TOES

so, you may have read my bragblog last week about my 1/2 marathon. What I didn't say then was that since I bought my new, very expensive shoes, I have been having SERIOUS issues with my middle toes of my left foot. I bet you didn't know you could have serious issues with these digits, but let me tell you, they're crucial. Anyway, I went to the podiatrist who shot me full of cortisone and told me to ingest toxic levels of Ibuprofen. I don't think so. I think I'm going to go back to my old supinator shoes-- nary a problem EVER. Do you think I'm becoming a die hard? I hope so.

LAAAAKKE POOOOWWWWELLLLLLLLL

I have a friend, C, who has been wanting to take me to Lake Powell for the longest time. She and her family have a houseboat and all manner of fun toys and she knew I'd love it, but was having a hard time convincing me that it would be fun to spend any amount of time around children and water. I kept telling her that Nate was too young and I'd never be able to relax. With that excuse I've dodged that bullet for two summers. Apparently, though, I've been a little mopey (oops, sorry, didn't mean to be), so C and my other friend J decided I needed a retreat. They planned a trip to Lake Powell and said, "Gail, we'll be at the Lake on these days. Clear your schedule." So many excuses not to go, but in the end, I was so grateful for their thoughtfulness, that we had to go. I am so glad we did.

I have never been to Lake Powell. If you have never been, it's magnificent. There are such stark contrasts between the rock and the water. I have never considered southwest decorating in my taste, but after seeing it this weekend, I might have to.

Anyway, we tried to be helpful and work hard because we felt guilty not having been given assignments. R&C had so much patience with our 5 kids and J's 5 kids. You couldn't have asked for a better time. Thanks, guys.

AUDITION

So, in the wake of my endorphin high from running a half marathon, I made a last minute decision to audition for the musical "Secret Garden." I love this play (have for 17 years) and really wanted to be involved when I found out it was being staged in St. George. My kids auditioned Earlier this week, but there are only 2 children's parts-- not auspicious odds especially in a town like St. George where musical prowess is highly valued.

Anyway, the timing was horrible. Robert's Grandma passed away Wednesday (she was 95-- a long full life-- and was ready to go) and so many cousins and aunts and uncles were coming for the funeral, and for a barbeque last night. We haven't seen many of them since we were married. Callbacks will be today at 1, during the family dinner. Additionally, the schedule is horrible. I really don't have the TIME to do this even if I did have the talent.

I'm not expecting a callback. I like singin, but I'm not great. I get that. I just had to try it because if I didn't I'd be kicking myself for years. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It's just like this marathon. I've got to try and once I start to try, I have a hard time giving up. Thinking about it takes me back to high school. Of how afraid I was of Mr. Ennis' Physics class or Mrs. Harbke's Honors English. SHAME ON ME. I don't ever want my kids to be afraid of things that might push them or stretch them.

The more we do that we think we can't, the more we think we can do absolutely anything. That's why our family motto is "WE DO HARD THINGS".

Just a thought

Half Marathon!!!! Half Marathon!!!!!! Did I mention Half Marathon??!!!!!!

I did it. After much dreading and angst, today a friend and I ran 13.something miles-- a half marathon. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT MYSELF> I'm such a running wimp. I'm training for this stupid marathon and Rob is really encouraging me to complete it all costs. Today's probably a bad day to talk to me about the other 13miles I haven't run yet because everything hurts-- ankles,toes, head, etc. Apparently, according to Steve at the St. George Running Center, I have bruised my Metatarsals, which translated means that every time my three toes on my left foot hit the ground, a searing pain shoots through my feet.

NEVERTHELESS, today I ran 13 miles. Did I mention that today I ran 13 miles? Just checking. This picture is my Brooks Glycerin Shoes-- the babies that got me throught my 13 Miles. Thanks, guys.

Les Mis!!!!!

We had family come into town who were planning on Seeing Tuacahn Center for the Arts' production of Les Miserables. I've already seen the Broadway touring Company twice and wasn't dying to see it again, necessarily. But I love the music, so we invited ourselves along to see it last night. I cannot tell you how amazing this production was. I thought that this regional theater company surpassed the broadway touring company I saw 16 years ago, easily. Seeing it made me think of that day that we went at the end of our sophomore year-- Remember Kristie?

Les Mis was my first real awareness of modern musical theater. My introduction to its music during the summer after my senior year working in the music store blew me away. And then I came to BYU,and had sing alongs with talented ward members. It was accessible as well as beautiful. For some reason, this music grips me to the core.

I have seen so many other musicals and love them, too. But there's only one Les Mis.