Signs that it has begun!

Well, its been an interesting day or two around here. Nothing too exciting, mind you. But just enough to get me wondering... And thinking... Always a dangerous combination, if you ask me.

The big news, is that I've officially started a packing list for Coeur d'Alene. Not packing itself, mind you. Just the list... But its enough to get my hurrying from one end of the house to the other.

Yes, the race wheels are okay (knock on wood), no, my clothes most definitely aren't clean, yes I have plenty of salt tablets (knock on wood), and no, I don't have enough little plastic containers to hold them in. Stuff like that... little stuff that if I wait until next week when I fly out, well, I'll be screwed.

So in order to avoid my usual pre-race packing frenzy, I've started now.

On top of that, I'm SUPER EXCITED!!! to see my folks, sister, and head out on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska a week after the race. Perfect timing, if you ask me! Fingers crossed, knock on wood, throw salt over the shoulder and all that other good stuff - Nathaniel may join us as well (its a military thing. We rarely plan vacations because we're just never sure if/when/where/how he can ever get time off. Its complicated by the fact that he's got four flights in flight school left).

IF the stars are really aligned, Nathaniel may even be there for my race. But I don't dare whisper or even wish that... because (as experience has unfortunately taught me) things with him and time off from his work rarely turn out as we plan. So that's still up in the air...so good vibes our way would be greatly appreciated.

But in effort to prepare for the cruise, I tried on my sleek and elegant (as opposed to the high-school-like-prom-looking) ball gown. Good news: it fits - yea! AND the straps stay in place, unlike the last time I wore it.

When I bought the dress (2006), I was a little bigger than I am now...and when I wore it a year later (2007), I was pretty much the same size that I am now. EXCEPT for my lats. Today (as opposed to how I was circa 2007) they have morphed. And if you think I'm joking - well, I'm not. Those suckers are a lot bigger than they used to be, and I blame 1) Masters swimming and 2) Ironman training. But not to worry - as long as 1) I swim faster and 2) the dress still fits, everything is okay.

We've got to get our priorities in order, right? Swim fast THEN fashion sense...

But getting my gear together for the race inspired me to start cleaning.

Yes - I repeat: GETTING MY GEAR TOGETHER FOR THE RACE INSPIRED ME TO START CLEANING.

Hold the presses! This is a biggie.

Normally we try to keep stuff neat, but, well - that's not always the case. Inevitable the dishes stack up, random bike stuff gets thrown everywhere, flight manuals end up in the weirdest places, and laundry is more often than not - piled on the futon, chair, desk or any of the above three (at the same time). Today, and I'm not sure if its because my ride last weekend was shorter than I'm used to, I was inspired to do laundry and FOLD and PUT AWAY clothes.

If that wasn't enough - I changed the sheets on the bed!

Yeah, I know. Riveting. Yep, Monday night at my place... I have to say, though, that the smell of fresh sheets IS nice.

I guess its the signs that I'm on the verge of getting antsy. Hello taper! Oddly enough, this Ironman taper is very different from what I'm used to. When Jen mentioned that it was about to begin, I was ALL about the "easy" week(s) with little or no work. Um, yeah. I was wrong.

The reduction in volume IS nice and I definitely appreciate it (and so will Nathaniel when he sees the clean sheets, folded laundry, and no piles on the futon/chair/desk). But there's still quite a bit of "meat" on the schedule. And that's okay - I'll take it. Because it's the only thing from keeping me going at the grout on the bathroom counter (ick).

Next week - when the volume is cut by 2/3...well...that should be interesting. I'll keep you posted. Trust me.