H.I.G.H.L.I.G.H.T.S.

Yours Truly and Charisa last Saturday somewhere along the Lake Henshaw loop. Is it just me, or is the backdrop reminiscent of Mordor from Lord of the Rings (minus the volcano)? I think so... Then again - this is an epic loop, and that's an epic movie...and my parched brain makes odd connections during times of great work/pain/effort. Thanks to Caroline for the image!

The past week has literally flown by. I've started and not finished four different posts. Either I'm loosing brain cells by the day (which it FEELS like after some of my training sessions), or just have a difficult time with time management. I'd prefer the latter, but have a feeling the first is a major contributor.

Who knows, though.

To keep it simple - I'll provide a few highlights. And I'll keep it short...more for my sake than for yours.
See - this makes everyone happy! Mer, Shannon, and myself.

Hello Open Water! Friday I swam in The Cove - AND DIDN'T GET EATEN! Yes, I ventured out for my first NON-RACE OPEN PACIFIC OCEAN WATER SWIM. And survived (cue me jumping up and down cheering). Thanks to Shannon and Stephen for taking me where I've never gone before. This deserves its own post...and I won't fail. I DID see two sharks - but they were baby leopards and not scary. And a huge bat ray. And lots of cute bright orange fish... And...I think I'll...go...back...? Yes - I've decided, that I will.

Indecent. When you've gotta go, you've gotta go. And yes, squatting behind your open car door in a casino parking lot before climbing Mt. Palomar is possible, just not advisable. Especially when the hedges on the other side offer little if no protection from automobiles of high stature. Like tour buses. Oh well. I wasn't the only one - Shannon set the trend and I'm not ashamed to admit I followed.

Gold Star Award! And it goes to Shannon. Not only did this amazing friend earn her PhD, but she braved SEVERAL workouts with me over the past two weeks. I was only half-joking when I suggested we climb Palomar together, and she agreed. Its one thing to climb this mountain when you're in full training mode...but Shannon has been diligently working towards her degree and getting ready for a move up to Berkley. Even she joked that she wasn't in shape for it. BUT SHE DID IT. If it was hard for me - and I've been doing a lot of training - I KNOW it was a beast for her. She is ROCK SOLID.

Heavenly drinks. Back in Florida after hot and long workouts, I craved Coke. After Wednesday's ride - it was Squirt. Perhaps it was the altitude? Who knows? Whatever it was 1) it was delicious and 2) it reminded me of my Dad, who used to drink Squirt all the time when I was growing up

Laying down. As soon as I do it, I'm nearly asleep. Trust me on....

(snore)

I'm back! Sorry about that - but a common occurrence at this point in my training (JUST before my IM CDA taper begins) And yes, there are confirmed monsters under the bed. The Mini Monster is fierce when it comes to shoe strings....

I LOVE Nathaniel. I'm so lucky to have him in my life...as my best friend...as My Other Half (okay, I'll stop before it gets out of hand). Putting up with me when I'm 1) tired from training 2) hungry from training 3) cranky from training 4) gone because I'm training - well, he gets The BEST HUSBAND OUT THERE award. This morning we celebrated by sleeping in and picking up donuts together. Aaaahhhhh..... bliss!

Good Girls! The kitties are actually, almost, sort-of, maybe getting along? Errr - well, Tabbitha was mostly asleep, therefore unaware of how close the Mini Monster was getting. She probably thought it was me, resting my arm against her girth or something. All I know is that I've NEVER seen Anabelle lay a paw on Tabbitha without consequences. I was too afraid to move - and Nathaniel couldn't resist getting the shot. Proof that miracles DO exist.

Holy Cow! I nearly dropped the computer when I saw Denis Menchov slide out on the final time trial of the Giro d'Italia. Although quick reaction time by both him AND his team saved the day. But eeks.... note to self: biking on wet slick cobblestones at upwards of 30 miles per hour is NOT a good idea... Not that I ever would or could do that... Watching the Giro these past three weeks has been GREAT! And inspired me to climb more mountains on the bike.

T.V. After pushing myself for x amount of hours holding y zone and z pace and...and...and.... I just need to zone out. Seriously.

Shannon. Yeah, I know I already mentioned her...but she's become one of my closest friends down here and its hard for me to see her go. I know that the move up to Berkley to pursue her post doctorate is the right thing for her - but its still tough to say good-bye. I'm used to being the one who has to leave my friends and move away...so its tough. And I'm sad that I won't see her as often as I'd like. I know that she's just a few hours up the road...but still. Thanks for all the GREAT times Shannon!