Don't Want to Lose You

An ex-colleague sent me one of those chain emails a couple of weeks ago. You know what I mean: read this, answer these questions, look at the photos, pass this email on to all your friends, and send it back to me, too. Sometimes I do; often I don't. This one struck me somehow, and I sent it out to a few people, with some pretty awesome feedback.

There comes a point in your life when you realize
Who matters; who never did; who won't anymore; and who always will.So don't worry about people from your past.
There's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

I've been thinking a lot about my friends these past few weeks -- particularly those from my past -- and sad that I have not been as diligent as I might have been in staying in touch with them.

I am so thankful that my FBI EAP buddy, Nell, still remembers me and sent me the original email. Thanks, Nell, for being my soulmate and solace during emotional Bu episodes - and for being one of the first to reach out to me with a helping hand when I left for Ground Zero.

Thanks, likewise, Faye and Brian; my other FBI EAP friends and partners. I am so glad we still see each other once in awhile (even if over a computer screen). Faye, you have always been *my* counselor, when I most needed it. Brian, you were first my mentor; then my SWAT teammate; truly my partner in EAP; and always my hero.

Nolia - you're my inspiration! You're not just a "shirttail relative," but a soul sister whose laughter and joyful spirit, even through hard personal challenges and life-changing experiences, sustains and motivates me. At least know that THIS family member really appreciates you! I regret that we have not had the chance to spend much time together these past two years - no excuse on my part. My "don't want to intrude" thoughts have meant that I haven't had my regular dose of Nolia madness - and my heart misses that.

Thanks for the thanks, Nancy G!. Hard to believe we were spending spring break together at Mount Union College 25 years ago; nice to know we still think of each other.

Susan, Susan, Susan! What will you be up to next? Or, should I say, where in the world will you be moving to next? I thought, maybe, you'd finally come back to the US and we could dive together in Cozumel, or pace each other in some RUNS together again somewhere. But, noooooo -- now you're moving from Bulgaria to Turkey! I am so PROUD of you (and a little envious!) You've really made a wonderful, exciting, and meaningful life for yourself - and I'm so happy that you share it with Erich.

But probably the real source of inspiration for this blog post - Linda - my dear friend, Linda, who I've known since 1979, when we worked/played together in Washington, D.C. What a wonderful email letter I received from her - detailing the major changes in her and hubby Steve's life during the past year. I look at this picture of the four of us in Key Largo, June 2007, and remember what fun we had watching Gianni float and giggling all the way down in the Jeep to the Keys. Now the two of you are awaiting your next big adventure - hopefully, the PEACE CORPS, and are in that holding pattern. Well, come on back to S. Florida. Stay with us awhile this holiday season. In fact, we do need house/cat sitters. As usual, Gianni and I will be headed off to Cozumel for our annual holiday yoga/dive vacation. We would love to have you visit us for a few weeks, and then stay here in the Villa to watch over things and take care of our Micio Bello cat while we're playing down south. Please think about including us in your cross-country travels.

And, as for the rest of my friends, past and present.
THANK YOU for being a part of my life.

Blinded By The Light

Oh, it's been a mighty fine week!

On Monday, our accountant returned our income tax return - and we got a whole $32 refund! Great news for us since we've had to PAY extra the past couple of years. (I'm only whining a little. We're truly blessed to be surviving this economic crisis in good financial, physical, and personal health.)

Tuesday night, I completed a tempo run on the track in a really decent time - and should be back in shape and ready for the Riverwalk 5Mile run in two weeks. I also finished Week 2 of my 100 pushups a day and 200 situps a day routine, and included 50/50s on the stair stepper, too!

Wednesday morning, Gianni confirmed he had to attend a 4-day conference in Charlotte the first week of May. I told him that I would go with him; we thought we'd travel the weekend before and explore the area. During his meetings, I figured I could find something to do; at least it would be a mini-vacation for us. (But I wasn't really looking forward to the trip.)

You see, I really want to visit my sister at The 7MSN sometime this spring. (And I will get there! I need to ride Hank, pet Deets, help trim Wynonna's toenails, and watch Alan and George proudly pull their little cart!) Or I thought maybe I'd travel up to D.C. and see Tracey and Alex, see the Cherry Blossoms, try to fit in some sightseeing while playing with my dive buddies, and run a 5K or 10K race. But alas, no races in the area that I could find. And Gianni really wanted me to go with him to Charlotte.

But Thursday and Friday I had IT meetings at City Hall. Unemployment is high; the economy is down. Yet there I was yesterday, writing paperwork to (maybe) promote myself into a new position. I became addicted to GIS software (Google Earth was only a start) at the PD two years ago when I started mapping out our city grids for a dispatch map. Now the PD may create a new position, GIS Analyst for Public Safety. And I was asked to write up the details because my great bosses/friends, Donna and Nancy, want me for the job. Yeah and Tee-Hee!

So, on a whim, I checked out The Boss' website, hoping maybe he was playing in D.C. or Albuquerque so I could use that as another reason to travel this spring or summer. Guess what? Bruce is in concert at a smallish stadium in Greensboro, NC (about 92 miles north of Charlotte) on the weekend before Gianni's business trip.

And we have 2 tix to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Greensboro on Saturday, May 5! More later on why Bruce is definitely The Boss. But, if you saw him and E Street perform at Super Bowl halftime, you already know that.

I've been so excited since I got the tickets I've been "Blinded by the Light." All you need to do is check out the lyrics and melody to this song - the first one by Bruce that I ever heard. It made me appreciate his genius - way back in 1973 - when he released it. I've been a fan ever since.

Diving and Micio?

In honor of Micio's return home today - minus his stitches and "cone":



My next new challenge ... Teaching Micio to dive!

Sunny Days Are Here Again!

Yeah! The sun is out. The weather has finally returned to "normal" for Florida - in fact, this past week it was in the mid-80's, warmer than usual. Which has been great for me! It was soooooo cold in January - I even built a fire in our fireplace one Sunday.

Don't laugh. I've been living in south Florida for 13 years. My blood is thin. I get cold if the temperature drops below 80: I put on sweaters. About the only good thing I can say about coolish weather is that it's easier to run if the temperature is less than 70. I froze my butt off at Disney - start time temperature was 46 degrees!

It was about 65 degrees this morning when Gianni and I ran the 4th Annual Run Through Central Park, here in Plantation. But the best part of the race? Gianni ran it with me, for once! That's all I wanted for Valentine's Day - his company and encouragement while I ran. I really need to find someone to run and train with, especially for my long distances. I did fairly well: finished 4th of 9 in my old ladies age group (55 to 59); with a decent time of 33:47, or 10:44/mile. Not bad, considering that I haven't been running very much since Disney, with the "cold from hell", long hours at the PD doing training, and Micio's surgery.

Speaking of which, Micio is recuperating very well. He'll be getting his stitches out on Wednesday, at which time he can start acting like a real cat again. He's so cute. See? Here he is in the sun on the back patio enjoying a wee little bit of freedom. But he's so funny! He keeps trying to groom himself by licking his paws and legs. Only he doesn't have access to them because of his "cone". It's painfully silly to watch him pick up his legs and hold them under the cone, and then lick the inside of the cone. I never said he was a smart cat!

Bathroom Recovery

Ever taken a shower with a cat?
Are you inhibited when "under observation" as you perform bodily functions?
Can you imagine putting on mascara under the curious blue gaze of a purring kitty?

Our office just didn't work out for his rehab - too many nooks and crannies where Micio could hide. He even managed to rub his "conehead" up against something and knocked it off!

So, for 10 more days, Micio and I will be bonding in the Villa Antona Bathroom Recovery Room. Notice the lovely Persian yoga rug for his healing butt to sit on. In the back corner, you can see the corner of his litter pan, filled with "Yesterday's News", shredded newspaper pellets that are softer and more sanitary. (What will they think of next?) On the bathroom sink counter is a clock radio, which I leave on 24/7 so Micio has some "company" when I'm not around. And his water bowl is next to his bed, on top of an old marble cigar box. (We had to raise it so he can drink - the "cone" keeps getting in the way of his head.)

And here's a closeup photo of the little darling, sleeping in his new bed. It's really a cool bed - stuffed and filled with fleece; removable and washable bottom; and just the right height -- Micio can rest his cone on the side of the bed and still nap comfortably.

He is so funny! Every time Gianni or I open the bathroom door, he starts purring like crazy. And he's been great about being cooped up in these tiny quarters. I take him, inside his bad, outside on the back patio every morning and every evening for a few minutes so he gets some fresh air. He sits quietly while I brush and stroke him - loving every minute.

After this traumatic experience, Micio has definitely become MY cat.

He's Home At Last!

Meet Micio ConeHead.
I say that affectionately, because even though he may look dorky, it is so good to have our precious Micio Bello home!

Poor little kitty. Here he is -- sound asleep but sitting up -- underneath my desk in our office. You can see where they had to shave his right front leg for injections; you can't see his partially-shaved tail and the bare skin on his back for the pain patch.

It will be 2 weeks of seclusion and inactivity in our office while he fully recuperates; another 4 to make sure the incision completely heals.

We think we've figured out how to put his bowls on a raised brick so he can eat/drink with this giant thing around his neck. It's kind of hard to cuddle and pet him, though.

Great job and congratulations to Nine Lives Animal Hospital for their speedy response, compassion and care during our immediate "blocking" crisis and surgery. Special shout outs of BIG THANKS to our veterinarian, Dr. Frank, and the Office Manager, Sue, as well as fellow-Snowshoe afficionado and Vet Tech, Cari. I know that they had to change appointments and work really hard to help us in this emergency. You are all marvelous!

Everyone at Coral Springs Animal Hospital was generous and empathetic, too - from receptionists, to veterinarians and nurses. (Even if no one could really pronounce our Italian cat's name!) We feel like our beloved little kitty was treated just like one of their own pets, and for this, we are very thankful.

Most importantly: We are so very glad that Micio's Home At Last!

Say a Little Prayer

This would be the Baby Micio.
At the local veterinary hospital.
Where he's been since Tuesday.

Not a very good thing.
Pooooooooor kitty. He has not been well since we returned from Mexico: Monday's emergency visit to our vet was "the last straw". He almost died.

It seems he has a very tiny pee-pee. And normal urine crystals and mucous could not make their way out of it.

I suppose I should I say, that he *did* have a tiny pee-pee. As of sometime later today, he won't have one at all! Our Micio Bello is having major surgery to repair his urethra and open it up so that he does not get "blocked" again. Apparently, it's not all that an uncommon thing for male cats. It's been very frustrating for Gianni and I these past few months -- and pretty traumatic around here since Monday.

So, this is a photo of daddy Gianni visiting his Micio in the hospital last night. He was so good! Well, actually, they were both very good - Gianni and Micio. Everyone at the hospital is amazed how friendly and affectionate Micio is -- commenting on how he's such a "lover" and purrs all the time. I didn't think they were talking about our cat, until I saw him and was able to hold, cuddle, and pet him in my arms for many loooooong minutes. I think he knows he's sick and that we're trying to help him get better.

Say a little prayer for him, OK?

Didn't Think I Would Run, Did You?

Yup. I did it.
Finally ran -- and quite well for having been OFF for 20 days! -- last Friday after procrastinating all day. Of course, when I ran again yesterday before the Super Bowl, it was very painful and a whole different story. But I did manage to finish almost 5 miles, at the slow/easy pace I wanted. The trick is not stopping -- during a run, or between run days. Once in motion, things are easy. Kicking them into motion is a pain.

I need a new challenge. Or two. Check out the two new icons and links at the left. WHY? I need my "own thing".

I so admire and respect Alex for his cave diving exploits and experiences (as well as his technical blogging). If I ever want to be his partner on "The Amazing Race", I just need to do this. Wouldn't that be a hoot? Watching Alex and I on national television as "The Dive Buddies" while we race around the world?

And I am so proud of Tracey! When I first met her, I showed her all about my REEF fish counting project. And now she has been selected by REEF as one of their "Advanced" counters to do research for their Grouper Project in Grand Cayman! And she can identify and count fish far beyond what I have ever been able to do. Oh, for the chance to humbly sit by her side in St. Croix when she leads a REEF trip down there in May (I hope, I hope)!!

Then, of course, my sister Linda. Everything she does in her life is something to respect and admire. I really want to visit the 7MSN sometime this spring and do a "dude ranch" kind of thing with her. And maybe because I've been sick for the past 3 weeks, I need to get back into some resemblance of FIT so I can tote bails of hay and pull loco weed with her - while I'm refreshing my horseback riding skills and running around the ranch.

SO ....., this is for me.
This year (hey, I know it's February; I just wasn't into making "resolutions" at the New Year) I will:

1. Run a 10:00 pace - consistently - for at least a 5K.
2. Complete the 100 pushups challenge.
3. And the 200 situps challenge.

The way I figure it, by next January, I'll be looking at a whole 'nother level of Half Marathons or some other wild and crazy challenge.

Still think I would do well on "Survivor".

A Little Help From Your Friends

You know it: That line from "Field of Dreams?"
If they see it, they will come.

So if I put it in words and photos --
TODAY I WILL RUN --
Maybe I will actually do it. I hope these photos from Disney will inspire me.

Above, the FINISH. At right, I was running back down Main Street - about 7 miles into the race. A time when I was not feeling well either: only halfway through the race and "dying" - at least in my head. What was I thinking? Running a Half Marathon alone. Not a good idea. Never again. The only way to do something this hard is to do it with someone else, sharing the experience.

It's been one week since my last post - and I still don't feel well! Of course, I finally went back to work on Monday: I had to help Donna and Nancy with a huge PowerPoint presentation and records management training session for our Field Training Officers this week. It probably didn't help that I worked 9 and 10-hour days early during the week, and then had to babysit whining cops yesterday (a few of them really needed a slap across the face!). But Donna and Nancy, as I have said before, are not my "bosses" - they are my friends. We make such a good team when we work together: it's almost not work.

How do people do it when they are sick and alone? These past few weeks have been miserable: no energy to do anything except lay on the couch and sleep (not even much enthusiasm for watching TV.) And with Gianni sick the past week, too, our house has an aura of sickness and doom. Thank goodness Micio Bello finally seems better. Just what I wanted: a new cat. But he "hates" me because I've been catching him and giving him medicine the past 6 weeks. At least he has become Gianni's shadow.

Wait a minute. Friends. That's what I'm supposed to be writing about. OK. I'll do that tomorrow -- Alex, and Tracey, and Linda.
As usual, I'm off on a tangent. Since starting this post, I have: 1) gone to the doctor (again) with Gianni so he could get a work excuse note; 2) shopped at Target for a warm humidifier/vaporizer with Vicks inserts for our colds; 3) downloaded and edited my photos from Disney; and 4) fixed Gianni's computer errors. Am I any closer to getting out the door and running??? No.

Gotta do it. Gotta run. My FINISH certificate for more inspiration. I really did do good - especially the "85 of 363" in my Age Division place.
Not bad for an "older" lady.

Here I go. Here I am, gearing up.
Here I am: walking out the door with my iPod and Garmin.
Here I am, walking in the driveway.
Here I go. Really.
I AM GOING TO RUN. Soon.

Running Back from a Cold

Slowly re-surfacing.
Head still underwater; sinuses and nose still clogged with gunk.
Great finish for Disney.
But LOUSY since then.

COLD.
At the race. (Geez ... it was 46 degrees at 3:30am when I boarded the bus; 50 to 55 for the race!)

COLD.
Caught it Saturday night/Sunday morning at the hotel.
At least I didn't get sick until *after* the race.

Went to work late, but made it through Monday, so the ladies of Records could see I survived. Toughed it out on Tuesday.
Foggy in a meeting on Wednesday. So I came home.
Been bundled up in sweats, blankets, slippers since.
Gone through 3 bottles of Nyquil.
Setback yesterday because I went to neighbor's wedding on South Beach yesterday afternoon -- and it felt good to get out of the house while sipping wine -- but crashed about 9:00 last night.

So, what have I been doing all day today? Planning for my next race, of course!

Didn't realize how well I ran Disney until I checked on-line results of my two running pals at yesterday's Naples Half Marathon. My mentor and pacer (who I chased for 12 weeks and who runs a minute/mile pace faster than me) finished her Half only 2 minutes slower than my Disney finish! The wonderful doctor I ran with for my best time before Disney did not even finish the race.

You would have thought that my COLD would have been a clue for how much effort it took on my body to run Disney. But no, I had to compare myself with my running buddies. My heart goes out to both of them - I imagine their finishes were disappointing.

So, even though I have not run in more than a week -- Hey, cut me some slack here. Coaches tell you to take off from running one day for every mile you ran after finishing a marathon; so 13 days from Disney means I don't even have to start running again until Friday! -- I'm looking at running a 5 miler in downtown Ft. Lauderdale near the end of March; including, maybe, the annual COPS 3K run in Central Park in 3 weeks.

If I can ever breathe again.
If I can stop coughing.
If I can make it through a night without Nyquil.
The brain and spirit say RUN.
The body says, "You're insane."
Today, the body is still winning.
Let's see what happens on Friday.

Finish Line Look

2009 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon - Half Marathon
January 10, 2009
Last updated on January 10, 2009
12434 Finishers - 5253 Male / 7181 Female

KATHLEEN ANTONA #35562
PLANTATION, FL
Age: 55 Gender: F

2:32:58

Overall Place 6106 / 12434
Gender Place 2799 / 7181
Division Place 87 / 365

It's A "PIP" Thing

Hope I can sleep - well, at least relax.
Off to bed at 9:30 p.m. the night before Disney Half.
Gear, clothes, extra clothes, extra extra (warm) clothes packed -- ready beside the bed. Drank LOTS of water all week.
Wake up call and iPod alarm set for 3:00 a.m.
Why? Just wrote it on my race bib: "It's a PIP Thing. Private/Important/Personal."
I'm as ready as I will ever be.
Now if I can just turn off the head for a few hours and make it to the start line in all the craziness.
Wish this race was over already!