Summer Projects – Thank God for Craigslist

We are in the process of putting in a stamped concrete patio.  In preparation to do so, we need to remove the existing wood deck, break-up the existing slab patio, dig up some plants, and move a few sprinklers (including a box).  One of our friends recommended putting our deck on craigslist.  I had never thought of doing that.  To my surprise, I posted it at 1:50PM.  Within 15 minutes, I had 4 replies, and within 2 hours I had over 30.  I had to take the post down so that my inbox didn’t fill to capacity.  Each of the responses had something similar to “I have tools in the truck I can be there in an hour” or “I can remove it immediately”.  So, not only was I able to get rid of my deck, but I was more than assisted in the process.  Who’d have thought…

Weeks 9 and 10 - Return of Fat Bastard

Ok, so the past few weeks haven't been all that good in the exercise department.  I am really lacking the motivation to get up and get moving.  I think my biggest problem is just getting up in the morning.  I am afraid my schedule is just too far off the tracks.  I will have to do some serious re-programming in order to get up in the morning.

	Run #1 Mile 1: 8:50 Mile 2: 9:10 Mile 3: 9:29 Mile 4: 9:32
	Run #2 Mile 1: 9:07 Mile 2: 8:04

Week 8

Ok, so I am finally back on track.  I had some serious making up to do. When I started this week, I was way behind on my goals.  Hopefully I did enough to make it up.

Run #1 Run A Mile 1: 9:32 Mile 1.5: 10:20 Run B Mile 1: 10:31 Mile 2: 9:13 About 1.5 miles in to the run, I paused my workout to get a drink and check on my passenger.  For what ever resumed my workout, it immediately ended.  I had to start a new one. This one was a bugger.  I did it while pushing the jogging stroller.  It really makes a difference in how you run.  It doesn't help that the alignment in the wheels must be off as I kept having to correct the steering while I ran.

Run #2 Mile 1: 9:10 Mile 2: 9:09 Mile 3: 9:34 Mile 4: 9:38

Week 7 - Lazy as hell

Ok, so I decided to take week 7 off.  Not so much as a conscious decision from the get go, but more of an everyday response to my alarm clock.  I can't say week 8 is starting off much better, but I realize I better get back on track or I will never meet my goals for this month.

Week 6 [Re-Post]

No clue what happened here.  I think my blog editor copied my latest post over this file.  Actually, I think I was trying to use this post as a template and managed to have 2 posts referencing the same file.

	Run #1 Mile 1: 8:27 Mile 2: 8:35 Mile 3: 8:35 Mile 4: 9:27
	Run #2 Mile 1: 8:48 Mile 2: 8:53 Mile 3: 9:20 Mile 4: 9:23
	Run #3 Mile 1: 8:20 Mile 2: 8:54 Mile 3: 8:50

The Deathly Hallows

Ok, so I finally finished the book!  WOW!

I have to admit, I'm a Harry Potter fan through and through.  I picked up two copies of the book (1 in hardcover and 1 in audiobook) for me and my wife.  Actually, we both could have shared the book, or I could have bought my own hardcover instead of the audio version, but considering I had the rest on either CD or cassette I figured I should stay true.  I also have enjoyed listening to the previous 6 books on audio.  There is something in the consistent tones, inflection, and voices produced by Jim Dale that it just wouldn't be the same reading it for myself.  Also, it is much easier to listen to it while working then try to read it at work. :)

The one bad part of it all was that Kristin was constantly ahead of me.  This was the first time she was on that end of the stick so I suppose turn about is fair play. :(

Not wanting to go in to too much detail and give anything away to the throngs of readers that flock to my blog (riiiiight), I'll just say this...

I was extremely pleased with how the whole story wrapped up.  Although the ending wasn't too different that I had expected, the journey was exciting enough to keep me wanting for more.

Week 5 - Days 2 and 3

So the plan to run for a set period of time seems to be working out ok.  It has been especially nice that the weather has taken a bit of a cooler turn, at least early in the day.  However, it does seem that another heat wave is upon us.  Anyway, I have been enjoying the cooler runs.

Mile 1: 8:53, Mile 2: 9:17, Mile 3: 9:05	Mile 1: 8:12, Mile 2: 8:48, Mile 3: 8:45, Mile 4: 9:09

That's right, four miles on Saturday.  Longest run to date.  Getting better.