rush.

It hit us tonight as we put the kids to bed after dance, tae kwan do, a late home arrival after Kari giving a little girl a ride home (who's mom FORGOT?!? her at the after school program)...we are tired.  The tired to the bone tired that makes you collapse into bed and want to sleep until Friday.  The pace we keep is hectic; it is our choosing, and in another spot I commented on the blessing of being busy.  Our kids and our lives are full of great things, great friends, love, chances to give to others, and to engage the world around us.  However, it crushed in on us tonight, like sand you can't break free of.  The housework has fallen behind due to my inability to keep up with it; my studies are lagging in some areas because of a heavy load in others, our kids are self sufficient because we try to do as much as we can when we are home they end up hanging out by themselves.  Again, most of it is our choosing...but this is kinda tough sometimes.  Just whining to cyberspace tonight prior to the aforementioned crash into bed.  I think we manage pretty well and still make time to care for ourselves, but it does make me wonder what happens when this catches up with us...

Spring Break, can you get here sooner?!?

snowboards, skis, sunshine, soul food

The boy bought a snowboard. Too funny...he is so psyched. First comment -- "Daddy, now we can build a half-pipe." Uh huh. That sounds like a FABULOUS idea, son. The little punk figured out how to ride the thing down the hill already, only a matter of time before we are constructing a large icy ramp in the backyard. What a hoot. And actually, Kristyn is pretty good, too. She could give the boy a run for his money. If only Daddy could figure it out...

Skied 2xs this weekend; snow is fast and light; cold is not bad when you are moving. Heading for a run today...should be a chilly one! Alright, though...and the sun is shining! Gotta love that...bluebird sky and light breeze. I'll wear a scarf and hope my lungs don't freeze.

All of these qualify as soul food -- the things that nourish me internally. I love it, love the babies, love being active and outside. Great to be alive...

Winter

A random, totally out of order selection of winter thus far...

Ski Ashby!

My new fave xcountry ski spot, Ashby Park. Thinking of an urban xcountry ski tour, hit the parks in my neighborhood on a snowy day. Up next: Beaverdale Park...for a ski or 'shoe. Maybe in the morning before the rain melts it all away...

Xtraining

After my personal triumph at Sycamore 8, Blizzard '09 hit. Wahoo for 15" of snow...I ran twice last week, grand total of 7 miles; I did snowshoe 2xs and ski 2xs. I figure it is an ok thing to mix it up provided I do run a bit (3xs a week, maybe?) as well. I can tell winter sports take the energy out of you much quicker than summer ones; I love it, though. Snowshoeing is stupid fun...

Personal best

Sycamore 8 was by far my best race ever. Time wise, mile/minute time, and fun. I think I could really dig a trail run series; running through the woods makes me feel like a kid again. So does walking in the falling snow...can't keep myself from smiling. What a great thing.

Saturday

Sycamore 8 on Saturday, 9 am.

Hoping to beat my time (1:06) from last year
That my knees hold up for 8 miles of trail
That the Cherry Coke waiting for me at the end will be earned.

More to come.