January 31 - So, I was informed that Salt Lake City's weather is just as bleak as Seattle's. I'll think of all you Mormon folks as I head out today on my bike ride during lunch. Our forecast is 66 and sunny. Sigh.

Yesterday, Rob ran 12 miles for the first time in 3 years; I swam, ran and rode all on one day for the first time since November. He was definitely more pumped up about his accomplishment than I was. My head has sort of been in the clouds lately. I think it's because we live in a rental now and everything seems kind of temporary. It's as if I am reliving my 20s all over again. I have no idea as to why I let it bother me since it really doesn't make any sense to buy anything just yet. Every weekend, after I peruse through the real estate section, look up property taxes and calculate insurance rates, it dawns on me that Rob and I should just stay put. I guess that knowing we'll probably be moving again by the end of this fall just makes me feel so unsettled.

Nonetheless, I plan on being consistent again about my exercise regime. Running two longish runs and riding one 5-hr ride per week isn't really ideal training. It may be for naturally-gifted athletes but not for pokeys in their 40s.

Jan 23, 2008 It's Gasparilla time here in Tampa. This means that, during the months of January and February, the imperial City of Tampa allows its residents to mock her rules, topple the government, pillage through Bayshore, and ravish the women. And, I must ask as I do every year, who pays for all of this?

Gosh, I guess, shame on me for complaining considering that our weather is nice enough to hold an outdoor festival during the middle of winter while the rest of the country is suffering miserably. Take a look at Seattle's 10-day forecast: basically, it's rain, followed by more rain, and then increasing rain, perhaps a little less rain, and then more rain for the weekend. I don't know how folks in that city find the strength to go on.

Well, off to walk the plank. Lucky for me, Linda M invites this landlubber to join her during her swims. Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Jan 21, 2008 Hey, happy birthday, little "big" brother!

So, if I do the math after reading this, I must ask myself, "are we screwed?" Probably. By 2020, when the deficit reaches almost $68 billion, Rob and I are planning to retire. I guess we can forget about collecting any SS; and so will our kids. What's really sad, is what is in store for them when they're out in the world trying to make a name for themselves. And, this makes me very, very angry. Sigh, off to pound the pavement to find some solace.

Jan 16, 2008 Ever take one of those personality tests? Well, Rob and I have taken them and discovered, quite predictably, that he is an INTP (The Thinker) and I am ESTJ (The Guardian). Taking this test many years ago has helped us understand each other which, according to the test, I need to work on since I often tend to not consider other folks' feelings and points of view.

So, I have really tried to make an effort to empathize with others, especially my kids. But today, Ray and I just didn't click. So, knowing that he was also INTP, I went back to read the characteristics of his personality. Wouldn't you know it? He hates details, I'm detailed-oriented; he would rather not lead or follow, I like to be in charge; he is eccentric, I value tradition. So, basically, he's like his father: the complete opposite of me. But Rob listens to me. At least, I think he does. Just one of those days, I guess, in which I am more aware that I now have two men in the house and not just one.  

Jan 13, 2008 I had the night sweats the other night and thought I was experiencing my first-ever "hot flash." Thankfully, I discovered, it's plain ol' fashioned overtraining. Can you believe it? In January! Unlike last year though, all this exercising has nothing to do with wanting to prepare for this tri-season. It's been to clear my mind. I guess I have been worrying a lot lately about life, so running 10+ miles has been an escape for me. Jeepers, now that I am writing this, it's not menopause I am going through. I think it's a mid-life crisis!

Jan 12, 2008 My mom sent me an email promoting Barack Obama. Mom, you crack me up. Really, you do.

Had a good ride to the Fort with some buds today. Wow, I'm pooped.

Jan 8, 2008 Hurrah! The holiday break is over and the kids are back in school. It's nice to be on my own agenda again. Now I can get my chores completed (including finally taking the Christmas tree down), get some saddle time mid-day, and sit in front of my computer and actually get some work done. During these last few weeks, Rob and I have had to fight for PC time with Renee on Barbie Girl or Bratz sites, Ray on Club Penguin or Legos, and Nicole typing away on her daily journal. And, we have 3 computers in our household which makes all this haggling for a computer time incomprehensible.

Thanks to Linda M, I actually got into the water 2 days in a row. As she says, my body may going into shock. I'll try to keep this consistency up so that I can dabble in some races this year. By the looks of Rob's schedule though, I may have to take a step back in training and forego the longer races. I guess it's a Yin-Yang thing and it's my turn to be Yin. I can't complain though since he's in a much better mood running 40+ miles per week than when he's running only around 20.

Jan 5, 2008 Well, the time to make new resolutions has come and gone. I didn't put much thought into it until now. I've decided to finally give up on Andy Potts, who recently became a father. It's time to find another stud to stalk ... I mean, it's time to move on. Right now, Daniel Craig tops my list for 2008.

I will also stop fidgeting in the car with stuff and focus on driving.

I will read more books to Renee. 

I resolve to swim more (ha-ha).

Santa gave Renee a pink and white Giant. So now, every time I look down at her, she's standing there with her Princess helmet on pleading that I accompany her as she rides. Unfortunately, she wants to ride all the time, including at the crack of dawn and past her bedtime. I dare say "no" because I share the same addiction. In the years to come, I'm looking forward to mother-daughter cycling excursions.