Who Brings an Umbrella To Mexico?

Although my fellow Minnesotans ( who endured temps of - 20 or more) have little if any sympathy for my drizzley tales of Mexico, I do laugh. Melanoma recovered it was easy to see the grey lining to the darkness and mist, but I had hoped to NOT have to take vitamin D while on vacation. I allow myself 20 min of no sunscreen to get some Vit D, and sometimes more as long as it is before 10 am and after 3pm. High noon sun is something I do my best to avoid. Needless to say I only had to worry about this 2 of the 7 days I was in Mexico.

So we had 2 nice days. As you can see I wasnt suffering. Rich was in goal for a good 2 hours for the Water Polo game. Now you would think it might be "shirts Vs skins." Nope...goes like this "Who speaks Spanish?" Ok there you have it. Espanol Vs the others. Mom and I sat in the shade listening to the recruiting calls for "Aqua Aerobics..." phonetically pronounced "AAA-Qua-A-ROBE-EEKS." Now roll your tongue when you say it. Even tho I was promised a booty like J-Lo's I decided to pass. ( I like my non J Lo booty, thank you very much) And when the song came on "Wanna be a Sex-Bomb" I cracked up and took some video as well.


These pics speak for themselves. This pool was AWESOME. I wish i had one in my backyard.
I guesstimated that from where i started ( where this pic was taken) past the POOL BAR
and down under the Volleyball net, and thru the pool to the big balls and back was about 225 yards. I made some 25 yard guesses as well.
Rich wanted me to take this photo when it was packed with people but we also agreed that people drinking sitting on the pool stools and water equalled one thing. Yup. So i really didnt swim during happy hour. Which by the way was from 11am-1pm. We saw alot of people still in the pool at 7pm ( Even tho the bar had closed ) and each morning i was in the pool i usually cleaned up a few cans. Now granted the staff at this resort are amazing. People cleaning EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. The pool had nothing in it ( tho i did hope the guys who walked along the pool side each morning noon and night scrubbing) werent using something so toxic that their unprotected lungs would be toast in a year. Or mine for that matter.

But I do think the above picture is a sure way for anyone to increase attendance at Masters Swim in the winter months. Can you say "Workout from 6-7pm, Bar opens at 7:15 for cool down?"

This is pretty fun. There was this area on the upper most pool ( there were 3 pools, of varying depths some with hidden walls so you could "Walk on Water" once you got up on that wall ( think sand bar but no sand) that i ran into..oops..but i was keeping my head down like a good swimmer....) that had an endless pool like current. This video makes my stroke look like crap, but Rich told me to slow down and stop beating "it." So i did my best to do that...Pretty fun anyways and made me rethink my thoughts that we would NOT get an endless pool insert for our 3mos pool in MN that is about 12 yards long.

Here is a new sponsor our VERVE team just acquired. Just a plug for WADE and his ART.
If you have nagging stuff, he is great.
Ok this ends my PSA. Back to the long winded blog.....

AND ON THE 3RD DAY...THE RAIN CAME.

Brand new cool shoes stayed inside so that the old beater running shoes could get soaked on the golf course and cart path. Flip flops took a beating. So did socks. ( granted no complaints, I love love love running in warm rain )



Dad and Rich taught us how to play poker. Mom and I learned that you arent supposed to say "Oh Crap" and throw your cards down after you are dealt your hand. Something about a Poker Face? Limes and Bananas filled the Kitty.
I resorted to being entertained by towel sculptures and trying to mix a good margarita without the Cointraeu and without my fave Don Julio. Yup things were looking grim for me at this low point in the vacation.

Pretty flowers and plants....
We headed into town for some shopping and non resort foods. Yummy. We found it at Fusion where there were no drink specials but we were treated to a live band playing Bob Marley-ish music. Sorry I am not really music head. Lets just say it was really good, and my parents were still able to hear themselves think. The rain continued so we sat inside. Fabulous Grouper meals were had by all and I finally got my Don Julio Margarita. Not too sweet, no HFCS! Yippee!


Last day the rains finally had stopped, and I had my final swim at the all inclusive pool:)
I was disappointed that the day was cooler ( ahem, 70, windy) and the humidity had fallen back into the 80's. I didnt mention yet that I had lane mates....the lifeguards...each morning would swim. I would start at my end, they would sit at the other end near the big white sculptures and hang out. Swim a 225-250 or whatever it was, then rest and do it again. I was impressed that they were religiously there, even days i didnt swim and ran by, they were there. We would wave, try to not knock heads and i tried to tell them to circle swim but i dont think they got it.
Last day one guy was there, in a WET SUIT! HA!
No pictures of my lifeguard friends.
Rich commented that they werent too fast but they looked a bit stronger than me...as in "they had some shoulders." Yes, I could swim out to get you, but i couldnt likely drag you back into shore!

Instead I found these guys:




And in case you didnt know: Dont Mess With Them! Of course I nearly dropped my camera into the Croc den upon reading this.

So all in all it was a great vacay, rain or not. I got thru some great reads, slept alot, swam and ran alot and enjoyed some really nice time with my parents and Rich. And no i didnt get tan, but really, that is ok. I think I have been outside for about a total of 30 minutes since my return after being outside for about 5+ hours a day, even if it was under a canape reading in the drizzle or mist. And of course was greeted by a nice LONG trainer ride about 10 hours after i got in and realized I hadnt been on my bike in about 10 days. Horrors. HA! I felt it, tho, that is for sure.

So thanks for reading and remember, 8 weeks till Spring!

PS: the answer to the title is this: My 82 yo dad brings an umbrella. Smart man. Smart man!

Random Post on new computer: TEST DRIVE!

This is where i will be in about 48 hours. Dont get too excited. The pool is about 65 degrees!

Good for Ice Baths and frigid morning swims. It works. The swims will be to stretch out and I time myself to see how long i can stand it.

New Year's Day Ski with my sister. She skis ALOT. Having lived in Denver she got up to real snow and real mountains quite a bit. Sorry sideways. I havent figured out Iphoto yet.

This shirt should say "shut up and swim," bc I dont really have any issues with running.

I do wish it said "shut up and stop snowing so that sidewalks werent so icy," but then the snow for the ski picture wouldnt be so good. Gotta take what you get and run or ski on it, right?

Just a few things for the trip. Draft 1. There will be cuts as not everyone can make the travelling team.

The Sunscreen will not be cut. I may have to pay an extra $15 for my sunscreen, my pool toys, and my rackets. Heck that is $45. I may as well give NWA another $55 and pack it all in my bike box. Or why even buy a ticket?I can put myself in the bike box for that matter. No bike needed in Mexico.

Happy Days.....

This is going to be one of the rare posts without pictures. Things have slowed down a bit since the holiday frenzy of parties, events, more holiday time, family time, more Wild Games, more family time, etc..."rewind, repeat." Thanks to everyone in blogland, FB land, and realworld for your well wishes in a speedy recovery. I have to say that thou i was never flat on my back i sure was tired and had the annual sinus "deal" going strong. I hate missing work but I also feel a responsibility to my seniors and to others to not "share the wealth" of germs if I can help it.

As for 2008 and 2009 and all that resolution talk...

 I am not much for resolutions. To each his or her own, but I do like to look at how I could change things, add to things, be more accepting, less judgmental, more loving in the new year. 2008 was good to me. I rode my first full year in the "big girls" category ( 1 2 3...that would be me, the 3..riding with the big girls!) and most importantly did so without injury. One incident in the State Fair Crit made me realize how much i value my limbs and need them to work and so very likely there will be no more crits in my race plans. 43 years young is too old to deal with a busted clavicle and I see no badge of honor in passing thru this rite of bike racing. 

More importantly Honey and I got engaged. Although we are taking our time making final plans, the engagement time is like a mini honeymoon. We are enjoying every minute of it.

Other than when the WILD cant seem to score in a shootout and when the red squirrel decides to nest up in the attic when the temps get too cold. We have hopes for a fall wedding, but that could change. First is a trip to Mexico, then a trip to Arizona, then some trips to the local cabins and a cruise to Alaska late July for Honey's Mom's 80th birthday! What a summer we have planned. And some racing on either side of all this excitement. If we time it right we will get back to MN from Vancouver the monday before the Firehouse 50 weekend. What better place for me to get in a good 50 mile TT than on the most gorgeous and hilly TT you can find in Wisconsin! Honey's team has some contacts out with Lance and you never know. He goes to Ragbrai, why not FH 50. ( Dont hold your breathe, but still kinda fun)

So as you can see there is alot to be thankful for and alot to look forward to. Right now i am most looking forward to a trip to Mexico. Jen promises I can play all the tennis I want!( oh yea after i attempt to figure out my Max HR running my tail off on the golf course)  After this weekend's workout, riding the trainer in my 60 degree condo and then stepping outside to run in 2 degrees with -16 windchill, I may be mighty tempted to do a bit more, just because it wont take me 15 minutes to go from tropic to arctic attire! Mexico is weird, you never know what you may get when they promise tennis courts and a workout area. But all i know is that there isnt much chance of me working out indoors...I have enough of that here! 

Good books, napping, walking and spending quality time with Honey and my parents ( ok it may sound weird but it isnt...my parents are pretty darn cool) is what i have in mind. 

And some Don Julio for Doris, some iguana's in the bathtub, and hopefully some good weather!

Make it a great year everyone!

Holiday! ( Madonna plays in the background)

This post may be all over the place but here goes...I am sick right now, I have lost track of what day was what but just know that I regret not taking more pictures on Xmas day where we had a super brunch at mom and dad's then took the party to Honey's house ( our house ) where i was virtually worthless other than to get in honey's way:( I am not good at sitting idle, and despite feeling like doggie doo I was determined to be useful. Or sadly, annoyingly pesky asking for a job!
Oh well.
Yummy Rice K bars.
Mom cat really is the best cook ever. And she isnt related to TomKat. thank goodness.
These Caramel Rolls rock. They are so easy to make and so yummy. We just use Rhodes Whole wheat bread dough and brown sugar, nuts, raisins and of course some butter. These are just before they are going to cook, after having risen in a warm oven.
Here is more of that Granola that Jen H was talking about. MomCat makes it even better than i do. She ( mistakenly!) put the dark chips in before it was cool so they melted into the oats. So yummy, it turned into Chocolate Oats instead of Oats with chocolate chips.

This is Iona. Ray knows Iona. She is 13 yo. And there have been a few times we thought she was going to the happy hunting ground. Her happy place is outside chasing things, squirrels birds, etc..when she was a kid she caught a bird out of the air. And she swam about 800 yards out into Lake Superior chasing loons till she had some sort of frontal lobe wake up call and she realized she had better turn around.

Even if she cant hear too well..( at all ) and she has arthritis in her feet and if you didnt notice it, look again, she has full atrophy of her Right Temporalis muscle..she loves the Holidays as much as anyone. She puts up with our jokes about serving soup in the bowl on the right side of her head and happily still goes to get as many squeeky toys as she can fit in her mouth to let us know she is so happy we are here.

Xmas EVE at Mom and Dad's house: MY CHRISTMAS GIFT IS HONEY. ( oh and a new laptop! Sweet!)

I saw a movie last night, as i sat on the couch, wishing i was feeling better.
The FAMILY MAN. I love that movie. I know some of you have seen it. What stuck with me even though i was kinda in and out of sleep is when Tea Leoni said to Nick Cage: "If i hadnt married you, i wouldnt have any of the things I am CERTAIN about....you, the kids, Us."
I think we often think that alot of things in our lives are certain. I do. And that is up to each of you and anyone who is kind enough to still be reading, to determine. What is CERTAIN to you?

For me I know the Holiday's reminds me that what is CERTAIN to me is Honey and my family.
Like any family we have our ups and downs but i have never doubted for one minute that my family, my sisters and brother ( I have 2 older sisters/1 younger brother ( gobiggreen 91), my parents and my extended family as well ( too many to count!) all love me. And sometimes they can only love you the best they can at that time.

I like to think that my health is a certain, but when i was blessed to be diagnosed early ( 2 years ago) with Malignant Melanoma, I realized that playing tennis outside, teaching tennis outside and looking tan and healthy doesnt always = health. Daily i try to remind myself to stay focused and to let go of the need for too much external praise/reinforcement. I try my best to train and get in my workouts. I am realizing more that this isnt something i am doing bc I want to win and be the best. Training / working out /yoga / tennis...is something I am certain about. I can do what i can do. Somedays i swim super fast and I want more. Somedays i look at the Watt-ometer and think "OMG are you really spinning at ONLY 100 watts ?" But if that is what it is for today, that is what it is. Let it go. ( Yes I kidnapped that from ELF a few posts ago, but i am still thinking about it so it meant something to me )

Fabulous cousin ANN! She just got married to Hank. Ann is an aerobics instructor, and has produced DVD's called Jump Force. You may know it from the SweatShop or some other Y's in the msp area.


Uncle Angus, Cousin Sara and Cousin Todd.


I am not sure what my brother told the boys to do but whatever it was it is hilarious.
In the words of my youngest nephew "Will" on the far left, Xmas was AWESOME.
Here we have my two nephews ( in green ) and my cousin's ( Sara) kids.
Will, Will, Joe, Sam

And the oldest and wisest here, Chippy. Chippy is from Texas and is in the Children;s theatre production of the Christmas Carol. Here he is in ...my dad's top hat...my sister's ( his mom's) new coat from Lands End...and his Harry Potter Glasses. LOVE THIS PICTURE!

Notice the remote. Harry Potter surfing the TV channels!
They had to leave after 48 hours for his last 3 plays. My sister laughed, saying "sometimes we have to leave bc i have to go back to work...this time my 10 yo son has to go back to work!"

Chippy and Heide, we miss you, come back soon!
Mom and Dad: for being 81 years and 79 years young you continue to Amaze me. Thanks for being you and letting us have the best memories of Xmas eve and Xmas day. The real Xmas trees, me throwing up Xmas eve ( why do i always recall that?), dad: thanks for cooking the beef so that it wasnt still "quivering," Lee: thanks for doing dishes and telling me to hibernate for 2 days till i feel better, Heide : thanks for talking to me when i was napping on the couch on Xmas day, even if i felt crappy I wanted to talk to you
Aimee: thanks for the caribou card and thanks for loving my brother and being a good mom to Will and Joe And Rob: thanks for always being you, and GOBIGGREEN!
and HONEY: Thanks for putting up with me. I get a bit highstrung during the holidays and i end up in tears...and sick. I love you and am so excited to be in OUR HOUSE for Xmas 2009!
(OR can we go to mexico for Xmas 2009??!!! Feliz Navidad!)

WINTER ICE

This is a quick random post somewhat in the Steve Stenzel mode..and in the random spirit of this time of year. Here goes:



So I have never had any issue with any sort of weird foot movements in my gait. But can you say:
MEDIAL WHIP? Whoa, this started with some winter running shoes i have and a snowy day. I thought it was just the extra lift and foot movement of running in slush and snow. But after a TM run i did it again. Ouch!






What better use of a pile of white stuff? Having had my fair share of running and adding some weight/strength into my routine it was time...


These water shoes are key, otherwise my feet just cant hack it. As is they dont get submerged.



HOLLY CATS. This was the coldest Ice Bath i have ever taken. It had me cryin' mother and doing dips just to get myself out the the pond bc i couldnt take it. Good for my Triceps i guess.
At least there was no yellow snow. Dirt, yes. I bet SPA's charge alot for an exfoliating dirt ice bath.
Easiest ICE BATH set up ever...another way to make the best of winter!

WEEKEND FUN!


Friday was a long time coming! I had some food poisoning earlier in the week making my tummy not quite sure which end was up. Honey had alot of tough cases and surgeries and we were both feeling the tug of wanting a quiet night at home despite the invite to one of the best holiday parties ever! Each year some fantastic friends host
The SNOWBALL. Black tie optional, band, the works. Honey and I kicked it off with a nice dinner at the Grill before walking down the hall to the party.





Here are our drinks of choice. For me, "Grown up drink" as the bartender called it and for Honey.. The Winter Carnival.He embraces the "eat dessert first" motto so we both were happy. Lets just say I am SUPER DUPER glad I didnt have two of those Martinis. It could have been ugly, and there would have been too many self portraits. This is enough:)! Jey and Heidi were at the snowball as well, fun to see them, but it was SO LOUD I couldnt even think. I think i heard her say they are getting married in March and then Jey is going to try to get back to Kona! I also met GO-Go's sister who looks just like Jey!


Saturday came and as i promised coach JEN, training would get done, despite the holiday party alert:) Again, I repeat, glad I had only ONE!


Ride started out well...temps around 29 when i went out and all was good. Until i hit this....even my best attempts at riding in paste, were foiled. I had a "duh" moment and let some air out of my rear tire. I am not sure why i did this but i put about 100 lbs into the rear tire before i left. As soon as i hit the side streets i knew I was in trouble and the fishtailing started. So out some air went and on the 35 e bridge I took out more. Much better. Still had to walk some of this bc it was faster! Sadly once it freezes it will be fine. I thought about going on the women's ride but knowing it wasnt going cold at 8:30 am i headed out early, knowing there were cookies to be made later in the day...sooner i am done, the sooner i am hanging out with my sis and honey, baking.

NOTE: for the life of me, I dont know why the font keeps changing. I have tried about 10 times, i edit it, and it still saves all goofy. Sorry I am not trying to mess with your eyesight really!



Awesome view from the bridge over the Pool and Yacht. Warm enough to take my gloves off numerous times and nearly drop the camera into the river. Not good.

Onto the Big River Trail and it was smooth sailing until i was heading home and had to climb Ohio-In the big ring (mechanical issue with my Cross bike. I know i have to get that fixed.) There was a group of runners from a ski group doing hill repeats. I loved the one that yelled to me "Put some air in those tires!" Yup. Guess you didnt see me sliding around on the ice earlier. Thanks for the advice..and see you at the top!
These water falls are so cool. But they arent when they are still there in May..and June! I was so happy to see the trail plowed. I dont know if they have plowed in the past....Last year I dont think it was plowed.....So horray! Sorry skiers :(
The rest of the day was spent making cornflake wreathes and bars. Sorry no pictures but i will say that making a wreath out of hot marshmallow and butter and cornflakes was harder than my workout and actually I was delegated to the cinnamon dot-er since i couldnt seem to do much more than pile the marshmallow into a dollop and then try to poke a hole in the middle when they cooled. ( After licking my fingers, of course.)

And today, we have rain...what the heck? I am sad for ski potentials and more sad that this will freeze ( and it will) and that means more and more slips and falls. My mom called to tell me she fell already. GAD. People put that kitty litter down for your parents. OR get them some gripping shoes. Or lend them an arm or two or three. Stepping outside their doors to get the mail or the paper is the most likely place, bc they arent expecting it and they have to do a 180 to get to the mail box, in their slippers. Seriously nobody wants a post from me on the prognosis for senior's that break a hip and then head south, and i dont mean Tucson.

Sorry to be real.

In the mean time stay upright!

DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU:



There's a new city limit sign in town...get your sprinting legs ready!

Snow

Just a quick update cuz there isnt too much going on that is blogworthy.
So to keep it simple here i go:

* Headed south to San Antonio this week for work. Hoped for nice balmy temps and while I landed at 77 degrees, our outdoor dinner was abruptly ended with 20-30 mph winds and a temp drop of 30 degrees. Say 32 is cold in Texas!

* ICAA ( international conference on Active Aging) was great. Lots of great speakers and some neat ideas for classes and of course the trade show. Wowza. Talk about an equipment lovers dream, talking Lifefitness, Hoist, True, Nautilus, PowerSystems, Nu-Step, Octane...it goes on and on. Of course Spri, Theraband, and lots of people wanting to build and plan for your newest fitness center pursuit. There was a swim trainer there called a Triton Swim Trainer. I have heard of the Versa Trainer but to be honest this thing looked and was so confusing it made me commit to doing drills in the pool and on dryland since i couldnt fathom using this machine. Nor could i see any senior citizen using it.
Granted this was a Medical and also Business Athletic conference as well, but it still amazes me when vendors say "For your Seniors..." and what they mean is "For your residents that are over 50 yo."
Heck, that is crazy. Most of the residents living in the 38 sites of Independent Living, Assisted living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing are over 80 yo! And No. Please rid your mind of the thought that all retirement communities are NURSING HOMES. They arent. Actually they are quite the opposite.

Another area I spent time on was Brain Fitness and also Taiji Qigong. Both are up and comers in the retirement realm. Ok enough on work.
Oh yea I got shin splints ( lateral Peroneals) running on the river walk cement. Snow was better upon my return.

*Speaking of runs and snow. I have a new coach. I am really excited about it and at the same time nervous.
Main goal is to be injury free and to let go of all my super high expectations of myself and to be patient. I am learning to run slow. I am learning to ride my bike without feeling like i have to be in my sweetspot wattage and to swim harder than i ever have. Getting in the pain locker this summer on my TT bike has helped me open that locker in the pool. Now if only the water temp would stay below 84. Ughh. Dont get me started on that.
I still start off the block the same way i learned as an 8 yo swimmer, and am working on perfecting that little "hip hike and chin up" before I enter the water with my head DOWN. Did I say "PERFECT?" I meant, feel more comfortable. I still like to skim the water like a stone skipping on the lake, but happy to have some fun with the new dive as well.

*Honey and I watched Step Brothers last night. Funny. Too funny. I love Will Ferrel.
I made a salmon with North African Flavors and Brocollini, Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic dipper and then ICE CREAM! Yum. I should have taken photos, but if you want the recipe let me know and I will send it to you.

*Soup today. homemade Chicken with purple potatoes and real chicken broth from the chicken not the can/box and Mushroom Bulgur. Does anyone think that bulgur tastes like Oatmeal? I made teh bulgur when i was riding the trainer for too long ( thanks Jen) this morning and off the trainer i had to taste it to see if it was "cooked" and ended up adding cinnamon and having some "more" breakfast than what i had planned.

* Oh and that coach i mentioned, what a doll. I just got a little set of clothing that didnt fit her and does fit my chicken legs and body. Super nice and super thoughtful to make time to get that sent off to me. I owe you more than a latte in Tucson. But we will start there.

* Stay warm all you midwesterners I think the 5 degree stuff is here to stay. For the rest of you, stay warm as well but no whiners about riding outside when it is 32 degrees, ok?

* Happy Week to come.
* PS I am so waiting for my new Splish suits. How long do they take to ship? I dont want my holiday suit to come on Dec 31, 2008:(