Somebody turned 46 today, and it wasn’t me!
Category: November 2024
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November 29
It doesn’t really feel like Christmas to me yet. Maybe since less than 24 hours ago it was still Thanksgiving.
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November 28
I ran my first 5k since sometime in 2018-2019. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t hit my 20-minute consecutive run target, but I got to 17 and my pace was faster than it has been while training, so not a total loss. Plus I ran a few more stints of about 3-5 minutes each in the last mile and a half or so, so I probably ran more distance than I expected to overall. I finished in 44:20, which is my worst finishing time ever, but probably the time I am most proud of because of the effort I put into getting out there in the first place. The rest of the day was fun. Great food, great family, and I know it sounds weird, but I also love the satisfaction of cleaning up afterwards. It is the messiest the kitchen and dining room ever get, and I love its gradual transformation back to clean. I generally don’t enjoy Thanksgiving much, but this year was pretty good.
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November 27
Christina and I went to the park and played catch and I even went on the swings. The rest of the day was dedicated to the Harry Potter game. Sadly, the glasses and table runner I ordered for tomorrow were delayed and will not arrive in time. I’m so disappointed. Also I’m nervous about tomorrow’s 5k. Mostly I’m terrified of waking up at 5am. And then running for 20 minutes straight. At least it will be over before the day even starts!
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November 26
Lazy day today. Highlights include: Running the wrong training program on the treadmill, knitting for hours, everyone but me playing Portal Knights, booking hotels for dance and a campsite for spring break, and writing one paragraph in the sermon I may never deliver but feel compelled to write anyway. It hasn’t been the most exciting week off, but I’ve gotten things done. I dedicate the rest of the week to… me.
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November 25
About five minutes after I took this photo, everything went to shit. Robin got sick, we ended up missing cheer practice, and everyone got upset. I think things are on the mend, but ugh.
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November 24
I went for a 4.5-mile bike ride around the neighborhood today, but more impressively, I repaired my bike before going, without any help. The brake line had come loose and the handlebars were misaligned. God knows how the kids have been riding this thing. I realized the front wheel was also loose since it wobbled and rubbed the brake pad the whole way, making my pedaling difficult regardless of what gear I was in. I managed to tighten that up when I got back too. And the seat was too low, which was intentional so Christina could ride it, but it made for an uncomfortable ride. Still, the weather was gorgeous and it felt good to be outside moving around.
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November 23
The kids were disappointed yesterday that I was seeing Wicked without them, so I took them today. They had more or less the same impressions I did. Robin says she knows what she wants to be for Halloween next year. She loved Elphaba. Seeing it the second time, knowing I would not get to see the end, I enjoyed it more. The actor who plays Elphaba is amazing. That last song got me today and I left in tears. I still think it’s too long. Looking forward to seeing the end… in a year or so, I guess? Agh!!
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November 22
Went with Lauren and Monica to see Wicked on opening night. I was extremely disappointed to find at the end that it is a two-part movie. I don’t appreciate finding that out after I’ve spent the money and time on the film. I thought it was good, though. It’s sticking with me. It was visually beautiful and I enjoyed the music, but I thought it was too long. Still, it was fun!
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November 21
I spent an hour knitting and only finished two rows. I spent more time undoing what I’d done than actually doing anything. I have so little time to work on this; it’s so frustrating when I have stupid setbacks like this. At least I got something done, anyway!
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November 20
The kids looked through some of the jewelry Mom made and picked out a few things to keep tonight. I wish Mom had been the one to give it to them herself. I think it would have made her so happy.
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November 19
I signed up for two 5k races today, which is pretty gutsy because I can’t even run half a k without dying. Also the Thanksgiving race next week starts before 7am, which is absolutely insane. But I think I will feel good about myself for starting the day with a race – my first one in years. Even if I walk 90% of it, I’ll be proud of myself. I’ve got a little over a week to train!
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November 18
Billy got a jury summons today, the first one since moving to Florida almost 14 years ago. I guess we’re not as under the radar as we thought.
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November 17
It was a perfect day for Robin’s Tampa showcase. I forgot how chaotic it is, though. She had a couple drops that left her feeling upset, but Billy reminded her that it’s how you recover from it that matters. That perked her up. I appreciate that he was also in a competitive sport and is a coach because he has a perspective on losing that I don’t have, and it’s a valuable one. Every competitor loses sometimes. He gets how it feels and knows how to show up next time. I want them to connect in that way. I was glad they did. And also there was fried ravioli.
Year in Photos 