Wednesday: Greenway, 5-ish miles, or 45-ish minutes

Thursday: 2 mile Treadmill warm up, upper weight day

Friday: 30 minute road run, hills and all

Saturday: Long run, 1+ hour, Greenway...

Sunday: Beer, no running, except maybe running to the beer...

That seems like about 15-20 miles a week.  According to the running guru at Team Nashville, I shouldn't be running more than 5-10 miles a week at this stage.  BORING... I trust his judgment, I just don't like his advice.

Thoughts?

Day 13231, Super Tuesday

Ahh, the democratic process...So liberating.

Where to start.  Well, the beginning, I guess, is a very good place to start...

I started my day at 6:30 with a few cups of coffee, and a heaping bowl of Total.  I have to get going early on Tuesdays so that I can feel somewhat awake by my 8 o'clock training session.  Mile and a half of warm up, then lower body today.  All good.  My feet are still a bit sore, but I did not have any issues with weights today.

Then, for a brief period, I thought my "day off" was going to fade away as the lunch supervisor called out sick.  Again, another reason why I can never really consider myself free and clear from the restaurant.  Even with our vacation, there are no guarantees.  That is why I tell the GM:  Any big problems, close the bitch down for the week.  I am not coming back early!

Anyway, I didn't have to go in.  This would have made for a relaxing day, but while I was procrastinating on getting ready for work--when I still thought I had to go--I got sucked into a bit of house cleaning, laundry doing, bill paying.  Next thing I know, it is noon...

Now I am pissed because I have to go and vote.  And it is lunchtime.  And it is going to be crowded.  And I am gonna have to wait in line.  And I am gonna be really annoyed!!!  Not to mention, who the hell am I gonna vote for?  I have been following all of this closely enough to see that I am just not pleased with ANY of my choices.  Can I just have a skip, and move on to the next presidential election?

Well, since the "skip" idea is not really practical, I decided to go on down to the poll center and do my duty as a citizen.  I should have known what I was in for, based on where I had to park.  I got out of my car and walked the, I don't know...20 yards? That's right.  I parked right up front...because NOBODY was there.  Shouldn't lunchtime be one of the busiest times of day?

So, now I am mad that I am struggling with who to vote for and nobody else has bothered to show up (except for a few VERY SCARY lesbitarians that are having a Hillary party on the back of their Subaru Outback)  I then proceed inside.  No line...Straight to old lady number one, and then...

(The following conversations MIGHT have been modified to protect my political privacy, which, as you will see, is where my problem lies.  On the other hand, this conversation could be dead on...)

Old Lady 1: Do you have your ID or Voter's Registration Card?

Me: Yes, here is my Voter's Card  (thinking: of course, I have my Registration card, I am an organized gay, you dumb bitch!!!)

Old Lady 1: Please fill out your name, address, and signature on this form.

Tick tock

Me: Here you go.

Old Lady 1:  Oh, Mr. Laurie (cause cleary that is EXACTLY how my last name looks like it should be pronounced. Morons!) You need to check whether you are voting Democrat or Republican.

Me: OK, I guess.

Now, at  this point I am thinking that my privacy is being trampled on, but whatever, it is somewhat necessary, I guess...  We all know how important fairness is in an election.

Old Lady 2:  Hello, Mr....Lori (Really?)  Let...me...just...fill...out...this...form...as...soon...as...I...find... you...here...in...my...book.

Me: (silent, no eye contact)

Old Lady 2:  Let's see, my initials here (using her full, normal, speaking volume at a table of 3, with 2 other voters at the table) ballot number here, and...Democratic ballot.  Thank you, Mr Lori.

Now, I am a bit pissed...

Old Man at Booths:  Hello, sir.  Right this way.  Let's see.  This here is your votin' machine.  you will have instructions here, and when your ready, just hit this and you'll get your ballot.  And let's see here, your votin' democrat.

Me: Got it, thanks!

Any now, clearly, EVERYONE that was in either of the rooms that contained this process have also got it.  They now know everything about my basic political beliefs.  They know everything, EXCEPT HOW TO SAY MY DAMNED LAST NAME!!!

I am appalled.  I do my best, make my choice, and off I go, mad as hell about this democracy, or at least the democratic process as it has evolved, anyway.

I didn't give the dogs a bath today.

Clearly that would have been too hard!

Day 13227 & on day 13226, he rested...

Well, not so much rested, but I didn't post yesterday...

Yesterday was quite a big day, really.

I started out with my "surprise" day with the PT. Turned out that the surprise was really just a more severe ass kicking than usual. She called it test day. I did 17 diferent exercises, maxing out in one minute sets. I have to say that there really does not seem to be any reason to 32 seated calf raises in 1 minute. Certainly, there is no reason to do 35 leg curls in 1 minute, unless that burning sensation really gets you off. Honestly, I can say that that kind of burning has never been much of a turn on.

All in all, I do think I am seeing some improvement. Not so much with muscle mass, but definately with strength and endurance. So, I guess that is something...

After training, Jay and I went to look at our new restaurant space. It was the first time that we have been over to the development since last October. The last time we saw Allium (that's the name of the new place,) there were not any exterior walls. Basically, we just looked at the roughed in plumbing to figure out what part of the room we were in.

But, now...




Isn't the dining room gorgeous! I have to say, it is a real step up for the GTC. Well, ok, maybe it is not quite as nice yet but it will be. The plus side was that the space seems larger now. And that the columns seem farther apart. Jay and I drive by the space on our way home every day. We had started to worry that the support columns were going to cause huge issues with table arrangement. Obviously, we would have been in trouble if our million dollar restaurant ( yes, 6 zeros...) only seated 8 people. Fortunately, this worry was unjustified.

Then patio area also proved to be a spacial surprise. Looks like it will seat another 40 or so, and it is covered by one of the higher floors so it will be more useful than previously thought.

As you can see, the view doesn't suck either. You couldn't really see it in the first photo, but the dining room also has a skyline view. Once the sun goes down, it should be really pretty. The big window there (ok, the hole in the side of the building) is the bar area. The best part about this large patio is that it is free space. No rent on this footage. Yea!

After our 30 minute tour of our area was done, we made our architect, Sheila, walk us through the rest of the project, including several of the 112 residential units in the compound. WOW! If only the dogs would die tomorrow, Jay and I could totally be condo dwellers here. Unfortunately, both dogs seem to be in good health (for now...) I think I need to become a cat person.

The development is quite ginormous (note: I have no problem using this word, but I do not think it should be included in the dictionary. I am so displeased with the direction of the modern English language.)

This is the interior view from the balcony of one of the townhouses. Several of the units in the main building are 2 story lofts. They have 24 foot windows, so I am sure that window treatments will be a challange for anyone that is not an exibitionist. It just amazes me that this has gone up in just over a year. Meanwhile, Expo can't seem to finish the 10x12 bathroom for my friend DG in the same amount of time...He really hates Home Depot Expo at this point, as he should...

In the bottom left of the photo, you can see the entrance to the massive underground garage. I hope it is massive enough!



Also, please feel free to note how good Jay looks in a hard hat.

Again, the view from the green roof is amazing. Damn those dogs!!!

Anyway, the tour got us a bit more excited about the new restaurant. It has been hard to focus since it has been such a long process. We signed the lease in October of 2006, finished the construction plans in April of 2007, and have just been waiting around since then. Originally, we were supposed to be opening this month. Obviously, they are a bit behind. Now, it is starting to look like we need to get moving with our work.

Or, maybe I just need to run away to the Caribbean...

p.s. My shins are still sore.

Day 13224, not so bad really...

Ah, there is nothing better than a day off.  One day, I hope to have one.

So, I was off today.  You should know that when I say "off," what I mean is that I:

a: do not have to get dressed in clothes that require dry cleaning or professional laundering.

b: do not have to smile, be gracious, or otherwise fake to people that I would otherwise not give the time of day to. (Keeping in mind that I do love many of my peeps.  It is just unfortunate that the few can ruin one's experience of enjoying the many)

"Off" does not mean that I stay away from work, ignore the business, or otherwise have a relaxed, enjoyable day.

So, I went in search of all that food cost money I mentioned on Day 13223.  3 hours later, and with blurred vision from looking at a month's worth of invoice prices, I am pleased to announce that I found a mere $70.00.  Now, who here thinks I would go through all this for 70.00 of money on paper?  Those who said "I do," clearly do not have the slightest idea of who I am.

Anyway, as it stands, we are out a few Ks and I guess it might be time for a price increase.  There is nothing I hate more...

"Off" also does not mean sit at home and relax.

Today was PT at 8am.  Upper body day.  I have to say, I impress myself...

I am not sure which I like most, upper or lower.  I do know what I hate of each:

Upper: Assisted pull ups and dips.  Don't know why, but that machine is mean.  I guess I should just appreciate the word "Assisted" in this scenario.  It could be worse...

Lower: Squats, and these ridiculous jump squats that PT has decided will make me a much stronger skier.  I doubt the validity of this exercise.  I think she just wants me to look silly.

After my frivolous attempt at finding food on a spreadsheet, I went and bought some new runnin' sneakers (i love the word sneakers.)  Then, like a kid, I went back to the gym to test drive my new sneakers.  2.25 miles in 20 minutes.  Who the hell knew??? Up till now, I only wished I had strong legs so that I could do the triple axle just like Sasha Cohen (only without the falling.)  Now, I see that I have a chance at being just like Jaime Sommers (We can rebuild her...)

Yea, me!

So, at the end of the day, I guess that it is important to be able to look back and feel a sense of accomplishment.  And, throw a few beers in at the end and you have got a good day...