9:00 am

When I woke up at 6:08 this morning with Zoe looking over my shoulder yawning, I felt like I had slept in already since the alarm usually goes off at 5:40. After I took her out and fed her, I went to back to bed and read a little. I fell back to sleep and when I next rolled over it was 9:02. I called to Emma who was reading in her bed. "How long have you been awake?" She said about an hour. When I went to the Starbucks in Dedham, they said "You're late this morning." Although part of me felt like half the day was gone, I haven't been this rested in months. Sleep is a very good thing.

It isn't always easy being me...

Today I took a personal day from my day job because I had so many other things to do that I couldn't possible spend the day in the office. The main reason I took it off was because I had an appointment with a new neurologist at noon and didn't know how long it would take so I took the day. But, my last WW at Work meeting for this session was this morning and I didn't want to get a sub so I went into the office from 8:30 until about 10:45 to get that done, and of course, chat with friends about the Twilight books. The great news is I think that many of my WW girls are going to continue into the next session which makes my WW bosses happy.

Went to the nice neurologist, she was really cool. Has a sense of humor which my last one didn't. The good news is all looks the same. The bad news is, the only way to make sure, is to spend some time in a MRI tube - about 3 1/2 hours total next Friday afternoon ... oh well, more time out of the office. 

Then I stopped by ATK since it was across the street and chatted with my old peeps. It was so good to see my friends Henrietta, Daniel J., Lauren, Andy, Guy, and Jess and everyone. People are married and pregnant and they were many new faces, but then again, I realized as I walked out, I left 2 years and 4 months ago. 

And then, it was time for the long run of the week. Because I am running a 10K road race on Sunday, I can't do my long run with the group. And because it snowed/rained/sleeted and was a snow day for Emma yesterday, I didn't get to do it then on my telework day. I ran 12.02 miles in 1:41:17 and yes, I ran outside, on the roads. There were a few icy patches, but overall, with the exception of the drivers who just weren't looking in front of them, it was awesome! I actually even made a water stop at my vet's office which was fairly entertaining. And the best part, when I got home a little before 5, it was STILL LIGHT OUT! What's better than that?

Group Run

Today I joined about a dozen of my MGH team members for my first group run. It turns out that Emma's babysitter, Sara—who some of you might remember from pictures from the scrapbooking party—is running with the team. Her Mom actually works with my friend Kelly who got me involved with the team. Anyway, it was a fun run. There were a couple of icy spots, but I managed to finish with the top three people. The two women with me at the end were 23 years old ... I felt very proud. When I got home and checked the mail, I had another donation toward the cause. Half way to my fundraising goal! Wahoo!

Explanation

I deleted another blog that I had started last year so here's the background that this one lacked.

When I was 37, divorced, and had just moved from Boston to the burbs, I finally realized what I wanted for a tattoo. After years of hemming and hawing, I got the Chinese character for laughter on my right hip. It can't be seen unless I show it to you and half the time, I forget it's there, but I love it. As most of you know, if I am not laughing, I am crying, so it really is a key symbol in my life.

My life now, 6 years later, is very full and although there are some times that I am bored, the people in my life never fail to amaze me. Today, it was work people. Some are crazy and insane and make me want to run into the night screaming, but fortunately, some are awesome and intelligent and make me laugh and actually listen to some of the things I have to say. Twenty years ago, and yes, I am that old that 20 years ago, I had a job, the crazy ones would have gotten the better of me, but maturity gives me some patience for which I am grateful. 

a foot of snow on the ground

but a beautiful day. Ran 5.8, walked another 2 with a friend and now am taking the girls to see Hotel for Dogs. I love a Monday holiday.

I am actually behind in my miles for January, but trying not to get too competitive with myself. I have plenty of time to get the distance and today I figured out that my cushy inserts actually made the tops of my feet sore in my Saucony shoes so that's progress. I'll have to make a visit to the boys at Marathon Sports soon anyway.

I wish every day was a holiday ; )

I had to do it

I deleted my other blog as I was getting confused, so all of it will be here ... including the fact that I am getting old now and will have bifocals in a week's time. Stay warm and dry with all this snow.

Cold run

MGH cancelled the group run because it was too cold and suggested running the 10 miles on a treadmill. As we have established, I don't belong to a gym and I don't own a treadmill so I waited until 1 this afternoon and set out. I was well dressed—5 layers on top as well as some skiing accessories that turned out to be great for running as well and 3 layers on my legs. Leo and Emma drove by me on their way to Emma's Oompa Loompa rehearsal, so I have witness. I did the 10 miles in 1:38—not as fast as I usually go, but it's done and I did fit in 21 miles this week, the coldest week of the year!

The Next President

I saw Obama and his daughters at the Newseum in DC on Saturday. He was there to do an interview with George Stephanopolous and the girls did a tour of the museum. As most of you know, I am fairly apolitical, but this was very exciting even for a slacker like me. Michelle was not with the family so I didn't get to check out her outfit. This photo would have been much better if I had brought my big camera with me, but oh well ...

The last time I was in DC was probably 20 years ago so I actually "learned a lot". I did go to the Richard Avedon show at the Corcoran Gallery and saw two guys I know from Boston who he shot a portrait of in 2004. They had a great family portrait with their daughter. I am going to have to track them down and see what it was like to be photographed by one of the greats. Also saw many old documents and statues and ran 9 miles around the monuments .... very productive and historical.

One of the most powerful experiences—other than being across the hall from the next President—was looking at the coverage of 9/11. We all dealt with the trauma of that differently and to be honest, my personal life was in chaos so at the time, I couldn't watch any of the coverage. I was barely taking care of myself and Emma wasn't quite 2. The photos, the descriptions and the videos that were presented were thoughtful in an intense way.

Next time I go to the nation's capital, I'll bring Emma. She's at the right age to start understanding all this stuff ... scary, but true. But maybe a nice beach vacation first.

1/3 of the way there

Both in terms of fundraising and in terms of mileage. I am running 9 miles this weekend in DC and I've raised $1100 dollars toward the $3000 I need to give MGH.

Check it out: www.firstgiving.com/annefrancis

It's actually pretty exciting since it's still January. I even hit up vendors today and one has already donated. 

I am looking forward to the long run—both because I'll get to see more of DC, but also because it's been a while. I did my last 10 miler in the beginning of December and there's a certain peacefulness about it. The shorter runs are all business these days.

Ran into someone I hadn't seen since I moved from Boston in 2001 and needless to say, he was surprised at how I look now. Last time I saw him, I was 50 pounds heavier and had a year old baby!! Crazy.