Aidan's First Triathlon

Aidan did his first triathlon today.  He's been wanting to do one for quite a while, and there was one conveniently in our town and of a length that I thought would challenge him, but not be so hard that he'd fail.  It was a 275yd swim (snicker snicker - the swim is NEVER a long portion of any tri), 13mi bike, and a 5k run.  All in all, I figured it would take him about an hour and forty minutes to complete.  His swim workouts are 2 hours long, so this seemed achieveable.

The first leg of the tri is the swim.  For this particular tri, the swimmers start one at a time.  They assign your number based on your estimated swim time.  Since I'd estimated Aidan's swim time at a full 30 seconds faster than anyone completed it last year (and I entered a slow time so as not to appear too cocky), I figured Aidan would be first in the water.  He was #25.  We thought maybe 24 people lied about their estimated swim time.  Turns out, that wasn't the case, there were 24 students from SMU who the race organizers agreed to keep together, and decided the best way to do this was to put them first.  Big mistake.  Huge.

I thought Ray and I were going to fall over laughing.  Aidan hit the water with 24 slow-pokes ahead of him.  He proceeded to pick seventeen of them off one by one (or in some cases in clumps of 3) by either swimming right over the top of them or dolphin-kicking underwater off the turn walls beneath them.

Out of the water he heads, the skinny kid in his Speedo, to the cheers of those lining the pool exit area.  He was among only about a half dozen kids in this race of 650 athletes.

Then reality hit.  Time to do the events that he doesn't train for every day - like biking.  There goes the scrappy kid on the big clunky mountain bike.  We knew we didn't have to worry about whether or not he'd find his way on the route as we were pretty sure he'd get passed by plenty of people right away.  It was a windy morning and he pushed himself hard.

He came in from the bike leg huffing and puffing, but had a big smile on his face.  I hollered to him, "Way to go buddy!  You having fun?"

"Yes!" he yelled back.  Awesome.  On to the run.  In a pair of old basketball shoes.

He definitely earned back some places on the run as he probably passed more people than passed him from what I could see.  But it was a confusing course w/ one part that had to be done twice, and one only once and we think he may have run that part twice as well.  So, maybe he ran about 4 miles instead of 3.

He finished the race in just over an hour and a half.  Probably somewhere in the middle of the pack which is awesome for a kid his age, for a first triathlon, for just about anybody.  We're so proud of him!

When he finished, he said "I've come to the realization that I love swimming.  I love biking.  I hate running!"

"Yes, but would you do it again?" I asked.  "Oh yeah!" he said.

Faithful

Sweet Dog.  Even though you might have had some "issues" in your old age (don't we all?), you probably picked the nicest way to go.  Lie down in your favorite spot and leave to the other side.  Did you know I called the vet yesterday to discuss something that was probably far more traumatic for everyone than how you decided it would be done?

My kitchen floors will never be as clean again, as when you would lick every stray spill and scrap of food from them.  Scamp will wonder where you went when he runs to wake you up to get treats from the UPS lady.

Thank you for being a loyal and faithful part of our family for so many years.  We will miss you and remember you always.

Disorganization

I am a bit disorganized lately.  Still recovering from the busy March and I just know that I'll barely get it together by the time I get hit with the End Of The School Year Whammy.

So, in typical disorganized fashion, here are a bunch of odds and ends for amusement and to catch you up on the Glynns.

We had visitors a few weeks ago - Ray's sis & her family from NYC.  More photos to follow once I download them from the camera, but meanwhile enjoy this one of our neice, Kailey.  She's three and adorable.  We went to the rodeo, and being a city kid, she wasn't used to the wonderful aroma of horse and cow poop.  Which Bridget and I find delicious, by the way.  Kailey held her nose the entire rodeo.

In the midst of the visitors, we had Bridget's (belated) "friend" birthday party, and Aidan's (on time) "family" birthday party.  Aidan's "friend" party will be belated too - because I'm disorganized.

For Bridget's party, we took a handful of girls to see Alice in Wonderland.  The cake is supposed to be an homage to Johnny Depp's hat.  And you'll never guess what Aidan's cake is.

Spring has sprung in Texas, and it is as glorious as ever. On my walk the other day my neighbor and I decided to go down to the lake to see if there were any Texas bluebonnets blooming.  There are usually several nice-sized patches, good for the traditional photograph of your children.

Oh.  My.  Goodness.

I don't know what grand alignment of the Texas bluebonnet planets happened this year, but there are banks and banks of bluebonnets as far as the eye can see.  It was stunning. 

Since I didn't have a child with me, I photographed my faithful companion, Scamp.  Isn't he cute?

Another outing we took when our visitors were here was to the Dallas World Aquarium.  I've got a camera full of awesome photos including getting up close and personal with a sloth, but until I get organized, this photo will have to do.

We were awaiting feeding time at the shark tank.

And, because I am in love with TEXAS IN THE SPRING, just a few more photos for your viewing enjoyment.  Ciao.  I must go get organized.

"It's so tiring being a princess....."

... is what Bridget said to me when I tucked her into bed Saturday night.

It was the annual Father/Daughter Prom and she and Ray had the time of their lives again.

"There are so many moments!" Ray said.  Like when he was slow-dancing with Bridget.  She was standing on his feet, leaning her head against him.  Ray was looking around at all the other couples, and suddenly he feels Bridget's hands on either cheek pulling his head down and she says "Hey!  Eyes down here, buddy!"

She has learned that her dates must be attentive.

As usual, we had our yearly "pre-prom" cocktail party here and it is so much fun to see the girls vibrating with excitement.  As each one arrives there is much exclaiming over the dresses, the shoes, the hair.

"You look just like a fairy!" I said to Kimberly, who had on a gorgeous white dress.

"You look just like a fairy!" said Ray, to Kim's dad.

We have just enough time for the girls to snack a little bit, drink some "bubbly" and pose for photos.  Then it's out to the cars where the daddies hold the doors for them and they get to ride "shotgun" like ladies.

At the prom, they have formal photos taken, eat dinner, and dance.  And run around playing tag behind the curtains - they're still little girls, after all.

Meanwhile, the mommies have a civilized dinner and (mostly) civilized conversation.  The brothers run around in the woods shooting each other with pellet guns and have a campfire when it get too dark to shoot.

Ray says Bridget began to wilt about 8:30 but insisted on remaining until the 9pm bitter end.  She curled up under his blazer in the car and went promptly to sleep on the way home.

It's such a sweet tradition and a wonderful evening.  Ray says that Bridget said "I love you, Daddy!" several times over the course of the evening.

So sweet!

Thirteen

Could it really have been thirteen years ago that I woke Ray up and said "I dunno, it might be gas, but let's time them, just in case?"

Could it really be thirteen years since I looked at this squirming white baby and said "Um, what now?"

What now, indeed.

Thirteen is supposed to be awkward, surly and defiant.  So far, you are anything but that.  Something tells me that your old soul, your open heart, your inner smile, all those will conspire against the hormones and you will remain the sunny, happy child that you are.

And there is a river in Egypt called DENIAL.  But a mother can hope.

Many cultures consider this age the beginning of manhood.  And while I know you are anxious for that to happen, if only to make your swimming times improve, I am not in such a rush.  I still see some "Baby Aidan" in the remaining softness of your face, and there is still plenty of Little Boy left in you.

But rather than wallow in the self-pity of losing my baby to manhood, I will do my best to help you meet it head on, with grace, good humor and responsibility.  That's my job and I take it very seriously.

As long as you continue to shower regularly, I believe we can all survive this transition.

Happy birthday, baby boy!

Swim Champs

Deafening.  Long days.  No time for regular meals.  High anxiety.  Lots of waiting.  Uncomfortable seating.  Early mornings.  No elbow room.  Cheer 'til you're hoarse.   Hot and humid.  Living on cup-o-noodles and microwave meals.  The excitement of a race well-swam.  Exhaustion.  Worry.  Pride.  Disappointment.  Respect.  Pain.  Camraderie.  Long sigh of relief......   

March Madness

As Ray said when I showed him the calendar for March, "Oh, crap!"

It's a little busy.  So, I doubt I'll be posting much, but I'll try.  I'll tweet more, so if you want to follow me on Twitter, that's where the info will be.

A few updates.....

Bridget tried out for the school talent show and.......  made it!  She'll be singing "Forever and Always" by Taylor Swift (who else?).  No, like last year, we haven't heard her sing.  also, like last year, there was a bit of self-imposed drama surrounding her decision to try out.  It's the journey.  Repeat.

Aidan's arm is still broken.  It still hurts.  The Very Big Swim Meet still starts on Thursday as scheduled.  We'll do a "test run" with no cast Wednesday afternoon and he'll make a decision on the "pain-to-performance" ratio.  Our Good Doctor is a saint to put up with all our cast shenanigans, but he's a former swimmer and knows we're weird.  And he knows how to make a cast that will be considered "legal" at the meet and has allowed Aidan to practice AND be able to still swim pretty darn fast.  We're hoping he's fast enough to keep his relay spots.

While Ray and I are cheering Aidan on down near Houston, Bridget will be seeing the sights in New York City with Captain and Nonna.  Lucky girl, and I am so glad that my little country bumpkin will get the opportunity to be amongst skyscrapers, art, and something other than livestock and wide open spaces.  There's a whole 'nother world out there, my little girl!

Open That Bottle Night was a few weeks back.  We opened that bottle, and that one, and that one, and.... all in the company of fellow wine enthusiasts.  Note to self:  Whites do not keep.  Duh!  Clean out wine collection more often.  That 20yr old Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc smelled like feet and tasted worse.  Fortunately, there were many more wonderful bottles than lost ones, and it was great to taste some of the older and pricier stuff we usually don't think to.

OK.  Next stop, The Woodlands (near Houston).  I am looking forward to the drive, as spring seems to have appeared and Texas can be durn purty in the springtime.

Cheers!

Dang

Yeah, the picture is surprisingly similar to this one that I posted in October.  Same arm, different bone.

Dang, dang, dang.

He did it the night before regional swim champs.  Where he had the opportunity to make qualifying times in as many as four more events for state champs.

Which starts 3/11.  A mere 21 days after he broke it.  Doc says that's not enough time to heal.  We're still in denial.  Aidan says he's swimming cast or no cast, and I'm fine with that but I'm reasonably certain he'll lose his spot on all four relays.  And sadly, the relays will likely lose any chance of finishing in the top 8.

However.  The doctor "gets it" and is going to regularly x-ray to monitor the healing and see if the cast can come off a bit early.  And the cast isn't much of a cast - built thin and light, hopefully to minimize how much it screws up his training like the last cast.

Like the last cast.  We're "regulars" now at the orthopedic office.

Dang.

Dang.

Snow Day!

Global warming my ass foot!  This snow stuff is gettin' to be a regular thing around here!

I just heard a big "thump" from out back.  It was our awning (which was on it's last legs) collapsing into a big mangled heap.  Well, at least I know that the corner pieces make excellent trelleses for the beans and tomatoes in the garden.  Maybe I'll have to build a few more beds.

Aidan left for a nearby friend's house and Missy B was feeling lonesome, so she and I walked the mile down to her friend's house and I pawned her off on them for the day.  Thanks Paula!  'Cept I'm going to have to walk that mile again (and it's uphill, both ways) to get her back.

We saw these horses on the way.  Don't they look cosy?

Scamp really enjoys the snow.

Aidan and friends are building an igloo.  Pretty creative, eh?

Fortunately, Ray's flight home wasn't cancelled and he made it from the airport to home without incident.  It will probably freeze solid later tonite, so the streets around here will be like ice-skating rinks.  Luckily, we've got plenty of liquor food and don't need to venture out.

Swimming Recap. Or, HE did all the swimming - why am *I* so exhausted?

What a weekend!

The Boy was amazing.  And he had so much fun!  He told me, "swim meets are like a big party!"  Glad you think so, sport - that makes me so happy.  He puts his heart and guts into each and every race, he deserves for it to be fun, too.

This was a pretty high-level meet for a 12-yr old kid.  Only the very fastest qualify, and swimmers come from several surrounding states to swim with the best.  He qualified to swim in 7 individual events and two relays.

To recap in painful detail, here is how he did:

• 50 Free - while he swam amazingly and dropped time, it probably his biggest disappointment of the whole meet.  It was the final event for him Sunday afternoon, and he'd already raced in 12 races over the 3 days and 2 nights by then.  He dropped about 3/10ths of a second, but it was still 3/100ths from a qualifying time for the state championship meet ("TAGS" - in March).  We've got one more meet to go to shave off those few hundredths.  "We," like that?  Ha!
• 200 Free - he hates this event.  Hasn't yet quite got the knack of pacing a 200.  His goal was to just swim it the same as usual, but he wound up taking off over four seconds, getting a "AA" time and being dangerously close to not only qualifying for the state championship meet (TAGS), but is also just a hair over a second away from a 13-yr old A time.  Guess he's gonna have to add this to his arsenal!
• 100 Individual Medley - this is kind of a new event for him.  His fly and breaststroke have always been kind of sucky, but "we've" been working on it (my participation is simply arranging for and driving him to private coaching sessions - Hi Taylor!  You are an AWESOME technique coach!!!").  So, it wasn't so comical to watch as usual.  The order the strokes go is butterfly, back, breast, free.  It used to be "He's losing!  Oh, wait, now he's winning!  Uh-oh, he's losing again!  Ohmygoodness, he's fighting his way back!"  Now, he was steady-eddie through the whole race and not only did he qualify for TAGS, but he also swam well enough to make the finals, so he got to come back and swim it at evening finals which are a whole 'nother cup of tea.  Fancy, even.  They introduce all the kids before the event, the judges dress nicer, etc.  It's not the usual chaos of a regular meet.
• 50 Back - this one was sort of a "gimme" for him.  He already had his TAGS time and there is no 13yr A time.  He dropped enough time to move into the "AAA" status and took 13th in the meet overall.
• 50 Fly - Again, sort of "new" as he usually hasn't swum this one well enough to qualify at the "A" level.  Well, I'm here to tell ya, there is a new butterfly-er in town, and his name is Aidan!  He actually qualified for evening finals in this one, surprise surprise!  He's still 1/2 second away from qualifying for TAGS, but that'll happen at the next meet (she says hopefully).
• 100 Free - He was amazing.  Amazing enough to swim it twice as he qualified for finals.  So amazing, in fact, that over the 2 races, he took off almost two whole seconds.  That is a LOT in 100 yards.  He got both the TAGS time AND the 13-yr "A" time.
• 100 Back - Yet another amazing race, but with a slight bitter-sweet outcome.  Swam very well, qualified for evening finals, placed 7th overall (HUGE!), achieved "AAA" status, yet he missed the 13yr "A" time by one one-hundredth of a second.  Well, he's got regional champsionships and TAGS to get that one, so it'll happen.

So, it total, here's where he's at as far as his goals.

• State qualifying times:  4 so far, would like at least 2 more
• 13yr "A" times:  1 so far, less than a second from 3 more.  Needs 3 total by his birthday.
• Time standards:  "AAA" in 3 events, "AA" in 6 more.  Studly!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a taste of swimming.  Just a little bit of a couple of his events.  He had fun and I hope you do too.  Enjoy!

For those that are reading this "note" on Facebook.... I think you'll have to visit my actual blog to see the video.  Safe travels!

As I reflect on this MEet and the "ME" that seems to be so invested..... I am reminded of something that I learned over 20 years ago....  I was at a pro golf tournament, following my sister's then-boyfriend around the course.  The young man he was paired with had his parents following him.  I watched them a lot and spent a little time talking with them.  "You live and die with every stroke, don't you?" I realized.  "Yes," they said.  "We know exactly what he can and can't do.  What his weaknesses and strong points are.  What he's worked on over the last month to prepare for this."  As a twenty-something, I thought they were a bit obsessive. As a mother, I'm thinking not so much.  Just supportive.  In every way they can try to be.

So, yes.  While Aidan is the one that puts in all those hours in the pool, there is a whole village of "we" behind him.  His coach (hi Jason!) is the one that carefully planned the workouts to bring him to his peak for this meet (and again for TAGS in March).  Ray is the one that works so hard to pay for the club dues (Lakeside is the best!) and that silly expensive bathing suit.  And he and always backs me up when I am harping on him about nutrition, hydration & rest.  I drive to a lot of practices and help the team out in whatever capacity I am able.  His teammates and other parents push him, cheer him on, and we ALL "live and die" with every stroke these amazing kids make.

I guess THAT's why I'm so tired after this weekend.