Overwhelmed

I am a homeowner once again- the closing went smoothly - so good that I promised to invite the current homeowners to the housewarming party. It did take 3 hours- which I found to be a bit lengthly to say the least! On the plus side- I brought $3,000 too much money which will be nice to have that little bit of money extra.

Last night I went over to the new place and kind of surveyed the place-- there is alot of work on the painting and moving - what a chore- I just have to remind myself that i have all this next week off of work to get it done.

Overdue update.

On the road again, and again, and again. Last week was the big trip downstate to Peoria and then St. Louis--- I have included pictures of the world famous St. Louis Arch and a lovely Illinois interstate route-- and the Cardinal's Baseball stadium in St. Louis.

I had kind of a crazy weekend- I helped Megan paint her new pad on Saturday and then on Sunday ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K run - which I am proud to have run in 51 minutes and 9 seconds- I am happy with that pace and will continue training hard for the marathon.]I was so happy waking up on Sunday and finally seeing the sun and I was ready for the run-- then on the way to the race- the bus I was riding BROKE DOWN--- can you believe it -- I ended up being so late that I was literally running to the starting line. I didn't even have time to stop and check my backpack- needless to say I felt pretty dumb running the whole race with my backpack on.

Presently I am retiring for the night in Des Moines, IA-- how fabulous is that. I had a great day of sales calls and then got a very nice run in with the 75 degree temps outside. Spring has sprung in the midwest and it is a very welcome thing.

I close on my condo this Friday and then I am taking a week off of work to paint and move (and likely sneek in a Sir Spa massage in there somewhere!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day-

Hello everyone- It has been a very busy couple of weeks for me. Last weeked I had a conference in Cincinnati, Ohio- which was very cool- since my cousing Niki and her husband Jason welcomed their new son into the world- I was very happy to meet my newest relative. I then was able to visit Columbus and hang out with some good friends (Ray, Helene and hew fiance Mike, and Alan). I then went north to Kenton for a family visit - I took Monday and Tuesday off to spend some extra time with the family. I had about 24 hours of normalcy until some work friends Shawn and Renee came up to Chicago for my first St. Patick's Day- we painted the town green- Today I have been pretty draggy and tired.

I did get to vist Megan's new condo today- I really like the large windows- they will have a ton of natural light!!

Have a great evening.

Cincinnati Trip

Hello from the Queen City- at least I think that is what they call the place-- I am here for a 5/3 Bank Coference- or in the business world what is known as a 24 hour drinking party. I am very proud of myself- I just drank iced tea last night- I am trying to cut down the alcohol since I am running for the marathon. Besides I will save the liquor for good times- like Monday night shopping and dinner with Dawn- what a great Mojito!!! YUM!

The drive down was uneventful- dropped Trevor off at the folks- Mom had a stomach flu and was not feeling well.

Cousin Niki had her baby boy on Wednesday- he is well- and here in Cincy- so I will stop and visit them before I head home. I understand she had some complications at the very end- but she is doing well now- just spoke to her on the phone- but a few prayers are always needed.

This Hotel- is amazing- it is the Hilton Netherland Plaza - it is an Art Deco Masterpiece- I was very amused to read the history and find out this was one of Elvis Presley's favorite hotels- fit for a King and me!

I hope to start a series of photos from the road- from the dashboard of my car-- so you can see all the excitement i witness on a daily basis. I have some snapshops from Iowa I hope to share soon.

This afternoon I had the best run along the Ohio River in 65 degrees and sun- it was wonderful.

Weekend Update.

It was a busy but good weekend- lots of chores and such had to be done. Tonite I feel at ease- the chores are done, my business work is caught up (or as caught up as I can possibly be), and I am an overall happy camper.

It will be another busy week this week- my new boss is coming to Chicago and traveling with me Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday and Friday I have a conference in Ohio- I am then taking Monday and Tuesday off to spend some time with the family in Ohio and play with the nephews-- look for photo opportunities to be posted soon.

I am getting really excited about the new condo- things are coming along nicely. I have a mental picture and plan for what I want to do when I get the keys.

OK- off to bed.