Don’t Cry over Strained Achilles

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I’ve been working days at the school and nights at Trader Joe’s. Two 15-hour days in a row = tired Lou. I don’t understand the work-a-holics that can work 100 hour weeks. (Dad, I don’t know how you did it all those years, but I sure appreciate all the hard work and personal sacrifices that you made for the family. And Mom, you are something special for always being there for everyone.)

I wanted to update all of you on Sunday’s half-marathon and the job that I interviewed for a couple of weeks ago.

I did not get to race last Sunday because my achilles was just too sore and achey. Travis and I did a mile warm-up just to see how I felt, but I knew right away that racing would be a recipe for disaster. I’ve learned from past mistakes when to stop. Sunday was that day.

I was sorely dissapointed. A couple tears rolled down my cheek as I saw Travis approach the starting line while I stood amidst the sea of spectators. The tears ceased, however, when I placed my hand over my heart for the National Anthem, which was sung underneath a flag that was flown by our men Afghanistan. My achilles is not worth crying over. Men and Women lost their lives so that I could stand there in freedom, looking out over the ocean in the presence of 20,000 excited runners.

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I’m hoping to get back to physical therapy soon and nip this in the bud while it is still new. Travis raced and I was there to cheer him on! I had a lot of friends running the race, so it was great to see them all out there on the course. It was slightly cool and cloudy…a perfect day for a half-marathon. There will be more races…this is what I keep reminding myself.

On a happier note, I GOT THE JOB! I am now considered a full-time employee in my district. This is the first job I’ve had that gives me paid vacation days, paid holidays, and paid sick-days!! I’m excited. This is a big step in the right direction for me. I am a special education instructional aide for the time being, but if I work hard and share my enthusiasm for teaching, I hope that this aide position will open bigger doors for me within this district or others.

I guess that’s all I have for tonight. There is no school on Friday, so my Friday comes early this week! (And not a moment too soon!!!)

A good night’s sleep is in the very very near future.

Sleep tight!

-Lou