Tower of Terror 13k

Wow! Steve and I had a fantastic time at Disney's Tower of Terror 13k. We headed there immediately following my class on Saturday and checked into the Boardwalk Inn. This hotel is fantastic and I swear has the most comfortable beds at Disney. We had a room with a beautiful balcony that overlooked the gardens. Upon arrival, we took a nice long nap until 5pm. The run began at 9pm and we had no idea how to plan for dinner. We ended up grabbing sandwiches along the Boardwalk but I was too nervous to eat much. Since I am usually a morning runner, I eat only an itty bitty before my runs. I didn't know how to plan for an evening run. I paid for this in the end because I was zapped afterwards. Honestly, I'm not sure if it was running to nearly 11pm or having very little to eat the day of but I definitely created a new personal worse for time. However, it was a personal best for after race fun! Steve and I were able to head out on the rides, grab a beer (or two), and then make our way back to the hotel room to catch some zzzzzs around midnight. I made every effort to sleep in on Sunday but it was futile. I just cannot sleep in anymore. What has happened to me? It was a great time! I'm not sure whether we will continue the tradition next year.

Hiya Milee!

It was meant to be! Steve and I had been debating lunch the entire length of Georgia on I-95. We finally decided to just stop at a McDonald's because nothing else was coming up. Once we pulled off the highway, Steve spotted a Wendy's and opted to head over there. The second I stepped out of the car an itty bitty teeny tiny kitten came running over. My eyes must have exploded b/c Steve said "no way." I gave the my best frown with begging eyes and he agreed that if the cat was still by the car after lunch I could have him/her. I told "Georgia" that we would be right back and to wait by the car. I grabbed a spot next to the window so that I could keep my eye on her. Sure enough she sat underneath the car until a big truck pulled in and scared her away. I was so disappointed. So smug Steve said that if I could find her I could keep her. When we walked out to the car I made those cute little kissy noises and called for "Georgia." She came running across the parking lot to me. We stopped at a Petsmart along the highway and picked up supplies. I was also able to get her an appointment at a vet in Wilmington tomorrow morning. I need to make sure she does not have feline leukemia before I introduce her to our other kitties. We debated the name for awhile and finally came up with Milee. We kept passing miler markers while we deliberated her name. She's a big eater consumed a can of wet food, two cups of dry, and an entire 16 oz bottle of water. Poor thing was all ribs when we picked her up and now has a nice little belly.

The vet appointment went well although expensive. Not really money we have at the moment as we just bought our first home together. The good news... she doesn't have feline leukemia. The bad news... she has a few intestinal parasites that should go away with a week on meds. Woohoo! I get to keep her.

Chloe Enjoys Mornings but Not Thunder

So, Chloe decided to cuddle up with her frog toy this morning. She looked adorable and I couldn't resist taking a picture. Now, you probably won't believe me but this picture was not posed.

However, Chloe is not always this adorable. This is her "I hate thunder" grrrrrrr!

Run, TK, Run

Steve and I opted to complete the Donna Deegan Galloway training program in order to prepare for this year's marathon. I've always been a pseudo runner and love registering for runs around Florida. Steve tags along because he enjoys spending time with me but never trains. After our last escapade at the Disney Half-Marathon where he couldn't walk for 4 days, we decided we're too old to not train properly. I thought it would be blithe but was incredible wrong. This has been a true growth experience as I've learned to curtail my competitive spirit and build friendships. Through the initial program we completed a 5k last week. This is one of our shorter distances ever completed but we had a ball. Although, I shamelessly let loose and finished 2nd overall.

My in-laws are thrilled that Steve and I have caught the running bug. To celebrate completion of the first phase of organized marathon training, they took us out for sushi. Steve's parents are both avid runners and have set the goal to complete marathons in every state together. They are well on their way.

It feels great to be on our way to completing a full marathon together. It is a little daunting to look at our training log and see 16 miles, 23 miles, or 26 miles listed. I must admit that Jelly Belly Energy Beans are often my motivation to head out for those long runs. Hey... they're good!

Wandering the Jacksonville Zoo

We needed to do something to get out of the house while my parents were in town. Although retired, my mom and dad love daytrading and dedicate time each day to this "recreational" activity. Personally, I cannot play with money which is why Daytrading or even Las Vegas are not quite appealing. Steve works at home quite a bit during the week as well. So, here we have four adults on four laptops in a 2 bedroom home. We were screaming for time out of the house! So, the Jacksonville Zoo was the perfect choice on a beautiful May morning.

The Gorilla (he deserves a proper name) was amazing and just fascinated with my mom and eye. He kept checking us out! At one more we were face-to-face, hand-to-hand on the glass. Steve decided to jaunt over and this irritated the Gorilla. He slammed his fist against the glass, banged his chest, and went running across his yard to the far corner. Apparently, the Gorilla only likes the ladies.

What do you mean cats don't like water? Not at the Jacksonville Zoo. The black jaguar was swimming around trying to catch fish. I could have stood there for hours. As a swimmer, it was magnificient to watch the cat glide and pull through the water. The little kicking motion was adorable and reminded me of my days teaching Mommy & Me swim lessons.

The only mistake we made today was failing to upgrade our tickets to an annual pass. I'm already scoping out the Entertainment books for buy one get one free coupons. I could go back and wander everyday.

Pomp & Circumstance

A thousand bucks on books, four semesters, patience from family, a ga-zillion cups of coffee, and I am a graduate. My masters in educational leadership happened in a blur. From 9-12 credits per semester, coaching, swimming, running, working, and an occasional nap, I was insane! Yet, I have applied for the doctoral of educational leadership program to endure more academic challenges. I really did not think I was going to become emotional at graduation. However, hearing the chords of Pomp & Circumstance, seeing my dad wave his hat in the bleachers, watching my husband give me the thumbs up, caused me to burst into tears. Seriously, I am not emotional. Being provided the opportunity to take a breath of air unleashed the watershed. It felt great to walk across the stage... even though my name was not pronounced correctly.