What a terrific March! I don't think we had more than a ground cover of snow all month. It started with a lot of sun, and it's ending with a lot of sun. In fact, in a very unusual occurance, it is supposed to be 70 degrees for Easter this Sunday. I can't wait!
I'm running a lot, but mighty slow. It's discouraging, but I have to accept it. I have a MUGA scan in two weeks, and I have a feeling my numbers are going to be low. Ever since I had the flu, I've slowed down quite a bit; I have a feeling it is because of the low output of my heart. Or, it could all be in my head!
I'm on spring break, but it just means I get to observe my student teacher without hurrying and to get caught up with work. My Global Book Hour at Wegmans on Saturday morning is a wonderful project, but is taking up a lot of time. At least it's a different pace. I still need to put my house back together after finally getting new carpeting after the most recent flood.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Running in Michigan
A beautiful morning 12 miler in Ann Arbor, MI. Came to visit Billy for the weekend since he never comes home. Last fall when we were here, we found a giant park along the Huron River. Since then, we've been waiting to come back to run it. We parked in the heart of the park and took off in one direction. It was a little complicated to follow the path; at one point you have to go on the road for a bit and need to know where the path is--we did not! Bob has an incredible sense of direction though, so we meandered on and off the path for a few miles until we found our way. It was great though--we got to see a lot of places not many people see. The other way would take us to Eastern Michigan University--we'll try that next time. I've spent time at EMU since two of my siblings went there. It was a cold morning (24 degrees when we started), but very calm, so it wasn't bad.
This was a big change from Wednesday. It was a herceptin morning, so I didn't have to hurry to get to work. I decided to do an 18 miler. It had rained hard for 2 days and was 32 degrees. When I hit the road I knew it was kind of slick, but not too bad. Listening to the radio though, it sounded like bumper cars on the raod. I'm not sure if I'd have made it to work if I had to--it seemed like all the ramps to school were closed because of rollovers. I've never heard about so many accidents. I did the entire 18 though, and only had to catch my balance twice.
Sometimes I feel I lead a rather eclectic life. Worked 13 hours one day, ran 18, had an anti-cancer treatment and went to the musical "Grease" the next, rode 59 miles a couple days later, and now I'm in Ann Arbor for the weekend. I guess it can't get boring!
Next treatment is preceded by a heart scan. Hope all will go well, but I'm not totally optimistic. If I score to low, I'll have to hold off on the treatment. I just want to get them over with!
This was a big change from Wednesday. It was a herceptin morning, so I didn't have to hurry to get to work. I decided to do an 18 miler. It had rained hard for 2 days and was 32 degrees. When I hit the road I knew it was kind of slick, but not too bad. Listening to the radio though, it sounded like bumper cars on the raod. I'm not sure if I'd have made it to work if I had to--it seemed like all the ramps to school were closed because of rollovers. I've never heard about so many accidents. I did the entire 18 though, and only had to catch my balance twice.
Sometimes I feel I lead a rather eclectic life. Worked 13 hours one day, ran 18, had an anti-cancer treatment and went to the musical "Grease" the next, rode 59 miles a couple days later, and now I'm in Ann Arbor for the weekend. I guess it can't get boring!
Next treatment is preceded by a heart scan. Hope all will go well, but I'm not totally optimistic. If I score to low, I'll have to hold off on the treatment. I just want to get them over with!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Smells like spring
Spring is officially here, and it smells like it. There is that damp, musty smell in the air today. Normally it is not a pleasant smell but, in early spring, it's a welcome smell from the winter smells. We've had an unprecedented March so far, weather-wise. I even have a crocus blooming.
After being sick last week, I've had a lousy week of running. Yesterday was the first time I didn't feel sick while running, but it's still slower--and I was slow to begin with. I've got to get the consistency back.
I am so busy these days that I'm not in a good routine. I am doing lots of interesting projects at work, but really bogged down with grading and meetings. Spring break in a week--hopefully I can catch up then. Bob's been doing a lot of traveling, so he is working long days also. I'm hoping we can slow down long enough to go to Ann Arbor next weekend to see Billy.
Go 'Cuse. We gave Lindsay our tickets--she's a proud Syracuse grad. Hope she's having fun. The game shows a sea of orange.
After being sick last week, I've had a lousy week of running. Yesterday was the first time I didn't feel sick while running, but it's still slower--and I was slow to begin with. I've got to get the consistency back.
I am so busy these days that I'm not in a good routine. I am doing lots of interesting projects at work, but really bogged down with grading and meetings. Spring break in a week--hopefully I can catch up then. Bob's been doing a lot of traveling, so he is working long days also. I'm hoping we can slow down long enough to go to Ann Arbor next weekend to see Billy.
Go 'Cuse. We gave Lindsay our tickets--she's a proud Syracuse grad. Hope she's having fun. The game shows a sea of orange.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ugh!
Well, now I know one of the few things that can prevent me from running--a stomach bug! I was really laid flat this weekend by the bug, and it wasn't pretty! Hopefully I will be able to build my strength back up pretty quickly. No running, lifting, riding--lots of sleeping (or trying to)!
March Madness is about to start. Don't forget to fill out your brackets--even without gambling, it is a fun way to watch the games--especially the early rounds. Pick an upset or two! The first two rounds are in Buffalo, and we have tickets. They are promised to Lindsay as she is a Syracuse grad and a huge basketball fan. It makes for a fun couple weeks--and then I'm on spring break!
Hopefully I can start to get back on track tomorrow. I love that it's light longer in the evening--got home from work at 6:30 tonight and it was still light--but it's back to very dark in the morning. Oh well, give it a month and that will start to change.
March Madness is about to start. Don't forget to fill out your brackets--even without gambling, it is a fun way to watch the games--especially the early rounds. Pick an upset or two! The first two rounds are in Buffalo, and we have tickets. They are promised to Lindsay as she is a Syracuse grad and a huge basketball fan. It makes for a fun couple weeks--and then I'm on spring break!
Hopefully I can start to get back on track tomorrow. I love that it's light longer in the evening--got home from work at 6:30 tonight and it was still light--but it's back to very dark in the morning. Oh well, give it a month and that will start to change.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Great week for running
50 degrees!! It feels so nice!
Had a great late night last night--took in the Billy Joel/Elton John concert with Lindsay. I'm not an EJ fan, but he did put on a good show. I know every Billy Joel song though, and saw him once before. Together, they put on a great 3 hour show. Lindsay was appalled though by the gray and balding dancers.
To top that off, today Lindsay got to meet gold medal bobsledder, Steve Messler (Buffalo native) and take a picture wearing his medal. How cool! She said it was better than meeting any celebrity.
I got home quite late last night, and had to get up early to put in a 17 miler, and still get to work by 8 a.m. It's supposed to be rainy the rest of the week and weekend, so I needed to get it in. I felt pretty good--though I'm tired today! It's so busy at work, so no time to pause. I guess that's a good thing; I couldn't fall asleep.
Had a great late night last night--took in the Billy Joel/Elton John concert with Lindsay. I'm not an EJ fan, but he did put on a good show. I know every Billy Joel song though, and saw him once before. Together, they put on a great 3 hour show. Lindsay was appalled though by the gray and balding dancers.
To top that off, today Lindsay got to meet gold medal bobsledder, Steve Messler (Buffalo native) and take a picture wearing his medal. How cool! She said it was better than meeting any celebrity.
I got home quite late last night, and had to get up early to put in a 17 miler, and still get to work by 8 a.m. It's supposed to be rainy the rest of the week and weekend, so I needed to get it in. I felt pretty good--though I'm tired today! It's so busy at work, so no time to pause. I guess that's a good thing; I couldn't fall asleep.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
In like a lamb
The first week of March is in the books, and a beautiful week it was. It may have only been in the low to mid-30s, but we had more sun in the last week then the last 4 months put together. The snow is melting, the winds are mostly calm--can spring be far behind? (well, yes it could; we're in Buffalo after all!) Mom must be the good luck charm, bringing the sun from Arizona. She left yesterday; hope the weather gods haven't figured that out.
It was so nice this morning, Bob and I decided to run on the paths along Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River. Not many people out, so it was a nice run. It was nice to be able to do the weekend run together again. It was Bob's first time on the roads since November (he goes on the treadmill through the winter--for good reason).
There was a similarly sunny and nice March day exactly 7 years ago. It was the week of my very first chemo (March 4, 2003--Lauren's 19th birthday--hard to forget). That weekend, I was walking on the path while Bob went to run. I had it timed so we would finish together. I finished and waited and waited and waited. Finally a policeman came and told me Bob was on his way to the hospital. He'd slipped on the ice and broke 3 bones in his ankle. It was a very remote part of the path; luckily someone across the creek finally saw him. After all the screws and plate, it's amazing he is even contemplating the marathon in June. Today, we went on a sunnier part of the path so it was down to pavement. No problems!
Busy week coming up, but I have to fit in a 17 miler.
It was so nice this morning, Bob and I decided to run on the paths along Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River. Not many people out, so it was a nice run. It was nice to be able to do the weekend run together again. It was Bob's first time on the roads since November (he goes on the treadmill through the winter--for good reason).
There was a similarly sunny and nice March day exactly 7 years ago. It was the week of my very first chemo (March 4, 2003--Lauren's 19th birthday--hard to forget). That weekend, I was walking on the path while Bob went to run. I had it timed so we would finish together. I finished and waited and waited and waited. Finally a policeman came and told me Bob was on his way to the hospital. He'd slipped on the ice and broke 3 bones in his ankle. It was a very remote part of the path; luckily someone across the creek finally saw him. After all the screws and plate, it's amazing he is even contemplating the marathon in June. Today, we went on a sunnier part of the path so it was down to pavement. No problems!
Busy week coming up, but I have to fit in a 17 miler.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fundraiser Tally
Besides having a terrific time Saturday--and everyone is saying how much fun they had--we raised quite a bit of money. The baskets were a big hit and Roger returned most of his winnings from the 50/50 raffle, so we netted $3000 from the show. With the money donated online and the checks that still have to be sent in, there is about $3000 in donations. At this moment, we have $6033 to donate. That is pretty amazing--and humbling. I can't wait until I can deliver it to Dr. O'Connor.
Speaking of that, I spent a good portion of the day at treatment today. Dr. O'Connor was excited that her husband and young son can go to a Sabres game with the basket they won from the fundraiser. All was well, and one more treatment is knocked off.
Speaking of that, I spent a good portion of the day at treatment today. Dr. O'Connor was excited that her husband and young son can go to a Sabres game with the basket they won from the fundraiser. All was well, and one more treatment is knocked off.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Laughter is the Best Medicine
We did it! The comedy show was so much fun! The room was packed and we had 39 baskets to raffle. The only damper on the day was that USA hockey lost the heartbreaker. When the game went into overtime, just as I was to leave for the club, I was beginning to worry that no one would show up. When Canada won, I was afraid everyone would be too upset to come. But the crowds came and people were laughing hard, so I think it was a great success. It was such a fun way to raise money for a great cause. We should have the final tallies in a couple days.
It was interesting to see all my different worlds collide. There were family, neighbors, colleagues, students, my kids' friends, running friends, high school and college friends, Rochester friends (and we haven't lived there in 22 years), and my doctor. It was pretty amazing! I just wish I'd had the chance to talk to everyone more. I felt like I was bouncing from one place to another without stopping to really talk. I really wanted to thank everyone so much for coming and supporting this.
It was interesting to see all my different worlds collide. There were family, neighbors, colleagues, students, my kids' friends, running friends, high school and college friends, Rochester friends (and we haven't lived there in 22 years), and my doctor. It was pretty amazing! I just wish I'd had the chance to talk to everyone more. I felt like I was bouncing from one place to another without stopping to really talk. I really wanted to thank everyone so much for coming and supporting this.
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