Runs...

Goal = Sign up for Races
If I register, I'm committed.
These races keep me running, otherwise, it's all too easy not to.
When I do these, my only focus is to run the whole thing.
I don't care what my time is, just as long as I don't walk!!
It boggles my mind people pay to run but it's always for a good cause.

"Run for Home" 5K
April 4, 2009
29:48:72

Navarino Trail Run, 15K
April 18, 2009
1:44:30
This one kicked my ass. I was not ready for 9.3 miles of sandy, hilly, trail running. It was a beautiful run, just wish I could have turned my head to enjoy it but I all I wanted was to be done!!

Upcoming races:
Sole Burner: 5/9/09
"Sam I Am" run for a cure: 5/23/09
Chicago 1/2 Marathon: 9/13/09

Thank you to my husband who's always waiting for me at the finish line - I love you!

New Home

About a month ago Brian was out of town & I went to an open house at the log home we had just about purchased but had to back out of because of the well issue. We had never met the listing agent so he didn't know who I was. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Of the 30+ open houses we've been to, 99% of the time we're the only ones there.

I was so upset. I felt like these people were walking through our house. I got in the car, called Brian and cried. I really couldn't believe how upset I was.

I headed to open house #2 and was over the log home REAL quick. I loved this house. Brian went through when he got home on Monday, we put an offer in Monday night and closed this past Friday. We've been cleaning and painting the last few days. The home is 9 years old so there's not a lot we need to do but enough to make it a fun project.
I'll post pictures when we're in!

Sarasota

Had a great trip to Florida to visit my mom & dad. It was all too quick though. The trip home I went from 77 degrees to 7 in a matter of 12 hours.
My mom had just bought a new digital camera so we were really getting into

seeing who could take the "shot of the day".
I do have to give her credit for some
of the shots below, nice work momma.

"Unconditional Surrender"

Farmers Market

This is an injured owl that was rescued and exhibited at the local art fair.


We went to Thunder by the Bay Festival, an annual
motorcycle event and fundraiser.
The Budweiser Clydesdales were beautiful & huge.

Wings at the beach, chicken wings that is.

Foggy morning jog
(we ran just long enough for paw to get the shot)

Thanks mom & dad for a great trip.
Love you!

Blog Cabin

I've been counting the days until I could post photos of our new log home but unfortunately that isn't going to happen. Our offer was accepted pending septic/well inspection. Septic, a-ok, the well is not on the property.

The original owner ran out of funds while building the home and sold a part of the lot to the neighbors. That parcel had a small out building on it. Inside the building is what would have been our well. We had an estimate done to re-drill on our property and it came back at $16k. The bank (owner of the home) wouldn't budge. Maybe in 6 months they will, who knows.

The search continues....

Terrarium

During the winter when things get a little blah, I need some green; some life in the house.

Brian got this little guy for me for Christmas.

I love it & hope I can keep 'er alive.

Cover

Please call x8383 for your promotional needs!

Update

Had a hard time finding something post-worthy
but thought I'd better update.

During the month of November, I ran a couple 5K's, Brian's been traveling a lot for work and we've been busy house hunting.
I didn't think finding a house would be so difficult and frustrating, especially in this market...patience is not my strongest virtue.
This lady is 88 & runs every race possible in the Fox Valley, inspiring.

We spent a weekend in Milwaukee and went to the Museum to see the Titanic Exhibition. They had an amazing butterfly vivarium with this huge corpse flower.