Triple-Dog Dare

The most memorable dare I've ever accepted was drinking gutter water.  Thanks, Chris. 

I’d rather do that again than open this surprise.   

YMCA

I’ve joined the YMCA.  It’s apparently the “cool” thing among my new circle of friends.  What can I say?  I’d rather be cool than lonely.

I have taken two classes so far.  The first was step aerobics.  It was fun but I mostly just flailed around like I was having a seizure while swatting a bee.  The nice girl next to me, who was covered in tattoos, said I would get better with time.  I had a difficult time looking her in the eyes while she talked.  She has half of her hair shaved off with spots tattooed on her head to look like a leopard.  Let’s hope she doesn’t try to convince me to follow her lead and get my own spots; I might be easily persuaded.

The second class was weight-lifting and strength exercises.  The participants were a 50/50 split of old people and chubby moms so I fit right in.  (Because I’m old.)  I’m incredibly sore today and it’s making me nervous to sit on the toilet in case I can’t get back up.  I could use the towel bar for leverage but I’m afraid of tearing it out of the wall.  

Guess it’s time for a catheter.  It’s tough being cool.

Fashion Faux-Pas?

Is this look too Una-Bomber?

I Win

There is a street at the end of my running route called Ptarmigan.  It’s a stupid name and it’s a stupid street.  It’s a pretty steep hill and everyday when I get to Ptarmigan, I have to stop and walk while I dry heave.  It’s stupid. 

Today I decided I’m sick of that hill getting the best of me.  The approach to Ptarmigan is downhill.  While I was enjoying the leisurely downhill portion, I gathered up my energy and talked myself into conquering the uphill.  I had myself convinced I could do it, and just as I turned the corner to become king of the hill, Aika decided it was the perfect opportunity to stop and take a whiz.  I yanked on his leash but he didn't budge; he just planted himself further and did his business.  I could feel the power leaking out through the bottoms of my feet.  Stupid dog, stupid Ptarmigan.

But I didn’t admit defeat.  I waited for Aika to finish then I started up the hill.  I kept going.  And going.  And going.  Until…I was at the top!  No walking, no dry heaving, no defeat.  Take that, Ptarmigan.

Best of all, I shaved a whole minute off my time.  It’s going to be a good day. 

Independence Day

Our first 4th of July in Oregon was a success.  I was feeling kind of sad about being away from family and the traditions of home, but we ended up having a really nice day and are building new traditions.  I will say that I did miss the Menan fireworks.  We didn’t see any fireworks and that’s a bit of a bummer.  We didn’t really know the best place to see them and we were worried about being stuck in traffic for hours when Myke had to work today so we abandoned the idea.  We’ll try again next year.

The events in review.

Mini-marathon race:

2.6 miles along the parade route from Monmouth to Independence.  It didn’t start until 11:30 and it was HOT.  The entire route was in the middle of the road and the asphalt was radiating heat.  I usually run early in the morning so I struggled with the heat.  But I made it and I didn’t even have to stop to walk!  The whole route was lined with people waiting for the parade so it was a little weird to have an audience.  I think if I hadn’t been dying, I would have enjoyed the cheers more.  Mostly it just made me self-conscious that all these people were staring at me.   I was hoping to finish in 26 minutes and ended up with a time of 28:08.  I’ll take it.

Silver Falls State Park:

We met up with some friends (I think I can safely call them that) for a small hike to one of the waterfalls then had a picnic while the kids played in the swimming hole.  It was the perfect temperature in the shade and it felt good to be outside.  After sweating like a horse during the race, the bag of Fritos I brought tasted divine.  Eva enjoyed crawling around in the grass and discovered that she likes eating pinecones.  Yum.  Thanks, Grandpa for the Chukars hat!  It was perfect for protecting her little head from the sun.

Backyard BBQ:

One of the women I work with in Young Women at church has an annual BBQ and she invited us this year.  It was very casual and we all sat around in the backyard in our camp chairs eating delicious food and talking.  We had a great time.  Myke’s boss, who is also our neighbor, was there and I spent a lot of time talking with him and his wife.  I felt really comfortable and made the rounds talking to various people.  It was nice to feel like we are finally making some friends and that we belong.  Eva just roamed around and smiled at whoever would talk to her.  She also discovered she likes to eat dirt.  Yum.

Not a bad day at all.  Happy 4th of July!

Her Father’s Daughter

Eva has a favorite new toy.  It’s not any of the thousands of toys we have spread out on her blanket.  Oh, no.  Her favorite thing to play with and suck on is an HDMI cable.  Did you hear me, people?  I said, “AN HDMI CABLE!”

Michael couldn’t be prouder.  He also promptly corrected me by saying, “Well, it’s really an HDMI adapter cable.  That would be a more accurate description.”

Here’s a more accurate description for you.  I’m being overrun by nerds.

Cinderella

It’s laundry day.  Sigh.