Dingoes Give Thanks for Running in November! - Page 3

[bec]

Katie has always been pretty clueless as to subtle mean girl interactions.  One of the things that helped us last year, when a girl was being obnoxious to her was another friend that was a little hyper aware of these sorts of things.  She would say to Katie, "X girl is being mean.  Just ignore it."  Having a peer instruct her on this really helped.  It also really helped that this peer is really kind and while she has firm boundaries, does not retaliate or respond in an inappropriate way.  I like Kerc and Shanti's advice.

[eh bien]

Hi there!

Hoping I can join in from time to time. I've been reading Mothering threads for 3 years but rarely sign in and post. 

I'm a mom of two and I'm just getting back in to shape. I was an athlete for most of my life but have spent most of the past 8 years not doing much at all. I don't have any weight loss goals - I just really want to be strong, flexible and active again. I also love to compete. I'm going to run a half marathon in May and have started training, oh, 5 days ago. I've done 3 runs so far, two 5kms and one 6.5kms. I've had to walk at some points during each of them, but I know I'll be flying by the end of the month. Can't wait.

I'm hoping to maybe get a few races in before May and had some questions about Mel 38's post if anyone could help me out. I've never been much of a runner... but I know I can do it.

Hope my questions aren't too silly, I'd just like to be prepared for when I do start doing races.

Mine is bolded red.

Originally Posted by Mel38 

Sorry this is a whole week late... but I have been working on it, adding details and editing stuff as I remember it. This is my MCM 2012 race report!

 

0400 hours, the alarm rings after some tossing and turning, listening to the pitter-patter of rain outside the bedroom window. I was relieved to get out of bed and get a move on the day. Nervous as all get out, still wondering at every twinge in my knee if I would even make it one single mile down the road that day. Almost cried and/or yelled any time someone said "good luck!". But now it was finally, time to get ready to go! My brother got up, too, and made us coffee while we got dressed and packed up, we made our breakfasts (peanut butter on w/w bread), took ibuprofen (Is taking ibuprofen something most runners do?) and debated whether to walk to the metro or drive. We finally decided to drive in case it was pouring rain when we got back.

 

Runners were already gathering at the metro, all discussing the weather, what fare to get on their tickets and nervously checking their drop bags (What's a drop bag?). We got on a train right away and all switched at the Rosslyn station, where there were suddenly not dozens of runners, but hundreds! Despite that, we were able to get on the next train and it was just a short ride to the Pentagon station, where we were all headed. Many runners were waiting in the warmth of the station rather than heading out into the dark, but I wanted to head Coach Greg's advice to hit the port-o-potties early and often, so we headed straight for the escalators. On the way out, I spotted fellow Charleston Runs athlete Rob and chatted with him briefly - great to see one familiar face among so many strangers that morning! Wishing each other luck, we headed on toward the huge parking lots at the Pentagon. No lines at all at the port-o-potties, which was great. (How early do you usually get to a race?)

 

We still had about 30 minutes before we would need to head to the starting area, so we sat around, drank some water and people watched for a while. It was breezy, cloudy and maybe 58 degrees or so, pretty perfect running weather, we thought. When the sun was up, two Osprey airplanes flew over - really exciting! We took one more bathroom break, dropped our bags (Where did you drop them... how do you find them after the race?) and headed to the start area. It was packed out there and all of the corrals were already full. My husband walked a little further so he could start with the 4:30 group, and I started somewhere near the 5:30 group. It seemed like no time at all before the Howitzer went off and a little while later, people started shuffling forward. I forgot to check the clock when I crossed the start line, but it was probably 20 minutes after the start (You have to run 20 minutes just to get to the start line?), I think.

 

Finally running! Wow, what a feeling - so many spectators, so much to look at! The first 3 or 4 miles started with a few hills, heading out toward the river. I used my 3:1 run/walk ratio right from the beginning. That took some discipline, but I kept reminding myself that I was in it to finish - and I didn't want to risk ANYTHING to improve my time a few minutes.

Right at the start, the whole road was littered with sweatshirts, gloves, hats and headbands - (Is this normal? Are people not planning to get their stuff back? Do people really pick up items if they want them?)I saw some nice looking stuff dropped, but resisted the urge to gather anything along the run. I ran right past a Lululemon headband in hot pink!! Mile 5 was up to a bridge to cross the river, and here I took my first fuel because there was a water stop on the bridge. My plan was to fuel every 2nd water stop, which I had worked out would be about every 5 miles or so. I took gatorade at the in-between water stops. Somewhere right after the water stop I looked down at my watch and it was deader than a doornail! Arg! How did that happen on a 100% charge?? I tried all my tricks to try and get it going before just saying - who cares about the time anyway?

I should mention that the water stops were always fun.  Tons of Marines and then always other volunteers helping out, either high school kids, boy scouts, a church, young, old, everything. The Marines were fantastic overall, besides being out at the water stops. They were often standing at strategic places shouting out encouraging words, or funny sarcastic statements, I loved that. I can't remember a single thing I heard, but I do remember laughing and enjoying it a lot.

So far, so good, on to the loop up to the reservoir and a pretty steep hill up. I loved the Marine Corps band at the switchback playing their hymn! Up the big hill, through some nice neighborhoods and up to the reservoir, then back down. Here was where I decided to walk downhill, the first and only unscheduled walk break. I think this next part was Georgetown, which was very busy and crowded, and the wind really started to kick up a bit here. The spectators were bundled up, but temps were perfect for us. Long section under an underpass, then up the other side toward mile 10-ish and the Lincoln Memorial, if I remember correctly. Somewhere there was the food stop with oranges, which I avoided like the plague. Didn't feel like being any stickier than I already was. I kept thinking I would use some water at a water stop to wash my hands but didn't remember to do that the entire time.

I watched for my family at 10, because I thought they would be there, but later found out that they didn't make it to that spot and headed straight over to 15/16. Oh well, it gave me something to look forward to the whole time, hoping that I would see a familiar face in the crowd. The next part was down to Haynes Point, around the golf course. I knew from my coach had told me that this part would be lonelier and it could be windy - both proved true. Some nice things here were the handwritten signs - probably over 100 of them, so there was always something to read. Another were the photos, names and ages of fallen in action soldiers - chilling - followed by a line of 20 some American flags held high. Whew! So though this section was not as "fun" as the others, I loved it, too.

The halfway point was when I began to feel my hip a bit. I knew it probably came from favoring that bum knee of mine, but it also reminded me that ... hey... I don't feel a thing from that knee! Good news, so I think it was here at the halfway point that I finally started to think, my knee is fine today, and it's not going to stop me!

After this, we ran through lots of pretty streets with trees, tons of people, and I saw my family for the first time. Awesome! I had somehow managed to miss my son, older daughter and brother, but saw my sister-in-law, nephew and younger daughter. I stopped to say hi, just awesome to see familiar faces.

The next big section that I remember was the mall. It was very long, very crowded, bands, music, people, kids giving high-fives, just all kinds of funny things. People handing out plastic spoons of vaseline? No thanks ha ha! Onward - I think I was a little foggy here, though I felt fine, just because I got confused about what mile we were on. The next big piece I remember was the bridge of "beat the bridge" fame. There were a few shouts of joy and relief that we had made it - but I found this part to be quite a let-down. So few spectators (we were pretty spoiled by then) and just a long, grey interstate with nothing much to look at. It seemed like everyone was walking here, and I found that to be demotivating. I really felt my hip here, my quads, my feet - just kind of wanted it all to be over. I knew it was only 1 hour until the finish, though, and that thought drove me on.

When I finally got off of that bridge and started to head down into Crystal City, it was a relief! I loved Crystal City! Tons of people, great music, people handing out donuts, lots of fun stuff! Loved this part! I think we must have passed mile 24 here, and all that comes after that is back to the Pentagon and over the same road where we started. The long route around the Pentagon is tough - everyone was tired, I was pooped with a capital P, but feeling mentally good, so I didn't let the long line of runners out ahead of me get me down. I knew I would make it by then. I saw my family again between 25 and 26, but didn't even stop, just waved and kept running - I was so close to finishing! By the time I got to that hill up to the monument, by george, I ran up it all the way. My finish line pictures look terrible, but I felt great! It was a wonderful feeling to pass that line and get lots of high fives from all the Marines there! They have the finish area down to a science, I got my medal and salute (I cried), got my picture taken, got my post-race windbreaker and food, and the next thing you know, it was all over. Whew! Chip time was 5:27:33, or 7,314 out of 10,005 women. Woo-hoo! I couldn't be happier.

Sore quads, calves and mostly my left hip, but basically I had an excellent race!  I never regretted not bringing my ipod, there was never a dull moment, really. Now less than a week out from the marathon, and my knee has not felt this solid and good in ages. I plan to start running tomorrow, on the 1 week anniversary of my very first marathon.

[mommajb]

I am skimming and I usually miss big things when I do that. I am nearing the end of the second week of company and it is wearing on me. In good news we get a break for a few weeks and might actually get some school work and much needed discipline done.

ungrateful kids: Mine know I clean up their stuff once and go to goodwill weekly. I also buy so much less than before and have for a couple of years. It is beginning to show in empty closets and toy shelves but not in how well they take care of their things. A few things dh has put away for grandkids. Gads! He is either getting old or wants another baby.

Mean girls: I talk about specifics when I see them. I would comment that a girl is not acting like a friend and how I need friends I can count on to be friendly if nothing else. Like I think kerc said, I take note of who my friends are based on how I am treated and based on how they treat others. Dd2 had a big aha moment in third grade after she commented on two girls who seem like best friends some days and other days aren't talking to each other.

Shanti, more hugs of support. I so wish my world had a touch of that often referenced dingo commune so that we could help each other out with more than virtual hugs. I would both give and take.

[kerc]

Welcome eh bien!

(Is taking ibuprofen something most runners do?)

No. But sometimes if you have an ongoing issue you do.

 (What's a drop bag?).

When you register for a race sometimes there's a bag that has your number on it. You stuff your things you don't need at the last minute/during the race in there and put it on a truck and they have it for you at the finish line. So say you know you'll want a sweatshirt or a change of shoes...you can stick it there.

 

You get to the finish line, show your number and they give you your bag.

 

 

 

 (How early do you usually get to a race?)

Depends on the race. How logistically challenging it is and how many people. Race of 100 people -- maybe 10 minutes before. LOL.

 

 (You have to run 20 minutes just to get to the start line?)

When you are at the back of the pack sometimes you do. It stinks.

Right at the start, the whole road was littered with sweatshirts, gloves, hats and headbands - (Is this normal? Are people not planning to get their stuff back? Do people really pick up items if they want them?)

Sometimes. There's a big marathon in my town that people will regularly wear a crummy LS tshirt and then drop it along the route. I suppose you could pick it up....it gets picked up and washed (in my town) by volunteers who then donate used clothing to either goodwill to recycle the fibers or to a homelss shelter.

[Geofizz]

On discarded clothes:  At the half/marathon here I was noticing a lot of people have kept the mylar blanket you get at the end of the race and they were using that to keep warm before discarding.  Otherwise a lot of people will use a thrift shop sweatshirt. 

One friend is at mile 20 on the marathon route, and she's been sporting the awesome gloves she found on her front lawn midway through the race.

Welcome, eh bien!  most of the questions you had are on things that you see for really big races.  I ran a few weeks ago with 20,000 people.  Even starting on a 6-lane road, it takes a while to get everyone across the start line.

[Mel38]

Welcome eh bien! Let me know the name of the race and date of your half marathon, and I will put you on our race list (which I promise I am updating ).

Like Kerc said, I take ibuprofen for early stage arthritis in my knee. I had been having issues or I probably wouldn't have done it - I just wanted to be sure not to run into inflammation that day.

This race had 30k people in it this year - so really big, and ultra-organized. They explain everything umpteen times on the website, in the material you get at packet pickup - and I read it umpteen times, too, just to make sure I wouldn't do something wrong! They had suggested 2 hours earlier for arrival, but I think most people were shooting for 1 hour. I was mostly worried about the metro cars being too full, that's why we started so early.

We shuffled/walked to the start line. I wasn't running one single step further than I had to that day!

Bec: So sorry about the poor organization at your 15k!! No result? That is terrible!! I would be mad, too. And running through a parking garage

Geo: sorry to hear about these mean kids. I mostly do what mommajb does, point out how certain behavior wasn't so nice, not really friend-like.

I want my kids to be both empathetic and yet still know that certain social things are not optional (I'm with you on this, Kerc). On the other hand, I also think my DD doesn't "get" some social cues, and all my prompting is not going to help her to understand all the intricacies of these kinds of situations and actions. Whether it's right or not, I don't know. Maybe the peer explaining things is better than the parents, I had never thought about that.

Here's another thing that bothers me about these kinds of issues, and that is all the focus on girls being catty and mean. I *know* it can be true, but I don't like to give this much attention in our household. That might come across as me digging my head in the sand on the subject, but I think it is rather that I don't like my girls to hear me verbalize what can sometimes be used against girls, they are b****y, mean... all these ugly character flaws - I just don't want to bring it into my house. There are certain behavioral rules that we model and expect from our kids, and these apply whether you are a male or a female, you know? That said, I know that there are differences between the sexes. My goal is just to try to be equitable about my expectations from both genders.

[kerc]

Originally Posted by Mel38 
I want my kids to be both empathetic and yet still know that certain social things are not optional (I'm with you on this, Kerc). On the other hand, I also think my DD doesn't "get" some social cues, and all my prompting is not going to help her to understand all the intricacies of these kinds of situations and actions. Whether it's right or not, I don't know. Maybe the peer explaining things is better than the parents, I had never thought about that.

Here's another thing that bothers me about these kinds of issues, and that is all the focus on girls being catty and mean. I *know* it can be true, but I don't like to give this much attention in our household. That might come across as me digging my head in the sand on the subject, but I think it is rather that I don't like my girls to hear me verbalize what can sometimes be used against girls, they are b****y, mean... all these ugly character flaws - I just don't want to bring it into my house. There are certain behavioral rules that we model and expect from our kids, and these apply whether you are a male or a female, you know? That said, I know that there are differences between the sexes. My goal is just to try to be equitable about my expectations from both genders.

We talk about table manners and such in the household using a catch-phrase my husband coined. "We're trying to have a society."

That doesn't mean male or female.

But it does explain why we use napkins and say hello to the crabby old lady who lives 2 doors down and is politically everything I am not. Meaning if I vote yes, she votes no. If I vote purple she votes pink. And so on.

[Realrellim]

Welcome eh bien! Each race differs quite a bit. The large ones are the ones where it takes a while to get across the starting line and people drop clothes at the start that will be donated to charity, etc.

Smaller races are a lot different, and it may only take 30 seconds or a minute or two to cross the start line, depending on the number of people and where you position yourself in the pack. If they're chip timed and you don't expect to be a competitor (age-group or whole race) it doesn't matter when you cross. I've also been to a marathon where they collected the clothes we dropped at the start line and laid them out on blankets for us to collect afterward. Anything not collected was donated. I've never actually left anything though.

How early to get to a race depends on the size of the race and what you like to do beforehand. When I run the Bolder Boulder 10K (with tjsmama! and 50,000 others!), I like to be there really early. We're probably there 45 minutes before we start or more. However, there are lines for the portapotties and some years, a ridiculously slow and long line for the bag check and tons of people to navigate around, etc. At smaller races I like to be there at least 30 minutes before so there's time to park, apply sunscreen, use the portapotty, warm-up a bit. This summer I only left 10 minutes, if that, but didn't park close enough to the start line, needed to put on sunscreen and my race number, and despite jogging and then full-out running to the start line with a few other late arrivals, we managed to completely miss the start by about a minute. Yep, extra time is good. Ironically, I managed a faster time than the previous year, despite the extra minute spent running to the line (that race is not chip timed, sadly).

Geo--I wish I had advice. It will help a great deal if she can ignore the kid, but it took me a very long time to be able to ignore someone being mean and actually not care. Your advice about group runs here is good, though this weekend there were so many more people out again that I think we're slowly but surely going to get there. I wouldn't be surprised if the local running store is out of pepper spray though. And I just need to deal, or stick to the treadmill on the days I'm not doing that so well.

RR: none, though I hope to do a quick strength workout tonight.

NRR: the election is almost over!!!! I'm hoping to catch up on a few things and make a concerted effort to try to bring my stress levels down. It's like my cortisol (or adrenaline?) is on overdrive or something. I'm feeling very optimistic, so hopefully all will turn out well. Unfortunately, it's clear we won't be done. A voucher group has decided to expand into our county. Three school board seats are are up for election next November too. I hate the year-round spectacle politics has become, but it's pretty clear that they're already planning and we cannot afford to have the board taken over by pro-voucher candidates who prefer tea--especially in a state where students can already open-enroll in any public school or public charter school.

[MelW]

real, good luck with tomorrow's election. Fingers crossed for you. 

Welcome, eh bien! I've never done a race big enough to even wait a minute to cross the finish line, or deal with corrals, etc. I have done some small races with porta-potty or other toilet line up issues- at a trail run last spring I jumped out of the bathroom line up in the company of a couple other women to pee in the bushes. At least that way we were in good company when some guys doing a warm up lap ran by us 

dimitrizmom, I missed your PR. Belated congratulations!!!

shanti, thinking of you!

[1jooj]

Finally seemed to have resolved my internet issues. Want send a great big  to every single one of you! I have thought of you all so often during the trip (as my life passed before my eyes at a few moments ). I thought of you all again with love as I unpacked the gorgeous shrug knitted by poppy. And last night, taking a look at the Corniche, I wished each of you could swing through town and we could take a spin on the walking/running path along the Gulf coast. It is quite beautiful.

Gaye, I am so sorry about your disappointment in NYC. Of course I hope the city finds its feet again quickly, and I don't think the runners are guilty for being angry and disappointed. I wonder whether JayGee's right about the decision. I think the Twitter run is inspiring, though, and a beautiful response. I hope you have some great memories that prevent you from feeling like it was a waste.

Plady, I arrived just over 24 hours ago and already had one such clutter-induced meltdown. This apt is significantly smaller than our house was, with no storage space at all, so we have an issue and I am not sure how we will be dealing with it. Still trying to figure it out. I have 150 pounds of books and school supplies on the dining table that won't have a home until dh gets another large bookshelf. He admitted to not considering school at home when putting together the space. Um, no duh.

Mel38, I love your race report. I love even more that you ran it! Inspiring!

Nic, I missed sending a major bat mitzvah hug to you and dd. 

I would love to follow behind Geo and kerc on hikes through various regions of Morocco, just to listen. Totally and for reals.

Also, I know she is not around here much these days, but please send all possible positive vibes to Reb. I'd offer more info but not sure what she's sharing. But she needs all the positive energy she can get to be well.

Shanti  I am always here.

Welcome, eh bien!

My intention is to get over jet lag soon enough to get out for an early-ish jog (wog? whatever I can manage) before week's end. It is going to be a struggle getting the kids totally caught up on school, but in two weeks we should be on track. There was talk of a November trip to Oman, and a part of me hopes it doesn't happen. We have plans with HSers already today, and first book club meeting for us is next week. Jumping right in!

[sparkletruck]

Are people feeding their kids peanut butter (if they eat it normally)? I'm referring to the recall. I'm not paranoid exactly, but apparently worried enough that I haven't fed my kids any nut butters in 2 weeks and it is VERY hard to make lunches every day without it! We usually have it 1-2x/week. Now it's turkey and cheese every day, or some left-overs if there are any

Sorry to be so absent, but I am neck deep in the progesterone FUNK. Hoping for the end some time this week. Bleh. But I am reading along and responding in my head to many of your conversations. I know it happens pretty much every month, but every month I am amazed by the utter 180 degree change in me. I joke to dh that I'm bipolar, but it doesnt feel like a joke when I'm living it

[kerc]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

Are people feeding their kids peanut butter (if they eat it normally)? I'm referring to the recall. I'm not paranoid exactly, but apparently worried enough that I haven't fed my kids any nut butters in 2 weeks and it is VERY hard to make lunches every day without it! We usually have it 1-2x/week. Now it's turkey and cheese every day, or some left-overs if there are any
 

my neighbor is a montessori teacher in a PB-free school. they tell parents to sub in sun butter. (made from sunflower seeds).

My own kids eat PB that we can make ourselves at the co-op.

[JayGee]

sparkle ~ wasn't it only Trader Joe's PB that was recalled?  We use MaraNatha peanut butter and almond butter and my kids are still putting those back like nobody's business!  In fact, I just bought a couple more jars at the commissary this morning.  Sorry to hear you are in progesterone hell and I hope it ends soon.

Jooj ~ sounds like you are settling in well there in Abu Dhabi.  It seems to be a much more "like-minded" place than Dubai was. 

Real ~ good luck with the bond measure today!  I've got all my finger and toes crossed for you and your school district!  Glad to hear that you are getting out and running by the lake again.  It's hard.  A few years ago a running friend of mine was sexually assaulted on one of our favorite running paths.  I avoided it for a long time, but we did a "Take Back the Trail" run one Saturday morning with about 200 women and somehow, that made it less daunting to go and run there again.

Welcome eh bien!!!  All the stuff you are asking about relates more to large races than smaller local ones.  I have run HUGE races (Indi Mini) and tiny YMCA sponsored races.  The difference is night and day regarding when you get there, how you organize your belongings, and how long it takes to get from your corral to the actual start line.  Both types of races have their merits though.There is something very invigorating about running with 35,000 other people and something very relaxed about lining up with only 100.

Gaye ~ enjoy your last day in NYC!  It's been quite the non-marathon adventure, hasn't it?!

Geo ~ I don't know how I'd approach that issue to be honest.  Because of my own personal experiences with exclusion, I tend to be over sensitive and actually "see" it where it doesn't actually exist.  DD1 is much more reasonable about it and approaches girls like that with a "well, if they're not going to be friendly, I don't need to bother" attitude.  There are two girls in her class who are best friends.  Sometimes they include her, sometimes they pair off.  She treats it all with a "meh, whatever"!  I need to be more like she is when faced with exclusion, honestly.

RR ~ Kay has been home with a fever for the last two days, so no running to report.  I even had to cancel my PT appointments, athough I dragged her to the commissary for food shopping this morning.  In good news though, my leg, hip and knee all feel great!

NRR ~ can't.stop.eating.sugar! Need to figure out a voting plan for today since I can't really bring a sick child with me to the polls.  And DH's truck needs $800 worth of work.  I think he needs a new truck.  That thing has reached the point of diminishing returns.

[Shantimama]

Not getting enough exercise in but definitely trying. Having my heart rate go up because of stress doesn't really count as a healthy workout, does it? Blech. ds is finding it helpful to go for a walk together every night so that is something. He is almost a foot taller than I am now so it keeps me moving at a good pace! One more week of the weaning process and he will be medication-free and then we watch and keep our fingers crossed. His health is a whole lot better, now we just need to help him make up for the problems being over-medicated caused. This poor guy has been through way too much this year. In spite of the disastrous turn in some of his marks that seem to be because of drug side effects (seeing the difference each week as his meds are being lowered), his school selected him as one of a handful of students to go to a cool program in Ottawa for students from across the country. dd will be going the following week - I think it is perfect timing for both of them. The school board is going to cover 90%  of the cost for both of them which makes it possible. ds is going to the medicine week and dd to the law week. 

My exercise may be minimal but I am trying to eat better. It is so hard to stay on the plan when the stress gets too much and I am not sleeping. Smoothies help. Anyone mind if I post my daily smoothie to keep myself accountable? I have a hunch that keeping well nourished and hydrated will also help get back the energy and motivation to keep moving.

yesterday 

coconut water

almond milk

chia seeds

flax seeds

almonds

raspberries

blueberries

pomegranate seeds

spinach

today

chia seeds

flax seeds

pumpkin seeds

pineapple

cucumber

pomegranate seeds

lime

mint

ginger

kale

spinach

honey

My bff gave me a Vitamix for my birthday and I love it so much. I soak the seeds overnight and then make a big batch of smoothie in the morning and just work my way through it by bedtime. The only trick is that I have to drink really green smoothies from an opaque container because the colour just makes me shudder for some reason. I have no trouble with green foods, green soups - but drinks? Just give me a straw and don't make me look at it!

[sparkletruck]

JG - yeah, i think maranatha is safe. the recall is BIG, tons of products (from ice-cream to gluten-free bars) etc. But at this point you'd think they'd have cleaned it up by now

[sparkletruck]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/t-magazine/womens-fashion/all-the-rage.html?pagewanted=all

i know i've posted this link before, but it's to an article i read about the bi-polar-like mood swings that can happen due to hormones. i just re-read it and, yeah, it's me. remember how manic i was 2 weeks ago; working frantically on those papers, sleepless, "stressed". now i dont want to get dressed or move from this chair. i wish dh knew a psychiatrist who could prescribe me an ssri i'm very curious about that 20 minute affect....

Geo - I'm sorry about the girl stuff. I agree w/ kerc about pointing out the general ways of reacting to anyone who is capricious (file them in a different slot in your social file), and I also agree w/ Mel38 about the ease with which we all talk about catty girls. I do it too. My dd1 is not oblivious, but not really affected (somewhat like yours - i'm not sure if she's unaware, or just has enough un-moody friends that the capricious one(s) dont get to her). it sounds like your dd isn't molding her behavior to respond to the dictate's of the other girl(s), so maybe her obliviousness isn't so bad.

kerc - i love "we're trying to have a society" my dh could learn that lesson

mel38 - amazing race report so glad it worked out

JG - oh the sugar. dont i know it. Its my medication against the evil progesterone. but 2 weeks is a long time to go with no exercise and shitty food. Hel-lo arse ...

rr: yeah, um no.

nrr: two of my four papers returned yesterday. Um, perfect grade. 100/100. Professor raved. 2 down, we'll see about the other two (more complicated to write)

[MelW]

JayGee, step away from the candy!!!

Sparkle, hooray for prefect papers. Pin them up above your computer for the next time you're doubting yourself.

Shanti, your smoothies sound terrific. I'd love to read your daily recipes. If you don't post them here, you should blog them.

NRR- Had a meeting with the teacher today to review and plan for the next learning cycle. She's okay with us being pretty unschool-ish for the home learning days with some need for better documentation for math. Some worksheet stuff, and remembering to make notes when she rolls all of our coins.

RR- In a still-sick rut. Today marks week four of this run of cough/colds. Cough is getting better, but my sinuses are still congested.

[1jooj]

sparkle, after I went off the temporary benzos, I asked my MD for some anxiety help and I am taking a low dose of an ssri. Actually I halved the dose further because I get headaches otherwise. Really seems to help. I mean, what I went through this time in Morocco, and no drama. Just, wow. Problem for me is, I will need to see a doc here if I want to stay on it, because in UAE ssris are restricted, so I could only bring a month's worth. (Which, happily, for me is 2 months' worth.) My big hope is that it all kind of evens out now that I am using bcps. They definitely alleviated ALL the physical stuff, so I will assume also much of the nonphysical symptoms are dissipating also because of the bcps.

About to "suit up" and head out for a (celebratory) stroll. My girl in WI won. 

[Geofizz]

. School levy lost. We live in this crazy town because they consistently pass the levy. Taking bets. What will happen first? Increase class size? Cut art and music? Cut gifted and special ed?

[JayGee]

Geo - that stinks, big time.

Anyone know how Real's big school funding measure went?

NRR - DD1 is home yet one more day.