Over the past couple of years, (check previous posts if you're interested) I've always taken time around my birthday to reflect on the past year...and this time of reflection normally starts about a month before my birthday...which...conveniently...it almost is. Ok...so it's a month from Friday.
I have to say, I'm impressed with my prediction from last year about turning 30. Shortly before (or even on my birthday...not really sure when the conversation happened) I told my dad that I would have a lot going on this year, and wouldn't really be too concerned about my birthday. And you know what...it's true.
Ok, so perhaps writing a post about my birthday, before my birthday is actually here is making a slight deal out of it. But the whole turning 30 thing really isn't affecting me. I'm kind of like "meh...whatever."
In fact, I'm so "meh" about it, and have been for months, that in many instances I've already been referring to myself as being 30 (in more circumstances other than having my age written on my leg for a race). I actually did this to my dad in a conversation a few months ago, and got yelled at that I currently was NOT 30. Perhaps my dad is having a hard time accepting that his youngest child is actually going to be 30. To his credit, he really doesn't look like someone whose youngest child is turning 30. And definitely doesn't have the gray hair to reflect having me as a child for 30 years. And no, he doesn't dye his hair.
So, for those of you that don't know, my grandma passed away on my 20th birthday. It's something that has both upset me, and is also something I don't really like talking about most of the time. And to be honest...I've most often been angry that it's something that I have to deal with. But I don't know if it's my meh attitude that's making the difference, or the fact that this will be the 10th anniversary of her death...or whatever else it is...I'm more willing to celebrate the life that she lived. And I have definitely been missing her a lot lately.
So, another Grandma Stein anecdote. For many years as a child, I never knew how old she was. We would celebrate her birthday, and I'm fairly certain that my mom would actually tell us how old she was, but Grandma would never admit how old she actually was. That is, until she turned 80. After that, she just didn't care any more. I never understood what it was about turning 80 that changed her mind. Or on the contrary, what it was about being in her 70's that made her not want to admit her age...but I wish I would have thought to ask when I had the chance.
So anyway...back to the present. It's almost a month away. And activities for the day are determined more by my training schedule than anything that I really want to do. So my plans for the weekend are to ride 110 miles on my bike, and to run 18 miles. (The 18 mile run is supposed to actually take place on my birthday). In previous years...I've kind of wanted an "all about me" day...where we celebrate the Johanna. And most of this morning, I've been thinking about what I actually want to do with the day. And I have no clue other than I really want to make it to the team training stuff that weekend...even if I have to rent a car and get myself there...I definitely don't want to do the training that weekend on my own. But other than that...meh...whatever. I've thought about getting some people together to go to dinner...but most of the people I can imagine coming are also training for Ironman, so what an exciting evening that will be. We arrive at dinner at a late 4:45pm, and are all at home tucked in to bed by 8:30. Meh. I don't know. There really isn't anyone special to spend the day with. And I had thought about trying to do something with my mom that weekend...but training kinda takes care of that idea...and I'm not even sure she and I could get together that weekend.
It's not that I'm opposed to turning 30. I really don't care about that. And I am definitely not having the anxiety that seems typical of a lot of people my age. If anything, I had that LAST year.
So, if any one has any suggestions of what to do...let me know. Because seriously...I don't think I care.
Ok...a couple of other random points of interest.
1) I finally finished my book about Crazy Horse and Custer. And I have to say, I think both of them have gotten a bum rap in history. Custer especially. I could probably write a lot more about the subject, but I'll hold off for now...especially because most people aren't as interested in this subject as I am. :)
2) I will never again fear the taste of Gu. I was forced to take Dayquil (I currently have a cold) in liquid form yesterday. And, oh, holy crap that stuff is disgusting. BLECH!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thursday...err...Tuesday...err...Wednesday Thirteen
1) So I'm traveling...hence the lack of knowing what day it is.
2) I missed all of the earthquake fun in DC yesterday...and am quite disappointed by this fact.
3) Every time some type of disaster hits DC, I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I feel. Yesterday afternoon, I heard from my BFF, my Aunt, and friends of my parents. My parents weren't aware because they're currently in Alaska and out of touch.
4) Potato chips and cookies may yet be the death of me.
5) Stupid hurricane. I really want to start singing "Come on Irene!"
6) I am impatient. And am trying to be logical. And the war between the two is not making for an easy week.
7) Amy's Gluten Free/Dairy Free burrito's are delicious.
8) I am proud of myself because I stood all day and did my performing monkey act...and really didn't feel like working out...but I did it anyway. I not only used the bike in the gym, I also did my strength training thing...which it's been way too long since I've done that. And am wondering if that is the reason for some of my leg pain lately.
9) I bought Icy Hot today...and that made me feel really old.
10) I wore a little black (and white) dress and walked into Wal-Mart. Yeah...I was out of place.
11) I'm up in the air about seeing the movie "The Help." I really enjoyed the book, and I think it could translate well into a movie...but I'm afraid that the actual thing will disappoint. Like they normally do.
12) I was literally freezing all day yesterday while traveling. To the point where I considered buying a stupid Chicago sweatshirt to help with the cold.
13) I went to the bathroom on the plane yesterday...and thought of Marie. And would like to let her know that I did not lose my skirt while I was in there. But I did bust out laughing thinking about it.
2) I missed all of the earthquake fun in DC yesterday...and am quite disappointed by this fact.
3) Every time some type of disaster hits DC, I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I feel. Yesterday afternoon, I heard from my BFF, my Aunt, and friends of my parents. My parents weren't aware because they're currently in Alaska and out of touch.
4) Potato chips and cookies may yet be the death of me.
5) Stupid hurricane. I really want to start singing "Come on Irene!"
6) I am impatient. And am trying to be logical. And the war between the two is not making for an easy week.
7) Amy's Gluten Free/Dairy Free burrito's are delicious.
8) I am proud of myself because I stood all day and did my performing monkey act...and really didn't feel like working out...but I did it anyway. I not only used the bike in the gym, I also did my strength training thing...which it's been way too long since I've done that. And am wondering if that is the reason for some of my leg pain lately.
9) I bought Icy Hot today...and that made me feel really old.
10) I wore a little black (and white) dress and walked into Wal-Mart. Yeah...I was out of place.
11) I'm up in the air about seeing the movie "The Help." I really enjoyed the book, and I think it could translate well into a movie...but I'm afraid that the actual thing will disappoint. Like they normally do.
12) I was literally freezing all day yesterday while traveling. To the point where I considered buying a stupid Chicago sweatshirt to help with the cold.
13) I went to the bathroom on the plane yesterday...and thought of Marie. And would like to let her know that I did not lose my skirt while I was in there. But I did bust out laughing thinking about it.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Luray: Take 2
Ok, so this wasn't a complete take 2 of the Luray weekend for me since I only relayed the swim of the sprint this year...but this race will always hold a special place in my heart since the sprint was my first triathlon 2 years ago...so instead of writing a full "race" report, I'll just share some highlights from the weekend.
1) Having the crazy Kiwi's voice in your head is NOT always a good thing. Shocking, I know. But Mary had been teasing me all week about taking full advantage of recovery weekend and only swimming 750m. So as we joked around on Sunday morning...we kind of stopped...and said maybe this isn't such a good idea. Karma will come back to haunt you. About 2/3 of the way through the swim, I thought "yeah, I could really puke right now." I didn't, but there were definitely times I wish I had.
2) I have officially been racing open water swims long enough that getting a love tap in the face by someone's foot, or getting elbowed in the eye doesn't really shock me any more. Not to say that it can't hurt. Or won't swell. But it definitely didn't throw me off course.
3) I need to buy a new tent. Let's just say, I'll be drying stuff in my apartment all week long.
4) Cheering can be as exhausting as racing. And definitely more traumatizing to your vocal chords.
5) Even after 2+ years with Team Z, I am continually amazed by the love, support, and friendship we have to offer one another. To be able to see Misha post DNF, smile, and say "it's ok" was awesome. And to know that even if you're having a bad race day, and getting down on yourself, there are about 25 people lined up to kick you in the ass and tell you to learn from the bad day, and move on, and keep having fun (or something similar to that).
6) For those of you that chose this years race as your first tri, my hat is off to you. Especially if you actually had any idea about what you were getting in to. 2 years ago when I signed up for the Luray Sprint, I had absolutely no clue about what this course was about to do to me. The bike course especially. It's definitely not the hardest course around, but I have seen great racers have not so great days here...and this bike course is no joke. But I'm pretty sure this is always going to be my favorite run course, in my opinion, it's pretty much perfect.
7) I felt a lot better about myself Friday evening after dinner, as we were all sitting around, and I realized that I wasn't the only one that had completely slacked off the week before and basically not worked out at all. Not to say that I am recommending this behavior, because my legs pretty much hate me after this morning's run. But I at least know I'm going to be in good company.
1) Having the crazy Kiwi's voice in your head is NOT always a good thing. Shocking, I know. But Mary had been teasing me all week about taking full advantage of recovery weekend and only swimming 750m. So as we joked around on Sunday morning...we kind of stopped...and said maybe this isn't such a good idea. Karma will come back to haunt you. About 2/3 of the way through the swim, I thought "yeah, I could really puke right now." I didn't, but there were definitely times I wish I had.
2) I have officially been racing open water swims long enough that getting a love tap in the face by someone's foot, or getting elbowed in the eye doesn't really shock me any more. Not to say that it can't hurt. Or won't swell. But it definitely didn't throw me off course.
3) I need to buy a new tent. Let's just say, I'll be drying stuff in my apartment all week long.
4) Cheering can be as exhausting as racing. And definitely more traumatizing to your vocal chords.
5) Even after 2+ years with Team Z, I am continually amazed by the love, support, and friendship we have to offer one another. To be able to see Misha post DNF, smile, and say "it's ok" was awesome. And to know that even if you're having a bad race day, and getting down on yourself, there are about 25 people lined up to kick you in the ass and tell you to learn from the bad day, and move on, and keep having fun (or something similar to that).
6) For those of you that chose this years race as your first tri, my hat is off to you. Especially if you actually had any idea about what you were getting in to. 2 years ago when I signed up for the Luray Sprint, I had absolutely no clue about what this course was about to do to me. The bike course especially. It's definitely not the hardest course around, but I have seen great racers have not so great days here...and this bike course is no joke. But I'm pretty sure this is always going to be my favorite run course, in my opinion, it's pretty much perfect.
7) I felt a lot better about myself Friday evening after dinner, as we were all sitting around, and I realized that I wasn't the only one that had completely slacked off the week before and basically not worked out at all. Not to say that I am recommending this behavior, because my legs pretty much hate me after this morning's run. But I at least know I'm going to be in good company.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Randomness
I really need to get better at creating titles for my blog posts. But there are a few random things rolling around my head...so I think this title fits.
1) I saw something on the plane yesterday that both infuriated me and also made me in awe of what potential we humans have. I flew Southwest yesterday, and in true Southwest fashion...you get to pick your seats. I was lucky enough to have been forced to buy a business class ticket, so out of the general population getting on the plane, I was number 4. Which meant I was able to get a seat really far forward, on the aisle...exactly where I like to sit. And after I was sitting for a while, I heard a kid crying...but it wasn't the normal screaming baby crying that is so infamous on planes. This was different. The longer I listened, I realized that there was a boy...I would guess that he was around 10-12, and he DID NOT want to fly. In fact, he was on the phone with (I'm assuming) a parent. And he was crying. And his younger sister was sitting next to him, and she wasn't saying much, but she was crying too. And I have to say...she was really cute with her smudged little glasses and her headband. And as more people were getting on the plane...most were avoiding this row like the plague. But there was an older woman who almost walked by, and then realized what was going on, and instead of walking past, promptly sat with these 2 children, and started talking to them. Calming them down. And it worked. The kids finally stopped crying (my guess it was the mass quantities of snacks that the flight attendant gave them) and they ended up having a really good flight. But it wouldn't have happened had this lovely woman not been so selfless to take the time to just be nice to these children.
On the other hand...it was about 15 minutes into the flight (if not longer) that I realized that these children's grandfather (if you can really call him that) was sitting in the row directly in front of them. Yeah...the kids were crying well before the flight...and we couldn't figure out that their grandfather was sitting directly in front of them. Why? Because not once during the entire episode did he even turn around to say anything to these children. NOT ONCE! I was disgusted. I did not kick him as I walked by later, but I would have loved to.
2) So...I'm a friendly sort of person. No really...I am. I'll talk to anyone. Hey...it's kind of my job. And when you travel a lot...it helps break up the monotony. Besides...who doesn't want to have a good flying experience. So anyway...we're in line yesterday to get on the plane...and I started talking to a guy that was in line next to me. I'd seen him earlier with some of his co-workers...and clearly saw the wedding ring on his left hand. But I wasn't trying to pick him up. I was just chatting. But wouldn't you know...the entire time we were talking...that left hand of his was securely in his pocket. Dude...seriously. I don't care if you're married. I'm not trying to do anything that would even get your wife pissed off at you. I was just chatting. Married people are allowed to have conversations...right?
3) I am in desperate need of more coffee. As I'm traveling often right now, my parents, of course, want to be kept up to date on where I am in my travels. And I often include anecdotes such as "Made it to the airport, through security, in desperate search for coffee." My dad then turns around and says that it seems like I'm always in search of coffee. Which is kind of true. I had (I think) 4 cups yesterday. Which in the grand scheme of things, really isn't THAT much. I drink a lot more water during the day. But still...coffee is not something we should not deprive Johanna of. I'm pretty sure we all know this. But one of these days, I wonder if it's going to catch up to me. It's time for another anecdote about my grandma. So, as in previous posts, we've begun to explore the similarities between me and my grandma. A love of coffee is another similarity. She would always drink a cup in the morning (black, like me). And she was so funny....she would always pour the coffee until it overflowed onto the saucer, just so she could get a little extra jolt (me, I just use a bigger mug). And then she'd let the coffee sit until lunch when she would have another cup. She'd heat it up in the microwave. This is where we differ. You will never catch me doing something like this. I completely admit that I'm a coffee snob...and reheating cold coffee is just a horrid idea. But anyway...for my entire life...and long before I was born...this is what my grandma did. As she was getting older, and was getting sicker...my parents and the care givers that worked with my grandma noticed that she was really shaky during the day. So...they pulled a fast one on my grandma. They put decaf coffee in her caffeinated canister...and voila...the jitters stopped.
If any of you ever try to do this to me...I will rain down terror upon your head, like nothing you've ever seen before. :)
4) I bought orange slices yesterday. Not the real fruit. The candy ones. Not really because I want to eat them. Personally...I find the thought a little gross. But I saw them at Target...and I got a nostalgic warm fuzzy feeling. My grandpa ALWAYS had orange slices in his house. ALWAYS. He loved them. Ate them all the time. And I guess I've just been missing both of them lately. It's been nearly 10 years since they both passed away...and something about seeing those stupid orange slices is a comfort.
1) I saw something on the plane yesterday that both infuriated me and also made me in awe of what potential we humans have. I flew Southwest yesterday, and in true Southwest fashion...you get to pick your seats. I was lucky enough to have been forced to buy a business class ticket, so out of the general population getting on the plane, I was number 4. Which meant I was able to get a seat really far forward, on the aisle...exactly where I like to sit. And after I was sitting for a while, I heard a kid crying...but it wasn't the normal screaming baby crying that is so infamous on planes. This was different. The longer I listened, I realized that there was a boy...I would guess that he was around 10-12, and he DID NOT want to fly. In fact, he was on the phone with (I'm assuming) a parent. And he was crying. And his younger sister was sitting next to him, and she wasn't saying much, but she was crying too. And I have to say...she was really cute with her smudged little glasses and her headband. And as more people were getting on the plane...most were avoiding this row like the plague. But there was an older woman who almost walked by, and then realized what was going on, and instead of walking past, promptly sat with these 2 children, and started talking to them. Calming them down. And it worked. The kids finally stopped crying (my guess it was the mass quantities of snacks that the flight attendant gave them) and they ended up having a really good flight. But it wouldn't have happened had this lovely woman not been so selfless to take the time to just be nice to these children.
On the other hand...it was about 15 minutes into the flight (if not longer) that I realized that these children's grandfather (if you can really call him that) was sitting in the row directly in front of them. Yeah...the kids were crying well before the flight...and we couldn't figure out that their grandfather was sitting directly in front of them. Why? Because not once during the entire episode did he even turn around to say anything to these children. NOT ONCE! I was disgusted. I did not kick him as I walked by later, but I would have loved to.
2) So...I'm a friendly sort of person. No really...I am. I'll talk to anyone. Hey...it's kind of my job. And when you travel a lot...it helps break up the monotony. Besides...who doesn't want to have a good flying experience. So anyway...we're in line yesterday to get on the plane...and I started talking to a guy that was in line next to me. I'd seen him earlier with some of his co-workers...and clearly saw the wedding ring on his left hand. But I wasn't trying to pick him up. I was just chatting. But wouldn't you know...the entire time we were talking...that left hand of his was securely in his pocket. Dude...seriously. I don't care if you're married. I'm not trying to do anything that would even get your wife pissed off at you. I was just chatting. Married people are allowed to have conversations...right?
3) I am in desperate need of more coffee. As I'm traveling often right now, my parents, of course, want to be kept up to date on where I am in my travels. And I often include anecdotes such as "Made it to the airport, through security, in desperate search for coffee." My dad then turns around and says that it seems like I'm always in search of coffee. Which is kind of true. I had (I think) 4 cups yesterday. Which in the grand scheme of things, really isn't THAT much. I drink a lot more water during the day. But still...coffee is not something we should not deprive Johanna of. I'm pretty sure we all know this. But one of these days, I wonder if it's going to catch up to me. It's time for another anecdote about my grandma. So, as in previous posts, we've begun to explore the similarities between me and my grandma. A love of coffee is another similarity. She would always drink a cup in the morning (black, like me). And she was so funny....she would always pour the coffee until it overflowed onto the saucer, just so she could get a little extra jolt (me, I just use a bigger mug). And then she'd let the coffee sit until lunch when she would have another cup. She'd heat it up in the microwave. This is where we differ. You will never catch me doing something like this. I completely admit that I'm a coffee snob...and reheating cold coffee is just a horrid idea. But anyway...for my entire life...and long before I was born...this is what my grandma did. As she was getting older, and was getting sicker...my parents and the care givers that worked with my grandma noticed that she was really shaky during the day. So...they pulled a fast one on my grandma. They put decaf coffee in her caffeinated canister...and voila...the jitters stopped.
If any of you ever try to do this to me...I will rain down terror upon your head, like nothing you've ever seen before. :)
4) I bought orange slices yesterday. Not the real fruit. The candy ones. Not really because I want to eat them. Personally...I find the thought a little gross. But I saw them at Target...and I got a nostalgic warm fuzzy feeling. My grandpa ALWAYS had orange slices in his house. ALWAYS. He loved them. Ate them all the time. And I guess I've just been missing both of them lately. It's been nearly 10 years since they both passed away...and something about seeing those stupid orange slices is a comfort.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday...err...Friday Thirteen
1. So, I was traveling yesterday, and I missed out on doing the Thursday 13, yes, I'm stealing this too...so I'm claiming Friday as a day that will also willing accept my 13 random things.
2. Johanna the nerd strikes again...I started the Crazy Horse and Custer book this morning, and I'm already hooked. Click here for previous nerdly updates.
3. In the past week, I went on a major binge.
4. The devil's brew in question is cookies.
5. A LOT of cookies. A ridiculous, sickening, disgusting amount of cookies.
6. To the point where I ate a real cookie (with dairy AND gluten). In addition to a massive amount of df/gf cookies.
7. And then couldn't figure out why I wasn't feeling well yesterday BECAUSE I DIDN'T REMEMBER I ATE THE COOKIE.
8. It's time for a come to Jesus talk with myself about the cookies. Ok, so I may have already had that conversation.
9. It's busy season at work...so of course...I'm traveling again next week.
10. I'm going to Arizona...again.
11. And again at the end of the month.
12. At some point in my travels there (before November) I hope to scope out the bike course for IMAZ.
13. I may have news soon. Big, life altering, huge, news. Maybe. (At least I hope so) :)
2. Johanna the nerd strikes again...I started the Crazy Horse and Custer book this morning, and I'm already hooked. Click here for previous nerdly updates.
3. In the past week, I went on a major binge.
4. The devil's brew in question is cookies.
5. A LOT of cookies. A ridiculous, sickening, disgusting amount of cookies.
6. To the point where I ate a real cookie (with dairy AND gluten). In addition to a massive amount of df/gf cookies.
7. And then couldn't figure out why I wasn't feeling well yesterday BECAUSE I DIDN'T REMEMBER I ATE THE COOKIE.
8. It's time for a come to Jesus talk with myself about the cookies. Ok, so I may have already had that conversation.
9. It's busy season at work...so of course...I'm traveling again next week.
10. I'm going to Arizona...again.
11. And again at the end of the month.
12. At some point in my travels there (before November) I hope to scope out the bike course for IMAZ.
13. I may have news soon. Big, life altering, huge, news. Maybe. (At least I hope so) :)
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