Still Here...

I'm still here!

I enjoyed the time off over the holidays - ran a couple half marathons with good friends, spent time with family, acquired a future daughter-in-law, hung out with Eric. For those of you who've been reading a long time, Riley got engaged! He's still in school and will be through August (in the Navy) so I don't anticipate the wedding will be anytime soon.






















Emily and Riley

We were only one week into the new quarter at work when we got hit by a snowstorm and ended up missing almost a full week of classes. I took advantage of the time off to settle into my NEU classes. Plus, I got to run on the cart paths of the golf course - a perfect five mile loop - in about three inches of snow one day and about eight inches the next day. After another full day of snow, I didn't even try for the third day! I went back out on the paths once the rain cleared some of the snow away, but before the course reopened. I'll be looking for opportunities to sneak back out there when possible. It's a pretty busy course, so frosty days and early dark mornings will be my only chance.

As I mentioned in my last post (a long time ago) I'm taking two classes right now, and registered for my last one for spring quarter. I can't believe I'm at the end. I'm in the second research class now and getting focused in on my dissertation topic. I've heard that students often change their topic in the last few months. I don't think I'll do that, but who knows? I'm really, really excited to only have one class next quarter and even more excited to be done with classes!

I ran the Orcas 25K last weekend - it was cold, it hailed, snowed and rained, and we had about five miles of snow on the course. No matter though, it's still my favorite race. I'm signed up for the Yakima River Canyon Marathon at the end of March - it will be my first one in 13 months. I'm not quite sure why I signed up as I have no time to train. I'll try to squeeze in a couple more half marathons and call it good. I sure hope I can pull it off.

I also met Lizzie at a January race. It turns out that we only live three miles apart, so today we met up for an early morning run. Looks like it's going to be a regular thing! I've missed having a running buddy and am looking forward to lots of runs together.

I'll leave you with a couple of pictures:






















Then (September 1979)...
And now (December 2011)