potaps

day 918

2012-01-30T08:33:00.003-05:00

good to be back

Really feel uncomfortable with wekends such as this past. Between the 10m race on Saturday being a bust, to the club dinner, really felt out of sorts.

Things on the home front were actually ok, until last night, of course, the other shoe was bound to drop, however, be nice if the timing was a bit better. Sybil finally lost it after behaving for the weekend.

BUT, this am, I ran, therefore, all is well.

***Highlight of the club dinner was getting a big hug from one of the Renegades. God bless 'em. In addition to seeing my green peeps, having the Renegades next door was way cool.

day 917

2012-01-29T05:26:00.004-05:00

THAT didn't exactly work out, did it?

Headed out to the Sayville 10m yesterday, forgetting what a pain in the ass it is. A typical Long Island thing is: a)streets indicated by names b)not every street has a sign. So, directions can be iffy at best. Tried 3 times to get to the race location, got SO frustrated, went back to where I belong, Alley Pond. Glad I did. Saw my people, got my miles felt good. THAT Sayville race is off the grid.

Last night, the club party. And who had the room next door? The Renegades? Too funny. Actually set a record for quickest disappearing act. Think I stayed for as long as I did for the St.Gabriel's reunion.

Brotherfromanothermother called this am, bless him. He actually saw me driving away.

Not easy being me. Would've loved to hang, but I don't eat, don't drink, don't dance, don't socialize. Not really any reason for me to be there. But these ARE my people. Show me face, then exit.

day 916

2012-01-28T04:00:00.003-05:00

busy day!

Had a nice Friday off, only one nuisance phone call from the idiot @ the job who has control issues. Not happy unless I get harassed at least once. Pest. and it's ALWAYS bullshit.

So, did the gym, hit a flick, then headed home. Stoney went out with his peeps, had the place to myself. Quiet. Peaceful. Wasn't summer, so the illegals in the back weren't blasting crap, ahhhhhhh. Actually took a nap.

Today, busy day. Sayville 10m, then our club party. Sucks that it's tonight, Derringer's @ Westbury, but I kinda sorta gotta go. $45 to eat some food and show my face, then leave. oh well. comes with the gig.

day 915

2012-01-27T07:25:00.004-05:00

not cool

TRIED to lace 'em up, but to no avail. One of those days where you head out, so far so good...then...THEN...BOOM! The skies opened up. Was far too tempting to head out for a run, temps were GREAT. But, RAIN. Came down in friggin' buckets. So, off to the gym. Elliped. Good thing. Manana, 10m race, 2 x 5m loop-I HATE that, but, it's one of those "gotta do" races, if you live on Long Island.

day 914

2012-01-26T08:15:00.002-05:00

YAY!!!!!

TGIF.

Made it through the week. Close one this am. Was snowing when I left, enough to make me think twice. Fortunately, I work in a different borough, so, thankfully, conditions were different here. Got my miles, felt good, great even!!!! Usually stop to use the port-a-bush, not this time. :)

Gotta love these temps as well. ALMOST did shorts this am, but no. Cold and knees don't mix.

day 913

2012-01-25T08:14:00.004-05:00

on a roll, again!

Amazing how one day it's snowing/sleeting. The next, 50-ish.

This am? 40, I'll take it. Was on the fence re: shorts or not. Glad went with sweats. Cold sucks.

Ran into my before picture, helluva nice guy.

***and the other day (Saturday) as the rest of us were freezing our asses off, "guy in t-shirt and shorts" was out there. Shamed us all!!!

got my miles, feelin' good!!!

day 912

2012-01-24T09:42:00.002-05:00

!!!!!

What a HELL of a morning! 45 degs, sweatshirt n' shorts. No gloves!!!! Can you beLIEVE this is January????? Especially after Sunday's dreck, this is most welcome!

Havta go to the Queens Borough President's State of the Borough speech this am, so "slept in," meaning, hit The Line @ 6:30. Was really nice, even ran into some of the usual suspects.

day 911

2012-01-23T08:45:00.003-05:00

on a roll!!!

Since Friday, Sybil has actually been behaving. I'm shocked. (of course, in the process of arranging Its garbage from one pile to another, It came across mail from Red Light Violations, indicating It'd amassed over $1,000 in tickets).

Found Stoney's "pipe." Been wondering why, when he comes in from wherever, he races upstairs. Checked the usual spots, nothing under the mattress, nothing under the bed...finally in a jewelry box on his shelf...FOUND IT!!!! Ingenious lil' bastard. He was using his game controller. I stashed it, waiting for him to say something. He's been seriously in need of Midol since, so he knows something's up.

This am, was ready to gym it...but...BUT...NO RAIN!!!!! The front that was to have begun last night into this afternoon was stalled (will hit mid morning, then out by the evening). So, hit The Line. VERY glad I did! This is the weird season, snow, rain, slush, mud, ice. A tough time, thankfully only once a year. But it's apparently delayed. YAY!!!!!

Got my miles, life is good.

day 910

2012-01-22T15:34:00.004-05:00

:) !!!!!!!

OK. Didn't expect ANYTHING this am, but, MUST be optimistic (especially since it's supposed to rain tonight through manana).

Was napping, waiting for "the feeling" to overtake me, when Elik came by. He makes me look normal (er). Quite the beast. We recognize how much each is like the other. He went out with his peeps 'round 7, I waited 'til 7:15-runner's low self-esteem.

Sho' 'nuf, The Line was good! Snow, packed in most spots, to the point that The Ninety Degree Hill was run-able. NICE! Actually got my miles in!

A good day!

Manana, ellip (rain, rain, rain. Drats). If only I could overcome this fear of back to back days off, I might be...what's that word...rested?????

day 909

2012-01-21T17:42:00.002-05:00

odd, but good

Snow had been predicted for this am's 1/2. So, prepped for the worst. Had all my gear, found parking near the start (a miracle in nyc on a saturday), when...checked the crackberry, to see the NYRR website. Due to the weather, they made it an instant Q, merely for registering. Good for brotherfromanothermother (he called, told me he was bailing), not bad for me. All pressure was off. So, did it anyway. Did well for a run in shit conditions, and, since I was already there, went to the West side Y after for a spin class. Made for a great cooldown.

good thing I checked the website. :)

day 908

2012-01-20T03:50:00.002-05:00

well done people!

Made it through the week. Adapted to poor conditions, meteorologically, and still did well.

AND, this am's snow was a no show! THANK YOU GOD!!!!! Will hit the Line-nice EASY run, then await tomorrow's crap. You KNOW something's up when the NYRR site tells you to dress for snow etc...

Hey, I got my miles, life is good.

-thanks for coming along for the ride. Having a shit home life, followed by the undercurrent of anxiety re: am I (or am I not) being permanently appointed Director????? Fuck it, press on kiddies!!!

day 907

2012-01-19T08:57:00.002-05:00

Brrrrrrr!

Friggin' COLD, but, did it!

Again, WAS tempted to stay under the covers (n' when you got no heat, I'm talkin' UNDER the covers), but no. No wind, temp was 20-ish, so...... hadda hit the asphalt. Glad I did. Didn't feel too bad to start, but when you gotta pee, body parts take some time to reheat.

After the turnaround, 2 usual suspects asked if I was doing the Manhattan Half, bless 'em, they'll be there. IF it doesn't snow. (1 inch predicted, could wreak havoc with Central Park).

My before picture was out there, bless him too!!!!! Said what we all know "you're only cold if you stay still. Keep moving and you keep warm...unless of course you gotta pee.

day 906

2012-01-18T08:55:00.002-05:00

:)

47 degs, no precip, I'M BAAAAACK!!!!! DAMN it felt good!

When I started, my peep told me the hardest part was getting out the door, he was right of course. Was severely tempted to sleep in, but no. After (in my mind) taking 2 days off, when in reality I hit the gym n' elliped, hadda lace 'em up. How often do you, in mid January, have the ability to run IN SHORTS????? Wow. What a great morning. Not taking chances, I DID wear gloves and a knit hat (really picked the wrong time to have my haircut, but we can't control hair growth can we?). Really lovely. And yes, the usual suspects were out. Nice.

Saturday's the Manhattan 1/2. Precip predicted. Dunno 'bout this one. HATE running in rain. Hopefully, it'll snow.

day 905

2012-01-17T08:20:00.004-05:00

GRRRRRR!

Peaceful night @ Toxichouse, of course: Stoney needed First Bank of Dad. Of course, Sybil was tapped out. When is this NOT the case??? Yet, always has $ for crap. So, he was given enough to hang with his peeps, but not enough to do damage.

So, why the gnashing of teeth? Raining this am, now, SUN. GODDAMNIT!!! BUT, got my gym on, did the ellip. At least the day isn't a TOTAL loss. Actually felt good.

Temps better, mid 30's. Enough of this winter shit.

***Gov gives his budget address today. One of the benefits of my gig is the ability to address what needs to be addressed. I.E. with iur previous Director, there was drama. He liked drama. I don't. For obvious reasons-got plenty of drama, don't need more, thank you. One big rumor which rears its ugly head whenever there's budgetspeak: our agency merging with another. WHO CARES???? 1)ain't gonna happen. 2)IF it did, there would be zero impact either on staff or patients. In fact, it could only help: rather than being treated as the orphan/stepchild, support services from our landlord would necessarily improve. So, let the lemonsuckers cause drama, or try to. When you're in the groove, you're teflon.

day 904

2012-01-16T09:08:00.005-05:00

RATS!!!!

Too damned cold to run, I'm talkin' 15 degs. Screw that. Did the gym, elliped. Funny, they're ALREADY starting to slack off. Plenty of machines, no waiting. So much for resolutions.

REALLY needed a run today, but.....Last night: HELL. It was truly losing Its mind. Usual rage resulting from fatigue/financial woes. Sucks for It. I.E. I actually had the GALL to use Its coffee. It actually (no joke) drew a line marking the level of coffee. BOY do I have a pair!!! AND where was it located? In a bag beside the couch. Imagine hiding coffee????? AND, It raged indicating I owed It $$$ for use of items. Of course, I explained It needs to pay me for the use of my house/cable/electricity. Really. Imagine????? So much for "family."

But wait...there's more:

actually got PISSED I didn't give Stoney $$$$$ to hang wth his friends. I, of course, explained HE needs to either pay for the property he saw fit to damage, or sincerely apologize. Imagine, holding a person responsible for their actions????? Instead, It backed him up. Lesson learned: it's ok to disrespect your father AND damage his property. (It, turns out, got stuck holding the bag, i.e. when he didn't get $$$ from me, It gave him movie $$$). So, It claimed I hadda reimburse It. FUCK HER. Later, he comes to me "mom said I needed to apologize." Nice. Real sincere.

...and yes, the house is FREEZING. (oh, that's my problem too).

So, where was It yesterday? Working? No. Hanging with friends. Great parenting. Son @ home, alone, no food. You're with your people. THEN has the balls to critique ME????

day 903

2012-01-15T13:39:00.003-05:00

"mom told me to ask you for $10 so I can hang out with my friends."

How do YOU explain "triangulation." Obviously he hit on It, It deflected to me. Fat fucking chance. The balls on that kid. Hasn't AT ALL internalized his transgressions.

So, this am? RAN. FREEZING cold, I'm talkin' frozen sperm cold (15 degs), but, ran damnit.

And worst of all, it felt good!!!!!!!

I'm ok, today I ran. Hurting, deeply affected, would LOVE for my son to have the same level of respect for me he has for his X-Box, but, it is what it is.

Today, I ran (frozen, but I did what I set out to do).

...and no, we have no heat in Toxichouse. How do we keep from going hypothermic? Electric heaters (remember kiddies, It paid the oil bill, I PAY the electric. Amazing. Utterly amazing).

day 902

2012-01-14T06:49:00.002-05:00

so far, so what

Made it through another day in the d.m.z. It, supporting Stoney's dysfunction. Of course, this way, It gets to be Good Cop. THAT, in itself isn't the problem, what IS the problem: one person attempts parenting, only to have his every effort undermined. Would YOU have EVER imagined addressing a parent as he does me? Or, worse yet, purposely destroying personal property. Unfortunately, even here, I have to take the high road, i.e.: It starts with Its "where does he get THAT from" bullshit. Let that sink in. It threw my guitars and computer to the ground, he launches my filing cabinet. Hmmmmm. And they think I'm printing money for college. Let's try basic respect.

BUT, yesterday, I ran. Today I will run. Life IS good. In spite of.....

On the plus side, 28 degs in January, STILL no snow. I'll take it! :)

Pray for me, I'm trying hard.

day 901

2012-01-13T04:16:00.001-05:00

(can you believe it's been this long???)

So, yesterday, War of the Roses continues.

Stoney, acting like he's actually gonna intimidate me (feeling our oats are we???) actually tries getting physical. Told him I'd not hesitate to call 911. He backed off. Can you imagine? What the FUCK possesses him? We know he gets the mental from Shebitch, the stubborn from me. But this is intolerable.

This fight was over lunch money. Told him I'd buy him a loaf of bread.

Spoiled fuck.

And, better STILL, Shebitch gave him lunch money yesterday, THEN has the tits to tell me I owe It $5. Right.

Rain ending, today I run. Thank you GOD!!!!!

(yesterday, did the ellip. NO days off for me kiddies).

day 900

2012-01-12T05:21:00.001-05:00

what to do, what to do???

Caught betwixt n' between. After yesterday evening's blowout, this am? RAIN!!! Is this is good, is this bad? Neither, it is. So, use this as a recovery day or...?

REALLY need to work the ol' demons out, so, off to the gym (thank you GOD for options). Taking a day off is NOT one of them. NEED this.

day 899

2012-01-11T19:01:00.003-05:00

teenagers?

Come home yesterday, Stoney turns into instant asshole. Then has the balls to ask for $$$. Can you imagine. Allow me to explain:

I asked a question, feigning interest in what he was doing. MAJOR error. In his head, that was an interrogation. The exact question was, following his receipt of a phone call "what's up?" Can you imagine???? Of course, he THEN has the balls to hit on First Bank of Dad. I ignored him. He comes home, throws my filing cabinet to the ground.

Wait, it gets better:

Shebitch piles on. Yes kiddies. Of course, this comes as a GREAT excuse to pile on Satan.

So good to come home.

Today I ran. Life is good.

day 898

2012-01-10T07:33:00.001-05:00

32 is the new 45

(degrees)

Without wind, 32 actually felt good! WAS tempted to go with shorts, but no. Stuck with longs + sweatshirt. Amazing what an effect wind has! ZERO wind this am, really felt good to be out! Also, the Omega 3 I added to my am pill regimen appears to be working. Knees def feeling better!

And, surprise surprise, Stoney actually went to the gym-after 3 weeks of nothing. Amazing. All it took was peer pressure-a peep texted him. I was THRILLED!

day 897

2012-01-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

better, MUCH better!

Dunno if I'm rationalizing or thinking it out, but, my time on Saturday's 10k didn't TOTALLY suck.

I use these as training runs (I treat EVERYTHING as a training run), so, theoretically, your training pace should be a minute or so slower than race pace. With that in mind, I did ok.

I WAS wiped out. Between boogying off to the NYRR to get the bib, to suffering through a cold, I made it and didn't bail. Not TOO shabby.

Brotherfromanothermother similarly was off pace. Almost a minute slower than usual.

So, it wasn't JUST me. Ok. I feel better.

(and the killer: do 6-7 miles every friggin' morning, I should be able to handle a 10k easily.) Oh well. At least I got my first marathon Q in for 2013.

This am, 32 degs, cold (er). We were spoiled from the weekend. Sweatshirt and longs, obviously gloves. Didn't even take a pee break-I dared not. Hadda prove I could jump back on the horse.

day 896

2012-01-08T17:41:00.003-05:00

recovery?

Intended to run my usual, but.....my heart really wasn't into it.

STILL reeling from yesterday's poor performance. Actually rationalized it, saying to myself "for a 1/2, or a full, it was a good pace." But, taking 4 walk breaks, having dead legs to start, TOTALLY fucked me. Again, glad I did it, both the race AND looking out for brotherfromanothermother. But it hurts.

So, there I was this am, thinking of doing my 6.5, but also half thinking of bailing. Bad enough being sick, feeling low made it worse. BUT, nontheless, pressed on. Didn't help seeing Pret go off with another. Really made me feel used. When push comes to shove, human existence really IS one using another. Call it "love" call it "whatever," but it's ALL about being used in some way, shape, or form. Odd that I got texted when the opther peep was out of town. I don't blame 'em, compared to their pace, I trudge. But I DO press on, and I AM consistent.

So, after seeing them, and the long running (10-14 miles this am) Striders go off, i was ready to pack it in. But, fuck it, pressed on. Glad (of course) I did.

Fast Eddie passed me, each going the other way. Helluva guy. Was wearing yesterday's race shirt, said "I'm just finishing." GREAT sense of humor.

On the way back, passed the remaining Striders (usually how it works out, me in one direction, they in the other), then...THEN...Gillian. Thank GOD. A kindred spirit. Was feeling so down, God put the right person in the right place.

...getting home and screamed @ for using the wrong towel really didn't help matters...

day 895

2012-01-07T18:19:00.004-05:00

You're welcome!

Had it been anyone else, would'a blown 'em off, but for brotherfromanothermother, couldn't.

This am's 10k was odd. usually day of race number pickup is near the start. Not today. You hadda go to the NYRR HQ to get your bib, THEN to the start for your shirt. Made no sense. Fortunately, I was there at a ridiculous hour, so I and countless other runners made the journey. 15 blocks to, 15 blocks back. Added 2+ miles to my run. And why? Brotherfromanothermother was running late. He pulled a 12 hour shift, barely made it to the race on time, so I went to hook him up. MAJOR mistake on my part. KILLED my race time, started the run with tired legs. BUT, that's what we do.

DID make a new friend on the way to NYRR. She had a 10-11 minute pace. Helped perspectivize everything.

I figured brotherfromanothermother would be first, me in the middle, Fast Eddie in the rear. Thanks to looking out for my bro, Fast Eddie passed the SHIT outta me. I was totally disheartened. Couldn't even look up my results. But hey, I finished.

Got home, Bitch RAGING that I (prepare yourself, call a lawyer) used the WRONG TOWEL when I showered. Can you imagine. Some pair of balls eh??? And you think I exaggerate?????

THEN, after leaving It's son alone all day, goes off for the evening to a "birthday dinner." Remember, Bitch's birthday was 2 months ago.

Amazing.

But, today I ran. Life is good.

day 894

2012-01-06T08:15:00.001-05:00

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Ok, had the first Board/membership meeting of the year. THAT went well. Left during the speaker, got home at a reasonable hour. But, this Thursday crap gotta end. I can't do this. ANY day but Thursday.

This am felt warm by comparison. Almost wore shorts, but, let's don't get sick(er).

Got my miles, get through today, then, manana's 10k. First race of the year.

day 893

2012-01-05T08:23:00.004-05:00

better

(not quite THERE yet, but better)

Surprised actually. SHOULD have triple pneumonia. Already have a cold, entering a place without heat. Tough 24 hours. But, made it through! AND, ghetto heater-the oven-of course doesn't work either. Exacerbating everything: Shebitch FINALLY does the dishes (yin) BUT puts them back in the cabinet wet (yang), not very good for wood. I really AM living with a fucking child.

But, BUT, got my miles in today. Felt better than yesterday. Can't quite call this a 24 hour bug, but at least with meds it doesn't leave me wrung out and useless. Nice to, at least, be able to function without feeling like my ass is draggin'.

Strider meeting tonight. last one for Thursdays. I can't do this Thursday thing anymore. Tuesdays from now on.

day 892

2012-01-04T07:57:00.002-05:00

:(

This is getting to be a drag.

As though living, well sleeping actually, in a place lacking heat didn't suck enough, having a cold just magnifies everything. Taking meds, doing what I need to, but still not giving in.

Was WAY too cold this am for a run-teens with single digit wind chills. So, contemplated taking a day off, but, THAT would signify giving in. Can't do that. So, compromised-went to the gym. Hit the ellip, then sauna, then off to the job.

Hey, better than nothing.

day 891

2012-01-03T08:06:00.001-05:00

yecccccch!

Got The Bug, feel like SHIT...but...BUT...got my miles!!!!!

Took my meds, all they really do is enable you to carry on. The cold will run its course, but not possess your every waking moment.

Good thing too, it's FREEZING! After enjoying warmer temps, it was 32, felt like upper 20's. Manana: teens. Jeez.

But, did it, did ok.

Applied for The Big One. $200+ this year (nypd now charges a fee for their services). Still worth every penny.

day 890

2012-01-02T08:53:00.003-05:00

GRRRRRR!!!!!

Friggin' people don't value their jobs!!!

Woke up feeling like shit, couldn't swallow (don't go there). Tried, succeeded, knew I was getting sick, but, press on!!!

Stoney hits up First Bank of Dad, told him if he came in reeking of smoke he'd be cut off. Only time he spoke to me in 24 hours, to ask for $$$. You can tell Shebitch claimed poverty (after purchasing gifts for one and all).

Get to the job, friggin staff banged in! This is the same person who is a half time employee, WAY too needy, actually showed up for work yesterday, only to submit a time off request! THEN call in for today!!!!! Does this person not realize taxpayers are paying for their ineptitude?????? If you don't value the gig, QUIT!

So, thankfully, got my miles in today. :) Feel better, but can't tolerate this abusive behavior.

day 889

2012-01-01T15:53:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!!

Last night: WONDERFUL!!!!! Warm (45 degs), got there @ 10-ish, got my 2012 foam headgear, went back to the Y, dropped it off, headed back. For SOME reason, I always think of it as a 5m run. Nope, 4m. Good. Did well. Always think the same : "don't walk any part of any race this year." Until reality sets in. But, no matter. had a BLAST!!!!! Everyone's your friends, loads of tourists cheering you on, everyone wishing everyone else all the best. As DeNiro said in the flick "There's nothing like NY on New Year's Eve." And, my runners miracle: bumped into Sue n' Vince. Usually they attend a concert on new years, this time, they volunteered. Of 10,000 people, I bump into them. Truly, wherever runners are, I have friends. Also bumped into a cutie Asian babe, met her @ number pickup, we made plans to meet up that night. What a GREAT night! Thanks God. Thanks NY!

Then, up typically early (after going to sleep @ 2:30, up @ 5:10), to head to Alley Pond. Completing the new year's cycle.

Actually restrained myself enough to run with the club. Felt good. After doing the midnight thing, didn't think I'd have anything left in the tank-I was wrong. Did my St.Francis and did ok. started off with the fast(er) runners, then took a leak, then did my mid pack. This meant I was alone. Everyone was either faster or slower. Sucked for them. On the way back, cooled off with Helen and Pret. A GREAT day!!!!!

Back to Toxichouse, Stoney sleeping (where he currently lies in state, on the couch, 6 hours later), It with Its clothes, literally, everywhere. As in: covering every square inch of exposed surface. Its car? Nowhere to be found (broken down, needing $600 of repairs, good), meanwhile, It going to a party. Not a word of motivation to Stoney. Niot a morsel of food in the house. A McDonald's bag in the trash.

So good to be "home," NOT.

***Pic below!

day 888

2011-12-31T08:41:00.002-05:00

:)!!!

What a night! Hooked up with my college peep, hasn't skipped a beat. Helluva guy. The type you're proud to be associated with. AND, helluva concert as well. Gov't Mule!!!! Whipped out some Pink Floyd, just because they could, closed with Dear Mr Fantasy with David Hidalgo from Los Lobos!!!

What a night!

He's a History Teacher @ Cardinal Hayes. In danger of losing his house. He pulls in the high 40's, but an 11 year old and 2 older daughters (in conjunction with a wife who can't work) and the best case is he'll refi. Ouch.

Yet we BOTH have cherished memories of those years together! We really grew. Glad we reconnected.

The odd part is, such is the case with Elementary School, High School, and the students I taught. Nice to have bonded on so many levels!

Tonight, midnight run. My yearly 'ting. :)

day 887

2011-12-30T08:19:00.003-05:00

It's HERE!!!

The big day. As if seeing Gov't Mule wasn't cool enough, seeing it with BAKEOFF!!!!! Amazing that we're both still alive, let alone professionals and healthy! God bless our parents.

...speaking of which: last evening, Stoney out with his peeps, Bitch out with Its friends. Ahhhhh, lovely family we have ain't it? And you wonder how I press on? I tried everything you can think of (remember last year's Christmas debacle with the X-Box Kinnect? TRIED to do something to bring everyone together. Was told to return it. STILL hurts. And whenever I tried anything, it was met with shit. So, fuck 'em.) Just give $$$ and S.T.F.U. I understand my role.

So, after freezing various body parts yesterday morning, this am? 41 degs. YES!!!!! Sweatshirt and shorts. How great was THAT? To top it off, New Year's eve is predicted to be about 40. Thanks God!

day 886

2011-12-29T08:50:00.003-05:00

sooooooooooooo close!!!

Got confirmation about tomorrow night. Me n' a college peep reuniting after 20+ years. Wow. Both of us alive and very well. Both of us professionals. We done good! AND, a concert to boot!!!!!

This am, COLD!!!!! But, gotta lace 'em up! Can't be a wuss. Was sub freezing, but long as you were moving, did ok.

Got my miles, New Years locked, gold baby!!!

THIS is what peeps are all about, and thank GOD for Facebook! Shebitch is going out with Its groupies, leaving me in the dust. No problem, I'll be with people with whom I have a history. People who've actually done something with their lives. I truly can say it's been quite a journey, so far ;).

day 885

2011-12-28T08:34:00.003-05:00

so far, so good!

Keeping one eye on the weekend, trying to NOT end this year on a down note. Though DID just get Stoney's progress report. Not good. And he wants to attend college? Best of all: English marks suck, and he's late too often for first period. Sound like a stoner to YOU???

BUT, this am, I ran. Yesssssss. Last night, was POURING. But, the rains ended by 1am. Thank you GOD! Got my miles, now I'm gold.

Shebitch up, literally, all night. Cooking. Why? Its friends coming in for the holidays. Yes it sucks. Us? Nothing. Friends, everything. Remember: these are the same people suckered into believing I'm Dr.Evil. Yet, cook for them, while we have nothing. Amazing. I ran today, I'm ok. No joke, up ALL night (Stoney too!!!). Can you imagine? Up all night, sleep all day. Yet I'm whacked????

day 884

2011-12-27T07:25:00.003-05:00

homeostasis

Thank GOD Pret texted me yesterday. Was feeling absolutely awful. After a shit Christmas, was feeling really low. That, and the underlying anxiety over the job, not good. BUT, worst case: it's another day after all-only an arbitrarily assigned set of hours.

So, with rain predicted this pm into tonight, running will be my companion throughout. Thank you GOD. The weather won't interrupt my pursuit of sanity (note: "pursuit," not "maintenance.")

Doing ok.

...still... Stoney treating me like a villain really stings. He'll never understand I foresook personal happiness to assure he didn't grow up in a broken home (and Angela feels the need to lecture ME about committment???). People will never understand.

But you do. Thanks.

day 883

2011-12-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

Humbug!!!

So, ok. Got my miles in yesterday, get texted by Stoney asking when I was coming home-they awaited me to open gifts.

THAT went well, Shebitch discovered either we're related and living under the same roof, or someTHING bitch slapped some sense into It. Either way, there were gifts. Of course, nothing for It. I bought the tree, using last year's logic. The kicker, It didn't even remember!!!!! I reminded It that everyone got Ipods last year, and I got a tin of dollar store cookies. STILL smarting from that one (AND, I bought It the BROOOCE box set!).

So, we made it through ok, to Uncle Pete's-in seperate cars-It was going to tend for a sick groupie after.

Uncle Pete's went well...until...It HADDA have a psychotic break. I threw a ball of wrapping paper at It as a goof, It flipped. THAT was only the beginning. THEN, It went on a tear about my gluing shit down (stuff It insisted on moving). People there indicated I must be mental-without asking about the precipitating factors. THEN, Stoney goes on a tear-in a FOUL mood when I stated "as soon as I get ink for the printing press," when discussion came around to his going to college. Bitch REALLY hasn't a clue. It doesn't internalize that I currently pay everything, haven't had a raise in years. Really. WhattheFUCK can It be thinking???????????? And, as a result, Stoney gets raggy, saying I didn't have to get sarcastic. WTF??? Fuck me. Ho ho ho.

But, this am, got my run in. 41 degs, sweatshirt and shorts. NIIICE.

day 882

2011-12-25T05:46:00.001-05:00

"And so this is Christmas, and what have we done?"

3am, Shebitch, again, trips the circuit breaker. I live in hell. Ho ho ho.

Thank GOD it isn't raining. Lace 'em up, hit the path, get my miles. After that, I'm gold.

Enjoy your day people. Be glad you're not me, today'll be rough, but I know you're with me.

day 881

2011-12-24T17:47:00.004-05:00

"I live in the city, I breath dirty air! I ride trains with B boys, junkies, queens and squares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone's an asshole, everyone's a creep. I look out my window, there's GARBAGE IN THE STREETS!!!!! New York New York!!!!!!" (God, I love NY!!!!)

Helluva day!

Hit Alley Pond for my miles, made it. Ran into Pret and the peeps. Got a Christmas gift I hadn't planned on-made my year! Love is good!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to Toxichouse, It's raging-blew a fuse, hadda (again) reset my clock. It goes into a rage-can't admit It fucked up again. Now, again, understand: I hadda reset the clock, yet It rages. Happy Christmas Eve motherfuckers!!!!!!!!!!!

day 880

2011-12-23T08:48:00.002-05:00

whew!!!!!

Christmas party a rousing success. The patients were their usual selves: magnificent. They really have the spirit. There's something heartwarming about shared desperation. Everyone had fun, not a negative word was heard, no misbehavior. Which means this weekend'll probably be hell.

This am, rain. Good. No run. (of course NOW the sun is peeking out).

Needed the rest, you really shoot your load with the party. TONS of work, but worth every calorie.

ho ho

day 879

2011-12-22T17:06:00.003-05:00

yin/yang

there IS a balance to everything!!!

This am, 55 degs!!! Holy SHIT! Needed it.

Yesterday, Stoney texts me, asking me to bring home Subway. Normally, no biggie, BUT, after getting stuck for the Christmas tree........Shebitch NOT contributing in any way, shape, or form...But, ok. I said I would.

I get home, tv on, heater (electric) on, house empty. WTF???? Was sorely tempted to feed the sub to Hulk, but I wrapped it thinking, "Fuck him, I'll eat it."

Texted him, he was out with useless Bitch buying computer shit. Again, let that sink in. No food, poor fuck hasta text me asking for sustenance, but the Bitch is out buying him computer shit. THEN, spends the night, again, elsewhere. (yet, taught religion in the pm. Teach the crap, yet abandon your son and spouse).

So, where's the yin? The Yang?

A)I ran this am, thanks God.

B)Re: Kris Kringle. I didn't get shit for the past 2 days (you're supposed to get 2 small gifts, then one big). Turns out, I got the person who had me!!!!! And we BOTH made out!

Ok, God, you exist.

Tonight, the patients' Christmas party. ALWAYS a wonderful thing. When things suck, do for others. Can't go wrong ;) .

day 878

2011-12-21T11:17:00.002-05:00

jeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!

Ok, so yesterday after work SUCKED. Stoney jerking his mother's chain, meanwhile perfectly fine playing x-box.

Waited for Shebitch to come back to Toxichouse. It finally waltzes in, Stoney doesn't even wanna get off his ass to get The Tree.

So, headed to Lowe's, sold out (no shit), then off to the local "guy." Success. Of course, when he asks for $$$, It backs off. Again, I get fucked. $55 later, we have a tree. First Bank of Dad strikes again!

And for all this, not an iota of respect, nor thanks. And yes, It wanted to put all the crap It had in the den. Seems to be a focal point for crap. Not on my watch.

But, this am, ran. :) Shorts and sweatshirt.

God is good.

SHIT!!!!!

2011-12-20T15:51:00.002-05:00

ok. Trusted Stoney on his own this am. Yes, Shebitch is still spending nioghts elsewhere, caring fopr wrinkled people (GREAT family dynamic we have).

So, trusted that, @ 16, he'd get to school without me-his training wheels/probation officer.

So, Shebitch was in mid-rage yesterday, raging about how It was gonna fuck with my stuff. I knew It'd be out 'til 4:30, so hit Toxichouse @ 2:30. Who's home??? Stoney!!!!!

He had "diarrhea." Called Shebitch to say he was staying home.

FUCK ME. You KNOW if I'd been here, that wouldn't have happened.

FUCK ME!!!!!

I can't do everything. Hadda be on the job, also, after the twat raging that I do nothing, about other things, I hadda detach.

That's what I got for detaching. Lil fucker ditched school.

FUCK!!!!!

***And, didn't get my Kris Kringle gift.

day 877

2011-12-20T09:41:00.003-05:00

bitch (ho ho ho)

So, we were supposed to get the Christmas tree yesterday. So much for THAT idea. It's tending for the wrinkled people-again-instead of a REAL job. So it was delayed until today, supposedly so It could clear the pile of shit where the tree will reside. Of course, the pile of shit was never moved yesterday, instead, It blew into the house, raged, screamed @ me for clearing the basement, raged @ me for not recognizing Stoney when he was a baby in the pool 14 years ago in Montauk (yep, it's true, great memory eh? AND, notice, I was actually in the pool-It was on the side. Typical. DO nothing, critique those who do. And, why didn't I recognize him? It was his first time in the pool. Again, let that sink in. The other day It raged about my inability to let things go, hmmmmmm. Sunk in yet?????).

So, this am, 47 degs!!!! Yummmmmmmm. Sweatshirt and shorts. On 12/20!!!!!

AND, practiced Christmas with the patients. :)

day 876

2011-12-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

Mr.Mom, again.

This is getting ridiculous. It all started with delaying adolescence for as long as possible, then, making it an adult preoccupation. Yes, I'm talking about Shebitch. Waitressing, using every excuse to keep waitressing, then holding one bogus gig after another (Real Estate, Avon...), now, caring for an elderly couple. Necessitating being out of the house for days on end. Not even thinking of the effect on the family dynamic. Totally fucking everything up. "Now you see It, now you don't" parenting. No wonder Stoney smokes.

BUT, this am, I ran. FREEEEEEZING, but I ran, goddamnit!

Still no Christmas tree (guess whose responsibility that is?), still no heat (ditto). This sucks.

day 875

2011-12-18T19:16:00.003-05:00

hey, I tried

Went to Deb's Christmas party...for a minute. Was almost like: I went in the front, left through the back. I think I spent all of 10 minutes. I'm kind'a famous for that. Really not big on small talk. Saw her, wished her a happy, then split.

Home? Stoney admitted smoking. Shebitch out for 3 days, amazing. I truly feel as though the world's on my shoulders.

But, I ran. FREEEEEEZING this am, had the club elections, so hadda do the early run. Ran unopposed-so voted against me would'a really sucked. Now I'm prez, brotherfromanothermother vp. Nice.

***One of the renegades, my rasta brotherfromanothermother, and I had one of those shared bro moments. He thought he was the only one who couldn't handle a treadmill. I, of course, told him that was the sign of a real runner. My man!!!

day 874

2011-12-17T05:18:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a dream until.......

(true, you CAN'T go home again!!!)

The video shoot was a howl! Still pix then video. My role: had the choice of either teacher or doctor. Of course I chose teacher, and of course, hadda be coached re: use of hands (guitar players are like fish outta water without an instrument). No problem w/comfort in front of the cameras, did well. I'll know the result by Monday.

Then, went to see Cook County. In a word: WOW. About meth. Not one good thing about it.

Then, hit Goodwill for hidden treasures, always find something cool.

Unfortunately, then, home. Stoney and 3 peeps sitting on the couch, room REEKED of pot. SHIT. And of course, Shebitch is useless in these matters, pretty much giving him carte blanche thinking if it's the worst he does......Bitch don't realize it starts with pot and.........

And, of course, it did a drive by. This fri-sun m.i.a. weekends are getting to be a drag. Bitch tends for some old people, ok, we all gotta work, but if you remember, first it was waitressing to all the freedom to tend to our son-then another bullshit story-then another.....Any excuse not to grow up and get a real job. it blows in, creates a storm, then blows out. I'm tempted to ask him if he's got any smoke left.

So, what to do? Can't ground him, he barely gets off the couch as it is. And you KNOW It will buy him whatever he wants. So, other than lunch $$$, he's cut off. At least I know my $$$ won't contribute to his delinquency.

Tonight Deb's Christmas party. My oldest friend.

day 873

2011-12-16T06:55:00.002-05:00

amazing, truly amazing.

Last night shebitch goes off BIG TIME. I had the gall to eat some chicken that was in the fridge. Call the lawyers! Of course, THAT was the smokescreen for Its excuse. It was spending yet ANOTHER night away, cooking for a sick groupie. Now, again, let that sink in. We have no heat, an empty fridge, but It goes to cook for others...after RAGING that someone living under the same roof ate something from the fridge. Mental?

So, this am, God again took care of bidness. Hadda get up as a ridiculous hour to get my run in and shower-SOMEONE has to be a parent around here. Amazingly pathetic that the Bitch cares more for outsiders than her own son, let alone me (I was glad for a peaceful house). Stopped to get Stoney hot breakfast, and here I sit. Hey, got my miles in (@ 4 in the fucking morning!!!!!!!!!!).

This am, a video shoot. Me, a model!!!!!! Amazing. Truly amazing.

Yin/Yang.

day 872

2011-12-15T11:23:00.003-05:00

:)

Today's my Friday, nice.

The bad news? Would be nice to actually have a week off. But then again, knowing what I live with, ain't gonna happen.

Yet another unbeatable am. 48 degs!!!!! Shorts and a t-shirt 10 days before Christmas!!! Nice.

Got my miles, practiced Christmas songs with the kiddies, ordered the food, bought the decorations.

Now, photo shoot manana, big Christmas run Saturday, club elections Sunday.

nice.

day 871

2011-12-14T08:33:00.001-05:00

REEEEEALLY????

Yet ANOTHER Albany phone call, STILL no word on the gig. Jeeeeeeez. It's been SIX MONTHS!!!!!

So, we run. Yay!!!!! BEAUTIFUL morning, 34-36 degs, purrrrrfect. We really havta take it where/when we can.

Meetings this am, meetings this pm. Yecch.

day 870

2011-12-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

The big day!

Conference call between 3:30-4pm with Albany. Curious as to the result.

Manana, a conference @ NYC HQ.

Things be buzzin'!

Thank GOD got my run in! 34 degs, got my miles, felt REALLY good!!!

*AND, got into the Empire State Building Run Up!!!!! Things are looking up!

day 869

2011-12-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

kind'a likin' this

Right on the cust of frigid, but ok for now. You know it's getting there when you wear gloves for your run, yet STILL are cold. NOT frigid, but cold.

Did ok. Got my miles, got a foothold on the day.

Needed the miles after the 5m sat and the 5k sun.

Too much nonsense on site-staff not appearing for work etc...really, have they no shame??? THEN having the chutzpah to claim they didn't know the call-in protocol. Utter bullshit. If they don't wanna work, give the gig to someone who does.

day 868

2011-12-11T18:10:00.004-05:00

that DIDN'T suck

Did a 5k this am. REALLY wanted to see my peeps @ Alley Pond, some were going to do a couples race, but my timidity (stop laughing) always gets the best of me. Yes, kiddies, one can be a cynic and still be timid. Also, broken-hearted. When you can't spend quality time with the one you love, you'd really rather be alone.

So, with the thought that my heart belonged elsewhere, went to a first time race in buttfuck Suffolk county, oops, Bohemia. (exit 57!!!!!). As if that wasn't bad enough, they had no shirts for day of race runners (so you get to pay more, AND no shirt???). I got one, just don't ask how. Surprise, surprise (we ARE everywhere), Bill was there. Normally he does races with good vittles, but this one was good n flat, only a 5k, so he was breaking in a newbie. Lovely to see him. It's always nice to run into a peep!!!

Then, got a call from Shebitch re "where did you put..." It simply can't internalize the need to call in an EMERGENCY. Do I really havta change my number again???

BUT, I bit the bullet. Called back, I DO owe the bitch a birthday dinner (we can't have bad karma can we, after all, it HAS been a month. It made me wait 2 weeks so I figure I'm even). We had a lovely Japanese dinner @ a great, deserted restaurant. I figured all the cretins'd be watching Sunday football. I was right, the place had us, and tumbleweeds.

***New Years flick, very good!

day 867

2011-12-10T17:02:00.002-05:00

did my share

Did one of those "you live on Long Island, so you gotta do it (or face deportation) races." The Mulcahy's 5m. Always remember this one as it's the only race i REALLY fucked up in: thought it was a 5k, years ago, and was running the last 2 miles thinking "really fucked up on the course measurement didn't they?"

Didn't TOTALLY suck, but didn't set an y records either. OK, getting older, but still active.

Manana, either AP or Bohemia. We'll see.

day 866

2011-12-09T06:21:00.003-05:00

God IS good!!!

Last night, Cheap Trick @ The Paramount (again, my favorite place). Amazing venue, only 1,500 "seats," not a bad spot in the place. I had tix for general admission floor, and balcony. I took the balcony, gave away the floor. Pic below. They were AMAZING!!!!!

AND, the opening band from summer, that WAS to have opened, opened yesterday! As a testament to them, people were asking who they were. Usually the opening band gets "get the fuck out." I was thrilled! AND, they did a Joey song!!!

No run this am, in too late, hit the sheets @ 12:30am. Stoney hit on First Bank of Dad, of course, Shebitch is away for yet another night. @ this point the bathroom reeks! Good.

What a night. SOOO glad my prayers were answered (remember when they had their set cut short, I begged for them to come back to the area. Niiiiiiiice.)

ADD to THAT, made a peep. She was sitting there, asked who the opening band was, that was the icebreaker. Just like running. Turns out, she'd been @ Ray Davies (and a host of other concerts) as well. EXACTLY like running: usual suspects doing "The Circuit."

A great night!!!

day 865

2011-12-08T09:04:00.004-05:00

YESSSSSS!!!!!

A quiet evening!!! Shebitch spent the night out. THANK YOU GOD!!!!! Peace prevailed. Funny, with It out, all of a sudden Stoney was semi-social, or at least as social as a teenager gets. Of course he had an agenda-it was POURING and he needed a lift to the gym. I was more than happy to do so. And yes, drove him to school, though I DIDN'T do my usual: stop @ the deli to get him a hot breakfast. He has bagels and english muffins in the fridge. Let him see the dif between Shebitch and I. Also, before leaving, who-again-wreaks Its destruction? Yes, Shebitch clogged the toilet. Good. Let him see who does what.

The downside? Hadda hurry my run. Not a bad thing. Good for my time-turned it into a tempo run. Let's face it: I run for sanity AND health, not for speed. So, hurried my run-though DID get my full mileage, then headed back to drive Stoney.

Tonight, CHEAP TRICK!!!!! GREAT venue-The Paramount, amazing band!

day 864

2011-12-07T09:32:00.002-05:00

!!!!!

As amazing as it may seem, actually got my miles in today. Nice!

Rain predicted off and on, enough to drive people into the gym, however, actually had an idea. Knew the local thrift store had a pair of Asics in my size. Hmmm.....sure enough, no one grabbed 'em. AND, better still, there were 2 pair! So, got TWO pair, total damage: $26. Amazing!!!!! So, in effect, had throwaway running shoes. Now, the part that gets me: you can NEVER find Asics that fit in the stores, yet @ the Thrift store it works???? Thanks God!

So, why not take a day off, or hit the gym? You know nothing is the same as running. I was mentally prepped for Boot Camp or Spinning, but alas, chose to run in the rain. It DIDN'T totally suck! Now that the gym's been refurbished, the sauna (thank you GOD!!!) again works, I feel things are back in order.

Again, why did I havta run? Shebitch has actually been civil, so wassup??? Stoney. Turning into a taciturn teen. VERY affectionate toward Shebitch, but, of course, I'm Satan. Sat on the couch, he had 30 Rock on the tube. He got up, changed the channel. Hurts more than I can describe.

Got my miles, got my run in, life is good.

day 863

2011-12-06T09:45:00.002-05:00

:) !!!!!!!

Got it!

Started unemployed, asking wife for cig $$$, no one would touch me. Got my foot in the door with NY State. Moved up through the ranks...and...AND... THE BRASS RING!!!!! Got the call yesterday, they're appointing me Director! YESSSSSSS. At long last, they finally gave the devil his due. After paying dues for WAY too many years, eating WAY too much humble pie, I got the dream gig!!! I'm in the club!!!!!

Now, the downside: it IS an appointed position, you could lose your gig @ any time, AND you make a better target. Still, you gotta have the stones to take the reigns. Nice.

Also, says alot for my agency. They obviously have an appetite for cool.

Now, the yang: got home, sat on the couch in the living room, Stoney: "Why you gotta push my buttons." I explained he was putting me in an imposssible position/damned if I did-0damned if I didn't. If i let him isolate, I'm not parenting. If I'm there, he thinks I'm breaking his balls. Homey got issues. AND, worst of all, I literally asked "how come Mommy sits here for hours, and you got no beef with that???" To which he, of course, had no response.

But...today I ran. Life is good.

day 862

2011-12-05T07:33:00.003-05:00

back in the saddle, again!

This weekend was really tough. When you're scorned in your own home, that really punches you in the gut. Exacerbating everything, Stoney actually thinks Shebitch is normal. Normal people work bizarre hours? Start cooking @ 10 pm (last night's delight)? Leave their kids alone? I, the other day/during the fight, tried explaining that I make it a point to "be there," yet, he pushes me away. And It gets the hugs and love. REALLY REALLY hurts. But remember, when we need $ I'm convenient.

But this morning, I ran. Back to The Line after yesterday's 5m and Saturday's 5k.

Better.

day 861

2011-12-04T19:19:00.003-05:00

WHEW!!!

Made it through the weekend-barely.

Stoney went psycho yesterday, did the "angry teenager with misdirected anger" thing. We ended up verbally duking it out, me="you can't speak to a parent that way, you must have respect," him: "you don't have to call me an asshole or say 'fuck you'." I was literally @ my wits end. And of course, Shebitch didn't help @ all, blaming, among other things, my pulling him outta religion for his behavior. Notice, not doing anything to redirect him, but blaming me. Lovely.

Now, here's the killer. The part that REALLY hurts. It went into the hospital, twice. Who made EVERYTHING right @ home, perfectly clean, all bills paid????? Who does not a goddamned thing, even going so far as to sabotage every effort? Yet, who gets a hug, kiss, and an "I love you" when It abandons the home yet again for 20 + hours????? Amazing. I get totally shit on. Thank GOD I run.

Thank GOD today there was a run in CP. REALLY needed t get away from it all. BUT, REALLY had ZERO motivation. It was a chore, but once I got there, everything fell into place. Met a peep from The Line, another from various races. We spent the day, caught lunch and a movie after.

Thanks God, really needed it. Home sucks.

***Cool pix below!

day 860

2011-12-03T15:46:00.002-05:00

back into the fray

Lil ol' 5k esta manana. One of those "if you live on Long Island you gotta do it, or you get deported." The Hot Chocolate 5k. Did ok, nothing to write home about, but something to feed the need.

Great to see my LI peeps, Polansky got a great pic of Anita and I. God bless her. No demands, just a nice person.

Manana, 5m in CP. Be terrific to get back to The City.

day 859

2011-12-02T07:38:00.003-05:00

busy, productive, life.

REALLY had a blast yesterday. Was, frankly, dreading heading out to MSG for a weekday show, but...their schedule doesn't revolve around me.

Hadn't planned on going, but when she had a ticket, offered it to me, hadda follow God's plan.

Sho' 'nuff, amazing!!!!!

The Garden is refurbished, nicer lounges etc...much more spectator friendly. More open spaces. We sat in the section I usually dislike, but strangely, didn't seem to suck like it used to. Nice.

Opening band took the stage, on time, split, Seger took the stage @ 8:30. Played a solid 2 hours, BROOOOOCE showed up, played Old Time Rock n' Roll. Wow. And to think I hadn't planned on going. God bless my peeps!!!!!

Even told her, if it hadn't been for her, I'd have split early. REALLY had a blast!!! Great company, AMAZING show, turns out, it was his farewell concert. Wow.

This really IS the year of the "we're still alive years later." Cheap Trick next week. See what I mean?

An amazing way to end the week. You know it was amazing when you wake up still smiling.

Just gotta stay outta God's way.

Wow.

***Got back to Toxichouse, It asks where I was. Now let that sink in. Does It EVER tell me where It's going??? So I responded "out, with my make-believe friends." Really has some balls. "I can do whatever I want, I play by different rules, but YOU owe me an answer." I don't think so.

****** GOD BLESS MY PEEPS!!! This am brotherfromanothermother called to touch base. Peeps last night, peeps this morning. Really feeling the love. When I can be tempted to exist solo, they save me from me. They've no idea how important they are.

day 858

2011-12-01T07:37:00.002-05:00

on a roll here!!!!!

Things improving. Gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other and progress results.

Was really hurt that my paycheck now lacks $100. This is the result of the contract we hadda settle for. The $ dif is due to increased health care costs. Things Shebitch will never understand. It contributes zero to bills, yet doesn't understand how I can't pay for more-lacking Its contributing as well as less money in my check-not to mention no raise in 3 years despite increased cost of everything. THAT hurt.

BUT, temps are good, sweatshirt and shorts. Crisp, not QUITE cold, yet.

AND, best of all, 2 of the biggest pains in the ass aren't on site. YAY!!!!!!

Running is good.

Tonight, Bob Seger!!!!!!!

day 857

2011-11-30T07:37:00.003-05:00

wait for the miracle

HATE bumperstickerspeak, but it's true.

Thanksgiving sucked, but got over it thanks to running. Homefront pitiful, but, gotta keep on keepin' on.

Lo and behold, got a call last night, asking if I wanted to go to Bob Seger. God bless my peeps!

This am, 48 degs, REALLY beautiful. Glad yesterday's rain didn't interfere. Got my miles.

:)

day 856

2011-11-29T07:33:00.002-05:00

Alone, but not lonely

Lately, been feeling the effects of not having support. Might be an age thing, but when I see what COULD be, as opposed to what IS, I get down. Then, I run, all gooder!!

It came back to Toxichouse yesterday, the load on my back a bit easier. A bit of ambivalence: Stoney needs his mother. I DON'T need a raving psycho who sabotages EVERYTHING. But, it helped that I didn't havta hit the job, go for my run, then head back home to care for Stoney. He'll NEVER appreciate what I do, until HE becomes a parent. All I know: I do the best I can.

...and today I ran. Life is good!!!

day 855

2011-11-28T08:55:00.003-05:00

yin/yang

Thank GOD the Thanksgiving weekend is over. If not for running, dunno what I'd have done.

5 races in 4 days, and every one of them therapeutic.

But...it WAS nice to get back to AP this am. 59 degs, shirt off, shorts. Yummmmm.

Hadda speed it up, Stoney home alone. Bitch out "working," meaning away from the home. Kid left unattended. Jeeeeeez. So, hadda hurry my run (actually good for a tempo run), hurry the hell home to bring him some hot breakfast. THAT I love. What SUCKS is: not a thought of gratitude, It doesn't even tell me It's away. No, I should run a facility as well as do everything on the home front. Bitch. Pure unadulterated bitch.

day 854

2011-11-27T17:02:00.002-05:00

no bitch, and all is well.

It hasn't been home since Thanksgiving. YAY!!!!! The downside, a boy SHOULD know/feel the presence of his mother. The one recurring thought is what brotherfromanothermother says, he always thinks his sons fucking up is because of his divorce/lack of a strong male presence @ home. Now, he IS way too nice, but the fact remains: a parent should always be present.

Before the races today, I made sure I got Stoney HOT breakfast, as opposed to the frozed pizza the twat leaves in the freezer. Ahhh...warm family memories of Sundays!!!

Did Rob's Run this am, did ok. On a cross-country run-especially moving single file @ times, hard to get any speed. The race this pm was better. A 5k, which I try to avoid, but 2 in one day-bringing the Thanksgiving weekend to a total of 5-couldn't resist. This pm was in Bellport, same course as the summer, but temps were FAR better, cool, not cold-as opposed to summer when it was so goddamned humid you couldn't breathe.

And thanks to Anita, I got my award for yesterday. FIRST IN MY AGE GROUP!!!!!

day 853

2011-11-26T15:48:00.003-05:00

:)

sometimes you DO have to just put one foot in front of the other and keep on keepin' on!

Hooked up with the peeps last night to see the Muppet flick. Eh. 1)Was past my bedtime 2)not MY movie theater. So, not the best of circumstances, but still, important to get out. The movie itself was a disappointment. But the company was great.

Unfortunately, ran over a curb earlier in the day, hadda switch vehicles, couldn't even put together the jack. Left the disabled vehicle parked. Get a tow on Monday.

This am, a cross-country 5k. Hadn't done this one in years, but hadda do the GLIRC 4 or 5 Thanksgiving race series. Didn't TOTALLY suck, but all things ARE relative. GREAT spread, grabbed some grub to go, got a call from a peep, I'd placed first in my age group!!!!! AND, my time was mediocre at best-but-all things ARE relative.

Nice.

day 852

2011-11-25T11:23:00.003-05:00

2 down 2 to go

Did the Thanksgiving thing. didn't suck. of course, Shebitch hadda TRY, but shut it down asap. What I don't get: sis in law never worked a day in her life, yet can't make dinner? Instead, my bro pays for a restaurant. last year, remember, I kicked in. This year, nope. Why? I covered the cost of Shebitch, Stoney, and myself. But, didn't say who kicked in-gave it to the waitress. People around the table-chief among them Shebitch "oh, no WAY it was YOU." So, fuck 'em, ate for free.

This am, did the 4k "run your turkey off" race. Always fun.

Tonight, connect with the peeps. Past my bedtime, but, be nice to see how the rest of the world lives.

day 851

2011-11-24T12:22:00.001-05:00

not too shabby!!!!

Did ok @ the Huntington race. THAT is the location for many memories, from the graduate school days to Ocean to Sound.

THE HILL wasn't THAT bad, never easy, but didn't havta walk it.

Now, if only I can make it through dinner with people who hate me, I'll be ok.

day 850

2011-11-23T07:20:00.003-05:00

betrayed!

REALLY needed to run this am, but alas, can't control the weather. And no, the gym doesn't cut it. Betrayed by that which I rely upon. Shit.

Last night, Shebitch in rare form. Again, all was well until It went off, big time. What a fucking nut job. "Why do you have to have that beard..." and that was the sane part. "All my friends think..." they haven't even seen my beard. AND, the icing on the cake, rewind the tape to bumping into Irene n' Joel @ Ray Davies. We got along perfectly. Fucking nut job.

It hadda fuck with my things, again. Missing items, etc...and all because I had the GALL to dry dishes and place them in the closet. Imagine!!!!!

It would be SO nice to just come home. No drama, no missing items, no yelling. Just plain come home. Feel safe and welcome after working hard all day.

Total pure unadulterated bitch.

It hurts, it really hurts.

day 849

2011-11-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

the glass IS half full!!!

With all this bullshit about off and on/passing showers, it was tough to wrap my head around running or not. I DO try to stay flexible but also DO like knowing plans are set.

So, when I got up, it was ok! Misty, but ok!!! YESSSSSSS!!!

After taking yesterday off, really didn't want/need consecutive rest/recovery days.

Thanks God!!!!!!

None of the usual suspects, had the place to myself, but finally, on the way back, one single Dim Sum peep caught up with me, each pushed the other. When we split, we both laughed. Each knew the other was being a guy, pushing harder, a shade over our usual pace. Nice.

Toxichouse? In a word: Toxic. Stoney magically has the new Call to Duty. Remember, no First Bank of Dad, no lunch, BUT, he has the new video game. It comes in, in a relatively good mood. It leaves, goes out, comes back in a dark manic rage (I'd made the critical error of actually-gasp-putting away dishes. Can you believe it???). So, I took the dishes from their place, put them back on the counter, and continued living life. Bitch, pure bitch.

Thank GOD for running.

day 848

2011-11-21T06:43:00.004-05:00

another rainy day in New York City

Woke up, fully intending to get some miles, but alas, it was raining. Got to the job, raining. Headed out to pick up the papers, a break in the showers. Left the store, more rain. Ok God, I can take a hint. A rest day certainly wouldn't hurt the body, but the mind needs to run.

Gotta hit the funeral this am. Really think of them as a total waste of time, but you owe it to your peeps, a matter of respect.

And Shebitch? Came home last night. Of course, disavowed any responsibility for being m.i.a., rather, throwing it back in my lap "if you picked up your phone....." totally evading the issue of my having to change my number because It left psychotic rants.

Think I needed to run????

***AND, from the "cruel joke" department: NOW it's clearing. FUCK!!!!!!!

day 847

2011-11-20T16:37:00.002-05:00

sucked, but not as bad as it COULD'VE been.

4m in Central Park, had nothin', I mean NUTTIN'. Dead legs. The downside of a crab free diet. Actually hadda take 2 breaks, but a more perfect morning couldn't have been planned. 55 degs, sun, beautiful. And, hooked up with brotherfromanothermother. THAT was the good news. The OTHER news, Chelly bumped into us near baggage check, asked if we heard about DP's dad. Ouch, THAT sucked. Was GREAT to run into Chelly, but poor DP. Shot her a post, no answer yet.

Really puts my shit into perspective. Was feeling really low. Second Director interview, not feeling good about how the agency is jerking us off. used to be you paid your dues, you got the gig. Something dif is now in the air. Especially stings because I always knew the emperor was naked, i.e. everyone things our retired Director was great, what they didn't see was I did all the work. Well, we'll see.

Also, Shebitch calls me yesterday asking if I could take Stoney to a party. HOWTHEFUCK did It get my number. AND, Stoney didn't even wanna go!!!!!! THEN, the twat doesn't even come home last night. FUCK ME!!!!!

And Elik wonders why I couldn't go with him to Bucks Co. He doesn't understand I gotta stay local if anything arises for Stoney.

And you wonder why I took 2 walk breaks? For a shit 4m? Really hurts sometimes. I see Sue and Vince, how they support each other. I KNOW how rich my life could be, there are women I could hang with in an instant, but I'm stuck. Hurts. Really hurts.

It is what it is.

And Stoney just thinks I have a "need to be right," he just doesn't understand. AND, I'm not the cunt his mom is, I won't rip her in his presence.

God bless my friends, they have no idea how important they are.

Hope D is ok.

day 846

2011-11-19T17:18:00.002-05:00

good weekend!

No rain, nippy this am, but still shorts (with long sleeves and gloves).

St.Francis, @ 7am. Saw the usual suspects, who chided me: "you're late." Wonderful peeps!!!!! Funny how we were all in sync. Run predawn during the week, 2 hours later weekends. :)

Tomorrow, NYRR Central park. Nice to be back there.

day 845

2011-11-18T08:32:00.002-05:00

the streak lives!!!!!

Got my miles in this am, chilly, but not cold. Did ok with shorts, sweater (yes, a sweater) over a t-shirt and gloves + knit hat. Was 37 degs. Crisp, very nice. LOVE this weather. Won't last long we know.

Considering the odd "now you see it, now you don't" passing showers, actually surprised myself that not one day was a rest day. Nice.

Considering the drama on the job, needed every mile.

day 844

2011-11-17T07:25:00.003-05:00

God is good

Went to The Paramount to see Ray Davies. This would be the second concert this week, the second weeknight concert, the third concert featuring "30 years later people." A month ago, Joe Walsh @ Westbury, then Todd @ Westbury. Ray last year @ Westbury as well, but FIRST saw The Kinks @ St.John's in 1980. Wow!!!!!

So, first, The Paramount. Used to be The Imac in Huntington. They totally, I mean TOTALLY revamped it. WOW!!!!! I was in the left loge, 201. In the old Ritz, this would'a been the left balcony VIP area. Wow. Not 30 yards from the stage. QUITE the venue. Amazingly user friendly, VERY open, LOUD/yet crystal clear. Seats were chairts, so leg room was not an issue. Though, amazingly, didn't sit for a second. WOW!!!!!

So, there I am, standing, boogying, who do I literally bump into? Joel and Irene, a.k.a, former friends Shebitch turned against me (they'd ask Iwrite a letter standing up for his character when he got busted for DWI. When I said I couldn't, that getting busted for DWI = need for rehab, they hadn't spoken to me since. This went as far as their coming to my place for the annual summer party, and not saying a consonant to me).

So, how'd it go? NO PROBLEM. We hung, reconnected, had a blast! Do the math, no Shebitch = no problem.

The concert? Amazing. Opening band went on @ 7:50, thank God. THEY were Ray's backing band, since he and Dave are still not touring.

God bless Ray Davies!!!!!

This am? Didn't expect any miles but lo and behold, rain stopped!!!!!!!!! Thanks God. Don't think for a second I don't appreciate it!

***And, adding to The Aura, yesterday I was involved in an intervention. Where? 76th and 35th ave. God I LOVE Queens!!!!!

day 843

2011-11-16T08:44:00.003-05:00

:)

Squeaked THAT one in!!!!!

Really didn't think I'd get any miles in this am, happily WRONG!!!!!

When I got up, nothing. While on the pc, the skies opened up. Then, misting on the way to the job, then rain. Shit!!!! Yet, the news stated "off and on showers," so.....

Got to the job, it'd stopped, pretty much. Laced 'em up, made it!!!!! My Dim Sum peeps took the day off, my Before Picture was there, my walkers were there. Fully expected to get soaked after the turn around, but no. A VERY good morning!!!!!

And...tonight...Ray Davies! Gotta love it!

day 842

2011-11-15T07:33:00.002-05:00

squeeeeeeezed it in!!!!!

Got my run in! Surprised I did actually. Rain HAD been predicted, I was tired from being up later than usual (hadda catch up on Boardwalk Empire), so I was draggin'. BUT, still was up before the alarm, and up n' at 'em!

Might not have these conditions for much longer, so gotta jump on it while 'ya can. T shirt and shorts, barely broke a sweat. NIIIIICE!

Big day today, interview #2 for the Director's position. This is getting silly. BEEN acting as boss 1/2 of the time since I started here, BEEN Acting Director for 6 months. Beyond absurd, but hey, you gotta try.

Got my miles in, nothing else matters.

day 841

2011-11-14T07:26:00.005-05:00

sometimes you get away with it!!!

REALLY don't like going out on a Sunday. Means your ass is draggin' Monday 'cause you were up too late the night before...but...BUT...sometimes you gotta break the rules!

It was Shebitch's birthday, It was bogarting Stoney for the evening and leaving me in the dust...so...TODD to the rescue! Another reason you know there has to be a God: Utopia concert...AT Westbury/around the corner!!!!! Went to the box office, got an aisle seat, was all set.

Todd comes out on time, in a spacey outfit-matching the rest of the band, but, being Todd, his was spacIER.

The sound? Loud, but perfect. My seat? GREAT. He didn't do one friggin' song I knew-except Heavy Metal Kids (and Do Ya? How's THAT for one outta left field?), but he BLEW ME AWAY. Been a long time!!!!! Of course i was early, sat in the parking lot, was tempted to leave. Then, when the show started, again, was tempted to stay for a bit, then head home...but I was entranced. He is AMAZING. And funny!

Last saw him in '79 in Central Park. He hasn't missed a beat, either in his ability or humor. If you closed your eyes, at times, you could've sworn it was Zappa. The guy's a virtuoso!!!!

And..... saying "I know alot of you gotta go home and see the serial killer (Dexter," he came out for the encore, saying that in order to spare us the bullshit of elaving the stage for a minute-only to return for the inevitable encore.

What a fucking guy!!!!! AND, Kasim hasn't changed an iota. He, as well as the rest of the band, showed their enthusiasm. They LOVE playing.

This continues the inevitable "30 years later world tour" comment. Earlier this year, it was Cheap Trick, then Neil, then Todd, next: Cheap Trick again. Yay!!!!!

So, was actually home by 10. Wow!!!!!!!

Was up on time this am, laced 'em up, and got my miles in. Life is good. :)

Thanks Todd!!!

day 840

2011-11-13T16:39:00.002-05:00

almost there!!!

Did the Prostate 5k, why? It's on the Town of Oyster Bay golf course. Really didn't wanna, but 5k on hills = 10k on rolling hills, so, got my AP miles in. Plus, got to reconnect with my Long Island peeps. Bad pic of Curtis Sliwa below, he was the talking head as a Prostate Cancer survivor. Also, this was the big comeback after The Big One, the peeps asking wtf? What happened as my time never registered. Ask Shitdick/Hank. NEVER dare me.

Also, recouped my investment: among the swag was Cliff's version of powergel, got enough to last the year.

Tonight: Todd Rundgren's Utopia-YAY!!!!!

day 839

2011-11-12T15:51:00.003-05:00

NOW we're talkin'!

Again, killer running temps-39 degs when I went out. Shorts, long sleeves, gloves. Didn't even break a sweat. LOVE these temps.

And now, all is in place. My Dim Sum peeps apparently were smart, did NY (one of 'em was wearing the shirt), so I didn't see 'em until today. Cool. Great to have all the usual suspects back.

***And yet another peep I neglected to mention from The Big One: Len!!!!! Was GREAT to see him with the Striders peeps @ 14 ish.

Good to be back!!!!!

day 838

2011-11-11T16:31:00.003-05:00

THAT hurt!

Stoney gets dressed, heads out the door. Me: "where you off to?" Him: "Out." WTF???? Turns out Shebitch told him to say that. Nice. Lets fuck the kid up, teach him disrespect. No prob, fuck the bitch. Sunday's Its birthday, I got Todd Rundgren tix, for me. Fuck the twat.

Earlier in the day, Cheap Trick tix, again, WTF??????? Is this the "we're still around after 30 years" cycle? Really psyched on both counts. Never saw Utopia, Cheap Trick-ALWAYS leaves me thrilled and happy.

St.Francis this am. The same outfit I wore for The Big One. Felt good.

day 837

2011-11-10T07:26:00.003-05:00

good to be back!

Had been tempted to do a spin class, or boot camp...but..rest is rest. This am was the first day back, and it felt great! Hadda break 2x to pee, but that's just a matter of fine tuning.

No Dim Sum peeps, surprised, maybe THEY'RE being smart (normally, 1 day off per 5m run is recommended), though the rest of the usual suspects were there.

Nice to be home!!!

AND...forgot to mention, was terrific having Dennis high fiving us @ the finish-tall motherfucker!!!!!!!

day 836

2011-11-09T06:53:00.002-05:00

stairs suck!

You can tell the peeps who did The Big One by the way they take stairs. And, gotta hand it to Stoney, he was breaking my balls royally, Quasimodo jokes, Smeigel references.....had me cracking up.

Brotherfromanothermother did a spin class and 3m yesterday. I can't even imagine it. This am I just started taking stairs normally.

Possibly tomorrow, but, rain predicted. God's trying to tell me something.

More comments from peeps asking why my number's couldn't be found. Nice to know I have angels.

day 835

2011-11-08T07:33:00.002-05:00

"You guys ran from Staten Island?"

Second best quote from Sunday. Black woman waiting to use the port-o-sans on CPW, let me ahead-she was a tourist, asked me that. Really put it into perspective, hadda think for a second there.

Almost healed, one more day or so. Temps pushing close to 70 today, hurts to not run, but can't do perm damage. Gotta give the bod a break.

day 834

2011-11-07T10:31:00.002-05:00

:)

Did my "day after the Marathon" trip into Manhattan. Wow. Never gets old (pix down below).

*Neglected to mention Dennis. Always great to see him @ the finish, impossible to miss him.

Back killing me, tough going down stairs, but otherwise, unscathed. Happy.

God bless the peeps, they saw no results for me, nor splits. Lovely knowing support is there.

Later, take Stoney to the movies. Wrap up a great weekend.

...and Hank, again, fuck you. I'll do what I bloody well please.

I AM stealth mode!!!!!

2011-11-06T19:51:00.003-05:00

the tricky part was getting into the right corral/wave without a bib, but with the dickless midget motivating me, I made it happen!!!!!

What a GREAT run! With the pressure off (chips were in the bibs) I had the freedom to run as I wanted to. AND, as a result, came in a full hour and twelve minutes faster than last year. Of course last year I DID walk the last 6 miles, but still...in 30 years no one will ask why or how. All that matters is the medal.

And again, why would ANYONE come to a club dinner, with the first words out of their mouths being "If you're not wearing your bib, I'll make sure you get pulled from the course." Like I wasn't regged??? Like I didn't do a gazillion of their races?????? What an asshole. And yes, he saw me today, and yes, I shook his hand. And no, I wasn't wearing it. NO ONE tells me what to do. Limpdick asshole.

It really WAS a perfect day. Cool (NOT freezing cold) first thing, didn't need the hothands, nor the hazmat suit. Stuck to my plan: feed every 3 miles, with the peeps @ mile 14 ish with replenishment.

REALLY happy with my time. ESPECIALLY knowing I stuck it to limpdick.

Best sign: "worst parade ever."

Saw Nicole and Steve n' co, passed Big Bird Mike Ogazon, passed tall fluffy haired dentist guy. REALLY fed off the crowds. Lovely, truly lovely. GREAT to, in a sea of 45,000+, bump into peeps.

***Also, now, if you do 15, you're NOT automatically in. So, no pressure. We KNOW I'll always do at least 9 NYRR races, so I'll qualify that way. No biggie.

Thanks God. Thanks peeps!!!

*****And, after another shit night, amazed I did the run at all. Shebitch was, again, in rare form, on a tear about ________ (whatever meaningless shit), whereupon I raged right back "I have an important event tomorrow, shutthefuckup." No, it isn't easy doing this sort of thing with NO support on the homefront, in fact, sabotage, but it makes my peeps more important to me.

day 833

2011-11-06T03:40:00.002-05:00

The Day Is Here!!!

Not much time, gotta hit Runner's Edge for the Bus. I'll check in manana. Wish me well.

day 832

2011-11-05T13:31:00.003-04:00

Hank IS an asshole

WHY would you come to a club dinner wth an agenda to be an asshole??? Gave me shit about pulling me off the course if I wasn't wearing a bib! Under the aegis of "just doing my job." Small dicked white midget. Really pissed me off. Wait 'til I see him tomorrow. And Vince was no better "Just get another Marshall to pull him off."

Otherwise, a great dinner. Beat the shit outta Olive Garden. I had the farfalla with sausage-nice portion, very "real deal Italian," not that Chef Boy Ar Dee crap. Downside: $40????? We apparently chipped in to cover Vince and Sue. No idea why. Though this was the gospel according to Steve. A lil too big for himself. No wonder Lynn dropped his clingy ass.

Temps? 45 degs. Should be purrrrrrrrfect for manana.

REALLY looking forward to it.

...but...FUCK Hank.

day 831

2011-11-04T05:52:00.001-04:00

2 days to go!

Off today and manana. Gots'ta rest up.

Hit the job, give the troops a pep talk (now that we FINALLY have a contract), then off to nyc. THEN hookup with brotherfromanothermother, check the expo, hit Paragon, pig out, then dinner with the peeps!

Love this shit!!!!!

day 830

2011-11-03T20:03:00.001-04:00

in the chutes!!!

48 hours and counting! Got my last run in this am, then off to The Expo. you can tell economic times are tough: no freebies. Of course, I DID get on The Paragon Bus-"free lunch." Had a hot dog (which I NEVER eat) and pizza (which, again, I NEVER eat), later in the day: a HUGE muffin, jelly doughnut, and eclair. Yummmmm.

Temps predicted for Sun are actually great! Yesss!!!!!

Hooking up with brotherfromanothermother manana, we'll hit The Expo, Paragon, hang, then dinner.

God I love this shit!

day 829

2011-11-02T07:36:00.000-04:00

closer yet!!!

One more run this week (manana, Thurs), then fri and sat off days. Hit the expo manana and fri, then the club pasta dinner fri, then...THEN....

Good morning for a run today. Long sleeves, shorts, gloves.

Fortunately, Sunday's temps predicted to hit 60. Should make waiting @ Wadsworth less painful.

day 828

2011-11-01T08:20:00.002-04:00

soo close!

One more am run to go then...THEN...The Big One!!! Take thurs,fri,sat off-meaning: no running, but matters to attend to nontheless. Go to the expo thurs and fri, chillax sat.

This am, back to "normal." 49 degs, shorts and t shirt-though gloves WERE in order. This is no time to catch a cold.

day 827

2011-10-31T09:02:00.003-04:00

skewers, REALLY???

Woke up, Shebitch put up the seasonal "curtain," sequestering the "den" from the main body of the house. Ran outta tacks, used CORN SKEWERS. You STILL think I make this crap up????? Fuckin' nut. Goes out @ all hours to shop, pick up Snapple @ Walgreens, but can't buy tacks??? Better to destroy the wood I took great pains to sand and finish. Doesn't give a shit about Its own home-but cook for others. Pathetic.

Another terrific morning, 39 degs, clear path, no ice. 6 days to go.

day 826

2011-10-30T18:14:00.003-04:00

:)

finished the weekend on a high note.

started crappy, Shebitch putting notes on food in the fridge, i.e. "don't touch, for Keith's dinner tonight and tomorrow." Of course, neither transpired, the food remains uncooked, he had frozen pizza (meanwhile, It cooked a shitload of chicken for Its sick friend. Again, fuck us, friends get what we should-after all, we're only family). Likewise, with yesterday's "Noreaster" (pussy Noreaster if you ask me, one inch of snow n' wind???), the gate Shebitch couldn't be bothered closing is currently hanging by a thread. Translation: if it falls apart, they can't throw Hulk in the backyard-he'd escape. So, needless to say, Stoney goes out in the wind/snow/rain to fix the gate. Remember, all Shebitch hadda do was supervise the installation (remember, when installed I was...what's that word..."working."). Alas, in addition to not lifting a finger, It cannot manage the presence of mind to shut the gate properly, hence, it's FUCKED UP. Glad I spent thousands to have Amendola's install the fencing.

So, with the drop in temps, do we have heat? Of course-electric portable heaters. God forbid spend a buck on oil, no, spend MY money on electric bills. Useless cunt.

So, this am was s'posed to be the Poland Spring 5m in Central Park. Alas, the park was closed-falling trees. Didn't even think of heading over to Totten-did THEY head to OUR race????? So, got my miles in @ AP. Rolling hills, ice on the overpasses, made for a welcome break.

Was glad to log more than a mere 5m. Though I DO miss my peeps. Hope they did well.

HELLUVA good time @ the record expo. God bless wfmu.

day 825

2011-10-29T06:29:00.002-04:00

got lucky

precip predicted, to start out as rain (ughhhhhh) THEN SNOW! Fortunately, manana back to normalcy, but today s'posed to be a shipwreck. So, headed out asap.

Usually on weekends try to leave @ 5-90 mins later than usual for me. But with rain predicted to start @ 6am, hadda boogie. Good thing I did. Mist started asap, still misting, but raining as we speak in Manhattan. No prob, got my miles in!

With The Big One 8 days away, now is not the time to slack off.

day 824

2011-10-28T08:34:00.001-04:00

BRRRRRRRR!

Woke up, checked the pc, 38 degs!!!!! Wow! Didn't we miss a season in the middle?

Actually felt good to get my miles in wearing cold gear.

VIP'S coming to the unit for 90 mins, then I can enjoy my Friday.

day 823

2011-10-27T04:41:00.004-04:00

GRRRRRRRR!!!

Woke up, ok. Few mins later RAIN!!! I was HOPING I'd have a window of opportunity. Got to the job, laced 'em up, nothin' doin' RAINNNNNNN! Of coruse, a day off WOULD be normal, but...

All day conference, with the thuoght of that in mind, would'a been nice to get a run in.

Oh well, my knees'll thank me.

(glad I didn't get soaked though. Nothing worse than heading out dry, then getting nailed)

Attended the conference, all the way near the WTC. THEN, during "lunch," headed to B & N to pick up a copy of Piri Thomas' book, THEN off to NYRR to get brotherfromanothermother and my numbers for Sunday.

Busy day.

...and did I mention I hate rain???

day 822

2011-10-26T08:14:00.002-04:00

11 more days

Getting closer and closer to The Big One. Brotherfromanothermother called yesterday to tell me he'd FINALLY accessed his Facebook page-he logs on less than Lisa-who logs in once a month. Also, he checked his corral for The Big One. Surprised he did what he did-you MUST give a predicted time-but you gotta do it on a curve. Couple of years ago I was still on Fort Wadsworth, looked up @ the Verrazano, Larry the Lighthouse was on the bridge. WTF???? Since then, I always gave a wildly adjusted time-3 hours. Little did I think they'd buy it! I go off @ 9:40. That's the good news. The BETTER news: it's an hour earlier than normal people. Thank you God!!!!! Waiting that long to run is the worst part.

THAT was icing on the cake. Earlier in the day a former peep who'd relapsed-I'd driven him to rehab-called to check in. I usually duck his calls(I usually duck EVERYONE'S calls. I'm obviously not one to "shoot the shit."), but we had a nice conversation. He was doing well, good. A really genuinely good guy.

Striders hooking up for our usual premarathon pasta dinner. Finally though we got smart. Enough of the friggin' Olive Garden already. Always a wait for crap food. We're doing a local restaurant near here. More gooder! Brotherfromanothermother's volunteering The Expo the same day, so we'll hang, go to The Expo, then the pasta dinner. Nice!!!

THEN, Football Dad friends me on Facebook. God bless the guy. He's one of those genetically nice people-like brotherformanothermother.

So, with rain predicted for this pm through tomorrow, got my miles in this am. Good.

day 821

2011-10-25T08:08:00.002-04:00

follow your heart

...good thing I do. Was scheduled to have Cablevision come fix our internet prob between 5-8 pm. To cover myself, I'd asked Stoney to come straight home. He didn't. Of course, Shebitch left asap. House empty. Except for First Bank of Dad. @ 4:45 Cable guy called n' asked if he could come early. YESSSS!!!!! But, let that sink in: if First Bank of Dad hadn't been there? This gets really old really fast, being the only "can do" person there.

Problem? It was a bad splitter. Also, it was the ORIGINAL splitter. Weathered, exposed to the elements. He replaced it, the whole thing didn't take 15 minutes. Of course, it raises various problems: if he'd had to go into the basement to trace the line? He'd have never been heard from again. Fucking shipwreck Shebitch leaves in Its wake. Now, this gets translated as "stop moving my things." Of course, Its things are everywhere.

Meanwhile...from the "things that matter" chapter: got my run in. PERFECT temps-56. Didn't even need gloves. Nice.