BUNKO!!

Danicia has been part of the Relay for Life Committee and they had a massive BUNKO party which Melanie and I joined happily. Fun girls night out!!

There were dozens of donated gift baskets that you bought raffle tickets for to win. They also had each player pay $15 to play, all proceeds went to RFL. There were over 37 tables. It was an amazing turn out! I had Melanie take a few picture of me so we show just how many folks were there. Well okay and I like having my picture taken too. :)

Back on the Saddle

After getting an okay from my physical therapist in Jan to start training for a half marathon I was feeling great. Since the first went so well I did two more right after. Three half marathons in 20 days. That's right...I'm crazy...

The Shamrock'n Half Marathon #1 Time: 2:07

As far a halfs go this by far was the prettiest I've ever ran. I loved the course. Always a turn and something new to look at than the runner in front of you. I was sooo cold that morning and it was day light savings too. Floyd (my brother in law) and I are standing proudly with our medals. Then yes you see it...My festive toes with a blood blister that I had on each foot. When I got back to Manteca you can see the clever decorations my friends the Nydeggers did. They also left me a plate of cookies and cute sidewalk chalk pictures. Thanks again guys!

I very pleased with this accomplishment because there was a six month span I couldn't run because of my back but I was focused and did everything that I had to to make this happen.

The Modesto Half Marathon #2 Time: 2:05

This half marathon started at 7am and dang Gina it was brisk! We ran along a lot of orchards and you could see your breath for the first 3/4 of the run. It was that cold. I didn't take off my long sleeve until mile 11. This run was a little boring because there were several long straight aways and if you don't have any turns at times you feel like your going in slow motion but still happy to do it. I was jazzed I beat my previous time. :)

Xterra Chanoko Trail Half Marathon #3 Time: 2:41

Okay...this one was crazy. I did a trail run years ago and remembered my time, breathing, and endurance wasn't like anything of how I run on pavement. There is only one word that describes this half...RIDICULOUS!! A total beast! Cindy, my adorable friend there in the pink, was also coming back to running after shattering her ankle in a car accident years ago. (Now that's a trooper!) She invited me to run with her and a friend of hers that she's been training with. They both kicked my butt. They came in more than 10min before me. Well done Heather and Cindy!! There was only two ways to run...up a hill or down a hill. I take that back there were boulders you had to jump off of, huge mud puddles you had to jump over, and several other decisions to make. That's one thing about pavement running, you can just let your mind coast, put your brain on auto pilot and not burn any extra calories/energy by thinking. Trail running, whole different ball game, you have to stay alert and make choices. For some reason I had to commentate the all my obstacles and choices. I had to say things out loud to help me focus. For an example "Okay big puddle up ahead, which way across, which way, left..right...I'll try and jump over it. RATS!!" (I didn't make it, as you can see my shoes)

It will be quite some time before I do another trail run again.

How ever my next half is May 1st...

Updates

First off if you haven't heard yet I didn't have my back surgery. I had a follow up apt with my surgeon the day before my surgery date and he said he saw progression since my previous apt of my body healing itself. He didn't want to do surgery, instead I'm doing physical therapy 3x a week. It's frustrating at times because it's taking so long but honestly it's helping bigtime!! I've been doing that for almost 2 months now.

The first weekend in Jan there was a few of us that went to the musical of Xanadu downtown Sacramento. So fun! They did a remake of the movie but made fun of it the entire time. Here's a picture of Brent and myself.

The second weekend of Jan there was another group of us that went to Cal Berkeley to see Brian Regan in concert. He put on a show that last for over 90 min. I didn't know what to expect with a comedy show but was very impressed. (see him at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9m2FLHlEwA)

The next day was Brent's 40th birthday. What a party they put on! Well done you guys!! Here's a few pictures I took from the get together. Happy Birthday Brent!!!

New Moon - 3.5 stars

I really didn't care for Edward in Twilight (movie) but SO much better this go around. Ahhhh. This time it was Bella and her obsessiveness to blink her eyes to the point that you wonder if she's on the verge of a seizure.

When Jacob first made his appearance with his shirt off in the movie the girls in the theater screamed with delight. Hilarious. Let's not forget friends, he's 17!

It was a blast to see a premiere, I've never been before. My friend Dancia bought tickets a few weeks ago for the 12:20 am show. This specific theater was running New Moon every five min, they have 15 theaters. This is a picture after the movie.

It got out around 2:45, well worth the lack of sleep!

This was by far superior than Twilight (movie). The acting was better, make-up, special effects, and once again had Bella's father, Charlie who's the comedy relief.

I love this picture because during the movie you are convinced that these two really are locked.

Super Saturday Craft

Being on the Enrichment Committee (craft committee for church) we just had our Super Saturday. I had never experienced one of these before. It was quite a show to put on. Lots of hours of preparation went into it. Do Andrea and I want to put another one together...heck no!!

There was a 4 hour block and a total of 12 stations of crafts that people signed up for ahead of time to make during this time.

Here are some of our demos.

Mod Podge Cookie Plate, Key Fobs, Placemat Scripture Totes

Paper Loop Wreath, Nativity Cube

Pumpkin Centerpiece, Pedi Pail, Chocolate Covered Snowmen, Tissue Heirloom

We had a few others that Andrea and I made but either due to time length it took, looks, or difficulty level they were vetoed.

All in all...I feel it was a success.

Surgery Date

Lower back surgery date is scheduled for December 3rd, 2009, keep them crossed for me.

Fall at the vineyards

This past weekend so great. There were many events that took place but one that needs to be mentioned was regarding the amazing scenery. I was the DD from Brent, Floyd, and Tara. I was able to enjoy the company as well as the view at each location.