More on Urban Cow

Not all of my friends are on Facebook, so I'm sharing a link to view more race day photos:  Urban Cow - Part Two (Race Day!)

We also volunteered the day before handing out race packets:  Urban Cow - Part One (The Day Before)

Here's an article about the race:  Sacramento Guide - Urban Cow Half-Marathon

Nike is in two weeks--I can't wait to hit those hills!!!

 Katie and me volunteering at the 5K table handing out race packets--cheese!!! She bent over so I wouldn't feel short!

Urban Cow, etc

Is it wrong to start with a recovery photo? This is a "cookie recovery" photo following the Urban Cow Half-Marathon in Sacramento on October 3, 2010. This was my first half-marathon. It was fun!

The first 2.5 miles were definitely the most painful--I'm still trying to figure out how to warm-up my muscles earlier because that has been a problem for me since I started running distances. Unfortunately, the run for the APFT is two miles, which means that I'm in pain during the entire APFT! Runner friends--any suggestions???

My pace was 13.07, and I finished 13.1 miles in 2:51:49. I walked for most of the last two miles because I felt like I was getting a Charlie horse--I ran in the end.  I want to be faster, but I feel good about my race. This was my first half-marathon, I'm a fairly new runner . . . and I loved it!

Unfortunately, while Katie and I were on the course, someone broke the window in her car and stole everything that was in it--including my purse. My car keys were in my purse .  . and my passport (I know). So, after calling the Sacramento police (who don't respond to auto break-ins--at all), we drove back to my car. BMWs are very secure I learned. Both AAA and BMW Roadside Assistance told me that I needed to have my car towed to a dealership and have them re-key my car. After several hours and renting a car, I was finally able to get into my car with the valet key (don't ask). By that time, I was alone with two cars . . . what do you think I did? 

After finally getting into my car and starting it, I drove my car home and parked it in the garage. Then, after completing a half-marathon (13.1 miles), I walked over a mile to get my rental car and drive it home. I got a lot of exercise on Sunday!

I'm not complaining though. Today has been a hassle, to be sure. But I keep finding things that would normally be in my purse, but somehow they weren't. I had my WDL, my CAC, my debit cards, my BlackBerry, and my camera with me in a small backpack. I left my glasses and my iPod at home among numerous other things that I normally carry in my purse. It will still cost $1450 to re-key my car because the thieves have my keys and my address. I was lucky--it could have been so much worse. Katie, her husband, and I still have many hoops to jump through to make things right . . .

Katie and I were out making sacrifices to help people live longer while some pathetic person chose to take things away from us. I feel sorry for that person.

I would so much rather give freely by choice than take away by force.

Work . . . Relax

Last night, I walked through my door at ~8 PM, rested for a moment on my bed, and fell (deeply and soundly) asleep. Right away. No thinking about checking email, reading a book, calling anyone . . . Once I was off of my feet, I was asleep--slam dunk.

Of course, I woke up at ~12:30 AM and realized that I left my phone in my car . . . I didn't plan to walk in the door and fall asleep! So, in the middle of the night, I was wandering out to my car to retrieve my phone (which is also my alarm clock). Yes, I was at work on time (seriously? did you think I would be late?)!

Eating right isn't always easy to do (especially when there isn't time to eat), but it is doable. Taking care of myself in other ways is doable as well, but getting enough rest can be a challenge for me. A huge challenge--so I guess I needed the sleep!

Tonight, like every other Wednesday, was a scheduled team workout night. However, I was invited by some friends (whom I don't see often enough) to join them for dinner. I opted to cancel my workout plans so I could see my friends (priorities, people!). As it turned out, the workout was canceled due to the heat--100+ degrees (and it's almost October!). Yay--I made the right decision!

Life is more than scheduled workouts, project plans, and meeting deadlines . . . Sometimes I beat myself up to meet a deadline only to find that it's been moved because others can't meet it (usually for good reason . . . like the workout that was canceled due to the heat--the heat is a health risk).

Like everyone else, I want to shine. But I'm human. I can't be everywhere at once. I don't know everything. I am not superhuman. If you want excellence, I can give you that. If you want perfect, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Snapshot of a Saturday

5:00 AM. That's when my alarm will go off tomorrow. I'll roll out of bed, do some push-ups and sit-ups, then get ready to head out the door. Yay! I get to sleep in--my alarm usually goes off at 4:30 AM!

At 6:30 AM we are having a team photo taken before our Saturday workout. We will all be in our white Team-in-Training shirts . . . smiling . . . happy to be up . . . happy to be alive . . . happy to be giving.

After the photo, we will begin our workout. The schedule says 7-8 miles--last Saturday it was ten. I ran 3-4 of the ten miles and power-walked the rest (no strolling allowed!). I can't run ten miles without walking yet, but I'm working on it!

This Saturday, we have a car wash following the workout, so we need to finish with enough time to get to the car wash location. I'll be washing cars tomorrow (including my own because it sorely needs it!)!  The weather is supposed to be in the 90s--I'm sure we will be spraying each other with the hoses while we are washing the cars! I can't wait--after a stressful work week, a hard workout with such a positive group of people is just what I need!

After the car wash, I'll head home and work on BSC stuff for a few hours before going to Mass. This is a busy time for me at work, and I have project deadlines to meet. I'll get a break on Sunday though--meeting up with a Portland friend in San Francisco at the Dragon Boat Festival!

I love training with the team, but it isn't easy. My feet hurt and are blistered and calloused--even a French pedicure won't help! On Sunday after the ten mile run/walk, my entire body was sore, and my left leg was bleeding where the seam from my running shorts had rubbed--I ran through that. Clothes don't rub noticeably during a two mile run--running long distances requires attention to clothing details!

There's no team workout next Saturday. Instead, I'll be volunteering in preparation for the Urban Cow Half-Marathon, and on Sunday, I'll be running in it. Don't bother checking my time--I'm not very fast, yet!

Soon October 17 will be here, and I'll be running in the Nike Marathon in San Francisco--I can't wait! This has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me--I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Join me in raising funds to fight cancer: Running for a Cure

Don't forget--I'll run with purple hair if I reach my goal of $2400 by October 1st! Together, we are making a difference!

Progress defined by Traci

When I made the decision last April to participate in the Nike Marathon, I had multiple goals. First and foremost, I wanted to raise money to help fight cancer. My first event to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was in Spring of 2008 when I participated in the Big Climb in Seattle. I didn't raise a lot, but it felt good to help out (and the view from the Columbia Tower in Seattle is wonderful!). It was at this event that I learned about Team in Training.

Another goal that I had was to learn to run better and to love running. According to my APFT score, I'm not a faster runner (well, maybe a little faster), but I think my running has improved, and I've learned a lot (not just about running!).

Sometimes, I think I'm superwoman--that I can do anything. I will add things to my schedule as if there are 36 hours in a day. Training for a marathon has helped me to realize that I'm definitely not superwoman. I'm not being negative with this statement, I'm just realizing that it's important to take care of myself, and by that I mean getting enough rest, eating right, etc.

I work . . . a lot. A few weeks ago, I was asking one of my coaches how to get the most out of my training and asking about diet, etc. He told me that I need more rest, or I'm risking injury. I ignored him, and while I didn't get injured, I did get sick. I'm not fun to be around when I'm not feeling well . . .

So I'm learning to listen. And I'm learning to understand how different workouts feel depending on how much rest I've had, how I've been eating, and if I have been ill. One week, I ran in 110 degree weather--not fun at all. The following week, I took my APFT at Ft. Lewis where it was 54 degrees and raining. The rain felt great, but the cold air hurt my lungs. The next week, I was running hill repeats in the shade, and I loved it! This week, I walked while recovering from the flu and felt like I was dying. But you know what is great? I am healthy--I can do all of this, and I can push myself. And I keep myself focused on the goal--helping others. That's what this is about. While I'm running hill repeats, someone else is undergoing chemotherapy . . .

So I'm going to get some rest, keep my priorities straight, and keep on running.

You can help too--together we can make a difference:  Running for a Cure

If I meet my goal of $2400 before October 1, I'll color my hair purple for the marathon!

Home!

I just spent a week at home, and it was wonderful! It was a working trip, so I spent a lot of time on the computer. But I saw my kids, my parents, and some of my friends . . . it was great! I also got to dig in the dirt a little at home. We had a shrub die, so I replaced it with lavender. I also replaced the rosemary that died (how does rosemary die???). I wanted to plant some tulip bulbs (I love tulips), but maybe I'll get back before it's too late . . . (or maybe I'll have help???). We need to plant two more rose bushes, but that will have to wait until next spring. I pruned and watered . . . I loved it! I may hate cooking, but I love digging in the dirt!

It was a busy week--besides working and digging in the dirt, I also took a PT test (in the rain) up at Ft. Lewis (of course I passed--why would you even ask?). And I had multiple meetings--all good!

Life is so good--I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Cook for a cure: Pampered Chef fund raiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma!

I promised a Pampered Chef fund raiser, and here it is! You have until the end of the month to purchase your favorite Pampered Chef items and have a portion of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

My personal favorites are the pots and pans and the knife collection, but there's so much more from which to choose (I love the stoneware too--amazing for pizza!).  Those of you who know me well also know that cooking isn't my favorite activity--but I'm a snob when it comes to kitchen items (OK, you know that about me too!). So, check out my favorites, and find your own as well--all while fighting cancer! It's a bigger win-win than anything you've encountered in the business world!

To shop and help find a cure for cancer, go to my Pampered Chef fund raiser web-site.

To donate without purchasing, go to my Team in Training fund raising website.

Thanks--together we can find a cure for cancer!

Thanks again to those of you who have already donated--we are making a difference together!

Hill repeats and work (wait, hill repeats are work!)

Last night, I ran hill repeats with the team . . . All I can say is . . . I need to find a hill closer to where I live! It was hard, but it was a good workout. I've been working so much--it felt good to just focus on the hill.

I don't have any pictures to share this time--I've been so busy. This upcoming weekend will be my first day off in a long time. I'm going to clean. Seriously--people call reservists "weekend warriors." Let me tell you, we're not. I work with a group of dedicated professionals who work all day at their regular jobs (some of us have civilian jobs and some are full-time reservists--AGR), then come home and put in a few hours for the Army. Toggling back and forth between the two jobs can be tiring, but it's worth it.

Next week, I'll be starting a Pampered Chef fundraiser for LLS. If you like to cook, check back on Monday and see what Pampered Chef's hot items are. You can purchase some awesome cookware and help a great cause at the same time!

And if you want to donate to help fight cancer without the shopping part, well that's great too! Go to my fund raising page to donate:  Running for a Cure.

Thank you--together we are making a difference! 

Recommitment and Two Right Feet

Some people are said to have two left feet--apparently I have two right feet! I grabbed my shoes out of my trunk this afternoon when I was getting ready to run with the team, and this is what I grabbed. I think I've been working too many hours!

I've been asked questions about the deadline that I posted on Facebook. I posted the deadline because we have dates to meet for fund raising. My first deadline is August 6--this is when I give the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) my debit card information and commit to donating the full minimum amount of $2400.

Many people don't realize that fund raising efforts for cures are a commitment, just as running the marathon is a commitment. Those of us who are involved are very aware of this and are willing to make sacrifices to meet this goal. Sometimes the sacrifice is spending time washing cars, selling raffle tickets, selling chocolate, or having fund raisers though companies like Pampered Chef. We can also raise money by volunteering at other marathons, 5Ks, etc. And of course, we reach out to others and ask for donations. In the event that we don't raise the minimum amount, we agree to donate the difference, and that is really a small sacrifice to make when we know the kind of difference we are making.

How are we making a difference? The research done in finding a cure for blood cancers has benefited researchers looking for other cancer cures as well. There is now a vaccine for prostate cancer, and a vaccine for breast cancer will soon be in the testing phase. The money we raise goes to these efforts. But we are also making a difference by building awareness. Every blog post, every Facebook and LinkedIn status update raises awareness. And we are giving people with blood cancers hope where there once was little hope.

About the deadline--even though I have recommitted and given LLS my debit card information, you can still donate via my fund raising page or the widget on my Facebook page. Donations made will still go toward my goal of $2400. I plan to donate $600 or the difference between what people donate to help me and the minimum amount, whichever is greater.

If you can help me reach the $2400 minimum, my $600 donation will bring the total to $3000--how cool would that be? My fund raising page lists increments beginning at $25, but even $5 will help. To donate less than $25, choose "other," and insert the amount you choose to donate.

Thanks again to those of you who have already donated (I'm at 30% now thanks to you!)--know that you are making a difference!

Click here to donate:  Running for a cure--help me raise money to fight cancer

A week in San Diego

My kids are great. They really are! I am so blessed . . .

We spent last week together in San Diego. I worked, and they kept themselves busy!



This past week I was doing double duty--I worked for the Army during the day and BSC in the evenings. It worked (kind of), but I was exhausted at the end of each day, and I didn't get to spend much time with my kids.

And I apologize to those of you who were the recipients of my . . . snippishness (mostly BSC SMEs--is snippishness even a word?).

However, the monsters did a GREAT job of entertaining themselves while I worked! They played in the pool (or bathed in the sun beside it), explored Coronado, and visited the Midway.



And they planned a wonderful birthday for me!
Thank you Rachel and Tyler--I love you!

They bought me flowers . . .

 And joined me for dinner . . .

Twice . . . (OK, more than twice . . .)

And we fed the ducks . . . many times! I wish I could have spent more time with my kids!

It was a productive week though--I completed some important tasks both for the Army and BSC, so it was worth the effort.

We are back in EDH now, so watch out (after all, Rachel is driving!)!

The Trail Run

I've been slacking off (I know). It's hard to run when I travel, although I did run in San Diego . . . OK, I ran one day while I was down there, but I did run! It is hard to make time for running when I'm so busy! (Excuses, excuses . . . I know . . .)

I ran tonight though! I love running with the team--it's so motivating! Today, our workout was a trail run--a hilly trail run. A six mile, hilly trail run. And it felt great . . . While I was running, I remembered SFC Duggan telling me to use the hills when I was at Ft. Benning last fall . . . so I used the hills!

But I'm not running for the Army this time--I'm running for a cure. And I want to thank those of you who have supported me by donating. I've also raised $48 by selling chocolate, and will be hosting a Pampered Chef fundraiser in another week (check back for details!). I need to reach my goal by August 5--will you help me? Visit my fund raising page to donate to find a cure:   Running for a cure

Thank you!

Roseville BMW vs BMW Northwest

I've been spoiled--it's true. I bought my car last August and had it serviced at BMW Northwest in Tacoma until I moved to California in March.

BMW Northwest provides quality work and premium customer service. The service managers always explain everything to me thoroughly so I understand what needs to be done and why, and they provide a loaner BMW if they are keeping my car for a day or longer (even though my car is no longer under warranty). And it doesn't matter why I've brought in my car, they always wash and vacuum it for me--they even washed and vacuumed it for me once when I came in just to ask a question. The waiting area is nice, and the people who work there go out of their way to be helpful. And while I love their customer service, what I really appreciate is the quality of their work. I'm confident when I leave that I won't have any problems.

In contrast, I've had nothing but problems with Roseville BMW. In February, someone tried to steal my car from a hotel parking lot during a drill weekend by slicing through the convertible top. The top and the windshield were replaced in Vancouver, and I left the state only to find that the top leaked. When I arrived in California, the Allstate adjuster told me that I could take my car directly to the dealership to get the leak fixed, so I did.

Roseville BMW provided a loaner BMW as expected, and the repairs took two weeks to complete. The Allstate adjuster approved the estimate, but the final cost was more than $1400 over the original estimate. Allstate still agreed to pay, and the adjuster even faxed a copy of the check being mailed so I could pick up my car. However, the dealership wouldn't release my car until the actual payment was received--a week later. The service manager told me that insurance companies don't always pay, and asked me if I had a credit card and wanted to pay for it myself--I declined. When they finally released my car, it was dirty and even had bugs on the windshield. I wondered why they didn't wash it when they were checking to see if the top still leaked . . . strange.

Now, roughly two months after the repair, the liner is separating from the frame and needs to be repaired. Interestingly, the original statements provided to Allstate show that the work was subcontracted, yet when the adjuster contacted the dealership, he was told the work was completed at the dealership. In addition, even though the work was of questionable quality and has to be repaired, I was told that they no longer provide loaner vehicles when a car isn't under warranty. Fortunately, I have rental car coverage, but I would expect them to work harder to "make things right."

Finally, the repairs to fix the leak totaled almost $4000--the cost to replace the top and windshield in Vancouver was $3000. I'd like to understand why it costs more to fix a convertible top than to replace it.

I've tried to contact a manager to discuss all of this, but he won't return my calls.

My advice: if you own a BMW, don't have it serviced at Roseville BMW. If you don't own one, don't purchase one from them either--head north to BMW Northwest.

Be inspired--create a world without cancer

Left: Five squirrels enjoying breakfast as I drove by after my run

The Saturday Morning Run

I run with Team in Training every Saturday, and I've met some incredible people! This Saturday, I ran with a doctor and a program manager for health care continuing education. Most of the people I've met so far are involved in health care in some way, and many people are involved because someone they care about has fought a blood cancer. Their stories are incredible, encouraging.

Fund raising is harder than I thought it would be. I don't know if it's due to the current economy or if people are donating elsewhere. But I'm committed. This is too important, and researchers are making progress. Amazing progress. Researchers will soon be testing a vaccine for breast cancer, and the FDA recently approved a prostate cancer vaccine.

I've been posting messages on Facebook, but I've gotten a very small response. At work, I have a See's candy display in the break room, and I'll be hosting a Pampered Chef fund raiser shortly. If you have any fund raising ideas, I'm all ears! This is too important. And if you can donate, please do. It will help fund a cure, and it provides a tax benefit for you! Most importantly, think of the lives you will help to save . . .

After the run

After my run (six miles--woohoooo!), I cleaned up and went wine tasting. The weather was gorgeous, the views were incredible, and the wine was tasty! I think I like living in wine country! I was able to visit two wineries, but there are so many more to visit! If you are in my area, give me a call, and let's go wine tasting!

Writing

Now that I"m blogging again, I'm feeling the need to submit to a blog carnival. So far, I haven't written anything worthy of Grand Rounds--Where else can I submit? Has anyone submitted to Carnival of the Vanities lately? I'd prefer to submit to a theme oriented blog carnival--any ideas? I need to write!

When every day is better than the day before

Why can't it be this way for everyone?

Sometimes I feel guilty for being so blessed. Then I realize why I feel so blessed . . . It's because I've been through enough rough times to be able to recognize the good times.

Last night, I had a great evening watching the Celtics play the Lakers. I wasn't happy with the end of the game, but I had a wonderful time watching. After the game, I sat and visited with other Celtics fans while I switched from beer to water because I still had to drive home. When I pulled in to my apartment complex, there were police cars, an ambulance, and taped off areas. I didn't know what had happened until this afternoon.

There had been a domestic violence incident, and one person didn't survive. I learned this from a letter posted on my door when I arrived home after work. Driving home, I felt happy and carefree--looking forward to a glass of wine with a friend. The letter on my door reminded me of reality--a reality that is more common than most people realize. And before you blame it on the area in which I live, google El Dorado Hills, CA. This is a nice area--even for apartment dwellers. Domestic violence doesn't discriminate--it is equal opportunity all the way.

Please, if you notice something isn't right with a couple or family, say something . . . do something. Don't look the other way. You may save someone's life.

And . . . be good to the people you love.

How is a raven like a writing desk?

A few weeks ago, I decided to get a deep tissue massage--an 80 minute deep tissue massage. It was wonderful, and painful. Very painful. But I relaxed and let the massage therapist dig deeper, getting the knots out and loosening tight muscles. The tight muscles hurt the worst while the pain of breaking up a knot actually felt good. Very good, in fact. 

The pain I felt during the massage made me think of the pain I feel when I run . . . Yes, I feel pain when I run, and it isn't pain from injury. I feel great after running, but there is a difference. It's much harder for me to work through the pain of running than the pain from a massage, even though the result is positive from both. Why is this? I've been told it's psychological. 

I want to love running, but I'm not quite there yet. And my comparison of the pain from a massage with the pain from running? Well, it's like asking how a raven is like a writing desk . . .

I want to be a better, faster, more efficient runner, and I want to love running.  If you are a runner, what is your secret?

Ups, downs, and crazy busy

No, I'm not referring to hills . . . although there are lots of hills where I live, and it's hard to run without running up one of them, but I digress.

Training has it's ups and downs. I initially felt like I was making a lot of progress, but the past two weeks have been a little "meh." I have these expectations that every time I run, I'll run farther and faster than the time before, but it really isn't like that. There are so many variables that affect training. It's getting warmer, and some days are more humid than others. Evening runs are hard to do after working all day (actually, it's hard to leave work to go for a run when I have a major deadline approaching!). Also, I've had some of my own health struggles lately.

However, I am out there running . . . even when I don't feel like it (I recently ran a 5k, and I changed some of the evening runs to morning runs to avoid the heat). I just remind myself why I'm doing this and that makes all the difference.

"We're gonna kick some cancer butt!"

"We're gonna kick some cancer butt!" Becky Post, our team organizer, made this proclamation a couple of weeks ago, and I think it really exemplifies the tone of the team every time we train together.

Yesterday, the team ran together at William Land Park (behind the Sacramento Zoo). We train together twice each week, and follow a training schedule when we are on our own.

As you can see, it was a beautiful morning. We met at 7:30 am--Here I'm standing with my mentor, Julie.

I love training with the team because there is such a positive energy--everyone is here for a purpose.

We have three coaches, Sherri, Tony, and Rich (Sherri and Tony are in the picture to the right). Sherri is the walking coach, Tony and Rich are the running coaches. A couple weeks ago, they provided clinics for us before and after our workout--it's great to have that kind of support.

Yesterday, Rich stressed the importance of taking it slow in the beginning. Tony continually reminds us to focus on form now--you have to go slower now to go faster later. Right now, I'm totally focusing on form when I run.

Today . . . well today I'm going to focus on work (yes, on a Sunday) so I can spend next weekend in San Diego drilling with my new unit (looking forward to meeting everyone!).

Check back for more updates, and please share stories and pictures of your own if you have them.

Traci Hamilton - Raising funds with Team in Training for LLS

Follow me: what makes a good leader?

"You must have an honest understanding of who you are, what you know, and what you can do. Also, note that it is the followers, not the leader or someone else who determines if the leader is successful. If they do not trust or lack confidence in their leader, then they will be uninspired. To be successful you have to convince your followers, not yourself or your superiors, that you are worthy of being followed." Concepts of Leadership

A successful leader is determined by the people following. That being said, who do people want to follow? In the Army, if you can't run, people don't want to follow. To some, that may not make sense. After all, becoming a successful runner requires discipline and good physical condition, but it doesn't require other characteristics normally associated with leadership (ethics and integrity, for example). Some people are naturally good runners and don't necessarily have discipline. But that doesn't negate the fact that being a good runner is a requirement to being an effective leader in the Army. An NCO at Ft. Benning told me that it doesn't matter how many sit-ups and push-ups I can do, it's the run that matters--a good leader is also a good runner. And logical or not, if the follower determines the success of the leader, a good leader should make every effort to be a good runner.

Leadership is influencing people—by providing purpose, direction, and motivation—while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. FM 22-100

Clearly, leadership involves more than running, but running affects motivation and cannot be ignored. I'm not a naturally good runner. I had to work hard just to pass the running portion of the APFT. However, if being a good runner is necessary to being an effective leader, I'll do whatever it takes to become one.

What do you think?

A reason to write

I love to write. I do. And I've been wanting to get back into it. However, I don't really want to post all of my many opinions on the internet for anyone to read. So though I've had much to say lately (just ask my friends and family), I've been trying to weed through what I want to post here (in case someone chooses to read my blog!).

Upcoming topics:

Running for a cure. I recently registered for the 2010 Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. I'm training with Team in Training to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Although I've always been active, I've never been much of a runner. I can pass my APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test), but that is just two miles, and the time for my age group is generous. A marathon is 26.2 miles . . . So far, I'm enjoying the training and am learning to like running (one of my goals). Over the next few months, I will be blogging about my progress and about where the money goes and the people it helps. You can help me by donating via my fund raising website.

I'll continue to add topics as I read other blogs and items in the news, and I'm open to ideas! I want to use this space to work on my writing skills (I'd like to start submitting to blog carnivals again!), but I also want it to be a place for brainstorming and collaboration as well.

If you have a blog or website, email me a link and I will add you to my blog roll.

On blogging . . .

I've decided to start blogging again, but I haven't started blogging yet. What, you aren't happy with that? Check back . . . soon. I'll have something to say--you know I will.