It's All Good

I'm up too early on a Sunday! I'm too excited about the trip to Vegas today to sleep in (mind you, sleeping in for me is waking up any time after 6 a.m.). I just don't know what to expect!

Training for the Seattle Marathon officially started yesterday. We had our first team clinic and walk. My enthusiasm had been a bit on the wane but after the kick-off party on Wednesday night and the walk yesterday, I'm excited for this event once again. Whew! It would've been a long season if that hadn't changed.

And, there's still time to join me!

We met at the Grand Avenue location of Portland Running and Walking. Dave and Paula have been great supporters of LLS and are just nice people. Five years ago I was sitting in those seats, apprehensive about what I'd gotten myself into but determined to see it through. And I did and now I'm on my 9th marathon with no end in sight.

Looking around the room and seeing the optimism and determination of each person there is always inspiring. I can't help but wonder which ones will end up not completing the season since everyone is so excited to start and make some positive changes in their life and in the lives of others. I hope the odds are in our favor that everyone finishes.

Finished filling out the FAFSA form at 11:00 p.m. last night. It required that I get my taxes done sooner rather than later this year. I owe small amounts to the Feds and State. :( Guess I better make some changes to my W-4s when I get back. I also have to fill out the PROFILE form but that's going to have to wait until I get back from Vegas, too. I just can't think about numbers any more this weekend!

Marie was accepted to Willamette! I am very excited for her even if it's not her first choice. It's just good to know that you have options. She also received a $10k merit scholarship that is renewable for all four years as long as she remains a full time student with a 2.5 GPA. I don't think that will be a problem for her! (I would LOVE it if she went there and I think she'd really like it and it's close to home, but I'm not going to pressure her into it.) Let's just hope we get good financial aid wherever she chooses to go.

Time to start packing. I usually over pack (who doesn't) so I'm trying to be very thoughtful about what I take. The hardest part is the shoes. I want to be ready for anything, but I don't want to take a big suitcase. Sigh. It's only 4 days, I think I can manage with just a couple of pairs, but it is soooo hard!

As I told my friend Stacy, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and something better happen in Vegas! ;-)