Getting some rest

Amazingly, I was able to sleep on my red-eye flight last night.  That's extremely unusual, and must be a function of how exhausted I was.  I got home, collapsed into bed to get an hour nap before a jewelry-making class - and stayed in bed for the next 4 hours.  I missed the jewelry making class but believe me - no one would want me there spreading my plague.

And this brings me to a pain point; I'm in my first official week of training for my March half.  I had a goal to not miss any workouts this cycle.  I was ready to fight off the lazys, and have been doing fairly well.  I have a feeling that goal may not be met if I feel this lousy tomorrow.

I know that the important part is to listen to my body.  And you never know - I might feel better tomorrow! But I have decided I will listen to my body over my mind. If I don't feel well tomorrow - no running, just rest.  It's hard mentally but I know will be better for me physically.

Even with doing nothing today (except laundry) I still feel exhausted. My suitcase is up the stairs outside my apartment in my car trunk (didn't feel like lugging it down this morning); I guess the last thing I'll do today that has any effort behind it is to go bring it in.  And then maybe take another warm bath and cuddle in warm blankets.  Waaarrmmmm.

Dragging

Soo...tired.  I think my schedule this week is finally catching up with me.  I'd been getting up every morning from 5-5:30 AM to run, which would be okay if I wasn't out most every night.   I need my sleep!  Plus a lot of folks at my office have been sick and I think I caught the edges of a cold.  Could be worse; could be something with vomit, which I cannot handle.

Right now I am in the airport futzing around until it is time to board a plane home.  It's a red-eye and I hope like hell I can sleep.  I usually toss and turn and don't rest much on these kinds of flights.  Given the way I feel, maybe I'll be lucky this time.

I have a couple things planned for the weekend; jewelry making Saturday, 5K Sunday.  We'll see which of the two I feel up to doing.

It's the little things

It's my last night in California and I have a silly pride.  I didn't overpack.  Well, in most people's eyes I probably did, but what I mean is that of all the clothes I packed I only ended up not using one pair of socks.  Yes - very silly, I know, but it's too often that I pack workout clothes for a certain number of days and don't end up using them.  Not this time!  That's really why I thrive on canned training; I know that I won't die on the race course if I miss a run, but I will feel really bad about it.  I have extra commitment now that I am setting some challenging goals for races in 2012!

Look - more pictures!  Hotel decorations!

 

 Pictures on my running route!

Pier 39 Christmas tree

Plaza of Christmas balls!

And of course - me!

 

Isn't my new  running skirt sweet? It really was easy to run in, although I wonder how it looked in movement.  It probably went stunningly with my beautiful sweaty face.

Not appearing here are pictures from the lovely night out I had with friends who happen to be coworkers.  We went to a new tapas bar and had a really good time laughing and talking data geekiness.  I love visiting California because of all the great relationships I've made here.  But with that said - I'm missing my home!

Travelin'

I flew out to California for a business trip this week.  My company is headquartered in San Francisco, so I've had several trips out here in the past three years.  I've made some good friends - thank goodness for Skype, as we keep in touch constantly.

No pictures of friends right now - maybe tomorrow.  I'm going out tonight with folks from my old team and I'll do my best to remember my camera.  I'll probably get slightly looped tonight; basically that means I'll have one drink.  I have no tolerance.

Even though I have no pictures of friends yet, I do have pictures of some Christmas decorations - and of my hotel room.  And me.

 

I actually got to stay in a nicer place this time.  The hotel I usually stayed at is closer to my office but the area is dead at night.  This hotel is in a more active area.  Plus - lots of window shopping in some great stores.  

I also love the decorating that I see.  In addition to the pictures below, I've also seen a plaza with giant Christmas ornaments, and a nice big tree at Fisherman's Wharf.  

Enough of this Christmas stuff - how about some pictures of me getting ready to run?

I call this one "Suck it in!"

Someday I will master the natural smile in a self-portrait.  Someday.

Yay me for getting out there and going.  It's definitely easier these days to motivate myself out of bed, but still not the easiest.   It's been really fun going out on the streets here, although I don't like how easily my Garmin loses its signal.  Oh God - what tortures I suffer. 

Once the run is done it's off to work!  I have to walk about a mile to the office but that's nothin'.  Luckily I have a good backpack for my laptop!

Yes!

I am bursting with joy.  I ran my 5K this morning - new PR!  28:40.  First race averaging a less than 10 minute mile.  First time breaking 30 minutes in the 5K.  Freakin' 2 and a half minutes off of my last PR race in July.

I feel full of joy and ambition.  2012 is going to be my year.  I've called it.

I've already broken one of my 2012 goals (sub-30).   The hard part of breaking goals is that the next goal has to be better.

With this triumph I have to change my 2012 goals, and I will add on another to the two I already mentioned.

2012 goals:

* Sub-30 5K   27:xx 5K
* Sub-60 10K
* 2:15 Half Marathon

For the last my current half marathon PR is 2:29:45.  Yes - a lot to take off for a half, but this time I will actually be planning and training to race it, not just run.

This 5K also kicks off the last day before I enter half training.  I will be running 6 miles tomorrow around the streets of San Francisco.  Can't wait!

Up and at 'em!

Good morning!  I'm up and happy; excited to get ready for my race, excited to get out to California.  All that's left is some cleanup and last minute packing.  Of course I am the queen of overpacking, so I get to haul a huge bag around and up 63 steps from my apartment.  Well worth it to keep up with my first of half marathon training - starting tomorrow!

I'm ready to rock this 5K!  Sub-30 here I come!

Race prep!

I'm sure all one of you were on the edge of your seat after my earlier post today.  Let me not keep you in suspense; yes, I did clean the cats' litter.  I also did several loads of laundry.  Still have to clear off the kitchen table.

After that excitement, going down to Copley to pick up my race stuff couldn't be any more thrilling, could it?

Well...maybe

Yes, as I was coming out of Marathon sports with my stuff, they were just running a race past me where everyone ran in their underwear.   It's the Santa Speedo Run and it looks like a good time.  At least it does this year, when it's not exceedingly cold.

People where having a good time while they ran.  There was even a guy doing back handsprings down the road, finishing with a full backflip!  Everyone was laughing and smiling.   Hmmm....2012?  Well, if my abs look awesome...

As for my race swag for tomorrow, it was nothing to write home about.  No t-shirt, but I did get a pair of gloves and a hat, neither of which I love, so they will act as good winter spare/tossaways.  

I think I did get a good number:

I like it because it is just sub-500, which makes me think of my goal of sub-30.  It's meant to be!  What is disappointing is that there doesn't appear to be chip timing.  I will depend on my Garmin for official time.  

After seeing some fun runners, I ended up at the grocery store with some fun items.  

Yes - that keyboard is where the magic happens

Persimmons!  I love them sooooo much. They are just about my favorite fruit.  I've only had them once outside of California, so I was surprised that when I walked into Shaws there they were!  2 for $1!  I bought four and ate one already; the others will be flying out with me tomorrow!

I am excited for my race tomorrow and for my week long business trip. On the downside, I will miss putting up an ornament on my advent calendar every day.

A little bit early

It's Saturday morning at 8 am.  Why am I up?  I have no children tugging at the bed to get me up.  No critical appointments.  Why aren't I just staying in bed?  This is early!  Well, early in my mind.  *sigh*  Moments like these are when I have to admit I am 70% grown up.  I don't think I'm ever fully there, maybe peaking at 95%.  There's always that little girl inside who can be distracted by pretty things.

Anyway, aside from deep and introspective posting, I do have some things to do today.  I have to go into Boston to pick up a packet for a 5K tomorrow - yay!  I will take the opportunity to drag my lazy butt to the mall and do some Christmas shopping for my cousins.  I also have to do some pickup in my apartment.  I'm flying to California for the week for work - Yay! - and I have to have things ready for my pet sitter.

The next small item on my to-do list is to change the cats' litter.  Don't wanna.  *sigh*

Dreaming Big

I am not so different from most runners.  I dream of running Boston.  It's especially strong for me as it is my hometown race. 

I think I have posted my results here before, but if you don't want to go back to search for them (and I don't blame you), let me just say - I am a turtle.  When I get below 10 minute miles I am proud.  So - Boston seems like an impossible dream.

I really wonder, though...is it? 

I'm getting older and faster.  The standards for Boston are getting more rigorous but they also get slower as the age bands get higher.  Will we meet someday?

I don't know.   But I'd sure like to try. 

Cookie cookie cookie starts with C!

Entirely random and lazy post for an entirely random and lazy day.  See, last Wednesday I developed a big ole blister on my left big toe.  (This is the part where you are very glad this blog has few pictures, so you are saved the view).  Being the highly intelligent person I am, I decided to "run it off".  Not a deliberate choice, just decided to keep on going.  That included runs on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday and a 4 mile walk with my dad on Saturday.  Not surprisingly, the blister did not get any better; in fact, it appeared worse yesterday.

So - big toe is covered in blister bandages.  And those blister bandages are covered in blue zebra print slippers as I decided to go the extra mile and work from home today, just so I could minimize time on my feet.  I have a 5K I want to run this Sunday, so I will be gentle on my feet the rest of the week.

What does that have to do with cookies?  Well, nothing.  I've just been watching random Muppet clips on youtube since I saw the Muppet movie.  I have rediscovered the wonder of Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzie, Grover, and especially COOKIE MONSTER!  He is totally hilarious.  I especially love the video below.



This is why I run - so I can imitate COOKIE MONSTER!

Weekend fun!

Yay!  Dad's visiting!

Dad on right; cousin's boyfriend on right.   Cousins reflected in mirror behind them!

I already pretty much covered Friday, so Saturday it is!  We relaxed and slept in.  When we got up we went over to Friendly's for a fun breakfast.  I had an omelet, toast, and home fries.  Dad did two egg combo, toast, and sausage.

After that incredibly healthy breakfast we took a walk down through part of my regular running route.  It definitely was a different experience.  My dad has been walking 4 miles 5 times a week so he is in good shape.  

It was a good walk, and we ended up stopping in at my favorite running store.  I got some new socks for me and something for my cousin for Christmas.  

Saturday night we went South to see my aunt and uncle for dinner.

Love!

We had a really good time, my dad and uncle told some great stories.  I also got to see my cousin and her family (four kids).  I really need to get down to see them more often, they aren't that far away.

Sunday was another semi-lazy day, but this time I ran while dad walked.  We had a lighter lunch and then headed down to Fanueil hall for some stocking shopping!

Early dinner ensued.  Thai for all!

Cousins!

Cute babies!

Tired cute babies!

Not pictured - some good Thai food.

Now it's a Sunday night and Dad and I are settled in for the night.  I always enjoy seeing my dad, although this was a more lazy weekend than usual.   I'll have to go down and see him in the Spring!

Don't think...just do!

I had a really good day today.  My dad flew in to spend the weekend!  I'll work backwards through today's events.

We just got back from seeing The Muppets.  Thumbs up.  I also will admit that I teared up towards the end, when they sang Rainbow Connection.  I also sang along a bit when they sang the Muppet intro song.  I also liked a lot of the original songs in the movie.  Amy Adams rocked it.

I will also admit that I teared up at one of the previews.  It's the one about whales trapped in Alaska, and all the people working to save them?  How can you not tear up at that!

Before the movie my dad and I went out to dinner at the same Chinese place I went a couple weeks ago with my cousins. I still loved the crispy fried chicken.  My dad, whose business partner is Chinese and goes with her to Chinese restaurants all the time...not so impressed.  Fun was had in just being together, however.

Before Dad showed up I did some standard at home stuff. I had decided to spoil myself by taking the entire day off!  I could have worked from home and picked my dad up when he came in from the airport, but I decided to treat myself.  Didn't do much, but did get a lot of online Christmas shopping done.  All of the kids are done, and the women of the family.  All I have left are the men but I have ideas for at least one.  Yay online shopping!  I don't have to go to the mall!

Before I settled in for some computer time I had slept in.  I was due for a tempo run, and was a bit nervous.  It's another mental thing; I don't like to be uncomfortable.  Which - duh - when you are working hard, that's what you are!  So I dallied along, trying to talk myself out of doing it.  I know that my dad wants to get out for a walk this weekend, so I would be out running when he did.  My dad walks 4 miles 5 times a week - go Dad!  Anyway, I knew I would be running at least once, so I told myself that I could just do a tempo run then.

I know myself.  If I didn't do the run this morning, I wouldn't do it.  And surprise - I did it.  And it went really well.  I did 5 miles total, with the three miles in the middle at sub-10, which for me is pretty awesome! The middle mile was at 9:13 - could I be looking at breaking 9 in 2012?  Maybe!

The lesson here is when I don't want to do it is when I most need to.  It's a lesson I need to really grind in with marathon training coming. I usually missed a run a week when I was training for my last half.  I finished pretty well, but I feel like if I had stuck with the training I could have done better.  More miles really is the key to success.  At least more miles consistently.

Another funny lesson is that I really have to treat my mind like a child at bedtime.  You know how you can put a kid to bed, and they find any excuse to get up again?  "Can I have a glass of water?  Can I have another story?  Just another 5 minutes!".  Well, that's my brain when running.  "Hey - maybe you should stop for some water" (I'm definitely not thirsty).  "Hey - slow down, you're actually working hard!" (That's the whole point!).  "Hey - even though there's no one around, stop for that red hand sign!" (Well, this one I usually pay attention to.  There's some crazy drivers around here).  I am setting a mini-goal to silence that voice.  Inner child - we have goals.  Work must be done to reach those goals.  This is no time to stop!

Planning, planning...

I'm ahead of schedule with thinking of my 2012 running resolutions.  Don't worry - to balance it out, I am behind on my Christmas shopping.

I'm trying to work out what goals are both optimistic and realistic.  And like most folks, I like round numbers.

I'll start with my goals for the two shorter distances, which can be unified with one word - break.

For the 5K I want to break 30.  That's coming off of a PR of 31:03.

For the 10K I want to break 60.  That's coming off of a PR of 1:07:26.

Both of these goals are stretches, but might not be as much as they appear on their face.  The 5K might be slightly harder.  My PR there came from a race that I ran with my cousin, where she was urging me along the whole way.  On the other hand, that PR also came with mile splits of 9:30, 10, 10:30.   I'd like to see what happens when I give myself an easy mile warmup before the actual race, and then aim to speed up from the first mile.    I think that with my current distance training I will be able to break 30 in the 5K.

The 10K PR I have is from a race where I did some large amounts of walking.  And included a  lot of hills, a hot day, and some urgency with bathroom issues.  I've had some mental problems handling the 10K distance, but I think I am past that with my current training as well as my success with the 6.66 mile run at Halloween.  Breaking 60 is more difficult with the 10K of course because of the race duration.  But I feel right now that I am used to 6 mile runs being a normal mid-week run.  With that I feel more confident racing them.

So - part 1 of my goals.  Look forward to part 2+!  I have a lot of thinking going on!

Today I am thankful for...my Dad.  Yeah, saved one of the best for last.

My dad is awesome because:

* He always makes me laugh.  I definitely inherited his sense of humor.

* He understands the work I do.  When I talk tech (or as tech as I get from my job), he understands it and asks questions that help me understand more!

* He takes pride in my accomplishments. He especially encourages my running and has seen me race twice.  He actually might even spectate my marathon.  Since my big goal there is...no, that's something I'll share later, let's just say it's a long time...he might get bored, but he'll be there anyway!

* He's my dad.  And that's enough.

Early night

Tomorrow morning is my regular personal training session.  It's usually at 9, but tomorrow it's for 8.  I have to get up at 6 to be fueled and ready to get to the gym.  That's early for me.  I'm very lucky that I get to go to work late in the day.  I work mostly with folks in CA, so I get to be lazy!

Today was not the best run. I pushed myself too hard early and ran out of energy.  I have to remember - slow it down.  Once a week for tempo runs (which this was not) is when I push it.  And I even have to work on how hard to work on those runs!  I was semi-proud today that even though I walked up a couple hills (with Garmin off, so distance didn't count), I did not stop at 3 miles but pushed myself another 3.  I had planned on 7 today, but 6 works.

My hips and hamstrings have been tight recently.  I plan on warming up for PT tomorrow with the elliptical - probably 15 to 20 minutes.  Then if I have time then some foam rolling.  If not - after PT.  I am so bad at stretching - once a workout is done, I'm done!

Tonight I am thankful for special Christmas treats.  I came home tonight and opened a box of chocolate peppermint soy milk.  A sweet treat to end the day!

Thanksgiving 2011

I really did have a good time over the Thanksgiving holidays.  I got to spend time with my family and we had a lot of laughter in my sister's house. This post is pretty much pictures.

Younger brother and blur, tentatively identified as niece

There definitely was some teasing in the house.  If you look closely at my brother, you will notice that under his long sleeved shirt he is wearing two more shirts.  When we had dinner he added a sweater, for a total of four layers!  Dude - it was not that cold inside.

All of my nieces + my brother

The kids spent a lot of time hanging out in the family room reading, but since my sister's house literally backs up onto a park, there definitely was some energy burned off outside!

Nephew #1

Nephew #2

And a random mention - the blanket in the background?  I made that 11 years ago for nephew #1 when he was a baby.  They grow up too fast!

Me and my godson

Not my best look, but it will do.

Older sister and nephew

My sister always does a great meal.  My mom and I definitely help (my mom more than I), but my sister really has things organized.  And she made amazing mashed potatoes this year!  Helped along by cream and butter, but as long as they taste good, who cares?

Kids, sister, and most of my mom

Mmmm...pieeee.

My brother always brings pie - and always the classic pumpkin and apple.  He really does good pies.

Pie and fresh whipped cream, modeled by niece #2

Niece #3 models chocolates (my contribution/hostess gift)

The kids are always a good time, even though Aunt Sue can be a little reserved at times.   I'm just not used to having that many people around.  Or at least that many noisy people.

Yeah, my youngest niece isn't impressed with my photo skills either

Add in a dog, and yeah - things could get crazy.   Especially at night, when we played Werewolf.  It's a game where people are werewolves or townspeople (some with special skills), and basically the townspeople try to kill the werewolves before the werewolves kill them.  Included in the game are rounds of accusations, which is always a good time.

Brother's dog, with cameo by my leg

In the end, a lot of pictures were taken, we all had a good time, and I am sooo looking forward to Christmas!

Today I am thankful for warmth in November.  It was in the 60s when I left work!  Let's keep that up!  Well, maybe 50s when I am running, but otherwise - think warm!

So much better

Nothing to do with the content of this post, but this song has been going through my head since finishing today's run.



Yes, I am feeling so much better than yesterday.  To be honest it would be hard not to.  That's right - I'm over being carelessly insulted by a 7 year old.  It's that kind of moral strength that makes me the person I am.  (And yes - that is sarcasm).

I didn't expect much from today's run.  I got home from the airport last night after midnight and didn't get to bed until 1.  I had decided to sleep with no alarm, so I woke up around 9:30.  After fueling with my beloved bagel I got myself out and running.

I had planned on 10 miles, making it a shorter mileage run as a cut back from building weeks.  I was amazed today, though.  I got to 10 miles and felt so awesome that I decided to add in another 3.  Why three?  Well...

That's right - 13 got me to my 100 mile November goal.  I made it - with days to spare!  Yes!

I feel so good.  I really do.  I feel strong and confident, and I am extra excited now.  1 year (a little less) to the marathon - and today I know that I can build myself to be ready.

Today I am thankful for strong bodies and progress.  And the joy that a good run can bring.

Tired and emotional

As I write this I sit in the gate area of Dulles airport, which I am familiar with as a traveler that once lived in the area.  I just polished off a bag of red Twizzlers as a dinner/snack, and with it am fighting not to give in to a sense of guilt.

I grew up fat.  It started when I was around 10 as far as I know, and it lasted until I was 26 and went on Weight Watchers.  I've maintained a healthy weight for 10 years and know that I never will go back to the way I was.  I like to think I've developed an almost healthy relationship with food, given my background.  There are days when I finish the food just to finish (the licorice is an example), but most of the time I am sensible.  I eat the foods I like.  Luckily I have trained my taste buds to like healthy foods.  But not always healthy foods.

The reason I bring this up is that something happened today that I handled badly.  It was the last day at my sister's house and to be honest I think we all needed a break from each other.  The kids had been overexcited since we got there and it took a lot out of us to keep up.  Anyway, my niece was looking at a set of pictures that my sister had on their family room wall.  Included in this set was a picture of my sister and I and our cousins as bridesmaids from a wedding a few years ago.  My niece said - "Aunt Sue looks F.A.T. in this picture".  I heard that, and I couldn't handle it.  It was ridiculous - I'm 37 years old, but when I heard that I had to get out of the room and cry.

I was upset; I told my niece in a cold voice to "Never say that about anyone, ever".  I went in the kitchen and told my sister and my mother what had happened and I started to cry.

My mom and I had decided earlier to go to lunch, so we left right after that.  My sister had talked to my niece, and when we left she was curled up in a ball on the sofa.  I tried to tell her that it was okay, but she wasn't listening.  I felt awful - I had upset myself and a 7 year old!   Good job.

I'm still somewhat upset about it and also feel guilty.  I shouldn't have overreacted like that.  And to be honest, it's nothing worse than what I say about myself when I see my pictures.  It's weird that years later it can still hurt. I guess it's because I believe it is the truth.

I am at a healthy weight.  I am strong and getting stronger.  I could lose a couple pounds, but honestly, they are vanity pounds.  Right now, though, I hate my body.

I hate that I am "rounded".  I hate that my cheeks look like a chipmunk when I smile.  I hate so much.

Tonight it is hard, but I will be thankful for my body.  I will be extra thankful when I can wake up tomorrow and believe again that I am beautiful.

Right now, I will try and stop crying again in the middle of the airport.

Still thankful...no pictures

Another semi-late night means another semi-lazy Susan.  At least in terms of picture posting.  I didn't even get to take more pictures today, as my camera battery is dying.  The fates are against me!  At least the really lazy ones.

Since I've mentioned being lazy so often in this post I will highlight where I was not lazy today.  I'll back up a bit and mention that I went out to lunch with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law.  Here's where there would be an awesome picture of us, if I wasn't so lame with the camera.  Anyway, we had a lovely semi-light lunch; I did a hummus w/pita appetizer and a salad w/walnuts, bleu cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette.  I will admit half the pitas were fried, so of course they were the half I ate.  I didn't clear my plate on either dish which meant I got to eat a good portion of the carrot cake and pecan pie that we ordered to share.  The frosting on that carrot cake was honestly just about the best frosting I've ever had.

Anyway, after a fun lunch and shopping (book store, where I mightily fought temptation and only bought a holiday cooking magazine), we walked back to my sister's house.  It was a gorgeous day and I needed to run, but I was trying to find any excuse to get out of it.  "I'll do it tomorrow...", forgetting that tomorrow will be raining all day.

We got back to the house, I looked outside, and I decided that was it - time to get my run on.  I've been a total  pain in the butt about my not-so-subtle running pride, time to get out there and put my money where my mouth is.  So - I did 5 miles.  I had planned on 7 or 8, but the area that I am running in is really hilly.  That may sound like an excuse, but this is also the area where I pulled a groin muscle on a run last year, so I didn't want to take too many chances.

I got my butt out the door, focused on my form on the hills, and refused to stop.  It was a gorgeous day for a run and I was so glad I got out there and did it.

After I got back it was turkey leftovers for dinner, followed by some raucous games.  I will be flying home tomorrow.  I definitely will miss the kids.  Thankfully Christmas is coming soon!

November is still thankful month even if the day has passed, so today I am thankful for...the joy and love that the kids give me.  I always feel right when I have one of my nieces or nephews give me the fiercest hug that they can.

Cutting it short

So I did take a lot of pictures today.  But they will wait for a longer entry.  Tonight I am stuffed full of turkey and pie and am too tired to rehash the day.   To put it simply, it was good.

Today I am thankful that our family is healthy, happy, and growing.

Such Joy

I took all of today off from work, so I could leave early and fly to my sister's for T-day.  Luckily the weather channel's predictions of doom were severely off.  I should have known - it's pretty much their job to cause panic.  

Woke up early, got out to the airport with no issues.  My first flight took off on time.  Turbulence pretty much immediately.  Flight was pretty smooth but extreme turbulence at the end.  I really felt like I was going to be sick.  The nice part is that I was on the aisle seat and no one was in the center.  Surprising on the heaviest travel day of the year!

Immediately got off the flight and hurried to catch my connection.  Interestingly enough I was connecting through Dulles, which used to be my home airport when I lived in Virginia and worked at AOL.  I was surprised to see that they had new ways to get between the terminals.  No more silly trams!  I made it with a bit of time to spare.  The second flight was in one of those smaller planes - two seats on the right, one seat on the left.  I was on the aisle on the right.  I slept for most of the flight.  As I said, I was up early - even before my alarm.  Stupid thinking too much!

I landed and met up with my mom who had landed five minutes before me.  We had lunch at an Italian restaurant that we've eaten at before.  My mom loves it but I am totally not impressed.   I was so hungry after those flights, though, that I ate my entire meatball sub!  I have to stretch my stomach out for tomorrow!

From the airport we headed to the hotel and then over to my sister's.  We would stay at my sister's but they have a full house!  It was so nice to see the kids.  They're growing up so fast.  I did get a lot of hugs and love, and got to talk about assorted topics that the kids were fascinated with (including lengthy treatises on snakes, including a viewing of a shedded snake skin. Ewww.  

My brother and his wife and their little girl and their dog came in a couple hours after we did.  Plenty of excitement there as well, but we soon settled in for Domino's for dinner.  After that it was some time with the kids and then they were off to bed!  Mom and I decided to leave a bit early because we were tired, and because we are a bit off in terms of time (there's a one hour time difference).  

I expect to have another exciting day tomorrow.  The post about it will be more exciting as well, as I promise to include many pictures.  The kids are totally adorable, and I love to share them!

Today I am thankful for getting time to spend with family.