Our Great Urban Race

Taking a small detour from the vacation catchups....

For Terence's birthday this year we decided to run the Great Urban Race in Houston, ON his birthday (how perfect is that timing)!

In case you don't know what the Great Urban Race is... it is similar to the TV show The Amazing Race. Each team is given 12 clues to solve that require you to solve puzzles, perform challenges, and physically run your heart out in the city of your choice.

I made us some team shirts...had to represent Kiddy and Roma with Team Kadlec! Original, I know :-)

The race kicked off at Lucky's Pub in downtown Houston, everyone received their clues at noon and we're off. Our strategy...was to stay there, solve the clues, devise a plan, and figure out how the heck the Houston bus system works. We definitely didn't prepare enough for the race, who would have thought they would have us running all the way out to the Chocolate Bar!

After solving the clues, thank goodness for iPhones, we headed straight for the MetroRail and headed down to Hermann Park. We had to get to the Houston Weather Research Center to make an anemometer as proof of completion. Next we headed to the Lawndale Art Center to meet the Chipotle sponsors. I had to make a paper airplane (Terence coached me while on the Metro), then he had to fly it into a Chipotle target, two free burrito coupons as the reward! Woohoo Chipotle!

Next we knew we needed to get to a mile and half down Richmond, so we started hauling it, but like a mirage in the distance there was a bus. We started sprinting across an abandoned parking lot, holding our hands out to the opposing traffic, running across Richmond and hopped on the bus. We took it all the way out to a music shop where we  had to guess the lyrics to a popular song, then we walked to the Chocolate Shop. Took pictures of us feeding cupcakes to each other and then back down to Ervan Chew Park to learn some belly dancing. Sorry no pics of that!

Next we hiked it back down Richmond to CVS where we met the Houston Food Bank, we donated a few items and were on our way to the Timberline Fitness Center. Terence hopped on a stationary bike and went to the distance of an alegrba solution that we had solved earlier. We took a picture and headed over to St. Dane's bar to shoot some hoops.

After making a basket, we stopped at a Florist for some arts and crafts time. We made a rose out of tissue paper and a pipe cleaner we were off to the House of Dereon Media center. We got to load up on tons of promo CD's (glad we went towards the end of the day) and our last location was at Aerosol Graffitii studio. Terence and I got to spray paint our team name over one of their canvases. We completed all 12 clues with no penalties and we ran it into the finish line, which luckily was at the bar!

Our finish time was 3:39, only an hour after the first place team finished! We placed 31st out of 268 teams! Pretty awesome for our first urban adventure race :-)

Caring for our sick pup...and her recovery

As many of you may know, Roma became very ill from her boarding stay while we were away over Thanksgiving.  It's been four weeks, and just so you know, she is better.  It was the road to recovery, particularly the week following, that was the worst.

Roma stayed at a local boarding facility in Houston.  I won't go slander them publicly, but if you live in the Houston area and want to know who it is, feel free to email me.  We had heard good things about them from people while socializing at the dog park, as well as local pet events.  Our normal facility was full, so we had no choice but to find an alternate.  

As for her stay, as far as we knew during our trip, she was doing just fine.  I even called and they said she was doing great.  Go figure that wasn't close to the truth.  In fact, the day we picked her up she was reportedly sick...and lethargic.  The night we got her home we noticed and we quickly called the facility.  They said, "she was fine."  We didn't find out until the next day that she was actually sick all day.  

Five days followed, five visits to the vet.  Multiple shots, blood tests, injections, and subcutaneous fluid injections...and more followed.  You can see the "bump" on her back...that's the fluid they injected.

She definitely was not a happy pup all week. Nor were Deb and I happy parents.  We were worried, concerned, and angry.  We took a combined three days off of work and slept very little.  It didn't help that we battled and battled with the boarding facility over vet bills and refunds.  They became increasingly more in denial of doing anything wrong.  Guess what, they were!!  

The major thing they did wrong...they gave her her benadryl tablets (for her allergies) with HOT DOG pieces!  Real hot dog!  We have never given her table food and this was what caused her the pancreatitis symptoms and reactions.  Roma is on a very high quality diet, good treats, nothing close to processed.  

Our vet was wonderful...if you need a good vet, we whole heartedly recommend Claws and Paws in Pearland.  Hands down, they were wonderful to Roma.



Also, if you need a good local boarding facility (and day care), Rover Oaks continually is top notch.  Our experience with their day care for the past 10 months has been wonderful.  The multiple times she's been boarded there, including twice during December, they were great.

And lastly, to cheer Roma up, we pissed kitty off...put her in a silly hat.  Thanks go out to Victoria on that one...still fun to put on her years later!

As of today, we have finally resolved the outstanding issues with the bad boarding facility.  They will never see our business again and will never get a hint of a recommendation.  They tried to be good about the vet bills...but they wouldn't even fully pay the last one.   I urge you all with pets...research your boarding facilities carefully, I would never wish what Roma went through on anyone...

Thanks again for all the concern for Roma.  She is doing well and is back to her normal, happy self.  Chasing kitty, cuddling on the couch...being Roma.

Another 2nd Place Finish...Eyeglasses for MVP!

It's been a few weeks since it was really "news," as if you can really call it "news" anyways!  While the Pearland Little League was dominating in Williamsport, PA in the Little League World Series, the Chuggers were climbing the ranks in our softball league.  Well we ended up in 2nd place...similar to the Pearland LL team that ended up 2nd in the country.  (Their's was a much bigger accomplishment, of course!)

It was another successful season for me...I've been playing with these guys for a few seasons now and posted my best numbers to date.  And you know what made all the difference down the stretch?  My glasses!!

My stats...0.730 batting average, 7 homeruns, 24 RBI's, 7 doubles, 4 triples...with 22 runs scored.  The last two weeks of the season I sported my glasses and did the most damage.  I went 12 for 13 with 3 homeruns, all 4 of my triples, and 10 RBI's...enough to win the team batting title, too!  Plus I played a more solid third base.

Who would have thought GLASSES would make a difference?!?  I guess I thought my vision was better than it really was.  I vote for my eyeglasses as MVP...

New season opens on September 23rd.  Due to Pearland's restructuring of softball we are moving from recreational to competetive league.  I'm going to need my glasses that much more! 

I didn't win the lottery...

Today I got the email I was hoping I wouldn't receive...that I was NOT selected in the lottery for entry into the Houston Marathon in January 2011.  Apparently the interest in running the races (Full, Half, and 5k) were so high, a lottery system was the only "fair" system.  Bull!   For the past three years, I had registered without issue for the race.  Deb and I ran the half together in 2008. This year, I ran it once again, scoring my best finish in 2 hrs 12 minutes.  I was looking forward to running it once again in January.  But it's not going to happen.

The blog is anything but a place to rant, but please entertain my argument.  I don't think it's "fair" to create a lottery system.  As I said, I had no issues registering and from those that I know who ran it, they didn't either.  When the registration opened, everyone registered.  If you were serious about running, it's not that hard.  I even remember sending emails to those I thought would be interested, and all got in.  Plus, our old running group sent out reminders for runners.  Everyone got in.  When you take a step back, just leave it alone!  Or make it a bigger event!  Seriously, they could do three waves, instead of two?  Figure it out without alienating your former runners.  Participating in Houston's biggest sporting event was awesome, so much fun, and memorable.  Next year, Houston will be missing a lot of runners.  We are unhappy.  I still haven't found one of my friends who got in!  It's shocking how crappy a system is when you implement it to make it more fair.  While at the gym, I was watching the news and they were talking about the race lottery's intent to help diversify the racing pool.  Really?  I'm not even going to go there.

SO, on February 20, 2011...we'll be in Austin running the Livestrong Austin Half Marathon.  Deb and I both registered for the half marathon...it'll be a new route and race, but will still be 13.1 miles of running fun! 

Former President George Bush often shakes hands on the Houston course...I'm hoping for my favorite Austin resident during our race, Sandra Bullock!  One can hope...

Polish Food, Deb's Creations, Astros & Scrabble...sounds like visitors!

Last weekend, Deb and I welcomed my parents for an extended visit over the weekend.  We hadn't seen them since our last trip home to Florida, so what better time to have them come visit then now!  Near 100 degree days, near 100 percent humidity, near 100 scrabble games...just kidding on the last one (but not by much)!!

To touch on the last one first, my and I love Scrabble.  Perhaps, borderline, obsessive...but we love it.  We play till after midnight and we are cut throat.  Since I am writing this blog post, I could say mom is the most "viscious" but I can't.  My mom says I play like that...  But hey, it's part of the strategy.  If you don't challenge the word because you can't afford to take the gamble of losing, you just have to accept it's a word!  That is until after the game is over and you look it up.  This is usually when my mom says "you stinker!" because I've snuck something in!  Can't remember the scores and win/loss from the weekend, it was fun!!  Even had a bruschetta break thanks to Deb and her amazing cooking and baking!  She made a killer meatloaf, ziti, and homemade ice cream, just to name a few!

We didn't just play Scrabble, we took my parents to a local Polish restaurant, Polonia.  Really, though, it's the only one in town.  It was awesome!!!

 Potato pancakes, sausage, sauerkraut, veal,...., oh man, I'm read y to go back!

We also took in an Astros game.  It was the FIRST game they won this year that we were at!  (FYI, we went this weekend too, and they won again!)  My mom even sported an Astros jersey.  They played the Braves, her all-time most-disliked team!  Chipper Jones...you're not welcome at my parents house!  Haha.  You could stop by our place, I'd love to chat...you all know me and baseball!

Overall it was a great visit...they always go by too fast.  See you all next in Florida!

Baseball, Softball, etc

After 68 games in Houston, I think we all have a good idea how the season is going. With only 26 victories and a 0.382 winning percentage, I'll borrow our friend Lisa's line and stick it in the Astros' mouths..."I'm done!" And to add more disappointment, the Indians only have 26 victories, themselves... I am getting to the point of dusting off my old Mets gear to find a team to root for! I guess I have a growing appreciation for the Cardinals by way of Deb, so for now I'm not hopeless in October. At least I'm not a Pirates fan, or worse...an Orioles fan!

It's been a rough year for Cleveland and Houston, but I think it's time to fold and make some trades. Play for next year or 2012, don't protect your pride, just do what needs to be done!

With my pessimistic attitude towards my favorite teams, it was perfect time for summer softball to start back up! There's nothing better than 95 degrees and 90% humidity...actually, just about anything sounds better than that! But throw in some cold (crappy) beers and good friends, it's worth it.

Last Thursday was our first week back, and we split the day going 1-1. First game we held a 13-8 lead into the last inning...go figure, we lost 15-13 a la a couple bad plays in the field. I was 1 for 3, with a single, run and RBI. I reached on a fielders choice also...overall hitting the ball hard all three times. Second game we did quite better, won cleanly 13-3. I had my best softball game to date, going 3 for 3 with 2 HRs and a double, 4 RBIs and 3 runs. The first homer was of the inside the park variety, definitely was flying as fast as I could around the bases...

With the weekend here, last night I had the guys over for drinks. Deb's away to Denver for the weekend, so she missed out on the fun. We watched Strasburg impress, the Astros lose, and a night full of Roma and Buster chasing each other around. Kiddy came out for a minute, but realized she liked the comfort and security of our bed more!

Oh and Roma and kiddy are getting more and more friendly, they are civil and we have even seen the two chasing each other. Friendship perhaps? Time will tell, but they are definitely quite comfortable with one another, check out Midnight befriending Roma's bone. Sisterly love? I know that there's always a sibling rivalry, so we'll see how it all pans out. For now, though, we'll enjoy their growing bond.

Aside from baseball, and Debbie being gone for the weekend (Denver for father's day), it has been a pretty good week overall......

Racing with Rimkus

On Thursday I participated with Rimkus in the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation 5K here in Houston. It was a huge race...of 67 runners! It's a big contrast from the last race I ran with Roma (as that one we all ran with dogs) or even back to January with the 25k+ runners downtown for the marathon festivities. I figure this was where I'd capitalize and do well.

Hmm...those young lawyers were fast...and in the Houston heat AND humidity! It was a wet, hot night for a run... I did okay, running in 30 mins, 45 seconds...right on my typical pace. I placed 36 out of 67...in the bottom half! I had a great time and was probably the first (and last) time I finished a race and had a few beers.

Running will be slowing down as the summer approaches, but I'll be sure to run on the hot, non-humid days. I like the heat, but not when you feel like you're running in a freaking steam room!

Poker Night

It's been a while, a loooong while, since I last played poker. I went in fully expecting to lose. Debbie shared this feeling and was oh so confident in her husband! (Yes, I might have glanced back at the rules ensuring I didn't look like an idiot!)

Game started off strong, had a good showing, won a few hands...yup, I won a few. Started with 7,500 in chips...not sure what I peaked at, but I know it was more than that.

Soon enough, a couple hours in, I was dwindling. At my last chance, I went all in...I had a crappy hand and that was the end.

It was fun, especially the beer chugging later on...no worries, I wasn't driving!

Silver Medal Finish in Softball...

If only we could have played the game we may have won the whole thing! It's complicated how it went down, but we ended up winning the "Runner Up" trophy in Pearland's Recreational Softball League.

It was complicated and rehearsed. The team "Troublemakers" were a bunch of ______ (you fill in blank, and make sure it's bad!). See they have ringers on their team that come in and tear up recreational softball. We are D league, that's basically the league where we go out and drink beer...oh and then play softball! These tools are just that, tools! So by them forfeiting the game we tied for the season. And with the tie, the team with the more runs scored for the year won. They THOUGHT that the 15 runs they gave us (the forfeit score is in the books as 15-0) were enough to pull a victory, but they miscalculated. In the end, they won, and "theoretically" they should be forced to move up leagues. HAHAHA, they have been changing their name, coaches, etc etc., anything to not move up. Bunch of scared little girls... Anyways, we had a good time last night anyways, watched some other games and kicked back with some beer...

And for all the statistician's out there, or anyone that cares, I closed the season 8 for 8 (plus a walk). For the season I batted 0.606. Now that was good for fourth WORST on the team! The season had an extended slump in the middle that killed my average (And there were hard hit balls in there, just couldn't find gaps). Between the first 4 and last 4 games, I batted 0.889. The middle 4 games I batted an anemic 0.267.

Had an awesome time...now a few weeks off...then back to the field in June for the summer season!

Another First...Soccer! With the Houston Dynamo...

Cinco de Mayo was fun downtown with drinks and dinner at Guadalajara Haciena del centro. It was a little pricey, but the margaritas were quite refreshing... Later we headed to the Roberston Stadium to see the Houston Dynamo take on FC Dallas. My soccer questions started early, like "what's FC mean?" It means "football club." Soccer is not my expertise...and my experience playing was limited to one summer in NY playing on our company indoor soccer team. The Earthquakes were not that great! Plus I sprained my ankle pretty badly. But anyways, soccer here in Houston...

I had some experience with the Black Iguana margaritas previously...during our fun golf game out in Pasadena last year. I went with beer, Deb and company went with the margaritas...


We didn't get to hear the celebrations as the Dynamo lost 1-0. On the bright side, the Astros won...haha, they have won 1 game in their last 10. That's a totally different subject!

Overall, we had a good time out there at the game. I definitely would be down for going again...but then again Minute Maid Park is air conditioned, so we'll just have to check out the weather reports before the game!

Dog Days of Summer

The hotter it gets, the more we all want to stay inside. Roma loves going outside, but as she is black, she absorbs so much heat! When we are outside for a few minutes and you touch her, it's like asphalt (sort of). So, taking her to the dog park is useful to tire her out, but also hard on her because of the heat. No worries, though, she is all over the water!

She has even found shade...

As has her "boxer" buddy...

Aeros game...hockey in Houston, I'll cosign that!

It was a fun Friday night hanging out with friends at the Houston Aeros game followed by drinks downtown at the Flying Saucer. It was my first hockey game, ever...

So I was completely out of the loop, it was hockey. I kept calling the puck a ball, the ice a field, and used the wrong terminology completely! Doesn't help when JR is making references to baseball, basketball, and probably soccer in there, too! Only bummer from the game, there were NO fights! Ugh, what kind of hockey game has no fights?!

They had this thing in between the 2nd and 3rd periods (FYI, there' three 20 minute periods in the game) called Chuck-A-Puck where you can buy these rubber pucks and throw them onto the ice and trying to land them inside a helmet at center ice. You throw from anywhere on the lower level. When I realized what was going on, it was too late...they sold out of pucks. One guy did it and won himself $500!

Later we went to the Flying Saucer downtown... Not sure how, but we had never made it there. Great beer menu...we'll definitely be going back more in the future. The Black Butte Porter was quite tasty and made me think of Deb's Double Chocolate Stout cupcakes...yum!

As for other topics of conversation, we got into learning some new slang. It was a fun night out, I'm sure Deb would cosign that! http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cosign

Paws in the Park 5K...

Had a great time yesterday at Independence Park running with Roma in the Paws in the Park 5K. It was a special treat for her, considering she was supposed to be recovering this weekend. (Her surgery was rescheduled for next week...)


We did well, running it in approximately 33 minutes. The chip time isn't posted yet and considering it was more of a "fun run" I didn't bring the Garmin along. Debbie did the 3K with her friends (and colleagues Kristine and Loi, with their Golden Retriever, Roxy).

It was a whole event down at the park. They had dock diving...as well as frisbee and lure courses, exhibitions, and tons and tons of dogs!

Plus the Pug Hearts of Houston. Support the pugs! They were telling me how their organization has saved over 400 pugs. The little black one had a cast on it's leg after getting hit by a car. They do a lot of good things for pugs... The lady was like "well she (Roma) has a curly tail, probably part pug." I definitely gravitated to their booth. I love pugs...just such cute little dogs!

But we are finally figuring out Roma's mix...Lab, of course...and Basenji. We saw two dogs that looked very similar to Roma. So we went up to the owner and he told us they were Basenji's. Check out this photo from online...definitely more convincing.

All in all, it was a great Saturday in the park with Deb and Roma, some friends, and a load of dog lovers!

All inclusive post...Saturday was great!!

Saturday was a wonderful day for the Kadlec's...we had a blast bringing Roma to the dog park, brushing her teeth, and then giving her a bath. Those were good parts of the day, but her sleeping all day from being exhausted was great...followed up with a night reminiscent of our honeymoon (dinner at Melting Pot)!

We knew that Roma needed a bath and figured taking Roma to the local dog park was the best way to tire her out and get her dirtier for a bath. We did show up and see a dog rolling in the mud and I froze. Do I allow our dog, if she finds herself rolling in the mud, to get back into my car??? Foreshadowing, she didn't roll in it...we were all okay.

Roma met a couple of dogs at the park...Recon and Ginny were two that she seemed to get along with the most. The people there were also great...bringing water (and sharing with us "newbies" that didn't bring water...relying on the public water fountain). The big Bull Mastiffs were the only two "big" dogs that really intimidated her...all the others were all fair game and she had a blast...she was laying down in the backseat just trying to catch her breathe the entire way home.

When we got home, she was all tired and in the perfect "passive" state for a good teeth brushing and a bath. Both went well and she smelled great! Today she smells good...she's just not as fluffy and fresh smelling. No worries, I'm heading back with her on Saturday so she gets all tired so she's not up in Debbie's face this weekend. I'm excited!

Later that night Deb and I headed out for one of our first dates since Rome. We went to our favorite restaurant and our celebration spot, The Melting Pot. Nothing says romance like fondue...we love that place. You know you go somewhere often when they know what wine you like! (I guess we always have a lot to celebrate! This time was my new job...which is going awesome!!)

Deb's got some good posts coming, I'm sure...more baking and cakes!!

New JOB...in Forensic Engineering

Well, after an unfortunate and unplanned departure from my position in November, I am going back to work. Last week I accepted a job offer and will be joining as a Structural Engineer, working in Forensic Engineering. I don't need to go into too great of detail (as some things don't need to be blogged...because they could be boring to some), but I'll provide this summary as noted on the company website:

...engineers, environmental scientists, and business analysts use proven forensic techniques to probe and analyze construction accidents and disputes, residential and commercial problems, product failures, motor vehicle and marine accidents,and industrial fires and explosions of all kinds. Our job is to find out what happened and why, from the cause and origin through the extent of loss. In many cases, we can point the way toward a speedy disposition of the claim.

I may find myself going to court as an expert witness or such, plus an abundance of report writing, and communicating with lawyers, insurance companies, and more. It's going to be a big departure from the design roots I have been working in for the 6 1/2 years, but I'll call on my experience out in the field, performing inspections, and analysis of existing structures... I am excited for the possibilities, the responsibilities, and finding myself into a new field within structural engineering.

I love what I do, so there's no doubt I'm going to love this new adventure!

My Second Half Marathon; Aramco Houston Half Marathon - Jan 17, 2010

On Sunday, January 17, 2010 I completed my second half marathon.

This year was a little different than in years past as I didn't participate in the local running group, Pearland Fit. I wish I had, I missed out on the experience of running and making friends. Plus the extra training time and motivation. Reason was our wedding, of course, which kept us out of Texas for the entire month of October. I was insistent on running it, though, knowing I wouldn't be as prepared in years past.

Two and a half years ago, Debbie and I decided we'd train for our first half marathon. I have always loved running, even post-knee surgery in 2002. In years since I've listened to the doctors encourage me to switch to biking or something...but for me, I just love running, so the thought of running a half marathon alongside Debbie was exciting. In early 2008 we completed our first...the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Our time was around 2 hours 35 minutes. I remember that race because around mile 12 I looked over to Debbie and said, "I could totally run a full marathon." I would get flagged by Google sharing what her response to me was. I was determined. (That's us back in 2008 after we ran it together...)

Later that summer, we both joined Pearland Fit again...I was in it for the full, Debbie was back for the half. This time around, though...it didn't go as smoothly as in years past. Training for a half marathon and a full marathon take a lot of dedication and effort. That summer and fall I was playing softball every week, hitting the golf course often, and working out a ton. It was only a matter of time that with all the activities I was bound to hurt myself. One softball game put a thorn in my tire, when I tore my quad muscle. It was then I had to catch up to my training and found myself developing plantar fasciitis, which derailed me altogether. I bowed out of the race...

So...I decided I was not going to even try for the full this time out...I'd go for another half marathon. Granted I'd have to work my training around the wedding planning, the wedding, honeymoon...and then the crapfest that developed (which I don't feel like going into...). I had a lot of obstacles this year, but I wasn't going to let them be my excuses. To race day...I wasn't as anxious this time around...I definitely was thinking "avoid injury, finish fast, leave it all out on the course!"

Immediately following the gunshot I screwed up. I double pressed the "start" button on my Garmin, which meant I didn't start my watch. It is a runners best friend, as a GPS-based watch it shows you your pace which is a great tool. Around 1/4 mile in I was checking my pace and realize the time was stuck at 1 second! Well, I started it and continued on my race.

Miles 1 through 4 were great. My legs felt great, my knee was still keeping quiet, and I enjoyed every second. The thousands of people that come out to support their friends, family, strangers, and fellow Houstonians were out in force. The signs of inspiration helped, the cheering and yelling felt like they were all cheering for me, and it was great. The next 5 miles or so I did well, but slowed my pace slightly. Running along Studemont and Montrose there were just loads of people on both sides going crazy. I just loved all the people there...I remember it from 2008, but this time I was on my own and needed that extra bit of support. Debbie and I were there pushing each other then.

Miles 10 and 11 were probably my hardest...my knee woke up some (but never was beyond bearable), my ankles were starting to feel the uneven roads, my hips were starting to say hello...I definitely felt it. But my breathing was great...which I swear is the key to running long distance. As long as it's under control, you can go as long as your body will take you. Mile 12 I had a good laugh. I thought back to 2008 when I made those "marathon" comments...this time I laughed and said to myself, "pshh...I'm quite satisfied with a half marathon!"

Just short of mile 13 I had to pick my head up and be on the lookout for my supportive wife. I didn't want to pick my head up, I was just ready to be finished! But I picked up my head and saw her. She saw me and started jumping up and down!! It was the perfect culmination of all the thousands of cheering people I'd seen along the previous 13 miles...it gave me that last boost of energy. I smiled, waved, and charged forward (not seen in the pic, though). The last 1/4 mile was definitely great. I weaved in and out of a few people...as if it made much of a difference in the final standings! At 13.1 miles, I raised my arms and crossed the finish! I finished right on target with my goal, in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 16 seconds. Just a touch over 10 minutes/mile...I was more than satisfied!

(started in second wave, 10 mins, 9 secs after first gunshot, which is why there's a discrepancy in the clock time)

It was a great day and a great event. I'm sure there's more half marathons in my future, but for now I'm satisfied...

(Man, do I look exhausted or what?!)

Dress & Tuxedo...check!

While Debbie is up in St Louis this weekend handling more wedding things, I am down here in Houston...sick. But I have still been productive!

Debbie called earlier and said her dress looks great. Her voice definitely had that "genuine" sound in it, not just saying it. This was a great start to my day! Later in the day I headed to Mens Wearhouse to have my tuxedo tailored. I figured I'd wait as long as possible to get it fitted...and in doing so, I was able to exchange both the jacket and the pants for smaller sizes! I get it back on Monday... This diet has definitely had a good result for the both of us!

Now if I can just shake this damn cold! :-/

Dress & Tuxedo...check!

While Debbie is up in St Louis this weekend handling more wedding things, I am down here in Houston...sick. But I have still been productive!

Debbie called earlier and said her dress looks great. Her voice definitely had that "genuine" sound in it, not just saying it. This was a great start to my day! Later in the day I headed to Mens Wearhouse to have my tuxedo tailored. I figured I'd wait as long as possible to get it fitted...and in doing so, I was able to exchange both the jacket and the pants for smaller sizes! I get it back on Monday... This diet has definitely had a good result for the both of us!

Now if I can just shake this damn cold! :-/

"Bleh" for being sick...NO, it's NOT swine flu!

Well this week has been a long week. With all the wedding plans requiring attention, calls to be made, follow ups, dance lessons....oh and that thing called "work" still being a necessity, Deb and I are exhausted. So what better way to help aide in my exhaustion than getting sick? Right?

Tuesday I woke up with an awful sore throat, congestion, and those aches and pains associated with the flu. As the day went on, I felt better, eventually capping the day off with our dance lessons. Wednesday I felt significantly better, but by the end of the day all those early morning Tuesday symptoms had crept back. That night I went through my emails and online sites for swine flu info, just in case. Scary stuff for toddlers and babies, especially with how to detect it and stuff. Yikes! in any case, I was in the clear and definitely felt as though I was just sick with a cold, not swine flu or the seasonal flu. No fever, etc. Anyways Thursday was great because I had to get to the office early and prep for a site visit to the Shell Refinery here in Houston. Who needs to inhale Vick's when they can go to a refinery and inhale methane and all the other conglomerates of fumes? By the end of my site visit I was exhausted and ill. It's the double edged sword because if you say "I'm to sick to come in," you'll get those questionable looks. However, when you do come in, you get the comments like, "oh why are you here, don't hurt yourself." It's truly a no win situation.

Best conversation of the day went like this:

He says, "Well, Michael Jordan played with a 102 degree fever."

My response, "I'm not Michael Jordan. I don't get paid millions."

His response, "he didn't do it for the money."

My response, "yeah, but I'm not playing on the 1995 Chicago Bulls. I work for Halcrow."

I mean, come on people. I'm pale (not just my normal paleness, a little more extreme), I'm talking with a scratchy and hoarse voice, walking around like a little old man, my eyes rolling around, my thought process not quite there, and probably looking quite disheveled, why make comparisons to me visiting a project site to Michael Jordan's honorable play? Oye, you just can't win!

At the end of the day I was exhausted and came home. And today I spent at home trying to get better. As of now, I'm feeling better...and really, it's better that I'm sick this week then in three from now!

I mean, who would want to congratulate the groom at his wedding if you appeared to be a swine flu carrier? :-)

And one last time, I don't have it...with the fear in America right now, you have to assume every sick person has it!

Back is almost "back" to normal

Well it's been a week and it looks like it won't be 6 to 8 weeks recovery after all. I went to the doctor three times last week, receiving treatment, etc. I'm using the Biofreeze on my back...plus my achey knees, ankles, well...everywhere, because I'm alway aching! Or hurthing myself! Anyways, my back is getting better. I have to reneg, sort of, on my previous statements which I of course PUT IN WRITING on the blog! :-)

Last night I said to Debbie, "I think I want to play softball this season before the wedding." It was a moment where Deb's blood pressure spiked and laid it into me. And with good reason...she is right. (She usually is right...I borrow the statements from my cousin with reference to his wife, aka the "boss.") With the wedding in a few weeks, she's right, I don't have time to play before we leave. So I decided to change my focus to the rescheduled softball tournament on Sep 12th (next Saturday). Her response, "if your doctor says it's okay, then fine, you can play." I was like, VICTORY!

Anyways, I am planning a visit to the doctor later this week or next week. I have been getting back to the gym and into cardio. No weights yet, but cardio. Did 4 mile run yesterday, 6 miles today...and it held up okay.

At work I was telling my colleagues about the "you can play if the doctor says it's okay" and we all thought of the same thing...an old Everybody Loves Raymond episode when Ray is prescribed GOLF to get over his sickness (or whatever). In the episode, he asks his doctor for a note because he says "she won't believe this!" The verdict is out whether I ask for a note, but I might...how funny would that be!

I'll keep you posted on my status...I need to get off the Disabled List, it's killing me! :-)