keep on keepin on.

I spent a significant amount of time last week in doctors offices and radiology centers. The bad news is, I have a noted central disc protrusion at L4-5 with some annular compromise that's supposedly causing my back pain. The good news is, it's not a pars fracture, spondylolisthesis, or other more serious pathology. (Sometimes, doing what I do for a living is a burden when you suddenly become an over-educated patient.)

I start PT next week for core stabilization and hamstring mobility work. I'm strangely optimistic about my prognosis. I just know I have to work hard at it so I can continue to do what I like to do.

I haven't been running lately, but I've had plenty of other hobbies and pursuits to keep me busy.

I rode 25-30 mi with the Syracuse alumni club last Sunday. Capital Crescent in Bethesda, south to Rock Creek Trail to Georgetown Branch and back. I cannot believe it took me so long to find this. Spectacular views, accessible trails, just the right distance for my fitness level. (That long gradual uphill along the closed-to-traffic Beach Drive... amazing). Quickly becoming addicted, and strongly considering Celebration sprint tri in June. Stay tuned.

I'm optimistic that the Destroyers will have a successful season in vball, though I'm sad to not be a part of it this season. I'm just happy all the pieces seem to be falling into place and we'll have enough to play in the league that best suits us. I'll be excited to start with the coed team in SSB come January. It'll be good to mix it up, both in terms of playing with and learning from new teammates, and expanding my social circle a bit (I hope.)

I'm also excited that the ski weekend in Snowshoe is booked, though it's been tough to get people to commit. I hate having to be the enforcer when getting people to pay their share, but a house for a weekend is a huge chunk of change and its unreasonable to expect one person to bear the brunt of it. But I'm certain when we get on those slopes, all the hassle will be totally worth it. There are few greater joys in life than an open ski slope on a beautiful sunny day.

My family is coming into DC for Thanksgiving this year, since my sister's and my mom's work schedules are otherwise prohibitive unless we meet somewhere in the middle between WV/PA/NY. I need to not stress about the planning and everything being perfect and just enjoy that we're all able to spend dinner together.

Anyway, I am going to the ACS info session on Weds 12/1 at PRR in Cleveland Park and the first group training run for the National Half is Sat 12/4. I'm hoping that I will get what I am looking for with this group. And that my optimism doesn't run out between now and then.

I had one of those romantic comedy-style moments, a prolonged glance with an attractive young gentleman coming up on the Dupont metro escalator as I was heading down on my way home from Midtown on Saturday nite/Sunday morning. And before I realized what was going on, he had already passed. And of course it was in the dead-center of one of the longest metro escalators in the system, making it very awkward and/or impossible to turn around or otherwise prolong the encounter. But it makes you wonder about missed opportunities. Do these kind of things happen to real people?

lightbulbs

Ever have that moment where suddenly things just make sense? Like, yes, I am supposed to do this.


Suddenly it becomes something bigger than me- and helps me honor my grandmother the only way I know how- by DOING something.


Stay tuned...


earworm: new Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
currently reading: The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Who gives a f&*% about an Oxford comma?

I have a date with the gym from now until approximately forever.

I don't care that friends are ditching gym dates for real dates, or that my super cute sweater dress outfit went to waste this past weekend. I'm not doing this to impress anyone. I'm doing this for ME. I have a race to run. For ME.

I do know that no matter what, Goose the betta will be happy to see me when I get home. Sign of impending cat lady-dom? We shall see I guess.


earworm: Vampire Weekend
currently reading: The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

so I cling to the rail / but I won't let you follow

Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I spent 2 weekends in NY with my family, one to stand vigil at my grandma's bedside and one to spend in rememberance. Then one awkward weekend after where I was too tired to know if I wanted company or just to be alone with my thoughts.

I'll admit, I've felt lost the last few weeks. Losing a roommate, a significant other, and a loved one from my life in a short few months leaves things.. different. Not bad, necessarily, but just not the norm. I've been struggling to find things that inspire me as the normal things don't seem to be working.

It's been rough to stick to any kind of schedule, and my back pain has been somewhat discouraging. Thus, ATM just didn't happen. I'm glad Melissa was able to take my spot and run a heck of a race.

I'm optimistic that with some spinning and core work on a regular basis my back will be in better shape. I've been here before, and I can just see my PT going "I told you so!" I know what needs to be done. It will help once vball and kickball are over, I can get back on a regular schedule at the gym. Then by January, I'll be ready to kick it into gear for the Nat'l Half. I am running that race, even if my legs fall off in the process.

I took Buzz out for a spin last weekend on the C&O canal towpath for about 2.5 hrs. Once I got out of the touristy/crowded areas near Great Falls, it felt wonderful just to go. I needed to get the adrenaline pumping again. It felt good to feel alive.




earworm: Juniper Lane - Follow Me
currently reading: nothing :(

Anyone can see the road that they walk on is paved in gold

My grandma had a distinct taste for angels. You could always depend on her wearing them, collecting them, talking about them. After a while it became like, 'okay, grandma, enough.'

But now, she is our guardian angel, looking down on all of us.

My cousin read a beautiful passage at the service about 'strong women.' I haven't been able to get a hold of this yet, but as soon as I do, it will be here.


Say hello to Poppy for us, Grandma. We miss you both.


I love this pic, a good sample of the 'strong women' in my family:


Aunt Kathy, Mom, me, Grandma K, Aunt Martha, circa 2004

earworm: Fastball - The Way