The tri I've been training for finally took place. The weather was horrible - 25 mph wind gusts, rain - generally miserable. The wind was the type that blew open the door of your car as you tried to get out - it did this as we all exited to get Starbucks before the race.
Now, I've had a bet, made back in March with my buddy who I've done the last two tri's with. He, being 7 years younger, "gave me" 7 minutes in the race and thought he could still win. Ha! Nothing like a gauntlet laid down to get me up and motivated. I have trained hard on the bike and relatively hard for the run. He swims regularly. I swam two or three times. Long story short, I won by more than 6 minutes - without the 7 he spotted me. Granted, the chain fell off of his bike, BUT - I was knocked over by another cyclist. Knocked to the ground, and boy did it hurt. I was none too happy; he was very apologetic, but I wonder how much faster I could have been had the weather been good and I not been knocked over on the bike. I actually passed him during the run portion of the race - and couldn't believe it. An even bigger surprise: at the end of the race when our total times were posted I was in the top half of the 1,100 participants AND it was my fastest finish yet - even faster than when I did my first one in '05 and was in such good shape. I was completely surprised that I bettered my '05 time - and completely thrilled.
TNG was there, cheering me on and that was so awesome. (I'd asked Steeler Fan for the past several years to come down there with me, but he never would.) TNG wore a bright colored shirt, so that I had no trouble picking him out of the crowd. He took all sorts of photos and was so supportive and encouraging, it was great. Afterwards was the best. We returned to the hotel and I had to lay on the heating pad as my back was hurting. He said he had to go out and get Starbucks, but he came back with a dozen roses and a fabulous bottle of champagne! It was definitely my favorite triathlon experience ever!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
training and teenagers
Well, an odd title but it isn't what you might think. Training refers to the biking TNG and I did last night - ending in the dark - I might add. We were going to take it easy, but darkness fell more quickly than anticipated and we had to hurry back. Afterwards we did our usual Starbucks run, only to see them clearing chairs, moving tables, etc. it looked as if they'd closed. So we did the next best thing - ice cream! Really yummy! And by the time we got back to Starbucks - they were still open. Its a good thing we both saw it, as no one would have understood had they not been there.
Once back at Starbucks, we snuggled in the front of my car. We had the windows all rolled down and a pleasant breeze was blowing through the car. This is where the teenagers part comes in - we sat in the car, kissing like two teens who have no place else to go. And since we live so far apart, we really don't! But the kisses, they are like no other I have ever had in my entire life. They touch me in a place that a kiss has never touched me before. We talked a bit about it, and he feels the same way. Its almost as if we make love with our kisses. He came up with that one, and it is so true. Our kissing is as intense as making love. It just blows my mind. He said something about us kissing like this when we are older and I asked if he meant that he wanted us to grow old together. His response, "I cannot think of anyone I'd rather grow old with." Wow. And as crazy as it seems to feel this way, this early in a relationship, I do too. He says that he is just going with the feelings and enjoying every step of the way, but at the same time he has said that he knows you can never become complacent or take things for granted. What a great combo. I remain in awe of this relationship.
Once back at Starbucks, we snuggled in the front of my car. We had the windows all rolled down and a pleasant breeze was blowing through the car. This is where the teenagers part comes in - we sat in the car, kissing like two teens who have no place else to go. And since we live so far apart, we really don't! But the kisses, they are like no other I have ever had in my entire life. They touch me in a place that a kiss has never touched me before. We talked a bit about it, and he feels the same way. Its almost as if we make love with our kisses. He came up with that one, and it is so true. Our kissing is as intense as making love. It just blows my mind. He said something about us kissing like this when we are older and I asked if he meant that he wanted us to grow old together. His response, "I cannot think of anyone I'd rather grow old with." Wow. And as crazy as it seems to feel this way, this early in a relationship, I do too. He says that he is just going with the feelings and enjoying every step of the way, but at the same time he has said that he knows you can never become complacent or take things for granted. What a great combo. I remain in awe of this relationship.
Monday, August 18, 2008
monday, monday
A trip to the dentist for a filling, driving the kids to and from school, working, it is definitely Monday. Though after this weekend, the day almost felt calm in comparison. I feel like I did nothing but run errands all weekend. My eldest has a badly sprained ankle and is unable to drive. That hasn't been bad (well it is definitely bad that the ankle is sprained), as I've enjoyed drive time with her, but all of the errands and stuff that needed to be done this weekend seemed endless. Costco, the grocery store - at least twice - soccer practice, training for the tri this coming Saturday...cooking meals and of course, watching the Olympics. The Olympics are the fun part.
Friday night with TNG was great. Sushi, wine, being together - it was all good. Saturday I slept in really late, as I was tired. Yesterday TNG and I rode bikes together. It was fun, as always. We took it easy, as I am now tapering down on the hard training - the triathlon is this Saturday. TNG is going with me - and I am so happy about that. This morning he wrote me the sweetest email, get this:
"Baby, you are so ready for this Tri that I know you will do great. Next year will be even better since we will be training together. I will be waiting at the finish line for you. Remember, physically, you are prepared. Mentally, you are tough. There is literally nothing that can stop you."
How can I not believe in myself when he believes in me so strongly? Impossible. Strangely enough, I always wanted Steeler Fan to come with me, and he never would. So it is great that TNG is the first to come with me, support me and cheer me on. It feels fresh and new and its awesome. And next year he is going to do it with me!
Friday night with TNG was great. Sushi, wine, being together - it was all good. Saturday I slept in really late, as I was tired. Yesterday TNG and I rode bikes together. It was fun, as always. We took it easy, as I am now tapering down on the hard training - the triathlon is this Saturday. TNG is going with me - and I am so happy about that. This morning he wrote me the sweetest email, get this:
"Baby, you are so ready for this Tri that I know you will do great. Next year will be even better since we will be training together. I will be waiting at the finish line for you. Remember, physically, you are prepared. Mentally, you are tough. There is literally nothing that can stop you."
How can I not believe in myself when he believes in me so strongly? Impossible. Strangely enough, I always wanted Steeler Fan to come with me, and he never would. So it is great that TNG is the first to come with me, support me and cheer me on. It feels fresh and new and its awesome. And next year he is going to do it with me!
Friday, August 15, 2008
the week in review...
It has been a pretty good week. The kids started school and things seem to be going well for them. Work has been quiet, I really wish the economy would pick up - continued employment is my biggest concern with the sluggish business continuing.
On the bright side, TNG and I continue to be deliriously happy together. It would be so nice if this initial, new-relationship euphoria could always be there. I know it wears off and things can still be great, but these feelings are really amazing. He made lunch for me on Wednesday and brought it over. Last night we biked and hung out afterwards. He made reference to participating with me, next summer, in the triathlon I am doing next Saturday. Then he said he would do it the year after, and the year after, etc. He makes me shiver when he references us being together forever. It stuns me that he can be so certain after we've only been seeing each other for 7 weeks. I am gun shy after the disastrous relationship with Steeler Fan. And he just seems too good to be true. The other shoe just has to drop at some point, doesn't it? Though it would be great if it didn't!
Tonight we are going out for sushi and then just relaxing at my house. It should be a lot of fun. The Olympics are on and we can just watch them and take it easy. The next month may be challenging as my kid's dad heads out of town for nearly a month. That doesn't leave much TNG time, especially on the weekends. I know its temporary, and he says that all will be well, where there is a will there is a way to be together...and there is certainly the will on both of our parts, so we will find a way. It is just more difficult, thats all. And it is temporary.
Can't wait for tonight!
On the bright side, TNG and I continue to be deliriously happy together. It would be so nice if this initial, new-relationship euphoria could always be there. I know it wears off and things can still be great, but these feelings are really amazing. He made lunch for me on Wednesday and brought it over. Last night we biked and hung out afterwards. He made reference to participating with me, next summer, in the triathlon I am doing next Saturday. Then he said he would do it the year after, and the year after, etc. He makes me shiver when he references us being together forever. It stuns me that he can be so certain after we've only been seeing each other for 7 weeks. I am gun shy after the disastrous relationship with Steeler Fan. And he just seems too good to be true. The other shoe just has to drop at some point, doesn't it? Though it would be great if it didn't!
Tonight we are going out for sushi and then just relaxing at my house. It should be a lot of fun. The Olympics are on and we can just watch them and take it easy. The next month may be challenging as my kid's dad heads out of town for nearly a month. That doesn't leave much TNG time, especially on the weekends. I know its temporary, and he says that all will be well, where there is a will there is a way to be together...and there is certainly the will on both of our parts, so we will find a way. It is just more difficult, thats all. And it is temporary.
Can't wait for tonight!
Monday, August 11, 2008
saturday in the park
The fireworks continued. TNG picked me up early Saturday morning and after a proper greeting we headed up to the mountains for the entire day. The best way to describe the day, "magical." Truly. We talked, laughed, kissed, hugged, discovered new places, took photos, drank Starbucks, and just had an absolutely fantastic time.
I had an epiphany at one point - up until the moment we stood on a magnificent lot, overlooking the beautiful, Smoky Mountains, in the quiet air, gorgeous sunshine and sweet, summer breeze - I had never understood why people wanted houses up in the mountains, unless a very large mountain with many ski lifts was close by. I feel as if my life changed in the minutes we were standing on top of that mountain. Its difficult to describe, but things felt different after we stood there, arms wrapped around each other, gazing at the wonderous beauty of the mountains and sharing sweet kisses in the summer sun.
We then drove to a magnificent hiking trail, grabbed our cameras and took a hike. It was beautiful, peaceful and breathtaking. Towards the end, he said that he wanted to finish up, as he had a surprise for me back at the car. Well, Mr. Romantic pulled a backpack out of the car and we proceeded to a picnic table. There, he opened a bottle of wine and brought forth some fruit and cheese. We shared the wine and cheese by the river's edge, listening to the water flow over the rocks and talked about all sorts of things. He is so thoughtful, romantic, open, honest and loving - I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet. Funny, he told me that feels like the luckiest guy, so I guess we are a terrific pair.
We didn't get back to my house until after 11:00 and we showered and relaxed for a while. It was a long, fun, peaceful, exciting day and we were both pretty wiped out.
Sunday morning we met for a 21 mile bike ride - and that was great fun as well.
Now, back to the drudgery of the work week. Ah, Mondays. At least I have very pleasant memories of a fabulous weekend to propel me thru the week.
I had an epiphany at one point - up until the moment we stood on a magnificent lot, overlooking the beautiful, Smoky Mountains, in the quiet air, gorgeous sunshine and sweet, summer breeze - I had never understood why people wanted houses up in the mountains, unless a very large mountain with many ski lifts was close by. I feel as if my life changed in the minutes we were standing on top of that mountain. Its difficult to describe, but things felt different after we stood there, arms wrapped around each other, gazing at the wonderous beauty of the mountains and sharing sweet kisses in the summer sun.
We then drove to a magnificent hiking trail, grabbed our cameras and took a hike. It was beautiful, peaceful and breathtaking. Towards the end, he said that he wanted to finish up, as he had a surprise for me back at the car. Well, Mr. Romantic pulled a backpack out of the car and we proceeded to a picnic table. There, he opened a bottle of wine and brought forth some fruit and cheese. We shared the wine and cheese by the river's edge, listening to the water flow over the rocks and talked about all sorts of things. He is so thoughtful, romantic, open, honest and loving - I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet. Funny, he told me that feels like the luckiest guy, so I guess we are a terrific pair.
We didn't get back to my house until after 11:00 and we showered and relaxed for a while. It was a long, fun, peaceful, exciting day and we were both pretty wiped out.
Sunday morning we met for a 21 mile bike ride - and that was great fun as well.
Now, back to the drudgery of the work week. Ah, Mondays. At least I have very pleasant memories of a fabulous weekend to propel me thru the week.
Friday, August 8, 2008
there's no place like home...
Finally! TNG is back in town and we are both very happy about it. He arrived late Wednesday evening, and we talked the entire drive home - he in his car, me lying in bed. One of the first things he did was ask if we could meet for lunch yesterday, and of course I said, "Yes!"
As I walked up to the restaurant, I was anxious, excited and so happy to be seeing him. He must have been watching for me, because all of a sudden he was there, right in front of me, 20 feet outside the door. As he wrapped me up in his amazing arms, in his strong, warm embrace, he leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Now, I am home." I just about melted into the sidewalk. Where does he come up with these wonderful, romantic, butterflies-in-my-tummy inducing things? He is so ... amazing. I just cannot convey how I feel when I am with him and how wonderful he is. That he could even say that he was home, now that we were in each other's arms - so special.
Then he said that tomorrow he wants to take me up to his favorite hiking, photo taking, hanging out place. It is about a 2 hour drive, he said I should bring the dog - who will love it - and my camera, too. He is coming to get me early in the morning and we are spending the entire day together. How much fun is that going to be?
Tonight I am taking a friend out to dinner, and then TNG is coming over. I am really beginning to like Friday nights :-)
As I walked up to the restaurant, I was anxious, excited and so happy to be seeing him. He must have been watching for me, because all of a sudden he was there, right in front of me, 20 feet outside the door. As he wrapped me up in his amazing arms, in his strong, warm embrace, he leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Now, I am home." I just about melted into the sidewalk. Where does he come up with these wonderful, romantic, butterflies-in-my-tummy inducing things? He is so ... amazing. I just cannot convey how I feel when I am with him and how wonderful he is. That he could even say that he was home, now that we were in each other's arms - so special.
Then he said that tomorrow he wants to take me up to his favorite hiking, photo taking, hanging out place. It is about a 2 hour drive, he said I should bring the dog - who will love it - and my camera, too. He is coming to get me early in the morning and we are spending the entire day together. How much fun is that going to be?
Tonight I am taking a friend out to dinner, and then TNG is coming over. I am really beginning to like Friday nights :-)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
bringing sexy back
Hehehe. My baby comes back to town tonight. I probably won't get to see him this evening, but soon - and at least we will be back in the same time zone.
Last night my son decided it was time to speak with TNG. So I called him, my son took the phone and told him that since we are now "officially dating" it was high time they meet and that TNG needs my son's approval. They decided this meeting needs to take place over dinner. My son is a hoot. TNG was impressed with his composure and his desire to make sure his mom is with a good guy. He reassured him that he will be good to me. How awesome that there are two guys in my life who want this for me. :-) In actuality, there are more than two, as I am fortunate to have several close guy friends....but these are the two that are the closest!
Gotta get back to work. I am so happy that TNG is on his way home!
Last night my son decided it was time to speak with TNG. So I called him, my son took the phone and told him that since we are now "officially dating" it was high time they meet and that TNG needs my son's approval. They decided this meeting needs to take place over dinner. My son is a hoot. TNG was impressed with his composure and his desire to make sure his mom is with a good guy. He reassured him that he will be good to me. How awesome that there are two guys in my life who want this for me. :-) In actuality, there are more than two, as I am fortunate to have several close guy friends....but these are the two that are the closest!
Gotta get back to work. I am so happy that TNG is on his way home!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
my babies...
Its been a quiet weekend. A nice, quiet uneventful weekend. I have worked out, run errands, had Soccer Dad over for dinner last night and missed TNG like crazy. We are in communication several times per day, but I still miss him so much and cannot wait for him to get back from the west coast.
Last night was funny - I showed Soccer Dad TNG's picture and he tbought he knew him - they lived in the same part of PA when they were little. Turns out they didn't know each other, but it would have been really wild if they did! I took a bunch of photos of SD and we put them up on his match site. He just called me and told me he's had over 70 views ws of his profile and a whole bunch of emails since his new pics went up. He's back in the saddle after his experience with the crazy girl.
As I type, my littlest baby - the dog - is sitting on my lap, my youngest is with his dad, my eldest is in Europe and my baby - TNG - is out of town. I want them all back! Seriously - I am enjoying the heck out of the weekend...and don't really want it to end, except for the fact that it gets me a day closer to TNG's return.
Last night was funny - I showed Soccer Dad TNG's picture and he tbought he knew him - they lived in the same part of PA when they were little. Turns out they didn't know each other, but it would have been really wild if they did! I took a bunch of photos of SD and we put them up on his match site. He just called me and told me he's had over 70 views ws of his profile and a whole bunch of emails since his new pics went up. He's back in the saddle after his experience with the crazy girl.
As I type, my littlest baby - the dog - is sitting on my lap, my youngest is with his dad, my eldest is in Europe and my baby - TNG - is out of town. I want them all back! Seriously - I am enjoying the heck out of the weekend...and don't really want it to end, except for the fact that it gets me a day closer to TNG's return.
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