Lanelines--gotta love 'em

Lil Gavin, 5 weeks

So I haven't been in much of a blogging mood lately and then it starts to get overwhelming to catch up, so here we go.

I guess I'll start w/ this morning's swim since it was a good one (Andrea, you might like this one):
*500 w/u
*4x100 descending 4-1 on +10
*700 on cruise
*1200 odds kicking on +40, evens swim IM order on +20
(I loved this set. Very aerobic.)
Total = 2800m

The pools were uncovered (bbbrrr) this morning and the lane lines were already in as well which had us getting in the pool a little quicker than normal. However, b/t all the steam off the top of the pool and the bright (think football stadium here) lights, I couldn't see the flags when doing backstroke (and I need them to stay straight) so I crashed and burned like a drunk otter a couple of times. Ouch. Doesn't feel too good on the wrist.

So, I guess some news is that I went to WI 2 weekends ago for my cousin Andrew's wedding. I flew out w/ my Dad on Thurs. morning, arrived in Chicago and drove to Madison. We checked into our hotel and were out to dinner at the Capital w/ my cousin Brandon and his gf Anne. We had a great time, and I had my first Old Fashioned. Now I can die a happy woman. Anne braved a freakin' turkey gizzard (yes, this was really on the menu and I've got the pics to prove it). It reminded me of something out of the Ladies Man movie. On Fri. we slept in a bit and then headed to the University where my Dad had mtngs lined up all day before his lecture (me? I hung out at the student union on the deck overlooking a beautiful lake, did some reading, met up w/ Brandon and Anne to share a pitcher of beer and headed to listen to my Dad give his talk- which I could actually follow. Nice job!).

State capital at Madison. We had dinner at this great little place called Fresca (serving locally organic foods in season) on a rooftop!

See? I TOLD you it was really on the menu!

Yup. You guessed it. Turkey gizzard.

Lake by Student Union at The University of Wisconsin at Madison.

From there I dropped my pops back off at the airport (in Madison) and drove to Delafield to meet up w/ my Mom and Auntie Susan & gang for the rehearsal dinner. It was so great to see all of my cousins. I hadn’t been back in over 15 yrs which is just too long. The wedding on Sat. was beautiful, and I’m so glad I made the trip, getting to see my grandparents etc.

Bridal party, duh.

My cousin Jacob and his girlfriend .

Simon and his girlfriend.

I got back late on Sun. and that week was pretty much painful since I was in recovery mode. I think I finally unpacked my suitcase on Wed. night. Went out to dinner/drinks on Thurs. and then out dancing on Fri. Sat. was the barn and on Sun. I had one of the best rides of my life! I think it did Pokey some good to have a little bit of a break and change in routine. Not to say that my Mom’s not doing a great job w/ her; I’m just a big believer in taking a step back every now and again. I think there’s something to be said for a rest period, and she’d had a pretty light couple of weeks. I think it’s good for them. Anyways, Sun. was the first time I rode in my close contact saddle in MONTHS. I don’t know how I used to do it! It was slick as butta and she was pretty peppy. In all honesty, I had a moment of doubt where I thought – “If she bucks, I’m a goner!” In the end, I just ended up having a phenomenal ride in the outdoor arena and then took her for a cruise around the property. The weather has been just beautiful (albeit w/ some random cold/rainy days mixed in) but Sun. was sunny and crisp- just how I like it.

I swear this baby straight up turns her head and makes eye contact when she hears the camera!

From the barn I headed over to Casa Cloern for spaghetti dinner. I feel like I have barely even seen Gavin, Kendall was voted student body President (you go girl!), and Mia took her first steps, so a visit was definitely in order.

Not much else to report other than I was a total f-ing badass on Mon. (swam in the morning, rode my bike home, and rode Pokey in the evening). Granted, I almost fell over from exhaustion when I dismounted, but we can ignore that minor detail. My new tires will hopefully hold up a little bit better with the rough road terrain and wet wintery weather, but (and this is a big BUT) I swear I feel like I’m riding a Huffy. More work to go slower? Now that’s just not good. Oh well… I guess I will eventually get used to it.

What else, what else? Pedicure one night this week (my body just feels beat up, esp the little footsies, so some TLC will do me good). Friday I’m going to an art exhibit in the Mission; one of the ladies at work is a photographer and is having a showing. Sat. I will most likely hang out w/ Holly and co. and do the barn and who knows what else.

Oh yah, Halloween is just around the corner, and I can’t wait!

BOO!