Has it really been that long?
It doesn't seem as though I have not updated in nearly 2 months. Perhaps because I have updated in my mind several times. ;)
The summer has been good for the most part. SV's visa came through, albeit a few weeks late due to an incompetent lawyer who failed to initial all the documentation the first go-around. She lost valuable work (and $) time, but is at least now a legally contributing member of society. It has taken us nearly 6 years to get to this point, but it's nice to finally see some things finally show some return.
Marathon training is going well. While we are not running as frequently as we should, our last long run set a new personal record, up to 20 miles. We planned on 18 (my peak last year), but once I floated the idea that we could go out of town for Labor Day if we completed 20, SV was on a mission...a painful mission. My right thigh developed a cramp, which turned into a strain around mile 14. The last few miles were all determination. Aside from the thigh strain, I felt better after 20 than I did after 16.5. We have just under 2 months, so now the goal is to run with greater frequency and make sure we get our step-down runs of 8-12 miles in when we can. It is finally dawning upon me that this just might happen.
My first year roommie, DR, has been visiting for the past week. It seems incomprehensible that we hadn't seen each other in over 10 years. Some memories have faded, but a great deal seem like yesterday. Aside from a shaven head, he hasn't changed much at all, which is good. When your friends start aging, you feel older in a hurry. Anyway, it's been great catching up and getting in to new troubles.
SP got married last week. It really bothered me that I was unable to attend the ceremony. AP and I went back and forth over it up until 10 days prior. I have missed so many weddings for so many years when I had very little control over going, that I feel really bad that I could have made this one, but did not. Hmmm... But I am glad for him. As it has for so many people, it's been a long and winding road and it's great to see him passing to the next stage in his life.
Those two things really take me back. It's great to have such terrific friends.
Work has been busy, but we've landed another contract, I had a great review (with accompanying raise), so I cannot really complain. The sales side is slowing for the year, so new projects are in the works. I am PM for our website redesign and Intranet creation. These are two mammoth projects - I am excited about the challenge.
What else? My sister got engaged (not sure if I've posted this) and I had my first conversation with my grandmother in over 9 months. The family situation is really awkward right now. My guess is that it will only get more awkward over the upcoming 9 months as well. C'est la vie.
Oh, and in the end, SV is going to her relative's this weekend and I'm not going anywhere. At least I do not have to worry about a 20-mile run. :)
The summer has been good for the most part. SV's visa came through, albeit a few weeks late due to an incompetent lawyer who failed to initial all the documentation the first go-around. She lost valuable work (and $) time, but is at least now a legally contributing member of society. It has taken us nearly 6 years to get to this point, but it's nice to finally see some things finally show some return.
Marathon training is going well. While we are not running as frequently as we should, our last long run set a new personal record, up to 20 miles. We planned on 18 (my peak last year), but once I floated the idea that we could go out of town for Labor Day if we completed 20, SV was on a mission...a painful mission. My right thigh developed a cramp, which turned into a strain around mile 14. The last few miles were all determination. Aside from the thigh strain, I felt better after 20 than I did after 16.5. We have just under 2 months, so now the goal is to run with greater frequency and make sure we get our step-down runs of 8-12 miles in when we can. It is finally dawning upon me that this just might happen.
My first year roommie, DR, has been visiting for the past week. It seems incomprehensible that we hadn't seen each other in over 10 years. Some memories have faded, but a great deal seem like yesterday. Aside from a shaven head, he hasn't changed much at all, which is good. When your friends start aging, you feel older in a hurry. Anyway, it's been great catching up and getting in to new troubles.
SP got married last week. It really bothered me that I was unable to attend the ceremony. AP and I went back and forth over it up until 10 days prior. I have missed so many weddings for so many years when I had very little control over going, that I feel really bad that I could have made this one, but did not. Hmmm... But I am glad for him. As it has for so many people, it's been a long and winding road and it's great to see him passing to the next stage in his life.
Those two things really take me back. It's great to have such terrific friends.
Work has been busy, but we've landed another contract, I had a great review (with accompanying raise), so I cannot really complain. The sales side is slowing for the year, so new projects are in the works. I am PM for our website redesign and Intranet creation. These are two mammoth projects - I am excited about the challenge.
What else? My sister got engaged (not sure if I've posted this) and I had my first conversation with my grandmother in over 9 months. The family situation is really awkward right now. My guess is that it will only get more awkward over the upcoming 9 months as well. C'est la vie.
Oh, and in the end, SV is going to her relative's this weekend and I'm not going anywhere. At least I do not have to worry about a 20-mile run. :)