CASA Graduation

Tonight was the grad. ceremony. The speakers were President of CASA Board of Directors, Capital Action (put together the volunteer books), and one of the judges. It was cool overall and I'm happy that I'm part of this. We took pictures as we went up to get our pins and certificate. Talked to Dad and he is loving the GPS, said he reads the manual in the bathroom and walks .9 miles. See ya..

Marathon Run #28 (3 miles)

Total time- 32:10. Did this one at the gym. Nice and easy pace ~10:30 min/mile. Relatively easy but the knees are a bit tender. Just got done icing them down. Took a break at 1.6 to start matching breaks at San Diego marathon. It feels good that this was pretty easy. Along way from my first few training runs where I was worried about the knee giving out. Thursday is seven mile run and the weather looks crappy. I'm hoping I can do it outside, it's boring doing runs at the gym. I finally did do some weight stuff last night (back & bis) and it feels good to be a bit sore today. Tomorrow is CASA graduation- excited about that. That's it.

Marathon Run #27 (13 miles)

Total time- 2:08:52. Under a 10 minute mile. Weather today was good, sunny and in the 60s. Aircraft were departing to the South so they were taking off over my head, very cool. I went to Mass this morning and felt pretty good about how this past week has gone. Came home, hooked up the Ipod to charge for the run and did some grocery shopping. I bought a hydration pack for the run. Put keys, ipod, and two vanilla gels in the pack. It worked out pretty well. Overall, the run was easier than I thought it would be. The last mile was tough but I felt pretty good. I've showered, stretched, eaten some cereal, and am now icing the knees. I'm going to take a nap soon..

B-day Dinner & CASA

Had dinner at Marakesh. Great food and a belly dancer w/ a sword. Joked about pasties and the 10 foot lobster. Very funny.

I had my last CASA class yesterday. We talked about report writing (Rebecca who is my supervisor), the CASA org, and a summary given by Donna. The summary was pretty emotional and touched on alot of the things I wanted to do. She told stories about CASAs leaving, a letter from a 12 yr. old CASA, and a song written by a CASA after a CASA chld died. I felt really good afterwards and am looking forward to my first case but am still terrified. Graduation is on Wed.

Need to run 13 miles today but when I got up today my knees were still sore. I hope this works out....

Marathon Run #26 (3 miles)

Total time- 0:30:15. This was brutal. I was sore from yesterday's run, so this might not have been a good idea. I ran on the curtis trail this time. The good news is that it had some great hills which will be good training for SD marathon. The bad news is that I was losing the GPS signal and I was in alot of pain. I hope I get enough rest for Saturday's half-marathon.

I got a cool suprise at work this morning. They lured me in w/ an ORD meeting and it was a spot award for SFC markings. The whole team was there (except for JG) and it was nice to be recognized for everyone. Illini playing tonight so I'm hoping for a big win.

Marathon Run #25 (6 miles) & CASA

Total time- 1:04. Left work around 4:30. It was a nice day today. Sunny and in the high 60s. This run was tougher than I thought it would be. The knees and legs were tender from my run on Tuesday at the gym. Like always, I wasn't really getting into the groove until about mile 3. Got stuck by lthe stupid ights again on the way back which screwed up my time. Icing the knees down right now and watching poker championships.

CASA last night was about poverty and its effects on families. The speaker basically said to treat families with respect and dignity. The second speaker talked about developmental stages of children which I thought was interesting. Learned that it's normal for kids to be scared of strangers around 2 yrs old since they are becoming self-aware. Emailed JM my rec. letter and he faxed it to CASA. Poor Rebecca, she spilled her coffee when I called her to request the rec. letter. One more class on Saturday and then graduate next Wed. Terrified!!

Marathon Run #24 (3 miles) & CASA

Total time- 30:10. Ran at the gym w/ pace of 6.3. A bit harder then I expected, think it's because of the 12 miler on Sunday. Just got done stretching and watching the end of Independence Day.

CASA training last night was about..mmm having trouble remembering. That's why I'm doing this type of stuff. Anyway, at the beginning the speaker talked about hearsay and what information we have access to as CASA and how to talk about it with different people. Also, there was alot of discussion on disclosures. There was also some brief skits on interviewing where they gave example interviews with a Mom (funny) and a social worker. The last bit was the story of Amy and how everyone might have a different view of the situation but we as CASA are supposed to bring it all together. I emailed Kev the websites and I think he would be good at it. He emailed me and MC, EC, and D about having a B-day dinner at Marakesh. Sounds like fun and I think we're going to do it on Saturday. A

At work today, had one of those what the hell am I doing and/or I have no clue what I'm doing here (take your pick) moments.

Marathon Run #23 (12 miles)

Total time- 1:59:46. Just about a 10 minute mile pace. I definitely have to get a hydration pack. It's too hard fumbling with the fanny pack to get my drinks and I'm wasting energy messing with it. The gatorade fell out once and I also stopped for a bit to put the bottle back in. I'm going to get one this week. Overall, it was brutal. The wind was strong and it was at my back on the way out but right in my face on the way in. It slowed me down alot but I think it was good overall to experience that. I was hurting at the end and had my doubts but I got it done. Icing the knees down right now and watching TV. Illinois is up 49-33 over Cincy at halftime. Sweet.

Marathon #22 (3 miles)

Ran 3 miles in Virginia Beach at the gym. Was there to watch EC run the marathon. She did great and I'm very proud of her. K was a litte tired so I helped him drive. The Ps and LC came and suprised her. That was very nice. Had a celebration dinner tonight at MC w/ everyone. Tomorrow is (gulp) a 12 mile run. We'll see how it goes.

CASA

Got home from CASA around 10. Talked about interviewing and conflict resolution skills. Long day briefed SDF on lighting project and got home around 5. Now I'm going to sleep.

Marathon Run #21 (6 miles)

Did this run outside and it was a brutal!! Total time- 1:01, just over 10 minute/mile. Left work early (3:30) and temps were in the 30s w/ a slight drizzle/freezing rain. Never could quite get in the groove. I think it was because of the cold. Also, dropped the Ipod and the collar broke so I had to stop to put it in the fanny pack. Also, legs were rubbing together which was kinda painful and definitely annoying. Also, I need to figure out a better way to avoid the lights. Got home jumped in the shower, just got done stretching and now going to have some Ravioli. Going to call a cab around 6:30 for the trip to SDF. A little hectic but I'm glad I was able to get the run done. Talk to ya..

Marathon Run #20 (3 miles) & CASA

Left work early today to get my 3 miles done. Went to Gold's again and got the run done in 30:45- just a bit over 10 min/mile. I didn't get a chance to stretch before or after and also no ice for the knees. I did just get done stretching at home though so I hope that will keep the injury gremlins away.

The CASA training was very interesting tonight. The first speaker talked about cultural diversity but it was her first time and I could barely hear her from the back of the room. There was a bit of controversy when someone asked why kids come to school not knowing English. Someone up front said this was sterotypical, and that in fact, families do want their young ones to learn English but life in a new country can be overwhelming. Oftentimes, there is no previous education, no money, and a bulk of the effort is spent just trying to survive so learning/teaching English gets low on the list.

The really intersting talk was the second speaker. His introductory bio was amazing and he was president of a bunch of committees, on TV and radio. It seriously took a couple of minutes to go through everything he had done. Made me feel like a bum. His main point was to keep the kids in the family even if there is alot of "craziness" there (his word). One girl mentioned how her sister was taken into foster care temporarily because of some locks the parents put on the door. She took crack cocaine while in foster care and the rest of her life went downhill. Point being much more damage can be done in foster care then in trying to keep the family together. He also said he believes in the majority of cases of sexual abuse both spouses are aware and should be blamed (e.g., don't accept the excuse I didn't know what he was doing). Also, he cautioned against providing too much personal information as it can be used against you, literally (he said he was driven off the road by someone who figured out where he lived). It was all alot to think about since your gut instinct is to take the kid out of this environment. He convinced me this is often NOT the right thing to do. His other bit of advice is to not be judgemental and just focus on the facts (e.g., why aren't you going to therapy).

Marathon Run #19 (7 miles)

A little chilly today, in the 50s. Total time: 1:10:15- just a shade over for a 10 minute mile. I took a break evey 1.25 m and that is working really well. I was able to run really hard at the end and was pretty tired but went OK overall. I did a much beter job of planning the run so it ended just a block or so away from the condo. Not alot of people out today because of the chilly weather. The planes were landing over my head again which was cool.

Watching the Illinois/Wisconsin championchip game. Illinois is getting housed right now (24-11 5:25 1st). Feel good enough to go climbing again tonight. I'm going to ask the folks if we're ready to go outside now. Also, was thinking today about extending my membership. While I'm thinking about it was hard to get up for Mass today. I stayed up till about 2 last night just messing around. I did eventually go and I'm glad I did, feel better overall. That's it...

Caps Game

Went to the Caps game last night which meant no 3 mile marathon training run. That's Ok though, my body needed a break. The game was cool- Blackhawks won 4-3. They had some funny close-ups on the kiss-cam. We had some pre-game cocktails at Fado's and then went to Jaeilos afterwards for some Sangrias. 3 pitchers worth. I was a bit tired for the prevention works RV today and took a nap. Anyway, while drinkng Sangrias, JH told a funny story about "fear factor" and seafood. PW was interesting today. Chris forgot the RV keys so we had to go back to his place, ended up being about 40 minutes late for the first stop. I did some yelling at the Caps game last night and now the throat is sore again. Oh well, tomorrow is 7 mile run so shouldn't be too bad. Also, Illini is playing championship game at 2:30 so I need to be back by then. See ya...

Marathon Run #18 (5 miles)

Not a bad run, did it at the gym. Total time- 53:20. Brought some Gatorade and took a break every 1.25. I finally got in the groove around mile 3 but was feeling tired aroud 4.5. It was strange to be feeling tired with only a five mile run but I think it was psychological. Icing the knees now. Talked w/ MC about seeing EC run the marathon. I'm leaving work on the 19th around 12 to do the roadtrip.

The CASA training was pretty intense last night as well. We had a sexual abuse counselor talk to us as well as a Foster care worker. She was funny as well and had some sad stories. Like I said, this is all intimidating but I will try my best.

Marathon Run #17 (3 miles)

Total time 31:20. This was at the gym and it was a bit rough.

Marathon Run #16 (10 miles)

Total time- 1:46. Definitely better than the 11 mile pace I was shooting for (1:50). Another awesome day for a run sunny and 50s. The planes were landing over the trail again but timing didn't work out quite as well this time. I tried taking a break every 1.25 m and it worked really well. I was able to run strong at the end and didn't feel too bad at all. I've gotta work out better timing though to make sure I'm closer to home when I get done with the run. This time I got the 10 m done but had to walk for a bit to get back home. Once I got home, I stretched, iced, took a very brief nap, showered and went rock climbing. I enjoyed climbing tonight did the red 5.8 overhang (second attempt) and also did the V1 bouldering blue route.

I talked to CR yesterday and we are going to do the adventure race in September. I re-read the Post article and am intimidated (what else is new). Anyway, it's a go but we need a third team member. I'm going to ask EC if she's inerested. She's got crew experience which will help the canoeing piece. I also talked to JC on Saturday and we are going to plan a backpacking trip for July in August. That should be cool! I saw Rachel last night for dinner at MC's.

Marathon Run #15 (3 miles)

Total time today 31:20. I'm still taking a break every 1.25m and it seems to be working ok. Just got done stretching and sitting here watching Star Trek. The afternoon at work today was pretty much a waste after about 2:30. I was so sleepy and just spent the time surfing. Talked to MC and got a room reserved to watch EC run her marathon. MC is bringing the parents in to see EC run. That's pretty cool. It's looking like things are a go. All the pieces seem to be working well together. I'm sore here and there but nothing unusual so far. Gotta go eat..

Marathon Run #14 (5 miles)

Today I left work early (~4:00) and headed to Gold's to run the five miles. Total time 54:30, so I'm still averaging about 11 minutes miles. The run was good but I didn't really get a chance to stretch before or after the run. Showered at the gym, got a bite to eat at Starbucks, and then headed to the CASA class. An attorney briefed us on the legal stuff but she had alot of sad stories too. We also learned how the cases go through the system. I still feel a bit humble and intimidated by the whole thing because I really can't screw this up. Got home around 10:30 and did my leg stretches so I hope that helps avoid the whole injury thing. That's it.

Marathon Run #13 (3 miles)

I did a real quick run at the gym. Stretched for a few minutes and then headed straight to the gym w/o any warm-up. I hope I didn't cause any serious harm to the legs. Total time 31:30 pace 5.9 and then pace of 6.0 at 2.5 miles. I did try something different with a break every 1.25 m instead of 1.5. Not sure if it makes any easier. Anyway, came home quickly, showered, and then went rock climbing with Susan. Shoulder is hurting a bit but can't resist climbing. I was able to get the white "squiggly" route after a several attempts, Susan got it on the first attempt....ironic but funny. Throat STILL HURTS!!! That's it...

CASA

Attended the initial CASA training session last night. We did fingerprinting, standard introductions of everybody (hate those), and then they briefed us on roles and responsibilites. It was a large group, around forty something. THere was someone there from work. She is in MITRE 1. I'm excited but not sure what I'm getting myself into and don't want to mess up since we're talking serious stuff here. This is no foolin'. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the training. I have a few chapters to read before Thursday's class.

Wx outside is awesome. I may see if I can sneak out early to run my 3 miles. I need to do the run and be at climbing by 7:30. We'll see. See ya..