The River of No Return

Hello!
Just returned home from a glorious week on the Salmon River. Thanks to all who made it possible. Especially my oldest son, who took care of the house, the yard, the cats, and appropriately had a party the night before my return.

At any rate, the trip was lovely. The weather was variable. The people were funny, smart, talented, and great team players. The river was big, HUGE water. I can't believe I've run it in a hard shell before. I took my trusty purple inflatable and, with the exception of one rapid, in which my kayak decided to switch to autopilot, I ran the whole river clean. I won't soon forget this trip. It is very hard to transition back to "real life".

Speaking of transitioning, I could have gone running when I returned. I had/have plenty of time. But, I just want to dive into everything tomorrow. The housecleaning, the laundry, the schoolwork and job applications. So, up an at 'em for four miles of "let's see what my legs will do after 12 days of rest" and then buckle down and get some stuff done.

I am happy, happy girl.


And then you sense a change
Nothin' feels the same
All your dreams are strange

Don't look down

Where does the time go?
I apologize for letting this blog lapse. I am up to 611 page views, y'know. So I either have a really dedicated cyber-stalker, or some people actually read this stuff. However if you average it out, I think it's only about 10 views per month or something....so I can't get too excited.

Anyway, running has been up and down. Had a breathing issue that seems to be clearing up, but I still seem rather reactive to the air this season. I am pushing myself to do 4 miles every run, but taking more time in between and adding a few 3-milers in here and there. Some of it has genuinely been out of disinterest/laziness. For instance, it is hot today, somewhere around 90, so because I did not want to get out of bed at dawn, I did not run. Tomorrow promises to be hotter, so I better set my alarm and deal with it.

School is challenging. The good news is that it is more interesting, we are studying more advanced techniques for teaching comprehension. The bad news is that I am tired of this online format, and my motivation is low.

I am also discouraged about the dozens of applications I have tendered without any response, and now I am in a quarrel with the Unemployment Division. It is hard to keep my head up. I am very frustrated with the situation. I have some options, but none are forthcoming in a real rapid fashion.

Enough whining.
I am headed to the Salmon River in the near future, so I really can't complain. It will be a good "reset", and perhaps when I return, I can start fresh with everything--running included.

There have been a number of relationship dynamics that have changed in the past year: parenting, friendships and of course my singlehood. I have a difficult time letting go of the things I cannot control. Sigh. I feel like a tightrope walker someday. Every move must be careful, thoughtful, and I must keep my balance. Don't look down.