Family Updates: Me

Me: Nine days ago I ran a half marathon. I trained for the distance, but not the speed. So deciding to try for a PR the day before the race maybe wasn't the best decision. I was sore for three days. Ha. But it was an amazing 24 hours. Five other women ran with me and we had a blast. We got super lucky with accommodations: we were in the top floor of a huge house that overlooked the harbor. We ate at a delicious restaurant Friday night, then came back to watch half a movie in the in-home theatre. The house was within sight of the race start, so we were able to stay in the house until about 10 minutes before the gun went off. Which was good because it was pouring. That's right: half-marathon in the heavy rain. Awesome. But I'd rather have rain than bright warmth. So it was okay. After the race, we went back to the house to get shower and get dry. THEN we ate. Instead of choosing for eating out again, we all brought something to contribute to brunch. And it was amazing. Cinnamon rolls, french toast casserole, fruit, quiche, salad, and yogurt with homemade granola. Seriously amazing. Then it was time to pack up and return home! It was a great time.

Now that the training has ended for that, I need to get ready for my next race: a triathlon! But this isn't your regular tri. It's run/bike/canoe. Perfect because I'm not a strong swimmer. It's run two miles, bike ten, and then canoe one. It won't be pretty! But hopefully it will be fun.

I got a second job. I'm working for Chuck. Well, not really, but close enough. A job teaching algebra to an 8th grader opened up and I took it. Turns out this particular 8th grader is okay, but algebra is not. Man, I forgot so much! Completing the square?! Vertexes of parabolas from the vertex form?! What?! It's a lot of prep work for me. I think I'd do it again, but just not algebra. Probably only stats.

I got a third job (this one not for pay). I've finally found a way to volunteer at Rhett's school that doesn't involve children (which we know is not my strong point). I'm reshelving books (not in the library, but these are books kids read in class). I can do it while listening to podcasts. It's perfect. But I've also had some opportunities to be with the kids a bit. The first was for Career Day. We got to make a graph using the kids' shoes--which apparently they loved. And then I was back the next day for Poetry Day. It was fun, but about all I can handle.

And then I have a fourth job. I offered to help our pool with their membership cards. It means spreadsheets! Finally, a non-work use of one of my four talents. It's been fun.

Now that Ollie is out of preschool, I realize how little I actually accomplished while he was in it! From my master list, I guess I can cross off some things. I did start grocery shopping while kids were in school. Laundry did get folded (most of the time, but that's only because I watched non-kid-appropriate shows whilst doing so. I was motivated). Got the volunteering in at the very end. Didn't prep meals. Didn't clean. Lunched with friends very rarely. Helped with rides to doctor's appointments for an elderly lady in our ward a handful of times. Sewed some. Church calling prep is done when Rhett's at Scouts, so no. Still running the early mornings, so no. Good thing I get to try again in a couple of months. But then I'll have all day. I'm sure I'll get it all in then. And we know I wasn't blogging. Who knows what I did. But that makes me extra sad it's over.

The next time I get the days to myself is this August when Ollie and Rhett both go to elementary school. CRAZY.