Relax: make or become less tense or anxious

Finals are over and grades are posted.
Painting is finished at the new house.  Some flooring is placed, cabinets are in, some lights are in and although I am feeling more relaxed I am still very anxious to move and be settled.  Life has been so chaotic and I need to get back to some normalcy.

Parker had a hockey tournament in Detroit Lakes this past weekend.  I only made it to the game today because my mom and I were busy painting at the new house.  Our team took 4th place with a tough loss today 3-2 against Detroit Lakes.  We play them again in a week and a half or so and revenge will be ours, all ours.

Madelynn had a sweet surprise this weekend when she walked into her soon-to-be-bedroom and saw the colors she had chosen for her room to be.

So bright!  And, it will go great with her bed set and all the fun things we will hang on the walls.
I want to send a BIG thank you to Katie for borrowing us your ipod, screwdriver, ladder, saran wrap, and the key to your home just in case we needed to use the bathroom.  I appreciate it so much!!  Thanks for stopping by and giving your encouraging words and breaking up the day/nights for me!  Painting on Wednesday night until almost 3:00 AM was not fun and without the music I would have literally lost my mind!

The other amazing thing that happened this weekend was yesterday when we made it back home, there was a very special gift waiting at our front door.  Inside...

A Christmas tree!  You see, our Christmas tree is in storage, likely not to be found any time soon and Kay didn't think it was right for us to go through Christmas without a tree.  So, thank you Kay!!  Madelynn was so happy and excited to decorate it and was rearranging the bulbs again today.  As you said, she will keep it and put it up in her room every Christmas to remember this Christmas and the love and joy you have put into her heart and ours.

In case I don't blog before the Holiday, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

My 4 Words

1.  Ecstatic
Ecstatic is how I am feeling about running.  My foot has been feeling better and so this week I have run a few times. I am still not up to par but am going to just ease into it in hopes of starting training next month.  No long runs for me yet, but I will get there!
2.  Distressed
Distressed is how I am feeling about the progress of our house.  Although it is very exciting as well to see the progress of it, it is also very stressful to make sure you have everything that you want and to know that they are doing a good job of building it.  My mom came to town on Friday and spent the night.  We shopped both Friday night and for about 7 hours on Saturday for lights and a kitchen faucet.  Yes, hard to believe but the fact is, once you really know what you are looking for it is very difficult to find and then to actually make a decision!  My mom was ever so patient with me and when 3:30 rolled around I was shot and just wanted to go home!  When we got back to the house we sat down and went through numerous paint samples trying to figure out what color to do where.  After about a half hour of that I just wanted to be done.  My brain was mush...could not continue...

3.  Pained
Pained is how I felt when I realized that Monday was Halloween.  I have class on Mondays so I was truly crushed when I was not able to take Madelynn trick-or-treating.  A big thank you to Katie for being so kind to let her tag along at the very last minute.  She was so excited and brought home more than enough treats to share with all of us!  Although I wasn't able to do the trick-or-treating on Monday, we were able to spend some time together as a family on Friday night at Microsoft.  Plenty of entertainment, food, and fun for the kids!  Here are a few pics from that night.

 Yes, that is Parker...not grandpa!

 Look!  It's Bat Girl!

What a great family pic, huh?  

4.  Encouraging
I pick encouraging for my fourth and final word.  I choose this because I am feeling very good about school.  I now can see the light at the end of this journey that I am on.  I realize that I only have about a year left before I can do my internship and I will be on my way to bigger and better things!  Also, I figured that since I do see the end of my bachelor degree, why not start thinking about masters?  Looks like I could maybe do this in a couple years too?  Only time will tell!
Until next time...keep running and keep smiling!

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." – Theodore Seuss Giesel

On October 8th our family finished moving into our temporary house that we are calling home.  Although it was a hectic weekend, Jason and I still managed to run the Fargo Mini Marathon.  It was a nice break to say the least!  The morning was what I would describe as "perfect".  Our good friend Katie was so gracious to pick up our packets for us on Friday night and drop them off at our home and even offered a ride to the race the following morning!  Katie and I ran the half marathon together the whole way.  It was not only great weather but also great company.  It was a nice change of pace for me to have a "running buddy" that I could chit chat with; the time flew by and we had a great finish.
My mom was so helpful with the move.  She stayed back at the "old" house and cleaned things up while I brought loads to the new house and stuck around for the "cable guys" while they took two hours to get us hooked up.  She also spent a great amount of time unpacking things for us and trying to help us organize a little here.  A big thank you to Rick for stopping by and answering their questions so they could get started.  Mom also went along with me to pick out flooring, counter tops and stain, along with features of cabinets, faucets and just about anything you can imagine!  It was rather overwhelming but it was nice to have her there.  The kids also enjoyed her spending the night and sleeping in their new "camping" spot! 
We still haven't really unpacked too much.  We tried to bring with us the bare minimum so we don't have as much to move back out when we move into our home we are building.  It has been challenging in a smaller space but couldn't appreciate it more.  A big thank you to Vicky and Rick again for letting us occupy this home for a short period of time!!!
The day of the Fargo Mini Marathon I hurt by foot...not sure if it was both the run (in my "free" shoes) and the jumping out of the truck...but I have been unable to run without pain for over 2 weeks now and it is "killing" me!  I finally went to the doctor last Sunday because my dear friend Becky talked me into it and was so kind to go with me.  I honestly couldn't ask for better friends!  After some shopping and of course dessert (Tutti Frutti) we went to the walk in clinic.  After reviewing the x-ray the dr. told me that there was a spot but he didn't think it was  a fracture.  The remedy...wrap it and DON'T RUN.  If I was a cryer I would have been crying right about now!  It is still bothering me somewhat but have now started to take some drugs to help with the pain and any inflammation that I am not able to see...perhaps in my ligaments as it was diagnosed as a sprain. 
School and work have been crazy busy as always and have been barely staying afloat in each aspect of my life.
The day before all this, Saturday, we went to the Cobber homecoming football game with Katie, Isaac, and Maggie and Madelynnn got her face painted.
Then we went up to a Sioux game before our own hockey season starts.

Just one comment.... GO GOPHERS!!!!  The game against Maine ended in a tie...

  This past week I did end up taking off on Thursday to run errands and hang out with the kids.

We baked some pumpkin-shaped cupcakes....
Got the oil changed in the car, picked up mail, brought Peach for a haircut and bath, exchanged Parker's violin and got Parker to hockey practice...Phew!  I also managed to get in some homework!
Although life gets hectic...we are still all hanging in there.  I hope to take some photos of our house being built to share...if I'd ever remember my camera!
Until next time..

Future

"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time."
– Winston Churchill

This describes how I am feeling the last month.  It has been a while since I last visited my blog.  I know when I started my intentions were good, but time is such a precious thing and one thing that I lack.
Plans have been underway and decisions are being made about the sale of our home, where will we live?  Are we going to find a home?  Are we going to build a home?  If we build, where will we be?  And where will we live until it is built?  I have so much to pack and so many unanswered questions that I feel as if I am in a constant whirlwind just trying to find the calm.  But, as those of you that read this know me, I do like chaos to a certain degree, just not with this much uncertainty.  My family and friends have been great supporters and I thank them for that.  It has been such a rollercoaster of emotions from one day to the next.  Then added into all that are the classes I am taking.  My Monday and Tuesday nights I spend in class to 8 and 9 o'clock PM respectively.  The other days are often filled with either football or soccer or studying for my third class that I am enrolled in on-line.  This 9 credit workload is tough, but I will make it through.  In between figuring out our current residence and the 9 credits, I am of course trying to start packing.  This has been a huge chore but I find that it is often a nice break from homework for once.  I guess there is one positive way to look at it!  As Churchill said, one link at a time!
Running of course has been on the back burner for the most part.  I have not had very much mileage lately although I did run the Dick Beardsley half marathon this past Saturday.  It was not the best race I ran that is for sure but I did surprise myself with the time that I was able to complete it in.  The 3 H's are what really killed me the most above training I believe.  The Heat, Humidity, and Hills!  Nonetheless I survived and am hoping to do the Fargo mini next month.  I'm trying to recruit one of my friends, yeah, you know who you are!  I hope she will run with me! 
I am now ready to enjoy the best running weather and it is what I have been waiting for!
Until next time...

MIA

Well, I sure feel like this whole summer has gotten away from me!  Training has been lacking and so I am here to say why...   So, let me back up a little...
July 4th weekend was great!  We spent part of the weekend at my mom and dad's place.  It was great weather and great company!

Amanda (my brother's fiance) and Madelynn

Jan and Donnie my aunt and uncle

My cousin Jake

My uncles Doug & Danny

My aunt Diane with Madelynn getting ready for fireworks!

Diane & Madelynn ready for the show!

Phil, my baby bro

Me and my Grandma-a TRUE Twins fan!

And the absolutely gorgeous sunset as always at the lake.

Madelynn with her sparklers

Parker with his sparklers

The next day out in the boat with Grandpa (my dad)

The cutest fish face I'll ever see! 

Not only catching fish.....

but kissing fish too!

Peach digging the boat ride and fishing trip as well.

Me trying to show Parker how it's done!  He was only catching weeds...poor little man!

Ready to get wet!

Monday, July 4th Jason, Parker and I ran the MSUM 4th of July 10K.  It was Parker's first 10K.  Although I can now think back and laugh about it, he was very crabby pretty much the entire race.  His headphones didn't work out for him and kept falling out of his ears.  The humidity was BRUTAL even at 7:30 AM!  I tried to sing to him at one point of the race and he flat out told me to shut up!  Then it was time for me to change his focus.  I told him there was NO WAY that the girl in the green shirt in front of us was going to beat us.  So we eventually passed her.  Then kept focusing on the next person.  It was home stretch and we were almost finished.  Jason met up with us on our last stretch to the finish line.  We were both glad to be done.  Parker turned out to be the youngest kid that ran the 10K, and he did a great job especially for not listening to me and actually training!  He took 3rd in his age group and received a $5 gift card to Bennigan's.

Of other big news our house is officially on the market to sell!  It is exciting and nerve racking all at the same time!  Kelli Dronen has been so wonderful to work with and has been helping us all along the way.  She has been great to work with and always answers my questions no matter how stupid.  She doesn't let me know they are stupid, but I sometimes feel like they are!  She is so patient and I appreciate it so much!  I had my ever so great friends, who I can't thank enough!!!, over Blaine and Becky, to help me finish up some major things I could not have done on my own, before it was listed.  I appreciate you guys so much!  I am so glad you took time out of your own busy schedule to help me out. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

Coming up this next month, Parker and I are going to do an in-line half marathon.  We have been training hard, have done two trial sessions and made it up to a little over 10 miles . Again, not completely without any complaining, but nonetheless, we made it through.  I am hoping to talk him into one more before the big day!  We'll see....

Running has still been pretty slow for me.  I have not been getting the miles in that I would like, but with my back and hip still bothering me off and on, I am just kind of taking it easy.  I think I will start to ramp up here this next month and try to prepare (quickly) for the Dick Beardsley in September maybe and then possibly the Fargo Mini Marathon in October.  I'll have to see how I am feeling and how much training I can actually get in.

And a quote I'd like to leave with...

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be."
– Groucho Marx

Solstice

Solstice: an astronomical event that happens twice a year when the Sun's apparent position in the sky reaches its northernmost or southernmost extremes.
The Larson's went to the Planetarium at MSUM tonight and learned about the Summer Solstice along with why we have seasons and how each season changes the path of the sun as we see it, how the stars position differently in the sky based on what season it is, along with a little astronomy lesson.  Parker and I really enjoyed it but the other too...well, not so much.  It was interesting to find out that during the summer, from sunrise to sunset we have about 15 hours.  In the winter from sunrise to sunset we have about 7 hours.  WOW!  And we wonder why we get so run down!  Not only are we getting less than half of the hours of daylight, the sun is not high enough in the sky to make it warm either!  It was a very interesting and fun lesson.
Another trip to the chiropractor for me today.  As the day is coming to an end I am getting some pain back.  I did run this morning though again and it felt SO good, even though with the morning fog I came home soaked!  I can't think of a better way to start out the day!  I just need to get back into my routine as it once was....

Depression

Depression is defined as a mental disorder characterized by extreme gloom, feelings of inadequacy, and inability to concentrate.
Where have I been?  I feel as though I have been falling into a deep, dark, black hole and cannot see the light to get out.  I can't breathe and I feel as though it will never end and there is no way out.
After the Fargo Marathon this year, I was so disappointed in myself.  I tried to put up a front that I would get over it and not everything goes right on the day you want it to.  I feel as though I could pull out any excuse in the book, but it just comes down to the fact that I failed myself and I feel as if I failed Vicky.  This race was about her and now I am still feeling selfish that I am still making it about me and the goal that I had set for myself that I didn't achieve.  How ashamed am I?  What could I have done differently?  How much harder should I have trained?  How many more miles a week should I have ran?  Should I have done speed sessions and more tempo runs?  The questions keep coming and coming without resolve...I digress....
A couple weeks ago I ran the Trail Run that was held at the Regional Science Center.  I thought it would be a fun relaxing run as it was in the morning when the air is cool and crisp with a little bit of dew on the blades of grass.  Deep breath and not even a hint of nervousness.  As I line up with Jason I ask if he wants to run with me and the answer is no....Go!  and the 10K has begun.  I start out slow as I just wanted to take my time a little and have some fun, that and since it was a trail run, the terrain is obviously uneven and makes for an interesting race.  My main focus at the start is to not turn an ankle!  As I get out to the first clearing, I see Jason way out ahead of me and the competitiveness in me starts running faster.  The sun is now out and it is getting really hot when in the open field.  My pace increases.  I go back into the woods and feel a chill as the temperature changes significantly.  I'm sweating and have the goose bumps. I feel a rush of adrenaline.  My heart starts to beat faster...Going on the second loop...lots of mud, so much mud that they have boards down over the puddles and they are slippery...easy does it, don't wipe out!  Back down another hill, only to climb another.  Hard to believe that this kind of "elevation" is so close to home! LOL!  As I am going down hill I look across the field and see Jason.  I am so happy for him that he is doing awesome, yet I have a hint of pissed-offness in me.  I know that isn't a word but it sounds kind of cool!  I finish strong up the last hill before the finish line...my time is 57:02 which puts my pace at 9:09.  Not bad for a trail run.  Jason finished just a couple minutes before me, I am so proud of him!  Although a bit irritated by a comment made on the way home when I was profusely sweating, he was cold and he made the comment that he's not since he has been done for so long.  I did call him an ass at the time, but when I look back at this and remember the look on his face and the smirk he had was worth it no matter how much it bugged me!  I will never forget that look.  It was truly priceless!
So I was hoping to post a really cool family pic from the marathon but that pic still has not taken place...race day, nobody would cooperate for me and the kids and I have not yet bothered dad to take our pic with our shirts and medals.  Part of me feels like I am not really into it and half way don't care since it is not a medal I feel I have earned, but rather one that was given to me out of merely finishing.  I know that is the point, but it is all a mind game I play with myself.  I should maybe go in and get diagnosed for whatever it is I have!  LOL!  Vicky, if you read this, maybe you can analyze me!  LOL!
So, I have only run a couple times in the last couple weeks.  I ended up going to the chiropractor last week and as he was stretching out my lower back before manipulation, you could actually hear my SI joints rubbing together.  And he has the nerve to ask me "do you feel that?"  I was about through the roof and could not only feel it, but hear it too!  So, I am now an ibuprofen/aspirin taker and have gone through a bottle+ in about 4 days...sad but true.  I feel this is my main source of depression as I am not able to fully function to do what I love to do most - RUN!  I am going back to the chiropractor tomorrow and hope that this will pass.  My SI joint better just stay in place and not wake me any longer during the night, hurting and throbbing.  And I hope to be able to not feel pain with every step I take...I have been doing quite a bit of bike riding but it just isn't the same...I want to RUN!
On that note, I want to say thank you to Katie for picking up the kids and getting them to the rink when Jason and I ran the race that Saturday.  Thanks for all you do!
I also was very glad to be able to see Becky again this past weekend!  Two days in a row even!  Thank you to you and Blaine for letting me borrow your ladder.  I so appreciate it!
I could not ever ask for better friends!  Thanks to all of you who listen to me and put up with me!  I don't know what I'd do without you.
For now...I will try to keep smiling and soon be running!


Some pictures I wanted to share as well...

Rick so patiently getting the kids lined up for their photo shoot with Team Vicky!!

Our great group of kids that was Team Vicky! 

Colton looking up to mom....she IS amazing!

The girls gang...Maggie, Tessa, & Madelynn.  Catching some sun before going back into the cold rink.

Parker & Vicky.  He is always so thoughtful and wants to be with Vicky.  He has been enjoying seeing her blog and both of us were very happy to hear the good news today!

Coach Krier, time for another one?

 A Team Vicky Victory!  Couldn't have been any other way!  Way to go!!!

And Parker was very happy that Vicky will be the keeper of the trophy.

Madelynn and her favorite little man, Andrew.

Nervous

With it being only 2 days until the marathon, the only word that can describe how I feel and will feel for the next 2 days is NERVOUS. 
Nervous: highly excitable; unnaturally or acutely uneasy or apprehensive. 
When I start out training, there is one thing that is in my mind, typically, and that is, just have fun!  Run because you like to!  And because you want to!  No one said you had to!  Then as training goes on, my highly competitive side takes over just like a jeckyll and hyde...or maybe in my case bipolar! LOL!  Well, whatever you want to call it, it evolves as I progress through the 18 weeks of training.  Then by the time the week is here, I feel nervous and sick and wonder why I do this year after year.  I wonder sometimes why I bother when I don't feel like I get any better at it.  If I don't get any better what is all the training for?  I have been told by almost everyone I have ever talked to about running that I am too hard on myself and that I should be happy to just finish.  I'd like to think that, but the truth is, I feel like I should be harder on myself.  How do I obtain any goal if I go easy?  If I don't have a goal (time) in mind then what point is there?  They call it a race for a reason don't they?  Then reality sets in and I have to understand that my biggest competitor is only myself and that no matter how fast or slow I might run, I am doing it because I can.  As long as there is a breath left in me, I will run....

Honor

Honor:  High respect, as for worth, merit, or rank.
With Marathon training winding down and my efforts toward fundraising for the American Cancer Society coming to an end, I feel the only word I can choose this week is HONOR.  I wrote some names on my shirt this evening and although it is sad that so many people have cancer, it also made me feel honored that I can run to help find a cure.  The miles are reduced significantly and I feel like I am not doing enough...isn't that funny, someone who runs less than 40 miles in a week is thinking they aren't doing enough.  Well, I guess the least I can do is try to motivate someone.  That is one of the things I have enjoyed the most since I started running is motivating people.  I have helped people figure out a training schedule and have seen them succeed.  I have talked people into doing half marathons that they never thought they could possibly run, but they finished with pride and a sense of accomplishment.  They have thanked me for believing in them and are running more.  I am happy to hold out my hand to anyone that wants to start, even if it is just walking a 5K, everyone has to start somewhere and not everyone can run.  It is about being active, having fun, and being healthy to live a longer life!  I hope that as I continue to run and try to stay in shape I can motivate and encourage more people to start.  It is such a good feeling and I get so excited when people tell me of their successes.  People often think that the 5K they run isn't comparable to a full marathon that I have run.  But, it really isn't about the distance, it is about getting motivated and being happy and healthy and having fun while you are doing it.  So I would love to challenge anyone to start...something...feel good...it is amazing how your body feels after a workout!  Tired...probably.  Sore...yea, maybe at first.  Rewards...absolutely!

Willpower, the strength to act, or forbear from acting, in the pursuit of a goal.

WOW!  I get out of bed today and take a quick peak out the window before getting on my running attire.  I see...SNOW!  What the?  It is May 1st people!  Give me a break!  So then I started thinking...should I just go to the gym and run on the treadmill, at least I would have a TV considering I will be running for between 3 to 3 1/2 hours.  Then I started thinking about what this is all about for me this year.  It isn't about me, first of all, it is about my brave and loving friend Vicky who is strong every day.  She doesn't have the option of taking a day off from cancer.  Nor does she have the option to take a day off from treatment.  So what am I thinking!  Get out there and stop being such a wuss! 
So instead of putting on my "light" running pants, I pull on the thick warm ones, layer with 2 layers plus a coat and a winter hat and gloves.  Not exactly my idea of a Spring run...but nonetheless, it has to be done...all 20 miles! 
So, I step outside and #1 almost all on my ass because the steps and sidewalk are covered with glare ice and #2 the wind is so strong it takes my breath away.  This is going to be a LLLOOONNNGGGG RUN!
So I set out for lap number 1.  I do a nice short loop of 6 miles around the youth hockey arena.  Glare ice, snow sticking to my eyelashes and wind do not make for a fast pace..this sucks I think to myself.  Lap 2, the sun is trying to shine through the cloud cover and snow is still falling lightly, OK, that must be a sign from someone that reminds me this is not about me, it is about Vicky.  I keep going, but faster and stronger.  Willpower is kicking in because despite the weather, the aches, the pains, the wrinkled fingers from wet gloves, the snot running down into my mouth, the wet feet, the blood started in the back of my ankle from my zipper on my pants, I keep going.  After lap 2 I stop by home to get some water, 1/2 banana, shot blocks and go to the bathroom.  Sweating through my clothes so I decide to take a layer of my coat off and switch gloves.  Back out...8 miles to go!
Oh wow!  The wind has picked up...I swear it must be gusting up to about 25-30 miles an hour.  I run by the church on 30th Ave and the temperature reads 23 degrees.  I keep going against the wind, hoping I don't hit a patch of ice at this point because I don't know that I would be steady enough.  I get to stop n go.  There is a man with a dog and he looks and stares at me as I pass him by with a slight hint of "that chick is crazy" in his eye.  I keep going.  I get to 8th street.  Ah Yes!  A break from the wind again at last!  I take off as I can now see the end in sight.  My legs are starting to feel like lead.  Willpower...I will finish soon and my pace is improving without the ice.  I have this!  Stay focused.  I get to my neighborhood and see Jason.  I run a short lap around the neighborhood with him.  I end my run at 20.50 miles.  I feel great!  Cold, sweaty, and thirsty, but great!  I thank you, Vicky for the strength to keep me going!

So screw you snow! And screw you cancer!  The snow will melt and cancer will be cured....

Road Trip Anyone?

So...it was an interesting weekend to say the least.  We arrived in St. Cloud pretty late on Friday night after stopping in Alexandria for supper at Doolittle's.  The salad was excellent but would have probably rather had a burger!
Saturday morning we woke up to cold weather and wind for the race.  Despite the weather, Jason and I toughed it out.  I was a little disappointed with my time but finished in 1:54:58 which is an 8:47 pace.  Jason did amazing with a finish time of 2:01:15 which is a pace of 9:16.  One the race was finished it was off to the next race which was getting back to the hotel, shower, and get on the road to catch the plane!  Well, all was going well, so we thought, when we were out the door within about 20 minutes, heading for the freeway.  Once on the freeway, less than a mile along, Jason gets pulled over after he had just told me to "hold on".  The trooper was not much of a trooper...Jason was clocked going 83 mph...needless to say, he got a ticket.  The tropper did reduce it to 79 as to only get him 1 point on his record and a reduction of the fine by a whopping $10...Not the best $125 spent!  Once we got to the airport it was another race, we literally RAN again, through the airport, on the moving walkways to get to our plane.  We had about 10 minutes to spare, just enough time to hit the bathroom and get on the plane.
Once in St. Louis, we had a smooth process renting the car and were off to the hotel.  We dropped our stuff off and headed down to the park to see "The Arch".  Lines were too long to actually go in there, but we got to see it.  We also took a stroll a few more blocks to see Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play.  I think if plans would have worked out and we would have been able to attend a Cardinals game we would have froze to death!  The weather was cold!!  Didn't feel like we left home!  Windy and Cold! 
Deciding on where to go for supper was the easy part, getting there, pretty easy, the atmosphere, well...almost perfect.  There was a guy very underdressed for the type of restaurant this was.  After only being there about 15-20 minutes he had 7 or so glasses of wine and was working on a steak and mashed potatoes.  Something went terribly wrong...he started talking crazy, making a gun with his fingers and pointing it at the bartender.  The bartender called someone to come and get him.  The manager comes out only to find out that this man not only doesn't have a way to pay which his tab with the wine and food had to be well over $100, but also doesn't have an I.D.  She proceeds to call the police who in turn want her to call 911.  She calls 911 and in the mean time, this guy is almost falling off his chair, talking about how he doesn't want to live anymore in between his head dropping and druling.  There were several waiters around him and two of them ended up escorting him out to meet the cops.  Interesting to say the least.  Jason started teasing our waiter telling him we couldn't pay either...wish we wouldn't have had to, especially after the speeding ticket that could have paid for most of supper!
Then we were off to the show "Next to Normal".  The theater was beautiful.  The architecture was unbelievable!  It was huge compared to the theaters in NYC.  The show was not really what I was expecting, it was a good show but somewhat depressing and all probably too common.  I think more than half the theater was crying!  Back to the hotel to catch some ZZZZ's before getting up to fly back home!
Turned the car into the rental and shuttled to the airport.  We actually had time to enjoy some breakfast before boarding.  Drove back to my mom and dad's to get the kids and then homeward bound!