Ten on Tuesday, August 31

1. I’m really fed up with dental insurance. My dentist left my plan and is no longer a preferred provider. I realize now that I should have asked before I made the appointment whether he was in my network, but damn, did it come as a surprise that my check up and cleaning were no longer 100 percent covered. Not even 50 percent covered. Ouch. Needless to say … I found a new dentist.
2. Today someone said to me, “You look so nice today.” And I just said “Thank you!” No self-deprecating humor, no explanation of how wrong they are … just thank you. Aging divorcee learns new tricks.
3. Speaking of divorces, my birthday is approaching, and you know what that means: the nine-year anniversary of the dumbest mistake of my life. Getting married on my birthday was a tactical error. Marrying Christopher was just plain stupid. Divorce is expensive because it is so very worth it.
4. My friend Eric’s sister’s boyfriend makes really good pizza. From scratch, even the dough. It’s delicious.
5. People occasionally make me stabby. Ignorant people, even more.
6. So remember awhile ago when my phone crapped out and I was all ready to go iPhone? Yeah. Now the damn Blackberry is working fine, and I can’t justify the cost of changing something that works fine. Could someone please run over my phone?
7. I am not a Blackhawks fan, but my nephew Alex is. This explains why I have signed both him and myself up for the Mad Dash to Madison, a 5k run (or walk, thank God) on September 18. The race is the kickoff for Blackhawks Training Camp Festival, and I think he and I will have an absolute blast.
8. For those of you playing the at-home version of our game, that makes three active events in my life this year – Relay for Life, Muddy Buddy and Mad Dash. Next year, the goal is to comfortably run a 5k, sometime in the spring. It’s a whole new Maggie.
9. There are moments throughout the course of any given day when I would give just about anything to be back home, snoozing in my comfy bed. This is one of those moments.
10. I am kicking off Labor Day weekend in a most unusual and fun way – Fish Fry and a Flick on the Milwaukee lakefront. They’re showing Zombieland, and serving (duh) fried fish, plus they’re having a lobster boil. Yeah, I thought it sounded like a good idea, too. Wanna come along?

10 on Tuesday, August 24

1. Four months from today is Christmas Eve. My favorite day of the year.
2. I do not have good posture. I've been trying to hide behind myself for years, with the mistaken impression that sinking will make me disappear. It will not. It merely makes me look old and hunchy. Working on that. Shoulders back, head up ... smile.
3. Paralysis. Again. I don't know why, but some times, I just can't bring myself to do things that need to be done. Case in point: before I posted this, I made myself call the orthopedic doc and my dentist to make appointments. I'm a few months overdue for the dental appointment, and I should have made the ortho appointment last week. I'm not sure why, but sometimes I struggle just getting stuff done. So here I am, keeping myself honest. For the record, I see the dentist tomorrow at 5:30, and the ortho guy on Thursday evening.
4. It is not a mosque, and it is not at Ground Zero. Because of the surrounding architecture, you won't even see the cultural center from the area we continue to call Ground Zero. There are strip joints closer than the not-mosque. Just because people say things loudly does not mean they are true.
5. A tortilla, a mound of yummy baby greens, some grilled chicken and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing. The perfect lunch, especially when work friend Lisa shares her red grapefruit. I didn't know red grapefruit was delicious. It is.
6. Does anyone know why the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer is shown on LOGO - the cable channel designed for lesbian and gay viewers? And furthermore, what's with "lesbian and gay"? Doesn't "gay" pretty much sum it up? Why is it necessary to have a special word for women?
7. Last night I slept really hard, but in stages. Woke up at 2 with my eyes crusted over; fell back to sleep and woke again at 4. When the alarm went off at 6:18, I had once again fallen into that deep, yummy sleep. I'd rather have it over the whole night, but either way, I'll take it.
8. I have made my Labor Day weekend plans! You guessed it - I'm returning to Lake Geneva. It's simple, it's close by, and I get to spend time on the water. Amber has promised to make me crab legs. Is it any wonder I keep going back?
9. It took a long time, but I really like water. Other than my morning coffee and the occasional adult beverage, it's pretty much all I drink. Sometimes, for a treat, I have Diet Coke. So when I think that my road to becoming healthy is taking too long, I remember little victories like this. It matters.
10. Got back from my lunchtime walk a little bit ago. We were chased by a skunk. Nope, not kidding. It was cute, and scared the bejabbers out of me.

Weekend Update

I realize I'm not on Saturday Night Live, but it was a packed weekend, and I didn't want to try and stuff it all into a Ten on Tuesday post. So here's my Weekend Update!

Friday night, I stayed home and did laundry. (Seriously, do I know how to party or what?) Saturday morning should have meant gym time, but instead I found myself monitoring my cat's digestive habits. (Thank me now for sparing you the details.) It was late morning when he finally proved he didn't need to go see the vet, and I started packing to head North to Wisconsin. After cuddling Benld and telling him he's awesome, of course.

On my way to Lake Geneva, I stopped to have my oil changed and my tires rotated. Now, that may not sound like a big deal to you, but I always feel like I've made an accomplishment when I take care of my vehicle. It makes me happy, keeping el guapo happy. Soon, I was on my way again, pulling into Lake Geneva just in time to make my 2:30 appointment for a haircut. I loved coming into town and seeing the Ferris wheel on the lakefront - a sure sign that my favorite festival, Venetian Fest, was under way.

After the haircut, I drove over to Amber's house and unloaded my stuff from the car. We said our hells, and I grabbed her bike to ride back toward the lake. I wanted to spend my early evening reading and enjoying the beauty of my little hometown-away-from-home. I curled up on a blanket and watched the clouds go by as I read. It was heavenly.

Amber and I went to dinner at Champs, home of awesome burgers and garlic Parmesan fries. Then, there was little left to do but head home, shower, curl up and read some more before falling asleep.

We both woke up pretty early on Sunday, which made it possible to fit a lot of activity into one day. First on the agenda? Breakfast at Egg Harbor. Mere words cannot describe my lobster/asparagus/tomato fritatta. I would like a bit more of it right now, please. It was breakfast perfection.

There was time to get a few hours in at the pool, so we took our books and big glasses of water out and got our share of sun. The pool at Chez Amber is so pristine, I always feel like I'm at a posh resort. Divine!

After all that activity (laying in the sun can really take a lot out of ya!) we took naps. Seriously - I fell asleep so cozily, and slept for almost two hours! When we got up, it was time to primp and head to Tim's mom's house for his going away party.

This is me, with Tim. He's adorable. Love that guy; I'm gonna miss him.

Tim is returning to Korea to teach. He likes it there. He'll be gone for a year. I love his thirst for adventure! I also love that his mom threw him a great party. Lots of food and music and people who love Tim; is there any better send-off?

When we left Mary's house, we headed for the lakeshore to see the water ski show. So much fun! It's goofy, but I totally love it. We watched for about an hour, and then headed to the second party of the day, at David's. We ate his food and then walked back to the lakeshore to watch the fireworks.

So freaking pretty! The Venetian Fest fireworks are the best in the area. We "ooohed" and "ahhhhed" throughout the display, and (of course) missed Kelly. Although Amber, David, Gene and Julie are wonderful company, fireworks without Patrick and Kelly is just a little off. Not bad, just different.

Anyhoo, when the fireworks were over, it was time to head home. An hourlong drive at 10 p.m. on a school night might not sound like a good idea, but it was totally worth it! When I got home, I showered off the insect repellent and got into bed, falling almost immediately to sleep. Then when I got up this morning, I headed out the door a little early, so I could stop at the grocery store on the way into the office.

Breakfast and lunch for the whole week - check. Good attitude - check. Feeling like I've had an amazing weekend - check. All is right with my world.

10 on Tuesday, August 17

1. August 17. Really? Kids are already beginning to head back to school. All my friends who are teachers are bemoaning the end of summer. How quickly it slips from our grasp!
2. My friend Angelicque celebrated her 40th birthday by throwing a big party, complete with yummy food, lots of friends and family, and the funkiest cake known to man. She also invited a lot of mosquitoes, and one of them bit me. On my big toe. Yes, I'm bitter about that. But not about the pasta; oh, sweet Lord, the pasta.


Me and Angelicque, as the party began to wind down.


3. I graduated physical therapy. I am not "done" by any means, but I had my last appointment today. There is still a lot of homework I'll have to do to stay on the road to healthy knees, but I'm on my way. A little nervous, but I think this might have been a turning point. That being said, I will be very glad not to have to get up at 4:30 a.m. any more to make it to a 6:30 a.m. appointment in Aurora. Makes for very long days!
4. I ate three tomatoes grown in my little container garden. May not seem like a huge accomplishment, but it's a big deal to me! They were delicious. I love that I just had to walk downstairs and pick them, slice them up and chomp. Divine!
5. This weekend, I will be attending a going-away party for my friend Tim, who is heading back to Korea to teach. I don't see him very often, but I will miss him very much. The best part is, this means I will be in Lake Geneva for Venetian Fest - great fireworks, and maybe even a corn dog! Woot!
6. Tomorrow night is tapas with my theater friends. Tony actually found a place that serves all-you-can-eat tapas for $19.95 per person. Considering the fact that my share of a tapas dinner generally comes to about $60, this is a bargain. They may regret offering me this deal.
7. I want a massage. Actually, I would really like a full day at a spa - massage, pedicure, facial, maybe a yummy salt scrub. Alas ... poverty.
8. Totally love having cable. I've been watching a few shows with the "On Demand" feature, and I totally love Psych (seriously, could Dule Hill be any cuter?) and Drop Dead Diva. Can't get too crazy, now - I'm not the type of person to sit and watch for hours - but I must admit, it's nice to come home and just relax for an hour at night, have a few laughs and be entertained.
9. With the weather cooler this week (meaning, not 90 degrees and humid) I may bake something. Doesn't banana bread sound good?
10. I'm intensely grateful for my friends and family. Sometimes life feels tough, and I just need to cry and flail, or sit on my pity pot, or mope. Sometimes, it's all three. And you let me, as long as I need to. Then, you help me up and push me forward. It's good, knowing you're there, with all that faith in me and stuff. I'm a lucky girl.

The inner thoughts of the North American Maggie

It's been a tough week, with a lot of time spent on my Pity Pot. My knee isn't healing as well as I'd like, and after last weekend's performances, it's actually gotten worse. The work is really hard - both at physical therapy and at home - and I'm not sure I'm seeing progress. This makes me sad. I want to feel better. I don't expect the knees of a 20 year old, but maybe 30? 35?

Anyway, on top of all that, photographs were taken at the two performances I was in last weekend. I am in several of them, and there isn't a single one that makes me happy. I feel like I am the fattest, ugliest person in every room, no matter where I go, and now there is photographic evidence to support my theory.

I've never been what I call "traditional pretty" ... but I didn't see myself the way these photos show me, either. I look like an ugly man in drag. It's sad.

So I shed a few tears, and then just came around to accepting it. If that's what I look like, well, fine. I'll be the best damn fat ugly girl you've ever seen!

This morning, I woke up with plenty of time to make it to the gym, and yet I lay there, trying to come up with a good excuse. My knee hurts. I'm tired. One more week won't kill me. And then I remembered that Linda won't be there on Thursday, and I don't want to miss seeing her, and I had already told Simone I would be there ... so I got up, got dressed, and went to the gym.

My friends there love me, and they treat me so nicely. I shared a little bit of what has been troubling me with Linda, Simone and Mama Dee, and they could not have been more wonderfully supportive. I love them. They motivate me just by breathing.

And ya know what? I had a great workout. Before class started, I did my PT on the BOSU - those half-ball thingies that test your balance to the very limit. Yeah, I have to stand on them on my bad leg for as long as I can. Did pretty well, in fact. Then, I did an hour of strength training, followed by an hour of spin. Great classes, tons of calories burned, and a few yummy endorphins to banish the naughty self-talk, if only for a little while.

So that's where I am. Hopeful that I can get over the hump, that my injury will get better and that I will continue to get healthier. And grateful for the people who care about me enough to encourage me to keep going when I'd rather take a nap.

10 on Tuesday, August 10

Lots going on. Lots on my mind. Guess it's time to get it all down in writing, huh?

1. There is no better feeling in the world to me than completely nailing a song, and I did that on Saturday night. In the second show of the Summer Showcase, I served up a rendition of "When You're Good to Mama" that gave me chills. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, buckle up.
2. I met some incredibly kind and talented people during rehearsals and performances of the Summer Showcase. This is by far the most amazing cast I've ever worked with. Everyone brought their A-game, and yet they were incredibly humble and kind. What a treat.
3. Therapy is going okay. Today, my left glute feels like someone is stabbing it constantly with an icepick. Oh, muscles ... why must you speak so loudly?
4. Sleep and I are not getting along. Sunday night, I think it was because I wasn't at home, so I was out of sorts. Then Monday night, I'm all cuddled up in bed and ... watching ... the ... clock. Sleep kept blowing me off. I'm over-tired, and my body is just not cooperating with me. Soon, I will curl up and find the happy. I hope! Tonight I'm planning to go to the gym and just get myself tuckered out. Then it'll be home, bath and zzzzzzzzzzz ...
5. I have not had a good hair day since June. Ahhhh, humidity.
6. I am not as foolish or forgiving as I once was.
7. Venetian Fest in Lake Geneva is coming up in a few weeks. I think I'm going to take a long weekend and head up there. And maybe go up again over Labor Day weekend. I need to sneak myself a little vacation, somehow. Either that, or save it for the end of the year and just take December off.
8. My stapler is really heavy. I believe in weaponized office supplies.
9. I have still not given myself a pedicure since the Muddy Buddy. That is at the top of my "Things to Do This Weekend" list. Well, that and go to the gym Saturday morning (I've missed my routine!) and possibly take myself to see Eat, Pray, Love. No, I'm not above taking myself out on a date. I may treat myself to dinner, too.
10. I was so looking forward to life slowing down this week. Now that it's happened, I'm a little sad. Wrapping two shows in the same weekend left me with a bit of a hole, and I don't want to fill it with chocolate, so I think I'll try yoga. Again. Seems like a healthy alternative, no?

Standing in the Wings

I used to be incredibly active in theater. I would go from rehearsing one show to another ad nauseum, often overlapping and never missing a beat.

Okay, rarely missing a beat. Seldom missing a lyric.

As I've gotten older, I've intentionally stepped back. It's harder now. It takes a lot of energy to step into the spotlight and turn yourself over to the crowd, working with everything you've got to entertain them. Which explains why I am completely exhausted as I write this.

I spent my weekend rehearsing and performing three shows for two separate theater companies. And while I'm glad I did it, I am equally glad it's over!

Friday night found me rehearsing for the Summer Showcase with Liberty Town Productions. My friend Dustin Helvie recruited me for this show, a musical review of Broadway over the past 50 years. I sang "When You're Good to Mama" from Chicago, and sang duets of "Easy Street" from Annie with my new best friend Tim and "What is This Feeling?" from Wicked with Abbi. Plus there were three group numbers the whole company performed - "The Time Warp", "Seasons of Love" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."

We rehearsed Friday night and all day Saturday, from 9 a.m. until about 5:30 p.m., with breaks for food. Then, shows at 6 and 8:30. This cast was incredibly talented. I loved listening to them sing as much as I loved performing myself. It was a little bit magical.

Kelly drove up from Carbondale to see the show, and I gotta admit, it was amazing to have her in the audience. Because I don't do this very much anymore, it meant a great deal to have someone rooting for me. And willing me to remember all my words.

By the time we ended the last show, I was a marshmallow. My brain was done. It was time to sleep.

And do another show on Sunday! This time, it was with old friends and new annoyances. But my focus was on my old friends. Maybe it was my near-exhausted state, but I was blown away by some of my incredibly talented friends. I really hate The Sound of Music; it ranks among my least favorite shows of all time. But when my friend Julieanne sang, the tears came. Lots of tears on Sunday, actually. Hearing Patrick sing "If You Believe" from The Wiz, and then the all-out weepfest that was Curt Parry's rendition of "Never Met a Man I Didn't Like" from Will Rogers Follies. I just couldn't turn it off.

Curt taught me everything I know about my voice. No one has ever made me work harder musically than that man, and I will always be grateful. Not that I think I have a perfect voice, but I have the voice I have because Curt taught me how to get it. He always treated me with dignity and respect, and always appreciated what I brought to the table ... and all of the admiration I have for the man spilled from my eyes as he sang.

This time, I was surprised to find not just Kelly and Ed in the audience, but my Amber, too. She came down from Wisconsin, sick as a dog but full of love, because she wanted to see me perform. The effort my friends made this weekend just blew me away. It mattered, and I appreciate it so much.

So while the show will never go down in history as one to entertain the masses, it had great meaning for me. It brought me back to where it all began - literally, because we performed on my high school stage - and left me comforted by voices from my past which were now blissfully part of my present.

And when it was over, when the final bows had been taken, I stood in the wings, looking out onto that stage where so many memories have been made. Sometimes, you can go home again.

Ten on Tuesday, August 3

1. Gas is expensive. I'm learning this the hard way, as I'm driving a lot these days. Back and forth to Aurora twice a week for physical therapy isn't cheap. Thankfully, Rice-a-Roni is cheap! I can always cut the budget in some areas to make up for shortfalls in others. Aging divorcee learns new tricks!
2. Yesterday was a wonderful day. Sure, there was the usual Monday work stuff, but after that I went to Physical Therapy, and then stopped at my dad's for a visit. I got to mooch a little dinner and hang out with Dad and Mike for a bit. Alex and Kathie had to run out to get Alex a pair of shower shoes before he leaves for camp on Thursday, and as I was saying goodbye, Alex told me he'd say goodbye to me when I came back after PT on Wednesday. So, I'll be making another trip to Dad's (which means mooching another dinner - see how the budget works out?) because Alex really seems to want me to. Nothing makes an Auntie feel better than knowing her shining light loves her back.
3. After visiting Dad, I called my sister Jenn to tell her I really liked Bernie's potato salad. She politely informed me that she, not her husband, made the potato salad, and asked me to stop over at her house to pick up a yoga block she was holding for me. So I made my way into the woods ... and ensured myself that I would not need to buy produce any time soon. Potatoes, peppers and tomatoes, straight from the garden. I'm going to make the most delicious stuffed pepper when I get home from the gym tonight!
4. To those who are tired of hearing it, I apologize, but I gotta say again - MUD. So much fun! And I've lost count of the mosquito bites. Yowza, getting up at the ass-crack of dawn makes you a veritable buffet for the nasty blood-suckers!
5. This weekend is show weekend, and after that, a much-needed return to normalcy. Not complaining - I like being busy, and I'm having a blast - but it will be nice to settle down a little bit.
6. I think I have a cold. Woke up this morning with a very dry throat, and I've been sneezing my fool head off. Here's hoping my voice is happy for the weekend!
7. The best job in the world? Fairy Godmother. Not sure how to score that gig, but damn, that would be fun.
8. My mind tends to wander, sometimes in the middle of the conversation. I'll be talking with someone about a vitally important topic and hey, did you see that butterfly?
9. I am ready to upgrade my phone. My plan will allow me to upgrade. And yet, I wait. I'm going the iPhone route, after waiting several years to drink the Kool-Aid, but my (sad, pathetic) Blackberry still works fine. In the new financial reality that is my life, I simply cannot bring myself to upgrade simply because I can. Again, aging divorcee learns new tricks. Maybe a birthday gift, from me to me? That may be the best idea yet.
10. Getting to the gym these last few weeks has been challenging, but I haven't missed a Tuesday night class. That feels good - making time to get there, even if it's just one night. I'm supplementing with near-daily walks with co-worker Lisa at lunch time, which serves a dual purpose. We get a little exercise in, and we return to the office sweaty, thereby keeping people from spending too much time with us in the afternoon. Win-win.

A very dirty story

I did it. I set out to finish the race without injury, and I did it. It took Team Inconceivable one hour, 46 minutes and 28 seconds to cross the finish line, but let's face it - it was never about the time. It was about challenging myself to try something different, and I did that.

I entered, participated in and finished the Muddy Buddy Relay on August 1, 2010.

It was an amazing day. I was scared out of my mind. We arrived at 6 a.m. amidst incredible fog. I couldn’t see the Randall Road exit off of 90 when I was on the exit; that’s the kind of fog we’re talking about. I took a few minutes to mentally prepare, got out of the Jeep, put the front wheel on the bike and made my way to the race site. The event took place on Indian Hill Horse Farm in Gilberts, IL. We’re in farm country, folks. Watch where you step.

I got into line to register and waited for co-worker Mike to arrive. He and his wife, Emily, were coming in from Chicago, so they had a bit more traffic (and the same evil fog) to contend with. Soon, we had signed our waivers and were registered, we got our free t-shirts and goody bags, and it was time to get in line. We were in wave 10 of 17 total waves, and I was having an anxiety attack. What if I couldn’t do it? What if I embarrassed myself, and my friend? What if … ? Fear will do that to ya. I looked around and realized I was one of the larger competitors, and decided not to let it get to me. We are all just people. Our stories are different, but the person who crosses the finish line first is not all that different from the one who crosses last. I was just there to do my best. At that, I cannot fail.

Soon, our wave was at the front. I had to pee, but that’s nerves for ya. The airhorn sounded and I got on the bike, only to encounter an immediate huge mud puddle. And I mean MUD. Gucky, mucky, suction to take off your shoes, mud. I rode through it, hearing Emily’s sweet voice from the sidelines cheering me on. She’s taking pictures of me riding this bike, I thought. Great. The world can see my chunky self. I won’t care if I finish!

Off I went. Soon we were on blissful paved road, and I though, p’shaw – I can handle this. Then we came to hills. Way to go, smart ass. But I trudged forward, quads burning. Determination, thy name is Maggie.

When I got to the first obstacle, it was time to dismount the bike and leave it for Michael, who ran the first leg. And then, it was time to climb a wall.Yeah, I said it. I CLIMBED A WALL! Up and over, and down the cargo net on the other side. It was like a seven-foot climbing wall that you’d find in a gym, with the little toeholds along the way. Yeah, I did that. Felt great. Then, it was time to begin my first running leg.

I thought I was going to die. My shoes quickly got muddy, so it was like running with an extra 10 pounds ... but I kept going. I thought I was going to die. I thought my lungs were on fire. Just before I got to the second obstacle, I contemplated quitting. But then, I wouldn't get to say "I did it". So I kept going. And breathing. And moving through this mucky waterlogged soil direct from hell. Finally, I came to the second obstacle.

Time to do my best military crawl, under nets on my belly. Fun, until I hit my head on a pole. I have a goose egg! I was looking down, because if I looked forward my helmet would get caught on the net above me. And the indoor/outdoor carpet beneath the nets was really scratchy (says the girl who would shortly be covered in mud). Oh, well ... on we go.

Got back on the bike, only to realize that I am not an accomplished off-road cyclist. Tall grass, wet ground, and more than a few twigs and rocks made for slow going, and a great portion of this leg I simply walked the bike. There was just no way I could bike it without endangering the other cyclists. Or runners. Or wildlife. When I was able to, I hopped back on for more of the sick burning quad workout, but most of this leg was just not passable for me on the bike. But that was okay – my goal was not to be perfect. My goal was to finish.

Mike met me before the third obstacle with a glass of water. We took a moment to catch our breath, and then it was time for me to watch him hop on the bike and get back on the trail while I tried my luck on the balance beam. I got up onto the damn thing and just did not feel steady. Remember, my feet at this point were still covered in slimy mud! So I looked at the volunteers and hunky EMTs at the end and asked what would happen if I didn’t complete the obstacle. They waved me forward … so kind! And I was off running again.

Running? Stumbling, panting, praying and running. And walking. And wishing I’d trained just a wee bit harder. But I kept moving forward. Amazing people encouraged me as they passed. “You’re doin’ great!” they’d say, or “You can so do this!” My favorite though was when I was tackling this wooded, hilly area (and secretly thanking God that Mike was on the bike now and not me) and making my way gingerly down a super-steep slope. I was going pretty slowly now, just making sure I didn’t fall, when a woman came up behind me and said, “You’ve got this. Let’s jog down together.” It really filled my soul with confidence. It was a great feeling, knowing that so many truly gifted athletes just wanted everyone to finish.

Fourth obstacle? An inflatable wall with a slide down the other side. We had to climb up what was about a big damn puffy wall via a cargo net type thing. I stared at it, wondering if I could do it. And then I stopped wondering. It wasn’t the time to think about it; it was go time.

I stepped up … and realized that the first rope “rung” on the cargo net was higher than my waist. I had to pull myself up before I could get a foothold, and I did it! Up up up I went, until I reached the top. And let me tell you, the breeze I made on my way down was incredible. From here, I knew I’d make it.

I found the bike and hopped on to finish the last mile, which was mostly – blissfully – paved. Until the end. When I had to dismount and carry the bike while I walked through a long, long, long mud pit. And I did that, too, keeping the bike as clean as possible. Others were just dragging the bike through the mud, but it wasn’t my bike; that wouldn’t have been cool.

Shortly after that, it was time to drop off the bike and find Mike (hey, that rhymes!) to complete the final obstacle – the mud pit – together. We met up, and took a few minutes while I caught my breath. It would have been sad to pass out in the mud pit! And then, sploosh – it was time to get dirty. We laughed the entire way through, even when I accidentally stuck my face further into the mud than I intended. BLARGH!

When we came out at the other side, we crossed the finish line and each received a much-needed energy drink. Sheesh, what a way to spend a Sunday morning! Emily was there to meet us and take the “after” photos, and both she and Mike were incredibly supportive of me. Mike was a great sport through the whole morning, never minding that I wasn’t the fastest partner on the course. I felt tired and lucky.

Finally, it was time to find the beer garden and relax while the fine people at Goose Island provided our complimentary (really, they told me how nice I looked!) beer. Cold and delicious … at 10:15 a.m. But when you’ve been up since 4, one beer isn’t that far out of the realm of normal.

As we got ready to part ways, that overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed over me. I did it. With the help and support of amazing friends, I did something I wasn’t quite sure I was capable of. There’s nothing quite like trying something completely outside your comfort zone and realizing you’re capable of it.

And we’re already planning to do it all again next year.

See the album on Facebook for additional photos.