Red Nose Run!

Yesterday, Jon had winter band camp, Grandma Cathy took Andrew to karate, and Ethan and I did this 5K:

Here's a pre-race shot taken by a fellow runner.  It's terrible, mainly because I was wigged out about my lack of preparation for this one. [sigh]

But, it was okay, and fun, through some beautiful sections of downtown Columbia.  The only nasty parts were two hills right at the beginning.  And my time: worst ever.  [again, sigh]

As I was limping my way up the hills, I developed a list of race pet peeves.
(1) People wearing really obnoxious cologne TO A RACE.  Said people were always just a little faster than me, too... not fast enough to pull way ahead; just speedy enough to be a few yards in front of me the whole time.  Ick.
(2) Really fast people with "See Ya" printed on the back of their shirts.
(3) Really slow people who stay to the left.  Giant 2-year-old in a stroller coming through, folks!!
(4) People who run with their dogs.  Dogs are not meant to be long-distance runners!  3.1 miles is WAY too much for these little guys. They are only running the whole time to please their owners. My only hope is that the dog people walked part of the time and I just didn't see that.

Enough complaining.  I still love racing.  Here's a list of great things about racing:
(1) I need the race date as a goal and training motivator.
(2) Spending the morning with really fit and inspiring people.
(3) Post-race endorphins.
(4) The majority of the race fees go to help local charities.  Yesterday's was for the local Ronald McDonald House. 
(5) Goody bags with good coupons and cool samples.

After yesterday's race, we enjoyed watching more runners cross the finish line.  And eating Fruit Loops, of course.

Jon and I are doing another one in two weeks.  And I WILL be prepared for this one.

Daddy's Performance

Jon's high school African drum and dance ensemble performed for Andrew's school last Friday. I understand that the show was loved by all! Here are some photos the preschool teacher snapped.

typical long, lazy weekend

This past 3-day weekend was fun and relaxing.

On one of the days, Andrew got me up at the crack of dawn, which I was not happy about at first, but it meant an early trip to Starbucks and thus accidentally stumbling upon this amazing sunrise across from our home.

Then, considering Andrew's recent interest in all things Star Wars, I decided it was time to pull out my figures from the 70's.  They are basically in mint condition, so I am still pretty protective of them.  Jon, who had never seen the inside of the Darth Vader case, was more excited than Andrew!

And of course, Maddie was as beautiful and photogenic as always.

Sunday.

Here's sleepy, beautiful Dora hound, who really just wished I would either throw the tennis ball or go away.

Ever watchful and hopeful, that hound.

Being back to the grind again yesterday wasn't easy, but we are back in the groove again. Still, we are looking forward to mid-winter break!

Goodbye, curls.

It was time. Ethan received his 3rd ever haircut today. His curls were gorgeous in humid weather and anytime he sweats, but when the air is dry, the poor kid's hair was just plain scraggly. I put it in a ponytail today right before the venture to Sport Clips.

Here both guys are right before facing the scissors.

Ethan was a champ, as usual.

Andrew was, too.  They were both tickled by the clippers, though!

It's so sad to see them looking so grown-up.  Since I can't change that, then here's to some clean-cut boys. And the curls WILL return, just in time for warm weather, too.

i heart my new camera...

...and charismatic subjects and mild weather and beautiful sunsets.

Free Wheelin' (aka Pedestrians Beware!)