The half marathon was actually not bad once we started running. It way too early in the morning to run, and Thanksgiving should be a day of rest. It was cold, but in the low 40s and not as cold as we expected. We saw Wes and Jennifer, Tony C, and two of Chrissy's former roommates before we even started.

The funny part was somewhere late in the first half that I was not pushing as hard as I could, but then I saw a person that was 3 feet or so tall that was running. She was the buffest little person I ever saw who had a full sized trainer with her calling splits, etc. Her whole leg maybe came up to my knee. I said, I cannot let this person beat me. So I set pace with a little person for 2-3 miles. I did pull away, but I was very impressed. I can imagine some people would make fun of me for trying to keep up with a little person, but she was probably the best little person runner you'll ever see in your life.

I finished a few minutes over 2 hours, and Chrissy finished 7 or 8 minutes ahead of me. I had only run 8 miles ever before running the half-marathon so I was pleased. Chrissy wants to do a full, but I'm not sure I would take the time to train for it. I'd just do it for completion, if I was doing it.

I'm avoiding malls and shopping today. I want to buy as many presents online as possible this year.

I ran over 8 miles today, the longest I have ever run. My leg injury is pretty much gone, so that's good news. The half marathon is Thanksgiving day, which is suprisingly just 10 days away.

I have a new project where I'm travelling to a city in Georgia south of Atlanta. Quite a drive, but I'll likely only have to be on site a couple of days a week.

I was tagged by Chris, so I feel obligated to at least answer a couple of his questions... :-)

Ten years ago: Nov. 2005
I was the first one in my high school class accepted to their known school of choice. GT was the only place I applied, and I received my acceptance on the same day as my notification that they received my online application. They say if it was a thick envelope you're in, but a thin envelope you're out. I received both on the same day. :-) My class started the Ultimate Frisbee team at my school, so we were playing that a good bit. I was taking AP Computer Science, which was why I picked my major. I actually got more into school my senior year. I studied more, and cared about classes more despite all my classmates doing the opposite. I'm not sure if it was that I was more interested in my classes or if I could see the effect of college around the corner.

Five year ago: Nov. 2000
ULC 119 was a great Fall. JR, Chris, David and I all living together. What a group! We had fun parties, but mostly lots of good discussions. Memories include a large pickle jar in my fridge, and Chris loudly clearing his congestion right outside my doorway to wake me up once a week. :-) Football that season was when Kerry Watkins made "the catch" to win against Clemson. My dad was there live - amazing! Jenny and I were still dating. I was ODK President. I was skipping class left and right because of all the Friday interviews and site visits I was making. I interviewed with way too many companies. My grades were some of my lowest at Tech that term, because I didn't turn the Homework due on those Friday classes I missed. Overall life was busy as good. The Spring was my true time to relax.

One year ago:
Had a few friends up for the Tech-UGA football game which was rainy, cold and dissappointing. But we almost won. I was starting a project in Raleigh, and thus going back on the road after almost 2 years in town. I was considering a new car and a new job, neither of whic have changed in the past year. :-)

One day ago:
Was actually one of my most uninteresting days: woke up and smiled when I saw Auburn beat UGA, went to church, had a quick lunch, mowed the lawn, blew off the driveway of the never ending leaves, and prepared beef stew for dinner slow cooked in the crock pot. Always nice. Had a relaxing evening, and went to bed early because Chrissy was really exhausted from waking up really early on Saturday.

Five snacks I enjoy:

• Ice cream. Just generally not fruit flavored ice cream, with the exception of sherberts and citrus based ice creams.
• Peanut butter - sometimes I'll just get a big spoonful. A little protein and great taste.
• Baby Carrots. I've always enjoyed them. I'm generally against personally eating "baby" anything, but moreso in animals.
  
• Yogurt - but I'm picky. My favorite is the Kroger Lite French Apple Pie. It is actually the only yogurt I'll buy.
• Raisins - they're good.

Five songs I know all the words to: I'm afraid to answer, b/c Chrissy says I forget the words to everything. I'll remember 95% of them, but then always change one word somehow. Or combine verses for songs I don't know as well.

Five things I would do with one million dollars (actually similar to Chris on this):

• Buy a house in Atlanta
• Buy two used but newer cars. A newer version of my current car, and a convertible for Chrissy
• Take a trip. Africa and Southeast Asia for me though.
• Give to church/charity
• Invest in the rest, or maybe start up my own business

Five things I would never wear: Never say never - I might do it on a bet.

Fiv bad habits (perhaps you can help me - email me what I'm missing):

• Procrastinating
• Leaving things out around the house, rather than putting them away
• Trying to do too much, rather than do a few things with high quality. (But I kind of like that sometimes.)

Five favorite toys (not a toys person):

• The internet - no question. If I have an addiction in this life, it is to the internet.
• Strategy games
• I would like a ski boat. That might go with the million dollars.

I won't tag anyone, because I don't believe in chain letters/emails/blogs. I have to think they are started by someone who wants to feel self-important for starting some big communication much bigger than them.

Yesterday was a good day, despite the GT loss. Chrissy and I got up and ran the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta 10K race (6.2 miles). We started at Turner field at 8 am, and it was chilly. Nudge (spelling?) was there from Star 94. Chrissy doesn't like him, but I think he's funny. Buzz was there too. I had my best time ever for a 10K - 52:15 was my clock time, but it probably took me 15-25 seconds to cross the start line. That's less than an a 8:30 mile, so I was pleased. The course was from Turner field, through the ghetto, up to Crawford Long, back by my office and the Capitol, and back to Turner field.

We met up with Kent for lunch, and had a good time. Kent took us to Carter's church where they were having a huge selling day. I imagined maybe a basketball court size room of stuff being sold, but this was like the GA World Congress Center. We all bought a few books, and it was a well done event with profits going to build their Habitat House. One of my favorite charities. It is funny that the first time I went to Carter's church was without Carter.

Saw the UVA game at David and Brittney's house. The game was dissappointing, but it was good to see them.

I missed my chance to be the Doc Chey's Noodle King. There was a noodle eating contest tonight, where you had to see who could eat a bowl of noodles the fastest, and I finished in third place. Only the top two went to the finals. You paid $25 to enter, and got a free shirt. The winner gets $100 gift card, and a donation to the charity of their choice. It was a very funny event. Surprisingly a girl won the event, my sister's roommate. Apparently she had already won a pie eating contest AND a bacon eating contest. She ate 59 slices of bacon. I think 5 slices of bacon would make me throw up. But I am not a big pork fan. Neither the food, nor the budgetary waste. :-)

Also, Chrissy's team won their 2nd round intramural flag football game tonight. She plays only defense, and the defense has only allowed points to be scored in one game all season. Very nice. She is the best flag puller on the team. Go Chrissy!

Exchange from the work black tie event last night between me and a senior leader in my area:
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Me: (Changing the subject from business...) So was Frank able to make it with you tonight?
Her: (looks at me with a blank stare)
Me: (Oh no - did I forget her husband's name?)
Me: Uh - I mean, your husband, is he hear tonight?
Her: Oh... Frank is somewhere over there...

The night was fine, and got to say hi to some people I hadn't seen in a while. Other than the senior management, the few people who have been with the company longer than me really weren't there. Just that first conversation was a strange moment.

btw, GT is bowl eligible for the 9th straight years. Only 8 other teams in the country can say that, and at least Perdue will be off that list next year. A nice win over Wake Forest.