Fun reunion weekend

So I said that I met up with my friend Dan, who I haven't seen since the end of sophomore year of college, almost 20 years ago. I also saw Kenny, who I haven't seen since junior year of high school, 22 years ago. I saw my college roommate, Kristin, for dinner last night, and I haven't seen her for at least nine years. We can't figure out when the last time was that we saw each other, but it was before she was pregnant with her first, who is eight.

After the run yesterday I came back and cleaned up and had breakfast. Later I met up with Dan (Vicki was sleeping) and we decided against going to Universal Studios and going to the bar to chill. The bar was closed but we got a beer at the quick-service restaurant and sat in the bar with our feet up and recapped the day. Then I came back to the hotel and was able to talk to Bill for a few minutes.

Then I got ready to meet Kristin. I got to see their new house, meet their kids, and catch up with Will for a few minutes. He said his goal for this year is to run a half marathon. He is targeting the OCU (?) one in October. I told him to let me know if he wants any advice, but I am confident he'll do it if he wants to. Then Kris and I went to dinner. It was great! Just like old times; as if there hadn't been years between seeing each other. The food was nothing to rave about, but I went for the company.

When I got home and got ready for bed I saw that my feet had swelled up big time. They looked like clubbed feet! I was a little surprised. I mean, I knew they hurt, but I didn't realize they were that bad. I didn't know what to do, so I went to sleep hoping the swelling would be gone by morning.

Morning rolled around and I couldn't get up. I texted Kenny to let him know I'd meet him later in the morning. My feet were still killing me. Once I get up and walk a little they are better, but the first dozen steps or so are unbearable! I met up with him, Courtney's parents, and her friend, at Epcot. We hung out, getting updates from Courtney on her progress, and Kenny and I caught up. It was fun reminiscing with him and getting to know the person he is today. We were at the same place he saw me yesterday, which was near the gospel singers. I didn't remember the gospel singers yesterday. I remember Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" was ending and "We are the Champions" was starting as I came around that curve.  I thought it was recorded music, but it could have been the choir. I have to say that the gospel music was certainly inspiring.

Courtney rolled through pretty much at the time we expected her. I yelled and waved my sign. I could see that she had no idea who I was, but then it clicked and she smiled. We then went to meet her at the end. She had fallen around mile 24 and scraped her knee. Thankfully it was nothing serious, but I am sure it was disheartening and painful for her. She completed in 4:59:22, an outstanding effort. I spent a few minutes with them sharing in her accomplishment and then took my leave of them.

I met Dan and Vicki at the entrance to Epcot. They had free tickets and invited me along. I did the Spaceship Earth ride through the golf ball, did the lands boat tour and got to see how they grow food there, and we walked around the countries. We drank in a few countries and rummaged through some shops. I enjoyed Japan. Some of the foodstuffs there brought back memories. Calpis, anyone?

Following that, we went back to Dan's hotel so that they could get checked into their room (they had to change rooms for the last night). Bill called then so I got to talk to him. I didn't think I would get the chance to talk to him today, so it was a great treat. He had been playing our song and he wanted to say hi. I got to listen to it for a moment and I really missed him so much more. What a sweetheart!

When I finished the call, Dan, Vicki, and I headed out to Friendly's for dinner. They've never been and I love their Reese's PB cup sundae. Deb T had posted on my facebook wall that there were Friendly's in Orlando, so she planted the seed. So we went. And I had my sundae and ate it too. I'll probably need to run another half marathon to burn that off.

YUMMY!!

Following dinner we were going to go back to their hotel lounge and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. We unfortunately left later than we had hoped and I figured we'd miss them. So I asked them to drop me off at my hotel instead. I got here right at 8:00, so we would have missed them if we had gone back to their place. Oh well. It was super to see them and spend as much time with them as I did.

I started packing and as I got changed I looked at my feet. They are swollen, but not as badly as yesterday. I rolled them and that helped a little. I think I just need to elevate them and stay off them. Tomorrow's drive should help me stay off them.

I am getting up early tomorrow to go see Cousin Lois for breakfast. I think it has been since Cathy's wedding nearly seven years ago that I've seen her, so it will be most enjoyable. The hard part will be getting up in the morning! After seeing her and driving back, I should be able to get to Pensacola in time to pick up the furry ones. It would be nice to get them right away rather than going home and then back out across town. I miss the little guys, too.