Today we celebrated the life of Ry’s Grandpa, Jerome Wellington.  Isn’t that middle name awesome?  I love it.  Anyway, it was a horrible loss for all of us but it was a celebration because we know exactly where Grandpa is now.  He is at the throne of God with his loving wife Nonie.  Uncle Jerry and Uncle David performed the funeral service and Uncle Jerry gave a very moving sermon.  The burial was at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery and it absolutely broke my heart.  He had the full gun salute from the veterans and had taps played.  It was like attending my grandpa’s funeral all over again.  It broke my heart into a thousand pieces.  Afterward we had lunch with the family.  It was so, so nice getting to see everyone and hang out.

On a much, much more trivial note, I went back to CrossFit today.  Yet another loss for me, only this time in ability.  Oh my goodness folks, I’m glad I’m getting back in the gym for what I hope to be for good.  I am incredibly impressed in all of my morning crew’s advancements.  You cannot imagine some people’s progress in the month and a half that I haven’t been consistent.  It gives me hope.  Here was the WOD I did this morning:

WOD 11/09/2009

For Time
21 SDHP (65lbs)
12 front squats (65lbs)
18 SDHP
10 front squats
15 SDHP
8 front squats
12 SDHP
6 front squats
9 SDHP
4 front squats
6 SDHP
2 front squats
3 SDHP

I finished in 17:47, almost but not quite rx’d.  The front squats should have been 85lbs to be as prescribed.   Based on the rest of the morning crew, that was incredibly slow.  Yep, slow.  For the first time ever my sumo deadlift high pull form was absolutely correct however my front squats were lacking nearly everything.  I was so frustrated.  I nearly said that I “can’t” to Brian’s face but held it in.  I just couldn’t keep my chest up.  I know it’s important to learn this step because I’m going to really hurt myself if I add more weight on the bar and can’t keep my chest upright.  Sigh.  I was disappointed, but I did it. One day at a time, right?

Lastly, to Jerome (“Little Jerry”).  He lost a leg this past week.  I don’t think I’ve ever met a sweeter kitty.  He is the very definition of precious.  If you sit down he just wants to be in your lap.  He just wants you to love on him.  He is very, very skinny and malnourished.  He’s got a long way to go to be a healthy cat but we are going to do our level best to make him happy.  He’s scared of toys right now and the antibiotics and pain medicine gives him an upset tummy.  Ry and I consider ourselves very lucky to have this little guy.

I’m looking forward to the end of this week for all the goodies I have awaiting me.  On Friday night my girlfriends and I are going to Silver Dollar City to compete in the annual Run to the Lights 5K.  I am so excited!!!  You cannot beat running/walking a race, at night, in the dark solely lit by Christmas lights, followed up by hot wassail and sugar cookies.  And spending quality time with my girlfriends.  On Saturday I’m getting up for a run with Ashley (yay!) and then volunteering all day for the Heart of America Challenge at CrossFit.  I hope to cheer on my cohorts as they compete in the CrossFit games.  On Saturday evening my husband is taking me to the symphony.  I know, we’re nerds, but he loves me and knows how much I love Symphonie Fantastique which they are preforming that night!

TODAY I LOVE: family and Jerome

SONG OF THE DAY: “North by North” by Faded Paper Figures

Speaking of God blessing us, I was blessed to know Jerome B. (Ryan’s Grandpa) for nearly 11 years that I’ve been with Ryan. He was taken home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, November 4. Although it was incredibly sad for us, it was a blessed day for grandpa because he gets to go be with grandma in heaven. I can remember vividly watching my Grandpa and Ryan’s Grandpa laughing together and having a great time at my wedding. It makes my heart hurt and swell a little to know that they are together in heaven as well. I miss my grandpa with a passion and watching Ry’s grandpa slip away to be with all of my other loved ones was bittersweet. I have some pretty special memories of Grandpa J that I’m holding precious to my heart right now and maybe someday when it’s a little less raw I’ll share them with you as well.

In an effort to lighten the mood a bit here, let’s talk about my failed efforts as an athlete lately. How can the pendulum swing so far in the opposite direction? I realized I have been caught in the swell of life and circumstances and I’ve just been so tired that I’ve let things go. Important things like my exercise, diet, and health. I’m getting back on the right track and feel almost normal today (I think one more good night’s rest will fix me right up) and am looking very much forward to getting back in the groove of things next week. CrossFit here I come! I hesitate saying that my new medication has fixed it all, but so long as I follow all of my rules and don’t deviate it seems to be working. It’s been so long since I’ve gotten up at 4am to make it to the gym that I’m afraid I’m going to have to set goals for myself again to make it work. Any ideas? Morning crew, here I come! Please, I beg of all of you that are reading this, text me, email me, call me…make me come! I will send you my number if you’ll be my “get up” buddy. J

Tonight Ry comes home. Finally. I miss that little fella. I do not like being a one-woman household. Tonight we also go pick up our new addition Jerome. Cross your fingers it all goes well when he meets my other kids tonight. I bought George a new toy as a peace offering and explained to him what is going to happen but I’m still not sure it got through. I will post some pictures of the little man just as soon as I see him! I don’t think we’re to the point that you’ll be getting Christmas cards from us with our picture, the now family of 5, this year, but who knows.

Who’s racing this weekend? GOOD LUCK, RUNNERS!!! I have 18 days left until the Tulsa Marathon. Who’s nervous? Not me, the gal who hasn’t run all week.

TODAY I LOVE: feeling almost in control again and Hubba Bubba bubblegum

SONG OF THE DAY: “The Fear You Won’t Fall” by Joshua Radin