Being a better blogger

Dear Blog, it's been over a month since I last posted.... does this sound like a confession?  It kind of is.  I've been meaning to keep my blog more updated but, well, I haven't.

A lot has happened since we lost Sheila, some bad and some good. 

1) We adopted a new kitten, 5-month-old Jillian.  She's a beautiful grey tabby and fills our house with constant motion.  The big cats-- Jessica and Baylee-- aren't in love with her quite yet, but we're hoping the change will come. Jilly is fond of riding Baylee like a wild stallion and although Bay outweighs her by about 10 pounds, she screams like she's being murdered.  Such a drama cat.  Meanwhile, Jess sulks and hisses.

2) I've done a few races-- Fort2Base 11.5 miler at Great Lakes Naval Base and Crypt 5K at Rosehill Cemetery last weekend.  Both races were somewhat marred by who was missing-- Teresa. My sister has received some very bad news lately regarding her mother's health and had been out of town visiting her for both races. For Fort2Base, I exceeded the expectations I set for myself and for the 5K, let's just say I didn't break any records. Next up for me is the Monster Dash Half Marathon in 3 short weeks! I had been toying with the idea of another Half for a while but based my final decision on my performance in F2B.  I'm already "trained up" for it so I might as well. I'll be lying if I say I don't hope for a PR.

3) I celebrated my LAST birthday in my 40's with not too much fanfare (it was on a Tuesday night).  The weekend before was the big celebration with John, Kimmy, Justin and Kaylee. Nothing beats being surrounded by your family and the laughter and joy that comes from seeing presents handmade by my crafty little niece. On my actual birthday, my work folks took me out for a lavish dinner complete with two Chicago Bears players sitting a few tables away from us. Next year's the big 5-0.  It means I will be moving up an age division for running. Maybe I can place a few times if the rest of the oldsters are a little bit slower than me.

4) Been having difficulties with sleep and general anxiety so I'm seeing a doctor to get on the road to "better living." I'm finally off the Ambien that I was relying on for over 10 years for sleep.  The medications replacing it, however, are a bit challenging to adjust to and I'm still not feeling 100% myself, but I know it's a test of patience. I don't have much, but I just have to ride it out. Things will get better.

5) I start fall semester at school next week.  I'm once again taking studio painting critique at The School of the Art Institute with Paula Henderson (Google her, her work is amazing) and a gaggle of old friends from previous classes. I went out on a high this summer by painting A LOT so I hope to keep that momentum going throughout the fall. I have a few canvases already sketched out.

6) There is no hockey. Once again the asshats in the NHL let greed win and there's a lockout. I'm not shocked because it has happened before, but I am upset.  As my friend Mike put it, though, "we'll be back.  We're sheep."  Well, I'll be a sheep in Wolves clothing for a while (Chicago Wolves minor league hockey, that is). I haven't worn anything Bruins, Penguins or Blackhawks related since the lockout started.  My small and insignificant nod to protest.

I guess that's it for now... the good, the bad, the indifferent.  Later!