Friday, January 26, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Name Game
When we were expecting Darcy, choosing a name was not an easy task. Eventually we narrowed things down to a few shorts lists for either sex and after much negotiating we agreed on Darcy.
This time I think we're going to have a bit more fun. Like getting Darcy to approve suggestions. I had a good friend write with an idea, which I think is brilliant, but Sue is less than convinced. Sue asked Darcy about a different name and we let her decide which one she liked better. It went pretty much like this:
S: Darcy what name do you like better for the baby; Lucy or Omegatron?
D: Omegatron!
I think that settles it. Omegatron Titcombe, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
This time I think we're going to have a bit more fun. Like getting Darcy to approve suggestions. I had a good friend write with an idea, which I think is brilliant, but Sue is less than convinced. Sue asked Darcy about a different name and we let her decide which one she liked better. It went pretty much like this:
S: Darcy what name do you like better for the baby; Lucy or Omegatron?
D: Omegatron!
I think that settles it. Omegatron Titcombe, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
Monday, January 15, 2007
And then there were two
I took a little heat at home for only being willing to throw out one pair of running shoes. So I took a leap of faith and threw out two pairs. Both pairs of Asics (#1 & #2 pictured) are now gone. A bit of a sad day...
Another thing that there'll soon be two of is children for Sue and I. You can read about that here.
And another thing that there'll be two of is Sue's cousin Glenn running two races in two days, also known as the Goofy Challenge. First a 1/2 marathon (21 km) and then the very next day a full marathon (42km). You can read about that craziness here.
Another thing that there'll soon be two of is children for Sue and I. You can read about that here.
And another thing that there'll be two of is Sue's cousin Glenn running two races in two days, also known as the Goofy Challenge. First a 1/2 marathon (21 km) and then the very next day a full marathon (42km). You can read about that craziness here.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Running Shoe Anonymous
Hi, my name is Nick and as this picture displays, I may have a problem. When it comes to shoes, everyday shoes, I own four pairs; one pair of winter boots, one pair of casual/dress shoes, one pair of every day runners (I don't actually run in these) and one pair of work boots. The work boots are issued to me and are only ever worn to and from work, so those don't really count.I do, however, own a lot of running shoes. Some people would say that I have too many pairs. I probably have two many pairs (yes, very clever, I know...). But I can defend almost all of their existences. As you can see I have six, count 'em S I X pairs of running shoes and most of them are used frequently and only for running. Most of them...
What is perhaps the most disturbing part of my problem is that I know when I got them, how many races they've been used in, what the longest distance is that I ran in each pair and how many total miles/kms are on each pair. Oh, and I can tell you any of that off the top of my head.
Here's a partial index for you:
Pair #1: Asics Gel 1090: Apr 05 - 500km total (retired - now used only to cut the grass)
Pair #2: Asics Cumulus: Jan 06 - 465km total (retired - about to be disposed of)
Pair #3: Saucony Grid Pheonix: Jan 06 - 376km total (racing shoe for 06 - still active)
Pair #4: Adidas Tundra: Apr 06 - Used only for walking (still active)
Pair #5: Saucony Azura LC: Jan 07 - 3.2km (racing shoe for 07)
Pair #6: Adidas adiStar: Jan 07 - 5km (trainer for 07)
I know I'm not the only runner who is a little too obsessive about their shoes, I expect to hear some support from of you!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Good to know
Darcy was telling us about her day tonight during supper.
D: Bradan picked his nose and ate it.
N: That's gross.
D: Yea, that's yucky. I did it to my ear.
N: Did you eat it?
D: No, I put it on the blanket.
D: Bradan picked his nose and ate it.
N: That's gross.
D: Yea, that's yucky. I did it to my ear.
N: Did you eat it?
D: No, I put it on the blanket.
Monday, January 01, 2007
New Shoes
If you notice my sidebar, you'll see that I've started my distance counters over again. It's a new year, time for new counters. I'm not going to predict how far I'll go this year, but I do hope it's farther than last year.
One thing that remains the same is that I got two great deals on running shoes. I was really happy with the Asics Cumulus that I had last year, but they're dead now, after nearly 500km, 
and causing me some heel pain after 3 miles. I also used Saucony Grid Pheonix for shorter distances (less than 10km) and that pair is still going strong at about 380km. But since they're too firm for long distances I needed a pair of good cushioning shoes. Unfortunately, there were no Cumulus in my size, so I went with the Adidas adiStar Cushioning.
and causing me some heel pain after 3 miles. I also used Saucony Grid Pheonix for shorter distances (less than 10km) and that pair is still going strong at about 380km. But since they're too firm for long distances I needed a pair of good cushioning shoes. Unfortunately, there were no Cumulus in my size, so I went with the Adidas adiStar Cushioning.Since I know that the Pheonix won't last me the year, I got a pair of Saucony Azura LC. They are 
racing flats. A light weight shoe that is designed to have the absolute minimum cushioning and stability necessary to get you through a shorter race (10km or less). A big plus is that the bare bones nature of the shoe will increase my foot strength and my feet will be stronger longer. That's the theory anyway. Some people are able to adapt to using this sort of she during marathons and say that their feet feel less tired than when they use regular trainers. We'll have to see...
racing flats. A light weight shoe that is designed to have the absolute minimum cushioning and stability necessary to get you through a shorter race (10km or less). A big plus is that the bare bones nature of the shoe will increase my foot strength and my feet will be stronger longer. That's the theory anyway. Some people are able to adapt to using this sort of she during marathons and say that their feet feel less tired than when they use regular trainers. We'll have to see...Tuesday, December 26, 2006
She's gifted
We're home from our little trip to visit family for Christmas. It was nice. A quick couple of days, but nice to see everyone and catch up. I hadn't seen some people since before going away for three months, so there was a fair bit of catching up to do.
It doesn't really need to be said, but Darcy is extraordinarily gifted, at least from my point of view. This trip she proved that she has an undeniable for having to go to the "baff-yoom" right as we're passing the last rest stop on the voyage. She did it Sunday afternoon and laughed about it all the way to her grandparents house, "Woo hoo, I have a stinky bum!"
She had a blast playing with her cousins, eating garbage and staying up way too late. Last night we managed to get her to bed at a relatively normal time and she slept for nearly 12 hours. When I went in to get her this morning I was immediately engulfed in two distinct smells; poop & vomit. She claimed that she hadn't pooped, but said she had a scratchy throat (while whipping her face off on my shoulder). My theory was that the smell of toxic poop her diaper had forced her to choke on her own filth. She was fine for the rest of the day. Eat well, played hard and had a solid nap.
On the drive home tonight, right as we were passing the final rest stop, she declared that she had "pee and poop". What a gift. And then she pooped. I find out later that even if we had stopped, it would have been too late. She wasn't upset by the dirty diaper and we were within 20 minutes of being home, so we pressed on. As we got about 5 minutes from home, the smell of toxic poop again forced her to choke on her own filth and she spewed all over herself, her blanket, her car seat and her brand new Dora doll. But she was remarkable calm and patiently waited for us to get home. As I was getting her out of the car she said, "Oh no, what a mess I made. Oh no, look at my Dora." But we got her cleaned up and put her right in bed and she never even shed a tear.
Sue can't sleep because she's worried D's going to be sick again tonight and I'm on midnights. So I should be sleeping now to prepare myself, but I can't sleep either. I'll pay for this around 4am...
--------
UPDATE (12/27)
Well, I was wrong about two things. One, I was paying for not sleeping closer to 2am. Two, Darcy must actually be sick because she was up from 4:30-6:00am with Sue throwing up again. This kid is so needy, geez!
The tally last night was something like:
Sets of sheets: 2
Pillows: 3
Pyjamas: 3
Hours Sue slept: 3.5
It doesn't really need to be said, but Darcy is extraordinarily gifted, at least from my point of view. This trip she proved that she has an undeniable for having to go to the "baff-yoom" right as we're passing the last rest stop on the voyage. She did it Sunday afternoon and laughed about it all the way to her grandparents house, "Woo hoo, I have a stinky bum!"
She had a blast playing with her cousins, eating garbage and staying up way too late. Last night we managed to get her to bed at a relatively normal time and she slept for nearly 12 hours. When I went in to get her this morning I was immediately engulfed in two distinct smells; poop & vomit. She claimed that she hadn't pooped, but said she had a scratchy throat (while whipping her face off on my shoulder). My theory was that the smell of toxic poop her diaper had forced her to choke on her own filth. She was fine for the rest of the day. Eat well, played hard and had a solid nap.
On the drive home tonight, right as we were passing the final rest stop, she declared that she had "pee and poop". What a gift. And then she pooped. I find out later that even if we had stopped, it would have been too late. She wasn't upset by the dirty diaper and we were within 20 minutes of being home, so we pressed on. As we got about 5 minutes from home, the smell of toxic poop again forced her to choke on her own filth and she spewed all over herself, her blanket, her car seat and her brand new Dora doll. But she was remarkable calm and patiently waited for us to get home. As I was getting her out of the car she said, "Oh no, what a mess I made. Oh no, look at my Dora." But we got her cleaned up and put her right in bed and she never even shed a tear.
Sue can't sleep because she's worried D's going to be sick again tonight and I'm on midnights. So I should be sleeping now to prepare myself, but I can't sleep either. I'll pay for this around 4am...
--------
UPDATE (12/27)
Well, I was wrong about two things. One, I was paying for not sleeping closer to 2am. Two, Darcy must actually be sick because she was up from 4:30-6:00am with Sue throwing up again. This kid is so needy, geez!
The tally last night was something like:
Sets of sheets: 2
Pillows: 3
Pyjamas: 3
Hours Sue slept: 3.5
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Happy Birthday to me
I turn 32 today. It was a good day, I worked the midnight shift and came home to hear Darcy say, "Happy Boofday Daddy" she was pretty excited for me. Then she said, "My boofday is June 6!"
Somehow I fluked my way into having the 25 & 26th off, not bad for the rookie. So were headed out of town to see some family.
Somehow I fluked my way into having the 25 & 26th off, not bad for the rookie. So were headed out of town to see some family.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
And I quote!
My dear wife and I were recently discussing books to read. She said that she could recommend a couple that she knew I was going to like. On Dec. 13, 2006 at 1337, referring to one book, her exact words were, "It's not like Pride & Prejudice, it's good stuff."
She tried to take the words back. But at last I was able to uncover the truth; Sue is not the P&P fan that she claims to be. Now we're going to have to change Darcy's name.
She tried to take the words back. But at last I was able to uncover the truth; Sue is not the P&P fan that she claims to be. Now we're going to have to change Darcy's name.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Never a dull moment
*** Warning, this post is about a 2 1/2 year old pooping.***
Today Darcy was on the toilet, pushing her brains out. As usual, she needed to have a book read to her to accomplish the task at hand. So I was reading about Baby Pluto following his nose, but she kept getting distracted and was forgetting the task at hand. I asked what I thought was a simple question and the following conversation ensued.
N: Darcy, did you do your poops? Where did your poops go?
D: I dunno. Did you take them?
N: No.
D: Did Mommy take them?
N: No. Are they still in your bum?
D: Yes, I will pull them out (tries to put her hand under her bum).
N: No honey, push them out. No hands.
Today Darcy was on the toilet, pushing her brains out. As usual, she needed to have a book read to her to accomplish the task at hand. So I was reading about Baby Pluto following his nose, but she kept getting distracted and was forgetting the task at hand. I asked what I thought was a simple question and the following conversation ensued.
N: Darcy, did you do your poops? Where did your poops go?
D: I dunno. Did you take them?
N: No.
D: Did Mommy take them?
N: No. Are they still in your bum?
D: Yes, I will pull them out (tries to put her hand under her bum).
N: No honey, push them out. No hands.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sorry kiddo!
Tonight's Daddy-Daughter night, while Sue is at work. We were playing some silly games, like where she throws the mini-nerf football off my head and laughs like a maniac or when she says, "Don't laugh Daddy." And then I laugh and she laughs. Good times.
She also asked for a horsie ride and climbed on to my back. We took a bit of a ride and then she decided to get off. But before I could let her, she did a back dive and landed on her toy telephone, head first. The bruise came up within a minute. She's going to look like football player tomorrow.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
PASS
I'll save you the suspense; I passed.
However, it's a total hollow victory. Four of my classmate did not and I feel like I've lost family members. This morning was the worst few hours I've ever been through, seeing people disappear was unreal.
Thanks for your support during these last three months. Big thanks go especially to those who helped Sue while she was alone. I'm just glad that it's all been worth it.
I just wish it felt better than this.
However, it's a total hollow victory. Four of my classmate did not and I feel like I've lost family members. This morning was the worst few hours I've ever been through, seeing people disappear was unreal.
Thanks for your support during these last three months. Big thanks go especially to those who helped Sue while she was alone. I'm just glad that it's all been worth it.
I just wish it felt better than this.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The Waiting Game
So it's all over but the waiting. I find out my results Wednesday morning, hopefully by 10am. If all goes well, I graduate Thursday and start work back home on Monday.
I'm not going to lie. Yesterday was the most stressful day of my life. Although I'm reasonably sure that Wednesday morning will surpass it, up until this point, I've never been as nervous as I was yesterday. I know that a lot of my classmates feel the same way, so at least I know we're all feeling the same way.
It's time to let it all go now. Sue and Darcy arrive this afternoon and Sue and I are going to see Elton John tonight. That will be a great time and, for the record, it is her birthday present, so that has to earn me some big points in the husband of the year category.
ps: I switched to the new version of blogger (I'm sure you could tell). Now chalk full of beta-goodness.
I'm not going to lie. Yesterday was the most stressful day of my life. Although I'm reasonably sure that Wednesday morning will surpass it, up until this point, I've never been as nervous as I was yesterday. I know that a lot of my classmates feel the same way, so at least I know we're all feeling the same way.
It's time to let it all go now. Sue and Darcy arrive this afternoon and Sue and I are going to see Elton John tonight. That will be a great time and, for the record, it is her birthday present, so that has to earn me some big points in the husband of the year category.
ps: I switched to the new version of blogger (I'm sure you could tell). Now chalk full of beta-goodness.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Ironman Florida
Yesterday was Ironman Florida. Several people from Windsor made the trek and competed. I found a few of their results and as if completing an Ironman isn't sick enough, they did it some disgustingly fast times.
Matt Gervais: 9:45:49
Mark Kloppenburg: 9:58:40
Shelley McKee: 13:52:20
World class guys! That is amazing.
Matt Gervais: 9:45:49
Mark Kloppenburg: 9:58:40
Shelley McKee: 13:52:20
World class guys! That is amazing.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
No time to blog
I'm into the home stretch and I've barely had any time to read email, let alone think about blogging in the last week or so. The next week doesn't look any better. I write my final exams next Thursday and Friday.
Congrats go out to the recent marathoners, Glenn (4:21) and Krista (4:43) in Toronto and Jake (3:34!) in Detroit. Great job. Well deserved.
Since the stress level of the final exams is building in my life, I've taken to running on the treadmill (gasp!) to blow off steam. Tonight was an exceptional steam blowing session. Another new personal best: 5km in 19:44 (3:57/km or 6:21/mile). It felt good.
Hopefully after the exams of next week I'll have time to blog.
Congrats go out to the recent marathoners, Glenn (4:21) and Krista (4:43) in Toronto and Jake (3:34!) in Detroit. Great job. Well deserved.
Since the stress level of the final exams is building in my life, I've taken to running on the treadmill (gasp!) to blow off steam. Tonight was an exceptional steam blowing session. Another new personal best: 5km in 19:44 (3:57/km or 6:21/mile). It felt good.
Hopefully after the exams of next week I'll have time to blog.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Meeting Goals
One of my New Year's resolutions was to run 700km. It was a bit of an arbitrary number, based on what I had run last year and was hoping to increase this year. I met that goal last week. I've swam almost twice as much as last year, but being away from home has killed my cycling and I'll fall about 600km short of my goal. I think if I really push it, I might be able to get to 1000km, but the early morning darkness is really killing my long runs.
Yesterday, I went for a 10km run and set out at what felt like a fast, but comfortable pace. In the end it turned out to be a 43:02 run (6:55/mile), crushing my old PR by 44 seconds. I never felt like I was working all that hard and my heart rate didn't even get as high as when I've raced. Woo hoo!
Yesterday, I went for a 10km run and set out at what felt like a fast, but comfortable pace. In the end it turned out to be a 43:02 run (6:55/mile), crushing my old PR by 44 seconds. I never felt like I was working all that hard and my heart rate didn't even get as high as when I've raced. Woo hoo!
Hard Week
This has been a hard week. Darcy had a few break downs after her Papa left and Sue has to deal with it all herself. I just can't consider my being here to be fair to her, even in the smallest degree. I just really feel that I should be at home now. And on Tuesday I very nearly decided that it was time to pack things up and leave. Being away for 9 weeks has gotten to me and I want it to be over.
Fortunately, I have the most amazing classmates and several of them could tell that I was not myself before I even had the chance to tell them. We just know each other well enough to know when something is wrong. In the end I had a break down myself and again they were there to pick me up and to talk me away from the cliff. Some of the best advice someone gave me was, "If you quit now, you go home with nothing and this has all been a waste. If you stick it out, you go home with something. You've got to go home with something."
I'm feeling better about life, but still wish this was over. I had the first round of final exams today and feel that I totally rocked them. Two more weeks of learning, a week of exams, a week of orientation.
Fortunately, I have the most amazing classmates and several of them could tell that I was not myself before I even had the chance to tell them. We just know each other well enough to know when something is wrong. In the end I had a break down myself and again they were there to pick me up and to talk me away from the cliff. Some of the best advice someone gave me was, "If you quit now, you go home with nothing and this has all been a waste. If you stick it out, you go home with something. You've got to go home with something."
I'm feeling better about life, but still wish this was over. I had the first round of final exams today and feel that I totally rocked them. Two more weeks of learning, a week of exams, a week of orientation.
Friday, October 13, 2006
It had to happen
Groups start their training sessions roughly every two weeks. The group that is two weeks behind me got their exam results today. I remember how stressful it was sitting, waiting for your turn to get the results. But, obviously, I passed and was very relieved.
Things didn't go as well for a couple of people and they were escorted off the premises. I saw some of their classmates and every one of them looked like they had seen a ghost. They were relieved to have passed, but blown away by the reality that their friends weren't coming back.
On the bright side, I have now finished 8 weeks. I have 3 weeks of learning left, 1 week of exams and then a final week of orientation before heading back home!
Things didn't go as well for a couple of people and they were escorted off the premises. I saw some of their classmates and every one of them looked like they had seen a ghost. They were relieved to have passed, but blown away by the reality that their friends weren't coming back.
On the bright side, I have now finished 8 weeks. I have 3 weeks of learning left, 1 week of exams and then a final week of orientation before heading back home!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Marathoners
A quick shout out to Glenn & Krista (Sue's cousins), who are running the Toronto Marathon this Sunday. Go get 'em! You've trained hard, now race harder. A few short, mind you possibly painful, hours is all that remains between you and a lifetime of bragging rights.
Also to my former co-worker Jake, who makes his run at a Boston qualifying time in Detroit on October 29. Have fun Jake, but don't forget to change your clock that night! It would sort of suck if you were an hour early (or would it be late? I never get it right). I seriously hope you make it. That would be amesome.
Also to my former co-worker Jake, who makes his run at a Boston qualifying time in Detroit on October 29. Have fun Jake, but don't forget to change your clock that night! It would sort of suck if you were an hour early (or would it be late? I never get it right). I seriously hope you make it. That would be amesome.
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