Working hard on a Monday

It's Monday and I went to work. Blah. I decided I wanted to stay in bed instead of cycling. That was probably bad of me, but oh well.

Regina and I went to the self storage place and rented a unit. Then we brought a few things to the coach and started getting it ready for this weekend. Regina thought it was hook-up and go. She didn't realize everything that would have to go into getting it ready. The batteries are hooked up and working. We brought some sheets home to wash them.

From there we went to the bank. I was able to make a pretty hefty deposit, which is always awesome! I also found out that if I want to, I can exchange money there before my trip. There is a $10 fee and I have to give them notice. But it might be worth it. Then again, maybe it would be more cost effective to take money out of our account using our ATM card once I get there.

Then we went to Walmart and bought a ton of the huge Ziploc bags and headed to the shop. It took a while to get the online shop up and running, but we got a good start today. Now that we have a system, tomorrow should be better. The shop is at http://www.artfire.com/users/YarnsideGathering. I'm pretty happy with it so far. We'll see what happens.

I got a call from my DailyMile friend Chris G. He has been after me to go to the McGuire's runs on Tuesday nights. I told him that I had to work Tuesday nights. He told me to call in sick! He didn't realize that it was my business. So he called tonight to see if I'd go tomorrow. I told him no, but at dinner Regina and I discussed it and I called him after dinner to say that I would run it. I have an easy 35 minute run on the schedule tomorrow, so I think that would be perfect! I'm excited about it.

We'll go to the shop early tomorrow and make a really good dent in things. I am afraid it will take a while. Longer than I originally thought. But it is great having Regina there to help.

Tonight we made okonomiyaki! YUM!!

This is Regina's

Here I am trying to fill Bill's shoes at the griddle

And here is mine

It didn't turn out as planned, as the plug came out as I started to cook mine and I didn't realize it. The crepe didn't set too well, but it was still delicious!

A full day

There was a lot on today's agenda. I cut my run a little short so that we could do everything. Regina went to church while I was running. I got home and was able to shower before she got back. I taught her how to back the Honda into the garage. She did pretty well. She was able to practice twice more today, and she's getting the hang of it slowly. She is a little close to one side, but I know that will come in time.

After she got the car in, we turned around and went back out and went to the Renaissance Faire. We met Cookie Amy and Stephanie (the spinning instructor) there. It wasn't that thrilling a faire, but it was fun anyway. We walked around the booths and saw some neat things. Then we came home and she backed the car in the garage again.

I went in and changed clothes and relaxed for a few minutes. Then we headed out to Cherryl's baby shower. She was pretty surprised to see us there. There weren't too many people, maybe around eight or so. The food was great and everything was really cute. We got some homemade soaps and a pea plant as favors. I think Cherryl really liked the pink socks. She asked if I made them and was not surprised when I said yes. It was fun hanging out and catching up with her and Karl and the other ladies.

Then we headed to Marie's for the spouse club meeting. There were not many folks there. It was also a nice visit. Phil said that they are going to be in town for another year, so if there is anything I need that I should let him know. He is a good person and I appreciate the fact that he is eager to help me should I need it.

Then we came home, she backed the car in the garage again, and now we're trying to figure out dinner. I just want to go to bed!

End of an era

Yesterday was the last day of Yarnside Gathering as we know it. No buyer came forward and so we closed. The lease is officially up the first week of April, so I have some time to move everything out and clean up.

The spinning classes this week have been a hit! The place has been jamming and I heard nothing but compliments from the students. I am really glad that Stephanie decided to come down and do these classes. I think it was super positive for the shop and people will always remember that.

I had mixed emotions all day. Part of me is very sad. I had a great experience, I feel like I was a success, and I think that I have made a difference in people's lives (even if it was in a very small way). Another part of me is glad. I was getting tired of working so hard for so long. I'll be glad to get my Saturdays back. I can join McGuire's Tuesday night running group. I can go to festivals and run 5ks and enjoy the post-race parties. I'll have time to clean the house (that's not really exciting; it's necessary). Another part of me is nervous and excited about the future. What is coming next? Will I be working? full time? part-time? for myself? for others? in engineering? in yarn? where? I'm looking forward to finding out!

After closing up Regina and I went to the Melting Pot to celebrate. Bill took me there on the first Saturday we were open. I thought it was fitting to go there to close out the era.

Last LSD before Seaside

I had to cut this run short (it was supposed to be 1:40). I had several obligations for today and if I did the whole run I would have been late. I tried hard to keep this slow and consistent. It felt slow and easy and I'm happy with it (if you don't take the HR into consideration).

Splits: 11:17, 11:22, 11:19, 11:24, 11:21, 11:20, 9:42 (11:24 pace). Avg HR = 215

I did 6.85 miles in 1:17:46 for an average pace of 11:21. This was the most consistent run yet, pacewise. I'm really happy with that!

I tried Injinji toe socks and I did not like them at all. They might be OK for a short run, but my toes hurt after the run. I tried some Zensah compression sleeves on my calfs after the run and they felt soooooo good! I took them off to shower, of course, but put them back on to wear as we walked around the Renaissance Faire. They feel good!

Fun spin

I rode my bike today. Just a nice, easy thirty minute ride to prep myself for tomorrow's long run. I did 6.9 miles in 32:21 for an average speed of 12.8mph. Fun ride, but I should have planned this route better. Downhill with wind is nice. Uphill into the wind not so much. The weather was great again, making this an excellent way to start the day.