We are what

Rumor has it we are moving....GRRRR. Okay, I am very thankful that Ryan has started a new job and is feeling very positive and motivated by it and the sales meeting that he is attending this weekend. The only downside it that the job is in Northbrook, IL just north of Chicago. So we're looking at the NW communities and maybe even looking at southern WI. I thought taxes in Madison were bad - IL is insane! So I'm crazy and all over the place trying to clean things up, organize, fix what I can to get the house ready to go on the market next week. I'm tired, my brain is mush and I think I need to go to sleep.

Resolutions, renewal

I don't know if I really believe or understand New Year's resolutions. I like the idea of renewal or maybe reinvention. In the same sense as Spring or a going back to school sense. Starting over...

renew (v): to repeat so as to reaffirm; revive; to replenish; to bring into being again, reestablish; to start over

resilience (adj): the ability to recover quickly from illness, change, or misfortune. Reinvention is a never ending process. It’s the daily, on-going pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment – a path that ultimately leads to more rewards and greater responsibilities.

Do I have things I want to resolve for 2009? Certainly. What are they? I'll get back to you when I figure them out. In the meantime I am still praying for the next step of our lives to hurry up and arrive. So while we are waiting for an offer to arrive and decisions about a potential move I am also awaiting these titles at the library and hoping I will get some clarity.

Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home and Life

This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True

The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year

"You see, it’s not the obstacles or challenges we face that keep us from succeeding. It’s our inability or unwillingness to learn from those things that allow us to be defeated"

Great Googily Moogily

When will it end?

Soon we hope. All good things come to those who wait right? Everything happens for a reason right? Right.

So we are keeping our spirits high as we work on figuring out what the next step in our life is. No wrong decisions, just adult ones. More importantly Santa is coming soon. Ian is, by far the most infatuated with gift giving. It is hard to convince him that Christmas is not about the gifts, but he is 4 and just wants to go to Target every day and buy things.

He wanted to get me a box of Hot Tamales for Christmas. Funny, but years ago I would have laughed. Now, it it is kind of thing that means more if it is something he WANTS to get me, boy how we change!



We will update some more b-ball and images soon so you can keep up!

Stay tuned.

So it goes

we have been plenty busy, as we all are these days. Tash and Ryan are wrapping up our fall race trainging (NOTE we still continue to fundraise for LLS, see links on right).

Kids are doing great, all 3 are going through different phases now, it is tough, but as always they make it better when they are cute. funny how they can scream for 2 hours and defy you, then a simple hug and smile makes it all go away.

FYI - ryan is damn near seeking face book rehab and my wife shows more control. I need to see if we can link this or something, who knows

So, if you want more detail, check facebook! OR call us!!!

Signed Ryan and Tash.

Ironday

It's Ironman day in Madison. Ry is volunteering, so is Trish and Chelsea. Kids and I got to see the bike leaders early but it's now nap time. Hopefully we'll head down to the "city" later and see the top finishers...

Where have we been? Well, those summer colds lastest for weeks and weeks. They are finally gone, yippie.

We have been enjoying summer very much. #1 and #2 are done with swim lessons for the summer and are amazing at it. #1 can swim 20 yards on his front and back without a float belt and #2 can swim almost 10 yards both ways without a belt. I still get a bit nervous when I see them jump off the blocks but they just smile big and swim away. They are getting coordinated enough to actually yell cannonball and then do it. It's pretty darn cute.

#3 is qutie a water child also. He has no fear and just loves to splash and kick. Still trying to keep up with 1 and 2.

Last weekend we went to the WI state fair in Milwaukee. It was hubby's first fair EVER. I still can't believe that he grew up in Kansas and never went to a fair. Anyway we enjoyed seeing tons of animals, neat exhibits, a huge slide, the state food - cream puffs (I thought it was brats, beer and cheese) and a Doodlebops concert. Quite a day and fun for all.







A trip from Nanni and Poppi, a few days at the splash park, lots of visits to the library and now starting to get ready for school. Kindergarten begins on August 26th and preschool on Sept 3. So #3 and I will actually have some time just for us. I don't know if he will know what to do without the others but we'll have fun - or he'll nap.

Sean learned to ride a two wheeler today... he did very well



Training is going well. Ryan and I both had a hard time recovering from the summer sickness and training at the same time. Okay, so we lost a few days here and there but we are thankfully back in the swing of training and feeling much better. He has completed his fundraising goal for Chicago - YEAH. I'm still working on mine for Nike. I still have about $1400 to go so if you have been thinking about donating, please do. Even a $10 donation makes a big difference. It's perfect running weather and I'm waiting for Ryan to get home so I can go. Happy day to you.

Summer colds, yuk

Well, this had been a difficult week for Team Madison. #1, #2 are just about over the summer cold / funk they had and they so graciously shared it with #3 and both of us. So training has been hard to non-exisitent which is really difficult mentally for both of us. Last night we went to a neighbor's birthday get-together and somehow while playing with #2 Dadd-o hurt his back. He tried to lay on the floor and interact with #1, #2 and #3 this moring but they just thought he was wrestling so he's back in bed.

The CA grandparent contingent and uncles are heading up to Lake Siskiyou near Mt. Shasta for TWO whole weeks of relaxing, canoeing, camping, marshmellows and ghost stories....yes, we are a bit jealous.

We are excited about the KS grandparent contingent making the trek later this week. The kiddos are very excited about going fishing with Poppi. I may make a bet on how long it actually lasts but either way it should be fun for them.

Kindergarten and preschool seems to be looming in my mind. I don't know why but they are slowly creeping up on me. Well the sick one upstairs is requested something yet again so I must be off. Good health to you and hopefully us too.

TRIed It, and liked it

So, I completed my first triathlon. I had a lot of fun, did well. I wish Tash and the Kids were there to see it, but there will likely be a next time.
Ryan O'Donnell
bib number: 302
age: 33
gender: M
location: Madison, WI
overall place: 36 out of 372
division place: 8 out of 21
gender place: 33 out of 214
time: 1:12:45
pace: 0:
swim: 7:08
trans 1: 2:04
bike: 42:14
trans 2: 1:07
run: 20:14
The swim was tough, but I did get it done a couple minutes faster than I expected. The bike was good, lost about 2 minutes when the chain fell off, just lucky it did not get sucked into the rear wheel. The run was the best for me. By far the best I have felt in a race ever, even after the swim and bike.
I was crashed by 7 pm, Tash gave me a pass on feeding the dog and dishes, I went to bed.
She volunteered at the Diva Dash today for the Junior League. Then she took off for her run. WINDY DAY. She looked beat, in a "i had a good run" way.
Then I went out. My long run today was 17 miles at 8:00 pace. I ended at 8:13, but was VERY pleased considering what I put forth the day before.