Yesterday was plain awful.

Posting this from my iphone.

Many difficulties yesterday, but I'm okay. Here is a quick summary.

Got up early. Spent most of day piled under files, prepping the next two weeks, since I'll be in trial.

Found out at 4:30 that we don't have a courtroom, and that we'd START today then recess until December 13th.

Got home in time to record aatm with bryan and paul.

PC crashed before we could start. Got it working, but no internet, and other reliability problems.

Gave up. Went to apple store. Bought new imac.

Went to bed at 11. Nightmares. Up at 2:30. Been up since.

Good news: i did finish my race for october.

Off to court, and then to try to get back online tonight.

Main street awaits!!!!

309.1

And another goal is surpassed! Yes, my friends, I am down over SIXTY POUNDS.

I can't even begin to tell you how good that feels - knowing that I'm on my way to the 200s. I can see it from here. If I push hard and keep working - I'll get there. I know it!

Exercise-wise: I'm very close to finishing the Race-For-The-Kate and beginning November's challenge...which is an endurance challenge - time concerns only - no speed concerns (although I'll be keeping it around 3.3 for walking and 4.2 for jogging). Shall we call it the Rae's-for-the-Pace? (Get it?)

I want to follow-up on the 24 hour fitness question. What we've decided is that right now - it's a waste of money - two big trials, Thanksgiving, and then MouseFest...I'd hardly use it my first month and a half. On the other hand - in December, after MouseFest, we're going to get me signed up. Both Amber and I think that an upper body workout would do me wonders, and kick start the weight loss into high gear, as I build more muscle. And frankly - I enjoy free weights. :)

I've also decided that October is officially over - with a weight loss of 7.3 pounds between September and October combined. Sponsors - your letters should go out this week.

Speaking of which - do you read my blog? Are you a sponsor? Why not?

B: Cereal/Bagel
L: Lean Cusine/Apple/100 cal snack.
D: Oven Fried Chicken (WW), Caesar Salad (WW), Veggies
Dessert: Skinny Cow, if desired

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

24 Hour Fitness?

Here's what we found out yesterday - Amber's gym membership that she bought like 2 years ago and forgot - is still good until March - and only $99 a year to renew! She's definately going to use it - the local 24hr has a pool, free yoga, free water aerobics, and a very nice gym.

Now the question is - should I join? Forget the cost. But should I be adding more exercise variance to my training? Weights? Swimming?

I have a treadmill at home, obviously. And I love it. I'm going to be focusing in November on stamina, not distance - and so I'll be working on trying to do a MINIMUM of 30 minutes on weekdays and 60 on weekends. If not more. Speed will come - I just have to get used to going a long time.

But should I do M/W/F or something treadmill, and then on the off days, add weights?

I don't know what's going to get me to my goals faster. Perhaps I should consult a trainer. Couldn't hurt.

As for exercise today - I decided to see if I could up my speed from 4.1 to 4.4mph. It worked! I did 15-16 minutes at that speed. But my legs were SO tired after that...cool down and stopped at 20 minutes. I'm okay with it - got the heart rate up, and found out I can jog even faster...

B: Cereal/Bagel
L: Soup/Sandwich
D: ???? (no meal planning yet - going shopping on the way home from church)

And...A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO RAN AND FINISHED IN THE TOT 13K!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS!!!! GO TEAM VOICE!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!!

AATWTTMM?!?!!?

Yes - that's right. Next week we might just become All About the Window to the Magic Mouse Disney Podcast for a week. :) If you've listened to this week's show already - you'll understand the huge surprise I had in store for Bryan. If not - go listen!!! HURRY!!!

Did 20 minutes with Cruella today - man - max incline of 9.0. Only was about a mile - but man am I tired. Tomorrow we'll shoot for an hour (up from our 50 minutes last weekend).

MOUSEFEST ADRs

Here it comes - the first part of our MouseFest plans!!!

We check in on Tuesday December 4 - no ADRs. (quick service and/or concierge lounge)

Wednesday December 5 - 9:00pm - California Grill at the Contemporary in time for Wishes. How romantic! :)

Thursday December 6 - 7:30am - 'Ohana Character Breakfast at the Polynesian. YEAH! 7:00pm - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

Friday December 7 - 4:20pm - (you should know this one) - 50's Prime Time Cafe - and then straight to the ROCK'N MOUSE MEET!

Saturday December 8 - no ADRs. (quick service and/or concierge lounge)

Sunday December 9 - 7:30am - Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet at the Contemporary. M-I-C...K-E-Y....; 6:40pm - Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge - may I have more Ketchup please?

Monday December 10 - 6:00pm - Amber's favorite restaurant in all of WDW so far - the Coral Reef at Epcot's Sea's with Nemo and Friends. The only repeat dining experience from the honeymoon. (Note - we've never eaten at any of the rest!)

Tuesday December 11 - 2:20pm: Le Celier at the Canada Pavillion - SCOPA SPECIAL! This is part of the Candlelight Processional Package, with our show at 5pm.

Wednesday December 12 - no ADRs. (We leave around 3pm)

So - your thoughts? :)

Today:

B: Cereal/Bagel
L: Leftover Chickpea Feta Salad from last night
D/Snacks: 0 point soup, fruit, smart pop popcorn (it's poker night!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Mad as a what now?

So I did another short run this morning - this due to time constraints. I have to go down to Tacoma (about 1.5-2 hours drive in traffic) for one of my cases. Ugh.

But at least I ran.

Man am I tired.

But tomorrow I plan a little more sleep and a longer run. AND - tomorrow is day one of my MouseFest planning posts. Tomorrow I'll list for you the different ADRs we've set - and what dining establishments we plan to eat at.

How about you? Are you full swing into your MouseFest plans?

Did you know that you only have until November 1st to register for MouseFest?!?! You should go register now! You get a lanyard, pin, nametag, pocket guide mailed to you in advance, early entry to the Mega Mouse Meet - and more!!! Check out www.mousefest.org - and don't forget to list All About the Mouse as one of your Communities!

Plus - if you look at their buzz page, you'll find out that this blog made the page! How do you like them apples?!? Thanks Dave/Jennifer!!!

B: Cereal/Bagel
L: Sandwich (turkey), apple, 100 cal snack
D: Chicken and Chickpea Feta Salad (YUM!)
Dessert: Skinny Cow, if desired.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Coming Attractions

I know I've been a bit lax in my updating lately. Partially this is due to the two big cases I'm working on occupying a large percentage of the real estate in my brain. (No exercise today - will be back on the treadmill tomorrow - still have 6 miles - or more - to finish the Race for the Kate!)

But as we wind down the home stretch into them, and then out of them and into MouseFest - there's lots to discuss! Here's what you can expect in future days (starting as early as tomorrow).

MOUSEFEST PLANS: A day by day plan of our trip - including what meets I'll be attending, what parks I'll be at, and where we'll be dining.

HOLIDAY PLANS: What we're doing, where we're going, what I'm cooking, etc.

A NEW NOVEMBER CHALLENGE

SPONSOR LETTERS GO OUT NOVEMBER 1

MORE PICTURES

There you guys have it - stuff to look forward to!!! (I hope!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

313.0

How cool is my Huey ribbon?

Jeff W. created it to let me know I've achieved 1/4 of the half-marathon. When I hit the finish - the Donald medal will be waiting for me.

I want to thank you guys today for the outpouring of support from yesterday's milestone. It felt SO good.

Today's run was shorter partly due to time, and partly due to fatigue from yesterday - wanted to get the blood flowing, and seize the opportunity to keep moving. Longer run coming tomorrow (hey - I'm less than six miles away from my 30 mile goal)!!

Not sure what's up with my weight - it's doing it's see-saw thing again. I think it could be retention of something from the extra exercise yesterday - it could be stress over my trials (one of which is scheduled to begin in 2 and a half hours - although likely to start Thursday) - could just be my body doing it's thing. Who knows?

What I do know is that I'm going to really buckle down on the food side of things and finish out the month strong! I'm even going to end this month mid-week (since Thursday next week is Nov 1 - and really - which Monday do you choose?) - giving me about 9 days to kick myself into high gear and finish strong to send out my sponsor letters.

My MouseFest Trip: 43 days and counting.

B: Cereal/bagel

L: Sandwich (turkey); apple; 100 cal snack

D: Lean burgers, Oven Steak Fries, Veggies

Dessert: Skinny Cow

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Once Upon a Time...

...in a far off kingdom...lived a young man.

Alright - so I'm still on a fairy tale kick from yesterday. Before I get there, first a huge announcement:

Today I ran 50 minutes. But more importantly - I just...jogged. Only 9 minutes total of walking. And I did...

...wait for it...

3.333 miles!!!!

Are you impressed? I sure as heck was. It was like that finding a whole new gear thing. I just kept on going. And the next thing I knew - I'd run over a 5k race. I've hit a milestone, and just like that, ONE of my two goals for December 1 is surpassed.

Can I just say - I was literally crying as I finished. I realized that my life, as I knew it, is over. And that's a great thing!!! I have a new lease on life ready to be signed, and every step I take, and every pound I lose extends the terms of that lease leaps and bounds.

Yesterday we saw Steven Sondheim's classic musical: Into the Woods. If you've never seen it - go out and buy the PBS DVD of the production with Bernadette Peters and Johanna Gleason. Holy cow what a story. Laughter - tears - all rolled up into one fairy kingdom!

We had a nice day out - shopping - two nice restaurants (one for lunch - half turkey sandwich and some tapas for me) and dinner (pad thai). Not too crazy - and just enough to satisfy.

Can't wait to see what the next week brings. If I was able to smash one goal like that - who knows when the next will fall!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

More to Say

It's out there - in the distance - but it's out there. Can you see it?

When I said yesterday that I'd have more to say today - I wasn't expecting this morning to go how it did.

Here are a few tidbits to set the stage.

1) I've been working hard to cut down on snacking - but stressing about those cases I have - and doing the best I can - all the while - focusing on my goals for December 1.

2) I've been exercising more than ever - but still the 3 mile mark seems elusive.

3) I haven't been sleeping well. I'm exhausted most of the day. I start literally falling asleep at 9:30pm. (Am I getting older? UGH!)

So this morning I slept in a bit...will exercise Saturday/Sunday for long stretches.

But then I peeked at the scale.

And I'm up a bit. Not a lot - probably just some extra water being retained, but you know me. Now I'm freaked out.

We're doing dinner out tomorrow night, and what if I gain weight, and oh no - December is right around the corner, and I have committments to you all and to myself and to mousefest...and then the brain goes right to panic mode.

I'm trying to breathe. I'm trying to focus. I'm trying not to panic and send myself off track.

Disney people don't give up, right Rae?

I can do this - right Kate?

You guys believe in me, right Jeff?

Just a little TLC needed today - not tough love - just a pep talk. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

We're getting there.

It's almost my favorite time of year...

Not quite, but for me the Christmas/Holiday season officially kicks off November 1. Music is okay, decorations, and planning for MOUSEFEST!!!

Due to time contstraints, this is a shorter post - and I did a shorter run this morning - but I'm on track.

B: Cereal/bagel
L: Sandwich, apple, 100 cal snack
S: 100 cal snack
D: Chicken (grilled), rice, veggie
Dessert: Skinny cow if desired

I'll have more to say tomorrow, promise!! Love you all!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Remember - Dreams Come True

One Little Spark...of inspiration...

Had a great workout this morning. After taking a day off, my legs were a little stiff, but I started wogging through it. A little run - a little walk. Then my iPhone running mix hit the "Remember Dreams Come True" fireworks soundtrack...and I figured, hey - this is about 17 minutes - let's see if I can run through it.

And I did. And hit Mile 2.000 at 31:15.

As I was winding down at 35 minutes, I thought to myself - what if I ramped back up and went for my 3.0 mile goal? And honestly - had I a little more time this morning - I likely would have. That elusive 3.0 miles is getting nearer friends...much nearer.

I'm trying my best to combat old habits this week. See - I'm preparing for probably the two biggest cases I've ever had - one is going to trial next week - one in a few weeks - and I'm stressing. Not overly - but just enough to keep me sharp.

By the same token - when I stress - I nibble.

So I'm keeping water nearby and keeping music on to keep my mind focused, and keep me away from the snacks. I am not going to fail here. I'm so close to 60 pounds - and as close to 70. Those 200s are nearer every minute.

This weekend we're having dinner out one night - not sure where yet - but we have tickets to see a show at the theatre, and so - a nice date night dinner. Salad or chicken or something. But other than that - everything's on track.

B: Cereal/bagel
L: Lean cusine/friut/yogurt
S: 100 cal
D: Grilled lean pork chop, veggie, Cooking Light Pumpkin Maple Cream soup (new recipie - doesn't it sound WONDERFUL?)
Dessert if needed: Skinny Cow

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

311.2

Fourty-eight days until I leave for MouseFest.

Fourty-six until December 1st.

And now - apparently, in addition to my Beaches and Cream menu riding on my success in losing another 11.2 pounds and adding another half mile to my longest run - Kate, my dear wonderful friend, has decided to wager her MouseFest vacation on it too.

If I don't reach my goals of being 300 or less and achieving a 3 mile run, Kate has said she won't come to MouseFest, and will cancel her reservation.

Now - I have to say - this is super awesome motivation. But on the other side - a lot of pressure! I mean - sure 1.8 pounds a week isn't too bad and if I focus I should hit it fine - but suppose I get to 300.5? Does that mean I can't meet her? She'll skip her vacation?

Oh the pressure!!!!

But seriously - I hope Kate grades on the curve. If I put in my 150% efforts - and still don't quite get there - I hope she's still willing.

But just in case she isn't - I better get crackin'! :)

B: Cereal/Bagel
L: Lean Cusine, Yogurt, Apple
S: 100 cal snack
D: marinated chicken breast, corn, steamed veggies
Dessert: Skinny Cow if desired


Oh yeah - and in case you didn't know - I plan on making this decision easy for Kate and anyone else who wants to hold me to my goals. I'm just going to focus and knock them out of the park!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

There's Magic Everywhere

Yes, I slacked yesterday - but with good reason. :)

A very old friend of mine, Brian, was in town and hadn't seen him in like...gosh almost 8 years. And he and his wife were flying out - so I got up waaaaaaay early and had a nice breakfast with them at their hotel (egg beater omlette) before sending them off.

And then I ate out yesterday for lunch before my seminar. (Half chicken sandwhich - all white meat - and a cup of tomato soup).

Dinner? Sushi - light portion, and a small amount of vegatable tempura.

And then I realized it.

I'd eaten out all day. And...done pretty darn well with my choices!

Today's plan is significantly simpler. :)

B: Cereal/bagel.
L: Sandwich (hillshire farms 98% ff cold cuts)
D: Subway (12 inch subway club with LOTS of veggies on wheat bread)

And that's about it.

I did a short run this morning as we're about to recieve Ayla for the day to babysit. So tomorrow morning I am planning a longer run/walk session (at least 45 minutes).

So...Kate - are you coming to MouseFest or not? :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Celebration of the Month So Far

Last night was a blast! And quite "magical" even if I do say so myself! The highlight had to be a four year old girl tugging at my jacket, and when I leaned down to her, she whispered ever so sweetly...."Can I please see your magic, Mr. Magic?"

Awwwwwwwwww....

So - this month so far has been a success! I'm over 10 miles into the Race for the Kate (shorter run this morning due to time contraints) - and my meals have been relatively similar to my plans. :)

I think you sponsors may also get a VERY nice letter this month with a VERY nice number in it. :) Not that I've been peeking, mind you. ;)

We're less than 55 days from my trip to MouseFest - and things are moving along greatly! We're going to sit down tonight after dinner and review the meet schedule and see what we are going to plan for ourselves. How fun! :)

Meals:

B: Cereal and bagel

L: Lean Cusine, Yogurt, Apple

S: 100 cal pack

D: Pork, rice, veggie OR Chicken, corn, veggie

Dessert: Skinny Cow, if desired. :)

How's YOUR October going?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

It's a kind of magic...

Tonight, I get to be a magician.

No - really.

Okay - first of all - yesterday's meals had a slight change to them. I got home later than expected, and it was 8:30 before we settled in and decided to have dinner - so instead of our planned dinners (which would have needed 30-40 minutes to cook) we had scrambled eggs. :)

Today's plan:

B: Cereal and bagel
L: Lean cuisine of some variety
D: Unknown - likely a chicken taco or something similiar (see below)

No run this morning - took a day break....and overslept. :)

So - tonight I'm going on a cruise ship...sorta. A local harbor cruise. One of my good friends, Flounder, is having a party for his employees, and rather than hire entertainment, he hires friends. :)

I'm the roving magician tonight. I have my tricks ready and I'll load up my jacket and off I'll go.

How cool is that?

I'll tell you guys all about it tomorrow. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

I am Strong

Okay - so let's deal with a few things right off the bat from the last few days.

1) Meals: I've honestly just forgotten to blog them, with the confusion in the office, etc. But here's today's plan (note: I've already eaten breakfast)

B: 1 bowl Shredded Wheat, 1 bagel (cinnamon raisin)
L: 1 Lean Cuisine Chicken Panini, 1 apple, 1 Yoplait Light n' Creamy 100 cal yogurt
S: 1 100 calorie Kudos bar
D: either lean porkchop/rice casserole and veggies OR marinated chicken breast with corn and veggies

Likely I won't have dessert tonight as it's my later night at work...

2) The lack of a 60 minute workout this last weekend: All I can do is try again this weekend. 45 minutes felt great, except for a small blister that was forming. I need new shoes, I think. But 45 is the longest I've gone so far. This weekend I'm going to try for 60!

3) Am I spreading myself too thin? Yes, at times, but I'm actively working on it. I actually came to realise this myself last night. And I'm now actively looking for places in my daily life where I can save some time here and there, and have more quality time to spend with Amber, and on my goals. A few commitments is fine, but my primary commitment is to myself and my family.

Don't worry - I'm not even considering leaving AATM. What I am considering is perhaps not teaching Sunday School this Spring (I'm teaching this Fall), and taking a half-year off. Or perhaps not going to poker every weekend. And a variety of other little changes I can make to make more time for me and for us.

But - the theme today is that I'm a strong person. I have inner strength and am willing to transfer that to the outside to stay strong.

I had a great run this morning - and I'm pushing hard for December! I think the vacation will be a welcome change. I vow here and now not to run myself or my wife ragged at MouseFest. We're taking 9 days for a reason. So we can take our own pace and enjoy each other and the parks.

So you have my permission if you see me getting out of line to smack me upside the head! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

312.6 - POST 200

Can you believe it's post 200 already?!?!

Let's stop a moment and reflect.

200 posts ago I was 57.7 pounds heavier.
200 posts ago I could walk/run approximately 3-5 minutes.
200 posts ago I had a long road ahead of me and no sponsors.
200 posts ago I had not raised a single penny.
200 posts ago I had no idea I'd ever be getting tough love for not running more than 20 minutes.

And now - I have you guys - supporting me - sponsoring me - helping me.

I cannot begin to thank you enough.

I am rapidly approaching that sixty pound mark...and from there, it's just a hop skip and jump to seventy which is where I am going to be in 8 weeks. Period.

Running - I can do 45 minutes - and weekends will be reserved for longer runs. Weekdays are just to get me going and to get the heart rate up - and to work on pace. For now.

As we approach 2008, I know the workouts will get longer. The pace will get quicker. The weight will get smaller. And every day together - we get closer to Main Street in January 2009.

I find myself overcome with emotion today. Gratitude. Thanks. Love.

For my wonderful wife who will never give up on me.
For you all who refuse to let me give up on myself.
And...an odd sensation...but...

For me.

Can you believe what it is I'm doing for myself?

Sometimes I can't.

Thank you. Everyone.

Let's see what another 200 posts looks like! (tomorrow - pictures return!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Tough Love is Great

First of all - I did run today! 25 minutes (5 more than yesterday - for 1.565 miles).

Now - my heart rate was up, and it felt good. No excuses. I did a good run today. I'd like it to have been longer, and it will be in future days.

Let's talk about yesterday. You guys are awesome - I love the fact that you're willing to get upset with me if I'm making excuses or not reaching for my potential. I also fully recognize that in order to complete the half marathon, I'm going to need to get my time and stamina up. I like Jeff's suggestion of walking briskly for 45-1:00. And I'm going to start working longer workouts into my weekends, leaving my weekdays for my runs and trying to push distances further. Realistically right now, I can devote 30-45 minutes on a weekday (this will get longer as we go) - but on a weekend I can easily do an hour (if not more when we get there).

Trust me - I know that I need to work on time and endurance. And I am. I promise.

So this weekend - I'm doing my first 60 minute workout. Possibly TWO of them. I see the Big Picture, Jeff. I'm working on my heart, Kate. I promise!

This will be my last post until Monday's weigh-in though -we have to unhook the computer AGAIN to finish the painting. :)

Oh yeah - and Rae wanted food:

Here's today's plan:

B: One bowl Grape Nuts, One Bagel
L: One WW Microwave Meal (approx. 6 points), one apple (edit: fruit), one 100 calorie snack
S: One 100 calorie snack, if needed, desired.
D: Either baked pork chops with apples or chicken breast and chickpea feta salad (edit: it should be noted that with every dinner we have, we always steam up a bag of nice veggies)
Dessert: Skinny Cow, if desired.

LOTS of water.

And I'll tell you Monday if I did it! :)

Fear not, fellow friends, October has no real scheduled stumbling blocks - therefore, I expect to see a wonderful month. I've also decided, perhaps, since I can't get them out this weekend, to hold the sponsorship letters until November and send a two-month update. Your thoughts?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

One Little Spark

Of inspiration, is at the heart, of all creation!
Right from the start, of everything that's new,
One little spark,
Lights up in you!

As promised - I have posted mileage today. However - due to stomach issues (serious cramping last night and this morning) - I decided NOT to run - I simply did a good 20 minute walk at 3.4mph.

But here's the cool part - six months ago, I would have let the discomfort STOP me from doing anything, and stayed in bed.

I miss posting pictures here - but until the office is finished (hopefully this weekend) the computer is operating on bare bones for now. That also means no posts this weekend, as I have to take it all down again to finish the painting - but there will be pictures.

To address a few issues from comments - yes, I know I have to get up and exercise early - I can't do it evenings - cuz I just won't. But I'm back on track with that - and it's only going to get better. And yes, I think I'll be posting 3miles or more by the end of this month.

Using food as a reward is always a bad idea for me - although a great concept, Kate. And I've sort of been imposing that. If I don't exercise in the morning - I don't get computer time. No iPod updates that morning. No e-mail, no blog. That's punishment enough. :)

Frankly - I love coming here and talking to you guys - and I'm so tickled pink that you guys have stuck with me this far. We have some great short term leaps to make - and MouseFest is the deadline. We can do it! I know it!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Where did the sun go?

I used to wake up and it'd be bright - and I'd be awake.

Now the fall is here...and it's dark.

And this morning I made a critical mistake - my alarm went off at 5:45 and I decided to cuddle in my new duvet for about five more minutes.

An hour and fifteen minutes later...

Ugh.

That's something that I just can't do if I'm making the time to exercise.

But hey - you live and learn - it's early in the month - and I have plenty of time to make up for today....tomorrow for instance.

I'm also staying away from the scale except on Mondays. And just doing my thing.

Keeping the faith.

Playin' my part.

Doing my best.

Pluggin' for Main Street.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

314.5

Great news - and not so great - but great anyhow.

First of all: HAPPY BIRTHDAY EPCOT CENTER!!!

It's 7:04am, and I'm going out on a limb before anything is done there...the signs point to a major announcement. I have TWO predictions.

1) The park will be officially renamed "EPCOT CENTER"
2) Journey Into Imagination will go down for a major refurb to re-add Dreamfinder. (wishful thinking?)

We'll see.

Now - me.

I'm down 1.9 pounds for the month of September. Not a huge accomplishment, until you realize what I went through to get here...and now things are back on track - and I'm down 55.8 pounds. I'm 14.5 away from the 200s. And I'm running over 2 miles.

No running today, though. Wanted to bask in the glow of finishing the Jon-A-Thon.

So what now for October?

Glad you asked. I'm going to push harder - and shoot for 30 miles. Nah - forget "shoot for". I'm going to log 30 miles this month. And in honor of one of my first and most ardent supporters - we'll call October the Race-for-the-Kate!

Whatcha think Kate? Ready for a challenge? :)

No pictures yet - the office is half painted, and I had to just connect the computer to the internet finally - but the external hard drive is still unhooked. The hope is that the office here will be up and running by the weekend.

Welcome to October, my friends and supporters! Sponsors - your letters will go out next weekend (or shall I just wait until November to send them?)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!